| Copyright | ||
|
Home The Civil War, 1642-1645 1642-1645; Part 5 |
1642-1645; Part 5At the end of August Charles managed to surround Essex's army at Lostwithiel, in Cornwall, and though Essex himself escaped by sea, and his horse broke through the Royalist lines, his infantry had to capitulate. Charles, however, on his return in October, found his way barred at Newbury by another army under Manchester and Essex. The battle which followed, like the first battle fought there, was indecisive, though, but for Manchester's want of enterprise, Charles would not have got through, as he succeeded in doing, to Oxford.The second battle of Newbury brought to a head the dissatisfaction which Cromwell and others felt with the "half measures" men and their lack of energy. This dissatisfaction led to the Self-denying Ordinance being carried In Parliament, under which members of Parliament resigned their commissions in the army. Accordingly Manchester and Essex retired, though Cromwell, who resigned because he was a member of the House of Commons, was reappointed to a command. Parliament also resolved to reorganize the army. As a consequence, the Parliament obtained just what it wanted. The New Model army, as it was called, was a force well paid and commanded by capable officers (It is a mistake to suppose that the officers were not gentlemen-thirty out of thirty-seven colonels were of gentle birth). Moreover it was not bound by local ties, and it could, like Wellington's army in the Peninsula, "go anywhere and do anything". Above all, Fairfax (Fairfax was a very brave man, a vigorous commander, and an excellent disciplinarian, besides being conspicuous for generosity to his opponents. He was also a lover of learning, and when he captured Oxford in 1646 his first care was to send a strong guard to preserve tin- lemons Bodleian Library) was made the commander and was given absolute control, whilst Cromwell, at Fairfax's request, was put in charge of the cavalry. The result of the New Model was seen in 1645 at the battle of Naseby (June). Rupert beat the wing opposed to him, it is true, but pursued too far. Cromwell was successful on the other flank, then re-formed his cavalry, and, as at Marston Moor, charged the Royalist infantry who were pressing the Parliamentarians. Cromwell made one more charge at Rupert's returning cavalry, and the day was won. The battle was decisive. It cost Charles half his cavalry, all his infantry and artillery, and most of his best officers. Moreover, it revealed to the nation his intrigues with foreign powers, for the cabinet containing much of his correspondence was captured. "The king and the kingdom'', says Clarendon, the Royalist historian, "were lost at Naseby"; and after Naseby the war soon ends To the south-west Fairfax was successful at Langport, and in September Bristol was retaken by Fairfax. |
Chronology |
| Get fast cash loan - payday loans no credit check in UK. | copyright by www.uuo-ununoctium.info |