The Scots now began to fall back, and the sun shining full on their faces as it rose from the sea, Cromwell seized the lucky moment, and exclaimed, "Now let God arise, and his enemies shall be scattered," his iron brigade making a successful charge up the hill, the Scottish foot threw down their arms, and fled in every direction, some towards Cockburnspath and others to Haddington, whether (where) they were pursued.
Never was victory more complete: the fugitives now became, as Cromwell observed, "as stubble to their swords" About 3,000 were slain, 9,000 taken prisoners Their whole train was taken, consisting of thirty-two pieces of ordnance, with small, great, and leather guns; two hundred colours, horse and foot, with arms, tents, baggage, etc. The loss of the English was so trifling as to be almost incredible - it was stated at forty men in the whole engagemnet, and not one officer, except M.Rokesby who died of his wounds; but from the resolute attack of the Scots at the onset, the small loss of the English is justly doubted. - Note: - ( according to Whitelock, " at the battle of Dunbar 15,000 were killed and taken. Of these the general sent home upon their parole 5,000 of the prisoners, being wounded old men and boys; the men housekeepers, forced out of their houses to take arms, and 2,100 of them died by the way. The other 5,000 were sent prisoners to Berwick and to Newcastle." " The Governer of Berwick gave to each Scots prisoner for one day three biskits, and a pottle of pease, which they said was more than their own officers gave them three days together. ) Many men of distinction fell in this fatal conflict, amongst whom were the Homes of Wedderburn, father and son, and Sir William Douglas of Kirkness, who appears to have fallen at Broxmouth, as a plain stone, bearing his name in legible characters, lies in the shrubbery south-east from the house. Amongst the prisoners were twelve lieutenant-colonels, six majors, thirty seven captains etc. Cromwells first act after the battle was to return thanks to the Almighty for the victory he had gained; and, as if anxious to refute the odium of cruelty imputed to him, sent back the principle prisoners in his coach, and the wounded in waggons. It is further asserted by Walker, that after the battle of Dunbar he sent " a thousand of the wounded men in a gallantry to the Countess of Winton." The following proclamation was issued by the conquerer, respecting the wounded left in the field; -
" Forasmuch as I understand that there are several soldiers of the enemy's army yet abiding in the field, who, by reason of their wounds, could not march from thence; these are therefore to give notice to the inhabitants of this nation, that they may have free liberty to repair to the field aforesaid, and with their carts, or any other peaceable way, to carry the said soldiers to such places as they shall think fit, provided they meddle not, or take away any of the arms there; and all officers and soldiers are to take notice that the same is permitted.
Given under my hand at Dunbar." - Oliver Cromwell