Sir Marmaduke ‘imagined it was one Colonel Ashton, a powerful Presbyterian, who had got together 3,000 men to oppose us, because we came out of Scotland without the General Assembly’s permission. Mark the quarrel. While Sir Marmaduke disputes the matter, Baillie, by the Duke’s order, marches to Ribble Bridge, and passes it with all the foot except two brigades.’ Never dreaming that Cromwell is upon us! ‘This was two miles from Preston. By my Lord Duke’s command, I had sent some ammunition and commanded-men to Sir Marmaduke’s assistance: but to no purpose; for Cromwell prevailed; so that our English first retired, and then fled. It must be remembered that, the night before this sad encounter, Earl Calendar and Middleton were gone to Wigan, eight miles from thence, with a considerable part of the cavalry. Calendar was come back, and was with the Duke, while the action took place; ‘and so was I: but upon the rout of Sir Marmaduke’s people, Calendar got away to Ribble, where he arrived safely by a miracle, as I think; for the Enemy was between the Bridge and us, and had killed or taken most part of our two brigades of foot,’ which was all that Baillie had left here.
‘The Duke with his guard of horse, Sir Marmaduke with many officers, among others myself, got into Preston Town; with intention to pass a ford below it, though at that time not rideable. At the entry of the Town, the enemy pursued us hard. The Duke faced about, and put two troops of them to a retreat; but so soon as we turned from them, they again turned upon us. The Duke facing the second time, charged them, which succeeded well. Being pursued the third time, my Lord Duke cried To charge once more for King Charles! One trooper refusing, he beat him with his sword. At that charge we put the enemy so far behind us, that he could not so soon overtake us again. ‘Then Sir Marmaduke and I entreated the Duke to hasten to his Army:—and truly here he showed as much personal valour as any man could be capable of. We swam the Ribble River; and so got to the place where Lieutenant-General Baillie had advantageously lodged
