The Enemy following close, our men here gave them a good volley of shot; which made them draw back, and advance no further. So, leaving a small Guard at the bridge, we got safe to Hull.
Thus not only for want of military skill in the Gentlemen of the Committee; but, to say no more, for want of good nature: we were exposed to this trouble and danger.
My Lord of Newcastle now lay siege to Hull, but at a great distance. The sluices being open, drowned the land two miles about the town: yet upon a bank, which was the highway, he approached so near as to shoot cannon shot at random into the town; which were, for the most part, fiery bullets. But the diligence and care of the Governor (who caused every inhabitant to watch his own house; and wheresoever they saw these bullets fall, to be ready to quench them) prevented the danger.
Our Horse was now useless: and many [horses] died every day; having nothing but salt water about the town.
I was therefore sent with the Horse, over [the Humber] into Lincolnshire, to join with [Edward Montagu,] the Earl of Manchester's forces; which were then commanded by Major General [Oliver] Cromwell: who received us at our landing, with his troops.
Sir John Henderson lay within three or four miles of this place with 5,000 men, to prevent our conjunction: but durst not attempt [it].
He marched three or four days near to us: but, for want of good intelligence, we did not know so much. For I altogether trusted to the care of our new friends, being a stranger in those parts: till one morning [9th October 1643] he set upon our Guards at Horncastle; which, being but newly raised in that Country [Lincolnshire], fled towards Lincoln, without giving any alarm to our Quarters, who lay dispersed and secure.
But Sir John Henderson, marching slowly with his Army, gave the alarm to some of our Quarters; which was soon taken by the rest: but, with some disorder, before we could get into a considerable body. My Lord Willoughby with his Horse, and my Dragoons commanded by Colonel Morgan, brought up the Rear. After some skirmishes, we lodged that night all in the Field.