The history and antiquities of Boston, and the villages of Skirbeck, Fishtoft, Freiston, Butterwick, Benington, Leverton, Leake, and Wrangle; comprising the hundred of Skirbeck, in the county of Lincoln. Including also a history of the East, West, and Wildmore fens, and copious notices of the Holland or Haut-Huntre fen ... sketches of the geology, natural history, botany, and agriculture of the district; a very extensive collection of archaisms and provincial words, local dialect, phrases, proverbs, omens, superstitions, etc. By Pishey Thompson. Illustrated with one hundred engravings.

84 BOSTON STRONGLY FORTIFIED IN 1643.
of that place-Sergeanlt-major Purefoy-with having acted treacherously to
the Parliament" In holding intercourse with Papists, and granting them tickets to pass the guards and
scouts at midnight, by which the intended proceedings of the Parliament had been discovered; twenty articles of accusation had in consequence been preferred against him by
the town authorities."'
In this month Colonel Cromwell obtained a victory over the Cavaliers
at Croyland. VIcARs gives a long account of the battle, and says, "The
Croylanders, on the part of the Cavaliers, were armed with hassock knives, long
scythes, and other Fennish weapons."
On the 27th May, "Master William Bridge, a minister," in writing to a
friend in London, says," It is thought our men are 6000 or 7000 by this time at Lincoln. In the army there is
good discipline, men punished for swearing, drunkenness, and stealing. I was many meals
with them, and never heard an oath sworn by any of the captains or officers. I saw one
soldier whipped most severely for thieving. Boston was very loving to our soldiers, sending
in much provision. The train-bands of the county came in from all parts, so that, through
the prayers of good people, I hope that county will be soon settled in peace."3
The people of Boston also exerted themselves in protecting that town for the
Parliament. The Corporation Records state, that, on the 14th April,"Alderman Westland, who had been deputed to procure some ordnance from the Parliament for the safeguard of the town, reported that he had procured sixteen pieces of
ordnance, six of which were sent to Lincoln, by order of the Parliamentary Committee;
and he had covenanted with the officers of his Majesty's ordnance, to return the said guns
and carriages when required."
On the 28th April, the Corporation agreed"That, in respect of God's heavy hand upon the kingdom, in the present sad troubles
and distractions, the Mayor's Feast (lst May) shall be, for this time, forborne, and that 201.
being the expense of the said feast, shall be employed in purchasing two of the pieces of
ordnance which came from Lynn, to remain in the town for the use of the house."4
It was certified during this month that Boston was very strongly fortified, and
in a very good posture of defence for the King and Parliament.5 About this
time, also, the Earl of Manchester received a commission from the Parliament
to raise forces in the associated counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridge,
Huntingdon, &c., which LUDLOW states to have been very necessary; "fthe
King being master of all places of strength, from Berwick to Boston, excepting
Hull, and two small castles in Lincolnshire."6
A letter of this date also asserts, "The Parliament affairs this summer
(1643) have taken a bad course; and, except it be in the Eastern Association,
look everywhere declining."7
During the spring of this year a great many persons were indicted at GranPerfect Diurnal. the list of persons in Lincolnshire' of good estates,
2 Parliamentary Chronicle, Part I. p. 325. who had contributed, and had in person taken up arms
3 Printed for Benjamin Allen, Pope's Head Alley, against the King,' is given as proper to be indicted.
London, May 27, 1643. The following were inhabitants of Boston and the
4 See Special Passages, 6th September, 18 42 when neighbourhood:-The two membersof Parliament
five pieces of ordnance are statedto have been received for Boston, Thomas Welby of Boston, gentleman,
from Lynn. Nicholas Norwood of Freiston, gentleman, Thomas
5 Pefect Diurnal. Silons of Boston, gentleman, William Cole of
6 LUDLOw'S Memoirs, vol. i. p. 67. Boston, cordwainer, and Edward Tilson of Boston,
7 CARLYLE'S Cromwell, vol. i. p. 187. "In an linendraper." -From a List printed by Order of the
intercepted letter from Sir John Brooks to Sir House, 10th May, 1643.
W7illiam Killigrew, dated Newark, 21st April, 1643,