The king followed him, and having reenforced his army from all quarters, appeared in the field with an army superior to the enemy.

Essex, retreating into Cornwall, informed the parliament of his danger, and desired them to send an army which might fall on the king's rear.
General Middleton received a commission to execute that service; but came too late.

Essex's army, cooped up in a narrow corner at Lestithiel, deprived of all forage and provisions, and seeing no prospect of succor, was reduced to the last extremity.

The king pressed them on one side; Prince Maurice on another; Sir Richard Granville on a third.

Essex, Robarts, and some of the principal officers escaped in a boat to Plymouth; Balfour with his horse passed the king's outposts in a thick mist, and got safely to the garrisons of his own party.