This was the last time armor was
used. The Parliamentarians wore orange scarves to distinguish
themselves from their enemy. Cromwell, who had a natural aptitude
for military matters, selected for his troops, Puritan zealots
with a Puritan code of behavior which included no drinking or
swearing. He selected horsemen based on ability rather than social
class. He was regarded as one of the leaders of the Independents,
who wanted total abolition of the monarchy and of the aristocracy.
When made a leader of the New Model Army, Cromwell dressed all his
foot men in red with only the facings being regimental colors. The
New Model Army had been assembled because there had been
disagreement about policy among the members of Parliament who held
commissions. Almost all members gave up their commissions. For
their continued support, many wives and also prostitutes put on
men's clothing and followed the troops. They nursed the wounded.
Those many wives who stayed at home pleaded and answered in court;
petitioned to the House of Commons, e.g. for release of debtors
from prison, high taxes, lack of work, and arbitrary government;
and made other public appearances. Puritan and royalist newspapers
printed the news at least once weekly. Poet John Milton pled for
civil and religious freedom, freedom of social life, and freedom
of the press. He stated: "Give me the liberty to know, to utter,
and to argue freely, according to conscience, above all
liberties.
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