Chaloner will see to your uniforms and
accouterments; you are well mounted, I believe; you have no time to
lose, as we march to-morrow for Warrington, in Cheshire."
"Has any thing been heard of the Parliamentary army?"
"Yes; they are on the march toward London by the Yorkshire road,
intending to cut us off if they can. And now, gentlemen, farewell; for
I have no idle time, I assure you."
Edward was soon equipped, and now attended upon the king. When they
arrived at Warrington, they found a body of horse drawn up to oppose
their passage onward. These were charged, and fled with a trifling
loss; and as they were known to be commanded by Lambert, one of
Cromwell's best generals, there was great exultation in the king's
army; but the fact was, that Lambert had acted upon Cromwell's orders,
which were to harass and delay the march of the king as much as
possible, but not to risk with his small force any thing like an
engagement. After this skirmish it was considered advisable to send
back the Earl of Derby and many other officers of importance into
Lancashire, that they might collect the king's adherents in that
quarter and in Cheshire. Accordingly the earl, with about two hundred
officers and gentlemen, left the army with that intention.
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