Association to stop his Recrutes to scarter his Forces and continually to distract the designes of that Army Experience is witnesse of how great concernment it hath been to the safety of the Common-wealth not one place in the Kingdome of England hath so much exhausted the enemies Army nor hath the like advantage to ruine it It can paine them at the heart 't is a fire kindled in their bowels that might eate out their strength had it been the felicity of the State to have sent hither a part of those great supplies which have been else-where expended and done little towards the conclusion of the great worke If this Collection shall present any thing that comes home to a civill life or the imployment of a Souldier if it shall bring to minde acceptable services and cause the people to remember the day of small things with the power of active and faithfull endeavours that observe and follow the Divine Providence I shall not faile of my end and I know that this my adventure is no more then what the action doth deserve and the world may challenge THe ingagement of the City of Gloucester in this common Cause of Religion and Liberty first began when the Houses of Parliament declared to the Kingdome their resolution of a defensive War neither were its principall and active men drawne in by inferiour and accidentall motives but quickened by the same Principles in the maine that did enliven and actuate the Supreme Court expressing themselves the very motions of a Parliamentary spirit by an absolute and greedâ compliance with every act that breathed towards the perfect health of the State the severall Remonstrances of both Houses were received with all due respect whereas no Declaration sent from the other Party found the courtesie of a formall entertainment It hath beene the honour of that Civill Government never to be guilty of the least act of disservice against that Cause which their hearts wish might prevaile and prosper Therefore when the fire kindled and fomented by Jesuited Papists and their adherents was blowne up into a flame and the heads of two Parties appeared within this Realme the City of Gloucester determined not to stand Neutrall in action but to adhere unto one party with which they resolved to stand or fall necessity requiring no lesse which affection improves into vertue The acknowledgement of its owne advantage in scituation and strength importuned a more timely Declaration least by it selfe neglected it should be seized by the Enemy whose eâe was upon it and so cast into perpetuall bondage Also the greatest part of the Country consented and resolved to maintaine their Birth-rights in the defence of the Priviledges and Power of Parliament against all invasions of usurpation and tyranny During the Kings preparaetions in the North they attempted according to the slendernes of al beginnings to put themselves into a posture of defence and exspected the instructions of Parliament And whereas the Ordinance of Militia was the first pretended ground of difference betweene his Majesty and the Houses they desiring such Officers in whom the State might confide and the King refusing to deprive them that by himselfe were intrusted when the rent was once made a greater necessity impleaded the execution of that Ordinance Whereupon the Lord Say was by Order of Parliament appointed Lord Lieutenant A Commission was likewise granted unto divers Gentlemen for Deputy Lieutenants many whereof drew back and shunned the imployment that the power for the most part rested in the Members of the House of Commons for this County by whose countenance many Companies of Volunteers were raised then called the Militia Bands and led by such Captaines as the Embryo of the Warre could afford But the first undertaking was more jocund then the progresse as oft times it comes to passe that a Military pompe and appearance of bravery doth affect and raise up many feeble spirits who quickly lye flat when they begin to feele the stubbornesse and cruelty of Warre The Commission of Array did not adventure to render it selfe to the people it was about to be offered to their liking at Cirencester by the Lord Chando's and some other disaffected Gentlemen but was stifled in the birth and crusht by the rude hand of the multitude before it saw the light the chiefe Abetter thereof was like to suffer violence by the meanest of the people whose fury constrained him to promise and give under his hand that he would never more deale in the businesse But when they saw that this Lord had escaped their hands by a secret conveyance they were the more enraged and waxed cruell against his Accoutrements and Furniture and whatsoevtr of his was left behind delighting in a contumelious revenge and rustick triumph Such were the effects of that fury that tooke hold on the ignoble multitude in whom not alwaies the deepe sense of their owne interests doth provoke this extasie of passion but peradventure a slighter accident and unexpected turning of the fancy sets them in a hurry when their insolency becomes intollerable and they glory to vent their humours by reason of an usuall restraint and subjection Neverthelesse they have produced good effects and oft times a more undescerned guidance of superiour Agents turnes them to the terrour of the Enemy and an unexplecable selfe-ingagement upon the common people which prudent men promote and maintaine yet no farther then themselves can over-rule and moderate Hereupon the full streame of the Country runnes for the Ordinance of the Militia and against the Kings Declarations and Commission of Array But since we are now upon the beginning of action it will not be from the matter to declare the grounds of that affection which the Country did expresse and were common unto them with many parts of the Kingdome that were devoted to the same Cause but might appeare in a greater degree and have a clearer evidence in the present example Most men therefore did undoubtedly foresee greater hopes of liberty from the Parliament then the Kings Party in so much that there appeared in all the States adhearents an inbred propensity to freedome but a desire of vast Dominion Dignity revenge or rapine in them that tooke to the contrary Faction by which this Country did seeme well disposed to comply with the Parliaments grand Designe for there was no excessive number of powerfull Gentry who for the most part care not to render themselves the slaves of Princes that they also might rule over their Neighbours as Vassalls But the Inhabitants consisted chiefly of Yeomen Farmers petty Free-holders and such as use Manufactures that enrich the Country and passe through the hands of a multitude a generation of men truely laborious jealous of their Properties whose principall ayme is Liberty and Plenty and whilst in an equall ranke with their Neighbours they desire onely not to be oppressed and account themselves extreamely bound to the world if they may keepe their owne such therefore continually thwart the
them put them to a retreat and slew some few without any losse to our party who drew off expecting the opportunity of a greater strength About this time Sir John Winter entred upon the Government of Newnham whereupon he took the courage to plunder the Villages neare Gloucester his Horse came within three miles of the City and drove away store of the Countrey cattle The Governour receiving intelligence drew forth his small number of Horse not exceeding seventy made after and pursued them to the entrance of their new Garrison where they had already secured their plunder in the retreat five Troops of the Lord Herberts Regiment fell on the reare our men drew up in a narrow lane ready to receive the charge fired upon them and put them to a running retreat An Officer with twelve Troopers made the pursuit took one horse colours and some prisoners and killed a Cornet and Quartermaster which event made Sir Iohn Winter for present quit that government with much distraction At that time there was no lofty stage of action because the present enemy did yeeld no gallant opportunity Sir Iohn Winter was wise for himselfe nimble in inferiour businesses delighted rather in petty and cunning contrivance then open gallantry referred all his industry to his own house or the limits of the Forrest vexed his neighbours more then weakned his enemy and advanced the Catholike Cause no other way then by the plague and ruine of the Countrey On the other side of the City the enemy was imboldned to erect new Governments at Tedbury and Wotton Underedge These did invite the Governours march that way who withall had his eye upon Beversione Castle newly garrisond and commanding the rich Clothiers of Stroodwater hither he advanced with a party of three hundred foot and foure score horse These horse sent before were so formidable to the enemy at Tedbury that the Governour Horatio Cary with his whole Regiment were put to flight and dissipated with the losse of fourteene of their men slaine and taken prisoners Colonell Massey brought up his men and two Sakers against Beverston Castle where having surrounded it hee planted his Guns within Pistoll shot of the Gate and gave fire severall times Fifty Musketiers ran up to the Gate at noone-day and fixed a Petarre which neverthelesse failed in the execution Those from within threw Granodoes amongst our men but hurt none who although thereby forced from the Gate yet they ran up the second time being open to the full shot of a secure enemy and brought of the Petarre with much gallantry The design was not feazible for a quick dispatch for the Gate was barricado'd within the night came on and those remote parts did promise no security to so small a party likewise the state of the City required them nearer home wherefore after twelve houres the party was drawn off and in the retreat advanced towards Wotton Underedge where the enemy had placed a kind of temporary Garrison with a Regiment of horse they prepared for the coming of our Forces drew up on a Hill before the Town to face them and at night retreated to their Garrison Where our men arrived somewhat late and found the enemy all mounted sell upon them and put them to flight of whom about six were slaine and twelve taken prisoners the rest escaping to Bristoll The next day by an over-ruling hand of providence our party was led back to Gloucester contrary to the hope of Sir Iohn Winter and his Complices These having intelligence of the Governours absence with a stronge party and supposing the Garrison thereby weakned sent to all the quarters of the Forrest Monmouth and Herefordshire to draw together and advance for the surprisall of Gloucester It was afterwards suspected a complotment to be managed by the assistance of Malignants in the City Late at night the Governour had notice of the enemy in the Forrest Thereupon he commanded Captain Crispe to draw fifty Musketiers from the Guards and march three miles that way making good a house that stood on the passage As yet there was no suspition of a Plot but before our party had passed a mile and halfe they encountred the enemy who were drawn up Horse and Foot in a broad lane neare Highnam House instantly fired upon them slew a Captaine and some foure common souldiers The enemy were amazed at the sudden and unexpected encounter forced back with feare and retreated to Huntly where Sir Iohn Winter had secured his own person But distracted by the strange repulse marched off in great confusion at the approach of fifteene horse that fell in amongst the whole Brigade slew seven or eight and took ten prisoners This discomfited the enemy and dashed the designe yet the Hereford and Monmouthshiere Forces kept their randevouz at Coford in the Forrest and still threatned the City No meanes for the reducing of this place is left unattempted and at this present treachery was the grand design and over-ruled all their proceedings and prevented many mischievous acts of open hostility which might easily have destroid us for divers Malignant Gentlemen of this County went about to cast this City into extreme poverty and exigence by the Countreys ruine Wherefore conceiving the present enemies not sufficiently cruell they importuned his Majesty that Colonell Charles Gerrard might quarter upon us with his Brigade to devour spoyle and burn besides the expectation of all the mischiefe the Lord Herbort and Vavasour can doe But this malitious councell and instigation though most opportune for the Kings purpose was afterwards crossed by their own party waiting upon the successe of a close design About this time was the act of Pacification made by the King with the Irish Rebels which began to undeceive the world and wipe of the Varnish of the former Oathes and Protestations The world could not believe that any command or power could so soone allay and quell those Irish stormes but that word which raised them up Then did the effect declare the cause of those rare and slow Proclamations against that bloudy Rebellion and strange intercepting of reliefe sent from the State to the distressed Protestants The greatest admirer of the Kings Declarations could judge no lesse then that those Rebells did better comply with his intentions then the Parliament of England since his Majesty having two enemies is resolved to make peace with one to crush the other he will fall in with that party that carries least contradiction to his maine designe and this was the Rebell of Ireland whose chiefe aime likewise his Majesty must not abhorre for there can bee no lasting compliance without a mutuall engagement Besides the heads of that Rebellion were brought over not as accessaries but principals in the Kings warre and admitted to the secret Councell And to colour the Pacification the losse of that Kingdome and all the sufferings of the English Protestants were charged upon the Parliament The English Forces in Ireland were possest with the opinion of
if this Country must be preserved it must be done by the Volunteers which were yet as a Cake not turned a kinde of Souldiers not wholly drawn off from the Plow or domesticke imployments having neither resolution nor support suitable to the service But the greatest defect was the want of able and experienced Officers neither had they any Commander in chiefe upon whom the hearts of the people might fasten Amidst these things the strength of the County was drawne to Cirencester a fronteer Towne towards the Kings head quarters then made a Garrison to prevent the incursions of the Enemy as well to preserve the Country from ruine as to advance the Publicke Service Colonell Fettiplace had the Command of this Garrison under whom some Traine Bands and Volunteers were drawne into a Regiment and two Companies of the Lord Stamfords Regiment were added to incourage the businesse a few Horse and Dragoones were raised at the free charge of the Country and the rest of the Militia were to assist upon all appearance of danger all things were trans-acted in a more voluntary but lesse regular way The businesse chiefly rested on Sir Robert Coske Sir John Seamore Master Natbaniel Stephens Master Edward Stephens Master Thomas Hodges with the rest of the Deputy Lieutenants and setting aside these men with some gleanings of the Gentry the Yeomen Farmers Cloathiers and the whole middle ranke of the people were the onely active men The Gentlemen in generall denyed their concurrence discerting their Country either by open enmity or detestable neutrality and from the Major part no better fruite was to be looked for in a degenerate Age when in many of them there appeared an hatred of the Commons and a strong disposition to the ends of Tyranny Others there were not wholly averse from the good of the Common-wealth whose enmity was grounded in Religion which obtained the most eminent place in the Parliaments Cause The superstitious adoring of their old way imbittered their spirits against reformed Religion which to them seemed a peevish affectation of novelty besides the hatred and feare of Ecclesiasticall Discipline But the greatest number neither driven by ambition nor the spirit of blind zeale onely resolving to be true to themselves deserted the State with some inclinations to the contrary Faction reflecting on their estates invironed with the Kings Country neare the heart of his strength and farre from Parliamentary supplies besides the violence and quicke dispatch of the Kings Army with the slow performances of our Country Agents after the space of an ordinary legall course in those extremities did much deterre them the Country complained of their principall men for the neglect of Taxes and the Gentlemen might happily see the grudgings of the Country in the payment of those Taxes for the common people are alwaies covetous though well-affected and forbeare to urge whatsoever might distaste the people or crosse the Parliaments accustomed moderation Which slow deliberations did lessen the esteem of the service in the hearts of many The secession of the dis-afiected Gentlemen did cast an aspeâ—sion that could not sticke that the businesse was deseâ—ted by knowing men and prosecuted by a rash and confused multitude Whereas by no one thing could it more evidently appeare to be the Cause of the Common-wealth then by the acknowledgement of the whole Body of the Commons which is more honest and wise in things of publicke concernement for though they be very weake one by one yet brought together they ballance each other and when no man hath power to impropriate much each man expects onely a proportionable share in the Publicke interest Neither is their judgement and fore-sight to be undervalued who are apt to discerne any thing that concernes themselves and being united are not like to faile for they have the best experience and are neerely affected with the woe or weale of the State and so may sometimes judge better then those that guide it as he that useth the house can better judge thereof then the Builder and the Pilate of the Sterne then the Carpenter And although they have not the first and most excellent part of knowledge to finde out and by themselves to understand the rules of Government yet have they the second part which is also excellent to judge aright of things proposed and if not made fit for the yoke by dependence on the Gentry can discover the fraud that lyes under the fairest pretext but the Gentlemen by depriving the meaner people of their due protection blemished the reputation of their Families and crossed the end of their honours and possessions which in a well ordered State are given for a shelter to the under shrubs that some generous spirit neerer the Commons might keepe off the invasion of Princes and whose power was most desired in such an exegence to gather up the scatterings of the people and keepe them united who for want of this concurrence were of lesse strength and vigour Such was the face of this Country now ready to receive the first shocke of the Enemies fury About the first of January 1642. the maine strength of the Kings Army came before Cirencester prepared and resolved to storme it yet they onely faced the Towne and after two daies were strangely taken off either disabled by the extreame cold on the Hills or some suddaine misfortune or daunted by the shew of unanimity and resolution in the people or else clouded in their thoughts by the secret Will of God in the nick of action that they made not the least attempt but threatned an afterclap A few daies after our forces had their designe upon Sudely Castle at that time kept by Captaine Bridges in the behalfe of the Lord Chandos Leiutenant Colonell Massie was intrusted with the manage of this action who drew from Gloucester a Party of three hundred Musketteers with two Sakres assisted with fourescore Horse and foure Companies of Dragoones from Cirencester by order of a Counsell of Warre held there and consent of the Deputy Lieutenants there were in the Castle neere threescore Souldiers with Provision and Ammunition sufficient Our men drew up before it in the Evening made severall shots and the Canon did some Execution the same night summons was given the enemy refused to render upon quarter but craved time till the next day which in part was granted Guards were set upon them all night the next morning our men were drawne out to make an assault Beds and Wooll-packs were fetched out of the Neighbourhood which they tumbled before and saved themselves from shot the Horse and Dragoones came up before the foot approached the wall and possest themselves of a Garden under the Castle and got Hay and Straw which they fired that the smoake driven by the wind smothered the house in the shadow of which the Ordnance were brought up undiscovered and planted against the weakest part of the Castle which when the enemy perceived they sounded a parley and immediately rendred upon agreement
the conditions were that all might have liberty of person and passe to their owne houses leaving their Armes behind and taking an Oath never to serve against the Parliament they compounded also for the goods in the house for which they were to pay five hundred pounds within sixe daies or to leave them a free prize to the Souldiers Within two daies after Prince Rupert faced Sudely with about foure thousand Horse and Foot pretending an attempt to regaine it but in the meane time marched his Artilery towards Cirencester Lieutenant Colonell Massie made provision to maintaine the Castle by taking in water and store of Hay and Corne and having left there Lieutenant Colonell Forbes with a sufficient Guard himselfe retreated to Gloucester the Prince with his Forces kept the Hills and after three daies fell before Cirencester a stragling and open Towne neither well fortified nor capable of defence The champaine Country round about was most advantagious to the Horse in which the Enemies strength did chiefly consist and which was then wholly wanting to that Garrison for their Horse and Dragoones were sent to the taking of Sudely most of their Officers were drawne out upon that service except the Captaines of the Volunteers and Lieutenant Colonell Karre was the onely experienced Souldier left there their Canoneers were wanting the common Souldiers quite off the hinges either cowardly or mutinous The storme rose when least feared by the miserable people who had not ended the joy of their late deliverance from as great a power but strangely diverted and though they were still in the same danger upon the reverse of the Army yet were they not capable of the least distrust till the storme hovered againe either supposing themselves invincible or by defiance to have bafled a wary Enemy that falls backe and waites his time to returne with greater fury On the second of February the Towne was assaulted and taken the first and maine assault was made on a house a flight shot from the Town which was defended by a hundred Musketeers for an houres space against two Regiments of Foot and a Regiment of Horse which were led on by the Prince till at length having drawne up their Musketeers and by Granadoes fired the Barnes and Ricks and smoothered the Guard the Enemies Horse drove their Foote before them entred the streetes by maine force and possest themselves of the Garrison within two houres yet it cost them the lives of many amongst whom the Welch-men were reported to suffer the greatest slaughter who in that Army were a continuall sacrifice to the Sword Each Guard made resistance according to the Officers valour and experience the Souldiers of the Earle of Stamfords Regiment had acted the best part but that they were most put to the sword when the Towne was entred except those that by flight had their lives given them for a prey Some few besides defended their Guards a while but the passages were many and open and the enemy soone came upon their backes as for the Country-men their houre was not yet come neither had they quitted such imployment as did infeeble their spirits nor entred the Schoole of War to study indignation revenge and bloud that alone can overcome the terrour of an Army It so fell out that in the midst of the service they were at their wits end and stood like men amazed feare bereft them of understanding and memory begat confusion in the minde within and the thronging throughts did oppresse and stop the course of action that they were busied in everything but could bring forth nothing few of ours were slaine in the fight but many murthered after the taking of the Towne eleaven hundred taken prisoners and at least two thousand Armes lost which the Country had there laid up as in a secure Magazine the miserable Captives were entertained with all despight and contumely according to the Enemies accustomed cruelty in the beginning of the warre Commanders and Gentlemen had no better quarter then the common Souldiers but were all thrust into the Church to be reserved for a triumph and trampled upon in a base and impotent revenge whether the first fury of a civill warre and the jarres of Brethren prove most outragious or the cause of Religion had blouded their minds Not a man could be released though the price of his redemption were paid till he had first attended the triumph at Oxford that an unfortunate King might view the aspect of such innocent Subjects that should presume to claime those rights wherein they were borne when reason might easily evince that no slight matter could engage such a people in a open warre as were ever willing to deceive themselves into a Supererrogation of Loyalty The whole Country was quickly full of this disaster and in vaine did thinke to recover what was lost by weakenesse of spirit or errour in the chiefe manage of the businesse thousands of men armed and unarmed flocked together and resolved to undertake the Enemy under the conduct of a grave and well-minded Patriot but the desired Leader was conscious of the peoples madnesse and knew well that they made a loude cry a farre off but if once brought up to the face of the Army they would never abide the fury of the first onset Wherefore he refused to engage himselfe and them upon a certaine destruction neverthelesse the people bitterly railed against him and curst him as a Traitor to his Country neither could the experience of these times dispossesse them of that absurd conceite The very next day after the losse of Cirencester the City of Gloucester was demanded by Prince Rupert the Summons found the people extreamely dashed at the strange turning of things and so much amazed that they could not credit the report of this blow though confirmed by sundry eye-witnesses the hearts of many sunke very low and began to lye flat Zeale and Religion upheld some all had a kinde of will but the strong sidelity and resolution of the Souldier at that time and in all extreame hazards upheld the Garrison The Prince therefore received a short answer from Lieuten ant Colonell Massie and the principall Officers that they were resolved with their lives and fortunes to defend the City for the use of the King and Parliament and in no wise would surrender at the demand of a forraigne Prince Another answer was returned from the Mayor of the City for the Martiall Command was not fully setled that he was resolved according to his Oath and Allegiance to keepe the City in his Majesties behoose and would not deliver the same according to this summons Whereupon a second summons was sent from the Prince which could not alter the case in their judgement who held the Towne and seeming withall to perswade and solicite them out of their Hold did easily beget an opinion of the Enemies weakenesse and their owne considerable strength since neither Religion nor modesty could with-hold from bloud that enraged Party but onely the
no power to make them good because his field was too large for that strength and the State made an inconsiderable number of men the only stay of the remote parts These could over-run the enemies Countrey but get no ground master no strong hold nor reduce a people naturally malignant that were dashed at present but did flourish again in the reverse of the Kings Army The next attempt was made upon Worcester whither all the horse and the greatest part of the blue Regiment were drawn They at Oxford were said to have yeelded that Town for lost and to give out that Sir William was gone to take possession of his purchase For at that time Treason was the pretended cause of every losse on both sides especially if weak and unworthy Both horse and foot came up before the City where they lay a day and a night effected nothing and were drawn off at the noise of the Lord Capels advance at which instant Sir William Waller was taken off these parts and ordered to march into the West with all speed to prevent the joyning of Sir Ralph Hoptons forces with the rest of the Kings Army Sir Robert Cooks Regiment was called off from Tewksbury for the Western expedition and that Town once more slighted Hitherto Lievtenant Colonell Massie governed the City of Glocester by deputation from the Earle of Stanford whose returne was not expected wherefore the thoughts of the Citizens began to enquire after a Governour They thought well of a man neare home and cast their eye upon a knowne Patriot Neverthelesse more intelligent men upon the serious review of the Cities continuall hazard found that the necessity of this place did require a tried Souldier and that such a one might possibly be found faithfull but a timorous or unskilfull man must needs ruine all Wherfore they reflected on Massie whose good services gave them also a competent assurance of his fidelity that by the happy choice of the Citizens and the Lord Generals Commission he was appointed Governour To enable the City to defend it selfe a foot Regiment was raised by Commission from Sir William Waller out of the Townsmen for the major part both Officers and Souldiers under the Command of Colonell Henry Stephens The first intention of this Regiment was to defend the City only within the walls according to the infancy of warre but the hard service of this place did suddenly require and exact the full duty of Souldiers At this instant the City was well becalmed only there hapned one passage of inferiour nature but full of the fortune of warre The Governour with a party of an hundred and twenty Horse and Dragoons advanced towards Stow in the wold to beat up the enemies quarters By break of day he fell into Slaughter took a Lievtenant twelve Troopers horse and armes and thence marched to Odington a mile beyond Stow where he surprised a Captaine of a Troop with forty men and horse and so made homewards neglecting the residue of the enemy who drew out of their quarters with all speed The remainder of their Regiment fell upon the reere of our men neare unto Slaughter with some slight execution but were beaten back The Governour being confident he was able to fight with them upon any ground made no haste to march off till the enemy had received a supply of Horse from Sudely Castle and again charged him at Andovers foord whom our men received gallantly and repulsed without any losse The Captaine that led the Van was slain by the Governours hand and the rest wheeled about whereupon the Governour dismounted the Dragoons and divided his men into three bodies the horse to the right and left wing in this posture resolving to march up to the enemy who would gladly rid their hands of the businesse but having advanced a little distance and looking back to bring on his men saw the greater part in a strange hurry occasioned by the faceing about of some cowardly spirits and himselfe with those dismounted men desperately engaged for a while he shuffled amongst the enemies Troopes till observing himself eyed by some he sprang forth fired in their faces and came last off the field upon the maine roade He offended here by affecting too much gallantry and was deceived in his new raised men who were not hardned by the sight of an enemy Besides no ordinary care was had of securing the prisoners who were all recovered back Four of ours were slaine many wounded Colonell Stephens a Lievtenant with five and twenty private souldiers taken prisoners The springing hopes of Colonell Stephens failed unfortunately when his eager minde engaged him in the action without order and against the will of the Commander in chiefe he had no command in the action but hasted after as greedy of the service he was led captive to Oxford and a while after breathed his last in that poysonous ayre where many Gentlemen were observed in those dayes to expire Amidst these things Sir Iohn Winter a zealous Papist began to declare himselfe A subtile wit that pretended innocency till his houre was come and had almost perswaded the world that he durst deny himselfe and commit an unpardonable sinne against the Catholike Cause His house in the Forrest of Deane was at first neglected when it was in the power of this Garrison to ruine his designe But under hand he prepared for defence suddenly clapt in his owne Confidents and with a little labour made it inaccessible but with apparent great losse and maintained his den as the plague of the Forrest and a goad in the sides of this Garrison These things were acted about the time of that blow almost fatall to the Parliaments cause in the vanquishing of Sir William Wallers Army at the Devices which defeat cast these parts of the Kingdome into a miserable plight when the State had placed the whole game in the successe of this Army never providing a reserve The King became master of the field the Parliament left without an Army that could check the enemy who came up to our gates and by threats would seeme to shake the walls of the City Many began to prepare for flight whose presence no reall necessity but the peoples opinion did require They at Bristoll disclosed their feares and gave no good presages And when that City was yeelded Gloucester did stand alone without help and hope The Lord Generals Army pined away Sir William Waller at London for a recruit The Earle of Stamford shut up within the walls of Exeter The Kings Countrey reached from the utmost Cornwall to the borders of Scotland and he was able to divide his Army one part for Exeter and the other for Gloucester That sudden surrender of Bristoll which was almost beyond our feares brought forth a dark gloomy day to the City of Gloucester The mindes of people were filled with amazement and the failing of such a promising Government made most men infidels or at least to question all things But here was
by seeking out a fresh and doubtfull Enemy with our few and weary Souldiers Onely three or foure slain five or six wounded amongst whom Collonel Harley received a shot in the arme The successe of this designe cut off the maine strength of the Kings forces in South-wales and secured the Countrey from our plundering neighbours on the Welch side The body of Collonel Min was brought to Gloucester and vouchsafed an honorable buriall His death was by his own party much lamented together with the losse of a brave Regiment that were commanded from Ireland to fight here a gainst the justice of that cause upon which the Irish war was held up and owned by the whole Kingdom And it hath been observed that as the Irish Pacification was unlucky and reproachfull to the outside of the Kings actions amongst his Protestant party so the Commanders that came thence were unfortunate in all their designes and in the end miserable When the Governor had setled his affaires at home in reasonable security his desires and aime was to put in for the advantage of a more generall service and pitched upon these two proposals the one to make a diversion from the Lord Generals Army then blocked up in the West the other to keep back Prince Ruperts stragling forces which then lay between Shrewsbury and Worcester a little after the great Northern defeat And these the Prince earnestly desired that upon this rubbish he might frame an Army for the close of the Summer action Wherefore if possible to endeavour a diversion from the West-parts the Governor drew towards Bath with one hundred horse and foot the Forces lent to Sir William Waller being in part returned with a purpose to disturbe the Kings quarters and withdraw a part of the maine Army to inable Bristoll and Bath On the hils likewise he might expect to encounter Prince Rupert from Bristoll who fled thither with about three hundred horse presently after the discomsit in the North. But within a few dayes upon advertisement of the miscarriage and disaster of the Lord Generals Army he drew back and the rather having intelligence that the Prince had commanded Collonel Charles Gerrard out of Wales and the reliques of his own Army to break their way through our countrey into the Western parts These were reported to lie neer Worcester waiting there for a clear passe and by all means to escape Collonel Massie They were to take their course over Coltswold Hils or by the borders of Herefordshire to make into the Forrest of Deaue and thence over the River at Aust. Wherfore the Governors maine businesse was to prevent this this Conjunction and block up either passage In his retreat towards Gloucester he fell down before Berkely and lodged his men two dayes in the Town summoned the Castle and made shew of an assault but this was taken up in the way besides the intention of the designe and though the losse of six or eight men by their own folly gave Collonel Veale occasion of boasting yet for all the pretended great service in maintaining the place that was never attempted he was immediately after cashered that Government by the Princes order But before Collonel Massie drew thence he caused the boats to be fired at Aust passage and intending to passe over Seaverne at Frampton to meet Prince Ruperts Forces received an alarme that they were already in Gosse Lawne whereupon our marching Brigade hasted to Gloucester where they found that many of those troops under the command of Sir Marmaduke Langdale were newly come into Herefordshire and that a party of them joyning with Collonel Lingens horse had advanced within six miles of the City of spoil and plunder those Parishes that were joyned in one Association to a mutuall defence and the aid of this Government The Governor persued his designe drew forth towards the Lawne and stopped their course on that side Seaverne Where upon they took their course through Worcester where they obtained an additionall strength from Collonel Sandys his horse and Sir William Russels horse and foot with all the foot that Dudly Castle and those parts could afford them And now conceiving themselves able both in power and advantage of the march having as they supposed left Collonel Massie beyond Seaverne and too farre in the Reare to reach them resolved to break forth hoping both to passe clear and relieve Banbury in the way But the Governor being certified of their march forthwith conveyed his men over Seaverne at Tewkesbury and recovered the hils as farre as Stanway and got before them in the meane while gave notice to the Major of the Earle of Denbighs horse that lay neer Tewkesbury in Worcestershire who the Jame day brought up two hundred horse to joyn with our party on the hils Neverthelesse the Governor understanding nothing but that the Enemy was marched to Stratford upon Avon and so beyond his reach sent back the Foot almost tyred with tedious and continuall marches and with his horse resolved to joyn with Collonel Fines at Banbury But he found at the return of the Scouts that about five hundred horse neer at that instant got over the River on this fide Evesham and made their approach neer his quarters and that a party of Foot were left at the Bridge to make good the repasse one half of the Forces in the mean while lying at Evesham and the other neer Parshowe Our men appearing on the hils the Enemy took the alarme retreated suddenly and for a while lodged themselves beyond Worcester Their number was computed by such as beheld them to be about five and twenty hundred horse ill armed and the surviving part of the ruines of the Northern Army Again to prevent their incursions into the remote parts of the County beyond Seaverne a competent strength of horse and foot were commanded over and withall to attend the Enemies motion In the midst of this and other designes of consequence at that time depending the Governor with all the Officers of horse and foot were much distressed for lack of that support which the necessity of the service did require and the extreme want of the common Troopers drove them daily away Every performance in the whole course of this Government was filled with much distempers and though the exigence of the Souldier hath been great in many places yet the gleanings of other Brigades have been better then our vintage No Officer had any portion in the Contribution money no pay for the troops for many moneths together no allowance for Scout Spie or Intelligencer who observe onely the liberall and open handed nor the hopes of reward to incourage the Souldiers gallantry That the indeavours of the Governor in keeping together and increasing the Forces were nigh lost Neither was any means allotted to the supply of the necessary attendants and Officers of a marching Brigade And in the heat of service the nature and terms of the Governors command were disputed and t was very questionable whether
losse advance to the further parts where they kept their Randevouze and which they laide wast plundering the houses to the bare walls driving all the cattell siezing upon the persons of men and sending them Captives to Monmouth and Chepstow except such as escaped to us by flight as many did with their Armes and some few that saved themselves in Woods and Minepitts The enemy did not adventure into the lower and neerer places where our foot lay ready and resolved to undertake theirs if they came on Our Neighbouring parts of Hereford and Worcestershire runne the like fortune with these in the Forrest and looke blacke upon this Garrison which was not able to preserve them The Kings forces returned the second time into the Forrest and tooke the gleanings of the former Harvest yet the neerer parts are still prrserved The enemy raised themselves to a great power already reputed sixe thousand horse and foote and seeme to endeavour Northward wherefore the Governour intending to helpe the Countrey by driving up the Reare of their march or to put in for any service advanced to Lidbury with foure hundred horse and five hundred foot his whole marching strength notwithstanding the addition of two hundred and fifty Horse from Northampton and Warwicke and with this party attended the enemyes motion Hither Prince Rupert advanced with the best part of his Army of whose approach neither spye nor Scout from the Out-guards made the least discovery till they came within halfe a mile of the Towne horse and foote to surprize or at least to surround us The Governour instantly commanded the Horse to mount and drew up the foote though not in so good order as he might by reason of the sudden Alarme and suspecting what he afterwards founde that the Prince would endeavour to compasse him in he marched off the foot with all due speed that the enemyes right or left wing might not get before us which they endeavored by sending one party to the Towns end to keep us in action there whilst two other parties fetched a compasse upon either hand In the meane while he brought up those few horse that were not upon the Out-guards to charge the enemy at their first entrance and placed an Ambuscado of twenty Musqueteeres to make good the retreate But the businesse was acted so that the Governour in person with the Field Officers and Captaines were enforced to entertaine the enemy with severall charges and beare their brunt alone till the foote had ridde some ground before them In this part of the skirmish their losse was the greatest for number of ours only Major Backehouse mortally wounded the Governour whom the Prince aimed to charge had his horse wounded under him by two severoll shots Our men drew off as was meete made good the retreat three or foure miles to the enemyes losse till they came up to a place of shelter when hasting to get before the right wing of the enemyes horse they were put into some confusion And the Horse having no great desire to fight neglected the advantage of the place to stop the pursuit though the Governour endeavoured what he could to engage them That the enemy fell in among the Reare Guard of the foote where he lost neare two hundred men taken prisoners many Country men being taken in to make up the number This businesse cost them the lives of some gallrnt Officers and the Prince missed his aime of surprizing Colonell Massye but the Governour supposed the stay of the Princes march an advantage to the Service Neverthelesse the Army continued some dayes after betweene Hereford and Worcester recruiting dayly and seeme to put much confidence in the Country whom they cause not onely to abjure the Parliament but binde over to themselves by solemne oath swearing in the presence of God That they beleeve no power of Pope or Parliament can depose the King and obsolve them from their naturall obedience to his Royall Person and Successors that the two Houses of Parliament without the Kings consent have no power to make Lawes or to binde or oblige the subjects by their Ordinances that they beleeve the Earl of Essex and Manchester and Sir Thomas Fairsaxe Sir William Waller Colonell Massie together with all such as have already or shall hereafter take up Armes by Authority or commission from the members of Parliament at Westminster pretending to fight for King and Parliament doe thereby become actuall Rebells and as such ought with all their adherents and partakers to be presented and brought to condigne punishment that they will never beare Armes in their quarrell but will if they be thereto called assist their Soveraine and his Armies in the defence of his Royall Person Crowne and Dignity against all contrary forces to the utmost of their skill and power and with the hazard of their lives and fortunes that they will not discover the secresies of his Majesties Army unto the Rebells nor hold any correspondence with them and all designes of theirs against the Kings Army for the surprizing or delivering up of the Cities of Hereford or Worcester or any other of his Majesties Forts they shall truly discover to those whom it shall concern so soone as it comes to their knowledge That his Majesties taking up Armes for the causes by himselfe so often declared in Print is justly necessary That they shall endeavour all they can to hinder popular tumults risings randevouzes meetings confederacies and associations of the people townes hundreds and countries which are not warranted to assemble by his Majesties expresse commission or by power derived from him by vertue of his Commissions and in the sense he meanes it and that they detest from their heart that seditious and traiterous late invented nationall covenant and protest never to take it All these particulars they vow and protest sinceerely to obsolve without Equivocation or mentall Reservation This Pretestation was strictly injoyned by the Princes to be taken by all without exception in the Counties of Mounmouth Glamorgan Breeknoâ—ke Radnor Hereford and Worcester Neverthelesse this constained act could not knit the hearts of a male-contented Country to the love of that side nor could the State permit the enemies exaction and violence by this vow eternally to binde up the people from well-doing The Princes Army is the maine rest of the Kings Affaires which they strengthen daily by impressing the Countrey taking in lesser Brigades and draining the Garrisons and a part of Gorings Army passed over the Seaverne from Bristoll into Wales and so to Rupert at Hereford After a little stay to perfect the recruite the enemy drew thence the Infantery and Artillery lay betweene Worcester and Beaudly commanded by Sir Jacob Ashley whilest Rupert and Maurice with the horse and some select foote fetch off the King from Oxford assisted also with Gorings Horse and Dragoones who left his Majesty at Stew and marched backe over the hills into the West through our Borders The Governour received another dropping