John
I have extracted some information about the Army of the Western Association - it is too long to send this way so I will probably fax it ot you. I am off to Brisbane for a couple of days so it will probably have to wait until I get back.
I have stacks of information and much of it serious research - I will have to get some advice from my kids on setting up a site. I used to regard myself as being computer aware - but I am falling behind.
The basic import of the Western Association was that after the defeat by Cromwell at Dunbar here were two Scottish Armies.
Those to the North supported the King, were set to defend the country from invasion and were more moderate in their religion. The Western Shires raised their own army, were equally opposed to invasion by the English, more strident in their religion and not so committed to invade England. They were against the "Engagement" and were known as "Resolutioners" whereas those in the north were termed "Remonstrants".
The Western "Resolutioners" saw Cromwell as their enemy but had a great deal of sympathy for him and his cause as a "pious" man. They was mutual suspicion between both Scottish camps. In any even those in the north set out to relieve the officers in command of the Western Association Army. Those officers made a pre-emptive strike against Cromwell (to demonstrate their loyalty to Scotland) and were out-generalled and severely beaten to the extent that the army of the Western Association was no longer an effective force.
After a certain amount of marching back and forth Charles and his army made a dash for England and were soundly thrashed.
With Cromwell in control those in the West found their sympathies lay more closely with him once the question of the defence of the realm had been dealt with.
The unrest and religious problems in the southwest started in the time of Charles I and continued with increasing severity right through until William and Mary (The revolution). Cromwell gave them tolerance hovever at "The Restoration" they were seen to have sided with Cromwell.