it is becoming an openly Royalist affair. In Lancashire a certain Sir Richard Tempest, very forward in his Royalism, goes suddenly blazing abroad ‘with 1,000 horse and many knights and gentlemen,’ threatening huge peril; but is, in those very hours, courageously set upon by Colonel Robert Lilburn with what little compact force there is, and at once extinguished —an acceptable service on the part of Colonel Robert; for which let him have thanks from Parliament, and reward of 1,000l.[1]
Very desirable, of course, that Oliver had done with Pembroke, and were fairly joined with Lambert. But Pembroke is strong; Poyer is stubborn, hopes to surrender ‘on conditions’; Oliver, equally stubborn, though sadly short of artillery and means, will have him ‘at mercy of the Parliament,’ so signal a rebel as him. Fairfax’s Father, the Lord Ferdinando, died in March last;[2] so that the General’s title is now changed
TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE LORD FAIRFAX, GENERAL OF THE PARLIAMENTS ARMY: THESE
Sir,—I have some few days since despatched horse and dragoons for the North. I sent them by the way of West Chester; thinking it fit to do so in regard of this enclosed Letter which I received from Colonel Dukinfield—requiring them to give him assistance in the way. And if it should prove that a present help would not serve the turn, then I ordered Captain Pennyfeather’s troop to remain with the Governor “Dukinfield”; and the rest immediately to march towards Leeds,—and to send to the Committee of York, or to him that commands the forces in those parts, for directions whither they should come, and how they shall be disposed of.
The number I sent are six troops: four of horse, and two of dragoons; whereof three are Colonel Scroop’s,—and Captain
