Price a Welchman and almost all the Officers Souldiers and others in the Fort except a very few which at the entreaty of some of our Officers had their lives spared By that time the Fort was gained the day began to break And most happy it was that the storm began so timely for otherwise had the Enemy had day-light when we first entred we could not havestood upon any ground to have attempted Pryors-hill-fort in regard the Great-fort and Coulstons-fort on the one side and the Castle on the otherside might have cut off our men as fast as they had been drawn up but being in the dark they durst not shoot for fear of killing their own men their Horse during the storm being drawn in a body between the Great-fort and Coulstons-fort But in the mean time the success on Somersetshire side was not answerable unto this on this side our forces there being put to a retreat though they went on with much courage the Works on that side were so high that the Ladders could not near reach them and the approach unto the Line of great disadvantage The Horse designed to enter the line in case it had pleased God to give us here also successe were Lieut. General Cromwels Regiment commanded by Major Huntington Colonel Sir Robert Pyes and Colonel Sheffields both which Colonels in person attended the storm being impatient they had not fair opportunity of entering the Line such was their zeale to the service And lest during the storm the Prince in case he see the Town like to be lost should endeavour to escape with his Horse to prevent the same Commissary General Iretons Colonel Butlers and Colonel Fleetwoods Regiments of Horse were appointed to be in a moving body upon Durdam-Down that place being the most open way and most likely for the Prince to escape by besides part of those Horse did alarm that side of the Line and great-fort towards Durdam-Down and Clifton during the storm as likewise to secure the Foot Colonel Okeyes Dragoons alarming Brandolhill-fort and the Line towards Clifton About 4 houres after the taking Pryors-hill-fort a Trumpeter came from the Prince to desire a Parley which there was reason enough to refuse but considering the Enemy had fired the City in severall places in so much as it was probable the whole City would have been consumed if the fire had gone on The General sent the Prince word that he would embrace a Parley provided he caused the fire to be quenched immediately which was done accordingly and so the treaty proceeded on and by seven at night it was concluded of according to these Articles That his Highnesse Prince Rupert and all Noblemen Officers Gentlemen and Souldiers and all other persons whatsoever now residing in the City of Bristol and Castle and Forts thereof shall march out of the said City Castle and Forts thereof with Colours Pikes and Drums bag and baggage The Prince his Highness all Noblemen Gentlemen and Officers in commission with their horse and arms and their Servants with their horses and swords and common souldiers with their swords the Prince his Life-guard of horse with their horse and arms and two hundred and fifty horse besides to be disposed by the Prince and his life-guard of Fire-locks with their arms and each of them one pound of powder and a proportion of bullet and that none of the persons who are to march out on this article shall be plundered searched or molested That such Officers and Souldiers as shall be left sick or wounded in the city castle or forts shall have liberty to stay till their recovery and then have safe-conducts to go to his Maiesty and in the interim to be protected That the persons above mentioned who are to march away shall have a sufficient Convoy provided for them to any such garrison of the Kings as the Prince shal name not exceeding fifty miles from Bristol and shall have eight dayes allowed for their march thither and shall have free quarter by the way and shall have two Officers to attend them for their accommodation and 20 waggons for their baggage if they shall have occasion to use the same That all the Citizens of Bristol and all Noblemen Gentlemen Clergymen and all other persons residing in the said city suburbs of the same shal be saved from all plunder and violence and be secured in their persons and estates from the violence of the Souldier and shall enjoy those rights and priviledges which other Subjects enjoy under protection and obedience to the Parliament That in consideration thereof the city of Bristol with the castle and all other forts and fortifications thereof and all the ordnance arms ammunition and all other furniture provisions of war excepting what is before allowed shall be delivered up to Sir Thomas Fairfax to morrow being Thursday the 11. day of this instant September by one of the clock in the afternoon without any diminution or imbezlement His Highnesse Prince Rupert then nameing to what army or garrison of the Kings he will march That none of the persons who are to march out on this agreement shall plunder hurt or spoile the Town or any person in it or carry any thing but what is properly their own That upon signing these Articles Colonel Okey and all persons now in prison in the city of Bristol the castle or forts of the same shall immediately be set at liberty That sufficient Hostages be given to Sir Tho. Fairfax such as he shall approve this night who are to remain with him untill the City be delivered That neither the Convoy nor Officers sent with the Prince shall receive any injury in their going or coming back and shall have seven dayes allowance for their return That upon the delivering of the Town sufficient Hostages be given for the performance of the articles on both parts Signed by us the Commissioners on the behalf of his Highnesse Prince Rupert Iohn Mynne W. Tillyer W. Valvasour Signed by us the Commissioners appointed on the behalf of his Excellency Sir Tho Fairfax Edw. Montague Tho. Rainsborough Iohn Pickering That which moved the General to give such favourable conditions was meerly the preservation of the City which otherwise would have been consumed by fire if the Enemy had been driven to a desperate condition God to shew the watchfulnesse of his Providence over the General and Lieutenant-General brought them into some danger and delivered them out of the same graciously during the time of the Parley For while they were both sitting on the top of Pryors-hill-Fort a peece of Ordnance was shot thither from the castle and the bullet grazed upon the Fort within two hands breadth of them but did them no hurt at all This day the well-affected Countrymen of Gloucestershire to the number of about 3000. with some 30 Colours appeared expressing great forwardnesse to serve the Parliament but the service being over they returned to their own homes In this Storm we lost severall Officers
is That all persons comprized within these Articles shall quietly and peaceably enjoy all their Goods Debts and Moveables during the space of four moneths next ensuing and be free from all Oaths Covenants and Protestations and have liberty within the time of the said four moneths in case they shall not make their composition with the Parliament and shall be resolved to goe beyond Seas to dispose of their said Goods Debts and Moveables allowed by these Articles and to depart the Kingdome if they shall think fit and to have passes for that purpose or otherwise to stay in the Kingdome XXIII That Mount-Radford and the Ward in St. Thomas Parish with the provisions of Warre thereunto belonging be delivered unto his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax or whom he shall appoint to receive them in assurance of the performance of the precedent Articles to morrow by six of the clock in the afternoon being the seventh of April and that four such Gentlemen or Officers as his Excellency shall approve of shall be delivered at the same time as Hostages for the performance of the foregoing Articles on the one part and two Hostages such as Sir John Berkley Knight Governour of the City of Excester shall approve of and appoint to be received for performance on the other part XXIV Lastly that these Articles be ratified and confirmed mutually by his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax on the one part and Sir John Berkley Knight Governour of the City on the other part I doe hereby ratifie and confirme the Articles abovesaid agreed on by the Commissioners on my part THO. FAIRFAX April 9. 1646. The conditions it is confest are honourable for the Enemies acceptance yet no way dishonourable for Souldiers to grant considering the consequence of the timely surrender of that place The time for the surrender of the Towne was not till Monday they desiring that time to put up their Baggage and prepare themselves to martch forth The General thinking it not fit to lose so much time as to stay till Monday though the weather was unseasonable martched away that night after the Articles were signed to Tiverton designing his martch for Barnstable CHAP. VI. The Particulars of the Treaty and surrender of Barnstable and the Resolutions and Motions of the Army after the Reduction thereof till they came to Oxford FRiday the 10. The General came before Barnstable Summoned the Towne and received a civill Answer from the Governour inclining to a Treaty which began the next day and held all that day and part of the day following which was the Lords day when it was concluded much upon the same Articles in effect with those of Excester and the Castle and the Towne was delivered into our hands as a security for surrender of the Fort at eight dayes end Colonel Sheffield being appointed by the General to stay till the surrender and see the Articles performed This Treaty was carried on and concluded by Commissary-General Stane who was sole Commissioner for his Excellency a Gentleman of great fidelity who for this and sundry other actions of advantage to this Army well deserves an honourable mentioning Upon the concluding of Barnstable Articles two Regiments of Foot were commanded from before Barnstable to martch to Dunster and to face the Castle whilest the General 's Summons was sent in to the Governour who embraced a Treaty and after some time spent in capitulations Surrendred the Castle to Colonell Blake Monday the 13. The General set his face toward Excester desirous to have been there to have seen their martching forth that the Articles might not be violated but the weather proved so unreasonable wet that he came short But such was the vigilancy of the Lieutenant-General and the Officers and indeed such was the temper of the Army that there was not the least violation of the Articles I shall conclude this Narration of Excester with the commemoration of the great diligence faithfulnesse and industry of Sir Hardresse Waller who being left in trust by the General when he martched into Cornwal with the command of the Forces on both sides of Excester to straiten the Enemy and hinder them of provisions and keep the Enemy from making incursions into the Country performed therein the part of a gallant Gentleman and an experienced Souldier Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and Friday the 14 15 16 and 17. of April The General stayed in Excester setled things in order to the safety of that place and for the ease of the Country and that he might keep his own Army entire for more publick service reduced three Country Regiments of Foot into one viz. the Regiment of Colonel Shapcoat who had done good service at Tiverton and the Fort at Exmouth and the Regiment which Colonel Frye had very readily raised for the then present service of the West and the Regiment of Colonel Weare which had been likewise imployed in the same service These three Regiments formed into one was ordered for the defence of the Garrison of Excester under the command of Colonel Hamond whom the General appointed Governour of the Garrison Saturday April 18. The General began his martch toward Oxford and Quartered that night at Chard being eighteen miles from Excester the Foot and Train having had Orders two dayes before to advance forward Severall Informations came from our Forces before Oxford That it was common talk in Oxford that the King would escape thence others said That he would come into this Army and others conjectured that which since hath fallen out That he would goe another way all care was taken by our Forces thereabouts as you may well think it concerned them that this prize at last might not escape them Sunday the 19. The General martched to Dorchester where most of the Army quartered that night Monday the 20. the General martched from Dorchester to Salisbury the Traine and Foot to Blandford the Generall stayed at Salisbury Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday the while the Army and Traine of Artillery were come up and till all that were behind were come up from their severall Quarters Sundry Complaints were brought thither unto his Excellency of the violation of Excester and Cornwall Articles by the Committees of severall Counties taking from divers their Horses and Armes and other necessaries which by the Articles they were to carry away with them an act of so much incivility to the General as well as injustice to the sufferers as deserves to be noted Nigro Carbone but that I know his Excellency desires not such revenge But so many Barbarismes of this kind were there as were they particularly related would make such a Volume as would scarce be imagined Friday the 24. Part of the Army martched to Andover whither the General also purposed to have gone that night but Providence ordered it otherwise detaining him at Salisbury till next morning and then he went to Andover where the head Quarter was that night Lieutenant-General Cromwel was two or three dayes before gone for London at the
3 others Lieut. Gen. Cromwel Ear. of Northampton Oxfordshire 500 April 16 1645 Bletchington hous By a party of horse and dragoons 4 houres  150  450 3 Lieut. Gen. Cromwel Col. Windebanke Oxfordshire 72 April 26 1645 neer Farringdon By a party of horse 2 houres 10 40  50 3 Col. Io. Fienes  Berkshire 150 April 27 1645 Bampton-Bush By a party of horse 2 houres  230  200  Lieut. Gen. Cromwel Col. Sir W. Vaughan Oxfordshire 60 May 11 1645 Taunton relieved the first time By part of the Army 54 200 slain in the siege 200  260  Col. Welden General Goring Somersetshire 30 May 22 1645 Oxford foot and horse Routed By a party of horse  3 200  200 1 Adjutant Flemming Capt. Gardiner Oxfordshire 12 May 24 1645 Godstow-house quitted  2 10  30  General Fairfax  Oxfordshire 6 June 1 1645 Gaunt-house yielded 3 2 82  100  Col. Rainsborough  Oxfordshire  June 14 1645 Naseby Battell fought in 2 houres 800 4500 12 and two Mort. pices 8000 112 Gen. Fairfax King Charles Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice Northamptonshire 200 June 18 1645 Leicester town yielded 3 6  14 2600 8 Gen. Fairfax Lord Hastings Leicestershire 300 June 27 1645 Highworth garris yielded 3 houres 4 70  180 2 Gen. Fairfax Major Hen Wiltshire 12 July 3 1645 Taunton Relieved the second time 5 weeks 1000 of the enemies 400  400  Gen. Fairfax Lord Goring Somersetshire 460 July 8 1645 Ilchester garrison quit 1    18  Gen. Fairfax Col. Phelips Somersetshire  July 1645 Ilmore Fight By a party of horse 2 houres 50 200  300 9 Major Gen. Massie Lord Goring Somersetshire 300 July 10 1645 Lamport Battell Lamport Garrison Fought and quit 1 60 1600 2 2500 32 Gen. Fairfax Lord Goring Somersetshire 1200 July 13 1645 Burrough hil fort yielded 4 8 151  200  Col. Okey  Somersetshire  July 23 1645 Bridge water stormed 11 30 1600 44 3000 9 Gen. Fairfax Col. Windham Somersetshire 200 July 30 1645 Bath City yielded 1  140 6 400 2 Col. Rich Sir Thomas Bridges Somersetshire 11 August 4 1645 A Club-Army on Hamilton-hill routed 1 houre 60 400  600 12 Lieut. Gen. Cromwel Master Bravel of Compton Dorsetshire  August 15 1645 Sherburne Castle Battered and stormed 16 200 of ours 340 19 600 2 Gen. Fairfax Sir Lewis Dives Dorsetshire 30 August 20 1645 Nunny Castle yielded 2 5   100  Col. Rainsborough Capt. Turbervile Somersetshire  August 28 1645 Portshotpoint Fo. yielded 6 3  6 140 1 Lieut. Col. Kempson  Somersetshire  Septemb. 10. 1645 Bristol City stormed 18 160 of ours 200 151 6000 8 Gen. Fairfax Prince Rupert Somersetshire and Gloucestershire 20 Septemb. 23 1645 Devizes Castle yielded 7 5  2 400  Gen. Fairfax Sir Charles Lloyde Wiltshire  Septemb. 24 1645 Laicock house yielded 2      Col. Pickering Col. Bovill Wiltshire  Septemb. 25 1645 Barkley Castle stormed 9 40 90 11 500  Col. Rainsborough Sir Charles Lucas Gloucestershire  October 8 1645 Winchester Castle yielded 6 4  7 500  Lieut. Gen. Cromwel Lord Oagle Hantshire  October 14 1645 Basing house stormed 6 40 300 11 500  Leiut Gen. Cromwel Marq. of Winchester Hantshire 80 October 18 1645 Langford house yielded 1      Lieut. Gen. Cromwel Sir Barth Pell Wiltshire  October 20 1645 Tiverton castle stormed 6 4 200 4 400 2 Gen. Fairfax Sir Gilbert Talbot Devonshire 20 January 8 1645 Near Barnstaple quarters beaten up By a party of horse   80  100 2 A Captain of the Plimouth Regiment Sir Allen Apsley Devonshire 80 January 1645 Bowe fight by a party 3 houres  60  100  Sir Hardresse Waller  Devonshire 40 January 9 1645 Bovy-Tracy quarters beaten up By a party of horse and foot  12 60  200 â—one of the K. with C. â— Lieut. Gen. Cromwel Lord Wentworth Devonshire 350 January 16 1645 Plimouth siege raised By the advance of the Army   22 5 left in the works 80  Gen. Fairfax Major Generall Sir John Digby Devonshire  January 19 1645 Dartmouth stormed 7 20 800 106 1600 14 Gen. Fairfax Sir Hugh Pollard Devonshire 60 January 25 1645 Poulderhamcastle yielded 1   2 300  Col. Hamond Sir 〈◊〉 Meredith Devonshire  February 16 1645 Torrington stormed  60 400 80 baâ—… of powd fired 1600 9 Gen Fairfax Lord Hopton Lord Wentworth Lord Capell Devonshire 70 February 24 1645 Engagement of horse near Stratton by a party  12 40  250 4 Col. Butler Major Gen. Web Devonshire 300 February 25 1645 Launceston quitted after dispute 2 houres 3 160  200  Gen. Fairfax  Cornwall 30 February 28 1645 Saltash garrison quitted    3 left in the works   Gen. Fairfax  Cornwall  February 29 1645 Lisard Town quitted    3   Gen. Fairfax  Cornwall  March 3 1645 Mount Edgcomb yielded    5   Gen. Fairfax Col. Edgecombe Cornwall  March 3 1645 Foy Town quitted   60 10 140  Gen. Fairfax  Cornwall  March 1645 Castle-Dennis engagement of horse by a party   100  300  Col. Rich Major Gen. Pert Cornwell 300 March 14 1645 Treaty at Truro Horse disbanded     2000 â—… Colours of horse Gen. Fairfax L. Hopton L. Wentw. Cornwall 4500 disbanded March 16 1645 Exmouth Fort yielded 46   16   Col. Sir Har. Waller Col. Arundell Devonshire  March 16 1645 Dennis Fort yielded    22 200 2 Gen. Fairfax  Cornwall  April 1646 Corfe castle By stratagem and storm 48 11  5   Col. Bingham Major Laurence Dorsetshire  April 13 1646 Excester city yielded 180 100 40 75 1500  Gen. Fairfax Sir Iohn Berkley Devonshire  April 15 1646 S Michaels mount yielded 15   15 400  Col. Hamond Sir Arthur Basset Cornwall  April 20 1646 Barnstaple Town Castle and Fort. yielded 30 20  35 400  Gen. Fairfax Sir Allen Apsley Devonshire  April 1646 Dunster Castle yielded 150 20  6 200  Col. Blagge Col. Windham Somersetshire  April 1646 Woodstock gar yielded 20 40  2   Col. Rainsborough Capt. Fawcet Oxfordshire  May 1646 Salcomb Fort yielded 50   8   Col. Welden Col. Fortescue Devonshire  May 1646 Banbury Castle yielded  8  9 600 8 Col. Whaley Sir William Compton Oxfordshire  May 1646 Radcot Fort yielded 15 6  2 140  Col. Saunderson Col. Palmer Berkshire  June 10 1646 Borstall House yielded 18   5 300  Gen. Fairfax Sir William Compton Buckinghamshire  June 24 1646 Oxford City yielded 55 60  300 2000  Gen. Fairfax The Lords of the privy Councell and Sir Thomas Glemham Oxfordshire  June 24 1646 Farringdon house yielded 55 40  4 500  Sir Robert Pye Sir William Courtney Oxfordshire  July 22 1646 Worcester City yielded  20  25 1500  Col. Rainsborough Col. Washington Worcestershire  July 27 1646 Wallingford cast yielded 65 5  7 800 7 Gen. Fairfax Col. Thomas Blagge Berkshire  August 17 1646 Pendennis castle yielded  17  94 860  Col. Fortescue Col. Arundell and Sir John Digby Cornwall  August 19 1646 Ragland castle yielded  20  23 500  Gen. Fairfax Marq. of Worcester Munmouthshire  Place this Table between folio 334. and 335.
named by Sir John Berkley were Sir Henry Berkley Mr. Wil. Ashburnham Sir George Cary. Mr. Jo. Weare Colonel Godolphine Capt. Fitz Garret Mr. Robert Walker Mr. Thomas Knight Mr. Thomas Kendal Mr. Thomas Foard Whereupon Thursday April 2. his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax returned this Answer SIR I Have received yours whereby I understand that in pursuance of my demand in my Summons you have determined to treat with me by Commissioners and in order to that have sent a List of ten Gentlemen which you desire for Commissioners on your behalfe of which there is none in particular that I take exceptions unto yet because I desire to carry on the Businesse with cleernesse and expedition which by so great a number cannot be so well effected I thought fit to propound unto you the number of six that being as many as conveniently can be used in a businesse of this nature Vpon your consent hereunto and Answer I shall according to your desire send you a safe conduct for a proportionable number of Commissioners and in the mean time shall rest Your Servant THO. FAIRFAX April 1. 1646. I agree the time to begin on Friday next according to your desire the place Poultymore-house I have sent a List of the Commissioners on my part Lieut. Gen. Hammond Col. Sir Hardresse Waller Col. Lambert Col. Harley Col. Fry Commissary Stane Thursday Apr. 2. Commissioners were appointed and a safe conduct granted Friday 3. the Treaty began at Poultymore S. Jo. Bamfields house This day his Excellency had the newes of the surrender of Deniston Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday and Wednesday the Treaty continued sitting close at it every day and the most part of the night till they had concluded it That which most retarded the proceding was some high demands and fruitlesse quaeries in behalfe of the Clergy viz. the Bishops Deanes Prebends and other Cathedrall men there wherein our Commissioners held them up to what was reasonable and after much time consumed therein they were willing to accept of what we were willing to grant and so on Thursday April 9. the Articles were signed by Sir John Berkley in the presence of our Commissioners and by the General in the presence of their Commissioners which Articles were as followeth Onely first let it be remembred that after there was an entrance upon the Treaty at Excester and that it was probable to come to a good conclusion his Excellency losing no time sent Commissary-general Ireton with his owne Rgiment and Colonel Riche's and some other Regiments of Horse to Oxford to hinder Provisions from going in thither and to take all advantages against the Enemy His Excellency intending to make all speed himselfe after the work done at Excester to lay Siege thereto Articles of Agreement concluded on by Thomas Hammond Lieutenant-general of the Ordnance Colonel Sir Hardresse Waller Colonel Edward Harley Colonel Lambert Commissary-general Stane and Major Watson Scoutmaster-general Commissioners on the behalfe of the right Honourable his Excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX General of the Parliaments Forces on the one Party And Sir Henry Berkly Sir George Cary Colonel Ashburnham Colonel Godolphin Captaine Fitz-Gerald Master Jo. Weare Master Robert Walker and Master Thomas Knight Commissioners on the behalfe of Sir John Berkley Knight Governour of the City of Excester on the other Party touching and concerning the Rendition of the said City and Garrison as followeth I. THat the City and Garrison of Excester together with the Castle and all Forts and Mounts places of defence of or belonging to the same with all Ordnance Armes and Ammunition Provisions and Furniture of Warre belonging to the Garrison excepting what shall be excepted in the ensuing Articles shall be delivered unto Sir Thomas Fairfax General of the Parliaments Forces or to any whom he shall appoint to receive them for the use of the Parliament on Monday next after the date hereof being the thirteenth of this instant April by twelve of the clock at noon II. That if any Officer Souldier or any person included in these Articles wrong or plunder in Person or Goods in their martch away or before any Citizen or Couutry man or any person whatsoever shall as far as he is able give satisfaction to the persons so injured at the Judgment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax III. That if any Officer Souldier or any person included in these Articles shall after the date hereof wilfully break deface spoile or imbezle any Armes or other Provisions of Warre whatsoever by the precedent Articles to be surrendred as aforesaid shall lose the benefit of the ensuing Articles IV. That the Princesse Henrietta and her Governesse with her Houshold shall have full liberty to passe with their Plate Moneys and Goods within twenty dayes after the conclusion of this Treaty when she shall desire to any place within the Continent of England or Dominion of Wales at the election of the Governesse and there to remaine untill his Majesties pleasure be further known touching her setling and that the Governesse shal have liberty to send to the King to know his pleasure herein accordingly to dispose of her Highnesse within the aforesaid limitation of places and that fit and convenient Carriages be provided for their passage at reasonable rates V. That the Cathedrall Church nor any other Church within the City shall be defaced or any thing belonging thereunto spoiled or taken away by any Souldier or person of either side whatsoever VI. That the Governour together with all Lords Clergy-men Gentlemen Captaines Officers Troopers and common Souldiers shall martch out of the City on Monday next the thirteenth of April by twelve of the clock at noon with their Horses full Armes Bag and Baggage and their Goods Colours flying Drums beating Matches lighted Bullets full Bandaliers with sufficient convoyes unto Oxford or unto Helston in Cornwal at their severall elections and in case the Governour of Oxford shall refuse to receive the common Souldiers that shall martch thither they are there to deliver up their Armes to the convoy and have passes to repaire to their severall homes and those that martch unto Helston are there to he disbanded and to have Passes to their severall homes That all Troopers and common Souldiers which martch not as aforesaid shall deliver up their Armes except their Swords and have liberty to goe to their owne homes with Bag and Baggage and shall not be compelled to take up Armes against the King provided also that all Officers and Gentlemen that shall chuse to goe to Oxford and not taking up Armes shall repaire into the Parliaments quarters within forty dayes after the date hereof and shall enjoy the benefit of these Articles VII That all those which shall martch to the Garrisons aforesaid shall have free quarter in their martch and not be obliged to martch above ten miles a day and that such other Souldiers as are Inhabitants in the City shall receive free liberty to martch out or remaine therein without being compelled
know we are as soon broken as made up as soon flying as conquering We desire therefore Friends not to believe this Army shall do more because it hath done so much and that it cannot be conquered because it hath conquered But that it shall be still victorious while GOD is in it and no longer Accept these Mercies and with them the Instruments in the undeniable demonstration of their Love and Loyalty to their Country in so free an expence of their Blood and so chearfull undergoing all hardships of War for your sakes J. S. The state of the Kingdome when His Excellencie Sir THO. FAJRFAX marched forth May. 1645. Exhibited in Two TABLES The one shewing into what Counties Cities Towns Castles and Places of strength the KING reached and Garrisoned As also the Field-force His Maiestie had to maintain the same and to enlarge his Quarters The other shewing all along what Force Garrisons or Places of strength the PARLIAMENT had to check or ballance the Enemie In two DIVISIONS The one containing the Western Counties The other the Midland Parts THE FIRST DIVISION IN The KING had The Parliament had Cornwal The whole County intire to himself with these places of strength therein well fortified and manned Viz. The Mount the strong Castle of Pendennis Dennis-Fort and Helford-fort which commanded the commodious Harbour of Falmouth The Garrisons of Foy Salt-Ash Mount-Edgcombe and Lanceston Besides His Majesty kept some Forces at Padstow and St. Ives Neither Field-Force Port-Town nor Inland-Garrison and besides the People were generally disaffected to the Parliament Devon All Devon intire to himself except Plimouth only and therein these considerable Garrisons well fortified and manned viz. Excester Barnstaple and Dartmouth the Fort at Exmouth Pouldram-Castle Fort Charles at Salcombe Ilfordcombe Hoptons Fort and the other Forts before Plimouth St. Budeax the garrison at Sir Francis Drakes house Peymouth-house Barley-House and Inch-Garrison Plimouth only and that besieged Somerset All in his power except Taunton only which was then straitly besieged by him And in that County the strong Garrisons of Bristol and Bridgewater Bath Lamport Burrough Nunny-Castle Portshead-Point Ilchester Chidiak-House and Farley-Castle The garrison of Taunton close besieged at that time Dorset Portland-Castle and Island Corf-Castle and Sherborn-Castle The Port-Townes of Poole Lyme and VVeymouth Wilts The Garrisons of the Devizes Laicock-House Langford-House and Highworth Malmesbury Garrison only Hants The strong Garrisons of Basing and VVinchester The Garrisons of Portsmouth Southampton and Christ-Church Port-Towns Berks. Farringdon VVallingford Dennington and Radcot Abbingdon Reading and VVindsor Oxford The City of Oxford the Kings Head-garrison Banbury VVoodstock Gaunt-House Blechingdon-House Godstowe Henley-Garrison Bucks Borstall-house Garrison Alisbury The KINGS Field-Force for the VVEST The PARLIAMENTS Field-Force for the WEST The King's Field-Forces for the securing of these Western Counties and Garrisons even from Oxford to the Mount in Cornwal under the Command of the Lord Goring the Lord Hopton Sir Richard Grenvile and Major-General Sir John Digby Brother to the Lord Digby May modestly be computed to be in all 14000. Horse and Foot besides their severall Garrisons secured with Horse and Foot as may easily be credited if it be considered the great Force they had before Taunton during the two strait Sieges thereof and the many men they lost in both those services And yet with what a considerable Army they were at Lamport when they were beaten there and at the same time also maintaining the Siege before Plimouth with a considerable Force besides those 14000. His Highnesse Prince Charles was then in person in the West raising new Forces whose Presence had such influence on those Parts especially on the Club-men who were thereby made bold in their Meetings and received Commissions under his Highnesse hand and seal to form themselves into Regiments that it was no little addition of Reputation to that Army The Parliament not thinking it safe to spare the new raised Army under his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax to attend the great busines of the VVest and leave the Parliament City and Association without a Guard and the Royal Army about Oxford unattended Designed onely the remaining Regiments of the Earl of Essex's and Sir VVilliam VVallers Horse which were not reduced into the New-Model to busie the Enemy in the West viz. Of Sir VVil. VVallers Colonel Cooks Colonel Fitz-James Colonel Popham and the Plimouth Regiment Of the Earl of Essex's the Relicts of Colonel Beer 's and Colonel D Albiers Regiments under Lieu. Colonel Buller assigned over to Major-Gen Massey which Regiments were formed into a Brigade and designed under the Command of Major-Gen Massey for the Western parts but a little before the Battel of Naseby THE SECOND DIVISION In the County of The KING had The Parliament had Hereford That County entirely to himself with the Garrisons of Hereford Gotheridge and Cannon-Froom No Garrison Place of Strength nor Field-Force Worcester The City of VVorcester Evesham-Garrison and Hartlebury-Castle Hawksworth Castle only Salop. The Garrisons of Ludlow Bridge-North Dawly Shrawarden-Castle Caes-Castle Morton-Corbet-House Stockley-Castle Rowton-Castle Linsel-Manour Apley-House High-Archal Carew-Castle Embleden-Castle Shrewsbury VVem-Garrison and Oswestree Stafford The strong Garrisons of Lichfield and Dudley and Burton and Trent The Garrison of Stafford Chester The City of VVestchester Beeston-Castle Hawarden-Castle Namptwich Leicester The Garrison of Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicester town shortly after lost Lincoln Belvoir-Castle lincoln-Lincoln-City Crowland Garrison Hougham Garrison Burleigh Nottingh On this side Trent the strong Garrison of Newark Shelford-House and VViverton The town and castle of Nottingham Errata Page 17. § 7. A whole line left out that should begin the Section viz. But the commands given with publique and unfained ends were not disputed but obeyed Accordingly c. p. 30. l. 1. for part read partee p. 68. l. last but one f. framing r. freeing p. 90. l. 11. f. Kenisome r. Keinsome l. 15. f. rather r. would rather l. 18â— f. setting r. setling p. 95. l. 25. f. in whom r. then in whom l. 30 31. f. and which r. which p. 119. l. 11. f. Priors fort r. Priors hill for t l. penult f. Town r. Line p. 131. l. 4. f. Bennet r. Sir Humphrey Bennet l. 4. f. prisoners r. hostages p. 136. § 7. Marg. l. 6. f. the mood r. that mood p. 140. l. 22. f. in all these r. in these p. 145. l. 6â— after the word Iustice supply an Irish Rebell was taken and executed p. 161. f. Dec. 32. r. Dec. 23. p. 163. l. penult f. set forward r. advanced p. 165. l. 7. f. three r. two p. 171. § 7. l. 4. f. â—own r. Fort p. 177. l. 15. f. S. Edmund r. Sir Edmund p. 179. l. 8 f. William r. Will p. 181. l. 31 32 f. in order to the Oxford horse r. in order to the checking of the Oxford c. p. 182. l. 10. f. Reymouth r. Peymouth p. 185. l. last but two f. advisable it might engage r. advisable being night to
were absolutely reduced and the dis-affected Club-men brought to more obedience Reckoning it also a service of importance to take in Bath in order to the straitening of Bristoll and hindring P. Rupert for raising any considerable force in those parts Whereupon his Excellency took a resolution to march back and accordingly came to Wells that night with part of the Army and Train being 14. long miles and a hot day and sent a Brigade of horse and foot unto Sherborn under the command of that pious and deserving Commander Col. Pickering to face that garrison and to view the same and if there were hopes to reduce it to sit down before it in order to a siege The Horse-quarters this night were neerer unto Bath more force was sent to get between Bath and Bristol having intelligence that their distractions were such in Bath that they would easily be driven to quit it But the General stayed at Wells expecting to hear from the party of Horse and Dragoons under the command of Col. Rich which he had sent towards Bath Tuesday the 29. Colonel Rich facing the town with horse and dragoons summoned the town but the Governour refused to surrender Towards evening our Dragoons commanded by Colonel Okey were drawn neer the bridge and crept on their bellies over it to the Gate seized on the small end of the enemies Musquets which they put through the loop-holes of the Gate and cryed to the enemy to take quarter which so affrighted the enemy that they â—an to their Work which flankered the bridge and left their Musquets behinde them as of no use to them so of as little to us Our men instantly fired the Gate and became Masters of the bridge upon which the Deputy-governour sent for a Parley and upon the Treaty the town was yielded upon Articles making the common souldiers who were about 140. prisoners and having conditions for the Officers to march away to what garrison they pleased We found in the town six pieces of Ordnance 400. Arms 12. barrels of Powder the Works besides the Wall of the City strong and tenable It was yielded in a good time for Prince Rupert was advanced with a Party of 1500 horse and foot from Bristol within four miles to relieve the town but comming too late retreated Wednesday Iuly 30. The Army was drawn up to Mendeep hils with intention to march to Bath but upon intelligence the horse and dragoons alone had taken the town His Excellency sent back the Army to Wells marching only with two Regiments of foot to Bath which he intended to leave there for the security of that place and parts thereabouts The Generall quartered there that night stayed there next morning and setled things for the safety of that place and in the afternoon returned to Wells leaving the two Regiments at Bath month August 1645 Friday August 1. the Army marched from Wels to Queen-Camel where the Head-quarter was that night but the General himself went with a few Horse to Sherborn viewed the Works and Castle and quartered there that night And on Saturday August 2. the General and Lieut-General rode again to the Lodge and upon a second view and observation conceived the place might shortly be reduced guards were therefore appointed neerer to it and orders were given for all things in reference to a close siege This day Intelligence came that the Club-men of three Counties viz. Dorcet Wilts and Summerset were to meet at Shaftsbury and that a faire opportunity would be offered for the surprisall of them who were so disaffected to the Parliament whereupon Col. Fleetwood was commanded forth with a good party of horse to see if he could surprise them who accordingly came seasonably incompassed them in the towne with about 1000 horse and took about 50 of the Ringleaders whereof Mr. Hollis Carey Young Cradock and Doctor Goche were the chiefe who being brought prisoners by a guard of horse were presently dismounted and disarmed and sent to prison untill leisure were afforded to examine them and to consider how to dispose of them which was done by a Committee chosen on purpose four or five dayes after and after the reducement of Sherborne they were sent to London with other prisoners but we have not so done with the Club-men or rather they with us Lords day August 3. News came this day that all the Country of Wilts and Dorcet and part of Summerset were up in Armes and would have a Rendezvouz of 10000. men at least pretending they did it to fetch off their Leaders but privately we understood it was to interrupt our siege and to hinder provisions from comming to the Leaguer giving out withall that Goring with his Army was comming out of the West to raise the siege On Munday August 4. Lieutenant-Generall Cromwell having Intelligence of some of their places of Rendezvouz for their severall divisions went forth with a party of horse to meet with them being well satisfied of the danger of their designe As he was marching towards Shaftsbury with the party they discovered some colours upon the top of a high hill full of wood and almost inaccessible a Lieutenant with a small party was sent to them to know their meaning and to acquaint them that the Lieutenant-Generall of the Army was there whereupon Mr. Newman one of their leaders thought fit to come downe and told us the intent was to desire to know why the Gentlemen were taken at Shaftsbury on Saturday the Lieutenant-Gen returned him this answer that he held himselfe not bound to give him or them an account what was done was by authority and they that did it were not acresponsible to them that had none but not to leave them wholly unsatisfied he told him that those persons so met had been the occasions and stirrers of many tumultuous and unlawfull meetings for which they were to be tried by law which triall ought not by them to be questioned or interrupted Mr. Newman desired to goe up to returne the answer the Lieutenant-Generall with a small party went with him and had some conference with the people to this purpose that whereas they pretended to meet there to save their goods they took a very ill course for that to leave their houses was the way to loose their goods and it was offered them that Justice should be done upon any who offered them violence and as for the Gentlemen taken at Shaftsbury it was only to answer some things they were accused of which they had done contrary to Law and the peace of the Kingdome These men were well satisfied and promised to return to their houses and accordingly did so These being thus quietly sent home the Lieutenant generall advanced further to a meeting of a greater number of about 4000. who betook themselves to Hambleton Hill near Shrawton at the bottome of the hill we met a man with a Musquet and asked whither he was going he said to the Club-Army we asked what he meant to do he asked
Works all which concurring so daunted the enemy that they fled out of one Work into another and so into the Castle which being discerned by the rest of our Army they all went over without any more ado which so ripened the amazement of the enemy that instantly they pulled down their bloody Colours hung out a white Flag had no power to make opposition sent a Drum for to crave Quarter but before he could get out and return a great part of our foot were entred they within had thrown down their Arms and cryed for Quarter to our souldiers which our souldiers inclining rather to booty then revenge gave them but stript they were to the purpose all except Sir Lewis Dives and his Lady and some few more and so we became Masters of the Castle and all within it the souldiers finding plunder of great value the taking of which in a disorderly manner could not then be prevented There was taken about 400 prisoners in the Castle besides Sir Lewis Dives the Governour Col. Giles Strangewayes formerly a member of Parliament Sir Iohn Walcot Col. Thornhill and others of quality and 18. pieces of Ordnance and a Mortar-piece The reducing of this place was of the greater cōcernment in regard of the influence it had upon the dis-affected Clubmen in those parts who having the countenance of this garrison were made so much the more bold in their attempts and meetings The souldiers spoil lasted all that day and most part of the night whose fair demeanour in the town of Sherborne during the siege deserves commendation when notwithstanding that about sixty townsmen who had families in the town were in the Castle and fought against them yet not one of their houses were plundered On Saturday August 16. Being market-day our souldiers with the booty they had got kept a great market to the Country who bought the goods of them and all this day and the next was necessarily spent in ordering the disposall of prisoners and in considering what to do with the garrison which not above two or three dayes after was ordered to be slighted And thus hath God led us into another strong hold of equall difficulty and consequence In the reduction of which place as elsewhere the dexterity industry and resolution of Captain Dean Comptroller of the Ordnance deserves to be had in memory CHAP. IV. The siege of Bristol the taking of it with the actions that intervened viz. The taking of Nunny-Castle c. SHerborne being now by Gods blessing reduced a councell of war was called where the subject of the debate was what should be the next designe of the Army the West or Bristoll the reasons upon which it was endeavoured to perswade the West were The pursuing of our Victory at Langport the hindring of Goring from re-inforcing his shattered Army in Devon and Cornwall whereunto he might probably finde the Cornish being generally disaffected to the Parliament easily drawn the Prince being in person with them and acting to that purpose the miseries of the people in the West and the necessities of Plimouth crying for present relief besides it was urged on the negative of Bristol that to go thither was to hazard the whole Army the Plague being sore in the City an hundred dying weekly and that it was in most of the Villages about the Town But on the other side it was considered That Prince Rupert being in Bristol and able to draw into the field 3000 Horse and Foot leaving also sufficient to defend that garison Might with the assistance of the ill-affected Club-men of whose disaffection to the Parliament there was sufficient proof and having the advantage of sending Forces and Recruits out of Wales which were easily to be transported over Severn raise a considerable Army in the Midland parts which might interrupt the proceedings of our Army by marching on their Rear when they were far advanced West vvhereby Goring being in the Front they might come to be inclosed between two Armies and so all intercourse vvith London and the Eastern parts would be thereby cut off besides the great importance of the place as to the enemy Bristol being the only considerable Port the King had in the whole kingdom for shipping and trade and riches being withall his magazine for all sort of Ammunition which should it please God to make us masters of must needs prove sadly fatal to his affairs and would so be judged in this and forraign Kingdoms What advantage it would be to the Parliament both in reputation and reall improvements it being justly reckoned in the first rank of populous and rich Cities in this Kingdom was very clearly evident These and other like considerations being offered for the present reducing of Bristol After long consultation and debate it was resolved to march thither in order to the reducing of that place After once this resolution was taken it was said by the General Seeing our Iudgements lead us to make Bristol our next designe as the greatest service we can do for the Publique As for the Sicknesse let us trust God with the Army who will be as ready to protect us in the Siege from Infection as in the Field from the Bullet Hereupon orders were given for the Army to march towards Bristol The Generall resting all the next day at Sherborne to settle the business of the County And on Monday after Sir Lewis Dives and the prisoners together with the Club-leaders before mentioned who were had in hold were sent away with a guard to London the Army marched to Castle-Carew save that Colonel Rainsborough with his own and Colonel Hamonds Regiments and two pieces of Ordnance was sent to Nunney castle for the reducing thereof the rest of the Army marched that night to Castle-Carew the next day the General himself went to view Nunney castle and found it to be a very strong piece The Head quarter was that night at Shepton-Mallet but 5 miles from Carew far enough for the Train which was 4 miles behind from the quarters the night before but to expedite what might be this designe against Bristol and the relief of the country thereabouts in the mean time two thousand Horse and Dragoons were sent under the command of Commissary General Ireton to preserve the towns adjacent to Bristol from plunder and firing for the better accommodation of our quarters the next day the Army marched to Chue 9 miles and ill way and in relation to the straiter siege Messengers were sent to the Vice-Admiral Captain Moulton riding about Milford Haven to send ships into King-roade to block up Bristol by sea as this Army intended to do by land Some prisoners were taken by our Horse near Bristol others came in voluntarily unto us all agreeing said the Enemy did not imagine our forces to be so near or that we had any designe upon Bristol And by a Trumpeter that came with a Message from thence they seemed to be so far from a belief thereof that he said he
did not expect to finde us on that side Sherborne and when he met our Horse he took them to be the Kings not offering to sound his trumpet as he ought to have done that night there was a strong party of Horse and one Regiment of Foot disposed at Hanham within three miles of Bristol on Gloucestershire side by whom the Enemy was alarm'd Vpon this approach of ours the Enemy fired Benminster on Somersetshire side and burnt it down to the ground as also divers houses on Gloucestershire side It was but the day before when Prince Rupert was sending out a party to relieve Barkley-castle which was much straitned by the Gloucester forces but the approach of our Horse under Commissary Ireton diverted that designe Thursday 21. in the morning to encourage us in our engagements we received intelligence of the surrender of Nunny castle to Colonel Rainsborough upon condition to have liberty to go to their own houses By reason of the Train coming in so late the Army rested that day at Chue save that another party of Horse and Foot advanced towards Benminster upon intelligence that the Prince intended to break through with his Horse and joyn with Goring with which party the General and Lieutenant-general went viewed the Town and appointed guards and quarters on the West side the River and quartered himself at Kenisome that night where divers Lords sent for Passes to come out of the City and go beyond sea but upon good reason were denyed it being a received opinion that persons of quality and great estate in a besieged town rather encline to a timely yielding then hazardous defending thereof when no relief is at hand Friday the 22. there was a general rendezyouz of Horse and all that day was spent in setting of guards on Somersetshire side where the Countreymen maintained a passage at Clifton the Head-quarter that night being removed to Hanham Saturday 23. the General and Lieutenant-General imployed the whole day in the setling of quarters and guards on the other side of Bristol This day the Enemies Canon played from the great Fort and Pryors Fort but hurt none but one Dragoon who had his thigh shot off The Enemy sallied out also with a party of Horse but were beaten in again where Sir Richard Crane was mortally wounded who presently after dyed of his wounds The Head-quarter this night was removed to Stapleton Lords day Aug. 24. the Enemy about noon sallied out again at the Sally-port near Prior-hill Fort in a full career and were upon our Dragoons on the sudden yet by our Horse comming on were beaten back again as also their Foot were by the Foot of Colonel Rainsboroughs Brigade made to retreat in disorder and worse then they came forth by the losse of a Major and some others Monday 25. Warrants were issued out by the General to Sir Iohn Horner High Sheriffe of the County of Somerset to raise the power of the County which was much promoted by the interest and endeavours of Mr. Ash and Mr. Moore two worthy Members of the House of Commons This day the army had intelligence that Goring then about Collumpton in Devon did seem to draw to a Rendezvouz as if he intended a march to interrupt our siege But Major-Gen Massies Brigade of Horse were quartered not far from Taunton in such an advantagious posture that the Enemy could not move but he might flank them and interrupt their motion whilest our Horse might draw off to meet them in case they should attempt the forementioned designe Tuesday 26. four in the morning the Enemy made a third sally on Somersetshire side on a post of Colonel Weldens Brigade at Bedminster and through the negligence of the Officer that had then the command there they took 10. and killed as many towards a recompence of which affront the same day Captain Molleneux a very valiant man Captain Lieutenant to Colonel Butler and with him another stout souldier perceiving three gallant Cavaliers under their Works whom afterwards they found to be Sir Bernard Ashley Colonel Daniel and a third man rode up to them askt them who they were for they swore God dam them for the King and shot at ours whereupon our men discharged their Pistols at them wounded them and after some bickering took Sir Bernard Ashley who dyed within few dayes of his wounds But Colonel Daniel though dangerously wounded escaped from them Wednesday 27. the Enemy drew out the fourth time about the close of the evening with intention to fall on our guards which ours perceiving they understanding that they were privie to their intention they drew back to their Works All this night the General and Lieutenant-General were abroad upon the field to be in readinesse if any alarm should happen Thursday 28. Rupert sent out those foot of ours which were taken prisoners on Somersetshire side being in number ten with a Trumpet propounding also an exchange for Sir Bernard Ashley but the exchange was not hearkned to This day we had intelligence of the Kings plundring of Huntingdon and the cruel usage of the people by his forces in those parts having unhappily escaped the Scotch and Northern horse out of Nottinghamshire Mean while as an earnest of the whole the Fort at Portshead point that had bin four dayes besieged by Lieutenant Colonel Kempson of Colonel Weldens Regiment with a party of Foot was with six pieces of Ordnance this day surrendred unto him who managed that businesse with much judgement and resolution by the taking whereof the passage into King-road with our ships was made open Friday 29. A Fast was kept through the Army to seek God for a blessing upon the designes against Bristol Mr. Del and Mr. Peters kept the day at the Head quarter The Enemy endeavoured to interrupt us by a sally about noon time upon our quarters near Lawfords-gate where he took three or four souldiers After the publick exercises a Counsel of War was called and it being agreed in the first place to punish the vices of the Army it was propounded whether to storm Bristol or not the debate was long opinions various however it was agreed that all things should be prepared in order to a storm and afterwards to take into further consideration whether to storm or to intrench the Leaguer In the midst of these thoughts and resolutions tydings were brought the Army of the defeat given by Montrosse to our Brethren the Scots and that he was marched to Edenbrough in pursuit thereof and that the King was now advanced to Bedford unfollowed and was expected speedily to raise the siege at Bristol and this day towards evening the intelligence was confirmed by Letters from the Committee of both Kingdomes of the Kings speedy march towards Oxford and probably to these parts At the same time his Excellency had intelligence that Goring in the West advanced his quarters nearer Chard and as it was verily thought intended a conjunction with the King And now was the Army in a
both of Horse and Foot and had many wounded Major Bethel was shot at entring the Line whom I have never occasion to mention but greatly to his honour Of this wound he shortly after dyed Captain Ireton who led on the Forlorn hope at the storm was shot with a brace of bullets in the arm and it broken thereby but after enduring great torture and pain for many moneths he is through Gods blessing happily recovered Major Cromwel a valiant and discreet Gentleman Major to Colonel Inglesby was wounded in the Storm whereof he afterwards dyed Lieutenant-colonel Purefoy of col Fortescues regiment a very stout man was slain upon the place Captain Hill of Sir Hardresse Wallers Regiment slain at the storm Major Reade Colonel Inglesbies Brother and divers other Officers wounded Thursday Septemb. 11. The Prince according to the Articles marched out of the great Fort as also many Ladies and persons of quality who had convoyes appointed them according to agreement In the Prince his marching out the General himself attended him about two miles The Prince after he was out of the Fort declared which way he intended to go and propounded Oxford whither accordingly he and all his company were safely convoyed And because he feared the rising of the Club-men upon him and not being secure enough in his Convoy as he conceived he desired the General to let him have 1000 Arms for his Foot engaging himself upon his honour they should injure no man therewith only to make use of them if need were to keep themselves from the violence of the people and to return them back again which accordingly was allowed him and so many as kept their arms restored them again but the greatest part of them in their march running away many of the arms were lost Divers persons of quality that were in the town desired liberty to stay a while longer till they could provide themselves with Horses and necessaries to march away which civility the General did not deny them A great appearance there was of the Countrey to see the marching away of the Prince and extreamly cryed they out against the Prince Give him no Quarter Give him no Quarter The goodness of God to the Army during this siege in preserving them from the sickness was very remarkable For when the Army was resolved to march from Sherborne to Bristol one main objection there against it at that time was least the plague should be thereby brought into the Army but every mans conscience and judgement being satisfied that the designe was good and most for the advantage of the publick and feazable in their opinion they resolved to trust God what he would do with them as to the sickness that was much spread in those parts And whereas when the Army came before Bristol as likewise for many weeks before there dyed within the City above an hundred a week of the sickness nor could we quarter our forces in any town or village but the sickness was in it Yet during all this time not one Officer or Souldier in our Army dyed of the plague that we could hear of but one What ordnance arms ammunition and provisions we found in the Forts City and Castle I shall give you in the words of Lieutenant-General Cromwels Letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons wherein also the Reader may finde not only a confirmation but an amplification of this Story by some other particulars not yet mentioned which Letter followeth It hath pleased the General to give me in charge to represent unto you a particular account of the taking of Bristol the which I gladly undertake After the finishing of that service at Sherborne it was disputed at a counsell of war whether we should march into the West or to Bristol Amongst other arguments the leaving so considerable an Enemy at our backs to march into the heart of the Kingdom the undoing of the country about Bristol which was exceedingly harassed by the Prince his being but a fortnight thereabouts the correspondency he might hold in Wales the possibility of uniting the enemies forces where they pleased and especially the drawing to an head the disaffected Club-men of Somerset Wilts and Dorset when once our backs were towards them These considerations together with the taking so important a place so advantagious for the opening of Trade to London did sway the ballance and beget that conclusion When we came within four miles of the City we had a new debate Whether we should endeavour to block it up or make a regular Siege The latter being over-ruled Colonel Welden with his Brigade marched to Pile-hill on the south side of the city being within musquet shot thereof where in a few dayes they made a good Quarter overlooking the city Upon our advance the Enemy fired Bedminster Clifton and some other * * Which they did purposely to disaccommodate the Army in point of quarter villages lying neer to the city and would have fired more if our unexpected comming had not hindred The General caused some Horse and Dragoons under Commissary Gen. Ireton to advance over Avon to keep in the Enemy on the North side of the town untill the Foot could come up And after a day the General with Col. Montagues and Col. Rainsboroughs Brigades marched over at Kensham to Stapleton where he quartered that night The next day Colonel Montague having his Post assigned with his Brigade was to secure all between the rivers From Avon he came up to Lawfords Gate within musquet shot thereof Col. Rainsboroughs Post was neer to Durdam Down where the Dragooneers and three Regiments of horse made good a Post upon the Down between him and the river Avon on his right hand and from Colonel Rainsboroughs quarters to From river on his left A part of Col. Birch and Major gen Skippons regiment were to maintain that Post These Posts thus setled our horse were forced to be upon exceeding great duty to stand by the Foot lest the Foot being so weak in all their posts might receive an affront And truly herein we were very happy that we should receive so little losse by Sallies considering the paucity of our men to make good the posts and the strength of the Enemy within By sallies which were three or four I know not that we lost thirty men in all the time of our siege Of Officers of quality only Colonel Okey was taken by mistake going to the Enemy thinking they had been friends and Captain Guilliams slain in a charge We took Sir Bernard Astley and killed Sir Richard Crane one very considerable with the Prince We had a Councel of war concerning the storming of the town about eight dayes before we took it and in that there appeared great unwillingnes to the work through the unseasonablenes of the weather and other apparent difficulties Some inducements to bring us thither was the report of the good affection of the Townsmen to us but that did not answer expectation Upon
a second consideration it was over-ruled for a Storm which no sooner concluded but difficulties were removed and all things seemed to favour the designe And truly there hath been seldome the like cheerfulnesse to any work like to this after it was once resolved on The day and houre of our storm was appointed to be Wednesday morning the 10th about one of the clock We chose to act it so early because we hoped thereby to surprise the Enemy with this resolution also to avoid confusion and falling foul one upon another that when we had recovered the Line and Forts upon it we could not advance further untill day The Generals signal unto storm was the firing of straw and discharging four peece of canon at Priors-hill-fort the signal was very well perceived of all and truly the men went on with great resolution and very presently recovered the Line making way for the Horse to enter Colonel Montague and Colonel Pickering who stormed at Lawfords-gate where was a Double-work well filled with men and canon presently entred and with great resolution beat the Enemy from their works and possessed their canon their expedition was such that they forced the Enemy from their advantages without any considerable loss to themselves They laid down the bridges for the horse to enter Major Desborough commanding the horse who very gallantly seconded the Foot then our Foot advanced to the city wals where they possessed the Gate against the castlestreet whereinto were put an hundred men who made it good Sir Hardresse Waller with his and the Generals Regiment with no lesse resolution entred on the other side of Lawfords-gate towards Avon river and put themselves into an immediate conjunction with the rest of the Brigade During this Colonel Rainsborough and Colonel Hamond attempted Priors-hill-fort and the Line downward towards Froom and the Major-Generals Regiment being to storm towards Froom river Colonel Hamond possessed the Line immediately and beating the Enemy from it made way for the horse to enter Colonel Rainsborough who had the hardest task of all at Priors-hill-fort attempted it and fought neer three houres for it and indeed there was great despair of carrying the place it being exceeding high a ladder of thirty rounds scarce reaching the top thereof but his resolution was such that notwithstanding the inaccessiblenesse and difficulty he would not give it over The Enemy had four peece of canon upon it which they plyed with round and case-shot upon our men his Lieut. colonel Bowen and others were two houres at Push of pike standing upon the Palizadoes but could not enter Colonel Hamond being entred the Line and captain Ireton with a Forlorn of col Rich his Regiment interposing with his horse between the Enemies horse and col Hamond received a shot with two Pistol bullets which brake his arm by which means the entrance of col Hamond did storm the Fort on that part which was inward by which means col Rainsborough and col Hamonds men entred the Fort and immediately put almost all the men in it to the sword And as this was the place of most difficulty so of most losse to us on that side and of very great honour to the undertaker The Horse did second them with great resolution Both these Colonels do acknowledge that their interposition between the enemies Horse and their Foot was a great means of obtaining of this strong Fort without which all the rest of the Line to Froom river would have done us little good And indeed neither Horse nor Foot would have stood in all that way in any manner of security had not the Fort been taken Major Bethels were the first horse that entred the Line who did behave himself gallantly and was shot in the thigh had one or two shot more and had his horse shot under him Colonel Birch with his men and the Major-Generals Regiment entred with very good resolution where their Post was possessing the Enemies guns and turning them upon them By this all the Line from Priors-hill-fort to Avon which was a full mile with all the Forts Ordnance and Bulwarks were possessed by us but one wherein there were about an hundred and twenty men of the Enemy which the General summoned and all the men submitted The success on Colonel Weldens side did not answer with this And although the Colonels and other the Officers and Souldiers both horse and foot testified much resolution as could be expected Col. Welden Col. Inglesby Col. Herbert and the rest of the Colonels and Officers both of horse and foot doing what could be well looked for from men of honour Yet what by reason of the height of the Works which proved higher then report made them and the shortnes of the Ladders they were repulsed with the losse of about an hundred men Col. Fortescue's Lieutenant col was killed Major Cromwel dangerously shot and two of Col. Inglesbies brothers hurt with some Officers Being possessed of thus much as hath been related the Town was fired in three places by the Enemy which we could not put out which begat a great trouble in the General and us all fearing to see so famous a City burnt to ashes before our faces Whilst we were viewing so sad a spectacle and consulting which way to make further advantage of our successe the Prince sent a Trumpet to the General to desire a Treaty for the surrender of the town to which the General agreed and deputed Col. Montague Col. Rainsborough and Col. Pickering for that service authorising them with instructions to treat and conclude the Articles which are these inclosed for performance whereof Hostages were mutually given On Thursday about two of the clock in the afternoon the Prince marched out having a convoy of two Regiments of horse from us and making election of Oxford for the place he would go to which he had liberty to do by his Articles The Canon which we have taken are about 140. mounted about 100 barrels of Powder already come to our hands with a good quantity of Shot Ammunition and Arms we have found already between two and three thousand Muskets The Royal Fort had Victuals in it for one hundred and fifty men for 320 dayes the Castle victualled for neer half so long The Prince had Foot of the garrison as the Major of the city informed me 2500. and about 1000 Horse besides the Trained bands of the town and Auxiliaries 1000. some say 1500. I heare but of one man that hath died of the Plague in all our army although we have quartered amongst and in the midst of infected persons and places We had not killed of ours in this storm nor all this siege two hundred men Thus I have given you a true but not a full account of this great busines wherein he that runs may reade that all this is none other than the work of GOD he must be a very Atheist that doth not acknowledge it It may be thought that some praises are due to
houses of their Husbands or at their Friends as they shall desire and to goe or send to London or elswhere to obtaine the Allowances out of their Husbands or Parents Estates allotted them by Ordinance of Parliament XIX That such of his Majesties Houshold-Servants who shall desire to goe to his Majesty may have free liberty and passes to goe accordingly at any time within one moneth next after the rendring of the garrison And that His Majesties Houshold-stuffe and other his peculiar goods which are now in Oxford may be carried to His Majesties House at Hampton-Court and his Servants under whose charge or custody any of them are shall be allowed and assisted in the procuring of Carts Boates and Carriages for the removal of them thither and there to remaine till His Majesty shall otherwise dispose of them and then to be sent or disposed accordingly And that such of His Majesties Servants who are not able for the present to goe to Him shall have liberty passes and protections to goe to and remaine at his Majesties said House at Hampton-Court and have liberty to attend the Committee for his Majesties Revenue to procure a competent Allowance out of his Majesties Revenues for their subsistence until his Majesty shall otherwise provide for or dispose of them XX. That all Clergy-men now in Oxford who shall not upon composition or otherwise be restored to their Church-livings shall have liberty to goe to London to obtaine some fitting allowance for the livelihood of themselves and their Families XXI That it is Intended Declared and Agreed That all persons comprized within these Articles shall peaceably and quietly enjoy all their Goods Debts and Moveables allowed by these Articles during the space of six moneths after Rendring the Garrison And that they shall be free from all Oaths Engagements and Molestations except an Engagement by promise not to beare Armes against the Parliament nor wilfully do any act prejudicial to their Affaires so long as they remaine in their Quarters And that they shall have liberty within the space of six moneths in case they shall be resolved to goe beyond Seas to dispose of their Goods Debts and Movables allowed by these Articles and depart the Kingdome if they think fit And to have passes for their transportation or otherwise to stay in the Kingdome XXII That if any of these Articles shall in any point be broken or violated by any person or persons in Oxford or cōprized within this capitulation the fault and punishment shall be upon him or them onely who made the breach or violation and shall not be imputed to or charged upon any other not assenting thereunto or not an actor in it XXIII That the Duke of Richmond the Earle of Lindsey and their Servants that came forth with them shall enjoy the benefit of these Articles in whatsoever may concerne them XXIV That the Garrisons of Farringdon shall be rendred to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Governour Gentlemen Souldiers and all other of what quality soever within those Garrisons shall enjoy the benefit of these Articles in every particular which may concerne them they rendring the Garrison accordingly as Oxford XXV That all persons comprizedin these Articles shall upon request have a certificate under the hand of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax or the future Governour of the city That such persons were in the City at the time of the surrender therof and are to have the benefit of these Articles XXVI That the General Sir Thomas Fairfax shall give a Passe to one or two Messengers with their Servants to goe unto the King to give Him an account of the proceedings upon this Treaty and conclusion thereof and to returne and receive the benefit of these Articles On Wednesday the 24. of June the day appointed the Towne was accordingly surrendred The Enemy martched out about twelve of the clock a Guard of our Foot was appointed for them to martch through which extended in length from Saint Clements neer Maudlin-Bridge to Shotover-Hill Our Horse were drawne up into severall Bodies in severall places in the Reare of the Foot There martched out in a Body well Armed with Colours flying and Drums beating about three thousand who had not the least injury or affront offered them in their martch through our men which the Governour Sir Thomas Glenham hath since acknowledged much to the honour of the Army Besides that Body there went forth that day before and after them about five hundred most of them Horse men and private persons engaged in the Siege There likewise martched forth this day at the North gate all those that went to Yorkeshire and Gloucestershire and those parts who had a Convoy for that purpose being a considerable number those that martched forth when Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice went forth on Monday and those that followed them on Tuesday when other Gentlemen of quality left the City were in all about three hundred persons most of them men of quality and their Attendants After his Excellency had possession of the Towne it was the continuall imployment of some to make Passes for those that were yet left behind and not martched out of the Towne with the Body there were above two thousand Passes made after the forementioned Forces were gone as by a particular List of every mans name was reckoned whereof many were Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen of quality the rest Officers and Reformadoes and some Schollers Likewise after his Excellency had the Garrison the three Regiments of Auxiliaries consisting of two thousand men were disbanded and their Armes brought in Those that martched out upon Wednesday about nine hundred of them laid down their Armes when they came to Tame and received Passes to goe to their severall Houses and their Armes were brought into Oxford One thousand one hundred of them listed themselves for Forraigne service There were found in the Magazine seventy Barrels of Powder besides they had two Mils which supplied them daily with Powder There were in the Towne thirty eight pieces of Ordnance whereof twenty six were Brasse For provisions of Victuals by what was found in the Stores and by what was informed they had in the Stores before they sold it to the Townesmen during the Treaty to raise Moneys to pay their Souldiers there was not lesse then six moneths provisions The Souldiers were much discontented and much ado there was to keep them from doing violence to the Lords for no other cause but for being the occasion as they said of delivering up the Towne a fault which alas they could not help the strength of the Works about the Towne was found to be such as resolved it in the minds of all understanding men to be much for the Parliaments service that the town was taken by conditions especially considering what unseasonable weather followed that if the Siege had continued but to the day of surrender we must have been forced to have quit some of our leaguers the fields being
or other Nations it was not without some Jealousie that in them there was some mixture and glosses of Oratory and Art the more to set off and give Lustre to the Acts as Arguments of Emulation for others to follow the Foot-steps of their Vertues but the Actions of your Excellency will adde Lnstre and Beliefe to them being all verified in you And indeed here considering the swift Martches and the Ex peditions in these grand and difficult Attempts which were prosecuted and effected by your Excellency I may say The Almighty came Riding on the Wings of the Wind for these were nothing else but the Magnalia Dei acted in and by you his Instrument It was the Custome of the ancient Romans after a glorious and succesfull Prince to derive his Name to Posterity in memorie of his Vertues as after that great Prince JULIUS CAESAR his Successors retained the Name of CAESARS as AUGUSTUS CAESAR TYBERIUS CAESAR c. Thus hereafter all Famous and Victorious succeeding Generals in this Kingdome if the time shall prove so unfortunate will desire the addition of the Name of FAIR FAX And surely the Honour of the late Lord General was not whiles he lived any way eclipsed by the succession of your Excellency in his Command but rather augmented whiles each retained the brightnesse of his owne Honour having both Rayes enough to enlighten a Kingdome then overset with Clouds and thick darknesse I shall need to say no more but this That the Woâ—ld will admire your Excellencies Worth Posterity will honour your Name and that the whole House of Commons in the Name of the Commons of England doth returne you Thanks for your faithfull and memorable Services the beginning continuance and effect whereof I must solely attribute to the Almighty the Lord of Hosts and Victories But never had JuliusCaesar the honor in those Civil wars when he came to Rome as a Conquerour one poor Metellus confronts him and gives check to his Victory sweld spirit breaking up the Doors of Saturnes Temple Indeed there is a manifest cause of difference Caesar did not plead the Senates cause did not fight for the Roman Liberties The Senate fled when Caesar drew neare but his Excellenciâ—s Warre was the Parliments Peace by his Motion they sat still Happy man may I say of him that is able to Engage Kingdomes and Parliaments in such Respects and Dutyes and happy Kingdome and Parliament also for whose Exstreame and low Condition God Reserves such a chosen Vessell To all which his Excellency made a very modest returne Expressing How much he Esteemad himselfe Honoured by the great Respects of the Houses towards him and that he accounted it his greatest Happinesse under God to be in the least kind Instrumentall for theirs and the Kingdomes good So great was the benefit and Obligation of his Excellencies Services that the Lord Major and Aldermen in their owne and Cities interest feeling the same particularly could not discharge themselves in their Consciences to acknowledge to their General in their representive the Commons of England but on the Tuesday following came with a Train of Coaches to his Excellencies house in the name and on the behalfe of the City to render Thanks unto him by whose watchfulnesse this famous City so much longed for by the Enemy was preserved from being sackt and plundered as well as the Kingdome recovered Master Glyn the Recorder was their Mouth to this effect SIR I Am to declare unto you in the behalf of ihe Lord Major and the whole City that they in the first place blesse Almighty God for the great Victories and Successes wherewith it hath pleased God to Crowne your faithfull Endeavours And next they give your Excellency hearty Thanks for your great and incomparable Services whereby you have setled the City and whole Kingdome in so peaceable a Condition as it is at this day To which his Excellency gave a very modest Reply in way of Thankfulnesse for that Visit and the Respects of the City towards him And in close the Recorder further gave his Excellency to understand That the City intended very shortly to make a further acknowledgment of their Thankfulnesse and to give a greater Testimony of the high Esteeem tâ—ey had of his Excellency month December 1646 And thus I have brought his Excellency to Towne and here I could be glad to leave him Pacem te possimus omnes but I must carry him Forth againe but 't is not to War nor Battell 't is to discharge Armies and Souldiers that England may if it be the Will of God be a quiet Habitation againe and the noyse of War not heard in it His Excencellency had not long staid at London but he was Ordered to provide a Convoy to goe with the two hundred thousand pounds for the Scottish Army upon their martching out of England His Excellency living more to the Publick Service and Commonalty then his owne Ease or Accommodation On Thursday Decemb. 18. went from London towards Northampton having before ordered most of his Forces to advance to those parts and appointed three Regiments of Horse viz. Colonel Sir Robert Pye's Colonel Grave's and Colonel Rossiter's and three Regiments of Foot viz. Major-General Skippon's Colonel Lilburnes and Colonel Sir Hardresse Waller's to martch under the command of Major-General Skippon as a Convoy to the said Money to Newcastle upon Tyne a tedious Winter martch being neer two hundred miles from the place where some of them received the Money yet the better to be undergone when it ends not in fighting as many tedious Martches of this Army have done And thus you have an account of six Regiments how they are disposed the rest of the Army I leave in their Quarters to practice Saint John Baptists Lesson Doe violence to no man and be content with your Wages And would to God I might here set Finis to our English Troubles as well as to this History Times and Issues are in the Hand of God we cannot know what is to come let us look over and recount with thankfulnesse what God hath done for us who for his Works sake among us is glorious in the Eyes of all Nations yea in the Consciences of our Enemies who cannot but confesse our Rock is not as their Rock if he be not glorious in our Eyes t is the least can be said his Mercies have been ill bestowed upon us It may be expected here I should conclude with a Panegyrick of the Army and a Paraenetick to the Kingdome to Love and Honour them but me thinks there should be no need of that the whole Story proclaimes their Worth and Merit their Name is Engraven by God himselfe as with the Poynt of a Dyamond on the Gates and Wals of many of our chiefe Places Yea they have Sown a Name to themselves in the Earth and Watered it with their Blood in many places of this Kingdome and if all those great Works God hath done for the Kingdome by them have not