He set out on the 6th of August, with three regiments of horse, three of foot, one of dragoons, and a train of artillery; and orders were sent for other forces to join him on his march, and for bringing two regiments from Ireland and three from Flanders.

Communications were to be kept up between Lambert and the Council at Westminster by messengers twice or thrice every day.

Such incessant communication was very necessary.

Over England, Scotland, and Ireland, the talk was of Sir George Booth's Insurrection, with much exaggeration of its dimensions, and speculation as to its chances.

Old and new Royalists everywhere, and men who had not yet declared themselves Royalists, were waiting for news that might determine their course .-- Above all, Monk at Dalkeith was looking southwards with interest, and timing the arrival of each post-bag In Edinburgh.