as may enable us to keep the field and repel the enemy, if God assist us: at least to secure and countenance us to, as that we be not put to the shame and hazard of a retreat; which will lose the Parliament many friends in these parts, who will think themselves abandoned on our departure from them. Sir, I beseech you send what Horse and Foot you can spare towards Salisbury, by way of Kingscleere, with what convenient expedition may be. Truly we look to be attempted upon every day.
These things being humbly represented to your knowledge and care, I subscribe myself, your most humble servant,
In Carte’s Ormond Papers (i. 79) is a Letter of the same date on the same subject, somewhat illustrative of this. See also Commons Journals in die.
Prince Rupert had withdrawn without fighting; was now at Worcester with a considerable force, meditating new infall. For which end, we hear, he has sent 2,000 men across the country to his Majesty at Oxford, to convoy ‘his Majesty’s person and the Artillery’ over to Worcester to him,—both of which objects are like to be useful there. The Committee of Both Kingdoms order the said Convoy to be attacked.
‘The charge of this service they recommended particularly to General Cromwell, who, looking on himself now as discharged of military employment by the New Ordinance, which was to take effect within few days, and to have no longer opportunity to serve his country in that way,—was, the night before, come to Windsor, from his service in the West, to kiss the General’s hand and take leave of him: when, in the morning ere he was come forth of his chamber, those commands, than
- ↑ D’Ewes mss., vol. v. p. 189; p. 445 of Transcript.
