The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

In it were contained more then an hundred landed men, besides other of meaner degree: Among whom was the Earle of Arran, notwithstanding his siding with the current of the Court, and his nearness in blood to the King. It was bruited that this road was devised by the Lord Maxwell, but the certainty thereof we have not. The night before the day appointed to the Enterprise, the King was found at Lochmabane. To him comes companies from all quarters, as they were appointed, no man knowing of another (for no general Proclamations past, but privy Letters) neither yet did the multitude know any thing of the purpose till after midnight when that the trumpet blew. And commanded all men to march forward, and to follow the King (who was constantly supposed to have been in the host) guides were appointed to conduct them towards England, as both faithfully and closely they did; upon the point of day they approached to the enemies ground, and so passed the water without any great resistance made unto them. The forward goeth forth, fear rises, hership might have been seen on every side. The unprovided people were altogether amazed, for bright day appearing, they saw an army of ten thousand men: Their Beacons on every side, send flames of fire unto the heaven: To them it was more then a wonder that such a multitude could have been assembled and conveyed, no knowledge thereof coming to any of their Wardens. For support they looked not, and so at the first they utterly despaired, and yet began they to assemble together, ten in one company, twenty in another, and so as the Fray proceeded their Troops increased, but to no number (for Carlisle fearing •o have been assaulted, suffered no man to issue out of their gates) ⟨p. 32⟩and so the greatest number that ever appeared or approached before the discomfiture past not three or four hundred men, and yet they made hot skirmishing, as in their own ground, in such feats as they are most expert, about ten hours: When fires were kindled, and almost slackened on every side, Oliver thought time to show his glory, and so incontinent was displayed the Kings Banner, and he upholden by two Spears, lift up upon mens shoulders there with sound of Trumpet was proclaimed General Lieutenant, and all men commanded to obey him, as the Kings own Person, under all highest pains.

In it were contained more then an hundred landed men, besides other of meaner degree: Among whom was the Earle of Arran, notwithstanding his siding with the current of the Court, and his neernesse in blood to the King. It was bruted that this roade was devised by the Lord Maxwell, but the certaintie thereof we have not. The night before the day appointed to the Enterprise, the King was found at Lochmabane. To him comes companies from all quarters, as they were appointed, no man knowing of another (for no generall Proclamations past, but privie Letters) neither yet did the multitude know any thing of the purpose till after midnight when that the trumpet blew. And commanded all men to march forward, and to follow the King (who was constantly supposed to have been in the host) guides were appointed to conduct them towards England, as both faithfully and closely they did; upon the point of day they approached to the enemies ground, and so passed the water without any great resistance made unto them. The forward goeth foorth, feare rises, hership might have been seen on every side. The unprovided people were altogether amazed, for bright day appearing, they saw an army of ten thousand men: Their Beacons on every side, send flames of fire unto the heaven: To them it was more then a wonder that such a multitude could have been assembled and conveyed, no knowledge thereof coming to any of their Wardens. For support they looked not, and so at the first they utterly despaired, and yet began they to assemble together, ten in one company, twenty in another, and so as the Fray proceeded their Troopes increased, but to no number (for Carlile fearing o have been assaulted, suffered no man to issue out of their gates)