The Military Memoir of Colonel John Birch

This article has been made available, thanks to the diligent hard work of Rob McCleod. Col. John Birch's military memoirs is presented with the original spelling and is line for line, page by page, a true copy of the book.
As far as I am aware, there is just one copy in public circulation. This can be ordered at UK public libraries, but you may have to wait some time before it becomes available.
You may prefer to read the Acrobat PDF version off-line?

The Military Memoir of Colonel John Birch

By His Secretary Roe

The Manuscript

Honered Sir
All men in the world Haue one maine and pryncipall worke to
doe ,which is to advance the glory of God, that being the very end
of their creation, about which they ought to spend their chiefest
time, whole tresure, and, if need bee, not to bee spareing of their
dearest blood. And to the end that God may loose noe glorie , nor
such as hee hath made instrumentall in an extrordinary way may
neither bee themselues forgotten, nor forget what the Lord Hath
done for them, I haue collected these passages of God's providence ,
though weakly yet truly, every passage thereof being of my owne
knowledge; which though I have no reason to question but that
God's hand therein was by you well remembred, yet I could not
doe less than present you with short notes, which haue been taken

by mee in your service; wherein soe much of God is seen, that
I should haue looked vpon my selfe as an eclipser of his glory,if I
should not haue comitted the same to paper. And in the first place
I cannot omitt God's great goodness to you at Bristoll, when Prince
Rupert came before it, haueing with him about 7500 men, Anno
1642 hee haueing assurance from Mr. Yeomens, Mr.Bowcher, and
others in that cittie, that it should bee deliverd to him, the gaurds
surprised, with diverse principall persons; and I supose you will
never forget the message deliverd you on the bridge in that cittie,
that night about 8 of the clocke (vist.): that before the next
morneing you should bee a dead man; and that, in stead of ffeare
and flyeing as divers others, whose presence was very necessary,
and profession should haue taught them otherwise, you addrest
your selfe presently to finde out where those parties were gathered
together, whoe within a few howers were to act that treachery;
which indeavor the Lord was pleased soe to order, that before
eleaven a clocke, you had about one hundred cheife men in your
custody (castle), whereof most had been leaders in that worke; for which
some of them afterwards deservedly suffered; and the Prince himselfe
the next morneing returned toward Oxford with shame; the
which work God particulerly honord you in.
After which about 7 monthes the said Prince comeing againe
before that cittie with an army on the north side, and Prince
Maurice, his brother , with Sir Ralph Hopton, and that Western
army on the south side, against whom you were to act your part,
God inabling you soe to doe. And although the place offended was
weake, and Prince Morris and the Cornish forces there storm

vs often,yett neere 100 persons of honner weare slaine in the last storme,
and more private soldiers fiue times ouer then weare
slaine in all other parts of the city. Notwithstanding which,
on the other side the cittie, neere Windmill Fort, the line was
vnhappily entred, for I cannot call it stormed, because at that
entrance there was not a man slaine on either part. And here I
might envy against men; but I shall forbeare: it would but weary
you to heare them named. Thus was the famous cittie taken and
spoyled, contrary to articles, to the eternall shame of him whoe had
conduct of that army; which though noe man but your selfe
stayed to see , yet is notoriously knowne. And here miraculously
the Lord preserved you those three dayes, in the midest of those
lyons, when soe many messengers of death were sent vnto you, your
selfe well remembers: and his hand was noe less seen in bringing
you to London, thorowe them all; which I hope you will never
forget. Whither being come, contrary to the practice of many at
that time, both great and small, some runing to Oxford, others
getting pardons, and the best saveing what they had beyond sea,
God caried you beyond these to raise a foote regiment, by the
assistance and vnder the comand of Sir Arthur Haslerig, (though
vnder your own whole management) and the truly honerd Sir
William Waller as generall. And before I do proceed further

cannot chuse but put you in minde of God's great worke, that from
the day you marcht out with that foote regiment and when afterwards
you had a regiment of horse also, to the day you had the additionall
honner to sitt in the House of Commons, never any, whither horse
or ffoote, vnder your comand, came away with the worst, as I shall
take the bouldnes more particulerly to put you in minde. And
in the first place at Farnum about three of the clocke in the after-
noone , the Lord Hopton's army and Sir William Waller's being
drawn into batalia, soe soone as ever your regiment of foote came
into the ffeild and engaged , the Lord Hopton 's army in halfe an
houre retreated in disorder: which I cannot attribute to the
strength of your regiment, but God's hand then sheweing you
what you haue never failed since to finde ; (vist.) that none of
his enimies should ever stand before you. Presently vpon this,your
great hazard in lyeing at Crundale twoo miles from Farnum, the
enemy at Alton, their head quarters, but 4 miles of, and Sir
William Waller's head quarters at Farnum; which though your
quarters was hazardos, yett God there made you an instrument for
the sending out spies and discovering their fortifications soe well,
that though you were never at Alton, yet when you had made
all ready, you did aswell knowe where there trench was deepe and
wheare shallowe, and where to enter, as if your selfe had ordered the
worke. Nay, lett mee never forgett, and I hope you never will
, that deliverance God gaue you on the hills short of the towne that
morning goeing out ; where 6 of those enimies scouts, though they
had you amongst them, were not able to carry you prisoner to the
towne, but, contrarywise, sufferd you to bring the comander of
them away prisoner back to our owne army, haueing but the helpe
of twoo more, God giving you that as an earnest of that great
mercy he gaue you a few houres after; where hee made you the

leader, first to enter that towne, then the church-yard, where a
man would haue assuredly thought, must haue been your burieing
place. Nay, at the entring of that church , dreadful to see the
enemy opening the doore when ready to receue you with their pikes
and muskets, the horses slaine in the allies, of which the enimy
made breastworks, the churchyard as well as the church being
couered with dead and wounded, amongst whom you long strugled,
witnesseth the Lord's wounderfull protection: from which dayes
service you escaped with a few dry blowes with the musket stockes
of those whoe afterwards, soe many as were living and able, were
caried prisoners to Farnum; the choicest men, for soe many, that
were taken since the beginning of theis warrs. And long you
rested not, after this story, before your generall Sir William Waller
attempted further, which was his march towards Arundell, begun
from Farnum the fourteenth day of December 1643; which
was prosecuted with such speed that the 16. Day at night followeing
the head quarters was in Arundell parke, where your lodgeing
with many others was vnder the best spred trees. In the morneing
at the breaking of the day the enimy and some parties of ours began
to skirmish, which continued vntill about eight of the clocke, at
which time Major Generall Potley comanded your selfe with about
1400 men to storme the enemis rampier, within which thear army
was drawne vp; which was concived, by more then my selfe,
hee did on purpose to haue you cutt off, for your being too active
a few dayes before at Alton, there being double the number
of infantry of the enemy, besides a great body of horse, to those
you stormed with, and noe horse of ours could get to order to
assist you. But God orderd it otherwise by his own ffinger ,though
it cost you a good store of your blood. I question not but that

deliverance you will remember, yet give mee leave to present to
you what I remember to help your memory loaded with sundry
things. At the same inatant and to my best remembrance that the
faleing on was thus: Sir William Waller's leiftennant collonel
was marching vp the narrow lane, with about three hundred muske-
teers; which your selfe perceaveing, and being nere ready your selfe to
ffall on, not liking his rash attempt, you vnhorsed the London scoute
master whoe at that instant stood by where you were draweing the men
into devisions, and speedily ridd that horse to the van of that partie of
ffoot, and turned again the leiftenant- collonel and his partie, and
drew them into the hollowe of the lane out of the enimies shott,
which tooke place on 7 or 8 of that partie, as you were spekinge,
before they could bee secured, which retreat caused a great shout
from the enimy, not feareing your comeing on againe. About a
quarter of an hower after this, you were ready with your men in
3 divisions; on the left hand marched the aforesaid leiftennant -
collonel with about 200 muscateers; on the right hand your owne
major Cotsforth and twoe hundred muscateeres ; in the body your
selfe, 40 paces backe, with the rest, pikes and muskets. Thus
marching on the enemy letting ffly very thicke, you not likeing
your maior's pace whoe was marching before you on the right
hand , but indeed mors softly then you vsed to doe in such a
shoure , you comanded the captens where you were to come on
speedily, and you ran vp to the maior's partie then about 40 paces
short of the enimy's line; where they being almost at a stand your
example drew them on instantly to enter that line, vuto which
your selfe first enterd, though it was intricate to gett over that
steep line; but one assisting another, instantly there was neere 200
entred; in which instant of time, before the rest could enter, (and

the great ffishpond lieing between our army and the place
where you entred, soe that the enimy sawyou could not quickly
bee releived, ) on came they with about 100 gentlemen reformadoes
on horseback beside ffoot and other troups of horse, and gave
your disorderd foote at that very instant of entry such a charge,
that they layd many flat to the ground, as well as your selfe.
The rest went backe over the line with great speed; and I think I
may say truly not one man stayed within the line, except those that
were slaine, wounded , or prisoners, but your selfe; whoe leaning
on the line with one hand, and your halbard in the other, the
enimies horse could not fall vpon you but to their great loss,
bestoweing some few pistolls on you: but Gods would not haue you
then hitt; and indeed you had never escaped soe, had it not been
for those musketeers, who lieing neare you on topp of the line
kept of the horse at present, and made some ffew to ffall soe that
they were forced to drawe further of, and there stand: in which
place ( neither could they indeed long continue ; for the rest of the
musketeers) followeing the example of those by you, got on top of
the line and from thence fir(c)ed soe hott on the enimies horce, that
they were gladd to withdrawe. Thus God gaue you possession of
the enimies ground the second time: which afected, your great
care was to make way for some honest captaines of horse and
their traine, which voluntarily came vp to your assistance;
which being done , immediately whilest you were putting those horse
and foote in order , whose number were both about eighteen
hundred , the enimy looked vpon them contemptably; and there
vpon drew forth to fall on you neere the town walle, where you
were between the enimies twoe lines. And their horse and foote
doeing their vtmost, at this instant was that gallant Scott slaine,

whoe had vowed that that day, afore hee went on,, that hee would
never flee further from you then the length of your halberd , saying
hee would stick to you whilest you lived, but hee would be neer to
the intent hee might examine your pockets when you fell; which God
called him vnto first. At this instant, the enimy spending their shot
at too great a distance, your order was to horse and foote instantly
to assault the enimy; your selfe with cherefull speech assureing
they would not stand, which proved accordinglie. For the enimy,
feeling the force of the shott poured on them with three ranks
at a time, after short time gaue ground, and your selfe entred the
towne with them, scarce knoweing friend from foe; the enimy as
much as they could betakeing themselues to the castle; into which
place your comand was to enter with them. At which instant
Sir WilliamWaller's leiftennant collonel, whoe but then you
incouraged by clappingyour hand on his shoulder, your hand
noe sooner of but hee was shott dead; and your selfe not gone
aboue 20 paces further received that wonder of God's mercy,
the shott in your belly, which deliverance to you was soe great
that I cannot speake of it without admiration ; and the more at
the hand of God soe assisting , that though you kept in your gutts,
stoping the hole with your finger, yet none knew it vntill you had
slaine or taken prisoners the enimy then about you, and orderd
your men to drawe into a body on one side the street , where the
shott had not such power: and then pretending you must turne
to the wall, giving a capten by your private notice, you went
towards the Parke house, as if no such shott had been, vntill your
spirritts yeilded and your selfe sunke, and were then caried to the
lodghouse aforesaid with life in you, but supposed by all to bee
past cure, this being about 9 in the morneing; when you weare
laid with many others on the ffloore, groveling, and to the chirurgeons
not soe much probabilities of life apeared as to bestowe a dressing.

Thus you laye vntill about 6 at night; at which time being as
you were in the morneing, the chirurgeons thought to adventure
a dressing, and to bestowe soe much paines as to carry you vp vnto
a bed. Thus haue I presented you with God's great worke, ,much
of it carryed on by your hand that day, and the great mercy in
your deliverance, which I hope will never bee worne out of your
minde. I beseech you remember the 17. Day of December 1643.
That castle in a few dayes after being yeilded, therein was ffound
twelue hundred men , besides those that were slaine, fled and
taken prisoners at the entry of the towne; which number I the
rather mention, to make more plainly appear God's hand, that
these should bee driven into the castle by so smale a nomber.
This done, the army quartered in Sussex the remainder of that
winter; and your selfe in London, to bee cured; which was soe
blest by God that you went back perfectly whole to Arundell, the
6th day of March followeing : within 5 dayes of which time the
army rose out of there winter quarters , the wether being very faire,
and marched towards Alsford, wheare Sir Ralph Hopton was at
the heade of an army of great strength; which army on the
25. Of March follomeing you had sight of marching on the plaine
towards you in batalia: vpon which you drew vp by Sir William
Waller and Sir William Belfores comand, and faced one another
most part of twoe dayes at cannonshott distance. While the army
was at that posture a councell of warr was called, at which it was
resolued, as I haue heard (vpon the defeat of the Parliaments forces
at Newarke and in the North) to make fiers and retreat; which being
sore against your minde, whoe then was capten of the watch, you
vsed these words to Sir Arthur Haselrieg, that surely wee did
feare whither that were Gods cause wee had in hand : for did
wee assuredly beleeue it, when he called vs to fight with his
eneimes , wee should not run from them;for mans extremitie

is Gods oppertunitie. Yet, notwithstanding that order of the
councell of warr, you disposed it so, being then captain of the
watche, that the parties on both sides were in the night soe engaged
that there was noe marching off without a palpable discovery.
Therefore, according to your desire, the army kept their ground,
and next morneing, by breake of the day, drew into batalia, your
place being with your regiment in the maine battle. And presently
1000 musketeers were drawne out, to make good the wood on the
right wing; and contrary to your desire, put vnder the comand of
Leiftennant Collonel Layton, whome you said did sweare too hard
to haue God with him. However, hee went and tooke possession
of the wood: but stayed not aboue halfe an hower before the
enemies foot, under Collonel Appleyard, beat them clearly out, and
tooke possession , pursueing our men whoes heells then were
their best weapon, to the amazement of our whole army. One
passage then I cannot omitt. It fell from Sir Arthur Haslerig,
which was thus: seeing our men put to soe shamefull a route,
turned to your selfe saying " Now , Collonel haue you ffighting
enough?" Your answere instantly given was " Sir, this is but a rub;
wee shall yet winn the cast:" and you further added that , whereas
your selfe and regiment were now in the maine body, might you
haue order to march with your regiment to make good the right
wing, you would quickly set all right againe: which comand
immediately by Sir William Waller was given you ,and by your selfe
instantly executed; and the enemy soe turned in his pursute that hee
thought it best to saue himselfe by speedy draweing off, leaveing
the wood to your pleasure to the great comfort of our army.This
brought on the engagement of seuerall bodys of foote under Siir

Richard Browne and others, whoe did exceeding well, andalso of
the horse, which with great violence and various success continued
vntill about 4 in the afternoone; at which time twoe thousand mus-
kateeres were drawne out at your request; one thousand whereof
on the left wing were comanded by Collonel Rea, whoe did very
gallantly, the rest by your selfe on the right wing; all the rest of
the army being to second them. Those twoe great parties went on
with such great success, that in one houre the enimies army was between
them, all our horse and foote comeing on in the front of them. The
first thing I could perceive , they puld of their collours, thrust
them in their breeches, threw downe their arms, and fled confused.
Your selfe and others in pursute had not followed them above
100 paces into their owne ground, before one, whome I shall not
name, overtooke you , comanded to stand: but for what end I
never yet could tell, except it was to give the enimy leave to runn
away, and carry away there cannon; sure I am you stood there 3
quarters of an houre, vntill the enimy was far enough. The reason is
to deepe for mee to give: only this I am sure of ; had the enimies
comanders in chiefe been there, hee could not haue comanded any
thing more advantagious to them. Thus was that dayes victory
gayned; vnto which I make bould to add, that it was indeed a
victory, but the worst prosecuted of any I ever sawe. After this
battle, fought 28. Of March 1644, noe great matters were
done the beginning of that summer, but marching vp and downe:
only Winchester cittie surprised; in which your guide might
well haue caused you to miscarry: whoe being to guide you
to a low place in the wall , your selfe being a stranger, when
hee came about on(é) hundred paces short, and the enimy
fireing a few muskets, (as hee said) hee was soe hastily taken
hee must needs presently vntrss, leaueing you to finde the lowest
place in the wall your selfe; which God soe directed you vnto,

that with the help of your ladders you were in before the enimy
could make any head. After this your march was after a few
dayes backe to Farnum; and shortly after by order of the Parliament
to meet his Excellency the Earle of Essex neere Oxford to keepe
n the King with that army hee had there: notwithstanding which
the King marched out and speedily went towards Worcester. I
would bee loth to say what pass hee had : only it is strange hee could
march ffrom twoe armyes both stronger than hee; and yett hee
received noe considerable loss; nay, hardly any thing attempted
vpon him. Vpon this his Excellence was pleased to comand Sir
William Waller to ffollowe the King, and himselfe would march
into the West, which was done. His journey into the West I
sawe not; but many more than my selfe heard of it. For our
followeing the King, it was very tedious for about 6 weeks; at
last hee was gott to Oxford, and there draweing out what ffoot hee
could, marched out northwards, as was supposed to meet Prince
Rupert neere Banbury. Our army came within veiwe of him, and
both were drawne vpp supposeing an engagement. A forlorne
hope of fifteen hundred muscateers was drawne out to fall on with
horse; which notwithstanding was not done that day, neither
on the second day. The third day the King drewe of on the
north side of the river. Sir William Waller marcht speedily after
on the south side ; and although the Kings army was I our view
before vs , yett that gallant bodie of musketeeres must bee drawne to
secure the reare. These are pollicies in warr far beyond my reason:
yet this was occasioned thereby: the regiments that had the van
were Sir William Wallers, Maior Generall Potleies and Collonel
Weams and the 5 companies from Farnham: these regiments
at their best would not all make 1200 men; but all this time many
of their choice men were in that bodie of musketeers vsually called

a forlone hope,were vsed for a reare guard. Soe the regiments
aforesaid ,contrary to your desire afirmeing the Kings army desired
to drawe vs ouer Croperdy bridge, went over the bridge, and with
the horse fell into the midle of the Kings army on the other side the
bridge; which at first promised a glorious victory. But when
there began to bee need of shott, and that the Kings army began to
drawe vp, then it was found there was in these regiments, cullers,
pikes, lether guns; but our shott was in the reare, as aforesaid; which
the enimy findeing , suddenly fell on, the bridge being narrowe,
that those regiments that were strong could not speedily get over
to their releife: soe that the enimy tooke all their guns, in number
twelue, divers of their cullers, and about five hundred men, the
rest looseing their arms, comeing of through the river: and had
not the regiment of Tower Hamlets, whoe were then marching
over the bridge in the reare of the other regiments, at your earnest
request stoutly made good the bridge, our whole army had been
in great danger. This was the substance,I doe humbly conceive,
of the ingagement, which by your selfe for the manner was soe
publiquly spoken against both before and after. Imediately vpon
this the Kings army drew vpp on the north side the river, ours
on the south side the bridge. They made as though they would
attempt the pass that day, and sundry times the next day : but the
second night they made many great fires, by the lightof which
they marched towards Oxford; soe that in the morneing, when wee
expected an ingagement , there was noe enimy within eight miles
of vs. Soe they marcht to Oxford, and thence after the Lord
Generall into the West; wee to Northampton, and thence to
Abbington; where for very vexation your selfe impaired your
Health, and left the army; your regiment theare being turned to

dragoons: your selfe was sent for to take comand of the Kentish
regiment; soe that I heere obscerue that the same day you had your
comission for Leiftennant Collonel to Sir Arthur Haslerig, (whoe
notwithstanding would never doe any thing as collonel of foote,
delighting all in horse,) I say, the very day twelue month, you had
your comission for collonel of the Kentish regiment aforesaid, with
which from Knole in Kent you marcht out the 2nd day of
September 1644 . You had noe sooner received that regiment,
Which indeed was gallantly sett out by the gentlemen of Kent, but
you were commanded by Sir William Waller to march westward,
which you did without one dayes rest vntill you came to Weymouth.
Before which time that great defeate was given to my Lord
Generall in the West , which occasioned you forthwith to bee
comanded for to take shipp, and goe for the secureing of Plimouth,
then in bad condition, haueing lost most of their men in Cornwall:
in which voyadge to Plymouth God soe blest you that the next
day you ariued there : and a fewe dayes after the King seing noe
hopes to gaine that place, left the westerne forces before it, and
marcht eastward. It would bee tedious to count the many stormes
made by the enimy dureing the sixe monthes of your aboad there:
I shall only put you in minde of one, wherein the Lord was greatley
seen on your behalfe; which was the storme by them made in January
1644 , about ii . at night. The shott then beginning to thunder, your
regiment, 8 companies of them, the rest being then on the gaurds,
made good haste to your lodging, and thence, in as good order as
that blacke and darke night would admitt, hyed towards that part
comeing sooner then was expected found the enimy entred , but
disorderd; there cheife ayme being to take the 2 works on the line:
the greater whereof they being hott about, which was that night
kept by one of your captaines and 46 men , and well defended;
for which his gallant defence hee received a peece of plate:

you quickly sett them thence, leauing behinde them about 60
slaine in the place. The next worke to this being quiett as if it
had nothing concerned them, you presently comanded your men to
ffollowe you thither; which being done, as fast as men could rune
in soe darke a night, when you came within a pike's length, they
in the fort bid "Stand; whoe are you for?" your answereing "For
the Parliament," they fired to purpose. Your selfe then perceiveing
it was taken by the enimy said it was safer to goe on then retreat;
vpon whicw all run on: the fort was taken, and 66 alive and
dead of the enimy taken therein; and Collonel arundell the
comander of that partie there taken, whose sword you yet weare.
This was one amongst many of those great deliverances and
Successes God gave you there. The enimy at last being weary of
Their seidge, and draweing of within 14 daies after, you by the
Comand of Sir Thomas Fairfaxe were called thence. But before I
Proceed with what past after you were with your regiment called
Thence, gives mee leaue to remember you how you spent the
Monthes time in which you were absent from Plymouth, being
Part of the monthes of September and October, 1644, at which
Time for want of suplies for your regiment you were forced to take
A journey to London. And there in a few dayes receaveing your
Dispach, in your way backe you came vnto Bazing Stoke,
Where his Excellency the Earle of Essex, Sir William Waller, with
the Earle of Manchester then lay with the armys vnder their
comand; the King with his army lieing about 8 miles of, towards
Reading. Wherevpon tendring your service to those generalls,
and letting them knowe you were going to your charge, the Earle
of Essex desired you to stay a day or twoe, afirmeingthat in that
time sure there would bee some action; and at present desired you
to ride to Reading, and doe your endeavor to keepe that towne

wherein Collonel Barksted and a regiment of the London foot lay:
his Excellency letting you knowe hee was very doubtfull, if the
King should march vpon that towne, it would bee in hazard, being
Weakly manned, and then not well fortified. Wherevpon that
Night you went to Reading; but the next day the King turned
aside to Newberry with his army, and his Excellency drew up
between Reading and Newberry. Wherevpon you then made your
address to the Earle of Manchester, the generall being sicke at
Bassingstoake; desired of him that forasmuch as the danger of that
Place was past and nowe an ingagement like to bee, his honner
Would give you leaue to wayte vpon him till that the euent of that
Present action was seene; which hee easily graunted. And the next
day neere the evening, the lord gaue a great victory; though the
evill prosecution of it vexed you more than the other cheared you
However, with a few other gentlemen that were there with you,
and suche as you could gather vp, the pursute was followed by you
And after noone you being well wearied in the twoe nights and
dayes (before) , you dismissed your parties, and your selfe wayted on
by Major Ashley, your regiment quartermaster at that time, and
my selfe, returned late at night towards Newberry, where the head
quarters were. And rideing easily 2 miles short of Newberry in
the way of Hungerford, my selfe being before you, I heard
a noise of horse and coaches comeing downe the way towards
vs . Wherevpon I giving you notice you stood a little, and
presently affirmed it was the enimy; for we had neither horse nor
coaches at the head quarters. And they comeing on ffast, you had
noe more time but only to vtter these words " What ever you see
mee doe, lett the like bee don by you:" This was about eight of
the clocke at night the 30th day of October, 1644, the moone
shining pretty light: and instantly therevpon you turnd your

horse in at a broad cart way into the fields on your right hand out
of the comon road to Hungerford. And instantly after vs about
three pikes length they come into the field the same way; and
comeing on fast some of them were got vp even with us: but your
face being towards the west, and the moone being in the east-south-
east, your face was soe shadowed thereby that they could not easily
discover you; but, as I suppose, takeing you to bee of their owne
company , passed on with their whole partie, consisting of 96
mounted men, three coaches and a coach-wagon, with 30 led horse;
as you presently tould your quartermaster .saying you had counted
them ,which I was at that time in too great a feare to doe. And
soe soon as the last of this company was done, you turned backe
your horse and wee likewise: and haueing gon backe about 40
paces, you mett on(é) of their company, to whome clapping your
pistoll you bid him hold his peace, and turne backe with you, else
hee was a dead man; which he did; and carrieing him backe into
the lane hee conffessed hee was one belonged to the Kings Lord
Generall, the Earle of Forth, whoe then past by; and those with
him are his guard; and in the coaches his ladie and some other
ladies ; and the coach wagon was full of his bagadge, hee being
come out of Dorington castle, into which hee was forced to fly the
night before in the battaile. Vpon this relation you instantly
turned for vs , and said, " I knowe not in what way God will bring
it about; but I am very confident that all these coaches, horses and
men will bee mine: nay, they are mine. Come, therefore; lett's vse
the meanes." And vpon that rid sharply with your prisoner towards
Newberry ; and comeing there gaue this account to the Lord
Manchester of what you had seen, and what danger you had
Escaped, desireing of him a partie of horse, and youwould give him
A good account of that company. But hee haueing long watched
Was soe extreame heavy with sleepe, you could not haue one ready

word for him. Wherevpon you thought of another courser; and
that was to goe to the houses where souldiers lay,and see if you
could gett vs a partie by your perswasion, and for hopes of prize,
which you failed not to promise them, as was afterwards well
performed . by this meanes you had got vp 47 resolued horse,
whereof foure weare trumpeters; and away you marched: and vpon
the way Leiftennant Calthorp asked you howe many you judged
the enimy to bee : to which you replyed, "They are 30;" and then
turned to your quartermaster and said , "If my heart faile mee not,
noe bodies else shall for the number;" and soe went on, your selfe
being still a distance before to discover any noyse, and likewise to
finde the way they were gon; which you did at every turneing with
your bare hands, feelling in the darke which way the coach wheeles
turned; it being now about 2 of the clocke and somewhat darke.
Thus wee went on about 16 miles; your selfe still before; and being at
A turneing and feeling for the way the wheeles had gon, one standing
neere by you , at a gate, as you informed vs , vsed these words,
" What rouge is that there?" for then it was neere breake of the
day and very darke. You doubting, as indeed it was, that the
wyly generall might haue left a reargaurd, and hee might bee a
centry, and you had better goe to him : possibly you might make
good the gate till we came vp (whoe weare eleuen score yards behind,)
rather than lett him and his ffellowes come out vpon you; which
assuredly they would doe if they were souldiers. Therevpon you
takeing out your raper and holding the point of it downwards vnder
your rocket, went to the gate to him with your horse as hee was
then in your hand; your pretence being to ask him the way: but
another coming out to him clapt his face over the gate close to you,
and though darke yet discovered you and pulling out his sword,
with an oathe not bee named, as you after informed vs, said you
were a Roundhead: but you being more readye then hee beleeued

made such a hole in his skinn as brought a groane from him. The
other starting, but not seeing the danger, you said with soe loud a
voice that wee heard, whoe were then a good way short "What's
the matter, gentlemen, doe you meane to abuse a man travelling on
his way?" and with that more of them comeing to the gate and
indeavoring to fforce it, you made it good with your rapier, vntill
instantly the trumpet (whoe had charge what to doe some hours before,)
comeing vp, and finding you ingaged , sounded a charge. Where-
vpon the partie rushing upon that rearegaurd, being twelue, were
quickly dispatched; and from some of them that were then alive
you did learne that the Earle of Forth was then refreshing himselfe
in that village: which soe soone as you herd, you guest, as indeed
it was, that the enimy would take the alarum and drawe into a
body, and then the busines might bee hazarded. And therevpon
instantly , the lane being pretty broad, and day appearing at the
very instant, God was soe good to direct the timeing of that busines,
you orderd the former deuision being neere thirty prime men and
horse to go on with you: the rest of the partie being almost tired
were to march on 3 score paces after, and one trumpeter with them
sounding a march, and another trumpeter 3 score paces behinde
them sounding a march, and soe to continue till they had ffurther
order from you. In this posture marching a good trott, the first
partie, where your selfe was , entring into a little comon in the midle
of the village, there, close by you , was the Lord Ruthen drawing
his men together: and at that very instant the trumpets that were
behinde sounded a march, and you cried aloud, "Gentlemen
letts not stay for the bodie of horse but fall on them instantly;"
which at a high trott was done, and they presently routed, haueing
not drawne 40 together. This was noe sooner done, but, musket shot

distance, as many more, whoe had then taken the alarum, were then
gott together. Some of your partie seing them said "Looke , Sir,
backe yonder is a partie more." You replied, "The same are
rallied againe; downe with them: " and immediately vpon a full
gallop you charged them. During theis 2 charges all the coaches
and wagon were runne away. This busines being pretty well
over, and all that were in those twoe parties fallen or taken, with
the generalls armer in his trumpet; none escaped but the Earle
himselfe, Collonel Feilding, and three more, whoe by reason of
the goodness of their horse, after they had mett with some blowes,
leapt of the comon into the closes, you being between them and
the lanes end; by which meanes they escaped. Your selfe presently
and about twelue more whoe were able, pursued after the coaches;
and haueing gon at a great speed four or fiue miles you were close.
For a considerable part of the Queens regiment of horse quarterd
Then there, who could not come time enough to the ffight: which
You discovering by seeing souldiers stirr hastily about, presently
cried to the people as you were vpon a hard speed after the coaches,
" Gentlemen, lay out quarters in this towne presently for my
Lord Manchesters regiment of horse;" and further called loud to
your quartermaster, whoe then was most gallantly as hee had been
all morneing at your backe, sayeing, "Quartermaster, in the
next village let Sir William Wallers regiment quarter." Vpon
this, and heareing the trumpets, whoe were then farr beehinde,
sound, all the souldiers there, three times the number of your
partie, runn away; and before our faces, some ridd out backe wayes;
most footed it into the woods; and you had an opertunity to ffall
on the partie with the coaches, whoe never offerd to strike, but
cried for mercy; not one man of them escaped; coaches and coach

wagon and all the ladies taken, with 57 men brought prisoners ;
and of their whole partie but the 5 aforsaid escaped. Of horses
of theirs, you brought away 107, besides twenty one horse that
were in the coaches and wagon. And now being 20 miles from
Newberry, and in the enimies country, yet it pleased God soe to
Bless you that you brought safe away that day all the prisoners to
your quarters neere Newberry; although your partie was soe small
that you were forced sometimes to put one man to guard 3 prisoners.
This mercy of God, though I doubt not but you haue it in perfect
memory , yet his hand being soe plainly discovered in it, I could
not omitt it, and hope the time you spend in reading of it will not
seem long. Which that it may not, I shall proceed on where I
left; (vizt.) at your marching from Plymouth towards his Excellency
Sir Thomas Fairfaxe, and meeting him nere vnto Bridgewater;
and within a few dayes had your poast given you on the west side
of that towne , wheare your devise of fireing severall parts of the towne
was soe successful, that whilest it was burneing they hanged out a
white flagg, desireing only their lives. Thus was that strong towne
deliverd, after a small storme on one part; whereof you were 14 dayes
governor . but being soon weary of a comand soe ffar from the enimy,
vpon your desire the generall removed you to Bath, a towne little
defenceable, and nere Bristoll, wherein was Prince Rupert and at least
4000 of the King's armie, and therefore noe want of employment. By
that time you had bin there sixe weeks, the generall Sir Thomas
Fairefaxe and the army drew towards Bristoll; hee sending to you
To joine with some of his horse, and goe before and keep them from
Burneing the villages in Gloucestershire; which you did with 1000
Horse and 700 of your owne foote. This army comeing vp, many

great disputes arose, not without some discontent towards yourselfe,
lookt vpon as the instrument that drew them on that hapless service,
as then it was done. But after many councells of warr and great
debates, with great perswasion to a storme, and particulerly by your
selfe, after it was caried by question, you said thus to the generall,
"May it please your Excellency, you haue now resolued of a storme,
wherevnto I haue vsed my best arguments; and because it may not
bee thought by any that I am the earnester to perswade to storme,
because my owne person is not like to bee hazarded,I doe now
voluntarily offer, that what place of the line youe Exelency please
to appoint I will, God willing, enter it , or lay my body there to
shewe my reality and good will to the service." This was recived
with acclamation, and Harnell gate appointed you; and the comand
of Major Generall Skippons regiment given you, hee lyeing then
wounded; with which regiment and your owne you made ready for
the storme. And although by the runing a way of one of your
owne men into the towne the enimy stood ready cockt, and the
gunners by their gunns, thee fight whereof at the first goeing on
made it soe light a man might perfectly see all the men about him
and horse, which continued for about a quarter of an houre, the
night otherwies being as darke as ever I sawe; yet God soe blessed
you there that you entred in that place; but not without some hazard;
whole volleys dischargeing when you were but the breadth of the
trench of , and many case shot. But God went with you then, and
inabled you, when you were inn, to keepe it; though you were
forthwith charged with 500 horse appointed to scoure that line.
Thus was that cittie by God's blessing entred , which some yeares
Before you defended on one side to the great cost of Prince Maurice

and Sir Ralph Hoptons army, whoe came on vpon that side (but
that I haue already put in mind of). I therefore proceed to
Gods further manifestation of his presence with you. For returneing
To you government of Bath, and Bristoll alsoe being vnder your
charge, you began againe quickly to bee weary of being out of
imployment. Wherevpon you went vp to London, November the
10th, 1645, and adrest your selfe to your friends there, either to put
you in some more active place, or to give you leaue to lay downe.
Wherevpon it was considered by the Comittee of both Kingdomes,
and they appointed you to drawe out 1000 foote and your horse,the
5th of December, and to march to Herefordshire; and to endeavour
with that force and some from Worcestershire and others belonging
to Collonel Morgan, Governor of Gloucester, whoe were to joine
with you, in all about 1800 horse and foote,to endeavour to distress
the cittie of Hereford, and vse all meanes to take it in; giving you
in hand one weeks pay for your horse and foote, and promiseing
you a months pay more if you were succesfull. Herevpon you
went on that hopeless designe; marcht of from Bath and Bristoll
the 6th of December, which day it pleased God to begin a great
frost, without which it had bin impossible to haue marcht at that
time of the yeare in those countries of Gloucester and Herefordshire.
Comeing to Gloucester you were to conferr with Collonel Morgan,
Sir John Bridges, and Mr. Hodges , whoe were to assist you, and
And advise you howe things stood at Hereford; vnto whome when you
came, your incouragement was soe small that their earnest desire
was that you would march backe to your garisons,it being vaine to
thinke of attempting Hereford. Wherevpon you desired they
would give your men 3 or 4 dayes quarters where they now lay
nere Gloucester; and dureing that time you would goe into Here-
fordshire in a disguise, and see if there could bee any hopes of
Hereford, or Matchfeild;you then saying that being you were
marcht soe farr in soe cold a time, you would beat or bee beaten

before you returne. Vpon this they were content to allowe your
men quarters for three or 4 dayes. Wherevpon your selfe, with
Sir John Bridges, whoe in that busines was both very helpful and
Serviceable, went along with you, both private, first to Ledbury, after
to a country house, one Sissells, nere therevnto, and from thence
sent privately to twoe officers of the Kings, whoe vpon some dis-
content had lately laid down their comand, and then were greatly
enraged against the governor; suposeing ,as indeed it prooued, that
those men to bee revenged would give their best assistance and
advise. The next night those men came from there houses, 2 miles
from Hereford, where they recided, at Nunington, and vpon dis-
course with them, it was by you quickly found that they earnestly
longed to be revenged; and you promised them that, if they
would assist, and the designe should take, you would give them
100 l. a peece; and soe enquired what possibillitie there was of a
surprize; how the gaurds were kept? Whither there were any
houses nere any of their gates? What cariages vsed comonly to
goe into the cittie? And if there were any hollowe ground where
a bodie of men could lye nere the gate? And what number was
in the garison? To which the reply was : the number of men
in armes in the garison, of horse and foote, was about 1500;
that their gaurds by night were strict kept vntill the gates were
open; but after the town mayor was gone the souldiers went
to gett their morneings draught, and many times left not aboue
tenn on the guard; that the officers in the towne vsually dranke
and gamed all night, and lay in bedd the fore part of the next
day; that there was within less then musket shott of the gate
an ould building called the Priory, where 500 men might lye close;

that every morneing sundry carts came in loaden with wood and
strawe; and that at this time, the frost still very strong, the
governor sent out warrants to the constables in the country to send
him soe many men every morneing to break the ice on the mote
and river ; and that there was hollow ground behinde the Priory on
the other side a small hill neere the city and about twoo musket
shott from the Priory, where 1000 men might bee drawne into
batalia. Vpon this discourse, and further findeing most of their
horse weare at that time within the walls by night, you begun to
bee confident the towne would easily bee surprised; and your way
was 6 carts; 4 with wood, and 2 with strawe, which were to bee
laden hollowe, that in the bodies of every cart 6 men might lye with
swords and pistolls; and when they came just within the gate, there
being only a bundle of strawe in the hinder end of the cart, they
were to through that out, and presently fall on the guard; and that
you would lay firelocks in that ould priory in the night to second
those in the carts, when the gate should bee open, and they haue
possession; which would assuredly bee done without suspicion. Thus
that designe layd, it pleased God, that hee might the more bee seen,
to send that night soe great a snowe that carts could not travell;
therefore there must bee a new project; which you instantly thought
vpon to bee this. The governor, as before, every day sent out men
vnto the country to breake the ice, the ffrost houlding strong.
Wherevpon you resolued to provide a man to goe to the towne
Pretending to bee a cunstable, and to carrie sixe men with him,
with spades and pickaxes, great breeches and country habbitt,
and a warrant you writt to carry in his hand to avoid sus-
picion when hee came neere the gate, and a hedg bill vnder his
arme, a vsuall thing for constables to carry in their hand. The
designe was to bee put on; and you went presently to Cannon

froom, then a garison for the Parliament, where were many stout
fforrest men ; out of whome for their habit and countenance
sake, being soe like labouring men, you resolued to choose
your constable and his men. And at last you found one Berow,
whose face and bodie promised, when fitly clad, to bee noe
other but a constable ; and vpon conference with him found his
resolution answereable and yet his understanding not so pearceing
as to afright him with the enterprise: and withall sixe men there fitt
for your turne. Wherevpon you hasted backe to Gloucester,
the third day after your departure, and came to Collonel Mor-
gan, telling him you were resolued on a designe into Hereford-
shire : which hee was soe willing to imbrace that though hee
was then sicke of an ague, yet hee would march with you,
though under great distemper, which hee did the day followeing
to Ledbury, and all the night afterwards towards Heriford in the
deep snowe, where some of your men ended there dayes in the
ext(r)emity of the ffrost and snowe. You thus marching on slowly,
your designe being not to doe your busines that night, but only to
make the enimy the more secure by your returne, day broke when
you were foure miles short of Heriford. Wherevpon you gaue it
out to your officers, after they weare all called together, not one of
them knowing any thing of that designe, that you would now lett
them knowe your intentions, which were these: Sir William
Brierton then blockt up Chester; Sir Jacob Ashley and Sir William
Vaughun were gon towards him ; and you were comanded speedily
to march to their releife : and you hoped all your officers would
beare you witness that the extremity of the wether was such you
could not march, and therefore hoped you should well answere it
if you went backe to your garisons; to which they all agreed, and

the souldiers gladly accepted; and then presently you gaue order
the soul(d)iers should get some meate and drinke at the next
villages, on purpose to give out what you had said of your march
thither; only one bodie of hores to stand ready if the enimy should
haue marcht out of Heriford. And the greate designe also tooke
well: for the country people desirous to knowe whither the soul-
diers were goeing, they were as ready to tell the whole matter: and
the governor of Hereford not wanting friends in the country
presently was advised of the whole busines. Yet hee for more
sureness that day sent out horse, whoe found it true; and that the
forces were indeed marching backe towards Ledbury and so towards
Glocester: which designe did worke soe that the garison of Heriford
was exceeding secure. And yett to make them more secure,
you findeing out whoe gaue the governor vsuall notice from Led-
bury, chose to quarter your selfe at his house ; and theire called
some of the towne togeather, informeing them of your hard march
and desireing they would give your men good quarters that night
and you would bee gon next day; for the wether was soe bad you
could not march as you intende. This they willingly agreed
vnto; and quickly the governor of Hereford had notice from his
friend at Ledbury. The day past; and it now beeing about 9 of
the clocke at night the 16th of December 1645, all haueing well
supped, you called hastily to one of your officers, and caused him
to beat vp an alarum; which immediately hee did; and from him
tooke all the rest of the drumers: which made not only your owne
officers, but some of the townsmen hastily to run to your lodgeing.
Where pressing to knowe the matter, you told them that you had
advise the governor of Hereford and some others joyned with him
were marching towards you; and desired to advise with the officers
to knowe whether wee should stay there vntill hee came, or rather
to goe and meet him, if happily wee might finde them in a hasty

disorderly march, and soe breake their bodies. They ,willing to
concur with you, said, there was noe way but to goe and meete him,
the snowe and moone both giving light enough. By this meanes
you gott out all your men presently without suspicion either to
themselues or the towne, whoe weare charged on payn of death to
keepe their houses; whoe else would surely haue advised the governor
of Hereford. And thus marched you almost to Heriford which was
from Ledbury tenn miles, without speaking one word, still expect-
ing to bee engaged; which thoughts kept the souldiers warme that
terrible night of frost and snowe: which had it been any other
way, you could never haue compassed your designe. When you had
marched soe far, the officers cam to you wondering they heard of noe
enimy; to which you replyed, they are retreated, and if they did
thinke it fitt you would march on, with all probabillity before they
gott into Hereford you might doe some considerable service on
them, they suspecting nothing. Wherevpon they every one re-
turned to his place, marching on speedily, but soe silently that a
dog scarce barked all the night, though wee marched through three
or 4 villages; but in deed that was not strange, for if a dog had
bin without doores tht night hee would haue been starved to
death . your selfe in the meane time ridd to Cannon ffroom the
Parliament garison, sixe miles from Heriford, and thre made ready
your constable and his sixe men, gaue him his warrant, appointed
him his bill, and to them their pickaxes and shovells, bound up for
them very black rie bread and cheese in course table napkins, soe
that to see them goe a man would haue ventred his life they had
bin country labourers indeed. Thus you went on till you were
within a mile of Hereford; at which time the officers againe repaired
to you, and heareing of noe enemy, begun to say vnto you, sure

you had some other busines there; to which you did them answere,
you had indeed, and if they would keepe close and silent at their
charge they should, by and by, see what it was; which they wil-
lingly agreed vnto. Wherevpon, being marched neere the cittie,
you laid your maine bodie in a hollowe ground which you ffound
as you were advised fitt for your turne; thence drew 150 firelocks
into that old priory which lay just by the roade leading to Bysters
gate. Then you tooke the constable and the sixe men, and laid
him with them in the priory, giving this order to the constable;
that when you put of your hatt where you lay aboue him a good
distance that you might see when the gate oppened, and the towne
mayor gone, and the guard did grow thinn, then hee should goe on;
and to the firelocks comanded by Leiftennant Collonel Raymond
and Capten Browne gave this order, that when the constable was
just at the drawbridge they should rush out; and to the maine
body, that when they sawe the firelocks run on they should hasten.
Things thus laid,you tooke a speciall care, the officers whoe first you advised with living neere Hereford should bee soe lookt vnto
That they should give noe intelligence, which you had reason to
Ffeare, they expressing some discontent; which caused you to keepe
Them honerably close for the three dayes your designe was acting,
And soe at this present time. Thus the severall parties lay close in
the snowe twoe full howers, noe man soe much as stirring, hope
keepeing them warme. At last the gate was opeined; and within
a quarter of an hower after few souldiers you could see about it;
and you supposed, as it proved, that that terrible cold morneing of
ffrost and snowe had sent them to a fire. Wherevpon you gave

notice to the constable, whoe in respect of his cold, which made him
and his sixe men goe as if they were almost starved, and alsoe by rea-
son of their broad hatts, great breeches, spades, pickaxes, and bundles
of bread and cheese, they might well haue deceived a wise man and
vigilent comander. Thus went hee on peaceably to the gate; which
when he came close vnto, and goeingto shew the officers and
souldiers that were with the centry his warrant to bring those men
to worke that day, the firelocks rush fourth, and were run almost
halfe way before the guard (then busie with the constable) discovered
them. Wherevpon the guard began to crye "Arme." The
constable with his bill knocks downe one; the rest with their spades
and pickaxes fell vpon others: this held not one minute, but the
firelocks and your selfe fell inn; and presently the remainder of
your bodie, with Collonell Morgan; and after halfe an hower
dispute in the streets, and the loss of about tenn of your men, that
great and strong garison, which soe long held out a great army,
was taken, and in it abundance of gentry and souldiers; the
governor Bsrronet Scudamore with some ffiftie others escapeing
over the river Wye on the ice, which that night was ffrozen soe
hard they were able to goe over. Thus did the Lord worke
for you : the like hath not been heard: and I am confident you will
never forgett to honner God, whoe soe honerd you in this admired
service. Vpon notice of this great worke to the Parliament, they
fourth with appointed you governor of that cittie, which was almost
as difficult to keepe as take, lieing surounded with enimy garisons;
Sir Jacob Ashley at Worcester 20 miles of, Sir William Vaughun
At Ludlowe with a force; and others at Gutheridge, Ragland and
Matchfeild; all the strong garrisons lyeing round. Yet God soe
Enabled you to manage his worke in your hand, that you kept your
Horse alwais quartered in the country, (though the enimy dureing
All that tyme durst never quarter but in their garisons,) and never

lost (saueing 13 Shropshire horse thar came vnder your protection)
one horse to the enimy. And although within the cittie of
Hereford was 1100 townsmen whoe had taken vp armes for the King
Yet by your speedy ffortifieing the castle you secured that cittie for
The Parliament with a few men, soe that though you tooke that place
but the 24th day of December, 1645, yet in the beginning of March
followeing you had soe strengthened the castle that with the helpe
therefore 460 men kept that citty, that the 6th of March you were able
to drawe out three hunderd horse, and leaue a horse guard for the
cittie; which with 300 horse and 600 foot you then tooke the ffield,
notwithstanding the enimy all around about. But in an especiall
manner you were molested from Gutheridge with Sir Henry
Lingen, whoe had about 90 horse belonging to that garrison, 9
miles from Hereford; with which and the knowledge and resolution
of the riders they made roades every way into (the) country: soe
that although on the 5 of March you were desired to drawe out
what force you could, and to joine with Collonel Morgan to engage
with Sir Jacob Ashley, then intending with the fforces of Worcester
and Ludlowe , and his owne, being about 1000 more, to march to
Oxford to the King to joine with his army, there to take the ffield
Thay summer, yett this could not possibly bee done without vtter
Ruine to the country , except you could some way breake and destroy
the forces vnder Sir Henry Lingen; but especially the horse, whoe
vndoubtedly when you were gon soe ffar of would bring all the
contry to subiection, and come to the gates of Hereford it selfe.
Wherefore you tooke vp such a resolution as seldome hath been
Heard of: yett your God wrought for you: vizt. Theis horse stood
In one great stable , within the outward wall of Gutheridge Castle;
The backe of the stable being it selfe part of the wall; a guard lay
In this stable, and another guard about a pistoll shott behinde the
Stable, being as neere the castle wall that only a carte loaden could
Pass between the castle it selfe and this outer counter scarfe. Yet

you did resolue this stable must bee entered in some fowle night,
when the horse were sure in it; it being the stable wherein they
lay all their sadles, corne, and hay; and this must bee done, else
you could not doe your busines. Therefore you tooke a time 4
nights after, and marcht silently all night; devided your bodie into
three parts; one to fall on the out guard silently with their swords;
and another to storme the wall with ladders of 13 rounds, which
by intelligence you found to bee as a sufficient length; and when
they were gott in that counterscafe to fforce the guard, and enter
that stable: but neither of theis to give any fire vntill they were
fired vpon againe and againe ; hopeing that might somewhat alay
the mistrust of any danger thear. The other partie were to goe
directly to the gate, both horse and foote, and there to fire with
great noyse; and it pleased the Lord soe to prosper you there, that
they in the outgaurd supposed those whoe first came on to bee some
of the castle or stable gaurds; therefore they tooke not the allarum,
it being very darke, vntill they were gott in soe close, that they
were taken or slaine every man, being 2majors, 2 captaines and
30 souldiers. At the same instant they on the counterscarfe,soe
soone as they perceived the partie came towards them, though it
it had been some of those from the outgaurd; and soe was not
hastie to give the alarum, till they had sett and mounted their
ladders and were presently enterd the maine force of the castle.
The castle it selfe, heareing soe great a noyes about the gate,
Supposed the danger there, therefore applied all their force thither.
In the meane time the stable was entred, a hole beaten through the
backe of the wall according to order, and then ledd out by the
partie 76 horse : 12 were left in that would not come out; where-
vpon instantly that great stable being full of hay, strawe, and
cumbustable matter was fired and burnt to the ground,with

the horses, sadles, and all things else for the enimies vse. Thus
their forces being subdued you were in a condition to march to
meet Sir Jacob Ashley, which you delayed not long; but the very
next day , haueing designed your force to come after, you went your
selfe with Collonel Kirle, fower of your servants, your trompets and
twoe choice troupers in your company towards Gloucester, to lay
the designe and to conferr with Collonel Morgan about the manage-
ment thereof. But whither they at Gutheridge had advice of your
goeing soe ill attended or it was casuall I am not able to say, but
suspect the first; but soe it was that Sir Henry Lingen had a partie
of 14 choice horse were out on a party the night the stable was
burnt, and his horse taken: which horse by that meanes escapeing
lay at Ould Goare, just in your way ready to catch you as you
went for Gloucester, the place being twoe miles from the enimies
garison; you presumeing to goe soe neare with that small partie
suposeing you had left them neare a horse; yet these 14 were ready
for you there: wherevpon they standing in a little hollowe,
and findeing them to bee the enimy, all that you said was " Doe as
I doe," and with that on a full speed roade through the very midle
of them . The fury of your horse overthrew one, and dismounting
one or 2 more, the comander of them turneing about his horse to
clap his pistoll to you, I was soe neare you that my pistoll touched
his side; where I shott him, his scarfe was fired with the powder,
and downe hee ffell. By that time you and Collonel Kirle had feld,

with the other sixe with you,7 or 8 of them; the rest began to face
about, but were all killed or taken, except twoe whose horses weare
too swift. Thus were you strangely deliverd at that time alsoe;
and on you went towards Gloucester as if this had bin only a rub
in your cast, haueing lost noe mans life on your part. This was
the Lords owne worke. At Gloucester agreeing with Collonel
Morgan of the place and time of rendevouz, you mett accordingly
with about 1060 men ; hee with about 1100; and the garison
of Esam with about 600. With this little army of about 2700,
you marcht to meet Sir Jacob Ashley, whose army consisted
of about 3000 men, halfe of them being reformads, men of
vndoubted resolution. On the 5th day after your rendvouz, Sir
Jacob Ashley came marching with his army in view; wee lyeing on
the topp of the hill nere Cambdin sawe him march at least sixe
miles together. And I well remember your councell was being
wee had sent for Sir William Brereton, and that hee had provided
to come with a force that day, not to tempt God by fighting over-
much, when it may bee hee would afoard vs more meanes; but if noe
helpe came before such time that the enemy would bee out of our
reach towards Oxford, then wee would ffight them, and trust God
to beat them with the fforce wee hadd: in the meane time to vexe
them with 500 good horse and some ffew foote, to make them
spend the time and tire them; and in the meane time the rest of our
army to ffeed and refresh themselues abundantly, which they did
from Cambdin. By which meanes the enimy disputed it till eight
at night, before they could get vp that hill, and had then 7 miles to
Stowe; they not desireing to fight with vs but to march vnto the
King, which they did very quietly: for you comanding that none
should ffollowe them in the reare, they tooke it for graunted they
should not bee molested. But about tenn or eleaven of the clocke,
you said to Collonel Morgan, "Come, Sir, God will give vs noe
more meanes: yett I am confident hee will deliver them into our
hands:" and to your souldiers about you said, you had a strong con-

fidence you should haue Sir Jacob Ashley in custodie. Wherevpon
all resolued to march; and did at the very instant with that resolu-
tion and willingnes as if they had gone to a ffeast: and about
three in the morneing were gott close vp to the enimy then drawne
vp in the ffeild neere Stowe; it being very darke; yet you reeolued
to fight presently, "because," said you "wee haue the disadvantage
of ground, yet they cannot see it; besides wee being the assailants,
they will conceive Sir William Brereton is come vp to vs , and that
wee are many more than they." At this very instant comes vp tenn
or twelue troops of horse vnder Sir William Brereton; and to worke
wee went, the forlornes being ingaged before. Hott it was for a
while; their reformadoes standing stoutly to it; insomuch that you had
32 horse shott in your owne regiment, beside your owne that you ridd
on alsoe shott; but at length God gaue you the victory, 1600 prisoners
and vpwards, beside the slaine: and in the midle of the heat a souldier
had taken Sir Jacob Ashley, brought him to you; whoe according to
your promise, deliverd him to your souldiers. And here, certainely,
was a more then ordinary hand of God, which could not pass by
without observance, being the last battle fought in England.
Nowe only remaynd to take in the garisons. Wherevpon you
marcht backe; first to Worcester; where at the first comeing on,
your horse with a pistoll was shott soe vnder you that hee fell downe

never stirring, but died presently; which was another remarkeable
deliverance. Leaveing Collonel Morgan neare Worcester, you
marcht by order of the Parliament to Ludlow, and God soe blest
you that you tooke in that towne and castle within 33 dayes;
though not without great envy from the Shropshire men,in whoes
countie I was gon. Thence to Gutheridge you marcht, a place of
wonderfull strength; yet God soe blesst you that with mineing,
battery, and morterpeeces soe well bestowed that your selfe shott
into the castle 19 of 22 granadoes, which much shooke it,and by
reason of a great morterpeece you made there (the biggest in
England), the enimy was terified, much of the inner part of the
castle ffallen downe, and the roofe spoyled. Yet the enimy resolued
to hold out, and by countermine drew neere to your mine, which
went heavily on for tenn yards at least through ffirme rocke yett
there to bee seen: but by your battery vnexpectedly planted in the
night you beat downe a tower of the castle into the mouth of their
countermine; the tower ffalling soe furiously that they could noe
wayes defend their mine. By which meanes you gott vnder them;

and they findeing the same, and sawe themselues lost, desired only
their lives; Sir Henry Lingen and all the rest being you prisoners,
whereof 60 were officers and gentlemen. This was the end of your
martiall imployment, wherein I thinke as much of God was seen as
most can recite: and although I doubt not your ffaithfull and
greatfull memory hereof towards God, yet I conceaue my selfe
bound to present you with this breife collection, being all I haue
to tender to you in answere for all your ffavours towards mee:
therevnto adding my prayers, that beeing God hath called you to
bee a Member of Parliament, hee will continue his goodness to
you, and make you very instrumentall theare , as you haue been
elsewhere, for the glorie of his name, and good of his people.
Amen .