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The
Editor
HTML Transcription
© F.Coakley ,
2001
[From Manx Soc vol 3]
With an account of his many troubles and losses in
the Civil War, and of his own proc-
eedings in the Isle of Man, during his residence there in 1643;
interspersed
with large and excellent advice to his son–Charles Lord
Strange–
upon many curious points; from the original (all in his Lord-
ship's own hand writing) in the hands of the Honour-
able ROGER GALE, Esq.
The whole divided into Chapters, and illustrated with Contents Notes,
Introduction
and Appendix, collected by the Editor.
JAMES STANLEY, Earl of Derby (author of the following treatise) was a person highly accomplished with learning, prudence, loyalty, and true valour; whereof none to whom he was well known are ignorant.
To pass by the great state wherein he lived whilst this realm continued in peace, and his wonderful hospitality; he was one of the first who repaired to the late King Charles I. at York, when, by reason of the dangerous tumults at Westminster in the beginning of the year 1642, his Majesty became necessitated to retire thither.
Whence being ordered back into Lancashire, to prepare for that King's reception upon a resolution taken for setting up the royal standard at Warrington, he forthwith mustered the whole county on three heaths near Berry, Ormskirk, and Preston, where he had an appearance of at least twenty thousand men at each place; intending the like course in Cheshire and NorthWales, by virtue of his commission as Lord-Lieutenant in those parts. But, in this interim, the place resolved on for erecting the standard being changed (to the great disappointment of the King's faithful subjects in those parts, and the no less encouragement of his enemies), it was set up at Nottingham. Where the countries not coming in so freely as was expected, the King, by special letters, desired his Lordship to raise what men he could, and to hasten to him. Whose answer was, that he would do his best; but that the case was then much altered, a great part of the country resolving to stand neuters, and that many others had already joined with the rebels, and seized upon Manchester.
All this notwithstanding, amongst his own tenants, dependants, and private friends, he raised three regiments of foot and three troops of horse; which he clothed and armed at his own charge, and then posted to the King at Shrewsbury for orders how to dispose of them. Whereupon his Majesty, commanding him to return, and forthwith to make trial of one smart assault upon Manchester, and then, whether he mastered that town or not, to march up to the general camp,–he repaired to those his forces, drew up before that town, and, upon his summons thereof it refusing any treaty, directed an assault at four of the clock the next morning, with hopes to carry it. But that very night receiving commands from the King to haste to him, in two days' space he brought up his regiments and troops to his Majesty. Which being disposed of under the command of other officers, he was desired to return back, and take what care he could of the country.
Hereupon the party then sitting in Parliament at Westminster made offer to him of the largest terms imaginable, in case he would come in to them, or quit the King's service. But to this he answered, " When I turn traitor, I may hearken to these propositions; but, till then, let me have no more of these papers, at the peril of him who brings them." This being the second time they had in that kind attempted him.
By this time the enemy having garrisoned the towns of Lancaster and Preston, and in a manner brought the whole country under their power, his Lordship set himself to fortify his own house at Latham. And, though his arms and magazine were gone [how, you will hereafter hear,] made shift, with the assistance of his friends, to cut off three companies of the enemy on Houghton Common; as also to take Lancaster and Preston by storm. In the former, leading on his men himself, with a half pike in his hand (after one repulse) to the second assault, which did the business. Manchester having, in all probability, followed, had not his auxiliaries and his own forces been called away in that very nick of time when he was ready for the attempt.
Soon after this, upon information that the enemy had a design upon the Isle of Man, he was ordered thither for the security of that place. And went accordingly; having first made some necessary provisions of men, moneys, and ammunition, for the protection and defence of his incomparable lady, at Latham, to whose charge he committed his children, house, and other his English concerns.
During his residence in the said Isle he wrote the following account thereof, and of his own proceedings there, by way of letter to his son, Charles Lord Strange, and had he not been prevented by the troublesomeness of the times, had much farther enlarged it. But he was soon called away thence into England again, to relieve his noble lady, children, and other friends, then closely besieged at Latham. Whereof hereafter.
[note the following is my insertion for ease of downloading]
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