The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 06 (of 11)
Thomas Hobbes · en
In the beginning of the year 1651 General Dean arrived in Scotland; and
on the 11th of April the Scottish Parliament assembled, and made certain
acts in order to a better uniting of themselves, and better obedience to
the King, who was now at Stirling with the Scottish forces he had,
expecting more now in levying. Cromwell from Edinburgh went divers times
towards Stirling to provoke the Scots to fight. There was no ford there
to pass over his men; at last boats being come from London and
Newcastle, Colonel Overton (though it was long first, for it was now
July) transported 1,400 foot of his own, besides another regiment of
foot and four troops of horse, and entrenched himself at Northferry on
the other side; and before any help could come from Stirling,
Major-General Lambert also was got over with as many more. By this time
Sir John Browne was come to oppose them with 4,500 men, whom the English
there defeated, killing about 2,000 and taking prisoners 1,600. This
done, and as much more of the army transported as was thought fit,
Cromwell comes before St. Johnstone’s (from whence the Scottish
Parliament, upon the news of his passing the Frith, was removed to
Dundee) and summons it; and the same day had news brought him that the
King was marching from Stirling towards England; which was true. But
notwithstanding the King was three days' march before him, he resolved
to have the town before he followed him; and accordingly had it the next
day by surrender.
_B._ What hopes had the King in coming into England, having before and
behind him none, at least none armed, but his enemies?
_A._ Yes; there was before him the city of London, which generally hated
the Rump, and might easily be reckoned for 20,000 well-armed soldiers;
and most men believed they would take his part, had he come near the
city.
_B._ What probability was there of that? Do you think the Rump was not
sure of the services of the mayor and those that had command of the city
militia? And if they had been really the King’s friends, what need had
they to stay for his coming up to London? They might have seized the
Rump, if they had pleased, which had no possibility of defending
themselves; at least they might have turned them out of the House.
_A._ This they did not; but on the contrary, permitted the recruiting of
Cromwell’s army, and the raising of men to keep the country from coming
in to the King. The King began his march from Stirling the last of July,
and August the 22nd came to Worcester by way of Carlisle with a weary
army of about 13,000, whom Cromwell followed, and joining with the new
levies environed Worcester with 40,000, and on the 3rd of September
utterly defeated the King’s army. Here Duke Hamilton, brother of him
that was beheaded, was slain.
_B._ What became of the King?