HAving received a Com­mand from the Honoura­ble Committee of both Kingdomes to take the charge of a brigade of Horse and foote drawne out of the Gari­sons of Gloucester, Hereford, and Evishalm, [Page 4] to prevent the Lord Ashley's conjuncti­on with the Kings forces at Oxford, and to effect that designe, I drew forth and randevoused seasonably neere Evishalme and Warwicke, notwithstanding the Lord Ashley endeavoured by all meanes to get by mee, which much foyled my brigade to prevent, in marching from place to place, to secure the place upon River Avon. Yet after some considera­tions, I perceived that hee was unwil­ling to passe over so long as I lay neer the River. Resolved upon Thursday last to quarter and campe in the most conveni­ent place (wheresoever hee made his pas­sage) to fall upon him, and that night had intelligence of his march from Droit with neer 100. horse towards Bedford 3. miles from Evishalm, whereof I presently advertised Colonell Whaly and Colonell Fleetwood, and sent post to Sir VVill. Brere­ton for the assistance of his horse, which was accordingly granted: but upon Fri­day the Lord Ashley still continuing his [Page 5] march, and Sir VVilliam Brereton not come up, was forced to hold him in action for the space of 4. houres, skirmishing with by parties, and keeping my body drawne up in a most advantagious place for pur­sute, in case he should passe by me before sir VVill. Brereton came up, which about nine a clocke that night he did, where­upon I resolved to pursue, thinking it more advantagious to fall upon his reare, then at that time to draw out to meete him in the field, and in my pursute Sir VVilliam Brereton came up with 800 horse (of whom I desired to receive orders, but he referred the whole command of the field unto me, then being equall in num­ber to the Lord Ashley's forces, consisting of 3000. I commanded 400. horse & 200 Firelocks to charge his reare guard, to put him to a stand before he should passe through Stow upon the Would, and as my intelligence informed me, the King was to have joyned with him within 7 mile of that place, where hee made choyse of his [Page 6] ground, and had the wind with him, yet trusting in God, I drew up and charged him, whom halfe an houre before day on Saturday morning I put to a total route, killed many Gent. and Officers of quali­ty, took prisoners the L. Ashley and all his foot officers, whose names are in the in­closed list, besides 1600. common soul­diers, whereof many being wounded, I gave liberty to goe to their owne homes, taking the oath of the 5 ^th of April, the rest I have sent to Gloucester: there is al­so taken 2000. arms & all their ammuni­tion. Sir VVill. Brereton desired that the L. Ashley should be his prisoner, which I willingly condiscended unto, not doub­ting but hee will give a good account of him to the Parliament; this good successe (the glory thereof I desire may be given unto God) will prevent the King from drawing an army into the field which he expected: I am now marched towards Worcester, where I shall observe such or­ders as I shall receive from the Parliament [Page 7] and the Committee of both Kingdomes, and in the mean time shall endeavour to make use of all opportunities to weaken the enemy, and to advance the publike service, which shal alwayes be the desire of him who will ever subscribe himselfe to bee