A True RELATION OF The late Fight, between Sir VVILLIAM VVALLERS Forces, and those sent from OXFORD.
SIR, I received yours of the 11. instant, to which I gave present answere.
For Newes with us, it hath the face of bad: but for my owne part, I see a very great Deliverance in it, and Gods immediate hand in saving this Army.
I shall give you a briefe accompt of [Page 2] the progresse and successe therof since the last defeat given Sr. Ralph Hopton on La [...]sdowne, which is thus:
Friday the Enemy lay in Marshfield, we lay that night in the Field, within two miles of him.
Saturday he marched to Chipenham, we followed and kept the Field.
Sunday he retreated to the Devises, we pursued and fought with him, and kill'd many of his Horse, and especially Foot: but it being late we durst not enter the Towne, but still kept the Field in a green neere Roode.
The next morning, being Monday, wee drew up to Bagnall hill with our whole Body: That night wee sent out many [...]ar [...]es, and [...]rew down to Runway we brought in many Prisoners, beat the Lord of Craford, took 8. Colours, and some Officers
Next night we had intelligence of a great Party comming with Amunition, which we tooke, being sixe Cart [Page 3] loads: but the Enemy running away in due time, we had but few Prisoners
That night Prince Maurice, and the Marquesse, with most of their Horse, stole away for Oxford▪ we did light on their Reare with a small party, and took 17 or 18 Prisoners.
Tuesday morning we fell upon the Town, which they well defended: In the afternoone desired a Parle, and two houres cessation which on good reason was granted them: but they not conforming to our Demands, we fell on again that night, though coldly.
The next day Wednesday, we continued our assault, beat them from all their Out works and Guards: but that day and night being extreame wet, hindred us much.
Thursday night we had resolued on a generall assault: but this resolution was scarse taken, but newes came that the Enemy from Oxford was within two miles, with two thousand horse, [Page 4] which made us draw up to Bagnall hill, without Drum or Trumpet, where we found the Enemy in sight, marching towards us; we long'd to Charge them with our horse which we did with some disadvantage, and were put to a retreat disorderly: But rallied againe with the helpe of our Reserve. The Enemy came on, and we charged them the second time, and then all our Horse were Routed, their Reserve standing firme. Wee fled; they followed, yet our Foot being scarce considerable, stood one houre and an halfe, and forced their Horse to retreat divers times: but their Foot comming up from the Devises, made ours leave their Armes and flye. We have lost only [...]0. horse, and at the most 200. Common Souldiers slaine, and taken prisoners; about 500 armes. No man of note killed or hurt, only Sir Arthur Haslerigge who received a wound in his arme, and an hurt in his eare, but not dangerous: he fought very bravely. [Page 5] We know we killed many of their best Men, but not known to us by name, because we l [...]st the Field: We retreated all to this City, and hope to make good Bath also.
As this was a great losse to us, so likely to all the West unlesse the Lord Generall sodenly help; however, we acknowledge Gods over ruling power in our great deliverance: the Enemy having six Regiments of horse, and 700. Dragoons, that never presented themselves in our view, but lay in ambush▪ as divers report, who saw them and haue since broke through their army, and are returned to us. The same also is confest by Maior Byron, whom we took prisoner.