The declaration of Major Gen. Massey upon his death-bed at Leicester

Honoured Sir,

ON Thursday last there marched by our Town about 1000. of the routed Scots, who rande∣vouzed on Cangleton Moor, there taking up their quarters for the most part of that night, lying in their close order; but about 3 of the Clock in the morning, Major Cibson (a Countrey Gentleman) with about 300 Club men and others, allarmed them, which the Enemy perceiving, indeavoured to make good his drawing off; but by the great forwardness and gallantry of the said Major, he fel on with his men in their Rear, killed about 300. and took above 100 prisoners with little losse: for indeed so great is the spirit of fear amongst them, that 10 men will chase 100. the rest of the enemy escaped; but we hear since are taken. On Fryday morning, another party consisting of about 500. marched by us, but the Countrey pursued them so close, that the enemy were forced to face about, and dispute the place, which conflict lasted for the space of half an hour, till at last the Countrey men fell in with their Clubs, Sythes, and but end of Musquets, and totally routed them, killing about 60. took divers prisoners of quality: amongst the rest Col. Hamilton, Sir William Hart, and Collo∣nel Humes, (Son to the Lord Humes) are taken. Having secured the prisoners, we farther pursued the enemy, and about Diddesbury overtook them,

where we killed, took, and totally routed the whole party, with the losse of 11 men, so that now (bles∣sed be God) most of the enemies of this Common∣wealth, that got off from the fight at Worcester, are all killed and taken: but Charles Stuart their Captain General hath again narrowly escaped, and out run them all, being habited in mean Apparel, with only four men to attend him: he is gone towards Scotland with a great and pannick fear, by reason of the disaffection of the Countrey to∣wards him: for in divers places where he came, the Inhabitants rose both against him and his follow∣ers, and fell upon them with their Clubs, and at Diddesbury he was constrained to force his pas∣sage through the midst of 40 Club men, who laid at him with their Clubs, and yet could not bring him to the dust. However there is all dilligence u∣sed for the way la••ing and intercepting of him be∣fore he gets over Tweed: In many places where he came where the people were gathered together, He us••d these expressions Good people, take commise∣ration on him, who is your true & lawful King, but words took these little impression in their hearts, for they made a generall resistance throughout all parts, and unanimously declared against him and his followere, for which, I doubt not, but they wil have a rich reward of mercy with God, &c.

From Chester we heare, That Col. Dackenfield (the Gover∣nor) hath sentenced ten of the King of Scots Captaines at a Counsell of War to be shot, and accordingly on Tuesday last they were brought to the place of execution, where most of them deported themselves with much resolutenesse of spirit, and amongst the rest Cap. Man, and Sympkins, seemed not in the least to be daunted, and withall, as they were guar∣ded along from the Castle, Cap. Sympkins called the Officers that went on each side of him, his two Bridemen, protesting, That he was filled with as much inward joy to receive the bullets, as if he was to receive a Bride; and when he came to the place of execution, he expressed himself further to the spectators.

Christian Gentlemen, and People,

I Am this day brought hither to die for Treason, and to be cut off from doing any further service for my Master the King: However I am not in the least sorry, and for the cause in which I have now waded, I must need say, my continuance or engagement in it hath laid no scruple upon my conscience, it was upon the interests of Religion and Loyalty; and I hum∣bly desire that God would be pleased to honor that side that hath right with it, and that you may enjoy peace and plenty when I shall enjoy peace and plenty beyond all you possesse here: As for my Judges I freely forgive them, being in free peace with all the world, as I desire God for Christs sake, to be at peace with me: And so the Lord blesse you all. Then tur∣ning to the Musquetiers, said, Gentlemen when I stretch forth my arms do your office; and so immediately he unbraced his doublet, and stretching forth his arms they all fired, (being 6. in number) and so patiently receiving these tokens of death, he departed this life. Sir, having no more at present, I remain

Your oblibed and faith∣full friend, Robert Cotton.

Manchester,

Septem. 11. 1651.