Memorials of the English affairs, or, An historical account of what passed from the beginning of the reign of King Charles the First, to King Charles the Second his happy restauration containing the publick transactions, civil and military : together with the private consultations and secrets of the cabinet.

August, 1651.

[1.] That the Treaty for surrender of Lymbrick was broken off, yet their expected re∣lief failed them, that the Lord Deputy had pos∣sest 2 Forts within Musket Shot of their Walls.

Letters, That in the late Battel of Fife Cap∣tain * 1.1 Augustin the great Mosse Trooper lost his Troop of 200 commanded Men, and himself hardly escaped. That the General commanded that the Sick Scots Soldiers left behind by their fellows, should have Provisions given them, and no injury to be offered to them. And that those left dead in their Trenches should be bu∣ried.

That the General shipped the rest of his Ar∣my and Train into Fife, leaving only 4 Regi∣ments of Horse, and 4 of Foot to secure this side of the Water.

That the Isle of Ingarney was surrendred to Cromwel, the Soldiers to march away with their Swords only, leaving all Arms and Ammuniti∣on behind them; and in it Cromwel had 15 pie∣ces of Ordnance.

That many of the Scots Prisoners were sent to New castle.

[2.] Letters, That some of the Scots Mini∣sters, * 1.2 protested against the general Assembly, abetting the Kings design. That a Minister and 2 Students came to the General from An∣gus for protection.

That one of them was excommunicated for not answering 2 questions. * 1.3

• 1. Whether Presbyterian Government in Scot∣land be not in all things conforme to the Word of God.
• 2. Whether Cromwel be not Antichristian.

That another was excommunicated for pray∣ing with Persons of divers families in pri∣vate.

[3.] The Lords day, thanks was given in the Churches in London for the late victory in Fife in Scotland.

Letters That Brunt Island was surrendred to Cromwel upon Articles, and in it 3 Men of war, * 1.4 and it was an excellent harbour, much better than Lieth Harbour, and in it was 500 Sol∣diers.

That many of the Scots Soldiers do run away dayly.

[5.] Letters from Cromwel of the taking of Brunt Island; and in it 30 or 40 great Guns, and 3 little Men of War, that the harbour at an high Tyde there, is a fathom higher then Lieth, and the Town not commanded by any place neer it.

That Major-General Whaley marched along the Sea side, having some Ships to sail by him, and hath taken store of Artillery and divers Ships, that the Enemys Affairs are in some dis∣composure.

That they will not adventure all upon one Ar∣my, but have sent for the new levyes.

An Account of Monys, Recruits, and Pro∣visions gone for Ireland and of prizes taken and brought into Portsmouth.

Of Prizes taken by the Pyrats.

[7.] Letters of much damage done by the Jersey Pyrats.

Of Collonel Hunkin going to be Governour of Scilly with Forces.

That Collonel Hewson was going into Cavan, where the People stood upon their guards, re∣fusing to pay contribution.

[8.] Letters, That Sr. George Askue was set sail for the Barbadoes.

That the General was marched with the Army to St. Johns Town, to prevent sup∣plies to the Enemy from the North of Scot∣land.

That Collonel Fortescue coming to the Ge∣neral with a Petition on the behalf of Mr. * 1.5 Love, the General and the Army would not intermeddle therewith, and the Collonel with a Convoy of 18 Troopers, was set upon by 80 of the Enemies Horse, the Collonel first cryed for quarter, and had it, most of his Convoy were slain, only 4 of them esca∣ped.

That 6000 of the Scots are reported to have Run away from them since the last Rout in * 1.6 Fife.

In the Armies march towards St. Johns Town, 2 Troopers were executed for Straggling and Plundering.

That some Country People being left to cut down the Bridge between St. Johns Town and Sterling, they ran away upon the approach of the English Army, before it was quite done, and left their tools behind them.

That the General sent a summons to St. Johns Town, that understanding they had no Garrison, that they should immediately Sur∣render to him, and he promised to free their Goods from plunder, and their Persons from violence.

The Town denying his entrance, he sent par∣ties to attempt it, and some were slain on both sides, but the English gaining upon them, they sent a Drum with a letter to the General to let him know that his Information was not good, and that they had a Garrison, and could do nothing with∣out the Governour.

Here upon the General sent a Summons to the Governour who returned no answer, and therefore Cromwel planted his Batteries, and played all night upon them, and the next day the Lord Dasseres the Governour, who came into the Town the day before with 1300 Men, sent to Cromwel for a Treaty and Ces∣sation.

That newes was brought to Cromwel. That the Scots Army was marched about to Hamilton, and so intended for England.

That Collonel Fortescue with 28 Men in his Com∣pany were taken (some suspected willingly) by the Moss Troopers between Lieth and Berwick.

[9.] Letters, That the Lord Muskerry ha∣ving gotten Forces together; to relieve Lym∣brick, the Lord Broghil met with them, routed them, killed 500 on the place, besides many that were drowned in the Black-water.

That St. Johns Town was rendred to Cromwel upon Articles.

That he had in it 4 pieces of Ordinance, much Arms, Ammunition and Provision.

That the General left a Regiment of Horse and another of Foot. And 4 Troops of Dra∣goons under the Command of Collonel Overton to secure that place and the parts adjacent, and sent Lieutenant General Monke with 4 Regi∣ments of Horse, 3 of Foot, and 4 battering pie∣ces to beleaguer Sterling.

The General hastened to march after the King, who he had notice was advanced for Ire∣land, and that by the way David Lesley summo∣ned Bigger, and the Governour returned a reso∣lute answer, that he kept it for the Common-wealth of England.

That Argyle and many other Scots Lords were retired to their private Dwellings.

That the King, Hamilton, and Bucks with o∣ther Lords are with the Army, which is about 8000, and supposed to be near Carlisle.

That Major-General Harrison with a conside∣rable Party was at Berwick, and expects a con∣junction of the Forces with him to hinder the Kings march.

That Major-General Lambert was marched after the King.

[11.] Letters from Cromwel to the Parlia∣ment, * 1.7 of the reducing of St. Johns Town, and of the Enemies march for England, and his follow∣ing them, who in desperation and fear, and out of inevitable necessity were run to try what they could doe in this way.

It is our Comfort, that in simplicity of heart, as to God, we have done to the best of our Judgements,

knowing that if some issue were not put to this busi∣ness, it would occasion another Winters War, to the ruine of your Soldiery, for whom the Scots are too hard, in respect of induring the Winters difficulty of that Country, and being under the endless expence of the Treasure of England, in prosecuting this War.

He shows the reasons why he did not inter∣pose more between the Enemy and England, and prays the Parliament to use their courage by such Forces as they have in readiness, and can get togeth∣er, to give the Enemy a check till he can come up to them, and doubts not but the desperateness and folly of this Councel of theirs will appear, and puts them in mind of the Scots former invasion, when England was much more unsteady than now, and the success of it not to be forgotten.

It is good to wait upon the Lord upon the earnest of former experiences, and hope of his presence, which only is the life of your cause.

He gives them an account that Major-Gene∣ral Harrison, and Collonel Rich and the Forces with them, shall endeavour to keep the Scots together, and impede their march, and to joyn with your other Forces, and that Major-General Lambert marched with a considerable Body of Horse up to the Enemies Rear, and himself was hasting after them, and that he hoped he had left a commanding Force under Lieutenant General Monk in Scotland.

Major-General Harrison gave an account by * 1.8 his letters to the Parliament of the Scots coming into England, and of his giving notice to the Commissioners of the Militia of Lancashire, Cum∣berland, and other Counties, to raise what For∣ces they could to joyn with him, That he had gotten together 3000 Horse, and hoped to hin∣der the Enemies march.

He desires some Provision for 4 or 500 Godly men for 2 or 3 Moneths, if he can get them moun∣ted, and dated his Letter,

7th. of the 6 Moneth, 1651. at 11. a Clock Forenoon.

Newcastle.

T. Harrison.

That in the success the Lord Broghil lately had against the Lord Muskerry in Ireland the Lord * 1.9 Muskerries Army consisted of 1000 Horse and Dragoons, and neer 2000 Foot. My Lord Broghil had but 400 Horse and Dragoons, and under * 1.10 600 Foot.

That the charge was very desperate on both sides, the Lord Broghil had 120 Horsemen shot, and 30 killed, he charged him, that led up the Irish opposite wing, and killed him, but the Irish did so overwing him, that his own Troop, that consisted most of Gentlemen Reformadoes, was charged in front, flank, and Rear, both by Horse and Foot, amongst which my Lord was so far ingaged, that they offered him quarter, upon the refusal whereof, they cryed, kill the fel∣low in the Gold lace coat.

Which in all probability had been effected, if a Reformado Leiutenant of his Troop, had not come in to his rescue, whose Horse was killed on that account, and himself twice shot, the Lord Broghil got off with a dry Pike, beat∣ing by the Pikemen, but his Horse received 3 Shots.

That the Irish lost 600 men, among which many Officers Prisoners, but few were taken, besides some Officers of the Field. That the defeated Army had designed conjunction with the Lemster Forces, and the relief of Lym∣brick.

[12.] An Act passed to put the Militia in London and the several Counties into a present * 1.11 posture.

An Act passed prohibiting correspon∣dence with the King, and his party. And declaring the successes in Scotland, and that the King was fled into England, and that it should be death to give any intelligence, or assistance to them.

[13.] An Act passed to expel Delinquents out of London, and that all give in what Arms they have or know of, and for raising of Forces. And to indemnify all listed Persons, in the Ser∣vice of the Parliament.

An Account of Forces shipped for Scilly.

An Account of Forces preparing in Lanca∣shire, and Cheshire to joyn with Major-General Harrison,

[14.] Letters That the King marched out of Perith with his Forces, and Major-General Lambert quartered there next night, that they took up many Straggling Scots.

That Major-General Harrison was in the Van * 1.12 of them, that 16 great Lords of Scotland had de∣serted the King for invading England.

[15.] Letters, That the Scots were neer Preston, that Cheshire had sent out 3000 Foot to maintain Warrington Bridge against the King, and Lancashire, was not wanting, that in Coventry 700 Men were got together; and That men were very ready to joyn against the Scots.

Of securing disaffected Persons.

That the Scots Army are supposed to be 12000, besides their Train.

That Major-General Lambert was within half a days march of the King, and Cromwel was not far behind, that the Scots were gone the rea∣dy way to Lancashire.

That the English Scouts took a Scots Laird, and some letters to Mr. Crofts.

[16.] Letters, That the Towns in Fife be∣gan * 1.13 to revolt, supposing that all the English were gone out of Scotland, That Collonel Alu∣red Stormed and Reduced them again, killed ma∣ny and took 200 Prisoners, and took divers Arms, Colours, and great Guns.

That the Scots Army was advanced to Preston, and in great confusion, That Major-General * 1.14 Lambert with 4000 Horse pursued them, and

Cromwel with 10000 Foot followed him, and Major-General Harrison with a considerable body coasted them with 4000 Horse more, and many Forces were ready in the Coun∣tries they were to pass to joyn with them, and Vessels were sent with intelligence to the Frigots,

That 3000 Lancashire Foot had undertaken to secure the pass at Warrington, and that Lambert and Harrison were joyned, that Cromwel was within 2 days March with 1000 Foot.

[18.] Letters of the Soldiers to their fel∣low Soldiers to incourage them to oppose the Scots.

From Major-General Harrison to the Coun∣cel * 1.15 of of State, that Lambert and he were joyned, and were about 6000 Horse in the Van of the Enemy.

That the Enemy made some halt on a Moore 4 miles from Lancaster, which some what ama∣zed them, but they went on to Preston and designed to get before to the pass at War∣rington, where were 3000 Foot to joyn with Lambert and Harrison, who intended to march thither.

That they heard the King was cast down, for that his Subjects came in no faster to him, and did not answer his expectation in persons or number, but divers ran away from him. That Cheshire had been very forward in their Levies, and most of the 3000 Foot came from thence, that he was assured of a glorious issue of this work.

That Cromwel was come into England with 8 Regiments of Foot, and the Train, the Soldi∣ers tyred with a long march.

That Newburn carried good store of Provisi∣ons to the Soldiers, among whom was not a loud word; or an Oath.

That Collonel Lilburn marched with 1000 Horse to joyn with Lambert.

That the English before Sterling Castle, killed 30 of the Castle Soldiers in one days battery.

From the Governour of Oxford to the Coun∣cel, * 1.16 that the Vice-Chancellor and Colledges had raised 120 Horse for the Parliaments Service, and had ingaged in the University and City to raise a Regiment of Foot.

[19.] Letters from Lambert and Harrison, That the Scots Army came and pressed to pass at the Bridg and Fort neer it, which we had broken down, and spoyled as well as we could in so short a time, a Company of our Foot were drawn down to the barricadoe of the bridge, who behaved themselves gallantly, and gave the Enemy opposition till we saw cause to draw off, securing their retreat by parties of Horse.

Which we did, because we were unwilling to ingage our Army, where our Horse could not do us Service for the inclosures. The Enemy there∣upon hastened over their whole Army, and their King in the Van, if not forlorn, with his own life guard (as some Prisoners told us since) and pressed hard upon our Rear, whereof Col∣lonel Rich had the guard, who wheeled off par∣ties, and charged them thrice as they came on, and the Lord caused the Enemy every time to fly before us.

Wee killed the Officer that commanded one of their parties, and 2 or 3 Troopers, and some Country men since tell us, that 28 of theirs were slain in the several Skirmishes, and but 4 of ours, that I can hear of there, and at the Bridg.

As they fell on, they cryed, Oh you Rogues, we will be with you, before your Cromwel comes, which made us think they would press to in∣gage us with all Speed.

We are drawing up at Knock-forth Moore to wait them; but since we hear they are marched a good part of the night on London Road.

Lambert wrote thus to the Councel.

I sent to you before my thoughts of the unte∣nableness of the pass at Warrington, since which, * 1.17 the Enemy pressing close after us, came to War∣rington Town, before we could get the Bridg broken.

The Enemy pressed hard on us in the lanes, but we came off well, I commanded the rear-guard to charge, which they did, and routed the Enemy, and their own men falling foul up∣on their other 2 Bodies routed them also.

We had the pursuit of them at least a Mile, we killed him who commanded the party, and about 8 more, and took 6 Prisoners, besides di∣vers wounded, this gave us time to ride 2 miles without any more trouble, and to draw out a new Rear-guard, of Collonel Rich his Regi∣ment.

Which having done they again ingaged us, and we charged them with the same Success, killed and took the same number, and after marched quietly to Knock forth Heath, and lost but one man, who was taken Prisoner pursuing a Trooper.

That we endeavoured to amuse the Enemy, and to flank and front them, till the General come up to us, that we have 9000 Horse, and between 3 or 4000 Foot to give them battle, if they force us to ingage.

That not one County in England appeared in the least for the King, but generally they raised Forces against him, yet his Army marched without committing any outrage, or doing any injury to the Country.

The Parliament passed an act to impower the Militias of London, &c. to raise Foot.

That the Earl of Derby was landed but with 250 Foot, and 60 Horse unarmed, that the Enemy seemed to bend towards North-Wales.

The Councel of State, during this action, had almost hourly Messengers going out and returning from the several Forces, carrying advice and directions to them, and bringing to the Councel an account of their motions and designs, and of the Enemies motions.

It could hardly be that any affair of this na∣ture could be managed with more Diligence, Courage, and Prudence, than this was, nor peradventure was there ever so great a Body of men so well Armed, and Provided, got toge∣ther in so short a time, as were now raised, and sent away, to joyn with the rest of the Forces at∣tending the King.

[20.] Letters, That they supposed it would be 8 days before the General could get up to the Enemy.

A Dutch prize brought into Plymouth loaden with Ammunition for the King, and richly guilded.

[21.] An account of Forces raised in Salop, and the Neighbour Countries, and breaking of Bridges, and indeavouring to divert the course of the Scots Army.

That the Governour of Stafford went to Har∣rison with 700 Men.

That 4000 of the Generals Foot march in their Shirts 20 Miles a day, and have their Cloaths, and Arms carried by the Coun∣try.

[22.] Mr. Love the Minister, and Mr. Gibbons were beheaded at Tower-Hill, accor∣ding * 1.18 to the Sentence of the High-Court of Justice.

The Under-keeper of Newgate having trea∣ted for the escape of Mr. Gibbons, and re∣ceived 100 l. in hand, and a bond for 100 l. more, after this, discovered it, and secured Gibbons.

Letters from Lambert to the Council, with an intercepted Letter, the Copy whereof he had sent to the General. The Letter inter∣cepted was taken from a Scots Prisoner, it was from the King to Collonel Massey, for leaving out a clause in the Letter from the Presbitery in the Army to the Ministers of Lancashire for taking notice of former Malignancy of Per∣sons.

That the Scots began to plunder extreamly, and many of them were weak.

[23.] Letters, That the Scots were marched from Nantwich towards Newport, and steered for London. That the General was expected within one day, and That the Scots were come to Litchfield.

That 5000 Country men appeared with Hor∣ses at Coventry ready to serve the Parlia∣ment. * 1.19

That Lambert and Harrison were at Ʋttoxeter, and the Scots at Nantwich, their Foot discon∣tented and sick with their long marches, and the King came to them with Cap in hand desiring them to march a little further.

That Harrison and Lambert had sent some Forces to Worcester to secure that place, lest the King should make it a Quarter, or Garrison and that Gloucester was supplyed. That the next day they expected to joyn with the Ge∣neral.

That the Governour of Stafford made a Sally upon a party of the Scots, and killed some of them, and gave an Allarum to the whole Ar∣my.

That a Declaration was lately published by the King. That the Scots were marched to Whit-Church, the way to Wales.

That they hoped to hinder the Earl of Derby from raising any Forces in Lancashire, and if they make a halt, as tis supposed they must, by reason of the weariness of their Infantry, the Major-General hopes to give a good account of that business.

That Lieutenant-General Monk had the Castle of Sterling surrendred to him, upon Ar∣ticles, with all their Ordinance and Ammuni∣tion.

[25.] Letters, That Collonel Pintchback had deserted the King, and disliked his way.

That the Highlanders in Sterling Castle, beat * 1.20 a parley without the consent of the Governour, being frighted with the Morter pieces, and threatned to throw the Officers over the walls if they did hinder them, and said they would fight for their King, but not for their Countries geer.

That the Soldiers had broken open divers Trunks in the Castle, and carried out with them most of the best geer. That in the Castle were 40 pieces of Ordinance, 27 of them brass Guns, and Provision for 500 Men, for 12 Moneths, 50 Barrels of Beef, and about 5000 Arms.

That all the Records of Scotland, Chair, and Cloath of State, the Sword, and other rich fur∣niture of the Kings, the Earl of Marr's Coro∣net, and Stirrops of Gold, with his Parliament Robes, and store of the goods of the Country were in the Castle, which they carried away according to the Articles, little or nothing being imbezelled, but what was by their own Men.

That Sterling was one of the strongest and most magnificent Castles of Scotland, and a pass of the greatest consequence.

That Collonel Okey took some in the West of Scotland who were raising Forces there.

That the Scots came to Worcester, where the * 1.21 Country Forces made a gallant resistance, and beat back the Enemy several times, but the Towns-Men having laid down their Arms, and some of them shooting at the Parliament Soldiers out of the Windows, they removed

their Ammunition, while 30 Men only resisted the Enemy, and beat them back, and then with∣drew and left the Town to the Enemy, and came to Glocester.

That the King sent a Summons to Collonel Mackeworth Governour of Shrewsbury, inviting him to surrender that Garrison to him, but the Governour returned him a peremptory denial.

That the King sent also Letters to Sir Tho∣mas Middleton to raise Forces for him in Mont-gomery-shire, but he detained the Messenger Prisoner, and sent up the Letter to the Parlia∣ment.

That Lieutenant-General Fleetwood, and Col∣lonel Desborough, and other Officers met with Cromwel at Warwick.

Letters, That Lymbrick was in great streits, that the Irish increased in numbers, that they had surprised a Garrison of the Parliaments, the Soldiers being asleep, and stormed Fenagh, but were beaten off with great loss.

The trained bands of London, Westminster &c. drew out into Tuttle-Fields, in all about 14000, the Speaker and divers Members of the Parliament were there to see them.

[26.] The Parliament kept this a day of hu∣miliation at St. Margarets Church in West∣minster.

A Letter from the King to the City of London, was burnt by the Hangman, and the Parliaments Declaration was Published by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet, pro∣claiming all those to be Traitors and Rebels that do or shall adhere to the King and his party.

Letters from Lieutenant-General Fleetwood, That the Scots had left a party in Worcester, and * 1.22 had transported their Army over Severne, in∣tending to secure the passes, and invite their Friends to them, and to refresh their wearied Army.

That they have Summoned the Country to come in, to repair to the works, and Royal fort at Worcester.

Indeed it is a mercy not to be slighted by us, that though this pretious cause have so many Enemies, yet so few adventure to come in to them.

That their Army is 12000 Horse and Foot effective, and their Foot so much harrassed by often and frequent Marches, that they did importune the King to take pitty on them, who answered, That they should suddenly have refreshment, gave them good words, and told them what assistance he expected from his Friends.

That they have very few English Horse among them, their Foot Highlanders, that Major-Ge∣neral Massey marches with a party to Glocester in hopes that upon his approach his old Friends will appear for him.

My Lord General came last night to War∣wick, the Foot will be there this night, we shall either this day or to morrow, march neer the Enemy, and not give them the liberty of rang∣ing far, and though their confidence be much in their passes; yet I trust we shall not find them and the work so difficult as it seems at a distance both to you and us.

How ever you know hitherto the Lord hath carried us through the greatest streights, before we have attained our desired issue, and if it be so now; it shall▪ be the less strange to us. I shall not further trouble you, save to subscribe my self, Sir

Banbury 25 Aug. 1651.

Your most Faithful and Humble Servant.

Charles Fleetwood.

A Messenger from the Army brought an ac∣count that the Lord General, the Lieutenant General, the Major-General, the Lord Grey of Groby met at Warwick.

That Lieutenant General Fleetwood went from them to Banbury to his Forces, that the Lord Generals Foot and train were to be in War∣wick, That the Enemy was fortifying Worcester, where they proclaimed their King.

[27.] Letters, That the Militia in Coven∣try, and in all the Countries thereabouts, ap∣peared very willingly, and numerously against the Scots.

Of Hail fallen about Tossiter as big as Mus∣kets Bullets which killed many Birds, and broke many Windows, and such Lightning for 4 hours, as never was seen by any Man alive, which burnt a reck of Wheat in the Field, and did a great deal of hurt to Trees and Gar∣dens.

That the Lieutenant-Generals Foot was come up to Warwick, and the Forces marched to Stratford upon Avon, That the Enemy was for∣tifying of Worcester very fast, and sent parties of Horse to bring in Provisions; but their Ar∣my moves not as yet.

That the Lord Talbot the Earl of Shrewes∣buries Eldest Son was come to the King, That the Major of Worcester and a Committee man were Knighted by the King.

One Young that was Treasurer to the Com∣mittee, and that had a hand in contriving the Revolt of Worcester, was taken.

That Glocester was in a good condition, and had men enough to defend it, and none of the Scots appeared before it, nor any Summons was sent to it, many of the Country Horse and Foot came in to their defence.

That the Scots intrenched themselves a mile and half West of Worcester in the Fields, the King sent a summons to all between 16 and 60 to come in to him to Worcester, but none came.

That the Scots brought in 16 Cart-loads of Ladders with the Rear of their Army. The Lord General intended to be this night at Evesham within 2 miles of Warcester.

[28.] A Messenger from the General who left him upon his March fron Stratford to Evesham, that the Forest of Dean rose for the Parliament, and many came into Glocester and Hereford to defend those places, whi∣ther the Scouts brought word that the Ene∣my was marching with some Horse and Foot; and that they had left 4 Regiments in Wor∣cester.

That Fleetwood was at Shipton to joyn with the General at Evesham.

That Coventry sent Provisions to the General and his Army very seasonably.

That the Generals Horse faced Worcester, and the Enemies bodies went towards Here∣ford.

An intercepted letter, said that the King was come within 30 miles of London with a gallant Army, and that the Earl of Derby was come to him with 4000 Horse, and the Earl of Northum∣berland with 4000 Foot.

That Somersetshire had 2 Regiments of Foot under Collonel Pine, and Collonel Kedley, and 2 Regiments of Horse under Collonel Pop∣ham.

That the Kings Horse was about 7000, and their Foot as many, that their discipline is very strict, and some Prisoners brought before the King were courteously treated by him, and having kissed his hand, were discharged.

That Collonel Lilburn with a good party was marched towards the Earl of Derby, and the Parliament Ships went after the Earls Frigats, 2 of which Frigats were split coming neer the Shore to land the Soldiers.

That York shire was active in raising Forces for the Parliament, and that the Lord Fair∣fax declared to joyn with them in any capacity, to the great incouragement of that Country. That 1300 of their Horse and Dragoons were in Scotland.

[29.] Letters, That after the taking of Sterling, Collonel Okey marched with 1400 Horse and Dragoons to meet with some Lords sent from the King into the West of Scotland, and he took some of them, and frighted a∣way the rest, and sined the Towns where they sat.

That one may ride with 200 Horse all over the West of Scotland, that a party met with 14 Scots Ministers, and took them prisoners, they confessed they had been silenced by the Assem∣bly of the Kirk whom they opposed, they were there upon dismissed.

That Collonel Lilburn fell upon the Earl of Derby neer Wiggen, who had got together * 1.23 1500 Men, that the dispute was hot for neer an hour, and then the Earls Forces were routed, the Earl himself wounded but escaped, Lieut∣nant Widdrington and 80 Officers and Persons of quality slain, 400 Prisoners taken, whereof ma∣ny Officers and Gentlemen, that Collonel Lil∣burn had not half their number, and scarce half of them could come up to charge.

That Collonel Lilburn lost but one Offi∣cer, and not above 10 or 12 in all. The Earl retreated into Cheshire with about 80 Horse, and a party gone in pursuit of him thither∣wards.

That Lieutenant-Collonel Ashurst fled with a few to an house, for his security.

That Lieutenant-General Fleetwood marched with his Brigade within 3 miles of Worcester, where the King was fortifying the place, that they brake down Ʋpton Bridge, and lay as large as Malverne hills.

That some few of the Country come in to them, and they exact Mony or Provisions from the Country, that the General hath sent for Collonel Lilburn, and Collonel Clerk with their Regiments to come to him.

[30.] Letters, That at the routing of the Earl of Derby, were taken prisoners 5 Collonels, the Adjutant General 4 Lieutenant Collonels, 1. Major, 4 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, and slain and dead since they were taken, the Lord Wid. drington, Major-General Sr. Thomas Tiddesly, 1 Collonel, 2 Majors, and divers others of quali∣ty. All their Baggage, Sumpters, Arms, and Ammunition taken, and the Earl of Derbyes 3 Cloaks with Starrs, his George and Garter with other Robes.

That Collonel Lilburn took many Commissions of the Kings to several persons in the North to raise Forces for him.

The Parliament ordered 500 l. to Collonel Lilburn. 200 per Annum as a marke of Honour for his faithful service, and 100 l to his Lieute∣nant that brought the news from him. And or∣dered that the Ministers in the respective Churches in London and Westminster do the next Lords-day give thanks to God, for the surren∣der of Sterling Castle, and for the defeat of the Earl of Derby, and pray for a blessing upon the Parliament Forces now neer an Ingagement.

The Parliament ordered to Collonel Macke∣worth a chain of Gold with a medal as a mark of their Favour for his faithful and gallant re∣fusal of the Kings Summons to render Shrews∣bury Castle.

Letters, That the Generals Head quarters were within 2 miles of Worcester, that the Ene∣my seemed to be resolved to venture all at Worcester, in and about which place all the Kings Army were, and they had raised a new Fort, that the Parliaments Guards were within Mus∣ket Shot of it, and General Fleetwood with his Body lay at Ʋpton.

That the pass at Ʋpton Bridge was taken by Major-General Lambert.

That a party of the Enemy sallyed out of Wor∣cester, but the Parliaments Forces beat them back to their works, and killed 14 of their men,

that the Country came in freely to the Parlia∣ments Army.

That Massey with a Troop of Horse ferried over the Severne between Tewksbury and Glo∣cester, and discoursed with some Women there, who say that Masseys Horse was killed under him at Ʋpton, and he wounded in the Hand and Leg.

That the Enemies Horse incamp a mile on the other side of Worcester, and their Foot most part in Worcester.

That Cromwel drew his Army in the face of Worcester, but they would not meet him with their Army, but there was some small pickeering, and Shooting of Muskets behind the Hedges, but nothing considerable at∣tempted.

[31.] The Lords-day, the Ministers who were not of the rigid Presbyterian judgment, * 1.24 gave thanks in their Churches, for the suc∣cesses of the Parliaments Forces in Scotland, and against the Earl of Derby, according to the Parliaments Order, for that purpose. And they likewise prayed to God for his bles∣sing upon the Parliaments Forces now neer to an Ingagement with the Enemy.

But some of the more rigid Persons did not think fit to observe that Order, but neg∣lected it, and had their private Meetings to pray to God to bless their Brethren of the Prebytery, and their Country-men.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Fise Bat∣tle.
• * 1.2

  Ministers.
• * 1.3

  Questions.
• * 1.4

  Brunt▪ Island.
• * 1.5

  Mr. Love.
• * 1.6

  Scotland.
• * 1.7

  Cromwe••
• * 1.8

  Harrison.
• * 1.9

  Ireland.
• * 1.10

  Lord Brog∣hill.
• * 1.11

  London.
• * 1.12

  Scots in∣vade Eng∣land.
• * 1.13

  Co. Alured.
• * 1.14

  Preston.
• * 1.15

  Harrison.
• * 1.16

  Oxford.
• * 1.17

  Letters from Lam∣bert.
• * 1.18

  Mr. Love.
• * 1.19

  Scots Mo∣tion.
• * 1.20

  Sterling-Castle.
• * 1.21

  Scots▪
• * 1.22

  Letters from Fleetwood.
• * 1.23

  E. Derby.
• * 1.24

  Ministers.