THURSDAY, July 3.
Take this of June 28, from Edenburgh.
SIR Wednesday last our Army drew out to Pencland-hills 2 miles
from Edenburgh. It was Friday before some came up thither, who
were not in 10 much readiness as the body of the Army. There
they move their stations as conveniences require for fresh grats for
horses, and so are in readiness to observe the enemies motions, if
he make any. Sometimes the enemy seems to make offers of marching
from Sterling. but consider of it and go back again; and I believe
they will play no other game as long as they can deal their
own cards. The next week we shall consider whether we shall
march to their Passes or no. I know not yet what the Lord will
direct the Army unto, but they are now in a readiness to do what
the Lord shall call us unto, we are daily praying for his direction
and guidance; and I am consident the Lord will gloriously appear
in his own time for us, upon whom we desire to wait with faith
and patience, and thankfulness. I have not the least thought of the
enemies coming out, or of fighting us, unless he can do no other;
For they had a better Army last year, and yet would not fight till
they thought they could swallow us up at a bit at Dunbar; and blessed
be God, I never saw such an Army move together in England, as
this now is: The difficulty of the Passes is very great, but that which
puts most to a stand so tar as I perceive is this, that we expect they
will play at bo-peep with us, that if we get over the Passes, they
will come on this side through Sterling, and then we must return,
and when we do return, they will back to Sterling; we therefore
wait upon the Lord, what he will direct. They grow scarce of provisions,
yet think they shall live longer with halfe a bit on that side
then with the knocks on this side. I know nothing of concernment
further.
Leith, 28 June, 1651.
Wee had this farther Account likewise from Ireland.
SIR, I suppose you may heare a thousand reports of us; therefore
I have adventured for to send you this, to assure you that wee are all (the
Lord bee blessed) in good health and well For newes I have no more
to write to you then this: that Clanricka[unr]d and hi, forces met us at Loghreah
but drew his men into the Towne; though they exceeded us in Number
and would not fight, so wee marched to this place Portumnab which
wee tooke, Clanrickard and his men runn from Loghreah which I have
likewise garisoned so that I have both that grandees best houses, and
an innumerable company of Castles. Al the countrey submit and
take protections: Soe that if it pleaseth God that the Enimy doe no
barme in Ulster, as soon as our provisions shall come into Galloway:
which I yet heare no newes of, I hope wee should soone settle all this