The army of the parliament, about six thousand foot, and thirty-seven troop of horse, being concentrated at Boston, it was determined that companies should be distributed into such parts as might secure their early co-operation whensoever occasion should require. Bolingbroke, defended by a castle held by the partizans of the king, called forth into exertion their vigor and the alacrity of their courage. {12} This they decided upon as the place of military operation; whilst as the neighbourhood promised the most favorable circumstances for a field, they would there invite the enemy on to battle. Accordingly ten companies commanded by Major Knight, an officer under Sir Miles Hobart, were disposed of at this place. A regiment commanded by Colonel Russel, was quartered at Stickford, about two miles distant; and three companies of the Earl of Manchester’s own at the village of Stickney. The cavalry were all distributed into the country round, for about eight or ten miles distance. In the evening after their arrival, the castle of Bolingbroke was summoned. The answer in effect was, that “the commander need not expect that the demands of arrogance alone should win the castle.” From this determined reply promising a strenuous defence, dispositions were immediately taken to acquire it by a regular siege. The church and a neighbouring house were occupied by the assailants, earth works were thrown up, and the assault commenced, but without much effect. During this time, the royalists, bold, eager, and trusting that a generous heroism would nerve them for victory, waited only the opportunity for attack. Upon learning the arrival of the Earl of Manchester, they lost no time in drawing out all their military from the several garrisons of Lincoln, Newark, and Gainsborough, still stimulated by an undaunted resolution to find out the enemy, and advance to the combat. Hastening on, they arrived, early on the day previous to the battle, at the out-posts of the parliamentary forces.