mutually interfare that they must be twisted in the historie At the beginning of these Warres and many yeares before this piece was no more than the Skelliton or bare Anatomy of a Castle Sir William Brereton prizing it by the scituation caused the Breaches to be made up with mud-walls the Well of the outer Ward to be clensed and a few roomes erected the old Walls being the greatest part of the fabrick a Captaine or two being wearied out of the charge of such a Prison it was committed to Captaine Steele a rough-heawn man no Souldier whose care was more to see it repaired victualled and to live quietly there than the safe custody of it After it was well stored with provision the Army out of Ireland with the accession of other Forces under the command of Sir John Byron drew into Cheshire Steele had as sufficient notice of his danger as we of his negligence the enemie suddenly surprized the inner Ward where was nothing but stones and a good prospect he by his sloath having lost that part out of cowardise gave up the other without delay his reward was death upon the sentence of a Counsell of Warre ours the losse of the Countrie and the shaking of the whole County for the regaining of it which the enemy kept in possession about the space of two yeares In December 1644. Sir William Brereton with the Forces of Cheshire and Auxiliaries of the Counties of Lancaster Yorke Darby Stafford Warwicks and Mountgomerie a very considerable Armie designed the reducing of Chester and this Castle began to beleaguer the Castle by fortifying Beston house halfe a mile from it and by some guards of Horse and Foot in adjacent places The enemy from Holt Castle falling upon our Quarters caused us to quarter a strong party in Farne by which we restrained the incursions from that Castle Then the enemy from Chester fell upon our Quarters at Aldford which occasioned us to bring the greatest part of the Armie to straiten Chester in the moneth of February Christleton being the head quarter about a mile from Chester was secured from Horse by sleight mud-walls by this meanes the City was straitned on this side the River At this time holding correspondence with some in the towne we attempted a surprisall but for ought we can learne were drawne on by a subtill wile of the enemy yet brought off without losse by divine providence One memorable atcheivement fell out in thetime of this Leaguer the enemy from Chester with a body of fifteen hundred Horse and Foote endeavoured the surprisall of Christleton whiles they were at dinner after notice of their approach by the centry on the steeple in a quarter of an houres space Collonel Jones drew up the Horse and adjutant Louthiane seven hundred Foote the enemy layd a strong Ambuscado of above three hundred Foote in the hedges the Body of their Horse advanced towards their Foote in a faire broade Lane nere Boughton Collonel Iones with his owne Troop and Major Sankey with his charged through their Ambuscado which so terrified the Enemy that many of them cast downe their Armes then they routed their Horse against whom the City shut their Gates least by their retreat they should loose all their Foote Adjutant Louthian divided his foote and drew them into the feildes to fall on the Enemies foote on both sides the lane whom he utterly routed chasing them within Musket shot of their own Workes Our Horse being but few not seconded by the Reserve the Enemies Horse many and compelled by the Citizens to face about we were necessitated to drive away what prisoners we could with safety and whom we could not bring off we cut and slasht miserably which caused many to supplicate themselves prisoners that they might escape wounds many escaped from us down a steep Hill by the river others got into boggy places The successe was good we tooke Collonel Werden Livetenant Collonel Vaine sixe Captaines twenty more Officers by Commission one hundred and eighty other Officers and Souldiers slew but few wounded very many to the great amazement of the Citizens who vowed they would never come out againe we lost one on the ground three died of their wounds about twenty wounded Major Sankey sore wounded but not dangerously Collonel Jones slightly wounded and Captain Blackwall taken prisoner On Easter Eave we blockt up the City on the Welch side also for the space of sixe weckes adjutant Louthiane who quartered in Hawarden blockt up the Castle drewe his Trenches within a stones cast of it and so farre advance the worke by undermining and battery that in all probability a few dayes had set us in possession of it others quartered in all the Townes and Houses neerer Chester to the repressing of markets but not restraining of reliefe for both sides were in some measure open to intelligence and some provision specially the Cheshire side Our hopes of successe were great but the time of mercy for so high a favour was not yet come Our eyes were so fixt on the vast body of an army being the creame and gallantry of all the adjacent Counties that God would not eclypse his owne glory lest it should be said man had done it For upon the approach of Prince Maurice with a farre lesse force we quit that side of the river leaving the City open to Wales and upon Prince Ruperts advance towards him with accession of Force we quit both the Leaguers and having strengthned the Garrisons drew to the further side of Cheshire remotest from danger This proved fatall to the Country for the enemy at Holte burnt Faune Chester burnt Christleton haveing before upon our approach burnt great Boughton they of Beston Castle burnt Beston hall and Tilston house two goodly mansions and required seventeene weekes arrears of the Country which was payd according to the time we had blockt up the Castle in which time we lost much blood both in Wales and at Beston spent much Treasure and almost wasted the Country on both sides the river The enemy encouraged hereby issued out of Chester with three hundred Foote and one hundred and twenty horse the designe not yet knowne to us passed nere Tarvin so through Barrow and accidentally fell upon Captain Gleggs quarters at Helseby tooke him all his Troope and some Country men prisoners marcht towards Beston intending to passe home by Holte Upon intelligence Tarvin sent out under the Command of Livetenant Collonel Venables two hundred horse most of which by speciall providence hapned to be there at that time and one hundred and ninty Foote these hasted towards the enemy whom they encountred in Eaton towne rescued Captain Glegg all his men the Country men and some of his Horse slew seven many escaped by counterfeting themselves dead tooke three Captains many Officers two hundred and twenty Souldiers and all their plunder lost not a man on the ground but foure dyed of their wounds not long after After this Sir William Brereton by an
Ordinance was called up to the Parliament the transaction of the Civill affaires of the County were committed to seaven Trustees and the Deputy Lievtenants the Military to Collonel Jones and adjut Louthiane men of such knowne worth that they need no Character of honour from this penne These two Souldiers layd the foundation to the worke according to their owne principles First they endeavoured to appease the Souldiers who were desperately mutinous and the Horse on their march to leave the County for want of pay and because of their deep arreares this the Gentlemen performed by faire language a months pay in hand borrowed and out of their owne purses and by deep engagements for a constant monthly pay then they put in execution the new Moddle by which the souldiers were reduced to such order that they past muster every night upon the Parade and all that came not dayly upon duty lost their pay The Country were as sensible of their owne happinesse that they payd to none but those that served and that all free quarter to the Foote was taken off Their first service was for Leicestershire Collonel Jones went out with five hundred Horse and Dragoones adjutant Louthiane with a considerable body of Foote as farre as Bakewell the Horse were Commanded to Darby to joyne with Sir John Gell who so retarded the Forces under his Command that they came short of the Battle at Nasby to which service they were designed yet advancing afterwards to Lecester were very serviceable for the reducing of that Towne till the worke was perfected The first designe upon their returne was the siege of Beston Castle by their owne Forces onely to make the worke sure which formerly proved abortive they erected a strong Fort within musket shot of the Castle before the Gate finisht it in seaven dayes built a convenient house in it which they stoard with provision and ammunition afterwards made a Counterskerfe hereby all hope of releise to the Castle was utterly cut off and they enabled to draw off the greatest part of their Force when called thereto by an invading enemy which fell out twice or for the carrying on of any designe by which meanes unexpectedly they surprised the Suburbes of Chester God so farre smyl'd upon this enterprise that in all the dangerous worke of the Fort we lost not a man nor a drop of Blood though perpetually a faire marke to a violent enemy This worke so farre advancr their thoughts were upon Chester though it seem'd a designe almost impossible in the judgement of man for all visible meanes was gone the Commander in cheif to the Parliament all the Auxiliaries disperst to their owne Countries and we a small despised in considerable Force not onely engaged in the Leaguer of Beston but hard put to it by the incursions of Holte Castle a bad neighbour besides other Forces out of Wales and Chester daily infesting some part of the County but laying to heart the reproach cast on us by some of our pretended friends as if all our worke were to lye idle in the Leaguer and considering it was all one with God to worke with many or few we resolved to storme the Citie But whiles we were intent upon this two rubbs fell in the way the King with some force drew towards Namptwich intending for the North which caused us to draw off the Foot to secure the Garrisons from surprizall and Collonell Iones with the Horse and a small party of Foot undertooke the charge of Beston The King drawing off from those parts inclined his course doubtfully whether for Darby or the lower parts of Cheshire intending to fall into the North and so to joyne with Mountresse which counterchanged our course for Adjutant Louthiane with the Foot and a small partie of Horse undertooke the Leaguer of Beston Collonel Iones with foure hundred Horse and Dragoones went into the field to save the Countrie in the lower parts of Cheshire from spoile to fall upon the reare of the enemy and to fight if occasion should require having an accession of foot in the skirts of the Countie In this expedition he was drawne by authoritie to a longer march than was intended expecting to be engaged towards Doncaster or Newarke where the Scots and the adjacent Countries made up a very puissant Army Upon his returne preparation was againe made for the intended enterprize upon the City but was retarded a few weekes by want of pay for the Armie and by the intelligence of the King drawing this way being taken off his expedition for the North which made us stand on our guard that we might not lose the ground we had gained at Beston That cloude dispelled they fixt upon a day for this so great a worke and that it might be done without noise they made use only of their owne strength being about five hundred Horse two hundred Dragoones and seaven hundred Foot and they that were privie to the designe tooke an oath of secresie On Friday September 19. we drew off the Leaguer at Beston towards Chester but out of the common rode that we might make no noise in the Countrey nor the beleaguer'd Castle give any signall of forces abroad after a tedious march all night wee storm'd the Suburbs of the Citie by breake of day were not discovered till we attempted the Work the Sentinell shot at our men askt if we had brought our deare brethren meaning the Scots with us to take the Citie Wee multiplyed not words but fell to the worke Captaine Gymbert was the first that entred his Ladder being to short he lift up his man to the mount neere the river side from the top of it his man drew him up by the hand and then they cryde a towne a towne immediately they cleared that Mount slew Lievtenant Aldersey the Captain e of the Watch and put the rest about six men to flight then others set too their Ladders possest themselves of all the Mounts on that side the Citie and with the instruments wee brought with us brake open the gates then all the Horse entred with the remainder of the Foot with loude shouts which utterly daunted the enemie The next worke was to take the Barrs being the Fortification for the Forrest street which was effected speedily by entring at the back of some houses not farre from the gate so we fell upon that guard in the reere who fled in all hast into the City that while our men opened the gate into the Forrest street which we entred with a full body of Horse and Foot and some so close persu'd the Guard that they were neere entring the City with them Master Major very difficultly got into the City but made such haste that he left the Sword and Mace at his house in the Suburbs Thus possest of the out-workes we set guards in all places where the enemie might fall in upon us posted Letters to the Gent. over all the County also to Lancashire Salop and Staffordshire signifying
the City and adjacent Castles sent backe the Drumme in a most scornfull and reproachfull manner Then Sir William sent away Collonel Jones with fourteene hundred Horse and Dragoones and adjutant Louthiane with one thousand Foote to seeke and dissipute the enemy reported to be about three thousand at Denbigh October the twenty nine we marc't to Moulde the next day to Ruthen and November the first to Denbigh where the enemy being about one and twenty hundred Pedees making up the number stayd for us not knowing we were so many we intended for Denbigh greene a faire peice of ground for a Battle they intercepted our course at a place called Whitechurch a mile from Denbigh where our Forlorne hope was engaged and fought couragiously till the Body came up after which though we got ground yet could not the Horse passe through that strait lane before which the enemy was marshald in a body therefore a competent part being left to keepe that ground the rest marcht in a compasse nere foure miles to forme the Batalia upon Denbigh greene or if the enemy would not there fight to compasse them on both sides which they perceiving fell upon the party left to keepe that passe ours beate them off and got into open ground which caus'd them to flye to the Castle hill for shelter there they rallied and came downe againe our Foote with the Warwicke and Darby Horse disperst them againe drave them from under the Walls of the Castle and put them to a totall rout whom the Horse pursued 8. miles till the night forct them home it is conjectured that we slew about 100. on the ground tooke above 300. many of which we lost in haste to get seasonably to the campe and because we saw they were not worth the keeping Sir William Vaughan their Commander escapt by a timely flight advertising the Townesmen to provide for themselves who thereupon tooke Sanctuary in the Castle burnt a great part of the Towne and attempted the fireing of the whole we tooke above 800. Horse lost not a man on the field or but one and not 20 wounded The Munday after this blessed atcheivement we returned to the Leaguer at Chester about 30. advancing before the army came up in sight of the City and wandring upon a vexatious marish ground gave occasion to the enemy to thinke we were routed whereupon after a great shout given in the City all the Horse and some Foote sallied out upon our quarters next the Bridge which caused a very sharpe Skirmige of long continuance in conclusion we drave them in with some losse on our side which warnd us not to be secure upon a victory nor to neglect our guards The maine businesse of the Leaguer thenceforth was to finish the Trenches on the Welchside the City that went slowly on for want of mony which occasioned the enemy out of the Towne to take their advantages to fall upon our Guards which put us to almost daily Skirmishing and some losse Upon Friday November 14. after 18. weekes Seige the beleagured Castle of Beston was brought to such extremities for want of provision that their stout hearts came downe to beate a Parly Sir William Brereton appointed Collonel Croxton the Governour of Namptwich to Treate with them who tooke to his assistance Livetenant Collonel Coote they delivered up the Castle the next Lords day upon these conditions To march out every man armed Colors flying Drummes beating Matches light a proportion of powder and ball all their proper goods to be carryed with them which laded two waines a Convoy to guard them to Flint Castle as many as pleased to live quietly at their owne homes and so farre trusted that no hostage was left to secure the returne of the Convoy they were brought so low that they had eaten their catts and had not provision for that night High conditions for a most bloody insolent Country-wasteing enemy and them brought to such a starved condition Their march being on the Sabbath occasioned the breach of that holy rest to many in the Country who attended their first opportunity to enquire after their plundered goods stoard up in that Cage of violence and denne of theives The next Wednesday after Sir William Brereton summoned the City in hope that their wants within and losse of Beston might incline them to a Parly after full deliberation on the summons they returned an high scornefull and contempteous answer playing upon and jeering at the most perswasive a rguments used for the surrender of the City that taking no better effect he sent to them once more by their owne Trumpet that since they despised such favour tendred their blood must rest on their owne heads On Tuesday night November 9. about midnight the enemy in the City had a great designe to fire our bridge of boates and to cut off the Leaguer guards on the Welch-side to the effecting thereof they sent 2. Boats carryed downe with the Tyde laden with Tallow Pitch and other combustible mater with a frame of wood on the top of them on which were fixt double charged Carbines and other shorter peeces to make execution on them that sought to quench the fire the one of these fired hard by the Bridge they intended to burne made no execution on it or on any person but was seased on by our men and the fire quencht the other fired in the mid way betwixt their Bridge and ours consumed it self without hurt to any To put us to the greater distraction they sallyed out Horse and Foote at the same time upon the Guards nere the Bridge and they of Holt Castle alarum'd our quarters at Pulford thinking thereby to worke such distraction that one Guard might not relieve an other if their designe should take but this attempt proved destructive to themselves for after an hot dispute we beate them in wounded many slew 12. by the confession of their owne party which put them to great distractions within the City when that which promised releife proved their losse In all that service we lost not a man nor a drop of blood that we know of December 4. a great packet of Letters was intercepted by our guards sent out of the City by a fit agent signifying to their owne party their low condition with desire of releife The maine businesse was lockt up in Characters and they had the key the report of their condition was referred to the Messenger who chose rather to runne all hazards than confesse and discover his Message Being sent prisoner for Tarvin behind one of our men he tooke the opportunity to dismount himselfe on the new bridge leapt into the water in hope to escape into the City by swyming but sunke in the mid way and was drowned whom though he escaped Martiall justice vengeance would not suffer to live Now came in the happy tydings of the surrender of Latham upon very honourable conditions to Collonel Iohn Booth who thereupon tendred the further assistance of Lancashire for
the service of this Leaguer which tender was as opportune as curteous for this peice being so considerable the enemy commanded by Sir William Vaughan drew into a posture nere Bridgenorth for the releife of it they advanc't into Shropshire with about 2000. Horse and Foote fell upon Rockadine Church where the Parliament had a small Garrison which beate them off with losse this caused Sir William Brereton to prepare seasonably to breake that designe to the carryng on of which Lancashire supplyed us with 13. Troopes and 300. Foote Upon the Sabbath day December 21. we drew off all we could spare from the Leaguer and marcht that day to Whitchurch the army joyn'd was about 1500. Horse and 1500. Foote there we stayd till Friday which was a little respiration to this wasted County and so farre wrought upon the enemy that we heard no more of them then a retreat towards Kiddermuster In that time the enemy issued out of Chester and made an escape with 18. Horse and the Lord Saint Paul the way was open for their passage because no Trenches were cut on the Welch-side to interrupt them in their march yet the Guard tooke Livetenant Collonel Needeham and 3. more Upon Friday Dec. 26. the violence of the Spring tide was such that carrying up a great waight of Ice it brake the new Bridge made of Boats the beleagured were much incouraged hereby made use of the present opportunity for some relief before we could repair that broken piece On Saturday night the Enemy in Wales with about 150 horse of the L. Byrons and others joyned with his marcht beside our guards into the City with some small relief of Wheat Oatmeal Pyes and Moneys for the Welch Souldiers which was collected for them towards Conway The next morning with the assistance of Chester horse and about 600 foot they forced their passage through the guards to Hawarden castle with the losse of a Cornet a Corporal and one common Souldier taken by the guard Col Iones perceiving the danger might ensue to the Leaguer on the Welch side by this unhappy accident of the Bridge broken hasted that day over the Foard with 600 horse 100 Dragoons and appointed 100 foot to march after him to dissipate that party which was preparing relief for the City and to ease these oppressed parts of the burthen of free quarter that night we quartered at Mould then coasted about the countrey neer Ridley Denbigh and Ruthén and returned to the Leaguer upon Saturday In all the march we found the country well-affected to us not wanting in courteous entertainment rejoycing in our successe contributing freely to the relief of the Leaguer tendring their assistance as opportunity might serve for reducing of the country A people rather to be pitied for their ignorance whose Leaders have taught them to erre then spoiled for their malignity Col Iones with the Cheshire and Darbyshire horse upon their return took up their Leaguer quarters close by Hawarden castle and Col Massey with about 400 foot in Hawarden town which though the service was dangerous and requiring much duty proved very advantagious for the Intercepting of all relief that might come from those parts of Wales to the City The Enemy perceiving our posture utterly despaired of sending relief by land and applyed themselves to attempt that design by water for the effecting whereof they fraught a Vessel with a good quantity of Wheat Bacon Beefe and such like provision not doubting but the Wind Tide and their Oars might secure them to passe our Boats when the swelling River made the course passable besides the Channel To the preventing of which nothing was left unattempted that might conduce to the guarding of the River The beleaguered seeing their desperate condition some from within the City assured us that they were mindefull to parlye and that upon Summons they would undoubtedly deliver it up such care there was to preserve the City from plunder and to save the lives of many in a starving condition that not standing upon a Punctillio of honour where there was a probability of reducing a peice of such consequence it was agreed by a Councell of Warre that the City once more should be summoned The Summons was this Gent. Experience tells you upon what foundation your hopes of releife were grounded but that you may see the tender care of the preservation of the City the lives and estates of the Inhabitants Once more J Summon you to deliver the City Castle and Fort into my hands for the use of King and Parliament Your servant William Brereton Chester Suburbes 7. Jan. 1645. For the Major of Chester and the Lord Byron This summons was dated the seventh and sent away the eighth by a Trumpet whom they admitted to the Bridge and no further received the summons and returned this answer I have received your summons to which in convenient time J shall returne an answer by a Messenger of mine owne Your servant Iohn Byron Chester 8. Jan 1645. They defered the answer till Munday Ianuary 12. which caused Sir William Brereton to send to them againe requiring an answer of the summons Whiles our Trumpet went with that Message their Drumme brought in this answer so much expected We are not convinced by experience of the groundlesse foundation of our hopes of releife neither God be thanked is our conditionsuch as to precipitate us to a prejudiciall treaty however if within twelve dayes we be not assured of releife by a Gentleman Citizen whom we shall send for the purpose with a Trumpet of ours and a passe from you we shall then be content to enter into a Treaty upon honourable and Souldier like conditions remaining Iohn Biron Charles Walley Major for himselfe and Bretheren Chester Ian 12. 1645. To which answer Sir William Brereton thus reolyed The paper sent by your drumme was no satisfactory answer neither will I assent to your desires in it If you returne not a more positive answer by tomorrow at ten a clocke expect no further parlie Your servant William Brereton Chester Suburbs Jan. 12. 1645. To this no answer was returned the next day which rendred the Treaty as broken off and occasioned us to endeavour the further blocking up of all passages for releife of the City Upon Wednesday Ianuary 14. a party of Horse and Foote were sent to quarter in Holte thereby that Castle was blockt up which was accustomed to range abroad dayly into Cheshire to the great prejudice of that wasted County which also proved a posterne by which some small releife many nights was sent into the City The charge of this worke was undertaken by Generall Mytton who came so unexpected upon the Towne that he tooke 32. Horses and 3. persons Prisoners but the next day being oversecure in their quarters about 14. were surprised by the enemy out of the Castle This blocking up of the two neighbour Castles rendred to the enemy their condition desperate of any considerable releife unlesse by a potent
Sir William Breretons LETTER SENT To the Honoble William Lenthal Esq Speaker of the Honorable House of Commons Concerning all the Passages and Treaties Of the Siege and taking of the City of CHESTER AND By Mr. SPEAKER appointed to be printed and published With a most Exact DECLARATION of Chesters Enlargement after three yeers Bondage Set forth by Nathanael Lancaster Chaplein to the Cheshire Forces London Printed for Edw. Husband Printer to the Honorable House of Commons and are to be sold at his Shop at the signe of the Golden Dragon in Fleetstreet neer the Inner-Temple March 5. 1645. TO The Honourable William Lenthal Esquire Speaker to the Honourable House of Commons SIR I Will not presume to present the inclosed to the more publike view of the House Yet I have thought fit to Communicate them unto your self that so you may receive a more full and exact accompt of the particulars of our transactions and proceedings here Touching which I doubt not but you have heard various Reports as though there had been a neglect in the use of that endeavour that might have tended to the speedie reducement of this City Which it is most true might have been sooner subdu'd if there had been a sufficient Army imployed against it But there were more Armed men within the City then there were foot in our whole Army to maintain the Leaguer block up Hoult and Hawarden and to make good all our out Quarters This City being the more Tenable because more then the half thereof is encompassed and secured by the River of Dee so as their whole strength might be applyed to maintain that part where we stormed and the whole circumstance of their Walls are not I believe so large as the whole Works about Namptwich or Manchester As also we have not been sufficiently furnished with Ammunition nor Granadoes until now of late having bought neer 800 or 1000 pounds worth of Ammunition besides what was sent from London and made use of whereof you received a former account which was a very large proportion as I have heard there was near forty Barrels spent in two dayes It is true our last Granadoes which we could not possibly proâ—â—â—â— any sooner then they came unto us did great execution and were 〈◊〉 â—â—rrible and the City might have been thereby defaced and destroyed but not much sooner reduced by reason that the Citizens were so enawed and enslaved as that they durst not displease nor resist the Governour or Officers who were possessed with expectation of relief by Letters intercepted from Sir Jacob Ashley Sir William Neal and divers others giving them assurance that there was 15000 Danes French and Irish in Ireland ready to be transported for their relief Whereunto I gave no credit but have thought good to send the Copies of some of the Letters that so it may appear unto you that they had hopes of relief whereby they were induced to be so obstinate as to hold out so long knowing well their own strength and our weakenesse and that the season of the yeer would not permit us to prosecute those advantages that otherwise might have been better improv'd It not being possible for us to proceed on with our Lyne nor intrench by reason of the extream hard frost so as howsoever it might seem a teadious work yet when it is considered how much our strength was unsuitable to the work and the great want of Money which made it the more difficult to keep together upon such extream hard duty an Army constituted and collected out of several Counties how often it hath been attempted to relieve this City how often they have been repulsed how little relief hath been conveied into the City and how often the enemy hath Sallied out and been alwayes repulsed so as during more then twenty weeks close siege our Quarters have not been beaten up neither have we susteined any considerable losse whereby I hope we may be sufficiently vindicated against those calumnies which the envy of some and impatience of others have cast upon us Pardon I beseech you that I have so long detained you and believe that I am and will alwayes remain Your very faithful Friend and Servant W. B. Chester Feb. 9. 1645. SInce the concluding hereof I hear there are some Irish and some few French landed in Wales the certainty I shall be able to inform you in my next but if there be any they are not much considerable not said to be above a hundred and fifty in the whole Letters intercepted from Sir Iacob Ashley the Countesse of Leinster and others directed to the Lord Byron and others To the Lord Byron MY very good Lord I received a Copy of your Lordships of the second of Jan. this 11 of the same and am sorry to hear your Lordships reduced to so hard an exigent the original was sent with a packet from Ireland to Oxford by the Governour of Worcester I being come to Liechfield where yet I am I writ to your Lordship from Worcester by Mr. Walley about 14 dayes since but I perceive by Sir Iohn Wats to me of the 4 of this instant which I received the 10 that he yet stayes at Chirk-Castle from whence mine hath been sent to your Lordship two wayes so that I hope ours is come to hand I missed of Captain Elies I being come from Worcester and thereby of the particular Relation of the state of Chester I perceive the Peace in Ireland is concluded for my Lord Marques Ormond hath written to my Lord Archbishop of York by Letters of the 12 Decemb. last a Copy whereof his Grace sent me and came to my hands the 10 of this instant That he had 3000 foot in readinesse to be shipped for relief of Chester for which he desired fit Quarters to be provided against their Landing which by computation from his Letter should be about this time I have written to his Grace praying his best power and assistance to be contributed for providing Quarters for them accordingly and so soon as I shall have notice of their Landing I shall advance with what strength I can make which I hope will be about 1500 horse and 6 or 700 foot to joyn with them and am glad your Lordship can adde so considerable a number which I hope may do the work My Lord as by my last so again I pray you to inform me the Enemies strength and what way is best to come and such like circumstances as your Lordship thinks pertinent I assure your Lordship I am very sensible how much the preservation of that place imports His Majesties advantage and I shall imploy the utmost of my endeavours to render it relief wherein I beseech your Lordship be confident of and that I am My Lord Your Lordships most humble Servant Jacob Ashley Liechfield 12. Ian. 1645. For Sir Richard Lloyd SIR My Lord Ashley is not returned from Liechfield I sent the Letters to him whose Answer I expect hourly by the 24 of this
moneth there will be a force sufficient with Gods blessing to raise the Siege you may assure the City so much was in Cypher of all this I am very confident and you may do well to send this to my Lord whom I will strive to serve to my utmost I had gone to my Lord Ashley but for fear of my missing him upon the way Your faithful Servant Rob Elice Bridgnorth Ian. 14. 1645. For my general Friend Sir William Neal. DEar Knight Pray be pleased to speed this enclosed Paper with all possible speed into Chester it contains crums of comfort My Lord Byron hath the key for your present satisfaction be pleased to know that my Lord Ashley Sir Charls Lucas Sir William Vaughan and plenty of gallant Blades will be in these parts ere many dayes with a sufficient force by the blessing of God to raise the Siege at Chester pray seal up the enclosed in a Paper and direct it for my Lord Byron my duty to you all Dear Knight Your true Servant John Wats Jan. 18. 2645. The Scribe is yours and my Ladyes most faithful Servant This enclosed will be most welcom to your Neighbours use all possible means to hasten it to prevent all sluggering comers For my Lord Byron MY Noble Lord This night ours is come from my Lord Digby and you post night and day to the King with assurance that 15000 are ready with all Accommodations for to come over for to relieve Chester which will crown your Lordships work and the truly loyal Mayor whose Names will be Honored by all vertuous posterity they had come over before now if some miscarriage had not hapned which will suddenly be removed and then 24 hours will Land them upon English ground they care not for the Enemies ships My Noble Lord when Sir William Gerrard writes in Cypher he will acquaint where the error was that before now this gallant Army came not I hope in good time it will if peoples patience be not in Chester altogether exhausted which God forbid I assure them those of our Country Gentry that are gone in to the Enemy conceive themselves much neglected by them I would not have thus much trespassed upon your Lordships most serious occasions but knowing of Sir W. Ia. absence thought it necessary to impart this News in haste to youward Noble Mayor God direct you both and have you in his keeping So wisheth My Lord Your most humble Servant Leinster Ian. 18. 1645. For my Lord Byron MAy it please your Lordship I have sent you these inclosed which I am sure will be welcom to you I durst not write to you before now by reason I had no certainty to write I believe your Lordship doth know of my condition here the Enemy lives in Hawarden Aston and Stretton and Bretton I received a Letter from Denby intimating great hopes of the Irish Landing by this fair wind My Lord the Enemy brags of a Parley for the delivering of the City but I believe them not I beseech your Lordships care and two fires if this come safe to your hands and if all be well an hour after our fire to be made upon the Castle So desiring you will be pleased to let me hear from you as soon as possible you can that I may further serve your Lordship which shall never be wanting by him that will remain My Lord Your faithful Servant William Neal. Haw Castle Ian. 19. 1645. For the Ea. of Leinster MY Honorable Lord This night hath produced this News that 15000 men are already in Ireland with shipping both from France and Denmark with all other accommodations and I hope will come in good time to crown your Lordships and the truly loyal Majors work which deserves all honour They had been over before now to your Relief but for some miscarriage which will suddenly be removed and that done their readinesse is so compleat 24 hours will land them on English ground I have no more to say but I hear some of our countrey Gentry being gone to the Enemy begin to think themselves much neglected by them so let all be which turn turn-coats God have you all in his keeping Yours till death Leinster January 18. Sir Edmond Verney and Major Throp refusing to carry in the Propositions tendred by Sir Wil Brereton divers of these Copies were thrown over the walls which produced good effects amongst the Citizens I Did this day deliver unto Sir Edmond Verney and Major Throp Conditions wherein I tendred to all the Welch Souldiers and Officers liberty to go and live at their own homes For the Irish that have not taken part with the Rebels liberty to return into Ireland or to march to any of the Kings Garrisons To the Citizens who were not Commissioners of Array nor Members of Parliament the liberty of their persons the enjoyment of their estates and freedom of Trade as other Towns and Cities under the Parliaments power and protection which would have been performed had they been accepted but they would not receive them as was desired by William Breretor Chester Suburbs Ian. 21. 1645. SIr We are told by Sir Edm Verney and Major Thomas Throp imployed from the Lo Byron our Governor with Propositions that you intended to send some by a Trumpet of your own the bringing thereof being contrary to their Instructions we have since seen Papers under your hand thrown over the wals two whereof we send inclosed and desire to know whether those be the Conditions you offered to their conveyance which if they be not we wish those may be sent you tendred to them And remain Your Servants Cha Walley Major for my self and Citizens Rob Tatton Vic. Com. cestr. Chester Ian. 24. 1645. GEntlemen I have received your Letter and because this day is set apart for Sacred duties I shall send my Propositions to-morrow if before nine of the clock in the morning I receive a Passe from the Lord Byron for Col Chidley Coot and Lieut. Col. Rob. Venables and in the mean time I remain Your Servant William Brereton Ian. 25. 1645. SIr I send inclosed a Passe for Col Coot and Lieutenant Colonel Venables their horses and servants where you shall think fit that they may meet with Lieutenant Colonel Io. Robinson and Alderman William Ince whom I shall send to receive your Propositions and for whom with their servants and horses I desire your Passe and leave it to your choice whether at the Iron Bridge or between your Works and our Fort Upon receipt and consideration had of your Propositions I shall give such Answer thereunto as shall be consonant to Honour and Justice and remain Your Servant Iohn Byron Chester 26. Ian. 1645. To all Commanders Officers and Souldiers of His Majestirs Army and Garrisons whom it may concern YOu are hereby required to suffer the bearers hereof Col Chidley Coot and Lieut. Col. Venables their servants and horses quietly to passe and travel to the Iron Bridge or to the mid-way between the Fort and
away out of the said City Castle or Fort but what is their own and hereby allowed 4. That all Citizens and others now residing within the City shall be saved and secured in their Persons and their Goods and Estates within the City and Liberties thereof preserved and kept from the plunder and violence of the Souldiers and have the like freedom of Trade as other Cities and Towns under the Parliaments protection have and such immunities as they of right ought to have And that every such Merchant and Tradesman of Chester as shall desire to go into North-Wales to look after his Goods shall have a Passe to go thither and return back again he first giving security that during his absence he will do no act to the prejudice of the Parliament And that no such person shall at any time without Licence carry more moneys with him then sufficient to defray the charges of his journey And that all Citizens and other Inhabitants who shall now or hereafter desire to march forth of the City of Chester and not act any thing against the Parliament his or their Wives or Families to have the benefit and priviledge of Inhabitants 5. That such Officers and Souldiers as shall be left sick or wounded within the City of Chester or the Castle or Fort thereof shall have liberty to stay until their recovery and then have Passes to Conway or any of the Kings Garrisons not blocked up In the mean time to be provided for 6. That the said Lord Byron Noblemen Commanders Gentlemen Officers and Souldiers and all others that shall march out of the Town shall have liberty to march to Conway and five dayes are allowed them to march thither with a Convoy of two hundred Horse the Welsh Officers and Souldiers to have liberty to go to their own homes all of them to have free Quarter in their march and twelve carriages if they shall have occasion to use so many which carriages are to be returned on the sixth day and that Passes be given them for their safe return to Chester and that they be secured until they return thither 7. That no Souldier in his march shall be inveigled or enticed from his Colours or Command with any promise or inducement whatsoever 8. That all such Persons Citizens or others who have Families in Chester and are now in places remote thence shall have the like benefit of these Articles as those who are now resident in the City 9. That the Friends of the Earls of Derby and Leitchfield or of any of those whose dead Bodies are not yet interred in Chester shall have two moneths time to fetch them thence whither they please provided that none of them come attended with above twenty horse 10. That no Church within the City or Evidences or Writings belonging to the same shall be defaced 11. That such Irish as were born of Irish Parents and have taken part with the Rebels in Ireland and now in the City shall be prisoners 12. That all those Horses and Arms belonging to those that march out and not by these Articles allowed to be taken and carried out of the City except such Horses as are the proper Goods of the Citizens and Inhabitants that shall remain in the City before the delivery of the same be brought the Horses into the Castle Court and the Arms in to the Shire-Hall where Officers shall be appointed to receive them 13. That in consideration hereof the sayd City and Castle without any slighting or defacing thereof with all the Ordnance Armes Ammunition and all other furniture and Provisions of Warre therein whatsoever except what is allowed to be carryed away and all the Records in the Castle without diminution imbezelling or defacing be delivered to the said Sir William Brereton or such as he shall appoint for the use of King and Parliament upon Tuesday next being the third of this instant February 1645. by ten of the cloke in the forenoone 14. That the Fort with all the Ordnance Armes Ammunition and Provision therein of what sort soever not formally granted or allowed of upon the signing of these Articles be delivered to Sir William Brereton or such as he shall appoint 15. That upon Signing of these Articles all Prisoners in the City Castle and Fort that have been in Armes for the Parliament or imprisoned for adhearing thereunto shall immediatly be set at Liberty 16. That the Convoy shall not receive any injury in their going or comming back and shall have three dayes allowed for their returne 17. That if any Person concerned in any of these Articles shall violate any part of them such Person shall loose the benefit of all the said Articles 18. That upon the Signinig of these Articles sufficient Hostages such as shall be approved of be given for the performance of the said Articles Signed by us the Commissioners appointed on the behalfe of the right Honourable the Lord Byron Edmund Verney John Robinson Thomas Cholmondeley Peter Griffith Henry Legh Thomas Throppe Christopher Blease William Jnce John Werden John Iohnson Edward Moreton Thomas Bridge What is done by the Commissioners is confirmed by Iohn Byron Chesters Enlargement after three yeares bondage Or A Compendious Narration of the reducing of Chester and Beston Castle with the memorable occurrances conducing thereunto THe City of Chester is a strong Prize in it selfe anciently such by the high and broad Walls with many Towers and Bulwarkes flankering the same and since these troubles fortified by more than ordinary Mud-walls securing the Suburbs and to compleat the whole the river Dee in some measure Navigable secures it on the West and South which swells so broad and high in the Tyde that no forces by Land can restraine reliefe by Sea The scituation likewise makes it most advantagious to the possessors it being the key of Ireland and a tye to unite North-Wales to Lancashire by a small neck of land in Cheshire five miles over the Rivers on both sides foardable This Citie ever since the beginning of these troubles Perfideously surprized by the Commissioners of Array in time of Truce was kept for the King esteemed the master-piece of these parts of the Kingdome and in some measure accordingly lookt upon by the Parliament whence it came to passe that much time and Treasure was expended by the prudent Commander Sir William Brereton for the reducing of it More then two yeares agone it was first attempted but the worke not well mannaged the Militia being then in its infancie it proved abortive The enemy perceiving what they might expect in time endeavoured their utmost by art and industrie to make it impregnable Sir William Brereton perceiving that worke too difficult betooke himselfe to another Designe the reducing of Boston Castle a piece of such annoyance and charge to the Country that it will not bee impertinent to give a briefe account of the fortifying losing and regaining of it but the worke of this piece and the City did at all times so
Munday night at Wrexham endeavouring to informe our selves of the Kings motion and to follow him as opportunitie might serve Upon Wednesday Octob. 1. the intelligence was that the King marched towards Hereford thereupon Generall Poyntz that day marcht after him from Wrexham to Elesmere and Collonel Iones towards Chester to make good the Leaguer there To hasten the worke of reducing the City we sent a Convoy for the great Guns at Stafford and Salop by them to force a speedy entrie before the King could reinforce himselfe to returne Powder and Ball was altogether wanting for so great a service but the Gentlemen of the County were so forward for the worke that they engaged themselves for foure hundred pounds by which we were furnished with Ammunition from Warrington but such jugling there was to prevent the ball and retard the Guns and by subtill agents that cannot endure the work should prosper in the hands of these instruments who affect the cause as they fancie the Leader that we lost above a weeke for the effecting of this great Designe Upon Munday Octob. 5. the City was so strictly begirt on both sides the River that none could passe in or out for the guards of which Sir Iohn Byron the Governour complained in his Letters to the archbish. of Yorke and his brother sent to them at Conway but intercepted by us that day the Powder and Ball being come we fixt a batterie on Tuesday night on the Northside towards the River and made a breast-worke for Muskettiers on the Welch side which clear'd a good part of the wall on the inside On Wednesday we battered the Bulwarke next the North gate even with the Wall On Thursday the wall it selfe close by the Goblen Tower which proved so thicke and the Ball so brittle that not much more than the battlements was beaten downe whiles the besieged endeavoured to make up the breach by packs feather-beds c. and to lyne the Wall all along Our Cannon on the Welch side made great execution swords armes leggs whole bodies were seene to flye in the ayte cart loads of bodies drawne off and the Horse in the reare driving up men and women to make up the breach That night a little before Sun-sett we storm'd the City upon the new breach the old breach neere the new gate and by scaling betwixt the East gate and the Fenix tower the storme was very hot for neere two houres together some of ours carried it very stoutly fighting in the breach and on the tops of the ladders had they been sutably seconded the Town in all probability had been ours that night In conclusion we made good our retreate in the darke we lost 27 men on the ground of those no Officers but a Serjeant and a Corporall about 60. wounded amongst them Lievtenant-Collonell Venables and Captaine Massy brother to the renowned Massie of Glocester but neither of them dangerously the report from within the City is that their losse was more than ours amongst others Sir William Manwaring was slaine an unlucky Knight to fall the first time he came into the field and a wall betwixt him and danger Upon Saturday Octob. 18 the bridge of Boats a very vsefull piece uniting the Forces on both sides the River was finished the one end fixt within the Workes the other guarded with a Fort whence the line was intended to intrench the Citie on the Welch side to prevent all reliefe The Munday after we had a designe upon Holt in regard of the Enemie drawne thither reported to be 700. which indangered the reliefe of Beston and the beating up of our quarters Thereupon Collonel Iones fellsuddenly upon Holt with above 1000. horse and foot who fell so unexpected on the Enemie that had the Forlorne hope observed the command to keep within Musket shot of the Body in all probabilitie wee had entred the Castle before they had drawne up the Bridges There we had a sharpe skirmish with about 140 horse and the Castle foot for that was all the strength that Fame had made 700. upon whom we fell with such violence that we beat them into the Castle ditch made great execution on them in the fall slew one Major and many other souldiers wounded very many took Lievtenant Coll. Byron the Lord Byrons Brother five more and some good horses our losse was two men slain three wounded not mortally others sleightly wounded fourteene of our Forlorne hope taken whose neglect of commands rendred them prisoners By this atchievement we quite brake that Body secured the Leaguer at Beston and our own quarters Neere about that time Major Sankey with a party of horse fell upon Hawarden towne which would not contribute to the Leaguer layd an Ambuscado within pistoll shot of the Castle drew the rest about to the other end of the Towne at the alarme given the listed Souldiers in the Towne and some others besides hasted to the Castle the ambuscado slew some tooke 12. prisoners fetcht off 42. head of Cattle 50. sheepe of the Governours 14. Horse and a Beare which roared upon the man that layd hold on him for a calfe none of ours either lost or wounded thenceforth the Town contributed and we restored the Cattle this became a good president to the Welch who above 20. miles off follow their example Upon Friday and some dayes after our Cannon played on the enemies mills spoyled 3. of them and battered the water Tower by which water was conveighed into the whole City At this time we had sure intelligence of the enemies advance towards us whereupon the Commanders speeded Letters to all the adjacent parts to hasten all the releife possible that we might be enabled to make good the Leaguer and give Battle to the enemy in the field that so we might loose no ground Hitherto the military affaires of this County were under the charge of Col. Iones adju. Louthiane who discharged that trust in al their undertakings with as much prudence resolution and gallantry as could be expressed from men whose endevours God still crowned with happy successe and the worke in their hands so farre advanc'â— that Chester unlesse relieved with an army must necessarily yeeld up themselves and Beston Castle gasping for every thing necessary but aire and water Upon Saturday October the twenty five Sir William Brereton came to Namptwich appointed by the Parliament to Command in cheife to whom the Commanders from the Leaguer signifyed the enemies designe and the preparation already made to entertaine them Sir William approving of that course seconded their Letters to draw in the Auxiliaries who were very forward of themselves to promote this great designe in which they were all so much concerned By this time the enemy in Wales were reported to be potent to the great encouragement of the beleaguerd City and Castle Sir William Brereton however summon'd the Castle hopeing their low condition might incline them to a Parlie but they being confident of help at hand by signalls from
army The enemy perceiving their pretences slighted and pincht with their owne necessities applyed themselves to seeke for a parle by this Letter sent to Sir William Brereton Sir at the entreaty of us the Major Noblemen Gent. Alderman and Citizens of Chester the Lord Byron our Governour in whom the sole power of Treaty rests is pleased to give way to a Treaty upon honourable conditions to which if you assent Commissioners to that purpose may be agreed upon by both sides expecting your answer I rest Your servants Charles Walley Major Robers Tatton vic. Comes Chester 15. Jan 1645. To which Sir William Brereton returned this answer When I have so long considered of an answer to your Letter as you the Major and the Lord Byron tooke time to answer my summons you shall heare from me by a Messenger of myne owne in the meane time I rest Your servant William Brereton Chester Suburbes 15. Ian. 1645 To the Major of Chester and Robert Tatton Esquire The day after notwithstanding this Letter was sent into the City Gent. We have prevailed with Sir William Brereton to give us leave to returne this answer to your last Letter that notwithstanding your former rejection of faire honourable conditions and the expence of time and blood which hath bin occasioned by your obstinacy might justly provoake him to refuse any further treaty yet that it may appeare he reteines his wonted desires of the preservation of the City and the lives and estates of the inhabitants if your Governour in whom you say lyes the full power to treat send out reasonable Propositions betwixt this and Munday morning he will take them into consideration and returne such answer as may stand with honor and justice and may prevent the destruction of this ancient City which is desired by Your servants Robert Duckenfield James Louthiane Chester Suburbs 16. Jan. 1645. For the Major of Chester and Robert Tatton Esquire To which Letter this answer was returned Gent. We have acquainted the Lord Byron with your Letter to us directed who is pleased to promise that within the time therein limited a full answer shall be thereto returned we remaine Your servants Charles Walley Robert Tatton Vic. Com. Chester 17. Jan. 1645. For Collonel Duckenfield and adjutant Generall Louthiane Upon Munday about noone they sent a long Letter without the propositions expected the contents whereof was to excuse their not sending in of propositions for want of time fully to deliberate upon things of so great importance Also they nominated 12. men for Commissioners consisting of the Gentry Souldiery Citizens and Clergy because all these had their share in the treaty desiring Sir William also to nominate persons of that number and quality on his part and to designe a place where they might treat Sir William tooke it not well that they sent not the propositions as was expected and approved not of so great a number of Commissioners therefore he required their propositions speedily or to expect no further treaty the next day they sent againe signifying their propositions were ready but they would not send them by Drumme or Trumpet but by Commissioners which they desired might be agreed upon the place designed and their persons protected Answer was made to the Lord Byron that if they sent propositions into the Suburbes by two persons of their choice they should have safe conduct Accordingly they sent 36. propositions upon Thursday Ianuary 22. by Sir Edmund Verney and Major Thropp which were so extreame high that they were ridiculous not fit to burden the Presse or to reade otherwise than to make sport Sir William then tendred to them his owne propositions which they utterly refused to take because they had no such Commission Hereupon Sir William caused divers papers to be dispersed upon the walls that night which the Centries tooke in from our Souldiers in which he signified their unreasonable Demands in their propositions and that they refused to take with them his propositions in which he sought their good and preservation of the City not doubting but this would worke a mutiny and force them to a parlye in a more humble way Their extremities caused them to pretend a desire to continue the parlie whiles new hopes of releife by late intelligence quickned their droopeing spirits to more than ordinary acclamations For upon Friday January 23. they reported to our Guards their great confidence of releife by an army out of Ireland already landed and others to be assistant to them in Wales for joy whereof they shot off their Guns and gave a great shout upon the Walls and within the City which they doubted not would prove effectuall to animate the gasping Citizens and to worke on us to allow them better conditions But to cleare all on our part Gen. Mytton with 800. Horse and 200. Foote and Dragoones Ianuary 25. marched into VVales quartered that night in Ruthen endeavouring to finde out and disipate that body of the enemy what ever it might prove under the command of the Lord Saint Paul Collonel Iones the day after sent a party towards Ruthland Castle hoping thereby to inclose the enemy or interrupt them in the way if they attempted the releife of Chester whiles so great a party of ours was abroad in the Country The enemy not appearing the party sent out by Collonel Iones made a speedy returne with a booty of Horse taken from the enemy who had secured them in Ruthland and good stoare of Catle for restitution of which the Country there payd their arreares of contribution for the Leaguer But Gen. Mytton continued in Ruthen having great hopes of the Castle destitute of the Governour Ammunition and fuell This while the Citizens were more sensible of their desperate condition then the Commanders resolved to feede no longer upon lyes which had brought them a long time to feede upon horesslesh so they forced the Commissioners to treate with us and to make the best conclusion they could but however to conclude Upon Friday January 30. their 12. Commissioners were admitted into the forrest streete which sent the same number of able men to joyne with them they continued late that night in debating the propositions but the worke drew not towards a period Our Commissioners agreed that unlesse they came the next day by 12. a clocke and ended by 6. the treaty should cease they desired to deferre it till Munday which would not be admitted so they all met upon Saturday continued the treaty all night and all the next day Our Commissioners held them so close to it that they yeelded to very hard conditions which because they will be publique and larger then will sute to this short narration shall not burden this paper Betwixt ten and eleven at night they possest us of the royall Fort wee having first sent Col. Bowyer and Col. Massie hostages to Hawarden Castle to secure them of our fidelitie in making good the Conditions on our part upon Tuesday we were possest