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To
my loving Brother,
Colonel Valentine Walton: These
It's our duty
to sympathize in all mercies; and to praise the Lord together in
chastisements or trials, that so we may sorrow together.
Truly England
and the Church of God hath had a great favour from the Lord, in
this great victory given unto us, such as the like never was since
this war began.
It had all
the evidences of an absolute victory obtained by the Lord's blessing
upon the Godly Party principally. We never charged but we routed
the enemy. The left wing, which I commanded, being our own horse,
saving a few Scots in our rear, beat all the Prince's horse. God
made them as stubble to our swords. We charged their regiments of
foot with our horse, and routed all we charged. I believe, of 20,000
the Prince hath not 4000 left. Give glory, all the glory, to God.
Sir, God hath
taken away your eldest son by a cannon-shot. It brake his leg. We
were necessitated to have it cut off, whereof he died.
Sir, you know
my own trials this way: but the Lord supported me with this, that
the Lord took into the happiness we all pant for and live for. There
is your precious child full of glory, never to know sin or sorrow
any more. He was a gallant young man, exceedingly gracious. God
give you His comfort. Before his death he was so full of comfort
that he could not express it, 'It was so great above his pain.'
This he said to us. Indeed it was admirable. A little after, he
said, One thing lay upon his spirit. I asked him, What that was?
He told me it was, that God had not suffered him to be any more
the executioner of His enemies.
At his fall,
his horse being killed with the bullet, and as I am informed three
horses more, I am told he bid them, Open to the right and left,
that he might see the rogues run. Truly he was exceedingly beloved
in the Army, of all that knew him. But few knew him; for he was
a precious young man, fit for God. You have cause to bless the Lord.
He is a glorious saint in Heaven; wherein you ought exceedingly
to rejoice. Let this public mercy to the Church of God make you
to forget your private sorrow.
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