Beinge the telling of a chance encounter at the village of Cedar fens summer 1643
His majesty was in great need of fresh supplies and was so inclined to send a small parte of his troopers to collect that what was surpluss in the village of Cedar fens a village beinge not more than 10 miles distant, most known for its wool and meat trade. Upon route the detachment, under command of Sir Richard fielding, did become harassed by a group of dragoons who were soon chasted off with little loss save 1 horse that did thro its rider after becoming startled by shote.
It so happened that the dragoons who did chance upon the Royalist troopers where ahead of a colum of Parliaments men, under command of Sir Henry Bullard MP, and did make speed to report the direction and size of the Royalist troopers. Sir Henry beinge of these parts and of goode knowing of the roads thereby did surmise the Royalists were going to Cedarfens village to take moste greedily the stocks of wool and meat.
In the fields east of the village a short step paste the stone bridge Sir Henry Bullard placed his forces 2 regiments of foote one in White the other in red and to the far east was placed a fine troop of cav’lree. In the village were secreted a large troop of dragoons with 2 drakes set to fyre over the river banks.
Upon seeing Parliaments men set thus on the fields Sir Richard Fielding did continue his march towards the village in the hopes of driving off Parliaments men. Sir Richard id have on this day 4 regiments of foote: 1 russet, 1 blew, 1 white and a detachment of the kings life guard in red and a small group of cav’lree.
As Sir Richard Fielding approached the village Parliamnet moved to close the gap. Realising that the Drakes were to have no target from the river they did move towards the stone bridge in great disarray.
Royalist Cav'lry moves to the right flank
Sir Henry then tooke notice of the Royalist Cav’lry on the opposite flank and ordered his moste swiftly to take across the front to the left flank. Sir John Dogwitch, command of the Parliamnt cav’lry, took his horse through the hedge rows and most quick across the front of the armees.
Said of the regicide Henry Marten MP, "He would have prefered to command a regiment of whores than a regiment of horse"
“conscribe te militem in legionibus. pervagare orbem terrarium. inveni terras externas. cognosce miros peregrines. eviscera eos” ̴ “Join the legions, see the world, travel to foreign parts, meet interesting and exotic people, and disembowel them.”