The Westerne Informer. No. 1
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The Westerne Informer: 7 March 1645. No. 1
The Westerne Informer, Containing the Latest Newes from his Excellencies Army in Cornwall
- Sir,
- It is no small trouble unto me, that I should faile of that promise made to you at my departure; but I hope this bearer with the inclosed will fully satisfie you. As for news, I need not trouble you with the full proceedings of our Army since we came into Cornwall, knowing you cannot bee ignorant of what God hath done for us since we came to Launceston. All that I have to relate since then, is briefly thus:
- Yesterday wee marched from Launson to Blisland, within three miles of Bodman. The Foot advanced three or foure miles from Launson the night before, when wee were come very neere to Blisland, the enemies Horse appeared upon the Down neere Bodman, within halfe a mile of us: But our Horse drawing up towards them, they retreated. A little before this we were advertised, that two Troops of our Dragoons, which were commanded on Friday to Davidstow neer to Camelford, where they had a good house for their safety, and were to discover the enemies motions, were engaged by six hundred of the Enemies Horse. Upon this Lieutenant Generall Cromwell ordered two Regiments of Horse, and the rest of the Dragoones, to advance for their reliefe, himselfe commanding them. The issue was, the Dragoons saved themselves with the losse of one man taken prisoner. The enemy retreated towards Warebridge, and our horse quartered within a mile of them last night.
- In the morning [the] Lieutenant Generall commanded a party to that bridge, to make it ours; which they did with so little opposition, that the enemy did not fire a Pistoll.
- This morning from Blisland (the Army having quartered all night in the field) advanced from Bodman, which the enemy quitted yesterday, the Foot in the afternoon, the Horse at night; they have quitted Listithell also this morning, to which place wee have sent three Regiments of Foot; besides three Regiments of Foot quarters here, and two at and neere Ware-bridge; our Horse quarters on the East of this River. The enemies Horse advanced towards Castleandenis, the Foot between this and Truro. The Poss. Com. failes them, not a man appeared at the day appointed: and as that fails them, so doth all things else; for four of our Troops scouting abroad, took no lesse then two and fourty of their foot completely armed, ten & ten, and then fifteen, and seaven, and brought them prisoners. These doe not onely deceive them, but their Horse also; for a party of the enemies Horse, consisting of three hundred, meeting with a party of our Dragoones, being in number not above thirty; and asking what they were, they replying, poore Dragoones for the Parliament, the enemy cryed out, Face about, a pox a God on them, they’ll fight like Devills; and thus in some measure, hath God heard the prayers of his people, that a hundred shall put a thousand to flight. Certainly, the terror of God is upon them; and those doe not onely deceive them, but their Egyptian helpers, which they have long waited for, are not yet come over from France. One of the Lieutenant Generalls Troopers took Lieutenant Colonel Rocarek, and one other Captain.
- Wee take every day many horse and foot; They threaten to fire and burn the Inhabitants Houses of Cornwall, calling them Rebells, because they will not stand to them. Very great distractions are amongst them, being ready every day to fight amongst themselves. We shall continue here to morrow, that so our Horse may be refreshed, and then you may expect action; it will be very hard for them to break Eastward now I leave the successe to God. Sir, as any thing else shall accrue worthy your knowledge, you shall not faile to hear of it from him, who is, Sir,
- Your most humble servant,
- March 2. 1645.
- Postscript.
- Wee received Intelligence just now that the Prince tooke shipping at Falmouth, and is gone for France, with many more Gentlemen yesterday-night. The enemy is marched from Castleandenis farther Westward: Their head Quarters this night is at Truro: Some Regiments are just now upon their advance to St. Columbe; to morrow the Gentlemen, with the whole Army, advances towards Truro. I hope speedily to give you a good account of Cornwall.
- Published according to Order, and Printed for Thomas Underhill.
Source: British Library, E.327[11]
Search tags: Bodmin (Bodman), Castle an Dinas (Castelandenis), Lostwithiel (Listithell), Wadebridge (Ware-Bridge)
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