about 3 a clock in the afternoon, Those few that were well-affected
in the Town, with some faithful Countreymen the cabours, that
were then ar the Fair, being about 100. no sooner heard of them, but
presently (imagining their condition) fell upon them with such weapons
as they could get, their best being the Poles of the pedlars standings,
and some few Guns and Pistols, with the which they behaved
themselvs very couragiously, forcing the Enemy (who intended to go
forward) to fly 3 or 4 severall wayes at least in great disorder, to the
great terror of the Enemy, and encouragement of the well affected
Countrymen to rise against them. The fight lasted above 2 hours, all
which time the Countrymen were busied in dismounting them, as
they passed by In the dispute we have lost 12 men, 7 slain in the fight
and 5 since dead of their wounds: we have above 40 wounded, I hope
few or none mortally. Of the Enemy 5 slain, about 80 wounded, and
126 taken Prisoners; which we sent to Chester. But few of note taken,
only a son of the Lo. Duglas, and one Hamilton, who is still in Sanbatch,
becaus of his wounds. Both old and new Malignants (which I hope
the State will never trust, though the most of them be Engagers) and
did not (I may say durst not) rise with those desembling and persidious
invadors) are much vexed at those, who (according to their
duty) did rise against their brethren as they fled from the battle,
calling them robbers and seekers for Horses, saying all is too little
that they have: truly some that lost their lives in this cause were
precious men; and I hope free from such base ends at the enemy
charges them withal; Its beleeved that if either the Earl of Deby or
the Scots King had got a victory, that many malignant Ingagers
would soon have manifested to the world, what they still are, for
we in the Country can sometimes hear such words, and see such
carriages as the State little dreams of: The Lord still direct and protect
the Parliament and Councel of State; and give the godly in the
Land eies to see, and hearts seriously to consider what d[unr] dangers,
and grievious inconveniences they have run themselves into
by refusing to own, and be faithful unto those whom God in much
mercy hath set in autho iry over us, and under whose authority we
may (if we will) lead a godly and peaceable life. It was no small grief and trouble
to me, to hear so few of the Ministers to pray for the Supreme Authority, and
to desire Gods blessing upon our Army before the rout, and that since so [unr]w should
give thanks for this glorious victory; I fear there will be fearfel doubing and jugling
upon the day or thanksgiving: But however, I trust that as God hath given
a gracious return to the prayers of a few that are faithful in the land, so I doubt
not but he will gracioully accept the praises of that few which shall be returned him
for his late glorious deliverances vouch. afed to us and our Armies both in England
and Scotland.
Thus you see (to the honor of the County be it spoken) that as the Cheshire men
were the first that gave a stand to the Enemy at their coming in; so they were the
first that encountered them at their running out, and gave them such a stop in their
flight, that the other Counties had thereby the more convenient notice & opportunity,
to snap them in their return.