For in the beginning of the War, men were as impatient of Duty as ignorant of it.
Myself only was on horseback; going out, at the other end of the town, to Tadcaster: where my father lay.
One came running to me, and told me, The Enemy was entering the town. I presently galloped to the Court of Guard [the Piquet], where I found not above four men at their arms; as I remember, two Foot Sergeants and two Pike men, [who] withstood with me when Sir Thomas Glenham, with about six or seven Commanders more, charged us: where, after a short but sharp encounter, in which Major Carr was slain, they retired. And in this time more of the Guard were gotten to their arms. But I must confess I know [of] no strength, but the powerful hand of GOD, that gave them this repulse.
Afterward they made another attempt, in which Captain Atkinson was slain.
And here again, there fell out another remarkable Providence. During this conflict, our Magazine was blown up: which struck such a terror in the Enemy, thinking we had cannon (which they were informed we had not), that they instantly retreated. And though I had but a few Horse; they pursued the Enemy some miles, and took many prisoners.
We lost about eight or ten men, whereof seven were blown up with [the] powder: the Enemy, many more. [20]
At this time [Henry Clifford] the Earl of Cumberland commanded the Forces in Yorkshire for the King.
But (being of a peaceable nature; and by his amiable disposition having but few enemies, or rather because he was an enemy to few) he did not suit with their present condition and apprehension of fears. Therefore they sent to [William Cavendish] the Earl of Newcastle, who had an Army of 6,000 men, to desire his assistance: which he answered by a speedy march to York.