I getting a Barricado open, which let us in betwixt the houses and the river. Here we had an encounter with their Horse. [After one charge, they fled over a Bridge of Boats to York.]
Other Horse came up, and charged us again, where my horse was overthrown; [I] being single [alone] a little before my men: who presently relieved me, and forced the Enemy back; who retreated also to York. In this charge, we took Colonel [Lord] Bellasis, Governor of York.
By this, the Foot had entered the town; and also took many prisoners.
This good success put them into great distraction and fears at York: who speedily sent to the Earl of Newcastle, to haste back thither; believing we would presently attempt them. This news suddenly called him back, leaving the Scots: who, with cold and oft alarms, were reduced to great extremity; but now advanced without delay after him.
The Earl of Newcastle gets into York [on 19th April 1644].
The Scots joined their forces with my father's at Wetherby: altogether making 16,000 Foot and 4,000 Horse. They marched on to York [, from Tadcaster, on 19th April 1644].
But for this work, it was thought fit to have more men; the town [of York] being large in compass, and strongly manned. Therefore the Earl of Crawford, [Lord] Lindsay and myself were sent to the Earl of Manchester, to desire him to join with us in the Siege: which he willingly consented to, bringing an addition of 6,000 Foot and 3,000 Horse [on 2nd June 1644].
So now the Army had three Generals, [Alexander] Leslie [, Earl of Leven], Manchester, and Fairfax; who lay apart in three Quarters before the town. But the north side still remained open to the town.