Mercurius Rusticus, or, The countries complaint of the barbarous outrages committed by the sectaries of this late flourishing kingdom together with a brief chronology of the battels, sieges, conflicts, and other most remarkable passages, from the beginning of this unnatural war, to the 25th of March, 1646.

Memorable OCCURRENCES since the beginning of this REBELLION.

Anno Dom. 1641.

IN December 1641. The House of Commons published a Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdom, therein setting forth all the errors of his Majesties Government, a meer design to alie∣nate the affection of his Subjects from him.

The tenth of January following, his Majesty with the Queen, Prince, and Duke of Yorke, left White-hall, and went to Hampton Court to avoid the danger of those frequent tumults then hazard∣ing the safety of his Royal Person.

February the 23d. the Queens Majesty took ship∣ping at Dover, having been driven before from White-hall by the frequent tumults of the Rebels, And soon after His Majesty went to New-market and from thence to Yorke, where (after the Rebels had Guards for three Months before) the Gentry of the Country raised a Guard for his Majesties Person.

Anno Dom. 1642.

MAY the 20th. it was voted by both Houses, That the King intended to levie War against the Parliament: which they did on purpose to excuse themselves for raising a Rebellion against His Ma∣jesty, as appeared within few days after.

July the second the Kings ship called the Pro∣vidence, Landed in the Creek of Kenningham near Hull, till which time His Majesty had not a Bar∣rel of Powder, nor any Arms, or Ammunition whatsoever.

July the 12th. the pretended two Houses Voted, that the Earl of Essex should be General of their Army, and that they would live and die with him.

August the first, the Earl of Essex caused all the men then raised (being in number about 10000) to be committed to Officers, and divided into Re∣giments, which men had been raising ever since the 12th. of July 1642. at which time he was made General of the Rebels.

August the sixth the Earl of Bedford having fruit∣lessely besieged the Lord Marquess of Hertford in Sherburn Castle for four days before, retreated to Yevell; the Noble Marquess sallied after him, and with a small number fell on that great body of the Rebels, Kill'd above 140 whereof 9 Commanders, took divers Prisoners and routed the rest; so as he marched away, and after divided his small Forces, going himself into Wales, and Sir Ralph (now Lord) Hopton into Cornwall, of both which there followed so good an effect.

August the 22d. His Majesty set up his Standard

Royal at Nottingham, for raising of Forces to sup∣press the Rebels then marching against him.

September the 23d. Prince RUPERT with a∣bout 11 Troops of Horse gave a great overthrow to the Rebels in Wikefield near Worcester, where Colonel Sands that commanded in chief, received his mortal wound, Major Douglas (a Scot) and di∣vers other Captains and Officers slain and drown∣ed, Captain Wingate a Member of the House of Commons, with four Coronets taken, and two more torn in pieces. This body of the Rebels was observed to be the flower of their Cavalry.

October the 23d. was that signal great battel fought between Keynton and Edg-hill by his Majesties Ar∣my, and that of the Rebels led by the Earl of Essex: wherein the Rebels lost above 70 Colours of Coronets and Ensigns, and His Majesty but only 16 Ensigns and not one Coronet. The exact number that were slain on both sides in this Battel is not known: But it is certain that the Rebels lost above three for one. Men of eminence of his Majesties Forces, who were slain in the Battel were, the two Noble and valiant Lords, Robert Earl of Lindsey Lord High Chamberlain of Eng∣land, and George Lord D. Aubigney Brother to the Duke of Richmond, and Lenox, Sir Edmund Verney, Knight Marshal to His Majesty, with some other worthy Centlemen, and Soldiers, but besides these three named there was not one Noble Man or Knight kill'd, which was an extraordinary mercy of Almighty God, considering what a glorious sight of Princes, Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts, Barons, Knights and Gentlemen of all Orders, were not only present but engaged themselves a∣gainst the Rebels as much or more than Common

Soldiers, which they most cheerfully did by example of His sacred MAJESTY, whose Royal un∣daunted Courage put life into every man, exposing His Sacred Person to so much danger as all good men do tremble to remember; His Royal Sons (the two young Princes) CHARLES Prince, of Wales, and JAMES Duke of Yorke, being also in the field in very much danger, if God whose cause it was) had not covered their heads in the day of Bat∣tel. The Rebels as they had few men of quality to lose, so those they had, were sensible of their guilt, which then they expressed by their flight, some sculking into holes and Saw-pits, and others running out before they were well in the field. They lost of note the Lord St. John, eldest Son to the Earl of Bullingbrooke, Sir Charles Essex, with many inferi∣our Officers.

October the 27th. His Majesty to compleat his Victory in Keynton field, drew his whole Army be∣fore Banbury; but after the firing of one piece of Ordnance, the Rebels submitted to His Maje∣sties mercy (which were in number about 800 Foot (of the Earl of Peterboroughs, and Lord Says Regi∣ments) with 10 Colours, and a Troop of Horse) and yeilded the Town and Castle to the King: at which time the Earl of Essex with his shattered Force, were crept over the River Aven into War∣wick (full eight Miles backward from the place where they were beaten) there to secure those few he had left under the protection of the strong fituate Town and Castle, leaving behind him a∣bove 20 Waggons loaded with Powder and other Ammunition.

November the 12th. His Maiesty after four hours fight forced the Town of Brainford, where Lieute∣nant

Colonel Quarles that commanded in chief was slain, and at least 400 more of the Rebels kill'd and drowned, as many taken Prisoners, with little loss to His Majesties part, these thus taken and kill'd, were observed to be the best foot Soldiers the Rebels had.

November the 13th. (being Sunday) certain of the Rebels had come down the Thames from King∣ston, with 13 pieces of Ordnance, which (so soon as they could see) they fired against Sion house, and His Majesties Train of Artillery; but did little or no harm. Whereupon Order was presently given for drawing down some Pieces into the Meadow and to the River side against them; which was according∣ly done: and likewise a Demy-Cannon planted near the South-end of the Town. All which were so judiciously plied, that they shot through their Boats and Barges, and at last fired the Powder in one of them, which blew up divers of the Rebels: Those Rebels which escaped took them to their heels, leaving behind them their mangled Boats and Barges, with all their Ordnance, and the remain∣der of their Ammunition, on which His Majesty presently seised, and afterwards made an honoura∣ble and safe retreat to the City of Oxford.

December the 5th. His Majesties Forces under the command of Lieutenant General Wilmot, having his own Regiment of Horse, with the Lord Grandisons, and Lord Digbies, and Sir William Pennimans, and Colonel Blagues Regiments of Foot, and Colonel Ushers, and Colonel Grayes of Dragoons, took the Town of Marlborough, defended by Robert Ramsey (a Scot) and about 500 Foot; Ramsey and divers of the chief Rebels brought Prisoners to Oxford; all their Arms taken, and four Colours.

On the same 5th. day, the Earl of Newcastle laid siege to Tadcaster, where at that time was all the strength of the Rebels in Yorkeshire (excepting Hull) and by several assaults on the Town (from Ten of the Clock in the morning, till Seven at night) kill'd Cap. Lyster, and about 60 more of the Rebels, who found such hot service that they stole away in the night to Cawood and Selby, leaving Tadcaster fortified for His Majesties service.

January the 19th. a great Victory was obtained by the Lord Hopton, near Bodmin, in the County of Cornwal, where was slain in the pursuit 200 of the Rebels, and 700 taken Prisoners (amongst whom was Sir Shilston Colmadee) and eight Colours; good store of Ammunition, an five excellent brass Guns, and one of Iron.

January the 22d. the Lord Hopton assulted Saltash, forced the Town, where he took Ten pieces of Ordnance, 700 more Prisoners, 4000 Arms, and a Ship with sixteen pieces of Ordnance.

January the 27th. certain of the Rebels under the command of Master John Hampden, to the number of 1800 Foot, and seven or eight: Troops of Horse, with two pieces of Ordnance, came be∣fore Brill, and made an assault upon it: But were so bravely repulsed by His Majesties forces there, under the command of Sir Gilbert Gerard (the then Governour thereof) that they made all possible hast away; His Majesties Horse having the pursuit of them, for above 4 miles, about 80 of them being sound dead, and betwixt 40 or 50 men wound∣ed, which they had left together in a private House.

February the 1st. Lieutenant General King, and Lieutenant Ge••eral Goring coming from Newcastle with a great Convoy, of much Arms and Ammu∣nition:

and being faced at Yarum, with 400 Foot, three Troops of Horse, and two pieces of Ordnance of the Rebels, fell upon them, slew many, took the rest of the Foot, and most of the Horse Prison∣ers, with their Ordnance and Baggage.

February the 2d. Cyrencester, (or Cicester) in Glou∣cester-shire was taken by his Highness Prince Rupert, with the loss of less than 20 men of his Army, there being above 300 of the Rebels slain, and near 1200 taken Prisoners. Of Colours taken, one Coronet, two of Dragoons, and fourteen Foot Ensigns, together with all their Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition.

February the 13th. the QUEENS Majesty left the Hague, and went to Sciveling. And on the 16 day Her Majesty imbarked again in the Princess Royal of Great Brittain. And on the Sunday after came within sight of Flamborough-head.

February the 20th She cast Anchor in the Harbour of Burlington-bay. And the 22d. day following (up∣on fight of 1000 of his excellency the Earl of New∣castle's Horse) landed at Burlington Key.

Fibruary the 24th. in the morning four Ships and a Pinnace, in the Rebels service, (which came over night into the Road) made above 100 great shot at the houses in the Key, for two hours, shooting Cross-bar-shot, and Bullets of twelve pound weight, all of them aiming so near as they could, at the house were the Queen lay. Insomuch that her sacred Majesty was forced to make what hast she could out of Her Bed, and to get under an hill to save Her life from the fury of those Bloody Rebels, who endeavoured to Murther Her. But God Al∣mighty preserved Her Majesty both by Sea and Land.

March the 18th. and 19th. was a great Battel on Hopton-heath in Staffordshire, wherein Gell and Brereton (two cowardly Rebels) were routed by His Majesties Forces under the command of the Right Honour∣able Spencer then Earl of Northampton, in which fight, above 300 of the Rebels were taken and kill'd; at the least 200 more wounded; abve 300 of their Horse taken, four pieces of Cannon, and a case of Drakes, with some Ammunition, here was the most Noble and valiant Earl of Northampton unfor∣tunately slain, with C. Middleton and some few o∣thers on His Majesties side.

March the 23d. Grantham was taken in, by some of His Majesties Forces under the Command of Colonel Charles Cavendish: wherein were taken 360 Prisoners, with all the Captains and Officers, three foot Ensigns, two Cornets, together with three loads of Arms and Ammunition. And afterwards the works demolished.

Anno Dom. 1643.

APRIL the third Prince Rupert entered, and possessed that seditious Town of Burmingham, wherein was 300 Foot, and two Troops of Horse, who being gallantly charged by the Welch-men, in less than half an hour forsook their Breast-works, and retired to their Barricadoes within the Town, wherein they found such slender defence, that they took them to their heels, and that so fast, that though they were pursued as soon as the Prince had possess∣ed the Town, yet few of their Horse were overtaken, only about 80 of the Rebels were kill'd, and as ma∣ny Prisoners taken; together with about 150 Mus∣quets,

and betwixt 4 and 500 Swords, and three Colours; In this service the Noble Farl of Denbigh received a wound, whereof he afterwards di∣ed.

April the 11th. there was a fight near unto Ancast∣er in the County of Lincoln, betwixt the Kings Forces under the command of Colonel Cavendish, and the Rebels of that County, under young Ho∣tham (their then General) in which fight the most part of the Rebels were slain, and taken Prisoners, their General put to flight, and their whole Body totally routed.

On the 21st. day (being Friday) the Close at Lichfield (after three weeks siege, and the loss of some men) was yeilded up to Prince Rupert, together with the Ordnance, and Ammunition, all sorss of Arms (except the Horse-mens Arms, and a certain number of Musquets) and all such Treasure which had been formerly conveyed in thither and did not properly belong to the Soldiers there. These Sol∣diers were part of those Forces under the command of the late Lord Brook (a great Leader in this Be∣bellion, and a maliciious enemy to the Church) who was kill'd in his assaulting this Church by a shot into the eye, on S. Chads day who was the first Bi∣shop of this See, in memory of whom this Cathedral was built, and called S. Chads Church.

The last day of April his Excellency the Earl of Newcastles Forces, encountered with, and totally routed a whole Body of the Rebels (consisting of above 3000 men) which were going to relieve the Town of Leeds, killed 150 of them in the place, took 240 Prisoners, three pieces of Ordnance, together with all their Victual and Ammuni∣tion.

May the 6th. James Earl of Northampton (the true Heir of his Fathers Loyalty and valour) encounter∣ed with a Body of the Rebels in Middleton Cheny Town-field, near Banbury (consisting of about 700 Foot, and five Troops of Horse) where he wholly routed their Foot, killed 217 upon the plain, took above 300 Prisoners, all their Ordnance and Am∣munition, 416 Musquets, 150 Pikes, and above 500 Swords, pursued the fugitive Horse, and killed, and took many of them: the rest made what hast they could to Northampton. In this fight his Lord∣ship lost but three men, and those not of any note: Nor had above one Officer so much as hurt.

Upon the 16th. of May the Lord Hopton assaulted the great Rebellious Body then intrenched near Stratton on the Borders of Devonshire, fought with them full ten hours, and having spent his Am∣munition, insomuch that he had not powder left to serve one hour longer, fell upon the Rebels with Swords, Pikes, and Musquets stocks: And (with unexpressible valour) wholly routed the Rebels Ar∣my, killed many hundreds of them in the place; wounded many more; took 1700 Prisoners, where∣of above 30 Commanders, all their Cannon, being 11 pieces of Brass Ordnance, and 4 of Iron; 2 Morter pieces; 75 Barrels of Powder, with Shot and Match proportionable, betwixt 2 and 3000 Arms; and 3000l in mony; there being not above 46 of the Kings Forces killed and hurt, and a∣mongst those not any one Commander or Gentle∣man of Quality.

May the 23d. The Queen was most traiterously voted a Traitour, for her love so exemplarily ex∣pressed to the King Her Husband.

May the 30th. Master Robert Yeomans and Master

George Boucher, two Citizens of Bristoll, were there publickly Murthered by Colonel Nathanial Fines for their Loyalty to His Majesty.

June the 18th. 1643. His Highness Prince Rupert beat up the Quarters of the Rebels at Postcombe and Chinner in Oxfordshire, killed some 50 of the Rebels there Quartered, took about 120 Prisoners, almost all their Horses and Arms, and three of Sir Samuel Lukes Dragoon-Cornets: obtained a great victory in Chalgrove field, and utterly defeated the Rebels Horse-men and Dragooners, slew divers of their Commanders, especially Colonel John Hampden (one of the five Members accused of high Treason) who in this fight received his mortal wound, in this very Chalgrove field, where he first Mustered, and drew up men in Arms to put in execution the Re∣bellious Ordinance for the Militia.

On Friday the last of June: His Excellency the Earl of Newcastle obtained a great victory against the Northern Rebels under the Lord Fairfax upon Aderton-heath, within the County of Yorke. In which fight my Lord soon put the Rebels into such confusion, that they could not be reduced again in∣to any Order; until he had gained all their five pieces of Cannon; which he presently turned against them; the sight whereof did so terrifie them, that they made what hast they could towards Leedes. But finding that his Excellencies horse had intercept∣ed that passage; their last shift was to recover Bradford, which was done in such a disorderly man∣ner, that his Excellency in the pursuit of them kil∣led and took above 2000, whereof above 1500 Pris∣oners. As for their General Fairfax, he with much adoe made shift with one poor Troop of Horse to

get (at night) into Leeds, leaving the rest to the mercy of the Victor.

July the 1st. The Earl of Essex being with his Army at Tame in Oxfordshire, sent Colonel Middle∣ton with 500 horse and Dragoons to Padbury to way∣lay Prince Rupert and his Forces from returning from Buckingham to Oxford, while Essex with his Army fell on the Prince, but Sir Charles Lucas by his Scouts discovered the Rebels design, and accor∣dingly met them with three Troops of his own Regi∣ment, wherewith he routed all Middletons 400 horse and Dragoons, pursued them to their pass at Werthill∣brook, followed them through the foard (in despight of all their Musquettiers there) slew above 100. took 40 Prisoners, and prevented the Rebels hope∣ful design.

The same day the Marquess of Newcastle besieg∣ed Bradford, bestowed upon it above 40 shot from his great Artillery; and the morrow after made himself Master of the Town. In which he took 2000 Prisoners, with all the Horse Arms, and Am∣munition, which either the Rebels found in the Town, or brought thither with them.

Hereupon the Rebels deserted the Town of Hal∣lifax, and presently after Sir Hugh Cholmely fell upon Beverly, and took it for his Majesty.

July the 5th. Master Tomkins and Master Chal∣loner were most barbarously Murthered by the Re∣bels in London for their Fidelity to his Majesty; And the same fifth day, there was a fight on Landsdown∣hill, betwixt His Majesties Forces under the com∣mand of the Marquess of Hartford, and the Rebels under Sir William Waller; who (after 11 hours fight) stuck their lighted matches in the hedges, and ran quite away, leaving behind them above 500 Mus∣quets,

14 barrels of Powder, a whole Stand of Pikes, with good store of all sorts of Arms. Their Foot were absolutely routed, and all dispersed: his loss of Officers and horse was great, many hun∣dreds of his men were killed; His Majesties forces having the pillage of the field. And here was that most valiant Knight Sir Bevill Greenvill unfortunate∣ly slain in the Front of his men, with some others of less Quality.

The 13th. of July about four a Clock in the Af∣ternoon the King and Queens Majesty met at Edge∣hill, where the Rebels had received their main over∣throw: and the same day and hour His Majesties Forces under the Command of the Lord Wilmot Lieutenant General of the Horse, the Earl of Carnarvon, the Earl of Crawford, and the Lord Biron obtained another great and strange victory upon Round-way-down, with 1500 horse, and two smal pieces of Cannon only: wherewith they total∣ly routed the Rebels Army under the Command of the old-beaten Soldier Sir William Waller, consisting of above 2500 Foot, and 2000 Horse, besides 500 Dragoons, with 8 pieces of Brass Ordnance: slew 600 of them in the place, took above 900 Prisoners, all their Cannon, Arms, Ammunition, Waggons, Baggage, and Victual, 28 Foot-Ensigns, 9 Cornets, and left not one Rebel, but what was either killed, taken Prisoner, or narrowly, escaped.

Upon the 24th. of July his Highness Prince Rupert having joyned his Forces to his Brothers, and the whole body of their strength being brought to∣gether, they sate down before Bristol, and began their Batteries. And the 26 day (with unexpressible valour) they gained the Out-works, and the 27 day following the City and Castle was delivered up to

His sacred Majesty, with all the Ordnance, Arms and Ammunition. At this siege were slain on His Majesties part Sir Nicolas Slanning, one of the Lunsfords, with some few others, and that valiant Lord, the Lord Grandison, did here receive a wound.

August the 3d. Corf-castle in the Isle of Purbecke (which had been so often, before besieged by Sir Walter Earle) but had always beaten off the Rebels, and killed their Cannoniers, was once more fallen upon by the Rebels, who were so bravely received by Captain Laurence, that 60 of them were kill'd in the place: the rest hearing of the most valiant Earl of Carnarvons approach, ran away.

Soon after, the Earl of Carnarvon, Summoned Dorchester, which was thereupon delivered up to his Lordship, with all the Arms, Ammunition, and Cannon: which were disposed of for His Majesties use.

About the 9th. of August, the Castle and Isle of Portland were reduced again under His Majesties command; And the Town and Haven of Weymouth and Melcombe submitted to His Majesty.

August the 20th. Colonel Jo. Digby defeated the Rebels of Biddeford and Barnstable, killed 100 of their Foot, took 211 Officers and common Soldiers Prisoners, (most of which were miserably wound∣ed) two pieces of Ordnance, six barrels of Powder, 400 weight of Bullet, 200 and a half of Match, and above 300 Arms; besides all the Foot-Officers horses: Pursued their horse to the very works of Biddeford, and returned victoriously, without the loss of more than one man, not one of the rest of his Soldiers being so much as hurt all that day.

Upon the 2d. and 3d, of September, the Towns

of Biddeford, Appleford, and Barnstable, delivered up their several Garrisons to His Majesty.

Upon the same 3d. of September, Prince Maurice gave a very hot assault upon the City of Exeter, and battered the Walls, whereupon the Rebels desired Parley; but refusing the conditions, the assault was afterwards eagerly pursued, and the next day after won the great Sconce, turned the Ordnance there against the Town. Whereupon the Rebels craved to be admitted unto those conditions which before they rejected, and obtained the same, delivered up the Town and Castle to the Prince his Highness, with all the Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition, after it had been blockt up and besieged about six weeks.

September the 17th. the Rebels Army (stealing out of Gloucestershire towards London) surprised part of a new raised Regiment of His Majesties horse at Cirencester, but were overtaken by Prince Rupert with His Majesties horse, near Auburne in Wiltshire, where he gave them two charges, the one by a commanded Party under Colonel Urrey, the other by the Queens Regiment, commanded by the Lord Iermin, who performed it so well on the Rebels whole Army, that many great bodies of Foot were routed, and many of them slain in the place, with∣out any loss to His Majesties Forces, save two com∣mon Soldiers killed, and the Marquess de la Vienville taken Prisoner, (who was afterwards Murthered by the Rebels in cold Blood) and the Lord Digby and Lord Iermyn lightly wounded: by which two charges the Rebels Army was so retarded, that His Majesty had time to overtake them with his Foot, and on Wednesday after (the 20th. of this month) upon an Hill (near Newberry and Enborne-heath) His Majesty

fought with the Rebels, who were seated in the most advantageous place imaginable: yet in de∣spight of all their Cannon, Foot, and Horse, His Majesty beat them from their ground; gained the Hill, and one piece of their brass Ordnance, and quickly routed all their horse upon the Heath. The most that were killed in this fight of His Majesties Forces, exceeded not the number of 300, though above 600 of the Rebels were slain, and a very great number wounded. In this fight were slain the most Noble and valiant Earl of Carnarvon, the Earl of Sunderland, the Lord Viscount Faulkland, Col. Morgan, Captain William Symcots, with some other Gentlemen and Commanders. After this fight the Rebels were further pursued, and routed again, so as they fled into Reading, where they durst not stay, but left the Town for His Majesty.

September the 25th. That pernicious confederacy, called the National covenant, was taken by the Members of the House of Commons at Westminster, in S. Margarets Church.

October the 18th. the Pince of Harcourt Lord Am∣bassadour Extraordinary from the French King and Queen Regent, (after he had been most barbarous∣ly used in his passage by the Rebels) came safe into Oxford, where he had entertainment more suitable to the worth of so great a Personage.

In this month of October, His Majesties Forces under the command of the Lord Widdrington, and Colonel Henderson a Scot received a defeat near Horn-castle in Lincolnshire, by the Rebels under the command of Manchester, Cromwel, and Fairfax; there were taken Prisoners near 600 of His Majesties forces, Sir Ingram Hopton and some few others slain, not without some considerable loss to the Rebels,

it cannot be said that in any other Battel since this Rebellion, but this, that His Majesties forces made a dishonourable retreat, where the fault was I, can∣not say.

November the 11th. an Ordinance for authorizing the counterfeit great Seal.

November the 21st. Sir William Armine, and others (sent by the Houses at Westminster) arrived at Eden∣borough with Articles of accord, and advance Mo∣ny, to hasten the Scots Invasion.

November the 27th. the Kings Messenger Hang'd at London for discharging his duty in serving His Ma∣jesties Writ.

December the 4th. Hawarden-castle surrendred to His Majesties Forces.

December the 8th. John Pym died (de morbo pedi∣culoso) at Derby house in Westminster, in which place the medley Scots, and others sit, and hatch their contrivances for support of the present Rebelli∣on.

December the 12th. Becston Castle assaulted, and taken for His Majesty.

December the 21st. Lapley house taken by Captain Heavenningham for His Majesty.

December the 28th. Colonel Nathaniel Fines, one of the first that appeared in this Rebellion, was in a Court of War at S. Albans by his fellow Rebels sentenced to be Hanged for a Coward.

December the 29th. The stately Screen of copper richly gilt, set up by King Henry the seventh in his Chappel at Westminster, was by order of the House reformed, That is, broken down, and sold to Tinkers.

Anno Dom. 1644.

JAnuary the 16th. The perfidious Scots (con∣trary to the solemn Pacification) invaded this Kingdom.

January the 22d. The Members of Parliament assembled at Oxford according to His Majesties Proclamation.

March the 2d. The Scots came over the River of Tyne, General King pursuing their rear, forced them into Sunderland, whereupon the Marquess of Newcastle sent for Sir Charles Lucas out of Yorke∣shire, who had been Ordered to stay there to forti∣fie Doncaster.

March the 13th. Hopton Castle in Shropshire taken by Col. Woodhouse for His Majesty.

March the 18th. Wardour Castle in Wiltshire after long siege was taken by Sir Francis Dodington for His Majesty.

March the 22d. Newarke, after three weeks siege was happily relieved by his Highness Prince Rupert; in which action the Rebels forces there were totally defeated, all their Arms and Ammunition consisting of 4000 Musquets, 11 pieces of brass Ordnance, 2 Mortar pieces, and about 50 barrels of Powder, &c. were taken. And soon after, Lincoln, Sleeford, and Gainsborough were quitted by the Rebels, and many pieces of Ordnance, with good store of Arms left behind them.

March the 23d. Sturton Castle in Staffordshire rend∣red to Sir Gilbert Gerard, Governour of Worcester for His Majesty.

March the 24th. The Scots being much provoked

to come out of Sunderland, came to Bowdon-hill, whence with great loss they were forced back into their Trenches, but next morning they came with many of their horse and foot on the Marquess of Newcastles Rear, and had so disordered it, that the whole Army was endangered, but Sir Charles Lucas, who was then in the right Wing, hasted to the Rear, and with his own Regiment fell upon the Rebels Lanciers and routed them, which made the rest fly from pursuing their advantage.

March the 24th. Apley house in Shropshire, Gar∣risoned by the Rebels, was taken by His Majesties Forces, commanded by Col. Ellis.

April the 3d. Longford house in Shropshire rendred to his Highness Prince Rupert, wherein was taken 100 Musquets, &c. and about the same time, Tongue-castle in the same County was likewise surrendred to his Highness.

April the 13th. The Rebels from Gloucester as∣saulted Newent (then a Garrison commanded by Colonel Mynne) but were gallantly repulsed and pursued, leaving behind them two pieces of their Cannon, and many dead bodies before the Works.

April the 17th. The Queens Majesty began her Journey from Oxford into the West.

April the 17th. Brampton Bryan in Herefordshire (a Castle of Sir Robert Harleys) after three weeks siege, and the loss of 7 or 8 men, summoned and rendred (at mercy only) to Sir Michael Woodhouse, wherein was taken 67 men, 100 Arms, two Barrels of Powder, some Plate, and a whole years provisi∣on.

April the 17th. Dunfreize in Scotland taken in by the Marquess of Montross, &c. for His Ma∣jesty,

with all the Ordnance, Arms, and Ammu∣nition.

April the 22d. Stutcombe in Dorsetshire assaulted and entred by the force of his Highness Prince Maurice, wherein was taken 5 Captains, and 16 o∣ther Officers, 114 Soldiers, with all their Arms, 6 Colours, one piece of Cannon, and two Mur∣therers, good store of Ammunition, and one Se∣ditious Lecturer.

May the 6th. His Majesties Forces in Latham house in Lancashire made, amongst divers others, a most remarkable sally; wherein they killed many of the besiegers in their trenches, and continued the execution to the park side, and slew near 300 Rebels, took 3 great pieces of Ordnance, having since the 10. of April then last taken 7 of their Can∣non, besides one Mortar-piece, many Colours, and killed above 600 of them.

May the 12th. The Rebels from Plymouth assault∣ing Mount-Edgcombe house in Cornwal (which was only defended by thirty Musquettiers) were brave∣ly repulsed and eighty of them killed in the place.

May the 24th. The Rebels having formed 2. Ar∣mies, (consisting for the most part of the London Trained-bands and Auxiliaries under the command of the Earl of Essex and Sir William Waller) this day joyned about Blewbury in Berkeshire, and bent their course towards Abingdon.

May the 25th. Prince Rupert assaulted and took Stopford, a strong Garrison of the Rebels in Che∣shire, together with all their Cannon, most of their Arms and Ammunition, and about 800 of them Prisoners. Hereupon Latham house after at least 18 weeks siege, was timely relieved by

his Highness Prince Ruperts approch into those parts.

May the 28th. His Highness Prince Rupert sum∣moned Bolton, (the Geneva of Lancashire as the Brethren call it, the first Town in that County and consequently in England, that put in execution the Militia, as the readiest means to ruin the King∣dom. But they out of a zealous confidince Hanged one of the Princes Captains which they had not long before taken Prisoner, whereupon the Prince stormed the Town, and in the two attempt took it, wherein were kill'd at least 800 Rebels, 600 Prisoners taken, with all their Colours, Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition. The justice of which act was foreseen by Mr. Booker, who about this time had noted it in his Almanack thus, Authores dissen∣tionum & sanguinis profusionum, absque dubio mercede sua mulctabuntur.

May the 29th. The Rebels Armies severed, The Earl of Essex marching from Abingdon to Islip, with purpose to distress Ozford on the North part, as Waller at Abingdon on the South part.

May the 30th. The Rebels attempted to cross the River Charwell at Gosworth-bridge, but were gallant∣ly repulsed by a small party of His Majesties Forces that had the guard of that pass.

May the 31st. Waller attemping to pass Isis at New∣bridg, and being then repulsed, retired to Abingdon, where he, to revenge himself, demolished Abingdon Cross, defaced the Church, burnt all the Tables and Chess-boards in Abingdon, and Plundered most of the People of their goods.

June the 1st. The Rebels did attempt in several places at once, to cross the river Charwell, but could speed at none, being still beaten off with great loss, and particularly at Gosworth-bridg, where they lost above 100 men.

June the 3d. His Majesty perceiving the Rebels intention to besiege Oxford, left a sufficient strength for defence thereof, and (to disburthen the City of unnecessary force,) marched with the rest of his Army this evening towards Worcester.

June the 4th. the Earl of Essex perceiving the Kings Forces drawn away, passed Charwell with his Army, and hearing of His Majesties departure from Oxford, hastned after, but upon Campsfield near Woodstock there fell upon his Army such a pro∣digious and violent storm of hail and rain, accom∣panied with such terrible thunder and lightening for the space of two hours, that some of them took oc∣casion to say, that the Conjurers at Oxford had en∣gaged all their Familiars to work them a despight, there being some hail as big as Nutmegs. Others more nearly touched with an apprehension of the wickedness of their actions, confessed, that they suffered the violence of Heaven. No such storm being seen at Oxford, nor in any the adjacent Villa∣ges. But the besotted Rebels contemning this presage from Heaven, went on to their own ruin.

June the 5th. The Earl of Essex went this day as far as Chipping-Norton after the King.

June the 6th. But unwilling to lose his labour any longer, returned to Burford, where he deputed Sir William Waller to proceed in the adventure of King-catching, that himself might have the sole honour of taking in Lestithiell.

June the 11th. Dudley Castle (which had been gallantly defended by Lieutenant Col. Beaumont for three weeks before) was relieved, and the siege raised by His Majesties Forces sent from Worcester, who took two Colours of the Rebels horse, two

Majors of Foot, two Captains, three Lieutenants, kill'd about 100 in the fight, and took above 50 com∣mon Soldiers Prisoners, without any considerable loss on His Majesties part.

June the 12th. Col. Gage with some forces from Oxford took in Borstall house, a Garrison of the Rebels in Buckinghamshire.

June the 18th. His Majesty in Worcestershire hav∣ing intelligence that the Rebels Armies were now severed, (whilst Sir William Waller to get before the King ran into Staffordshire) resolved to reinforce himself with the Regiments left at Oxford, and en∣counter Sir William, to which end he returned and came this day to Witney.

June the 20th. His Highness Prince Rupert be∣ing then in Lancashire clearing the County, Colo∣nel Shuttleworth with 400 Rebels came to beat up some of his quarters, and fell in at Blackburne. Where that vigilant Commander Sir Charles Lucas was so ready for him, that he killed and took a∣bove 100 of the Rebels, making the rest run for their lives.

June the 22d. Sir William Waller having run him∣self out of breath, gave over the pursuit of the King, (the rather for that His Majesty was provided for him.) Whereupon His Majesty directed his march towards the Rebels associated Counties, and came this night to Buckingham, where he received the joyful newes of His Queens safe delivery of the Prin∣cess Henrietta, who was born at Exeter the 16th. of this month.

June the 25th. Sir Charles Lucas hearing Colonel Shuttleworth had gathered 300 horse and 100 Dra∣goons at Colne on the Borders of Yoreshire, marched to him, and fell on with such skill and courage that

he totally routed all the Rebels both horse and Dra¦goons, had execution for three miles, wounded Shuttleworth himself, who with very few others es∣caped; all the rest Sir Charles killed and took, and brought their Colours with the Prisoners to Prince Rupert.

June the 26th. Waller to recruit his weary Army from the Garrisons of Gloucester, Warwick, Coventry, Northampton, and Kenelmworth-castle, had this day a rendezvouz in Keinton field, whereof the King having notice turned his march towards him, and quartered this night at Brackley.

June the 28th. This day the King coming before Banbury, found Waller drawn up in Battalia West∣ward from the Town, on the side of Crouch hill, taking advantage of the hills, bogs, and ditches.

June the 29th. His Majesty discerning that Waller would not come into the plain, nor could be assault∣ed as he lay but with much disadvantage, removed somewhat Northwards, to see if thereby he could draw him from his station, which succeeded accord∣ingly, for Waller likewise advanced on the other side the River, whereupon the King at Cropready marched further off the River, leaving the Bridg in hope to draw them over, which Waller greedily ap∣prehending as an advantage, put over 2000 horse and a great body of foot, with 14 pieces of Cannon. The Rebels being thus divided were immediately charged by the Kings Rear, the brave Earl of Cleve∣lands horse, and Sir Bernard Astleys foot, routing all that had past the Bridg whilst the Earl of North∣ampton charged the rest of the Rebels horse that were fording over: In this fight were slain at least 300 Rebels, and many of them taken Prisoners with

their 14 pieces; there were slain on His Majesties part two gallant Knights, Sir William Butler and Sir William Clarke, and not above 14 common Sol∣diers besides, and so much for Wallers Army this Summer.

July the 3d. The King having thus defeated one of the Rebels Armies bent Westwards after the o∣ther, and came this day to Evesham to refresh his Soldiers after their hard duty, from whence he sent to Westminster his message for Peace of the 4th. of July.

In the beginning of this month his Highness Prince Rupert marched out of Lancashire with a considerable Army for the relief of Yorke, which had been two months besieged by an aggregate bo∣dy of Rebels, consisting of the Earl of Manchesters Army, the Lord Fairfax, and the Rebellious Scots under command of Lesley. The Prince had no sooner relieved Yorke, but drew forth after the Re∣bels, and in Marstone Moore there began a terrible fight, wherein his Highness had at first much the better, took the Rebels Ordnance, and many of them Prisoners insomuch that Lesley and the Lord Fairfax thinking all had been lost, fled many miles from the place where the Battel was fought, and never came to the remainder of their Armies till two days after the fight, but in conclusion (whether by fate which attends the event of War, or by ne∣glect I know not) the fortune of the day turned, and the Rebels recovered their lost Ordnance and took some of the Princes baggage, and with it Sir Charles Lucas, Col. Porter, and Col. Tillier Prisoners. In this Battel were slain on His Majesties part, the Lord Cary, Sir Thomas Metham, Col. Ewer, Col. Townley, with some others of note, and about 1500

common Soldiers. On the Rebels part were slain Sir Charles Fairfax (younger son to the Lord Fair∣fax) with many other of their Commanders, and at least 3000 common Soldiers.

This done, the Rebels rally, and sit down a∣gain before Yorke, which was valiantly defended for three weeks after by Sir Tho. Glenham, and then delivered upon honourable conditions, to march away with Arms, Bag and Baggage, which conditions were most persidiously broken by the Rebels.

July the 6th. The Lord Hopton routed 350 of the Rebels near Warmister, which were pursued above 20 miles by Sir Francis Dodington.

July the 15th. The King came to Bath with his Army, which day the Queens Majesty arrived safe at Brest in Britanny, notwithstanding 50 great shot made at her by Batty, the Rebels Vice-Ad∣miral.

July the 23d. The King made His speech to the Summersetshire men on Kings-moore, who came in to His Majesties assistance very cheer∣fully.

July the 31st. Middleton the Scot furiously assault∣ed Denington Castle, and received a most shameful repulse, leaving dead behind him one Col. eight Captains, one Sergeant Major, with many inferi∣our Officers, and Soldiers.

August the 1st. His Majesty with his Army pass∣ed into Cornwal over Tamar at Polton bridg in pur∣suit of the Earl of Essex whom he had now chased through Devonshire.

August the 25th. The King gained from the Re∣bels the Castle of Lestithiel, (where their Army lay strongly encamped) and in it took Col. Butler, and some others Prisoners.

August the 30th. The Rebels horse in the night passed between His Majesties Quarters and fled to∣wards Plymouth.

August the 31st. The Rebels Foot making to∣wards Foy were beaten from five pieces of their Ordnance.

September the 2d. The Rebels being deserted by their General the Earl of Essex, (who with the Lord Roberts fled to Plymouth in a Cock-boat the night past,) this day yeilded up to His Majesty all their Train of Artillery, viz. 49 pieces of fair brass Ordnance, 200 and odd barrels of Gunpowder, with match, ball, &c. proportionable, above 700 Carriages, and betwixt eight and 9000 Arms. His Majesty out of his wonted Clemency granting them their lives.

September the 5th. His Majesty having obtained so compleat a victory over the Rebels, did (as formerly after the defeat of Waller) from Tave∣stock send his second message of Peace to Wistmin∣ster.

In the beginning of this month His Majesties forces in Scotland under the command of his Ex∣cellency James Lord Marquess of Montrosse, and General Major Mackdonald (who not long before landed in that Kingdom with 1000 Irish) obtained a great victory over the Rebels there upon New∣bigging Moore, near S. Johns Town, where were kill'd above 1200 Rebels, among which was the Laird of Rires and some others of note, and seven brass Pieces taken; this done, His Majesties forces pur∣sued them to S. Johns Town and took it, and there∣in and in the battel took 2000 of the Rebels Priso∣ners, with two pieces of Ordnance more, all their Arms, Ammunition, and Baggage, and this done

with the loss of not above 60 men on His Majesties part. The Rebels in this battel were commanded by the Earl of Tullibairne, the Lord Drummond, the Lord Elcho, and Sir James Scot of Rossy, their word was Jesus, no Quarter.

And within a fortnight after this success, his Ex∣cellency the Marquess of Montrosse and Major Gen. Mackdonald obtained a second victory over another body of Rebels in that Kingdom commanded by the Lord Forbes, Burly and others near Aberdeen, where∣in the Marquess kill'd and took Prisoners at least 1000 with three pieces of Cannon, and all their baggage, without any considerable loss on His Ma∣jesties part; among the Prisoners taken by the Mar∣quess, there was Sir William Forbes of Craigyvar, and John Forbes of Boynly with others of note: And soon after the Marquess took the Town of Aberdeen, with all the Ordnance, Ammunition and Arms, and many of the fugitive Rebels therein.

September the 11th. The Garrison of Basing (af∣ter 18 weeks siege wherein the Rebels lost many hundreds of their men,) was relieved from Oxford by Sir Henry Gage.

Septemb. the 12th. Ilfercombe in Devonshire render∣ed to General Goring for His Majesty.

September the 17th. Barnstaple in Devonshire (that had revolted upon the Earl of Essex this approach) submitted to His Majesty, and obtained from him their second pardon.

September the 23d. Col. John Fines (having be∣sieged the Castle of Banbury above a month before) hired his men to storm it in five places, in all which they were shamefully beaten off with great loss.

October the 7th. in the night Sir Richard Greenvile took the Town of Saltash by storming, wherein 400 Rebels were kill'd, and at least 300 taken Pri∣soners with their Arms, this Town had been quitted by His Majesties forces not long before without any considerable loss.

October the 25th. The Earl of Northampton and Sir Henry Gage raised the siege of Banbury Castle, fell upon Col. John Fines his flying Troops, slew a∣bout 60 of them, took above 100 Prisoners, with about 200 horses, one piece of Ordnance, all their Ammunition, and many Arms.

October the 27th. The Rebels having thus lost two of their Armies, called the third (under the Earl of Manchesters command) out of the Associa∣ted Counties, and forced other Regiments out of London to withstand the King, who was now ad∣vanced to Newberry with part of his Army, where the Rebels apprehending a great advantage in re∣gard that the rest of His Majesties forces were not come up, fell upon His Majesties quarters, but were beaten off, with the slaughter of above 1000 of their men, whereof Major Urrey with some other of their prime Commanders were part, with the loss of Sir Anthony St. Leager, and less than 100 others on His Majesties side, who had the pillage of the field; here the valiant Earl of Cleveland was casu∣ally taken Prisoner, having his horse first kill'd un∣der him.

November the 6th. His Majesty had his rendez∣vouz on Bullington-green, betwixt Wallingford and Oxford.

November the 9th. His Army came to Dennington Castle, which since His Majesties marching thence, had been again besieged by the Rebels, and raised

the siege, the Rebels not daring to withstand his Army.

November the 17th. The King having some days expected the Rebels, who it seems were loth to hazard the last stake, advanced towards them to Hungerford, upon whose approach, the Rebels left the field. Whereupon His Majesty sent Sir Henry Gage with a party to supply the wants ef Basing, that had been besieged all this Summer by five Colonels and their Regiments, but the Rebels had raised the siege before his approach.

November the 19th. Monmouth that had lately been betrayed by Kirle, was bravely regained by the Lord Herbert and Ragland, wherein was taken the Rebels whole Committee, 14 pieces of Ordnance, with store of Arms and Ammunition, 30 Officers and common Soldiers proportionable, whereby South-Wales is much secured.

November the 23d. The King having thus victori∣ously, defeated two of their Armies and driven away the third, came to Oxford to entertain an overture of Peace, (certain Propositions being the same day come thither from London) having disposed of his Army to their Winter Quarters.

November the 26th. A Vote passed by the mem∣bers of the House of Commons at Westminster for the utter abolishing and taking away of the Book of Common-Prayer, with intention to set up a new device to be called a Directory in its room.

December the 13th. His Majesty (out of his wont∣ed desire of Peace) sent the Duke of Richmond and Earl of Southampton to the Houses of Parliament at Westminster for a Treaty, as the best expedient for Peace.

About the middle of this month Helmsley Castle in Yorkeshire, (which had been gallantly defended during 16 weeks siege by Capt. Jordan Crosland, and some others) was delivered up to the Rebels under command of the Lord Fairfax, upon ho∣nourable conditions to march away, the Governour and Officers with their horses and Arms, the rest without Arms. In this siege the Defendants (a∣mongst others) made one remarkable salley where∣in they took Sergeant Major General Forbs a Scot Prisoner with divers others, here did Sir T. Fairfax also receive a shot in the Shoulder from the Cast∣le.

December the 22d. Colonel Eyre with some horse from Newarke, took two Troops of horse at Upton belonging to the Rebels of Nottingham, brought the Men, Colours, Horses, and Arms, all safe to Newarke.

December the 23d. Sir Alexander Carew was be∣headed on Tower-hill by Martial Law, for intend∣ing to deliver up the Island at Plymouth to His Ma∣jesty; he was observed to be most violent against His Majesty in the beginning of this Rebellion, but it should seem he had of late some disposition to be a convert, which made his fellow Members think fit to dispatch him to another World.

December the 24. Sir William Vaughan Governour of Shrawarden Castle for His Majesty, fell on a party of Rebels at Welch Poole cammanded by Sir John Price, kill'd some, wounded others, took 47 Prisoners, 64 horse and many Arms.

December the 28th. A party of the Lord Gorings Forces took Master Blakes house at Pinnel near Calne in Wiltshire, and in it 59 Rebels, but more Arms.

December the 31st. The Members at Westminster Voted Sir Thomas Fairfax to be their new Gene∣ral, cashiering the Earl of Essex, with whom they had formerly sworn to live and die.

January the 1st. Young Hotham was beheaded on Tower-hill, and Sir John Hotham his Father the mor∣row after, both by Martial Law. Here the Rea∣der may take notice of a special mark of Gods judg∣ment, for (the 23 April 1642.) when old Hotham denied His Majesty admittance into Hull, he held up his hands and prayed God never to prosper him or hiis posterity if he were not His Majesties Loyal Sub∣ject: And now see both Father and Son adjudged by their fellow Members, and condemned by their own beloved Marshal Law, for intending to deliver up Hull to His Majesty.

The same first of January, the Lord Astley took Lypyate House in Gloucestershire, and in it 45 Pri∣soners with all their Arms, Victuals and Ammu∣nition.

Soon after this, Sir Marmaduke Langdale totally routed Col. Ludlowes Regiment of horse at Salisbury, took five Rebel-Captains Prisoners, besides under-Officers, and 80 common Soldiers, 150 Horse and Arms, with there Colours, Ludlow himself hardly escaping.

January the 10th. The Lord Arch-Bishop of Can∣terbury was beheaded on Tower-hill. It would be too long here (where we aim at brevity) to set down the particulars of his imprisonments, the preposterous proceedings against him in his Trial, and his pious magnanimity at the time of his death, his Sermon on the Scaffold (whereof here follows a true copy) will satisfie the World that he died innocently, and (which is more) that His Ma∣jesty

hath been unjustly accused of an inclination to Popery.

Good People,

THis is an uncomfortable time to Preach, yet I shall begin with a Text of Scripture, Heb. 12.2. Let us run with patience that race which is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and it set down at the right hand of the Throne of God.

I have been long in my Race, and how I have looked to Jesus the author and finisher of my Faith, He best knows: I am now come to the end of my Race, and here I find the Cross, a death of shame; but the shame must be despised, or no coming to the right hand of God; Jesus despised the shame for me, and God forbid but I should despise the shame for Him; I am going apace (as you see) towards the Red-Sea, and my feet are now upon the very brink of it; an Argument, I hope, that God is bringing me into the Land of promise, for that was the way through which he led his People: But before they came to it, He instituted a Passeover for them, a Lamb it was, but it must be eaten with sour Herbs, I shall obey, and labour to digest the sour Herbs, as well as the Lambe. And I shall remember it is the Lords Passe∣over; I shall not think of the Herbs, nor be angry with the hand which gathereth them; but look up only to him who instituted that, and governs these; For men can have no more power over me than what is given them from above. I am not in love with this passage, through the Red-Sea, for I have the weak∣ness and infirmities of flesh and blood plentifully in me; And I have prayed with my Saviour, ut transiret

Calix iste, that this Cup of red Wine might pass from me: But if not, Gods will (not mine) be done; and I shall most willingly drink of this Cup as deep as he pleases, and enter this Sea, yea and pass through it, in the way that he shall lead me.

But I would have it remembred (Good People) that when Gods Servants were in this boisterous Sea, and Aaron among them, the Aegyptians which persecuted them (and did in a manner drive them into that Sea) were drowned in the same Waters, while they were in pursuit of them; I know my God whom I serve, is as able to deliver me from this Sea of Blood, as he was to deliver the three Children from the Furnace, and (I most humbly thank my Savi∣our for it) my Resolution is now, as theirs was then; They would not worship the Image the King had set up, nor will I the imaginations which the People are setting up; nor will I forsake the Temple and the truth of God, to follow the bleating of Jereboams Calf in Dan and in Bethel. And as for this People, they are at this day miserably misled, (God of his mercy open their Eyes that they may see the right way) for at this day the Blind lead the Blind, and if they go on, both will certainly fall into the ditch. For my self, I am (and acknowledg it in all humility) a most grievous sinner many ways, by thought, word, and deed, and I cannot doubt, but that God hath mer∣cy in store for me (a poor penitent) as well as for other sinners, I have now upon this sad occasion, ransacked every corner of my Heart, and yet (I thank God) I have not found (among the many) any onesin which deserves death by any known Law of this Kingdom; And yet hereby I charge nothing upon my Judges; for if they proceed upon proofe (by valuable witnesses) I or any other innocent,

may by justly condemned; And (I thank God) though the weight of the sentence lye heavy upon me, I am as quiet within, as ever I was in my life. And though I am not only the first Arch-Bishop, but the first man that ever died by an Ordinance of Parliament, yet some of my Predecessors have gone this way, though not by this means; For El∣phegus was hurried away and lost his head by the Danes; and Simon Sudbury in the fury of Wat Tyler and his fellows; Before these, S. John Baptist had his head danced off by a leud Woman; and S. Cyprian Arch-Bishop of Carthage, submitted his head to a persecuting Sword. Many examples (great and good) and they teach me patience; for I hope my Cause in Heaven will look of another dye, than the colour that is put upon it here. And some comfort it is to me, not only that I go the way of these great men in their several Generations, but also that my Charge (as foul as 'tis made) looks like that of the Jews against S. Paul, (Acts 25.3.) For he was accused for the Law and the Temple, i. e. Religion; And like that of S. Stephen (Acts 6.14.) for breaking the Ordinances which Moses gave, i. e. Law and Religion, the holy place and the Temple (vers. 13.) But you will say, do I then compare my self with the integrity of S. Paul and Stephen? No, far be that from me; I only raise a comfort to my self, that these great Saints and Servants of God were laid at in their times, as I am now. And it is memorable, that S. Paul who helped on this Ac∣cusation against S. Stephen, did after fall under the very same himself. Yea, but here is a great clamour that I would have brought in Popery; I shall answer that more fully by and by; In the mean time you know what the Pharisees said against

Christ himself, If we let him alone, all men will believe in him, Et venient Romani, and the Romans will come, and take away both our Place and Nation. Here was a causeless Cry against Christ that the Romans will come; And see how just the judgment of God was; they crucified Christ for fear lest the Romans should come, and his death was it which brought in the Ro∣mans upon them, God punishing them with that which they most feared: and I pray God this clamour of Venient Romani (of which I have given no cause) help not to bring them in; for the Pope never had such a Harvest in England since the Reformation, as he hath now upon the Sects and Divisions that are amongst us. In the mean time, by Honour and dis∣honour, by good report, and evil report, as a deceiver and yet true, am I passing through this World, 2 Cor. 6.8. _____ _____ Some particulars also I think it not amiss to speak of.

And first, this I shall be bold to speak of the King our gracious Sovereign; He hath been much tra∣duced also for bringing in of Popery; but on my Conscience (of which I shall give God a very pre∣sent account) I know Him to be as free from this charge, as any man living; and I hold Him to be as found a Protestant (according to the Religion by Law established) as any man in this Kingdom; And that he will venture His life as far, and as freely for it; and I think I do, or should know, both His affection to Religion, and his grounds for it, as fully as any man in England.

The second particular is concerning this great and Populous City, (which God bless) Here hath been of late, a fashion taken up, to gather hands, and then go to the, Great Court of this Kingdom, (the Parliament) and clamour for Justice, as if that

great and wise Court, before whom the Causes come, (which are unknown to the many) could not, or would not do Justice, but at their appoint∣ment. A way, which may endanger many an In∣nocent man, and pluck his blood upon their own heads, and perhaps upon the Cities also: And this hath been lately practised against my self; The Magistrates standing still, and suffering them o∣penly to proceed from Parish to Parish without check; God forgive the setters of this (with all my heart I beg it) but many well meaning People are caught by it. In S. Stephens case, when nothing else would serve, they stirred up the People against him; and Herod went the same way, when he had kill'd S. James, yet he would not venture upon S. Peter, till he found how the other pleased the People. But take heed of having your hands full of blood, for there is a time (best known to himself) when God (above other sins) makes Inquisition for blood, and when that Inquisition is on foot, the Psalmist tells us, That God remembers (but that is not all) He remem∣bers and forgets not the complaint of the poor, that is, whose blood is shed by oppression, verse 9. take heed of this, It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but then especially, when he is making Inquisition for blood; And (with my Prayers to a∣vert it) I do heartily desire this City to remember the Prophesie that is expressed, Jer. 26.14.15. As for me, behold I am in your hand: do with me as seem∣eth good and meet unto you. But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon your selves, and upon this City, and upon the Inhabitants thereof, &c.

The third particular is the poor Church of Eng∣land. It hath flourished and been a shelter to other

neighbouring Churches, when storms have driven upon them. But, alas, now it is in a storm it self, and God only knows whether, or how it shall get out; and (which is worse than a storm from with∣out) it is become like an Oak cleft to shivers with wedges made out of its own body, and at every cleft prophaneness and Irreligion is entering in▪ while as Prosper spakes (in his second Book De vi∣tae contemptu cap. 4.) Men that introduce prophaness are cloaked over with the name Religionis Imaginariae, of Imaginary Religion; for we have lost the Substance and dwell too much in Opinion, and that Church which all the Jesuits machinations could not ruin, is fallen into danger by her own.

The last particular (for I am not willing to be too long) is my self; I was born and baptized in the bosom of the Church of England established by Law; in that profession I have ever since lived, and in that I come now to dye; This is no time to dissemble with God, least of all in matter of Re∣ligion; and therefore I desire it may be remem∣bred, I have always lived in the Protestant Religi∣on, established in England, and in that I now come to dye. What clamours and slanders I have endu∣red for labouring to keep an Uniformity in the ex∣ternal service of God, according to the Doctrin and Discipline of this Church, all men know, and I have abundantly felt.

Now at last I am accused of High Treason in Par∣liament: a crime which my Soul ever abhorred; this Treason was charged to consist of these two parts, An endeavour to subvert the Laws of the Land, and a like Endeavour to overthrow the true Protestant Religion estab••••shed by Law. Besides my Answers to the several Charges, I protested my innocency in

both Houses. It was said, Prisoners protestations at the Bar must not be taken. I can bring no witness of my heart and the intentions thereof; therefore I must come to my Protestation, not at the Bar, but my Protestation at this hour and instant of my death; in which I hope all men will be such charitable Christians, as not to think I would dye and dissemble, being instantly to give God an account for the truth of it: I do therefore here in the presence of God, and his holy Angels, take it upon my death, That I never endeavoured the subversion either of Law or Religion; and I desire you all to remember this Protest of mine concerning mine innocency, in these, and from all Treasons whatsoever. I have been accused likewise as an Enemy to Parliaments: No, I understand them and the benefit that comes by them too well to be so; But I did mislike the misgovernments of some Parliaments many ways, and I had good reason for it; for Corruptio optimi est pessima, there is no corruption in the World so bad, as that which is of the best thing in it self: for the better the thing is in nature, the worse it is, corupt∣ed. And that being the highest Court, over which no other hath jurisdiction, when tis mis-informed or misgoverned, the Subject is left without all re∣medy. But I have done, I forgive all the World, all and every of those bitter Enemies which have persecuted me, and humbly desire to be forgiven of God first, and then of every man, whether I have offended him or not, if he do but conceive that I have. Lord do thou forgive me, and I beg for∣giveness of him, And so I heartily desire you to joyn in Prayer with me.

O Eternal God and merciful Father, look down upon me in mercy, in the riches and fulness of all thy mercies look upon me; but not till thou hast nailed my sins to the Cross of Christ, not till thou hast bathed me in the blood of Christ, not till I have hid my self in the wounds of Christ: that so the punishment due unto my sins may pass over me. And since thou art pleased to try me to the uttermost, I humbly beseech thee give me now in this great instant, full patience, proportionable comfort, and a heart ready to dye for thy honour, the Kings hap∣piness, and this Churches preservation. And my zeal to these (far from Arrogancy be it spoken) is all the sin (human frailties excepted, and all incidents thereto) which is yet known to me in this particular for which I now come to suffer; I say in this particular of Treason; but otherwise my sins are many and great: Lord pardon them all, and those especially (what ever they are) which have drawn down this present judgment upon me: and when thou hast given me strength to bear it, do with me as seems best in thine own eyes: and carry me through death that I may look upon it in what visage soever it shall appear to me, Amen. And that there may be a stop of this issue of blood, in this more than miserable Kingdom, (I shall desire that I may pray for the People too, as well as for my self) O Lord, I beseech thee, give grace of repentance to all Blood-thirsty People; but if they will not repent, O Lord confound all their devices, defeat and frustrate all their designs and endea∣vours upon them, which are or shall be contrary to the Glory of thy great Name, the truth and sincerity of Re∣ligion, the establishment of the King and his posterity after him in their just rights and Priviledges, the honour and conservation of Parliaments in their just power, the preservation of this poor Church in her truth, peace, and

patrimony, and the settlement of this distracted and di∣stressed People under their ancient Laws, and in their native Liberties. And when thou hast done-all this in meer mercy for them, O Lord, fill their hearts with thankfulness, and with Religious dutiful obedience to thee and thy Commandments all their days: So Amen, Lord Jesus Amen, and receive my Soul into thy Bosom Amen. Our Father which art in Heaven, &c.

January the 11th. Sir Henry Gage Governour of Oxford marched thence with a party of horse and foot towards Abingdon with intention to raise a Fort at Cullom bridg, but Brown (having treacherous notice of the design) was prepared accordingly, which begat a hot skirmish, wherein the Rebels lost Major Bradbury, and at least 30 others slain, and on His Majesties part not above 7 common Soldiers; but by great misfortune Sir Henry Gage himself marching in the front of his men did here receive a fatalshot, whereof within few hours after he dyed. His Body was afterwards interred at Oxford with funebrious exequies and solemnities answerable to his merits; who having done His Majesty special service, was (whilst living) generally beloved, and dead is still universally lamented. His daily refreshed memory makes me trespass on the Readers patience with this

ELEGY Upon the never-enough lamented Death of Sir HENRY GAGE, the most desired Governour of OXFORD.

SO Titus called was, The Worlds delight, And straight-way dy'd; The envious Sisters spight Still the great favourite: The darling head Unto the Fates is always forfeited. Our Life's a Chase, where (tho the whole Herd fly) The goodlyest Deer is singled out to dye. And as in Beasts, the fattest ever bleeds: So amongst men, he that doth bravest deeds. He might have liv'd, had but a Coward fear Kept him securely sculking in the rear: Or like some sucking Colonel, whose edg Durst not advance a foot from a thick hedg: Or like the wary Skippon, had so sure A suit of Arms, he might (besieg'd) endure: Or like the politick Lords, of different skill, Who thought a Saw-pit safer, or a Hill; Whose valour in two Organs too did lye Distinct; the ones in's ear, th'others in his eye. Puppets of War! Thy name shall be divine, And happily augment the number Nine, But that the Heroes, and the Muses strive

To own thee dead, who wert them all, alive. Such an exact composure was in thee, Neither exceeding Mars, nor Mercury. Twas just, tho hard, thou shouldst dye Governour Of th' Kings chief Fort of Learning, and of War. Thy death was truly for thy Garrison, Thou dy'dst projecting her Redemption. What unto Basing twice (successeful spirit) Was done, th'hast effected here in merit. The Bridg was broken down: The Fort alone GAGE was himself, the first and the last stone. Go burn thy Faggots Brown; and grieve thy Rage Lets thee out-live the gentle grasp of GAGE. And when thou read'st in thy Britanicus The boasted story of his death, say thus: The Valour I have shewn in this, was Crime, And GAGES Death will brand me to all Time.

In this month a fair new Ship called the John of London belonging to the East-India Merchants, was brought to Bristol (by the Loyalty of Capt. Mucknell and the rest of the Officers and Mariners of the Ship) for His Majesties service, wherein were 26 pieces of Ordnance mounted, 17000. l. in Mony, besides some other good Commodities. For which good service the said Captain Mucknell had the honour to be the first Knight that ever the Prince of Wales made.

And within a few days after another Ship called the Fame of London, (of burthen 450 Tuns, with 28 pieces of Ordnance mounted) was by Tempest forced into Dartmouth, where she was seised on for His Majesties service, as lawful prize, being bound for Dover or London. The Ship had been abroad 4 years, and was now returning homewards from

the West-Indies, laden with Bullion, Oyl, Cou∣chaneille, and other rich Commodities, to the va∣lue of 40000l. at least.

January the 30th. The Treaty began at Uxbridg, wherein the candour of His Majesties reall intenti∣ons and desires of Peace was very perspicuous: For His Majesty did not only Arm his Commissioners or any ten of them with a very large and powerful Commission to treat of, conclude and settle a firm Peace in all His Dominions, but did also by Pro∣clamation appoint a solemn Fast on the 5th. day of February then next for a blessing on that Treaty, with a Form of Common-Prayer set forth by His Majesties special Command to be used in all Churhes and Chappels within this Kingdom. One of which Prayers drawn by His, Majesties special direction and dictate, I here afford the Reader.

The Prayer

O Most merciful Father, Lord God of Peace and Truth, we a People sorely afflicted by the scourge of an unnatural War, do here earnestly beseech Thee, to command a Blessing from Heaven upon this present Treaty, begun for the establishment of an happy Peace. Soften the most obduarte hearts with a true Christian desire of saving those mens blood, for whom Christ himself hath shed His. Or if the guilt our great sins cause this Treaty to break off in vain, Lord let the Truth clearly appear, who those men are, which under pretence of the Publick good do pursue their own private ends; that this People may be no longer so blindly miserable, as not to see, at least in this their Day, the things that belong unto their Peace. Grant this gracious God, for his sake who is our Peace it self, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

February the 9th. Sir Walter Hastings Governour of Portland Castle for His Majesty, took the great Fort at Weymouth, and within two day after Sir Lewis Dives took the middle Fort and Town of Weymouth, and in a skirmish there slew Major Sydenham (a forward Rebel) with some others. This Town and Forts were not many days held by His Majesties Forces, but were as unfortunatey lost, as happily gained.

Febru••ry the 15th. Rowdon house neer Chippenham in Wiltshire (after 9 days siege) was taken by His Majesties Forces, and in it 120 good Horse, above 200 Foot, with their Arms and provisions, Col. Stevens the Mock-sheriff of Gloucestershire, six Captains, and above 20 inferiour Officers, all at mercy.

February the 20th. The Lord Macguire, an Irish Baron, was executed by the common hangman at Tyburn by command of the Members at Westminster. In the History of which execution recorded in ma∣ny of their own Pamphlets written then and upon that subject, the Reader may observe two Questions asked by Mr. Gibbs, one of the Sheriffs of London, and answered by that Lord the very instant before his death; The first was, Whether he knew of any Commission the King had granted to the Irish Rebels, for the commotion they had raised in their Country? he answered, That he never knew nor heard of any. The second was, Whether there was not some agreement made by the Irish Commissioners, before the Rebellion first brake out with the Recu∣sants of England? He answered, That to his know∣ledg, there was never an one in England, either Ca∣tholick or Protestant, that knew of it, but one, and he was an Irish man, and a Protestant, and he came to

the knowledg of it but by chance, not at he was an actor in it.

Out of which, and out of that delivered by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury on the Scaffold immedi∣ately before his death, the World may evidently see His Majestly irrefragably cleared, by two acts of the Rebels own cruelty, from two of the most scanda∣lous aspersions, by which the malice of these forg∣ing Rebels hath from time to time endeavcured to make His sacred Majesty odious to His People. Salutem ex inimicis nostris, may the King well say, seeing his Enemies actions turned to his justificati∣on, quite contrary to their intendments. The first was an imagined inclination in His Majesty to Popery; The second, a pretended commissionating of the Irish Rebellion. In the first, the Arch-Bishop of Canter∣bury. In this, the Lord Macguire, both at their very dying hours, have rendred His Majesty as in∣nocent, as the Rebels intended him odious. I say innocent, because we know the worst of Rebels cannot but credit those Persons especially testifying at such time when they were immediately after to give an account of all their actions to the knower of all hearts. Nor can any one believe, but the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury (who was daily conver∣sant with His Majesty in matters of Religion) must needs know the very depth of his heart therein; And the Lord Macguire (who was privy to the first motion of the Irish Rebellion) must likewise of ne∣cessity have known of the Kings Commission, if any such thing had been.

February the 22d. The Treaty at Uxbridg, was broken up, though His Majesty sent a particular message, and his Commissioners did earnestly de∣sire that the same might be continued. In this

Treaty His Majesties Commissioners condescend∣ed much, but those of Westminster would abate nothing of the rigour of their first unheard-of Pro∣positions, which was the cause the Treaty took no better effect.

February the 22d. The Town of Shrewsbury was (by treachery in the night) delivered to Col. Mitton the Rebellious Governour of Wem. Here you may see the Rebels Master-piece, in hatching this trea∣cherous Plot in the time of Treaty, wherein they used the name of Peace, only as a masque for their designs, but intended nothing less. In this Town the Rebels did most barbarously execute 13 of His Majesties Soldiers, which his Highness Prince Rupert did soon after justly requite, (lege talionis) by hanging up a like number of theirs, which he had taken without Quarter given.

February the 25th. Sir Marmaduke Langdale rout∣ed a great Body of Rebels consisting of at least 1200 Horse and Dragoons, commanded by Col. Rossiter, a Scot, neer Melton Mowbray, in Leicester∣shire, kill'd above 30 of them, too 46 Prisoners, with four Colours of horse, with the loss of Sir John Girlington a gallant Knight, Capt. Gascoigne, and not above 6 or 7 common Soldiers on His Maje∣sties part.

February the 25th. Col. Roger Molineux with a party of Horse from Newarke took the Rebels Com∣mittee at Wirksworth in Darbyshire, where they were gathering contribution, viz. Mr. Wigfall, (Sir John Gells Son in Law) Mr. Edward Charleton, Mr. Bux∣ton, Major Molins, Capt. Harstaffe, Lieutenant Boteler, about 70 Troopers and Dragooners, with all their Horse and Arms, and 400l. in Mony. In this action some of the Rebels were kill'd, where∣of

of Mr. Sellors, a busie Sequestrator, was one, and on His Majesties part only one man lost.

February the 26th. Sir William and Sir Charles Comp∣ton (Brothers to the Noble Earl of Northampton) with 300 horse routed 400 of the Rebels horse of Northampton neer Daventry in that County, kill'd 13, wounded many, took 36 Prisoners, with 50 Horse, and good store of Arms.

In the latter end of this month, a party of His Majesties Forces from Hereford took Castle-ditch, (a Garrison of the Rebels on the borders of that Coun∣ty) and in it Col. Hopton the Governour, (Son to Sir Richard Hopton) his Under-officers, above 60 Foot Soldiers, with their Arms and Provisions, and some Horse.

March the 1st. Pontfract Castle (that had been long besieged, not without much loss to the Rebels, by frequent sallies made by the Defendants and o∣therwise) was relieved by Sir Marmaduke Langdale, who there utterly defeated the Lord Fairfax whole Army, kill'd 300 on the place, besides many drown∣ed, took above 700 Prisoners, whereof 44. Officers, 22 Colours of Foot, being all the Rebels had, and 26 Standards of Horse, with 34 double Barrels of Powder, and a proportionable quantity of Match and Bullet, and 2500 Foot Arms, besides Horse Arms, and other spoil. In this action were slain many of the Rebels chief Officers, as Col. Armyn, Col. Thornton, Col. Malevery, with others; On His Majesties part no Officer slain, and but very few common Soldiers.

March the 6th. Sir Charles Compton with his Regi∣ment of horse took 72 Pack-horses at Hawford on the borders of Warwickshire, being richly laden with the Rebels wealth of Gloucester, and intended

for London; with these Sir Charles also took their Convoy of at least 100 Horse, and neer 70 Pris∣oners, with a Lieutenant, one Cornet and his Co∣lours, having first kill'd 12 Rebels on the place, without loss of any one man, and but one hurt.

March the 7th. Major Abercromy a Rebellious Scot was slain neer Stratton Audley in Buckingham∣shire, and 17 of his men taken by a party from His Majesties Garison of Borstal house.

March the 14th. Col. Long the high Sheriff of Wiltshire with his own Regiment of horse only, gallantly charged a great body of Wallers horse neer the Devizes, and did good execution on them; but being much over-powered by the Rebels num∣bers, was at length taken Prisoner with some part of his Regiment; which was within few days after sufficiently requited by the Lord Goring, who took above 700 of Wallers horse in those parts.

March the 15th. A Party of His Majesties horse from Pontfract Castle fell on Colonel Brandlings Quarters at Badsworth, four miles from Doncaster, took 67 Rebels Prisoners, whereof 13 Officers, 130 horse, and 1000 l. in Mony.

March the 18th. The Earl of Northampton with his three young Brothers, (in all whom Gallantry is hereditary) routed a great Body of the Rebels horse of Northampton neer Abthorp, kill'd neer 30 Rebels, whereof Captain Lidcote was one, and hurt many more, took 26 Prisoners, and this with the loss of 5 Troopers only on His Ma∣jesties part.

The same 18th. of March, Beeston Castle in Cheshire (that had been bravely defended for 17 weeks before by Capt. Valet, and as vainly besieged

by Prince RUPERTS approach into those parts.

March the 24th. The Lower Member at West∣minster Vote the clause for preservation of His Ma∣jesties Person, to be left out in Thomas Fairfax his Commission. Thus do the Rebels

1. Swear to live and die with their own General Essex, yet upon second thoughts they disoblige themselves from that Oath, and cashier him of his command.

2. Covenant to preserve His-Majesties Per∣son and Authority, and yet afterwards Authorize Sir Thomas Fairfax to kill him if he can.

3. They vow to maintain the Protestant Re∣ligion, yet condemn and discountenance the essential parts thereof, and introduce Irreligion and Prophaness.

Now tell me, Reader, what Tropological sence can save this jugling from flat and literal Perjury? not all the addition of their Abrogative to their Legislative power, For this is indeed to abrogate Christianity as well as Loyalty out of the World: To give leave to kill the Kings Person in the field, and yet to cheat men into a conceipt of preserving His Majesty in William Lenthal's Chair: To make the World believe they are Protestants, when they permit and authorize an illiterate Assembly of Non-Divines to discountenance the 39 Articles, dispute about expunging the fifth Article of the Apostles Creed: To antiquate the Lords Prayer out of the Church Service, and turn out the long-setled Ser∣vice of Common-Prayer out of the Church, to give way to a long winded extemporary non-sence in the room thereof.

O tempora! O mores!

Are not these fine Law-maker;, who violate the Laws of God and holy Church, as well as those themselves were born unto, to make way for their own Chimeraes? Would not any true Zelot pawn his Soul upon these mens Consciences, who make no Conscience of breaking their own Oaths? Would not any wise man melt his Fortunes to main∣tain these mens Cause, who have no cause for what they do? Yes, he that could be made to be∣lieve Perjury were Fidelity; Treason, Loyalty; Blasphemy, Sanctity; Atheism, Religion; the Speakers Cushion, the Kings Majesty; may like∣wise possibly believe that these Rebels intend the Churches, Kings, and Common-wealths good.

Post-monita.

THe Reader may take notice of two omissions; The first in February 1642. about which time His Majesties Forces from Hereford, commanded by Sir Richard Lawdy, encountred the Rebels of Gloucester at Cover on the borders of that County, routed their whole Body, kill'd and took most of the Rebels Commanders, and many common Sol∣diers, with four Drakes; yet this Victory came not off without some loss, for Sir Richard Lawdy him∣self was here slain by a shot out of a window in Cover Town, with 5 common Soldiers only on His Majesties part.

The other in the beginning of July, 1643. a∣bout which time Col. (now Lord) Jermyn with those Forces that guarded Her Majesty out of the

North, assisted by Col. Hastings, now Lord Lowgh∣borough, took Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire by assault, wherein there was taken Col. Houghton the Governour, with all the inferiour Officers, above 400 common Soldiers, 8 pieces of Ordnance, and good store of Ammunition, and this done without any considerable loss.

The End.

Mercurius Belgicus: OR, Memorable Occurrences, in Anno 1645.

MARCH the 25th. 1645. The Lord Goring routed a party of the Rebels horse at Pitma∣ster neer Taunton in Summersetshire, slew Major Roy that commanded them, took 100 horse and Arms, and about 50 Prisoners.

April the 1st. Major General Sir John Digby with a brigade of horse and Dragoons beat up the Rebels Quarters at and about Wincaunton, took 100 Prisoners, 2 Colours, 300 horse and as many Arms, without any considerable loss on His Maje∣sties part.

April the 5th. A party of the Lord Gorings horse routed Colonel Pophams Regiment in Wiltshire, kill'd 40 of them, took Major Car that command∣ed them, with at least 120 Prisoners with their horses and Arms.

April the 14th. the siege of High-archall in Shrop∣shire, which had been continued by the Rebels for the space of 17 days, was raised by themselves: during this siege, the defendants commanded by Sir Vincent Corbet and Capt. Armorer, in several sal∣lies kill'd and took at least 500 Rebels and 4 pieces of Ordnance.

April the 19th. A party of His Majesties Forces from Newark took the Fort at Nottingham Bridg by Scalado, took some 50 Rebels in it (besides an En∣sign and 10 others kill'd and drowned) 30 horse, 200 Arms, and 5 pieces of Ordnance▪ Th•••• Fort His Majesties Forces held about 11 days, and then quit∣ted it without any loss.

April the 22d. Col. Masseyes Forces were totally routed by Prince Rupert at Ledbury in Hereford-shire, where above 100 of them were slain, Major Backhouse, and neer 400 Prisoners taken, whereof 27 Officers, besides many hundred of Arms with all their Baggage, and this done with the loss of but 5 common Soldiers only on His Majesties part.

April the 23d. Major General Laughorne lying at the siege of Newcastle Emblin in Carmarden-shire, was totally defeated by His Majesties Forces com∣manded by Col. (now Lord) Gerard, who kill'd 200 of his men on the place, took neer 500 Pri∣soners, with all their Arms, Ordnance and Baggage, with the loss only of about 26 men on His Majesties part, and some hurt.

April the 24th. Col. Cromwell the Independent Gen∣eral routed a party of 200 of His Majesties horse neer Oxford, and no sooner summoned Blechington house, but 'twas delivered up to him by Col. Winde∣bank the Governour, who was soon after Condem∣ned therefore by a Counsel of War, and executed at Oxford accordingly.

April the 30th. Cromwell assaulted His Majesties Garrison of Farrington, commanded as then by Lieutenant Colonel Burges, who defended the place with such gallantry, that Cromwell was repul∣sed with the loss of neer 200 men, besides what

were wounded, a Captain and some others also taken Prisoners.

May the 7th. The Lord Goring routed a strong party of Cromwells horse near New-bridge betwixt Oxford-shire and Barkshire, kill'd and wounded at least 80, took Major Bethell that commanded in chief, Prisoner, with divers common Soldiers and 2 Colours.

In the beginning of this month that unheard-of cruelty was put in practise in and about London by certain persons, men and women appointed and authorized to inveigle and intice Children from their Parents, and without their knowledge, and so convey them on Shipboard to be sold and trans∣ported to new Plantations, the Lord knows where. This so much discontented the People, that the houses at Westminster were glad to disavow the thing, and forthwith make an order against it.

May the 11th. His Majesties Forces made a gal∣lant sally from Scarborougb Castle, wounded Sir John Meldrum, that commanded the siege, where∣of he not long after dyed, slew Colonel Cockeram, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley, Major Dent, Captain Piercy, and 50 others, whereof most Commanders, and took divers Prisoners: On His Majesties part were only slain Capt. Gower and some 4 common Soldiers.

Soon after Capt. Zachary that commanded one of the Ships in the harbour of the Rebels, Received a shot from the Castle, whereof he dyed.

May the 15th. Hawkesley house a Garrison of the Rebels in Worcester-shire was surrendred to His Ma∣jesty, the Governour Captain Gouge, and 80 Sol∣diers submitting to mercy, and the house afterwards slighted.

This done His Majesty with his Army marched to∣wards Chester, which had been long besieged by Sir William Bruerton, but before His Majesty came within 20 miles of it, the Rebels raised their siege.

May the 26th. Massey took Evesholme in Worcester∣shire a Garrison of His Majesties by storm, and in it Col. Leg the Governour, and some 300 common Soldiers, with the loss only of about 20 men kill'd, but more wounded.

May the 30th. His Majesties Army sate down be∣fore Leicester and the morrow morning early took it by storm, and in it the whole Committee. Sir Robert Pye and many hundred Prisoners, many horses, much Powder, Arms and Ordnance, and great store of wealth. In the assault on His Ma∣jesties part were slain Col. St. George and about 80 others, but of the Rebels about 120.

The same day the Rebels quitted their several Garrisons of Bagworth, Colehorton, Kirby-bellows and Burleigh. Whilst His Majesties Army was thus busied at Leicest. Sir Thomas Fairfax (the Re∣bels new General) lay some 15 days blocking up of Oxford, though fruitlessly, for by several Sallies thence, he lost many of his men, some kill'd, others taken Prisoners, and not a small number running away, so that he raised his siege thence the begin∣ning of June; And June 4. he assaulted Borstall house commanded by Sir William Campion for His Majesty, but was beaten off with the loss of 300 of his men, the brave Garrison losing but one man, and 4 hurt.

June the 6th. there fell a strange hail storm in that part of Licestershire which is in and about Loughborough, some of the Hailstones were as big

as small hens eggs, and the least as big as musquet bullets: it destroyed the Corn and did much hurt in that part of the Country were it fell.

June the 9th. His Majesties Forces encountred a body of Rebels near Stokesey in Shorp-shire, but being over-powred, were forced to retreat with the loss of Sir William Croft, a gallant Gentleman, and some others.

June the 14th. Was that fatal Battle at Naesby-Down in Northamptonshire, where His Majesties Ar∣my (till then victorious) was now by the incertain∣ty of War much worsted, his foot, Ordnance and Baggage most lost. In this battel, Sir Peter Brown, Sir Thomas Dallison, Gol. Bawd, Major Wilson, and Capt. Thorold on His Majesties part were slain, the whole number on both sides slain was conceived not to exceed 400. but more wounded. Above all the Rebels cruelty was remarkable in killing upon cold Blood at least 100 Women, whereof some of quality, being Commanders Wives, and this done under pretence that they were Irish Women.

June the 18th. Leicester was re-taken by the Re∣bels upon Articles that His Majesties Soldiers with∣in should march away, the Officers with horses and Arms, and the common Soldiers without, which Agreement was most persidiously broken by the Rebels.

The same 18th. of June a party from Newark commanded by Capt. Wright routed 200 of the Re∣bels horse at Riby in Lincolnshire, slew their Com∣mander in chief, Lieutenant Col. Harrington, with some others, and took 50 Prisoners, with their horse and Arms.

June the 28th. The City of Carlisle was delivered to the Scots (after it had been gallantly defended

42 weeks by Sir Thomas Glenham and Sir Henry Strad∣ling, the Governour of the City and Citadel) upon very honourable conditions, to march away with Arms, Bag and Baggage, Colours flying, drums beating, &c.

July the 4th. Sir William Vaughan with a party of horse beat up the Rebels Quarters near Bramcroft Castle in Shropshire, took 50 Prisoners and 80 horse. And next morning July 5. (having received some more supplies from His Majesties Garrisons in those parts) marched to Higharchall, then a second time be∣sieged by the Rebels, and behaved himself so gal∣lantly that he totally routed the besiegers, kill'd 100 on the place, and took 400 Prisoners, with all their Baggage and Carriages, without any conside∣rable loss.

July the 10th. A brigade of the Lord Gorings Ar∣my being put to guard a pass at Langport in Somerset∣shire were over-powered by the Rebels and so forced to a disorderly retreat with the loss of 300 men kill'd and taken, but above all, here that gallant and re∣solute Genleman Sir John Digby received a hurt, whereof he not long after dyed.

July the 16th. Chippenham a new erected Gar∣rison of the Rebels in Wiltshire was taken by Col. James Long, and in it 100 Prisoners, 300 Arms, and about 20 Rebels slain.

The same day a Party from Newark surprised Welbeck house, took 200 Prisoners in it, 3 pieces of Cannon, and above 300 Arms.

July the 21st. Pontefract Castle, after above three months siege, and many notable fallies, was deli∣vered to the Rebels by Col. Lowder the Governour, upon honourable conditions.

July the 22d. Bridgwater was taken by Sir Thomas Fairfax by assault, not without much loss of blood to the assailants, and of goods to ther poor Towns-People.

July the 25th. The strong Castle of Scarborough after long siege was delivered to the Rebels by Sir Hugh Cholmley upon condition to march away, &c.

August the 1st. A party of His Majesties Forces from Newark took Torkesey house in Lincolnshire by Scalado, and in it 140 Prisoners, and about 8 of the Garrison slain, and but two men on His Maje∣sties part.

Aug. the 8th. Capt. Allen a forward Rebel and his whole Troop were taken on the borders of Lin∣colnshire by a party from Belvoire Castle.

Aug. the 15th. Sherburne Castle in Somersetshire after much battery was won by assault, and Sir Lewis Dives the Governour taken Prisoner. In this action the Rebels lost Major Dove, 5 Captains, and many common Soldiers.

Aug. the 17th. The most noble and gallant Mar∣quess of Montrosse utterly defeated an Army consist∣ing of at least 12000. Rebels in Kilseith field near Glascow in Scotland, slew 3500 on the place, took their bag, and baggage and Ordnance, with 2000 Prisoners, and the next day the Marquess received the submission of 9 Lords in behalf of His Ma∣jesty, and in a manner became Master of all Scot∣land.

Aug. the 24th. His Majesties Forces took Hunting∣ton, (after a small skirmish, wherein Capt. Bennet and some other Rebels were slain.) In this Town were taken 400 Horse, 200 Prisoners, and good store of Arms.

Aug. the 31st. A party from Newarke marched as far as Barton upon Humber, and there took Sir Alexander Hope a Scot, with his two Brothers, and some other considerable Prisoners, with a good booty in mony and jewels, and brought all safe to Newarke.

Sept. the 2d. The Scots (that had lain 5 weeks be∣fore Hereford) suddenly raised their siege, by reason of His Majesties approach with his Army into those parts. During the time of this Siege were slain of the Scots, Major General Crawford, and Lieute∣nant Col. Gurdon, with at least 600 common Soldiers. At this siege was also slain Doctor Scudamore, but on His Majesties part no considerable number, nor any considerable person lost.

Sept. 6th. His Majesties Forces From Oxford beat up the Rebels Quarters at Tame, kill'd divers, took Prisoners Adjutant General Pride, with divers o∣ther Officers and common Soldiers. They also took 3 Colours and above 200 Horse, and this done with the loss only of Captain Gardiner a gallant young Gentleman, and some few more on His Majesties part.

Sept. the 9th. Master Stroud, one of the five Members, and one of the principal promoters of these troubles, dyed of a pestilential Fever, to say no worse of it.

Sept. the 11th. Bristol was delivered upon Con∣ditions by Prince Rupert after about three weeks siege, part of the City was won by assault; which as the Rebels gained not without some loss, so was their loss, no ways equivalent to the importance of the place. During this Siege, in Sallies, and in defending the Assault, His Majesty lost four e∣minent persons, (viz.) Sir Bernard Ashley, Sir Richard

Crane, Colonel Taylor, and Major Garneer a Frenchman.

Sept. the 13th. A Brigade of the Marquess of Mon∣tross his Forces received a defeat at Philip-haugh in Tividale in Scotland, wherein the Lord Ogleby and some others of note were taken Prisoners, and some slain. This was the first clear defeat that ever that noble Marquess, or any considerable part of his Army received since the beginning of this War.

September 22d. The Castle of the Devizes in Wiltshire was surrendred to the Rebels upon Con∣ditions, &c.

Sept. the 24th. 5000 of His Majesties horse encoun∣tred a greater Body of the Rebels at Routon-heath near Westchester, then besieged. In this Battel His Majesties Army was worsted, having lost that gal∣lant Gentleman, the Lord Bernard Steward, Earl of Lichfield, and some others. The Rebels here (as in most other places) lost no men of Quality, having very few or none in their Army to lose.

September the 26th. Barckley Castle in Gloucester∣shire was surrendred to the Rebels upon Conditions, &c.

October the 1st. Sandall Castle in York-shire was likewise delivered to the Rebels, after a long siege, upon Conditions, &c.

October the 6th. Winchester Castle was likewise de∣livered upon composition, &c.

October the 14th. Basing house was taken by storm, the defendants not having a sufficient num∣ber within to man their works, the noble Marquess of Winchester (that had so long and gallantly defend∣ed this his own house) was here taken Prisoner with about 200 others, and at least 100 of the de∣fendants

slain, many whereof in cold blood, not without some loss to the Assailants.

October the 15th. A Brigade of His Majesties horse marchimg Northward under command of the Lord Digby, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale surprized 800 of the Rebels foot at Sherborne in Yorke-shire, but before they had disposed of the Prisoners and their Arms, a fresh party encountred them, rescued the Prisoners, disordered His Majesties Forces, slew Sir Richard Hutton, and some others.

October the 16th. Tiverton Castle in Devonshire taken by assault by Sir Thomas Fairfax's Forces, the Governour and the rest within all at mercy, &c.

October the 27th. Shelford house in Nottinghamshire was taken by the Rebels by storm, the valiant Go∣vernour Col. Stanhop defended it, even to the last man, himself and near 200 others were slain by the Merciless Rebels after they were entered the house, having first lost about 60 of their men in the assault.

November the 5th. Boulton Castle in Yorke-shire hat had been long and gallantly defended by Colonel Scroop the Governour and owner of it, was surrendred to the Rebels upon Conditions, &c.

Novemb. the 16th. Beeston Castle in Cheshire (af∣ter long siege) was likewise surrendred to the Rebels upon Conditions.

Novemb. the 22d. The stables and outworks of Belvoir Castle were gained by storm, in which action the Rebels lost 100 of their men and more wound∣ed, the defendants retreating all into the Castle with the loss of 2 men only slain and some few hurt.

December the 1st. The house of Commons at Westmin∣ster Vote the King to confer several honours upon several Members of each house, and (inter alios) a Dukedom on the Earl of Essex and the Heirs Males of his body lawfully begotten, &c.

The same 1st. of December a party of His Maje∣sties Forces from Ashby de la zouch took a Troop of horse and some foot Soldiers conveying certain Re∣bels goods from Darby to Leicester.

December ihe 4th. Latham house (that had so long and gallantly defended it self, and so often offend∣ed the Rebeis) was surrendred to them upon con∣ditions, &c.

December the 5th. His Majesty sent to the Parlia∣ment at Westminster to desire that the D. of Richmond, E. of Southampton, Mr. Ashburnham, and Mr. Palmer, might have a safe Conduct to bring Propositions of Peace.

December the 18th. His Majesty sent a second Let∣ter, with the most powerful perswasions imaginable, that a safe Conduct might be granted according to his desire in his former Letter, but both had one denial in a Letter of the 25th. of Dec.

December the 18th. The Loyal City of Hereford was by the persidiousness of some within, and the bribery of others without, delivered up to the Re∣bels without any siege, or almost any bloodshed, whereby the persons and goods of many Gentle∣men of quality and other loyal Subjects fell into the hands of the merciless Victors.

December the 22d. The Lords at Westminster (to the eternal dishonour of that House) put it to the Vote, Whether Christmas day should be kept or no? For truly to blot out that, and the memory of Christs Passion, is the nearest way to introduce Judaism.

Decemb. the 26th. His Majesty sent a third mes∣sage, wherein he offered to repair personally to London for concluding a Peace, but this found no better acceptance than the two former.

Decemb. the 29th. His Majesty sent answer to the Parliaments Letter of the 25. of this month, and did then again use the best perswasions he could to beget in them admittance of a Personal Treaty; both which last received a denial from the Parlia∣ment by a Letter dated Jan. 13. 1645.

January the 1st. The Newarkers (to welcome in the New year) made a gallant sally upon General Pointz his Quarters at Stoke, kill'd and took above 220. with good store of Arms and other Booty, without any valuable loss.

Jan. the 14th. His Majesty sent a fifth Message, inviting to Peace.

January the 17th. His Majesty sent Answer to the Parliaments Letter of the 13th. of January, with many gracious expressions of his desire of Peace.

Jan. the 18th Dartmouth was taken by Sir Thomas Fairfax, part of it by storm, and other part by Com∣position.

Jan. the 20th. Sir John Cansfield with a party of horse from Oxford beat up the Rebels Quarters at Marlborough, took Col. Ayres, the Rebels Governour of the Devizes, Mr. Goddard a Committee-man, Cap. White their Commissary General, 3 Troops of Horse, 100 Foot Soldiers, with good store of Arms and Ammunition, with the loss of but 3 or 4 men slain, and not many hurt.

The same day a party from Ashby-de-la Zouche took Astley Castle in Warwickshire, by Scalado, and in it the Governour, with some 30 others, with good store of Arms.

Jan. the 24th. His Majesty sent a seventh Let∣ter in fuller Answer of the Parliaments Letter of the 13th. of this month, with earnest desire of a satisfactory Answer to his former Letters, the aim of all which still levelled at the peace and wel∣fare of this bleeding Kingdom.

Jan. the 29th. His Majesty sent an eighth Let∣ter to the Parliament, with many gracious conde∣scendings for Peace, but their ears were still deaf to such pious motions.

Jan. the 30th. A party from Ragland Castle commanded by the Lord Charles Sommerset, took the Town of Carlion in Monmouth-shire, wherein were 200 of the Rebels Foot Soldiers, and a Troop of Horse, some of which were slain, others drown∣ed, and the rest taken Prisoners.

Feb. the 1st. The same party also took the Town of Newport in that County, after a sharp fight, wherein 200 Rebels fell, agd as many were taken Prisoners in the Town, His Majesties Forces in this action not losing one man, but had about 30 wounded.

Feb. the 3d. Belvoir Castle that had been de∣fended for near three months by Sir Gervas Lucas was now surrendred to the Rebels upon Ho∣nourable Conditions to march away, with Bag and Baggage, &c.

The same 3d. of Feb. Westchester that had been gallantly defended by the Lord Byron above five months was likewise surrendred upon Conditions to march away, &c.

Feb. the 6th. Dunster Castle in Sommersetshire, that had been long besieged by the Rebels, was relieved by that try'd Soldier Major General Webb.

Feb. the 7th. A party of His Majesties Forces entred the Town of Warham in Dorsetshire, took Col. Butler the Governor, two Committee men, and some others, and thence marched to Corf Castle then besieged, which they relieved, took a Mortar-Peice of the Rebels, and made a safe Retreat with∣out any Loss.

Feb. the 15th. A little but sharp encounter hap∣ned between a party of His Majesties Forces from Titbury Castle, and a like party of Rebels from Barton house in Darbyshire, wherein after above half an hours dispute, some slain and many hurt on each side, the Rebels were Routed and many of them taken Prisoners.

Feb. the 18th. A party of Rebels near Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, were routed by His Majesties Forces, who slew Captain Watson their Commander in chief, with Captain Hard-staffe and divers others, and took 60 Prisoners, but more Horses and good store of Arms. In this action His Ma∣jesty lost Captain Sares only of Note and three Troopers.

Feb. 26th. His Majesty sent a ninth Letter to Westminster to desire an Answer of his former Let∣ters, still pressing for Peace.

Feb. 16th. The strong Castle of Corf which had been lately relieved, was delivered into the hands of the Rebels by the Treachery and per∣fidiousness of one Lieutenant Colonel Pit∣man.

March the 2d. A party of His Majesties Forces from Oxford entred the Town of Abbington, seis∣ed upon the Ordnance and Magazin, yet for want of a sufficient supply were forced to retreat with some Prisoners, and few slain on either side.

March the 12th. The Lord Hopton being, much overpowered by the Rebels in the West was neces∣sitated to accept of Conditions for the disbanding his Army, &c.

March the 21st. the Lord Ashley commanding a Brigade of horse and foot from Worcester-shire which were intended for Oxford, were set upon by an aggregate body of the Rebels on the edg of Glou∣cestershire and defeated, the foot most taken with my Lord himself and some of the horse, the re∣mainder escaped and got to Oxford. Thus had His Majesty two Armies defeated in less than a fortnight, yet we are confident when Almighty God hath suf∣ficiently punish'd the sins of this Nation, he will in his good time restore a pious King to his just rights, and his bleeding Kingdoms to peace and union in despight of all Sectaries and Opponents.

March the 23d. His Majesty (never weary in acting any thing tending to Peace) sent his tenth Message to this effect, That in case he might have the faith of his two houses of Parliament for the preserva∣tion of his Honour, person, and estate, and that liberty might be given to all those that do and have adhered to His Majesty, to enjoy their Estates, without any seque∣stration, or being compelled to take any Oaths, not en∣joined by Law, he would then disband his forces, dis∣mantle his Garrisons, return to and reside with his two Houses of Parliament, &c. And could more be offered by, or expected from a Gracious King? If the Ears of the Parliament continue deaf to so reasonable a motion, the World will easily perceive their intentions are not conform to their often pro∣fessions: And His Majesty will be abundantly clear∣ed before God and man for any ensuing miseries that shall (by want of an Accommodation) befal these Kingdoms, whereunto God of his goodness afford Peace and Truth.

Reader,

THere remains now nothing to com∣pleat this short sad story, but a Ca∣talogue of the Persons of Note slain in these last four years, (not to speak of those many thousands of inferiour Rank) which may well challenge even from an adamantine heart the tribute of a bleeding eye, the rather, since there's hardly any story can parallel these cala∣mities, which if truly resented, will exact from all good Christians an earnest and con∣tinual supplication, that Almighty God would please to avert his anger from us, and set a period to these distractions.

A Catalogue of the Names of all, or the most part of the Lords, Knights, and men of Quality slain or Executed by Law-Martial on both sides, since the beginning of this Unnatural War, to the 25th. of March, 1646.

On His Majesties part slain,

• EArl of Lindsey.
• Earl of Northampton.
• Earl of Carnarvon.
• Earl of Sunderland.
• Farl of Litchsield.
• Earl of Kingstone.
• Marquess de Vieuville, a French man.
• Lord Viscount Faulkland
• Lord d' Aubigny.
• Lord John Steward.
• Lord Grandison.
• Lord Cary, eldest Son to the E. of Monmouth.
• An Outlandish Lord slain at Nottingham, who was a near kins∣man to the Prince of Orange.
• Sir Edmon. Verney.
• Sir Bevill Grenvile.
• Sir Nicholas Slannyng.
• Sir Richard Lawdy.
• Sir Ingram Hopton.
• Sir William Butler.
• Sir William Clark.
• Sir Thomas Metham.
• Sir Anthony Maunsell.
• Sir Anthony St. Leger.
• Sir Henry Gage.
• Sir John Girlington.
• Sir William Mainwaring.
• Sir John Digby.
• Sir William Crofts.
• Sir John Smith.
• Sir Thomas Gardiner and his Brother.
• Sir Peter Brown.
• Sir Thomas Dallison.
• Sir Bernard Ashley.
• Sir Richard Crane.
• Sir Richard Hutton.
• Sir Gilbert Gerard.
• Sir William Wentworth.
• ...

• Sir Cha. Blunt by Mutiny.
• Sir Jo. Scudamore in a Duel,
• • Colonel Blague.
  • Col. Windebank.
  • Sir Job. Cademan.
  Exe∣cu∣ted, by Martial Law: The first for Treachery, the second for Cow∣ardise, and the third Beheaded at Bristol for killing an Officer there
• Col. Howard.
• Col. Lunsford.
• Col. Trevanian.
• Col. Morgan.
• Col. Eure.
• Col. Cavendish.
• Col. Townley.
• Col. Herne.
• Col. Ferdinando Stanhop and Col. Stanhop, Sons to the Earl of Chesterfield.
• Col. Marrow.
• Col. Prideaux.
• Col. Mynne.
• Col. Mannyng.
• Col. Slaughter.
• Col. Bernard.
• Col. S. George.
• Col. Taylor.
• Col. Bawd.
• Col. Carnaby.
• Col. Bentall.
• Lieut. Col. Markham.
• Master Sackvile, Son to the Earl of Dorset.

Persons of Note slain on the Parlia∣ments part: where the Reader may observe, that as His Majesty had on his side ten Gentlemen at least for every one on their side; it must by consequence follow, that he must lose many more of Note than they.

• THe Lord S. John, eldest Son to the E. of Bullingbrook.
• Lord Brook.
• Sir Charles Essex.
• Sir William Fairfax.
• Sir Charles Fairfax.
• Sir John Meldrum.
• Major Gen. Crawford.
• Col. John Hampden, one of the 5. Members.
• Col. Sands.
• Col. Armyne.
• Col. Thornton.
• Col. Lister.
• Col. Meldrum.
• Col. Malevory.
• Col. Cockeram.
• Lieutenant Col. Stanley.
• Lieut. Col. Quarles.
• Lieut. Col. Harrington.
• Lieut. Col. Gurdon.
• Major Dowglas.
• Doctor Scudamore.

Executed on the Parliaments side by Law-Martial, (not to speak of the E. of Strafford and the Arch-Bishop of Cant.)

• Sir Alexander Carew. At LONDON.
• Sir John Hotham and his Son. At LONDON.
• Master Tomkins. At LONDON.
• Master Chaloner. At LONDON.
• Master Bourchier. At BRISTOLL.
• Master Yomans. At BRISTOLL.

FINIS.