Series 1 > Letters and papers illustrating the relations between Charles the Second and Scotland in 1650

134 CHARLES II. AND SCOTLAND IN 1650
1650.
Sept, 9.
shortly new recruits: and victuals being so scarce, as it will be
very difficult to entertain our army in a body till the harvest,
that corns be cut and reaped. It’s resolved for this and other
reasons, that this army shall march out to the fields nearer the
enemy, and (if they force us to fight) in God’s strength to give
them battel; or (if they shall not pursue us) some enterprise
will be undertaken, to make a diversion to give the enemy work
in England, rather than consume us with a lingring war, and
make the seat of it in Scotland. In order to which, your
Majesties hastning hither your Declaration is so necessary as
the delay of it will retard and obstruct any expedition into
England; and time is so precious, as the loss of opportunity
can hardly ever be recovered. So praying God to bless your
Majesty, and so direct your councels, and the actions of your
armies as may serve most for his honor, and may restore your
Majesty to your just right.
And, Sir, It is the desire and judgement of many, that Sir
J[ames] L[umsdaine] should be Lieut. General of the Foot,
but was not thought expedient to do it presently, to shun
contest and emulation; yet his affection to the cause, and to
your Majesties service, is such, as he is willing to give his
assistance in ordering the army, and to act his part in a day
of battel. And truly, Sir, he is a person of so much valour
and experience in war, that your Majesty would give him all
encouragement, and lay your commands upon him, to return
presently to the Army, and not leave it.
[Indorsed] A Scroll of my Letter to
the King, Aug. 10th, 1650.
LXXXVI
LETTER FROM AN ENGLISH SOLDIER IN SCOTLAND 1
{Extract)
My deare Friends,—It is, and hath been a very great
trouble to me, to be in an incapacity of enjoying the society
1 A Perfect Diurnal, Sept. 16-23, (E. 780, 11), p. 505.