HAving seen an Order of the House of Commons, desiring an Ac­compt of what hath passed at the Committee of both Kingdoms, concerning the Advance of the Scottish Army Southward: After the perusall of the Letters, and Intelligence sent to, and received from the Scottish Army, we thought it a necessary duty for us to represent these particulars to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, for the better sta­ting of this businesse, and preventing all misunderstandings.

That such Orders of both or either House concerning the Scottish Ar­my, as have been Communicated to us, cannot come within this Accompt.

That such as have been Communicated to us, have received particular Answers, with which these are to be compared.

That the Scottish Army, out of their zeal to the common Cause, and the Safety, Peace and security of this Kingdom, notwithstanding the large promises and offers made unto them, and great threatnings of the Ene­my, and the low condition of Affairs here at that time, left their own ha­bitations, which they possessed in quietnesse, and in the sharp storms of a Winter season, came into this Kingdom, to meet with a strong and po­tent Army, who was poss [...]ssed of all the Garrisons, strengths, and Towns in that Country; in opposing whereof, they continued in the fields night and day, with much wants, and without cover, skirmishing and fighting with the Enemy for divers moneths, and afterwards pursued him to York, where by Gods blessing with the Assistance of the Parliaments for­ces, Prince Ruperts Army, with the remainder of Newcastles, were wholly Reduced and brought to ruine.

That after the Reducing of York the Scots Army was willing and rea­dy to march South or North, as should be found most for the Advantage of the Publique; and at the desire of the Commissioners of both Houses, marched North-ward.

That having, by Gods blessing, after a difficult Siege by storm Re­duced Newcastle, they sent some of their forces to block up Carlile, and were necessitated to send others into Scotland, for opposing the Barba­rous Irish Rebels, assisted with some of our unnaturall Countrymen, all occasioned by, and for our engaging in this Kingdom.

That being constrained all the Winter to live upon Quarter, being so far in Arrear of their Pay, and receiving so little, and so rarely in Mo­ney (a good part of the Moneths Pay promised after the Battel of Long-Marston, [Page 4] not being paid to this hour) it could not be imagined they could be in a condition to march, without one Moneths Pay at least, some Clothes and Ammunition.

That though this Moneths Pay was promised the fourth of Ianuary, yet it was not shipped from hence for neer three months after about the end of March, and about a fortnight after that, received at the Town of Newcastle in the month of April, and in this intervall of three mo­neths nothing paid them, notwithstanding an Ordinance be past for as­certaining the constant pay monethly.

That in the interim they testified their willingnesse, in sending parties to Scarborough for taking in of that Town; towards Pontefract upon the Alarmes given by Langdale, and afterwards by sending 2000. Com­manded Foot, and 1500. horse under Command of Lieutenant Generall L [...]sly, who marched in ten dayes, without taking one daies rest 140. miles for assisting Sir William Brereton, and was so forward therein, that they prevented the desire of the Committees of both Kingdoms here, as may appear by their two severall Letters, both dated March 17.

Within two dayes after the receipt of the first Money, Armes and Am­munition (not staying upon the receipt of the remainder thereof, which arrived not there till the 12. of this instant) the Generall gave Orders for drawing all the Forces in Northumberland toward Newcastle, and Bishoprick of Durham.

That in the mean while, by the instigation of some il-affected persons, seconded by Letters from Musgrave and others in Carlile (the Copies whereof have been shewed to the Committee here) an Insurrection was made in Westmerland and Cumberland against the Scots, the which could not, but interrupt for some time their Proceeding.

That the distemper being with all possible diligence and moderation composed, they were forced for liberating the Country of Free-quarter, to give the third part of the months pay to maintain their for­ces about Carlile. Orders were issued for the whole Army to meet at Fer­ribrigs the 26. of April: And timous notice given to my Lord Fairfax and the Committee at Yorke to cause furnish victuall and provisions at Rippon; and before 200. li. worth of provisions were furnished the whole Army was advanced to Rippon, notwithstanding the great dis­couragement they had from the disaffection of the Country people be­hinde them.

That having no mony to buy provisions, & Free-quarter being denied to them by the Country there; having also received divers Advertisements, that it was the enemies resolution to apply their greatest strength North­ward; [Page 5] and not knowing what assistance they might expect from the Parliaments forces, they dispatched a Message hither for resolution in these particulars, and upon the eighth of this instant, we delivered a Pa­per to the Committee of both Kingdoms; for that effect to be presented to the Honourable Houses of Parliament.

That the Lord Generall receiving upon the 12. of this instant a Letter from both houses (for it came no sooner to his hands) desiring his ad­vance Southward, upon the 13. his Lordship and the generall Officers met at Knaresborough with the English Commissioners, and there made offer to march Southward within 24. hours: They undertaking to furnish the Army with eight or ten dayes provisions, and some Draught, for Ar­tillery and Ammunition, which was absolutely necessary for them, being much weaker in horse then the Enemy, in whose power it would be to cut off all provisions from them; and by their Letters of the 14. sent to us they assure us of their full resolution to march Southward upon some grounds of hope, given them by Letters from York concerning the fur­nishing these provisions and Carriages, of which it appears since they were disappointed.

That the Orders of both Houses for the Countreys affording them free Billet, passed upon the 10. of May, without any answer to the rest of their desires, and was sent away upon the 11. of the instant.

That concerning the assistance to be sent to them, the Committee of both Kingdoms here having received Intelligence of the Kings march­ing from Oxford to Worcester, and advertisement of his designe to make the North the seat of the War this Summer, did fall upon the considera­tion, what forces were necessary to be sent Northward for prosecution of the enemy; In which debate we continued from the eight of this in­stant, to the 13. without coming to any determination. And therefore could give no assurance to the Army before that time.

By reasoning, and voicing, we urged the equall and active prosecution of the Kings Army by the forces of both Kingdoms on every hand, as the readiest means (by striking thereat as the root of our evils) to put a speedy end to the War.

And shewing the sensible advantages the King had by protracting the War, and the great danger to both Kingdoms by reason of the intolle­rable burthens that did lie upon the people, and in many other respects. And therefore did advise to leave the blocking up of Oxford to some Brigade of the Army joyned with the Forces of the Garrisons, and what force could be obtained from the City of London, which we conceived sufficient for that work, while the Armies of both Kingdoms might not [Page 6] hinder the increase of the enemies forces, but by Gods blessing drive them to some corner, or by fighting bring them to to ruine.

After two or three dayes debate a Letter was sent from the Committee to the Earl of Leven, giving him notice, that the Enemy was marched toward Worcester; and that Major General Brown or Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell with Forces from hence was marching after them attending their motions, and desiring his advance Southward: When the Generall received the Letter, at the same time there came to him another from Sir Will. Brereton, shewing that the K [...]ng w [...]s coming towards his qu [...]rters, and desiring him to come to Cheshire: And wit [...]in one hour another from my Lord Fairfax giving notice of the Kings marching towards Ne­warke, where he was to be within two dayes, and desiring him to ad­vance that way: Whereupon b [...]ing uncerta [...]n what resolu [...]ion to take he went to York, and agreed with my Lord Fairfax upon a Rendezvous for his Lordships forces, and these under Command of Lieut. Generall Lesly, as also for a Rendezvous for the Derbishire and o [...]her forces.

It being written to the Earl of Leven, that the Forces with Lieute­nant Gen. Cromwell, and Major Generall Brown were upon their march af [...]er the King, and attending his motions; In all our debates we did take it for granted, that these forces were to be sent Northward: But upon our shewing, that we conceived for divers reasons, it would not be for the good of the service that Lieut. Generall Cromwell should command these forces, who were to correspond with the Scottish Army; and both to joyne if there should be a n [...]cessary occasion; and that in many re­spects it were more expedien [...], that Sir Thomas Fairfax should command them, with whom the Scotish Army had held good correspondence for­merly, and under whose command all the Northern Forces would have joyned willingly and cheerfully. It was put to the Question, and resol­ved by the Committee of both Houses by the Plurality of one Vote, and we all dissenting, That Sir Thomas Fairfax should stay in the West, and so not command these forces in [...]o the North. And afterward it was resolved by them, that onely 2000. Horse and 500. Dragoones should be sent to the Scotish Army under the command of Colonell Ver­muiden: And that the remainder of the Forces with Major Gen. Brown and Lieutenant General Cromwell should return to Bletchington & those parts far contrary to our intention and earnest desire. Vpon the 13. that ninght a Letter was drawn to the Earl of Leven, acquainting him with this resolu [...]ion, and desiring his advance to Darbishire, but the Letter not being signed till the next day, it could not be sent by the Post and there­fore was delayed till the 14. at night.

This Letter coming to the Earl of Leven, upon Saturday last the 17. late at night, he called together the Generall Officers, and being the first Advertisement he had to come to Darbyshire he returned the Answer of the 18. presented to the Houses. At the same time he had. Advertise­ment from Sir William Brereton and others, that upon Tuesday the 14. the Enemy was about Bridgnorth; and upon Thursday about Newport, 15. m [...]les d [...]stant from Namptwitch: and Sir William Brereton exprest in h [...]s Letter, of the 17. to the Committee of both Kingdoms here, wherein he also sheweth, that he had sent the same Intelligence to the Earl of Leven, which upon very good reasons (as we conceive) made him alter his resolution of marching direct South: For before the Scotch Army could Advance the length of Derbyshire, the Kings Army might march from Newport to the midst of Lancashire, and so have left the Scotch Army upon his Rear, and holding the Advantage of four or five dayes match (being strong in Horse) might quickly raise the Siege at Carlile, get all the dis [...]ffected in the North to joyn with him, cut off the Regiment of Foot now coming from Scotland, and disturb all the South of that Kingdom, as by severall intercepted Letters of the late Earl of Montr [...]ss [...], doth appear to be the Enemies design, to which no experien­ced souldier would ever consent; and we believe, no other being upon the place, could in reason have advised them to do, though they may have other thoughts here at a distance, where matters are not represent­ed to them with all the circumstance: And therefore by the Treaty be­tween the Kingdoms, it was agreed that that Army should be ordered and di [...]ected by a Committee of both Kingdoms upon the place.

It would be considered also, that Sir William Brereton, once resolved as may appear by his Letter to the Committee of both Kingdoms here, to put all his Foot into Garrisons, and to detain, not only his own Horse, but the 1000. Horse belonging to my Lord Fairfax, for the security of the Garrisons of this Association And he also proposeth, that he may have the Stafford and Derbyshire [...]o [...]se to joyn with him.

The Committee of Derby hath written a Letter to this Committee, that all the Forces they can spare, are imployed for defence of Notting­ham, and the Neighbouring Garrisons. And the Committee of Lincoln, who is to send no Assistance, unlesse the Newark Forces joyn with the King, writes that Col: Fleetwoods Regiment being called away by Order from Sir Thomas Fairfax; they are disabled to send any Assistance to the Scotish Army. All which being made known to the Earl of Leven, (as we understand by private Letters to some of our number) hearing also that no Army was to come from the South, did apprehend that the [Page 8] party of 2500. Horse and Dragoons might be hindered from conjunction with them, by the interposition of the Enemy, who together with the Newark Horse, was reported to be about 6000. strong, he was further confirmed in his resolution.

And when all circumstances shall be duely pondered, we are confident that it will be found, the Scottish Army did lye more conveniently in order to the Assistance of both Lancash [...]re and Yorkshire, then in any o­ther place whereunto (the Premisses considered) they could have ti­mously Advanced; for if the King come into Lancashire, there is no way by which they can march with Ordnance, but by Skipton, the way Prince Rupert came the last year to York: And if they should have Ad­vanced further, it is true, they had been more ready to defend Yorkshire, but the King being so far advanced North-ward, they must have returned back to go by the way of Skipton, in case the King should fall into Lan­cashire, which is most probable to be his design. And we hope it will be far from the thoughts of any in the Honourable Houses of Parliament to apprehend the former stay, to proceed from any unwillingnesse to Advance the Publique service; especially when they consider what dili­gence is used by that Army to inform themselves truly by what way the Enemy bends his course; and so soon as they understand it, will with all cheerfulnesse and speed march to oppose him.

We desire also it may be considered, that after severall Orders sent to Lieutenant Generall Cromwell, and Major Generall Brown, for dispatch­ing to the Scottish Army that party of 2000. Horse, and 500. Dragoons, in case the Enemy marched North-ward: This Answer was returned, that they understood not, whither by the Kings marching North-ward, the Committee meant the Kings marching to Chester, since it was not di­rect North, but North-West; during the time of this deliberation, and the party attending their money before their march, the King hath Advanced neer Chester, and we know not yet how far that party hath Advanced Northward.

Whereas it is by some objected, that a part of the 30000. pound sent to the Army, was sent to Scotland, it is a mistake, for there was no part of that sum sent to Scotland, neither from hence nor from the Army, for it was wholly imployed for the use of the Army, and 9000. pound there­of was sent to the forces before Carlile, the Country having denied them of all manner of Provisions without ready money: But as to the remain­ing ten thousand pound, granted toward the paiment of the Arreres of the Army, brought in by the Earl of Calender (to supply the want of mo­ney here) we were content to accept of Bils of Exchange for 5000. pound [Page 9] to be paid at Edenburgh to the Treasurer of the Army, who paid the same to the Earl of Calender; divers Regiments whereof were then employed in Scotland against the Rebels, and which was the first money they re­ceived from the Parliament of England, after 7. or 8. moneths service performed by them in this Kingdom: The remainder of the 10000. pound, was paid part by Bills of exchange at Newcastle, and part in mo­ney sent thither. And if this course had not been taken, the common souldiers had been frustrate thereof a Moneth after it was promised.

And as the Honourable Houses of Parliament are pleased to be at the pains to see an Accompt of what was done concerning the march of the Army; wherein we hope upon full information from the Letters, they will be satisfied: So do we earnestly entreat them to consider what is done for their maintenance, That whilest this Army in the South is paid in ready money every fortnight, and so the Country eased, and their affections gained by paying what they take from them; The Ar­my in the North is not paid once in five or six Moneths. And al­though quarter be allowed to the souldiers on billet; yet they cannot subsist or be content without some money, nor can quarters without mo­ney give satisfaction to the Officers; and the taking of free quarter doth overburden and disaffect the Country, where ever the Army travels, make the Country become enemies rather then friends, necessitates a re­misnesse in Discipline against the souldiers, and disables them from that service which otherwise might justly be expected from them.

It is therefore our earnest desire, that the Honourable Houses of Par­liament would in their wisdom take speciall care how the means ap­pointed for entertainment of that Army by the late Ordinance which is not as yet so much as Assessed in the City of London, and the severall Countries may become effectuall for procuring money to them. And that no suggestion of our Common Enemies, nor industry of such as would raise and foment Iealousie, betwixt the two Kingdoms, may so far prevail, as to misconster the actions, and faithfull endeavours of that Ar­my, discourage them in their undertakings, or which may any wayes breed a misunderstanding betwxit the two Kingdoms, or lessen that A­mity and Unity which under God is the greatest strength of both, as the infringement thereof, and our division would be the greatest rejoycing and advantage of our Enemy.

HAving by many severall intelligences, which are again confirmed by a Letter from Sir William Brereton, of the 19. May, received certain notice that the Kings design is, after relief of Chester to go into Lancashire, where, by the accession of Papists & malignants (which abound in those parts) he may increase his strength till he grow to a numerous Army, and is from thence to send a f [...]ying Army of Horse and Dragoones to break into Scotland, regain all the Northern parts, and so return into the Associated Counties, we cannot be so far wanting to the trust reposed in us, and to the care we have of the safety of these Kingdoms, as not to renew our most earnest desires that the Army under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, whereunto all the Parli­aments Armies are reduced, and vvho vvere designed to be the Fi [...]ld Army, by the Authority of the Honourable Houses of Parliament be forthwith or­dained to march in prosecution of the Kings army, and not lye down before a strength, and beleaguer a Town (which may be effected with a small party) when the Enemy with a strong Army is marching in the field, and give them opportunity to grow to such a strength as may make them master of the field, run over spoile and subdue all the Countries where they come, and destroy the Kingdom, and with the losse of this Summers service, exhaust the treasure of the Kingdom; spin out these unnaturall Wars to a great length, which can neither destroy the enemy, nor settle the Kingd [...]m Whereas we conceive the only probable mans to put a speedy and happy end to these unnaturall Wars, is, that the Armyes and forces of the Parliaments of both Kingdoms in the South and North may by their joynt Forces and Councels speedily and actively pursue the enemy, and force them either to fight or flie, or move his Majesty (by granting the lawfull and necessary desires of both Kingdoms) to establish Religion with a well grounded Peace; and upon the other parts to suffer the whole strength and violence of the enemy to fall upon any one of the two Kingdoms, or their Armies, is the ready way, not only to destroy both; but also to suffer the work and cause of the Lord, which is more precious then both, to perish in our hands.