IN these turbulent times, when opinions grow variable, and the diversity of doubtfull reports more voluble than the rushing winde; yet have I adventured (like to an old practicioner, in Prose, Poesie, and unparalelled peregrination) to cast in my Myte of known Experience, upon the Brazen faces of ignorant under­standers, that with the knowledge of my quotidian inspection, I may either enlighten their blindesse, or give truth the glory of a just deserving. And why? because now too too many calumnious Criticks, being more prone to censure other mens labours, then to do any thing themselves worthie of censure, yet dare to upbraid that which hardly their sinistruous judgement can rightly construct. The world being turned to such a crabbed and crooked condition, that either they will approve what they conceive, though never so erronious, or otherwise disprove that [Page 4] which they affect not, though never so illustrious. Wherefore damnifying the one, and villifying the other I come to court my present purpose; and thus I begin▪

After our first Army (levyed in the hollow time of Winter, 1644 and led by the Earl of Leven Lord General) had with certain oppo­sitions recoursed over Tyne, and thence falling downe to Sunderland, situate upon the River Weir (Durhams dallying and circulating con­sort) after, I say, they had beene provoked by the Lord Newcastle, and Lieutenant Generall King, upon the Sabboth day, to give them Battell; it was skirmished and fought two dayes together at Bowdon Hill, March 20, 21. 1644. whereby the great mercy of the divine Providence, that laudable▪ Victory fell to our Armie, and the enemie in a retyring way flying for Durham, fled shortly there­after in a confused march unto York. To which place (their refuge) his Excellence with our Army mainly advancing, beleagured the greater halfe of the Towne; the Earle Manchester, and Lord Fair­fax envyroning the rest.

Where diverse weeks and dayes being spent, in advancing their Works, their atchievements, and other approaches, there fell out ( interim) certaine accidentall Skirmishes and countermatching as­saults. [Page 5] In one of which, that mirrour of Mars and manhood, Lieutenant Cōlonell Ballantine was deadly wounded, whereof he dyed: A large subject have I here to handle, if time might suffer me, but true it is, hee was a Cavalier of such extraordinary for­tune (being onely 28 years of age at his last vale) that in Germany, Ireland, and twice in England, hee became exceeding auspicuous in Martiall affaires, though indeed he was best understood under the name of Major Ballantine. All which discourse, and this epi­tomizd memoriall, I purposely abandon till a fitter time; and so I returne to my former Commentary, and thus:

This Siege of Yorke continuing still with many fortunate and mis­fortunate adventures, at last our severall Armies were enforced to incorporate themselves in one maine body, and that on Long- Mar­ston Moore. Where the day following Prince Rupert imbracing their left field: our Armie upon advertisement thereof, were enga­ged to make a speedy returne, for rancountring the enemie, and to recover that ground which formerly they had freely forsaken: Which in the end, amongst many difficulties and mighty oppo­sitions, they both adventerously and advantagiously obtained, to the enemies absolute overthrow, and their own victorious safe­ty. The summarie whereof, I now involue in these following lynes, as unwilling to imbarke my selfe within the lists of intri­cated passages, or too peremptory and punctuall particulars; and why? because I was not there an occular Testator, and so to build upon the wings of flying report were meerly erronious, (the diver­sities whereof being already innumerable and incredible) but only done by way of introduction, to bring me the more facily upon the face of Newcastle, or otherwise more properly, to enlighten memorie for present and future times. And thus,

Within a few dayes thereafter, upon considerable conditions, the citie of York yeelding, and the Lord Fairfax made governour thereof, our most victorious General and his redoubted army with great expedition, returned through Yorkshyre, and Bishoprick for Newcastle, to assist that Noble and judicious Chiftayne, of whom [Page 9] now (as it is my mayne purpose) I begin to discourse of his, and their proceedings; and as impartially, as an honest heart may do, without either flatterie or favour.

In this last springtydes second expedition. 1644. for England; our Parliament then sitting, Iames Earle of Calendar, Lord Almond, was selected and appoynted by them, to be Lord Lieutennant Ge­nerall of all our Scottish forces in Scotland and in England. Where­upon a considerable Armye being leuyed, consisting of six thou­sand foote, and eight hundred horse, he advanced for Northumber­land, and courting Tweed, crossd the Tyne at Newburne. Where his Armye reposing all night, made me call to minde, these following lynes, I wrote upon that former conflict fought there foure years agoe. 1640.

The day following our aforesaid armie accoasted Lumley Castle, where sojourning certaine dayes, the Lord Calendar, with a number of horse and foot (in this time) set face for Hatlepoole and Stock­toun. Where, when come, and after a promiscuous parleye, seaz­ing upon both townes, he left garrisons there, and governours to overrule them. Whence returning to the residue of his armye, ly­ing at Lumleye, he set forward to Osworth. From which place my Lord Calendar, sending some horse and foote to clear the way for the Gatesyde, they were rancountred with the enemye, at the tope of the wynd mill hill, where being prevented by night, and thee­nemye stronger than they, they were constrained to turne back. Whereupon the next day the Lieutennant Generall himselfe, came up with the residue of his armye, and fiercelie facing the enemy, [Page 10] beat them from the hill, chased them downe the Gatesyde, and hushing them along the bridge, closed them within the towne. Hereupon he forthwith commanded the Gatesyde, and then the next day he begunne to dispute for the enjoying of the bridge, with the fierie service of Cannon and Musket, which indeed was manful­ly invaded, and as couragiously defended. Yet at last, in despight of the enemy he gained the better halfe of the Bridge, and with much adoe fortified the same with earthen Rampiers, and Artile­rie, which still so defensively continued, untill the Towne was ta­ken in by Storme. This being regardfully done, he caused to erect five Batteries, along the Bankhead, and just opposite to the Town, from whence the Cannon did continually extreame good service, not onely against the walls and batteries, but also against particular places, and particular persons: Besides the frequent shooting of Potpieces, and other fireworkes of great importance, which daily annoyed the Inhabitants within Towne: At the most of which firie imployments the Lord Calendar himself was ever personally directing them, to the which dexterity of charge, I was often both an eye witnesse and observer.

By this time, or there about, his Excellence arryving here from York, and accoasting the Tyne, he caused immediatly build a Bridge over the River of Keill boats, over the which his Armie having safely and peaceably past, he caused lay downe their severall quar­ters with great promptitude and expedition: And so beleaguring the West and Northwest parts of the Town, they inclosed all that circuit, till they joyned with the Lord Sinclairs Regiment; Sheef­field Fort (belonging to the Town) only dividing them: And so this rebellious Town was mainly blocked up on all quarters. Now, and at this time also, the Earle Calendar recrossing Tyne, tooke pre­sently in Sandgate, the one end whereof standing contiguat with the Towne wals. Where setting sundrie Regiments there, and a­bout that place, he forthwith caused to construct a strong Bridge of Keill boats over Tyne (and within his quarters) for the passing and repassing of his forces to both sides, and fixed the same a pretty [Page 11] way below the Glasse-house. This advantagious passage became very steedable, not onely for the Souldiers, but also for the Coun­trey people, that brought in daily provision for the Armie. The Bridge it self (being daily guarded with my Lord Kenmoores Regi­ment at both ends, and a strong Centrie set at each of them within two Redoubts) had also three watrie guards of Keill boats, tyed with cable ropes, from banke to banke, to secure it from any sud­den surprise.

Now as for the manner of the common Souldiers lying here in their severall Leagures, and in all parts about the Towne, their Mansions or Domiciles, I meane their Houts are composed, of Turff, Clay, Straw, and Watles. Where their Halls, Chambers, Kitchines and Cellars are all one: And yet the better sort (I mean their Officers) are overshadowed with circulating Pavillions, more ready to receive the blustring winde than the sinking raine. Then at last, all things being orderly done, and their batteries at sundrie advantages erected; then (I say) begun they to play with Cannon and Musket at others faces, and often also tempering their naked swords in others bloudy bodies: where courage cassieting despair, and valour desirous of Honour, they exposed themselves unto all hazards and dangerous attempts: Neither did they feare death (I meane our owne) more then an auspicuous fortune, for being clad with consorts, each provoked another to the uttermost of extre­mities; and some of them esteeming of the good Cause, more than of their owne lives, reserved the one, and lost the other. So also the inveterate enemie, making now and then diverse sallies from Towne (issuing at Posterne gates) upon our flanking trenches, en­gadged themselves into great jeopardies, and our Souldiers to as desperata defence. Where indeed they both often tasted of mutuall fatalitie; till in end, the Lord Sinclairs Regiment, desygned these debording hyrelings a narrower precinct; which was, to keepe their falling bodies more safely within their sheltring walls, which indeed they constrainedly observed. For the enemy within, were more affrayed of the Lord Sinclairs Souldiers without, then of any [Page 12] one Regiment of the Army lying about, and they had just reason, recogitating seriously their sanguine blowes and fatall rancounters, which they disdainfully felt.

And now before I go any further, I thinke it best to shew the unacquainted Reader how the Towne is situate, from whence such mortalitie proceeded; and thus, it standeth mainly upon the deval­ling face of a continuing hill, falling downe steep to the bordering River, where one narrow street runneth along from Sandgate to Clossegate. The Sandhill (from which the Bridge bendeth over to Gateside) being the pryme market place, whence the two ascen­ding passages, court distinctly High street, and Pilgrime street, the two chiefest streets of the Towne; to the bowels of which, there bee other three market places annexed. Now besides these there are other two back streets, with five or six Contrades, and a number of narrow devalling lanes. The walles about the Town are both high and strong, built both within and without with saxo quadrato; and maynely fenced with dungeon Towres, inter­larded also with Turrets, and alongst with them a large and de­fensive battlement, having eight sundry ports, and four parochiall Churches: The which walles, the defendants within, had mar­veilously fortifyed, rampiering them about, at most eminent parts, with interlynings and mountaynes of earth. The streets that were answerable to their barrocaded Ports, and in frequent passages, were also casten up with defensive breastworks, and planted with Demi-culverines of irone: And above all other workes, the towne Castle it self, was seriously enlarged, with diverse curious fortifi­cations, besides breastworks, Redoubts, and terrenniat Demilunes; and withall three distinctive Horne-workes, two of which exte­riourly are strongly pallosaded, and of great bounds. Nay, the very Capstone of the battlements round about the Towne, were surged and underpropd with little stones; that in case of scalleting, they might have tumbled them over upon the Assailants: Which indeed for the facility of the action, Schoole boyes might have performed. Yea, and all the gapes of the battlements, were shut up [Page 13] with lime and stone, having a narrow slit in each of them, through which they might murther our Souldiers; and secure themselves from a just revenge. The graffe about and without, was digged deeper, and the exteriour root of the walls, were steeply lyned with clay-mixt earth, to intercept any footing for Leddars, or climbing thereon: All the Ports about were closed with lyme and stone, and strongly barrocaded within, having no passage save at little posterne doores, where they had their quotidian inter­courses.

The Townes maine constructure rysing upwards, divides it selfe in two corners, the one North at Weavers Tower, the other South west at Hatmakers Tower, decyphering two Hornes, like unto Ca­labrian Females with their bogling busks; but indeed more like un­to the Novacastrians themselves, that retrogradingly adorne their Cuckolds frontespices, with the large dimension of Acteons mon­sterous-made hornes. Vpon the Townes Northeast side, and a little without, there was a fortresse erected, called Sheiffield Fort, standing on a moderate height, and Champion-like commanding the fields; the modell thus: It standeth squarely quadrangled, with a foure cornerd Bastion at every angle, and all of them thus qua­drat, they are composed of earth and watles; having the North­east side of one bulwarke pallosaded, the rest not, save along the top of the worke about, they had laid Masts of Ships to beat down the assailants with their tumbling force. At the entrie whereof there is a wooden draw-bridge, and within it two Courts du guard, the graffe without is dry and of small importance, save onely that repugnancie of the Defendants within, which commonly consi­sted of three hundred men.

And now to close this Topographicall description, the invention, policie, nor wit of man, could have done more, than they did with­in and without for their own safetye, either for military discipline, or manly prouesses, in their owne desperat defence. Of whom our owne Countrey-men, were the cheeffest actors, both for the one and for the other; and the onely cause of so much bloodshed, and [Page 14] losse of lives as wee sustayned; which makes me recall this Italian proverb; Iddio miguarda dall' odio di mei amigi, perci [...]ches [...] bene [...] ­guardar mistesto dall'▪ [...]di [...] di mei inimigi. The Lord Keep me from the hurt of my Friends, for I know well how to keep mee from myne enemyes: A thing now adayes so frequent, that where all should stand for amoris patriae, there many stand now for doloris▪ patriae; and declyning from that auncient and native duety Pugne propatria, they involue themselves (without either honestie or honour) to extermine the lyves and libertye of their Patria; where strugling with their own strife, they often deservingly fall in the extreame madnesse of desperation, where now leaving them to their left selves, I revert to my purpose. The walles here of Newcastle, are a great deale stronger than these of Yorke, and not unlyke to the walles of Avineon, but especialy of Ierusalem. Being all three de­cored about the battlements, with litle quadrangled Turrets; the advantage resting onely upon Newcastle, in regard of seventeen dun­geon Towres, fixt about the walles (and they also wonderfull strong) which the other two have not. Yet what availeth either Towres, walles, or Turrets, where the force of Armyes command; Nay, just nothing: for indeed these walles with their pendicles, were first erected to resist the Scottish invasions, and yet in vayne, for now we have shaken their foundations, and by the same strength they relyed upon, we have by the selfe same meane overthrowne them, all glorie be to the God of glorie therefore.

As for the Inhabitants resyding within, the richest or better sort of them as seven or eight Common Knights, Aldermen, Coale Merchants, Pudlers, and the like creatures are altogether Malig­nants, most of them being Papists, and the greater part of all I say, irreligious Atheists. The vulgar condition being a Masse of silly Ignorants, live rather like to the Berdoans in Lybia (wanting know­ledge, conscience, & honesty) than like to wel disposed Christians, Plyable to Religion, civill order, or Church discipline, And why? because their bruttish desires being onely for libertinous ends; Auarice, and Voluptuousnesse; they have a greater sensualitye, in [Page 15] a pretended formalitye, than the savage Sabuneks with whom I leave them here engrossed: And now forsaking this present intro­duction, I come backe to my continewing discourse. The siege growing dayly more and more hotter and hotter, at all quarters, and in all places, as wele in the one side, as in the other; then, and at which tyme (I must ingenuously confesse) that these indefati­gable pains my Lord Calendar took, were more than praise worthy, for late and early, and at all times, he was extraordinary carefull, paynefull, and diligent, in overseeing here and there his Mynes, in directing his batteryes, in managing privat and prudent ends for a publick good, in dispatching of messingers and messages, and in ordering of his souldiers atchievements, by night or by day as they were imployed; insomuch that his industrious, and vigilant acti­ons, became a merveilous amazement; to all these that were ac­quainted with his paynes, and for my part, to shunne ingratitude, worthy of deserved memorie.

The chief Cannoneirs, that were upon his five batteryes in the Gatesyde, were William Hunter Captain of the trayne of Artillerie, Iames Scot, Robert Spense, and William Wallace, men of singular skill▪ and many moe, which I purposely (to avoyd prolixitie) omit: And now from here and hence, the Lievtennant Generall traversing hourely the river to his other batteryes, and workes at Sandgate be­ing onely two, he was ever in a fastidious action; One of which batteries, beat downe the top, face, and upmost parts of Carpenters Tower unto the dust. The other batterie had been newly erected for repulsing the enemy from intercepting our Mines. Yet notwith­standing whereof the Nullifidians within, discovered the lowest Myne next to the river syde: The which my Lord Calendar per­ceaving, and thrusting a pyke with his own hand, through the ren­ting division, and to prevent the drowning thereof, gave present­ly order that the next morning it should be sprung: Which accor­dingly done, it tumbled over the demi-hornewark, dissapointed the enemye, and became a shelterage to our encroaching souldiers. The other three adjacent Mynes, were not as yet reddy, neither now to [Page 16] be imployed as after you shall heare.

About this same time. September. 29. the Lord Lieutennant ge­nerall Baillie upon the Townes north syde, and near to St. Andrews Church, gave order (for their his batterie lay) to brash downe a part of the Towne wall, which in three hours space was fortunatly accomplished; where the wall fell down, within half a yard of the roote, and so large that ten men might have marched through it in a front. This tryall gave indeed a great encouragement to our Ar­mye; and why▪ because then our Commanders, were assured, that if their Mynes should be dissapointed, the brashing of the walls should be their last advantage. And yet this breach was never pur­sued, in regard the enemie under the shaddow of a blynd of Can­vesse, reenforced, or barrocaded it with trash and timber. Vpon Weddinsday following at morne. Octo. 3. the enemy discovered and drowned two of our Mynes with watter, and the next day en­suing another also. Whereat the enemie growing insolent, gave order for ringing of bells all night, to consolate (as it were) the distressed mindes of the starving communaltie, who rather fed up­on violent necessitie, than any other kinde of cherishing or comfort­able reliefe: Being whiles flattered with impossibilities, and o­ther whiles tyrannized over, by the malicious malignitie of the mercilesse, and now miserable Maior.

For true it is, that this Sir Iohn▪ Marley their Governour, an oeconomick Polititian, more wilfull than skillfull, did so inveigle, and blindfold the common multitude, that these letters which hee sent to our Lord Generall, were all read by him in publike to them, being too peremptorie and impertinent: but for the answer of his Excellence that came to him, he concealed them all, making them to believe▪ that he would admit of no condition, nor grant any safety longer than the revenging sword, might overreach their necks.

All which being falsly and perfidiously spoken, was onely to irritate their doubtfull dispositions, and to incense their desperate condition, with the deceit of a treacherous despaire, to make them [Page 17] bolder for their dreadfull defence: for indeed there was an order condescended upon, by the Committee, some five weeks before their ruine approached, which was, that if they should render in time, and prevent the greater effusion of bloud, they should have faire and free quarters, and all these liberall conditions, that people in the like case, could either look for, or require. But all these pro­fers or offers, were by the Maior vilified, and by him concealed from the people, till their day of desolation was declared. And now the coppies of these intercoursing letters being lately published to the vulgar world, and striving to relinquish unnecessary particulars, or any obvious rancounter of small consequence, I come to the maine point: and thus,

After ten weeks siege and odde dayes, with many disastruous affronts, following on all hands, there was a parley appointed be­ing Fryday October 18. where in the forenoone our three Com­missioners, the Lord Humbie, the Laird of Wedderburne, and Iohn Rutherfurd Provest of Iedbrugh, went in (the three Hostages from the Towne being formerly come forth) ours, I say, accoasting the Maiors presence, there were diverse propositions and answers by both parties delivered, but to no purpose nor effect. The Maior ever dallying with drifts and delayes to procrastinate time, till they had discovered our two chiefe Mines, which indeed were very near the point: yet neverthelesse (in a jeering way) our Commissioners be­ing dismissed after five houres conference, and their Pledges return­ed; the next morning early the untimely preventing Maior, sent forth a Drummer, to the Lord Sinclair with two Letters; the contents of one was thus, My Lord, I have received diverse Letters and warrants subscribed by the name of Leven, but of late can heare of none that have seen such a man; besides, there is a strong report hee is dead: Therefore to remove all scruples▪ I desire our Drummer, may de­liver one Letter to himselfe; Thus wishing you could thinke on some o­ther course to compose the differences of these sad distracted Kingdomes, than by battering Newcastle, and annoying us who never wronged any of you, for if you seriously consider, you will finde that these courses will [Page 18] agravate, and not moderate distempers: But I will refer all to your own consciences, and rest, Your friend. John Marlay. Newcastle 19. October.

Now let the judicious Reader observe, how detestable a thing it was to see this improvident man brought to such extremity, (that he could neither pitie himselfe nor yet a populous Towne) when he was just upon the point of life or death to wryte thus: for indeed long before night (for all his base derision) he knew his Excellence to be alive, and found deservingly the smart of it: And now not to forget any maine circumstance, the Maior, the former night, recalled the Souldiers from Sheeffield Fort, to strengthen the Defendants within Towne; but ere they left the fortresse, they despightfully burned their two Courts du guard to the ground, and so retired: Now the sequell day come, being Sa­turday, October 19. (and that day which from age to age New­castle should never forget) there were certaine commanded men, from every Regiment drawne up, The Officers, I say, having first in their owne quarters throwne the dyce, who should goe in the adventure (fewest blacks destinated thereto) they marched away to all their severall stands about the walls, againe ten of the clocke in the forenoone. Meanewhile the night before was the Earle of Calendars Cannon carried about, to supply and strengthen the four batteries that were to brash the wals, where with the rest they did exceeding good service.

Now the Mynes being ready to spring, and the batteries brought to their greatest perfection, about three a clock in the afternoone, the two most available Mynes were sprung, one at the Whytefriers Tower Westward, and the other, neare Carres Fort, or Sandgate Eastward; (notwithstanding there were other two sprung here, one of which miscarried) so also, I say, the breaches of the walles by the batteries being made open and passable, and leddars set to at diverse parts for scalleting: Then entred mainely and manfully all the Regiments of our commanded men at all quarters, but more facily and lesse dangerous where the Mynes sprung: The greatest [Page 19] difficultie, and mightiest opposition, nay, and the forest slaughter we received, was at the climbing up of these steep & stay breaches, where truely, and too truely, the enemie did more harme with hand garnads, then either with Musket, Pyke, or Herculean clubs: This Club hath a long iron-banded staffe, with a round falling head (like to a Pomegranate) and that is set with sharpe iron pikes, to slay or strike with; the forehead whereof being set with a long poynted pyke of iron; it grimely looketh like to the pale face of murther. The first of the foure breaches, was neare to Weavers Tower, where Lieutenant Colonell Henderson a Reformeir, and Major Mophet were killed, with many others of speciall and com­mon note. The second batterie was conjoyned with black Bessies Tower, where Major Hepburne, Captaine Corbet, Captaine Iohn Home an Edinburgensen, and that renowned Officer Lieutenant Co­lonell Home were slaine. The memorie of whom last now mentio­ned, I here in this Epitaph involue:

The third batterie was contiguat with that dungeon of Westgate; where these two Captaines Iohn, and Thomas Hammiltons were slaine, with sundrie other of our Cliddisdale Regiment. The fourth and last was low by Clossegate, where the Earle Buckcleughs and Lowdons [Page 20] Regiments entred, both at their batteries and with scalleting leddars; whereupon their fell a fierce conflict and the falling enemye repul­sed, both with the courage and resolution of our souldiers: And yet we receaved there but small losse either of Officers or others, albeit one had been too many, the divyne pleasure and providence excep­ted.

Now our men being enterd, and fighting for enterye at all quar­ters round about, Let me pause a while and consider! How grie­vous? And how dreadfull hot, that cruell conflict was for a long houres space: That truelie it was more than admirable! to be­hold the desperat courage both of the Assailants and Defendants: The thundering Cannon roaring from our batteries without, and theirs rebounding from the Castle within; the thousands of Mus­ket balls flyeing at others faces, Like to the droving haylestones from septentrion blasts; the clangour and carving Of naked and un­sheathed swords; the pushing of brangling Pykes, crying for blood; and the pittyfull clamour, of heart-fainting woemen, imploring for mercie to their husbands, themselves, and their children. That me thought (when now seriously pondered) their reverberating ec­choes piercing the clouds; that terrible noyse of fyrie incensed Martialists, and that loathsome inspection upon the brazen faces of desperation; had conjured (I say) the Heavens to confound and dissolve the earth; the earth to overwhelme the infernall Pit, the Carkases of men to lye like dead dogges upon the groaning streets: and man against man to become the object of homicidious and bar­barous cruelty; O! loathsome sight of despayre. Neither was this all, for our people in this selfe tyme set a house on fire at Closse­gate, whereon there fell a meritorious destruction. So had the whole Towne beene served (and a small revenge although it had beene so) if it had not beene speedily prevented by the relenting pittie of the Earle Calendar. So was there likewise at this present combustion, a Ballenger Boat set floting on the flood, full of flaming fire, (by Captaine Andrew Abirnethie) to have burned the keye-lockt ships lay there.

[Page 21]Insomuch that there was no policie left undone, for the destroy­er to destroy destruction, nor for a speedy revenge, to bring the ruines of ruine to nothing: Yet now returning to observe my me­thodicall order; in this most dreadfull conflict, when the com­manded Brigade of that renowned Commander the Lord Calendar, had breasted and overpassed, that blowneup Myne, connexed with Carres fort (where Captaine Sinclair and other two of lesser note lost their lives) then I say, they marched celeri­ously along to the Sandhill, with flyeing collours and roaring Drummes: Meane while and at this instant, the Lieutennant ge­nerall Calendar entering the Towne, dispatched and directed, the Lord Levingston, and Killhead, the earle of Quensberryes brother, with their two Regiments to possesse the walls and to beat the ene­mie off, all along, betwixt and their passages unto the next brea­ches northwestward, which was accordingly done: So, and at this tyme, the aforesaid Brigade having attained to the Sandhill, where rancountering the exasperate enemie with a bloodie salutation, the rest of our westerne and northern Brigads, pursuing hotely these shrinking fugitives from the walles, to the choaking Market place▪ where being distressed (as it were) betweene Scylla and Charibdis, they presentlie called for quarters, and laying downe their Armes without assurance, some were taken, some were shaken, some stood still, and some fled away to hyde their bleeding bodyes in some se­cret shelter, yea; some sate downe by their fathers fire syde, as though they had caryed no armes.

Upon this surrender (the Major being formerly fled to the Castle, with some others of greater and lesser note) they caused quickly pull downe the red flag on the Castle tope, and set up the whyte flag of peace, signifying subjection. This done, the earle Calendar, having formerly entered the Towne; with great expedi­tion, gave presently order for quiescing of tumults, and managing disorders, after a considerable way, returned that same night to the Gatesyde. So, as he was the first lay downe before the Towne, so he was duely the first that entred it; and that to the great comfort [Page 22] of the Inhabitants, because of that unspeakable favour, and unde­served mercy, they then suddenly received, far beyond their merit and our expectation.

Then begun the whole Armie, commanded, and uncommanded▪ (observing King Davids ancient rule, that they who stayd with the Baggage, and they that fought in the field, should share the booties alike) to plunder, I say, for twenty foure houres time, being an act, of permission, although to no great purpose. And why? because the common souldiers being onely able to plunder the common people (although they might have justly stretched their hands fur­ther) had for the greatest part of them but small benefite, excepting only houshold stuff, as bed-cloaths, linnings, Tanned leather, calve skins, men and womens apparell, pans, pots▪ and plates, and such like common things. But our prime Officers, I say, and others of that nature, by infringing the common souldiers, infringd them­selves, and spoyled both their fortunes: for they investing them­selves in the richest Malignants and papisted houses, by way of safeguard, had but small compositions for all their protection, and compelled Centries; where otherwise they might have justly and lawfully seazed upon all their enjoyments: But this ancient Pro­verb holdeth good here, That Scottishmen are aye wise behinde the hand, and so were they: And as they abused their Victorie in stor­ming the Towne, with too much undeserved mercy, so they as un­wisely and imprudently overreached themselves in plundering the towne, with an ignorant negligence, and carelesse ommission. And as they thus defrauded themselves, with a whistle in their mouths, so they pitifully prejudged, by this their inveigled course, the common souldiers of their just due, and dear bought advan­tages.

For by your leave, if a souldiers industrie be not quickned and a­nimated with bountifull rewards, hee hath lesse will to performe any part of martiall service, than a dead coarse hath power to arise out of the grave: For what can bee more precious to man, than his bloud? being the fountaine and nurse of his vitall spirits, and [Page 23] the ground of his bodily substance, which no free nor ingenious nature will loose for nothing. And whosoever shall argument or discourse upon sound reason, and infallible experience, may easily▪ prove and perceive, that these Commanders have ever best prospe­red, which have most liberally maintained and had in singular re­gard militarie Arts and Souldiers. Otherwise the honourable minde would account it a great deale better to have death without life, than life without reward: Yea, and the noble Commander, desiring rather to want, than to suffer true worth unrecompen­sed.

I could instance here many examples of ingratitude in great per­sons, that by their too much wretchednesse to Souldiers, have first lost themselves, and then their Kingdomes, and Principalities; but I desist, onely lamenting what I saw here, the recitation of which ( amoris patriae) I forbear to touch. And as the Spaniard saith well, Nella bocca serrada non ci entra las muscas; that is, When the mouth is shut, the flees cannot enter in the throat; so saith the Ita­lian to this same purpose, Assaisa, che nòsa, chi sia, hee knoweth enough that can misknow, the thing he knoweth: And the Poetick Proverb is thus,

And now closing these comparisons, I proceed to my methodi­call discourse. As for the number of our souldiers, that were lost at the storming of this obstinate and unhappie Towne (not recko­ning the fatalitie of other times) they extended to three hundred lacking one, of whom there were thirtie eight Officers of six di­stinctive kindes, besides seven or eight hundred, that were diverse wayes ill hurt, of which wounds, some have lately dyed since that time▪ And now I recall, that these three sieges of Breda, York, [Page 24] and now Newcastle, were all of one dyet, though not at one time, and did each of them so nearly sympathize one with another, in the computation of ten weekes and odde dayes, that they may all three rest now contented, to live under the substant shadow of an honest and honourable subjection. Yet when I consider here the malicious obstinacie of Newcastle, and thereupon the storming of it, I am ravished with admiration to behold, how in the heat of bloud, and goaring slaughter, they got so soon mercie and quar­ters; that me thinketh there was not the like mercie showne in such a case, since the deluge of the World. Nay, and (alas) showne unto an impenitent and pernicious people: When contrariwise, the lives and goods of man, wife and child, within that refractarie Towne, (for their railing [...]d blasphemie dailie abounded) were in the power and pleasure of our victorious Armie. The which favour I dare avouch, may be a paterne to all succeeding ages endu­ring time, for pity, pardon, and piety.

And to instance heere the contrary example, you shall see, and that within these twenty years past, how the populous and once fa­mous City of Madenburg in Germany, (being all Protestants) was beleagured with the imperiall forces. Whereafter diverse parleyes, and subtile drifts, the enemie on a sudden stormed the Town, where forthwith they slew eleven thousands, of men, woemen, and chil­dren: and the next morning, their divelish despight, growing wearie of that murdering slaughter, unnaturally, and unmercifully, threw headlong eighteene thousands of them in the River: So that none escaped in the whole City of young or old, save onely foure hundred that fled into a Church. And striping these starke naked, sent them away, and plundering all the goods of the Towne, at last razed it to the ground,

By which crueltie this famous Universitie, as it was first sacked, and then burned with fire, so the people were both slayne with the sword, and drowned with the watter; O pittifull destruction. And that river which formerly had brought them profit and plea­sure, was then suddenly become their death and sepulture.

Now miserable Newcastle! what canst thou say? that was not dealt at all with such tyranicall crueltie, when thou hadst deser­ved a worser destruction than they, who stood out onely for Reli­gion, you having litle or none at all. Then what shall I say, but that your desolation may come yet on a sudden, unlesse you a mend your wicked lives, and with Ninivie turne to the Lord with [Page 26] prayer and fasting. Ever acknowledging the great goodnesse and clemencye of Scots-men, so undeservingly exposed upon you a headstrong and sedicious people. Yet notwithstanding whereof, thy sydes are shaken and torne, thine edges broken downe, and the burden of thy miserie, lying sore upon thy shrinking shoulders. Which makes me now call to minde, the miserable effects of warre (howsoever deservinglie fallen upon thee) the nature of which, I here involve in these lynes.

And I may not forget here, how a despightfull jest, was sudden­ly revolved in sad earnest, that even when, the Towne was a storm­ing, there was a childe baptized, and a number of thirty persons at the baptisme feast; I meane in Newcastle: And making merrie with the best cheare they had, they begunne to drink a health about the Table; and that was, to the confusion of the Scots rebells, and knew of no danger, till a dosson of our souldiers came in upon them (to digest their confused health) with drawn swordes and Pistolls. At which, the rayling and jeering Tablers, falling downe beneath the boord (as it were) distracted of their wits: our ad­venturers fell a plundering their pockets, leaving the greatest part of them stript of their apparrell, and the house utterlie spoyled of domestick furniture, and with this salve, they solmnized their fro­lick feast: Being (I say) a just reward, for such a malicious mis­regard.

Now the Towne being ours, upon Sunday morning, October. 20. 1644. his ever happy and anspicuous excellence, entered the Towne, a triumphant Victor, and repairing to S. Nicholas Church accompanyed with the Earle of Calendar, Lieutennant generall Baillie, and the generall of Artillerie, with a few others (for it was not a day for men of fortune to dalleye with time) there was than­kes [Page 28] given to God (by that reverend Pastor Master Robert Dowglas) for that our famous, and renowned Victorie. And now to seale up all, the clouds fell impetuously a weeping three dayes together, for that great fatalitye (as I may say) of so many brave Cavaliers as we lost. And with this same deluge, the two Keill bridges, above, and below, were broke downe, and dissenabled for passage, with the violent rapt of Tynes debording streame: But happye it was that the greatest part of our armie got then shelterage within the Town, otherwise they had found by this dissoluing rayne sommer­sed quarters.

Vpon the fourth day after the towne was stormed, there issued from the Castle, three score twelve Officers, Ingeniers, and prime Souldiers, under the custodie of our Perforce; and were incarcerat within the Towne, as many of their kinde were served so before. The Maior, and some of our noble Countreymen, were also then dismissed from the Castle, but not enlarged, and the day follow­ing (being Wednesday) the Maior was returned from his house, unto a Dungeon trance within the Castle: Where now that pre­sumptuous Governour remaineth, till the Hangman salute his neck with a blow of Straffords courtesie; where now I leave him till he enjoy his merit.

As for the number of the enemie, either souldiers or Townes­men, that carried armes during the siege, indeed it is no part of my intention to medle with them, although they medled too much with us, neither with their hungrie Troupers, and far worse their hungred Horses. Yet neverthelesse (as I was informed) they were but eight hundred of the Traind Band, and some nine hundred be­sides, of Voluntiers, prest-men, Coliers, Keill-men, and poore trades-men; with some few experimented Officers to overtop them, which were at last overtopped themselves.

And now meanewhile we found great penurie and scarcitie of victuals, amunition, and other necessaries within this dejected Towne; so that they could not have holden out ten dayes longer, unlesse the one halfe had devoured the other. And now the en­croaching [Page 29] Winter, commanding expedition, our Armie was sent to their Garrisons abroad (reserving onely a proper Garrison for Newcastle) some to Darnton, Haulkland, Durham, Chester, Morpet, Exome, and other near adjacent places. Yet neverthelesse the plague was raging in Gatesyde, Sandgate, Sunderland, and many countrey Villages about. Vpon the eight day after the taking in of Newcastle, the Lord Generall rode downe to Tinmouth Castle; where after a short parley, young Sir Thomas Riddell Governour thereof, surrendred it upon easie conditions. The occasion why? was thus, the Pestilence having been five weeks amongst them with a great mortalitie, they were glad to yeeld, and to scatter themselvs abroad; but to the great undoing and infecting of the Countrye about, as it hath contagiously begun.

And now before I draw to Finis. I must water my muse a little in the Poeneian springs, and gargarizing her throat with Newcastle, I will bath her old inventions in Permessis streame, fixt under that Heliconean forked hill; where Soron breasting Parnassus, saluteth with the pleasures of Pindus, all aged Poets, as I am now in my Climaterick yeare.

And now to close the summary of this tragicall discourse, I heartily beseech Almightie God, to preserve and prosper our Armie; and to be their guard, guide, and Governour, whitherso­ever they go, and to imprint the feare of his holy Name in their hearts. And now most good and gracious Lord, blesse so and san­ctifie the hearts of their chief Commanders and Leaders, with wisedome, courage, and magnanimity of minde; that they never decline, neither to the right nor to the left hand; but keeping a straight course, in Honour, honesty, and holinesse; they may ever in all their proceedings, have the glory of thy great and glorious Name before their eyes, that the life and light of Peace and Truth may in all true beleevers abound. Amen.