I went with Them; wee began our March upon Tuesday about 12. at
noon, and about that time at night wee gotts the Ford at Newbridge.
We found the way between this and that Place (though not passible
in the winter and great Rains, yet now) very passable: The water is not
knee-deep; the Banks of the River not high, and of sand; the Rive[unr] it
selfe narrow so that were it not in reference to England (left when wee
attempt over with the Body of our Army, they should march for England)
wee should presently goe over; but that consideration swaies at
present thes mines of most men from attempting that side with the Body
of our Army.
The Lord Directs wee are moving again this day somewhat nearer
them. If possible, upon any equall Terms, wee can ingage them. We
have much broken their west-Country Levies, by our coming hither,
and taken many Arms, Blessed be God, the Army continues yet in good
health.
Glasgow, 11 July, 1651.
Take this also from the Court of Spain.
Sir, I have seen Mr. Ashcam's body, which is still unfit to be
brought home. I wonder they do not here endevor to make
som return of satisfaction to the Parliament, touching their
resolution about Mr Asheam's murtherers, who (as is largely
proved by a Doctor of their own) ought to be rendred up to
justice, notwithstanding the pretence of Church-sanctuary.
Capt. Hall (who between Legorn and Naples, took two
French prizes) provided convoy of some Merchants ships for
Constantinople. Cap. Penn I hear is in mayorke, expected
shortly at Malaga, with a French prize the hath taken
worth one Million and a half of English Crowns; intending
to send her for England. Rupert is at Sea with 5 ships
viz. 2 great ships men of War, 2 French ships he bought in
Toulon, and the Marmaduke an English prize; he is come
out of the Straits into the ocean, where he hath taken a Spaniard
and a Genones, both richly laden. The Spaniard because
he delivered him not his wrackt ship in Carcagena the, Gana[unr]
because he Port to Captain Hall; In all which hee hath
done the Scotch King poore service, having thereby irritated
against him both these nations, who will therefore the
more willingly cleave to the Parliament. If Collonell Blake
meete with him hee will examine his Cxockery whereof
I shall be heartily glad and that he may thereby be p[unr]evented
of performing the Oath he hath made to sling all Engish
men he takes over board.
Madrid, 21 June 1651.
Fren[unr]