We marched from Glasgow not far from them, on the other side of the
Bogge, which made them all rise and march to their old holes at Torwood,
least we should get betwixt them and Sterling, where at presons
they are, and we within four miles of them. Their own Trumpet that
came from them says, they will not fight but in parties, as they see their advantage;
and it is now clear to us all, that they have no Game to play,
but to drill out time. Hoping of better advantages in winter. But I hope
God will discover one way or other to us, to ferret them out of their
holes, or else to starve them out. But for the present we have none that
is visible, but are waiting upon God; to see what way he will direct. Guns
are gone this morning to batter Calendar House, which is near Torwood,
and six miles from Sterling, which the enemy doth now Garrisons
Our Army lyeth now within two miles of Lithgow, and my Lord General
quartered in that Castle last night.
This is all at present that I know worthy signification from
July 5, 1651.
LITHGOW.
SIR, We are yet ranging up and down, our provisions being neer
spent, we were enforced to draw towards Lithgow for a supply. Upon
our return from Glasgow, the Enemy removed their Camp to their old
gr and about Torwood. They still delay us, and keep within their fastnesses,
that we cannot possibly come near them. We are this day drawing
some great Guns for the reducing of Calendar House, which being within
view of their Camp, it may be they will come out to relieve it. It
would be a great slurre to the Gallantry and youthfull resolutions of
their King, should they not appear for their friends rescue; and if they
do advance this way, we shall in all likeyhood engage their whole Army.
We wait upon our God for the issue: we are so desirous to shorten our
Travels here, that we attempt any rational way tending to their accomplishment.
Our expectations now are, of Major General Harrisons joying with
us, whose coming hither will be very speedy: and then we shall be able
to spare a considerable party to go over the water into Fife, which is the
onely way left in all probability, to bring our work to a period. We see
plainly that they intend nothing less then to fight with us; their stores
will last them this two months, and when we are sick and weary with
waiting on them, they suppose they may improve beter advantages upon
us. But our eyes are unto the Lord, and in his own time we shall receive
a glorious salvation.
If we can gain any footing on the other side, we shall much distract
them, and hinder provisions coming to them for their reliefe. Their
King is very absolute in all his proceeds; he wil (indeed) sometimes
call councels of War, and hear the advice of that Committee appointed