I having sent a ship, presently after I came into the town, for my daughter: she was brought, the next day [4th July 1643], to Hull; pretty well recovered of her long and tedious journey.
And, not many days after, the Earl of Newcastle sent my Wife back again, in his coach, with some Horse to guard her: which generosity gained more than any reputation he could have gotten in detaining a Lady prisoner upon such terms.
And many of our men, which were dispersed in this long retreat, came hither again to us.
Our first business now, was to raise new forces: which, in a short time, were about 1,500 Foot and 700 Horse.
The town [of Hull] being little; I was sent to Beverley with the Horse and 600 Foot.
But my Lord [of] Newcastle, who now looked upon us as inconsiderable, was marched with his whole Army into Lincolnshire: only leaving some few garrisons at York and other few places. He took in Gainsborough and Lincoln; and intended [to take] Boston next, which was the Key of the Associated Countries [Counties]. For his Orders, which I have seen, were to go into Essex; and block up London on that side.
But we, having laid a great while [from 4th July to 26th August 1643] still, were now strong enough in the Field for those forces that remained in the Country [Yorkshire]. So we sent out a good party to make an attempt upon Stamford Bridge, near York. But the Enemy, upon the alarm, fled thither [i.e. to York]; which put them all there in such a fear as they sent earnestly to desire him to return, or the Country [Yorkshire] would again be lost: for the Lord Fairfax had considerable forces.
Upon which, he returned again into Yorkshire; and, not long after, came to besiege Hull.