the late wicked Engagement: and they are now raising a force Of about 4,000 Horse and Foot;—which until they can complete, they have desired me to leave them two Regiments of Horse and two Troops of Dragoons. Which accordingly I have resolved, conceiving I had warrant by your late Votes so to do; and have left Major-General Lambert to command them.
I have received, and so have the Officers with me, many honours and civilities from the Committee of Estates, the City Of Edinburgh, and Ministers; with a noble entertainment;—which we may not own as done to us, but as “done to” your servants. I am now marching towards Carlisle; and I shall give you such farther accounts of your affairs as there shall be occasion. I am, Sir, your humble servant,
OLIVER CROMWELL.[1]
Cromwell, at Carlisle on the 14th, has received delivery of the Castle there, for which good news let the Messenger have 100l.[2] Leaving all in tolerable order in those regions, the Lieutenant-General hastens into Yorkshire to Pontefract or Pomfret Castle;[3] a strong place which had been surprised in the beginning of the year, and is stubbornly defended;—surrender being a very serious matter now; the War itself being contrary to Law and Treaty, and as good as Treason, think some.
The Governor of Pontefract Castle is one Morris, once the Earl of Strafford’s servant; a desperate man: this is the Lieutenant-General’s summons to him.