The History of the Siege of Manchester by the King's Forces, Under the Command of Lord Strange 1642

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1822 Excerpt: ... THE ."history or THE SIEGE OF MANCHESTER. The period that the following pages treatf-of, was one of peculiar difficulties to this nation in general, and to some local places in particular. Among the latter, Manchester bore an early portion in the unhappy contest between the unfortunate Charles the First and his ignominious Parliament; for it is recorded, that the first blood was shed there, in the civil commotions that disgraced the kingdom for so many years. There were seen, in those unnatural wars, father opposed to son, and brother to brother, and the dearest ties of consanguinity were severed asunder. The demon of destruction being let loose on the nation, carried havoc and desola B tion, like a torrent, before it; the blood of her best patriots was every where lavished for her common defence;. and her most sanguinary enemies never ceased, until they had revolutionized the state, and murdered their monarch. May God, of his grace and mercy, for ever preserve this kingdom from the recurrence of such a melancholy catastrophe! Previous to the year 1640, fanaticism began to mingle itself with faction, and private interest with republican fury. " In Scotland," observes an elegant authoress, " the famous league and covenant was formed, which required an engagement upon oath to defend the Presbyterian worship against Popery, and to reject all innovations whatsoever. People of every rank, denomination, and condition, hastened to subscribe to this oath, and, moreover, bound themselves to support each other against every appearance of opposition. Charles had neither power to quell these daring measures, nor prudence to give up the design that occasioned them: he made, indeed, some slight concessions; but, these being abused, both parties prepared for war. The malc...