This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ... Such, was the composition of the best part of the parliamentary army, especially of Cromwell's famous cavalry, who were mostly the sons of respectable farmers and yeomen. While the master spring of all their actions was religious zeal: in some stern and even sullen, in others wild and fanatical, differing in individuals, yet pervading the mass. This religious enthusiasm was opposed to the high notions of honour and chivalric spirit of the king's troops, and as subsequent events proved, with the greatest success. All attempts at accommodation having failed; the royal standard had been ereeted at Nottingham; the important town and fortress of Hull had been twice besieged, and bravely defended; the battle of Edgehill had been fought; the Fairfaxes, father and son, had received commissions from parliament to levy forces, and leaving their delightful retreat of Denton, in the valley of Wharf, come forward to do their country service, by their never tiring activity and military skill; the kingdom from one end to the other had rung with the din of arms; victory an4 defeat had succeeded each other, and after two years of active warfare, neither party had much cause to boast of success; when, at the beginning of the year 1644, both parties prepared with greater energy than ever they had yet manifested, to decide the unhappy contest. The parliament having used great exertions during the winter in making preparations, and equipping forces, their affairs began to look a little more proroising. A Scottish army commanded by the earl of Iieven, crossed the border to their assistance: but its advance was muoh opposed and hindered by the marquis of Newcastle, who then commanded for the king in the north; whon to facilitate their advance, and turn the...