Military Memoir Of Colonel John Birch - Sometime Governor Of Hereford In The Civil War Between Charles I and The Parliament Sometime Governor of Hereford in the Civil War Between Charles I and the Parliament

COLONEL JOHN BIRCH - PRELIMINARY NOTICE - TI E C ommentary and Notes which illustrate the following Memoir were the production of an author the greater part of whose ninety-third year was employed in their preparation. But, whatever interest Inay be attached to them from this cause, they are still more deserving of attention from the scrupulous fidelity as well as the unwearied diligence which they express. Such, as is well known, had been the uniform character of the earlier works of the same hand and during this last effort of a feebler age, neither vigour of thought nor truth of discernment failed. The editorial office which had been entrusted to the Reverend John Webb by the Camden Society was, at the time of its interruption, nearly fulfilled the latter part, however, of his manuscript had not received his final touch, and the close was left very imperfect. These deficiencies could be ill supplied even by one who best knew his revered parents intentions, but, having been honoured by the Council of the Society with permission to complete the design, he has done it to the best of his ability. A portion of illustrative material has been reluctantly omitted, which may, however, it is hoped, find a place in the future publication of another posthumous work by the same hand-the History of the Civil War in Herefordshire. The extent of the present writers responsibility has been indicated by brackets. The initials J. W. are attached to certain notes which the original editor had not appended to his manuscript, but which it did not seem desirable to suppress. CAIID, SOC. b - PREFACE - The document now first published contains an account of events in which the person therein described acteda more or less conspicuous part. The period it involves is comprised between the years 1642 and 1645 a time during which England became the scene of violent political and military agitation. In all cases of this nature, in which the talents and passions of men are exercised with unusual force, there will ever be some whose powers will raise them to eminence. Colonel John Birch, in the sphere in which he moved, was among the remarkable personages of the time by no means inferior to many whose names have been better known, though not more deserving of being recorded. He attained to considerable distinction in the field and in the senate, and after a long shnre of personal exertion and suffcrings survived the troubles and dangers of a stormy and eventful struggle, and ended his days in retirement and peace...