putting his Army in order either there to receive us or to come to us to engage us upon the ground we stood whilst the General was thus observing the countenance of the Enemy directions were given to put the Army into such a posture as that if the Enemy came on we might take the advantage of our ground and be in readinesse to receive him or if not that we might advance towards him And whilest these things were in consultation and action the Enemies Army which before was the greatest part of it out of our view by reason of the Hill that interposed we saw plainly advancing in order towards us and the winde blowing somewhat Westwardly by the Enemies advance so much on their right hand it was evident that he designed to get the winde of us which occasioned the General to draw down into a large fallow field on the Northwest side of Naseby flanked on the left hand with a hedge which was a convenient place for us to fight the Enemy in And indeed seeing his resolution to advance upon us we took the best advantage we could of the ground possessing the ledge of a Hill running from East to West upon which our Army being drawn up fronted towards the Enemy But considering it might be of advantage to us to draw up our Army out of sight of the Enemy who marched upon a plain ground towards us we retreated about an 100 paces from the ledge of the Hill that so the Enemy might not perceive in what form our battell was drawn nor see any confusion therein and yet we to see the form of their battell to which we could conform our selves for advantages and recover the advantage of the Hill when we pleased which accordingly we did The Enemy perceiving this retreat thought as since they have confessed we were drawing off to avoid fighting and just then it was brought to the King that our Army was flying to Northhampton which did occasion them the more to precipitate for they made so much haste that they left many of their Ordnance behinde them The General together with the Major-General put the severall Brigades of Foot into order having committed the Ordering of the Horse to Lieutenant-General Cromwel who did obtain from the General That seeing the Horse were neere 6000. and were to bee fought in two wings His Excellency would please to make Col. Ireton Commissary gen of horse and appoint him to command the Left wing that day the command of the Right wing being as much as the Lieutenant-General could apply himself unto Which being granted by the General the Lieutenant-General assigned him five Regiments of Horse a Division of 200 Horse of the Association for that Wing and the Dragoons to line the forementioned hedge to prevent the enemy from annoying the Left flank of the Army In the mean time the Lieutenant-General having sixe Regiments of Horse with him for the Right wing disposed them according as the place gave leave And the form of the whole Battail you have here inserted Upon the Enemies approach the Parliaments army marcht up to the brow of the hill having placed a Forlorn of Foot musquetiers consisting of about 300. down the steep of the hill towards the enemy somewhat more then Carbine shot from the Main battail who were ordered to retreat to the battail whensoever they should be hard pressed upon by the Enemy The Enemy this while marched up in good order a swift march with a great deal of gallantry and resolution according to the form here inserted It is hard to say whether Wing of our Horse charged first But the Lieutenant-General not thinking it fit to stand and receive the Enemies charge advanced forward with the Right wing of the Horse in the same order wherein it was placed Our Word that day was God our strength Their Word was Queen Mary Colonel Whaley being the left hand on the right wing charged first two Divisions of Langdales Horse who made a very gallant resistance and firing at a very close charge they came to the sword wherein Col. Whaley's Divisions routed those two Divisions of Langdales driving them back to Prince Ruperts Regiment being the Reserve of the enemies Foot whither indeed they fled for shelter and rallied the Reserves to Colonel Whaley were ordered to second him which they performed with a great deal of resolution In the mean time the rest of the Divisions of the Right wing being straightned by Furzes on the right hand advanced with great difficulty as also by reason of the uneavennesse of the ground and a Cony-warren over which they were to march which put them somewhat out of their order in their advance Notwithstanding which difficulty they came up to the engaging the residue of the Enemies horse on the left wing whom they routed and put into great confusion not one body of the enemies horse which they charged but they routed and forced to flie beyond all their Foot except some that were for a time sheltred by the Brigade of Foot before mentioned Colonel Rossiter who with his Regiment was just come into the field as the Armies were ready to close was edg'd in upon the right flank of the right wing of horse time not permitting a more fitting and equal disposal of him whose timely comming according to his Orders gave him opportunity of such gallant performance in the battel as deserves an honourable mentioning The Horse of the enemies Left wing being thus beaten from their Foot retreated back about a quarter of a mile beyond the place where the battail was fought The successe of our Main battail was not answerably The right hand of the Foot being the Generals Regiment stood not being much pressed upon Almost all the rest of the main Battail being overpressed gave ground and went off in some disorder falling behinde the Reserves But the Colonels and Officers doing the duty of very gallant Men in endeavouring to keep their men from disorder and finding their attempt fruitless therein fell into the Reserves with their Colours choosing rather there to fight and die then to quit the ground they stood on The Reserves advancing commanded by Col. Rainsborough Col. Hammond and Lieut. col Pride repelled the Enemy forcing them to a disorderly retreat Thus much being said of the Right wing and the main battail it comes next in order that an account be given of the Left wing of our Horse Upon the approach of the Enemies Right wing of Horse our Left wing drawing down the brow of the hill to meet them the Enemy comming on fast suddenly made a stand as if they had not expected us in so ready a posture Ours seeing them stand made a little stand also partly by reason of some disadvantage of the ground and untill the rest of the Divisions of Horse might recover their stations Upon that the Enemy advanced again whereupon our Left wing sounded a Charge and fell upon them The three right hand Divisions of our Left
wing made the first onset and those Divisions of the enemy opposite to them received the Charge thetwo left hand Divisions of the Left wing did not advance equally but being more backward the opposite Divisions of the Enemy advanced upon them Of the three right hand Divisions before mentioned which advanced the middlemost charged not home the other two coâ—…ing to a close Charge routed the two opposite Divisions of the Enemy And the Commissary Generall seeing one of the enemies Brigades of Foot on his right hand pressing sore upon our Foot commanded the Division that was with him to charge that Body of Foot and for their better encouragement he himself with great resolution fell in amongst the Musquetiers where his horse being shot under him and himself run through the thigh with a Pike and into the face with an Halbert was taken prisoner by the enemy untill afterwards when the battell turning and the enemy in great distraction he had an happy opportunity to offer his Keeper his liberty if he would carry him off which was performed on both parts accordingly That Division of the enemies which was between which the other Division of ours should have charged was carried away in the disorder of the other two the one of those right hand Divisions of our Left wing that did rout the front of the enemy charged the Reserve too and broke them the other Reserves of the enemy came on and broke those Divisions of ours that charged them the Divisions of the left hand of the right wing were likewise overborn having much disadvantage by reason of pits of water and other pieces of ditches that they expected not which hindred them in their order to Charge The enemy having thus worsted our left wing pursued their advantage and Prince Rupert himself having prosecuted his successe upon the left wing almost to Naseby town in his return summoned the Train offering them quarter which being well defended with the Fire-locks and a Rear-guard left for that purpose who fired with admirable courage on the Princes horse refusing to hearken to his offer and the Prince probably perceiving by that time the successe of our Right wing of Horse he retreated in great haste to the rescue of the Kings Army which he found in such a general distresse that instead of attempting any thing in the rescue of them being close followed in the Rear by some of Commissary Generals Col. Riches Col. Fleetwoods Major Huntingtons and Col. Butlers horse he made up further untill he came to the ground where the King was rallying the broken horse of his Left wing and there joyned with them and made a stand To return again to our right wing which prosecuting their success by this time had beaten all the enemies horse quite behinde their foot which when they had accomplished the remaining business was with part to keep the enemies horse from coming to the rescue of their foot which were now all at mercy except one Tertia which with the other part of the horse we endeavoured to break but could not they standing with incredible courage resolution although we attempted them in the Flanks Front and Rear untill such time as the General called up his own Regiment of foot the Lieut. General being likewise hastening of them which immediately fell in with them with But-end of Muskets the General charging them at the same time with horse and so broke them The enemy had now nothing left in the Field but his horse with whom was the King himself which they had put again into as good order as the shortnesse of their time and our near pressing upon them would permit Charging in person the Blew Regimt. which kept to their Armes so stoutly The Generall whom God preserved in many hazardous ingagements of his person that day seeing them in that order and our whole Army saving some Bodies of horse which faced the enemy being busied in the execution upon the foot and taking and securing prisoners endeavoured to put the Army again into as good order as they could receive to the perfecting of the work that remained Our foot were somewhat more then a quarter of a mile behinde the horse and although there wanted no courage nor resolution in the horse themselves alone to have charged the enemy yet forasmuch as it was not judged fit to put any thing to hazard the businesse being brought through the goodnesse of God to so hopefull an issue It was ordered our horse should not charge the enemy untill the foot were come up for by this time our foot that were disordered upon the first Charge being in shorter time then is well imaginable rallyed again were comming up upon a fast march to joyn with our horse who were again put into two wings within Carbine shot of the enemy leaving a wide space for the battail of foot to fall in whereby there was framed as it were in a trice a second good Batalia at the latter end of the day which the enemy perceiving and that if they stood they must expect a second Charge from our Horse Foot and Artillery they having lost all their Foot and Guns before and our Dragoons having already begun to fire upon their horse they not willing to abide a second shock upon so great disadvantage as this was like to be immediatly ran away both Fronts and Reserves without standing one stroke more Our horse had the Chase of them from that place within two miles of Leicester being the space of fourteen miles took many prisoners and had the execution of them all that way The number of the slain we had not a certain account of by reason of the prosecution of our Victory and speedy advance to the reducing of Leicester the prisoners taken in the field were about five thousand whereof were six Colonels eight Lieut. Colonels eighteen Majors seventy Captains eighty Leiutenants eighty Ensignes two hundred other inferiour Officers besides the Kings Footmen and houshold servants the rest common Souldiers four thousand five hundred The enemy lost very gallant men and indeed their foot commanded by the Lord Astley were not wanting in courage the whole booty of the Field fell to the Souldier which was very rich and considerable there being amongst it besides the riches of the Court and Officers the rich plunder of Leicester Their Train of Artillery was taken all their Ordnance being brasse Guns whereof two were Demi-Canon besides two Morter-pieces the enemy got away not one Carriage eight thousand Arms and more forty Barrels of powder two hundred horse with their riders the Kings Colours the Duke of Yorks Standard and six of his Colours four of the Queens white Colours with double Crosses on each of them and near one hundred other Colours both of horse and foot the Kings Cabinet the Kings Sumpter many Coaches with store of wealth in them It was not the least mercy in this Victory that the Cabinet Letters which discover so much to satisfie
Dragoons then upon the field to be mustered and recruited as of the New-Model to march under his Command into Oxfordshire forthwith not staying at all either for Pay or Recruits And here also being the first mention of this worthy Commander I must crave leave to digresse a little to present the world with some more particular notion of him whose name they will so often meet with throughout this story and whose actions wil best represent him as in other stories so in the sequel of this section 5 A digression upon occasion of the first mention of Lieut. Gen. Cromwell This Gentleman a Member of the House of Commons long famous for godlinesse and zeale to his countrey of great note for his service in the House accepted of a Commission at the very beginning of this War wherein he served his Country faithfully and it was observed GOD was with him and he began to be renowned insomuch that men found that the narrow room whereunto his first imployments had confin'd their thoughts must be enlarged to an expectation of greater things and higher imployments whereunto divine providence had designed him for the good of this Kingdom When the time therefore drew near that He as the rest had done should lay down his Commission upon a new Ordinance The House considering how God had blessed their affairs under his hand thought fit to dispence with his absence from the House And therefore as they were in the first place happy in a General they resolved in the next place to make themselves and their General further happy in a Lieutenant-Generall section 6 Lieut. Gen. Cromwel in action at Islip-bridge To return therefore from whence I digrest Lieutenant-General Cromwel having received the fore-specified commands from the General marched immediately found the Enemy and engaged them neer Islip-bridge the Enemies Brigade consisted of the Queen's Colonel Wilmot's the Earl of Northampton's and Colonel Palmer's Regiments of horse routed them slew many took about 500 horse 200 prisoners whereof many Officers and Gentlemen of quality and as an ill Omen of her Majesties designes against this Army the Queens Standard section 7 Improving his successe there to the reduceing of Blechingdon house The Lieutenant-General not resting satisfied with this victory pursued the enemy lodged most of the remains of the rout in Blechingdon-house where Colonel Windebank kept garison for the King he faced the house with Horse and Dragoons summoned the Governour with a sharp Message our Souldiers casting out words for the Foot to fall on as if there had been Foot in readines the answer was required to be instantly given or else he must expect the greatest severity that the souldiers could use towards him The Governour having no intelligence of or else doubting relief from Oxford rendred the house with all the arms and ammunition therein Thus God was with out New-Model or rather a branch of it and declared himself so to be betimes The King himself confesseth in his letter to H. Iermyn April 30. 1645. that this blow did much change the face of his affairs Which was by the Enemy esteemed of such evil consequence to their affairs and so great an affront in regard it was done by the New-Nodel as they scornfully termed this Army that they could not tell which way to redeem their honours but by calling the Governour to a Councel of war whom for delivering the house they condemned to be shot to death Much means was used for the sparing his life but notwithstanding the great interest Secretary Windebank his Father had at Court for the great service he had done the Church of Rome they could not prevaile for a pardon so high they accounted his offence only a reprieve for a few dayes and shortly after the Governour was shot to death and his brother a Lieutenant-Colonel laid down his Commission thereupon section 8 The former successes improved to a further advantage at Bampton Bush No sooner was the Lieutenant-Generall possessed of the house but he sent away the Arms and Ammunition to Alisbury and quit the house as not advantageious to our affairs nor indeed having Foot with him to put into the house only a few Dragoons which he could not spare from his other designes The Enemy a few dayes after this sent from Oxford about 350 Foot under the command of Sir William Vaughan towards Radcot-bridge The Lieutenant-Generall marching privately towards Witney and having intelligence thereof pursued them forced them into Bampton-bush where Sir William Vaughan Lieut. Colonel Littleton divers Officers and about 200 prisoners with their arms and ammunition were taken A piece of good service done by Col. Iohn Fiennes Moreover the Lieutenant-Generall having in his March notice of some of the Enemies horse which had a few houres before crossed his way he sent Colonel Iohn Fiennes with a party after them who fell upon them and took about 150 Horse 3 Colours 40 Prisoners and 50 Arms. The Lieutenant-Generall in the mean time marched over the river towards Faringdon having dispatcht his prisoners away with a Convoy to Abingdon consulting with the Officers of what advantage it would be to reduce that Garison of Faringdon wherein they did readily concurre but having no Foot to effect the same he sent to Abingdon to Major-General Brown for the assistance of some Foot who according to his wonted readines to promote the publike service very readily sent about 5 or 600. wherewith the place was attempted but without successe and after the expence of about 14 men upon it the designe was given over Rupert and Maurice sent for The losses the King sustained whilest these Forces hovered thus up and down affronted them under their walls so perplexed them at Oxford that His Majesty sent for Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice with all the Forces they had to come to Oxford the better to enable His Majesty to march out into the field and for more security Gen. Goring was also sent to for that purpose out of the West CHAP. III. The General with the Army marching into the West Vpon afteradvice recalled and a Party only sent to Taunton Their good successe in the relief of Taunton Lieutenant-Generall Cromwel defending his Quarters against Goring The Army now raised where to be disposed is controverted AND now by this time the Army was well nigh raised Whither they should first bend was taken into consideration Oxford and the West are put into the scales of competition Oxford besides that it was the head-quarter and garison and lodged all the Kings Ordnance and Artillery that he was to draw forth into the field which now to surprise or at least to prevent the drawing of them forth was held very councellable as that that was likeliest to hinder the Kings taking the field Represents it self also in other respects to be first considered as being a Midland garison in the heart of the Kingdome where to suffer an Enemy is most mischievous
Regiments of Foot viz. Colonel Welden's Colonel Fortescue's Colonel Floyd's and Colonel Inglesby's commanded by Colonel Welden as eldest Colonel unto whom six Companies of Foot belonging to the garrison of Chichester joyned themselves about Dorchester and as many Colours from Lime after that in all 4 or 5000 Foot besides a body of Horse of 1800 or 2000 consisting of Colonel Graves his Regiment Colonel Cooks Colonel Pophams Colonel Fitz-Iames and the Plimouth Regiment All which Horse and Foot were well combined in mutuall love to each other and common resolution against the Enemy They march'd without any stop or stay till they came within a dayes march of Taunton near enough to raise the siege The Enemy mistaking that Brigade by a happy Synecdoch of a part for the whole as it proved by the good providence of God giving that Brigade the repute of the whole Army as appeared after by a Letter from Colonel Iohn Digby wherein he much laments his unhappiness in being informed that Fairfax with his whole Army was advanced from Blandford to the relief of Taunton when it proved but a part there being double the strength before the Town sufficient in his opinion to fight our party and make good the siege Neither was this intelligence of his altogether without ground or appearance at least For the General with his whole Army did advance out of Blandford towards Dorchester as if the whole had been for Taunton But after some stay at the Rendezvouz the General wheeled about Eastward and parted with that Brigade who marched on towards Taunton But whether this were a fegined excuse of Digby or a reall truth this we are sure the Enemy drew off the siege upon their advance so near and that in great disorder leaving many arms behinde them and cut down many trees to barracado the wayes lest we should fall upon their rear And so Colonel Welden had a fair passage to the town which he entred May 14. to no lesse joy to the Besieged then discomfort to the Enemy section 4 Some remarkable passages of the relief of Taunton The main passages of and particulars relating to this expedition and action are briefly these When the Brigade came within ten miles of Taunton having the advantage of the hills they gave them a Peale of their Artillery ten Peeces being discharged to give them notice of their being advanced within that number of miles having before by their Spies prepared them with the meaning of that signal Notwithstanding they were frustrated in their end By reason that some few dayes before the Enemy divided themselves one party of their horse and foot with some peeces of cannon skirmishing with the other in sight of the town but only with powder to make the Town believe as they gave out that the Parliaments forces who were comming to relieve them were there encountred and beaten hoping by this stratagem to have drawn a Party out of the Town to their friends succour and so to have cut them off by an ambuscado But God turned this wisdome of the enemy into foolishnesse the besieged kept close to their works the Enemies returning from their mock-chase fell to firing the Town with their granadoes and mortar-peeces whereby two long streets of the town of fair buildings were burnt to the ground and withall they stormed most furiously But they met with a gallant Commander in chief Col. Blake as valiant Souldiers that gave them such showres of Lead as filled the Trenches with their dead carkases And that which adds to the mercy the Town in all from the beginning to the raising of the siege had not lost 200 men Towards evening a party of horse were sent who approached to the very works for the Enemy had drawn off their guns and their Rear was upon their march And the Town thereupon being confirmed of the approach of their friends to their relief sallied out and fell upon the rear of the Enemy killed some and took others prisoners The whole Body marcht to Pitminster within two miles of the town took up their quarters in the fields and on Monday morning Col. Welden with the Officers went to Taunton where they found a sad spectacle of a flourishing town almost ruined by fire and the people nigh famished for want of food And gave order for the whole Brigade to retreat back to Chard where they quartered on Saturday and the 14. was the first dayes rest they had from their first motion Westward Thus Taunton happily and seasonably relieved is a good Earnest of the prosperous successe of this Army in after-actions CHAP. IV. The Army imployed to besiege Oxford How far they proceeded therein Severall Garisons thereabouts besieged and some taken The losse of Leicester and the Discontents and Discouragements that ensued thereon VVith a modest enquiry into the cause of our low condition at that time THe General in the mean while was a good part of his way back marching through inclosures avoiding the Champion-way in regard he had not many Horse if he should meet with Gorings Horse who were upon their retreat from Oxford into the West By the 14. of May they attained Newbury In their march besides exemplary justice done upon a rude Souldier as upon two before in their march towards the West and other things of particular note there was one passage of great wisdome and condiscension in the General very remarkable A pattern for Generals viz. That when the duty became so hard to some of the Regiments as each other day to bring up the Rear the Generals own Regiment claiming a priviledge to march alwayes in the Van which was convenient now to be waved for the relief of the rest but they being unwilling thereunto the Gen. in stead of severe discipline alighted himself and marched on foot in the head of his Regiment about two miles and so brought up the Rear and to this day his own Regiment takes the turn upon all duties A thing if rightly considered nothing to their dishonour if it were to outvie others to do service and redounding much to the good and good successe of an Army there being not any one thing that more frequently and certainly breeds distempers and causes mutinies in an Army then claiming of priviledges and insisting thereon in time of service section 2 His Excellency returned imployed to block up Oxford The Army thus arrived at Newbury rested there a day or two which was a great refreshment to the Foot sore gauled with a hard and tedious march to and fro having had but one dayes rest in fourteen dayes march What was the designe of calling them back or which way they should now be imployed they were yet ignorant till the second day when the Generall received an Expresse from the Committee of both Kingdomes to advance to Oxford to lay close siege to it which was no more disputed then the former commands at Blandford but forthwith obeyed how much soever it was
against his own opinion Lieut. General Cromwel and Major-general Brown called from attending the Kings motions to assist against Oxford Lieutenant-General Cromwel and Major-General Brown who followed the King and attended his motions with a party of Horse and Foot were recalled to joyn with the Forces his Excellency had brought back with him from the West wherein it was conceived that they might do better service for that they alone were too weak by far to engage with the Kings forces as by their Letter they signified to the Committee of both Kingdomes and as was obvious to every man the Kings army being grown to that strength as that they thought themselves enough as indeed they were especially for Horse wherein we fell short of them to fight his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax his whole Army Only a party of 2500 Horse and Dragoons being part of the force with Lieutenant-General Cromwel and belonging to this Army were sent under the command of Colonel Vermuden to joyn with the Scots Lieutenant gen Cromwel being for I know not what reason not so acceptable to their Army to enable them the better to attend the Kings motions and check his enterprises to which they were designed His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax according to his Orders marches towards Oxford and in order to a siege sends for so much of the Train and Ammunition as was left at Windsor at their first marching forth and called a Councel of War to consider what other provision was necessary which they sent to the Parliament to speed down Lieut. general Cromwel was come back to them their quarters setled a bridge made over the river they lay 15 dayes before the town but the requisites to a close siege were not come up to them nor neer them till Iune 3. the day before they received Orders to rise from before the Town which Orders were well received by the Army who did not conceive themselves secure nor sufficient for such an undertaking while that the King was unattended in the field as was at large represented by the Generall to the Committee of both Kingdoms And in that respect because they looked upon this designe against Oxford as unlikely to prove successefull they thought not good to summon the Town during their lying before it by which means they were secured that they might rise from before it with the indempnity of their reputation section 3 The action of our Army while they lay before Oxford Nor did any great action in relation to that place happen all the while they lay there save that at their first drawing neer it from Newnham a party of horse were sent forth towards Oxford under the command of Adjutant-General Fleming who met a party of the Enemies horse and foot routed their horse being commanded by Capt. Gardiner and took prisoners about 200 Foot which served as a good means and provision for the release of a Foot-guard consisting of 100 men who afterwards neer their rising from before Oxford much through their own negligence timely to retreat to a place of security as they might were by a sally of the Enemy early in the morning surprised twelve of them slain the rest taken but the next day released upon exchange of the like number of those whom we had taken as before and sent to Abingdon Moreover upon the General 's viewing the Works on the North-east side of Oxford the Enemy set a Mill on fire and also quit the garison of Godstow neer Wolvercot and set it on fire but some of Colonel Sheffields horse came in seasonably quenched the fire and preserved the Powder and Ammunition in the house and took the Governour and some others in their flight towards Oxford prisoners section 4 Bostol-house besieged May 24. The General rode to view Bostol garison and some few dayes after sent a Party to besiege it Adjutant Gen. Fleming was there engaged in a single encounter shot his enemy yet received a wound himself conceived then to be mortal but of which he afterwards recovered section 5 Gaunt-house besieged May 31. The General viewed the garison of Gaunt-house sent Col. Rainsborow with a party of Foot and some Horse to besiege it who battered it sore all that day but by reason of the Moat the accesse was ill to it The Governour was summoned to deliver it but he returned a positive denial adding further That he liked not Windebanks law til the next day Iune 1. when Col. Rainsborow being prepared and ready to fall on to storm having provided carts and all things necessary the Governour perceiving the same sounded a parley waving the consideration he insisted on the day before and surrendred the house with all the arms and ammunition therein upon quarter for himself his souldiers * Here we received the news of the taking of Evesham by Col. Massey A seasonable and good service About this time came news of a remarkable passage in Gen. Gorings army in the West which as will afterwards appear hath been their lot to happen among them more then once Namely a hot skirmish which one party of his horse had with another party of his own horse neer Crookhorn thinking they had been ours For indeed a party of horse of Col. Weldens Brigade were then within a mile of them at Hinton St. George in which skirmish many of the Enemy were slain both Officers and Souldiers by one another and that party of their horse that was routed fled as far as Bath giving a hot alarm as they went which for the present put them in some distraction Providence had ordained this accident as an advantage for that party of our Horse who otherwise might have been endangered by the sudden advance of the Enemies forces in their retreat from Pederton to Taunton The Inhabitants thereabouts confirmed the truth of this accident when the Army marched the second time to relieve Taunton and had a rendezvouz on the same place where this skirmish was besides many of the enemy have since confessed the same And upon the heels of this good Newes viz. May 29. came two parcels of lesse pleasing Intelligence The one of the Kings advance from the relieving of Chester towards Leicester and the Association and of the Scots army being gone towards Westmerland who we had thought had attended the motions of the King The other out of the West viz. That General Goring Sir Ralph Hopton and Sir Richard Grenvile had joyned all their Forces together and distressed Col. Weldens Brigade in a manner besieging them close in Taunton And on the first of Iune a third and more sad peece then either viz. Of the Kings taking of Leicester by storm of the cruel usage of many of the Inhabitants the particulars whereof are too tedious here to mention only thus in brief section 7 A briefe account of the losse of Leicester On Tuesday at noon a Summons was sent by Prince Rupert to the Souldiers Towns-men and
Countrey-men wherein Quarter was offered to the whole Town Whereupon the Committee called together all the Commanders and read the Summons unto them and upon debate it was resolved to take the next morning to give an Answer But the Trumpeter was no sooner arrived at the Kings army with this desire but the a Drum was presently dispatched to demand a resolution of the Summons within a quarter of an houre which while they were debating at a Common-hall before any could expresse themselves the Kings cannon from the Battery played and all were commanded to repair to their charge which was done with much courage and resolution And now both sides plyed each other with Cannon and Musquet shot as fast as they could charge and discharge and so continued all day and all night at which time the Enemy prepared to storm at six or seven places At the Newark breach was the fiercest assault the Enemy there comming to push of pike amongst the rest Colonel St. George in a bravery came up to the cannon and was by it shattered into small pieces and with him many more for after the manner of the Turks the Horse forced on the Foot to fight who being played upon by the Musquetires were many of them slaughtered About three of the clock on Saturday was the Town entred the Enemy put many to the sword at their first entrance and dealt also extreme cruelly with the Town plundering all they had and putting many to great ransomes when they had taken away all their monies and gâ—ods There was buried of the Enemy in Leicester 709. as hath been collected by the burials there besides those that have died of hurts since there was above 100. of the Town souldiers slain section 8 The sad posture of our affairs at that time when Leicester was lâ—st discourst upon Vpon the losse of Leicester many discourses were raised each one venting his discontent according as passion byassed his affections Great was the discouragement of the Parliaments friends and as great was the confidence of the Enemy in so much that soon after viz June 8. the King himself in his Letter to the Queen used this expression I may without being too much sanguine affirme That since this Rebellion my affairs were never in so hopefull away But what 's the matrer Was there no Balme in Gilead Was there no Physitian there Had England no Army then Nay had they not two armies to the Enemies one had they not an army of our Brethren the Scots that had Wintred then in the Kingdom consisting of 21000. Had they not a New Model newly raised How fell we then into this low condition I shall endeavour to give a brief account of that business in its relation to this army As it often fals out that the Sun at its first rising is clouded with some smal Mist which after it hath once broken through ensueth a most fair and glorious day So this new army at its first going out seemed to be a little darkned by the sitting down and after rising from before Oxford the Kings increasing his forces and strength in the field and the losse of Leicester And these Vapours gathered into such a Cloud as that they did not a little obscure the first motions of that Army at least the Counsels and Counsellours whereby it was conducted and not so only but portended to its enemies a joyfull to its friends and favourers a sad prognostick of a sore storm ready to poure down upon them which they could not have avoyded but that through the mercifull disposition of the all-seeing GOD privy to the integrity of good mens hearts and actions the victorious Beams of this Rising Sun brake forth so gloriously at Naseby field ithath run its course ever since with such a constant lustre and brightnesse not so much as one Cloud passing over it that it hath dazeled the eyes of all the beholders and turned the scorn of its enemies into bitter envie and their choler into deep and inveterate hatred But how and from whence this Mist arose in the morning of this new Army I now come to shew month June 1645 His Excellencie with the greater part of his Army being recalled and returned out of the West the question then was Whether he should pursue the first designe of besieging Oxford or whether he should follow the King who seemed to bend Northwards On the one side it was considered that the Parliament had in their pay a great Army in the North of 21000 horse and foot of our brethren of Scotland That there were considerable Forces in Lancashire and Cheshire under Sir Will. Brereton which held Chester straitly besieged That in Staffordshire Derbyshire Yorkshire Nottinghamshire Lincolnshire there were also very considerable Forces which might joyn with the Scotish army if there were need and were commanded so to do in case the King marched Northwards besides the party of 2500 Horse and Dragoons under Col. Vermuden which were appointed to joyn with the Scotish army because they seemed only to want a due proportion of horse to engage with the Kings army and upon the appointment of them to that service the Commissioners of Scotland wrote to his Excellency the Earl of Leven to advance and the Committee of both Kingdomes ordered Col. Vermuden with his party to march into Derbyshire to joyn with them which accordingly he did and came to the rendezvouz at the time appointed This provision was held sufficient and more then sufficient in case the King should move Northward not only to check him in any enterprise upon the Towns of the Parliament or relief of Chester Pomfract or Scarborough which were then besieged but also to fight with him to the best advantage if need so required On the other side in case the King should have moved Southward or Westward his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax lying before Oxford was in the most convenient Post to fight with him and to hinder his designes whereby it may appear to him that considers it that our Forces were so disposed by providence at this time that the King had a sufficient Army both before and behinde him to fight with him and as great if not greater then those that after beat and wholly overthrew his Army at Naseby So that a designe could hardly have been laid to greater advantage yet it took not effect for that the Army designed to attend the Kings motions did not advance according to order but instead of marching Southward returned back into Westmerland Sir William Brereton fearing the approach of the Kings Army and seeing no Army ready at hand to balance it raised the siege of Westchester whereupon the King seeing the work done to his hand marched to Leicester and took it also there being no Army to check or controll him CHAP. V. The Army commanded to rise from before Oxford Their severall Marches till the Battel at Naseby with all the particulars thereof fully related VPon the sad news of
their horses all at grasse having not the least knowledge of our advance and being in the greatest security that could be but the alarum was so quickly taken through all their quarters that our Foot being somewhat behind and night approaching it was not thought wisdome to make any further attempt About twelve that night the General took horse and rode about both the Horse and Foot guards till four in the morning expecting the Enemy would have shewn some gallantry that night and fallen upon some of his quarters as he had hindred them in their sport at hunting the day before In the very entrance whereof this hard condition befell the General himself That having forgot the Word he was stopped at the first Guard and requiring the Souldier that stood Sentinel to give it him he refused to do it telling him he was to demand the Word from all that past him but to give it to none and so made the General stand in the wet till he sent for the Captain of the guard to receive his commission to give the General the word In such subjection are the Highest to those lawes that â—rst derived their sanction and authority in great part from themselves and in the end the Souldier was rewarded for his duty and carefulnesse as it was interpreted As the General was riding in the morning about three of the clock within a mile and half of Flowre where the Enemy kept an horse-guard He could discern the Enemy riding fast over Burrough-hill to make fires in abundance as if they were firing their Huts which gave some cause to believe they were about to march as indeed it proved afterwards For About five in the morning Iune 13. the General being returned to the head-quarter the Scoutmaster gen Watson whose continued diligence in getting timely intelligence of the Enemies motion then and alwayes redounded not a little to the enablement of the Army brought him certain notice that the Enemy was drawing off from Burrough-hill had stood in arms all night and were all amazed that our Army was so neer it being spread abroad in their army we were gone for security into the Association And four or five more of the Spies came one after another confirming the same intelligence adding further that most of their carriages were drawn from Burrough-hill towards Harborough And indeed the Convoy of horse being returned from Oxford the night before and this unexpected march of the Army close up to them being in a manner a surprise of them caused them speedily to resolve upon their forementioned march towards Pomfract either judging the Army would not follow them or if they did they should be able to fight us at more advantage after they had drawn us further Northward About six of the clock in the morning a Councel of War was called to consider what attempt to make upon he Enemy In the middest of the debate came in Lieutenant-General Cromwel out of the Association with 600 Horse and Dragoons who was with the greatest joy received by the General and the whole army Instantly orders were given for Drums to beat Trumpets to sound to horse and all our army to draw to a rendezvouz from whence a good party of Horse were sent towards Daventry under the command of Major Harrison of whose continued fidelity the Publique hath had sufficient testimony to bring further intelligence of the Enemies motion and another strong party of Horse was sent under under the command of Colonel Ireton to fall upon the flank of the Enemy if he saw cause and the main body of our Army marched to flank the Enemy in the way to Harborough and came that night to Gilling the Countrey much rejoycing at our comming having been miserably plundered by the Enemy and some having had their children taken from them and sold before their faces to the Irish of that Army whom the parents were enforced to redeem with the price of money That evening we understood that the Van of the Enemies army was at Harborough the Rear within two miles of Naseby and no sooner was the General got to his quarters but tidings was brought him of the good service done by Colonel Ireton in falling into the Enemies quarters which they had newly taken up in Naseby Town where he took many prisoners some of the Princes Life-guard and Langdales Brigade and gave a sound alarm throughout the Enemies army the confidence of the Enemy in possessing these quarters grounded upon their slight esteem of this Army and want of intelligence was very remarkable Upon this alarm the King not having notice of it till eleven at night as he had little imagined the nearnesse of our Army or that they durst bear up to him much amazed left his own quarters at that unseasonable time and for security went to Harborough where Prince Rupert quartered and so soon as he came thither sent to call up his Nephew resting himself in a chair in a low-room in the mean time who presently arose a Councel of War was called the question was put What was best to be done seeing our Army was so neer and as they then perceived fully intended to ingage them It was considered by them that should they march on to Leicester if the Rear were engaged the whole Army might be put in hazard and there was no marching with the Van unlesse they could bring the Rear clear off which they discerned to be very difficult Whereupon it was resolved to give battell taking themselves as indeed they were for a more considerable force then we especially in Horse on which they chiefly depended being also as confident they might relye upon their Infantry for valiant resolute men they resolved as appeared not to abide in that place till we marched up to them but in a gallant bravery to seek us out Herein the Kings Counsel prevailed against the minde of the most of his great Officers who were of opinion that it was best to avoid fighting Saturday Iune 14. The General with the Army advanced by three of the clock in the morning from Gilling towards Naseby with an intention to follow close upon the Enemy and if possible retard their march with our Horse till our foot could draw up to them in case they should have marched on to Leicester the intelligence being that they had drawn some of their Carriages in the night through Harborough that way By five in the morning the Army was at a Rendezvouz near Naseby where his Excellency received intelligence by our Spies that the Enemy was at Harborough with this further that it was still doubtfull whether he meant to march away or to stand us But immediately the doubt was resolved great Bodies of the Enemies horse were discerned on the top of the hill on this side Harborough which increasing more and more in our view begat a confidence in the General and the residue of the Officers that he meant not to draw away as some imagined but that he was
was the rise and occasion of a most triumphant faith and joy in him expecting that GOD would do great things by small means and by the things that are not bring to nought things that are A happy time when the Lord of hosts shall make his Tabernacle in the hearts and countenances of our chief Commanders from thence to laugh his enemies to destruction and have them in derision to confusion Had not Major gen Skippon done gallantly he had not received such an early wound in his side and had he not had a Spring of Resolution he had not stayed in the field as he did till the battel was ended for being desired by his Excellencie to go off the field he answered He would not stirre so long as a man would stand That I mention not all those Officers and Souldiers particularly who behaved themselves so gallantly in this Action is to avoyd emulation and partiality I shall satisfie my self to adde concerning them and the whole businesse the words of the General and Lieutenant-General in their several Letters to the Speaker of the house of Commons with which I shall conclude * Lieut. Gen. Cromwels close of his Letter to the Speaker of the house of Commons Honest men served you faithfully in this action Sir they are trusty I beseech you in the name of God not to discourage them which they have not done blessed be God and I hope never will He proceeds and wisheth This action may beget thankfulnesse and humility in all that are concerned in it And concludes thus modestly himself He that ventures his life for the liberty of his Country I wish he trust GOD for the liberty of his Conscience and You for the Liberty he fights for c. The close of the Generals Letter to the Speaker All that I desire sayes the General is That the honour of this great never to be forgotten mercy may be given to GOD in an extraordinary day of Thanksgiving and that it may be improved to the good of his Church which shall be faithfully endeavoured by Sir Your most humble Servant Thomas Fairfax After the Battel was ended and the Horse gone in pursuit the Army marched 5 miles that night to Harborough the head-querter Most of the Prisoners that were taken in the fight were that night brought into Harborough church except those that were wounded and sent to Northampton Among other Writings taken in the Battel there was a Manuscript presented to the General written by one Sir Edward Walker Herald of Arms of the Kings great Victories in this War wherein there was one passage very observable That whereas he taking occasion to speak of the Irish cals them Rebels the King having perused the Book among the alterations he had made therein in divers places with his own hand in that place puts out Rebels and writes over the head Irish with his own hand so much care was there to correct and qualifie any Expression that might reflect on those blood-thirsty Rebels There was also brought to the head-quarter at wooden Image in the shape of a man and in such a form as they blasphemously called it the God of the Roundheads and this they carried in scorn and contempt of our Army in a publike manner a little before the Battel begun The next day Colonel Iohn Fiennes with his Regiment was sent up to London by the General with the Prisoners and Colours taken in the Fight His Regiment took 11. Colours in the Battel Who had a great share in the performance of that Day being placed with his Regiment in the Right wing of Horse carried himself gallantly and was very happy in his successe CHAP. VI. The Victory at Naseby improved by pursuing the Enemy who fled into Wales Leicester not long before taken by the Enemy summoned and after preparations for Storm surrendred upon Articles Some clamours of the Enemy for breach of Articles found to be unjust and the charge retorted on them Aâ— instance of the Enemies desperate Prophanenesse joyned with barbarous and inhumane Cruelty THe Enemy thus driven out of the field his Excellencie gave Orders for the Army Horse Foot and Train to march after them the next day which was Lords day without any more intermission the pursuing of the Victory being of parallel consequence with the getting it In obeying of which Orders the readinesse and chearfulnesse of the Souldiers was admirable and worthy our observation and remembrance That when in respect of their long and hard March for many dayes together before the Battel and the vehement and sharp battel they had fought they might well have pleaded for some time of refreshment yet no sooner was the Generals order given for marching but they repaired all to their Colours and that very next day after the battel marched to great Glyn the head-quarter four miles short of Leicester The Horse marched within a mile of Leicester that night and kept Guards which so alarm'd the Nobles and Gentry that had fled thither for security that they departed thence in much haste leaving the Lord Hastings to defend that place This day his Excellencie received intelligence that Sir Iohn Gell with about 2000 Horse was on his march towards the Army according to Orders formerly sent him as also that the King with one part of the Routed horse not judging himself safe in Leicester went thence that evening to Ashby-de-la-Zouch where he reposed himself some few houres but understanding that our Army advanced and that our Horse pursued the chase Mounted on horse-back in the night and fled to Liechfield and from thence into Wales without any considerable stay so great was the affright the other part of the Rout being the Northern horse under Sir Marmaduke Langdale fled the same night near Newark both passing so that it was the wonder of all men how they being in such a tired and distracted condition could escape Sir Iohn Gels horse who the same day were on their march from Nottingham towards Leicester This day furnished his Excellency with a full intelligence of the state both of our friends and our enemies affaires in the West by meanes of the contrivement of Scout-Master-generall the manner thus A Spie of his formerly imployed by him to Secretary Nicholas in Oxford was the day that the Army rose from before it sent to him again yet as one comming of his own accord to give him intelligence that the Army would that morning march away a thing they in Oxford knew well enough it being conceived that either the Secretary would send him or he might finde some opportunity to go into the West where Generall Goring then lay with his Army about Taunton and bring us the intelligence we desired accordingly it fell out Into the West he was sent first to Bath where the Prince of Wales then was to whom he brought the first news of the Parliaments Army rising from before Oxford from thence bearing the reward of ten pieces from the Prince
Petitions were to desire a renewed treaty with a Cessation as also that the Garrisons of Dorset and Wiltshire be put into their hands till the King and Parliament agree about their disposall that they be free from all charge but the maintenance of those garrisons that all laws not repealed be in force and executed by the ordinary Officers that all men who desire it may lay downe Armes that others that have absented themselves from their dwellings may have free liberty to returne and live at home After speech had with them and some consultation what to do in the business It pleased the Generall to returne his answer in writing to this purpose Although the Paper brought to me being not subscribed cannot challenge any answer yet to clear my self from any aversnesse to the satisfaction of the Country who are pretended to be interested in these Petitions I return this That my affections and the affections of this Army are as much inclined to peace as any mens whatsoever and we undertake the War for no other end but the establishing of a firm and happy peace by opposing the enemies thereof and that I shall be ready so far as concerns me to further all lawfull and fit means to procure it But having seen the Petitions upon which a Let-passe is desired I must professe my self not so well satisfied with some things contained in them as to concur to their delivering by any act of mine In particular in that a Cessation is desired whilest by Letters written by the King and Queen taken at the late battail of Naseby it evidently appears that contracts are already made for the bringing in ten thousand French and six thousand Irish It is further desired that the Garrisons in these parts whereof three are Sea-Ports should be delivered up to the Petitioners which to grant were for the Parliament to acquit part of the trust reposed in them by the Kingdom and considering these forraign preparations to run very great hazzard to those Ports themselves and to the whole Kingdom Thirdly it is propounded that liberty be given to all souldiers to disband and to return to their home if they desire it which may with equal Justice be desired by all parts of the Kingdome and so the Parliament made unable to mannage the War before peace setled These considerations with some other yet to be debated will not allow me to grant the desire of the Letter But as for that part of the Petition which declares the grievances of the Country by plunder and violence committed either by Garrisons or Armies I do hereby promise and undertake for the Garrisons and Armies under the command of the Parliament that whatsoever disorders are committed by them upon complaint making known the offences and persons justice shall be done and satisfaction given As also I shall endeavour that the Parliaments Garrisons may be regulated according to any reasonable agreement with the Country and without doubt the Parliament will cause them to be slighted so soon as the condition of those parts and the publike good shall permit And that the Army under my command shall be ordered as may be most for the good and advantage of these Counties and of the whole Kingdom of which some reasonable testimony is already given in their quiet and orderly passage through these and other Counties without many of those complaints which usually follow Armies I further desire that in the publishing this my answer to your request all assembling the people to publike Rendezvoâ—z may be forborn and that Copies hereof may be dispersed to the severall Parishes that the Country may be acquainted therewith THO FAIRFAX If this would not satisfie these men their own Clubs would in time have beaten reason into them But to leave them and proceed with my Story The Army marched that day from Dorchester to Beauminster the Train and most of the Foot quartered on the top of an hill some few in Beauminster town a place of the pittifullest spectacle that man can behold hardly an house left not consumed with fire the town being fired by some of the enemy in five places at once when Prince Maurice was there by reason of a falling out between the French and Cornish Intelligence was positive that night that Goring had quite drawn off the siege from Taunton and was come to Ilmister and as that night his quarter would be Summerton Whereupon his Excellency sent a party of horse to Crookhorn who took some of his souldiers prisoners and brought them away to the Generall at Beauminster who confessed no lesse then what we had heard that the siege was raised and that Goring was marched towards Langport Thus is Taunton the second time relieved and our party there delivered from an eminent danger which they feared if we had not come thus seasonably to them being greatly distressed both for Ammunition and Victuals In maintaining the place this siege we lost Colonel Floyd and Colonel Richbell both of them faithfull experienced souldiers and some officers more In exchange of whom the Enemy lost many Officers and persons of quality one of them of more note viz. Sir Iohn Digby brother to Sir Kenelm Digby received there his Mortall wound of which he afterwards dyed But the Enemy flying what was the Army to do but follow And so they did on the morrow a very hot reason the foot weary with their long and tedious march the carriage-carriage-horses tyred out the way ill and narrow being all inclosure they marched that day but to Crookhorn some six miles but here Intelligence came that made them pull up their stumps as weary as they were after that the Army was come into Crookhorn they heard that our horse sent under the command of Colonel Fleetwood had fallen on their Reare taken some Prisoners and the great bodies were like to engage whereupon three Regiments more were commanded to march up and assist them if there should be cause two Regiments of foot also being ordered for that service notwithstanding their weary march leapt for joy that they were like to be engaged and according to orders marched from Crookhorne after they had rested an houre to Pederton that night the Enemy having pulled down Pederton Bridge and made breast-works on the other side upon our first approach with the partie under Colonell Fleetwood deserted the pass We instantly made up the Bridge and marched over it till we came nere Ilchester and another party to Load-bridge where the Enemy kept the pass with a strong guard the Generall and Leiutenant-Generall mounted instantly and rode from Crookhorne after the forces to order them if an engagement but the enemy standing upon the advantage of the pass avoided it the Generall having appointed strong guards at Pederton and Martock returned back to Crookhorn where some of the Commanders of Taunton met the Generall and mutuall congratulations passed betwixt them and the Army by occasion of this timely relief of Taunton the second time The valour
diligence and fidelity of Colonel Welden with the rest of those Commanders engaged with him in the defence of that besieged place deserves to be expressed at large but for want of a relation of their proceedings during that siege I must content my self only to mention their service with honour As also the good service of the Horse commanded by Colonel Graves who in severall Sallies upon the enemy were very successfull Lords day Iuly 6. the Army resting at Crookhorn and the rest of their quarters about four in the afternoon six in the evening twelve at night and two in the morning the Generall had certain intelligence by his Spies confirmed by severall hands that the enemy continued still at Long Sutton keeping a guard at Load-bridge and making good the garrison at Ilchester and Langport the two passes upon the River and had broken down the Bridge towards the town of Evill higher up the River whereupon orders were given for Drums to beat by four in the morning And accordingly Munday Iuly 7. the Foot were drawn out by six of the clock to a Rendezvouz in a field about a mile from Crookhorn in the way to Pederton The Generall and Lieutenant Generall went with a Party and viewed the Pass at Load-bridge Our horse appearing in great numbers gave the enemy an Alarm whereupon they drew up their Foot and marcht some Regiments from Load-bridge along the River side to Ilchester fearing we should storm that place our horse and theirs skirmishing upon the Meadows near the River by parties all that day A Councell of war was called in the Field to consider what course to take to engage the enemy who keeping himself beyond the River and having the Garrisons of Ilchester Langport Burrough and Bridgewater there was no possible comming over upon that side to force our passage in that place where the enemy stood in good order on the other side the River to receive us was a business of exceeding difficulty it being also a Moorish ground Upon the right hand the enemy had broken down the Bridge at Evill keeping a guard of horse upon it and all the Bridges upon that side so that there seemed to be no passage convenient for us till we came to the head of the river about Sherborn which would prove a difficult and long march upon which it was resolved to march the greatest part of the Army to Evill and there to force our passage leaving still a convenient number both of horse and foot over against Ilchester and Load-Bridge to engage the enemy in case he should atteÌ„pt to advance on this side accordingly our foot marched to Evill the head-quarter for that night we were no sooner come there but the enemies horse retreated to Ilchester Orders were given to make up the bridge which was speedily done Iuly the 8. early in the morning certaine Intelligence was brought to the Army by one of their spies sent for that purpose into the Enemies Army that the enemy hearing the pass at Evill was gained by our forces retreated towards Langport with the Army quit Load-Bridge burnt divers faire houses there Colonel Phillips the Governour of Ilchester in the night time quit the towne leaving the works standing undemolished only the Bridewell a place the enemy had fortified they set on fire which was quickly quenched by the Inhabitants This day the Army declining to march over the passe at Evill hearing Ilchester was quit marched back towards Ilchester upon the same side the river and quartered there that night where no provisions were left for our souldiers Intelligence also came that whilst we went on the other sâ—de Goring being drawn downe to Langport had drawne a great part of his Army towards Taunton as if he intended to surprize the Towne thinking to find them in security whereupon the Generall sent Major-Generall Massey after Goring with his own brigade of horse and a considerable strength of Horse and Dragoons of his owne Army and moreover the Generall took care that a considerable party of horse more should be sent after those horse as a reserve if need were This day Colonel Butlers Regiment commanded by Major Fincher quarter-master-Gen of our horse came up to the Army in their march from Barkly Castle did very good service first at Dursly they entertained Sir Charles Lucas comming to beat up their quarters kil'd the Captain of the forlorne hope after that charged the party with two troops kil'd ten whereof two Captains took 39 prisoners hurt Sir Charles Lucas himselfe from thence they came to Hyworth where the enemy from Farringdon had entred the towne whom they beat out and delivered to the Governour the quiet possession of his garrison from thence to the Devizes where they took some horse and so to Dorchester where they took some of Sherborn horse and so came to the Army very seasonably the Army being neerer an engagement then they expected Wednesday Iuly 9. The Army marched to Long-Sutton news came there that Major-Gen Massey was neer upon an engagement the Generall immediatly gave command that Colonel Montague should march with 2000 musquetiers to his assistance being in an inclosed country who marched accordingly but the engagement was over before he could come up and the welcome newes was brought that Gorings party which the Major-Gen had there engaged was beaten many slaine nine Colours and 300 horse taken Colonel Cook a Gentleman of much temper and resolution carryed himselfe gallantly in that service and received a shot through both cheeks this afternoon ours had continuall skirmishing with the enemies horse at a passe a mile on this side Langport took a French Cornet and his Colours a Dutchman and a Spaniard prisoners Thursday Iuly 10. A councel of War was held what course we should take to force the enemy to fight seeing he stood upon his advantage having the passes upon the River and might fight or flie at pleasure whilest the counsell of War were in debate thereof not knowing what to do the enemy being still at his election whether to fight or not Intelligence came that the enemy was advanced with his foot from Langport to the pass and had lined the hedges thick with musquetiers and drawne up his Ordnance this resolved ved the question at the councell of War without puting it whereupon the Generall and Lieutenant-Generall Cromwell and all the Officers instantly mounted rode up to the field perceived the enemy to put himselfe in a posture for an engagement instantly the Army was ordered to be put in Battalia the forlorne hope of horse and foot drew out Ordnance were drawn downe to places of advantage messengers were sent to recall most of the horse and foot lately sent to assist Major-Gen Massey but before they could come up our Ordnance began to play a good while before the foot engaged doing great execution upon the body of the enemies Army both horse and foot who stood in good order upon the hill about musquet shot from the
passe and forcing them to draw off their Ordnance and their horse to remove their ground Our foot advanced down the hill to the pass and with admirable resolution chargeed the enemy from hedge to hedge till they got the pass the enemies horse upon this drew downe towards us whereupon our horse advanced over the passe up the hill to the enemy the Forlorne-hope of horse commanded by Major Bethell gave a valiant and brave charge indeed broke that body that charged him and the next reserve our reserve of horse that was commanded by Major Desborough very resolutely charged the next standing bodies of the enemy so home that instantly they put them to a disorderly retreat our musquetiers came close up to our horse firing upon the enemy whereupon their Regiments of white Colours and black Colours of foot before ever they engaged marched away apace the Forlorne under Major Bethell and those under Major Desborough were going in pursuit of the chase but receiving orders to stay till more bodies of horse were come up that the pursuit might be orderly and with good reserves in case the enemy should face about and charge againe which was not impossible they obeyed their orders as good souldiers will though it check their sweetest pleasure as to pursue a flying enemy was no less when the enemy had fled about two miles they made a stand in a plaine green field where the passage out was narrow called Aller Drove but received only a piece of a charge and then seeing our bodies comeing on orderly and fast faced about and never stood after the passes being narrow in many places and the ditches being deep and wide especially at that place where they first faced about many horses of the Enemies were lost in the ditches whereof our souldiers recovered store and the riders got into the meadows hoping to escape but could not We pursued the Enemy within two miles of Bridgewater whither the enemy fled doing execution upon them all the way being eight miles in length took about 1400 prisoners about 1200 horse and divers Officers of quality Colonel Henningham Colonel Slingsby the General of Gorings Ordnance were also taken about thirty Colours of Horse and Foot and on the other hand it was a victory as cheap to us as dear to them we lost no Officer not twenty common souldiers some fourteen or sixteen of Major Bethels troop were hurt and himself shot in the right hand No sooner was the Enemy put to a retreat but in great confusion they quitted Langport into which many of them had fled a strong garrison naturally well fortified being about half a mile from the place of the fight and set it on fire but by the industry of the souldiers and Townesmen it was quenched The Enemy with a body of Foot drawing along with them two pieces of Ordnance by the way of Langport were pursued by Lieutenant General Cromwel and the Ordnance and most of the Foot taken And thus you have in a very short space an account of a very great action CHAP. II. The particulars of that gallant service The storming of Bridgewater AFter this battail the army marched five miles to Middlesay in the way to Bridgewater the bold carriage of Hollis the Club-man was very notorious who the morning an houre before the fight began came with a Petition to the General from his fellowes and followers withall telling the General in plain terms that if he did not give them better satisfaction then what he had yet given them they must take another course His Petition upon reading was found of that nature and his impudent carriage so insufferable withall that the General committed him to the Marshal but he made a shift to get away so soon as he saw the day was lost The next day the whole Army horse and foot with the Train were drawn up in Westonmoor otherwise called Pensy pound two miles from Bridgewater The Country-men thereabouts that had been vexed with the Cavaliers hearing of the defeat given unto them and fearing to taste of their former cruelties rose in great numbers and with their colours clubs and arms appeared upon Knol-hill which being made known to the General he with the Lieutenant gen and other Officers marched up to them who seemingly received him with joy and in token thereof gave a volley of shot whence after â—ome conference with them and their Leader who made a Neutral speech the General returned and the Army that night went to quarter the head-quarter that night being appointed at Chedsay within two miles of Bridgewater Friday Iuly 11. Colonel Weldens Brigade was commanded on the North side of the Town towards Devonshire and the rest of the Army on this side towards Chedsay the guards being set the General with the Lieutenant gen went to view the Town which they found to be very strong standing in a valley yet glorying in the equality of its level with the ground about it there being not a clod that could afford any advantage against that place the Fortifications very regular and strong the Ditch about it very deep and about thirty foot wide which for a great part about the town was every Tyde filled up to the brim with water the compasse of ground within the line and works not great very well manned having in it about 1800 Souldiers to defend it within the town was a castle of indifferent strength there was planted on the severall Batteries about 40 peece of Ordnance well stored with ammunition and victuals being a magazine for all the petty garrisons thereabouts Saturday Iuly 12. The Army continued in quarters and new places for guards were appointed Burrough-garrison taken by Col. Okey Lords day Iuly 13. We rested at Chedsay and Colonel Okey having from that day the battel was at Langport besieged Burrough-garrison with his Dragoons had the same surrendred unto him upon quarter wherein were 140 prisoners the Officers being promised fair usage Monday Iuly 14. a Councel of war was called great debate whether to storm the town or not Some inclination to it but no positive resolution Notwithstanding preparations were made in order to a storm the Souldiers cheerfully made their faggots and were drawn in readines for a storm but upon further consideration were for that time drwn back to their quarters and more time being taken there were 8 long Bridges betwixt 30 and 40 foot length devised to be made by Lieutenant-general Hamond the Lieutenant-general of the Ordnance a Gentleman of approved fidelity and of a most dexterous and ripe invention for all such things which were approved of by the Commanders and Officers and accordingly Ordered to be made and were of very great use to the Souldier in the storm This day the General going over the river to view the posts on the other side was graciously delivered from a great danger he was near unto by a sudden surprisal of the Tide called the Eager where he very narrowly escaped drowning
Tuesday Iuly 15. the General went to Glastenbury and returned that night to the head quarter Wednesday Iuly 16. a Counsel of war was again called and several propositions were made for the framing of our Army and reduction of the town both being of great consequence and vehemently desired by us To rise with our whole Army and leave the town unattempted was conceived to be very prejudiciall to our future progresse To sit down before it being a place of that strength and we not sure to carry it leaving the Enemy at liberty to rally his broken forces seemed very hazardous The blocking of it up by Forts on both sides with a part of our Army was propounded but the difficulty of laying a Bridge over the River through the violence of the current which yet was necessary for the maintaining a communication between our quarters on both sides hindred that designe It was propounded to attempt it by approaches But it was considered that if we should have gone that way it would have proved very tedious and if during our stay about it any great glut of rain should have fallen it would have laid us wet in our trenches and disabled us from effecting the business At last a resolution to storm it was agreed upon though it carried the greatest danger with it yet the desire which the Army had to be speedily free for the further service of the Kingdom surmounted all difficulties the storming being thus happily resolved on to the great and generall satisfaction of all that Army both Officers and Souldiers Lots were drawn for every one to take their posts some to storm some to be reserves others to alarm but the time of falling on not yet determined Friday Iuly 19. it was resolved at a Counsel of War that the time of the storm should be on Monday morning towards dawning of the day The Brigade appointed to storm on that side towards Devon was commanded by Major General Massey being the Regiments of Col. Welden Col. Inglesby Col. Fortescue Col. Herbert Col. Birch and Major General Massies own Regiment the Regiments designed on this side were the Generals Major-generals Col. Pickerings Col. Montagues Sir Hardresse Wallers the Regiment commanded by Lieut. Colonel Pride Colonel Rainsboroughs and Colonel Hamonds The General rode round about the town this day to see if all things were in readines for the storm that both sides might fall on together On the Lords day Iuly 20. Mr. Peters in the forenoon preached a Preparation Sermon to encourage the Souldiers to go on Mr. Bowles likewise did his part in the afternoon After both Sermons the Drums beat the Army was drawn out into the field The Commanders of the forlorn hope who were to begin the storm and the Souldiers being drawn together in the field were there also afresh exhorted to do their duties with undaunted courage and resolution by Mr. Peters who did it as one sayes of him tà m Marte quà m Mercurio As soon as it grew dark the Souldiers drew every one to their severall Posts allotted them to storm the signe when the storm was to begin was the shooting off three peeces of Ordnance on this side which the Forces on the other side were to take notice of and to fall on at the instant and on Monday Iuly 22. about two of the clock in the morning the storm began accordingly on this side of the town the Forces on the other side only alarming the Enemy which kept them upon the Line expecting a storm Our Forlorn hope was manfully led on by Lieut. colonel Hewson and as valiantly seconded by the Generals Regiment commanded by Lieut. colonel Iackson and the Major-generals commanded by Lieut. colonel Ashfield The Bridges prepared to passe over the Moat were quickly brought to the Ditch and thrown in on which the Souldiers with little losse got over the deep ditch and with undaunted courage mounted the Enemies works notwithstanding the great and small shot which showred about them beat them from their Ordnance turn'd them upon the enemy let down their drawbridg which made many of their Foot instantly cry Quarter Quarter The Bridge being let down Captain Rainolds who commanded the forlorn hope of horse immediatly entred and scoured the streets of that part of the Town so gained called Eastover with much gallantry and resolution even up to the Draw-bridge over the main Ditch leading to the second Town whereupon the rest of the Officers and Souldiers that were in a body and yet annoyed us in that part of the town which we had won threw down their arms and had fair quarter given them there were about 600. taken prisoners Officers and Souldiers The Enemy instantly made barracadoes at the gate upon the bridge and drew up the bridge that divided one part of the town from the other Our forces had not been two houres in the first town but the Enemy shot granadoes and slugs of hot iron and fired it on both sides which by the next morning burnt that part of the town of goodly buildings down to the ground except three or four houses Major Cowel who had a good share in that service standing all that while in the midst of the street which was both sides on fire keeping guards to prevent the Enemies sallying upon them Captain Sampson in that remarkable action received a shot The General hoping that the Storm might have wrought upon the Souldiers the Fire upon the Towns-men so far that they would have hearkened to a treaty renewed his Summons which the Governour peremptorily refused according to his allegiance as he said whereupon Tuesday Iuly 22. it was resolved to alarm the town by our forces on this side and to storm it by the other forces on the other side at two of the clock the next morning for which purpose the General was there in person to see it done though it was held fit on after considerations only to alarm on both sides which much amazed the Enemy and kept him waking that night Also about two of the clock in the afternoon the General sent to the Governour a Trumpet with a message to this purpose that his denial of fair tearms had wrought in him no other thoughts but of compassion towards those that were innocent who otherwise might suffer through the Governours obstinacy Wherefore he signified his noble pleasure that all women and children that would accept of this liberty should come forth of the town by four of the clock in the afternoon which being made known to them the Governours Lady and divers others came out They were no sooner come forth but our Cannon plaid fiercely into the town Granadoes were shot and slugs of hot iron in abundance whereby several houses in the town were fired and the wind being high increast the flame the townsmen within were in great distraction every man imployed how to save his house and goods the Enemy in a great amazement and the Governour so far melted as to send
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
under what pretence soever and that Iustice according to the known lawes of the land be administred to all persons within this City by the Civil Magistrate And for the performance of these articles I expect such hostages to be given as I shall accept of and hereunto I desire your speedy Answer Sir By this you may evidently perceive my inclination to peace and you may be assured that I shall never desire any thing more then the honour of the King and safety of the Kingdom and that I may become Sir Your Servant Rupert To which Propositions the General returned this Answer Sir I have perused your Propositions wherein some things are doubtfully exprest other things inconsistent with the duty I owe to them I serve Notwithstanding to the end I may give assurance that I earnestly desire to save effusion of blood and the ruine of a City and people that may in time be so serviceable to the Crown and Kingdom If it please your Highness that Commissioners may treat between us concerning the accommodating of things I hope to make it evident to the world that what shall respect the honour of a souldier due civility to all men the good and welfare of the people of that City both in passing by what is past and restoring them to the priviledges of all other subjects and to the immunities of their City will readily be condiscended unto by me and to the end no time may be lost I have here inclosed sent you the names of Commissioners who upon the return of Hostages of equal condition unto me shall attend your Highness sufficiently instructed to conclude on my part Provided the said treaty be ended by nine of the clock this night And to this I desire your answer within the space of an hour and remain Your Highnesse humble servant Tho. Fairfax This answer being returned presently after Dinner by the same Trumpeter he was detained till eight at night and then he brought this answer from the Prince or to this effect in writing That he hoped his Propositions had been such as needed no explanation yet because some doubts were made he was willing to have the exceptions set down in writing and his Highness would return answer Monday September 8. The General returned a particular Answer to every Article which as to the souldiery was very honourable and could not but be very acceptable to the Citizens for the offer was most fair to the Citizens to oblige them to us in case the conditions offered them were but known to them as we hoped they would However we had used means by our Spies to convey the same to them In the interim all things were prepared for the storm every Commander viewing his Posts the Trumpet was detained beyond the time appointed yet afterwards returned with a deniall but not positive That night was appointed for the Army to fall on but upon better consideration it was held fit to put it off to another day and only to alarm the Enemy Tuesday September 9. the Trumpet was sent in again to let the Prince know that if he did not immediately except what was offered all that had passed should be as no treaty requiring the Trumpet to return by 12 of the clock but notwithstanding he was detained till 10 at night and then returned with an unsatisfactory answer Whereupon all things on our part were put in readiness for a storm At 12 of the clock in the night the General went into the field to give order about the drawing out of our men and managing the storm for the next morning The Enemy being left inexcusable for refusing such honourable conditions as were offered the whole Army Horse and Foot being set in a posture round the City to fall on about two in the morning September 10. the signall was given to fall on at one instant round the City and Works which was by setting on fire a great heap of straw and Faggots on the top of an hill and the shooting off four great guns against Pryors-fort from the place where the General was to recide all the time of the storm which being accordingly given immediately the storm began round the City and was terrible to the beholders Colonel Montague and Colonel Pickering with their Regiments at Lawfords-gate entred speedily and recovered 22. great guns and took many prisoners in the Works Major Desborough advancing with the Horse after them having the command of the Generals Regiment and part of Colonel Graves's Sir Hardresse Wallers and the Generals Regiments commanded by Lieut. Colonel â—ackson entred between Lawfords-gate and the river Froom Colonel Rainsborough and Colonel Hamonds Regiments entred near Pryors-fort Major-General Skippons and Colonel Birches entred nearer to the river Froom and the Regiment commanded by Lieut. Colonel Pride was divided part assigned to the service of Pryors-fort and the rest to alarm the great Fort and afterwards they took a little Fort of Welchmen The Sea-men that were at first designed to storm by water the tide failing assisted in storming the Line and Works The Horse that entred here besides the Forlorn-hope so valiantly led on by Captain Ireton were in several parties commanded by Major Bethel Major Alford and Adjutant-general Flemming being of Colonel Whalyes Colonel Riches and part of Colonel Graves his Regiments And after the Line was broke down with the Pioneers and a gap made in the same our Horse with undaunted courage entred and within the Line met with a party of the Enemies Horse put them to a retreat mortally wounded Colonel Taylor formerly a Member of the House of Commons of which wounds he died and took divers prisoners This so disheartned their Horse perceiving withall our Foot to be master of the Line and their men beaten off that they never came on again to give one charge but retreated and stood in a body under the favour of the great-fort and Coulstons-fort In the mean while Pryors-hill-fort very obstinately held out playing fiercely with great and small shot upon our men for two hours after the Line was entred our men all that time in like manner plying them hard with musquet-shot in at the port-holes untill they brought up Ladders to the Fort but it being an high Work many of the Ladders proved too short through which fault some that got up were beaten down again Notwithstanding this disheartned them not but up they went again upon greatest danger and disadvantage some at last creeping in at the port-holes and others got on the top of the Works Captain Lagoe of Lieutenant Colonel Prides Regiment being the first man that laid hold on the Colours and in the end we forced the Enemy within to run below into the inner rooms of the Work hoping to receive quarter but our souldiers were so little prepared for to shew mercy by the opposition that they met withall in the storm and the refusal of quarter when it was offered that they put to the sword the Commander one Major
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
the Lords day only the Train that was in the Rear marched that day up to the Van of the Army and thence on Monday to Chard About this time was Chepflow town and castle in Monmouthshire reduced by Col. Morgan governour of Gloucester And on Wednesday the 8. the General went to Lyme where he was honourably entertained by the Governour Col. Câ—ely and stayed there that night It was wonderfull to think considering the scituation of the place the meannesse of the Works about it that it should possibly hold out as it did against such a force as laid siege unto it section 2 This day passed not without bringing forth some good tidings to the Army for news came this morning to the General that Winchester was agreed to be surrendred to Lieutenant-General Cromwel the Terms whereupon and other particulars concerning the same I shall present you withall in the words of the Lieut. Generals Letter and Mr. Peters his Relation made to the House of Commons The Letter followes SIR Lieutenant-gen Cromwels Letter of the taking of Winchester I came to Winchester on the Lords day being the 28. of September with Cololonel Pickering commanding his own Colonel Montagues and Sir Hardresse Wallers regiments After some dispute with the Governour we entred the Town I summoned the Castle was denied whereupon we fell to prepare our Batteries which we could not perfect some of our Guns being out of order untill Friday following Our Battery was six guns which being finished after once firing of them round I sent him a second Summons for a Treaty which they refused whereupon we went on with our work and made a breach in the wall neer the Black tower which after about 200 shot we thought stormable and purposed on Monday morning to attempt it On Sonday night about ten of the clock the Governour beat a Parley desiring to treat I agreed unto it and sent Col. Hamond and Major Harrison in to him who agreed unto these inclosed Articles Sir This is the addition of another mercy You see God is not weary in doing you good I confesse Sir his favour to you is as visible when he comes by his power upon the hearts of his enemies making them quit places of strength to you as when he gives courage to your Souldiers to attempt hard things His goodnesse is in this much to be acknowledged for the Castle was well manned with 680 Horse and Foot there being neer 200 Gentlemen Officers and their servants Well victualled with 1500 weight of Cheese very great store of Wheat and Beere neer 20 Barrels of Powder 7 Peeces of Canon the Works were exceeding good and strong It is very likely it would have cost much blood to have gained it by storm we have not lost 12 men This is repeated to you that God may have all the praise for it is all his due Sir I rest Your most humble servant Oliver Cromwel Mr. Peters his Report made to the House of Commons containing some other particulars concerning Winchester section 3 Mr. Peters his relation of the taking of Winchester My commands from the Lieutenant-General are to give this honourable House a further Narrative of the Castle of VVinchester being upon the place and a spectator of Gods good hand in the whole work as also to present his humble request to the House in some particulars And before I speak to either of them if Gratitude it self were not sometimes unseasonable I would in my own name and in the name of many thousands return this honourable House most humble thanks for our Lieutenant-General in that you suffer with patience the vacancie of his place in this House My wish is that his spirit and that publique English spirit of Hampden Pym and Strowd may be doubled upon your new elected Members For our Lieutenant-General this I may say That Judgement and Affections are in him striving for the mastery I have rarely seen such heights and depths concent in one man That when I look upon the two Chiefs of our Army I remember Gustavus Adolphus and Oxenstern and I wish that our hopes in these may not be so short-lived as the Germans hopes in them were More I might say concerning him that sent me who is so far above the world and lives so little upon the States pay and minds himself so little but that he hath enjoyned silence to all his friends in any thing that might turn to his own praise For the Castle of Winchester we begun our Batteries upon Saturday morning which wrought so effectually that a breach wherein 30 men might go abrest was made the Enemy sallied out and beat our men from our guns which were soon recovered again We plaid then with our granadoes from our Mortar-peeces with the best effect that I have seen which brake down the Mansion house in many places cut off a Commissioner of theirs by the thighs the most austere and wretched Instrument in that country and at last blew up their Flag of defiance into the aire and tore the Pinacle in peeces upon which it stood Summons being sent as we entred upon this work was refused by the Lord Ogle their Governour And another Summons God sent them in the middle of their Battery his Lady to whom our Lieutenant gen had given leave to come forth and had gone some miles out of the town died by whom the Governour had during her life 1000. l. a yeare now lost by her death The chiefest street of the Town the Enemy played upon whereby divers passengeâ—s were wounded and some killed in which street my quartâ—rs were I have that cause to blesse God for my preservation The Lords day we spent in preaching and prayer whilst our gunners were battering and at 8 a clock at night we received a Letter from the Governour for a treaty which I have brought with me Colonel Hammond and Major Harrison were sent into the Castle on our party Sir Edward Ford and a Major of theirs were sent to us The whole night was spent about it our men standing upon some speciall terms with them and very desirous were we to accept Sir Edward Ford and Bennet to be our prisoners By eight of the clock on Monday morning it was agreed they should depart out of the Castle at five of the clock according to these Articles Articles agreed upon the 5. of October 1645. Between the Right honorable VVilliam Viscount Ogle governour of the garrison of the Castle of VVinton of the one part and Col. Robert Hammond and Major Thomas Harrison on the behalf of Lieutenant gen Oliver Cromwel of the other party for the surrender of the said Castle 1. That the Lord Ogle shall deliver up the Castle of Winchester with all the arms ordnance ammunition provision and all function of war whatsoever without any imbezelment waste or spoile unto that Officer or Officers as shall be thereunto appointed by the said Lieutenant gen to morrow being Monday the 6. of October
by some advantage surprising our guards and knowing the country well by an obscure and unusuall way passed our Out-guards the extreme darknes of the night favouring them and got between the Main guard and our Quarters and falling into some of the Dragoon and Foot quarters took about 40 Foot and 20 Dragoons and returned immediately fearing lest the Army should have taken the alarm but so nimble were they in that action that they were gone before the alarm was received section 5 Our Army lying in the field to prevent the Enemy breaking through Tuesday the 14. The General and the Army marched from Chard to Hunniton by the way of Axminster and that night our Horse and much of the Foot lay in the field about Hunniton lest the Enemy should break through we pressing so hard upon them to joyn with the King which was in the opinion of the General and all understanding men the best game they had to play and most disadvantagious to our proceedings as that that would have enabled the King to make incursions into the Eastern Association and divert a great part of this Army who desired to compleat the service of reducing the West before they returned But the Enemy attempted it not that night and had they not upon advertisement that our Forces were come to Hunniton removed their quarters from St. Mary Autree Poultimour and those parts beyond the river Ex as they did they had certainly been beaten up Parties being sent out for that purpose section 6 Our army advancing and the Enemy giving way Wednesday 15. The General and the Army marched from Hunniton to Colampton where the Lord Miller was with 300 Dragoons and some Horse who upon our approach quit their Barracadoes and the Town left their Turn-pikes standing strong Parties pursued them and took some prisoners who confessed their Party were gone towards Tiverton Whereupon a Councel of war was that night called Major gen Massey sent to besiege Triverton-castle and Major-General Massey was desired to go with his Horse and the Brigade of Foot under the command of Colonel Welden to possesse the Town of Tiverton and besiege the Castle which accordingly he did section 7 About this time Pr. Rupert and Maurice as they were going from Banbury those parts with a convoy of Banbury horse to the King at Newark in the mood to take their leave of him were set upon by Col. Rossiter and sore put to it Thursday Octob. 16. There came in some Officers from the Enemy a Lieutenant-colonel and two Captains who declared their unhappiness to be engaged on that side desiring a Passe to go to the Lord Inchequine to serve in Ireland against the Rebels The enemy quitting Broadnix upon the approach of our army The General went this day to Broadnix where the Enemy kept a guard with a Commanded party of foot and some horse but upon the approach of our forces they quit the town and the General returned back to Columpton The enemies notorious brags to keep up their reputation comming to nothing where information was given by the Inhabitants of good repute that the Enemy had boasted the day before our comming into the town That Goring had cut Fairfax in peeces neer Chard and routed his whole Army took drink upon it and wished it might be their poyson if it were not true This course the Enemy took to make their party believe they were great conquerours whereas indeed what they did was very inconsiderable and as to the reducing their affairs into any tolerable condition scarce worth the mentioning And on this occasion may be noted though it might be mentioned in a more fit place afterward that this small businesse neer Chard was the only affront the Enemy put upon us during the Armies being in the West of England But with what iterated affronts our Forces have recompenced them in their quarters the action at Bovy-Tracy and divers other places hereafter mentioned will manifest Friday Octob. 17. A Councel of war was called for advise whether to march towards Excester and so towards Plimouth or to take in Tiverton in regard it lay upon a Passe and might much annoy the Army to leave it behind them unreduced or at least unblockt up and if once taken might be a Magazine and place of strength and conveniency encie either to secure any thing in or to retreat unto upon occasion Tiverton resolved upon a Councel of war to be attempted Memorand That Col. Fryes regiment was before this sent to secure Tiverton whilst the Gen. marched Westward whereupon it was resolved to make it their work to take in that place and the rather to inforce Gorings horse to keep to the other side of Ex for the Army being once possessed of that Passe would be the better able to keep the Enemy before them from breaking through The General with some forces marching to Tiverton Whereupon this day towards noon the General marched towards Tiverton with a great part of the Army leaving some Horse and Foot at Broadnix Silverton and Columb-Iohn within 4 miles of Excester and accordingly as was desired it succeeded in that the Enemy was inforced to draw all over Ex. section 8 The relation of the storming taking of 〈◊〉 house by Lieut. gen Cromwel But before I proceed in this story I must give you a Relation of the taking of Basing a place of great concernment and which had been a great annoyance unto the Country and the City of London in hindering Trade This business as it was managed by Lieutenant gen Cromwel who in person Commanded in the reducing of that place and Winchester and managed the same with much prudence and resolution so I shall give you the particulars of the action in the words of his own Letter and Mr. Peters his Relation Lieutenant-General Cromwels Letter to the Honourable William Lenthal Esq Speaker to the honourable House of Commons SIR The Lieut. generals letter of that businesse I thank God I can give you a good accompt of Basing After our Batteries placed we setled the severall Posts for the Storm Colonel Dalbier was to be on the North side of the House next the Grange Colonel Pickering on his left hand and Sir Hardresse Waller's and Colonel Montague's Regiments next him We stormed this morning after six of the clock the signal for falling on was the firing four of our canon which being done our men fell on with great resolution and cheerfulnesse we took the two Houses without any considerable losse to our selves Col. Pickering stormed the New house passed through and got the Gate of the Old House whereupon they summoned a Parley which our men would not heare In the mean time Col. Montague's and Sir Hardresse Wallers Regiments assaulted the strongest Works where the Enemy kept his Court of guard which with great resolution they recovered beating the Enemy from a Whole-Culverin and from that Work which having
give them an account thereof and how he had entertained the same which it seems was but needfull This Army not wanting enemies every where to give an ill representation of their actions month December 1645 section 5 But to return from whence I have digressed From Saturday Novemb. 15. to Tuesday Decemb. 2. the General continued at Autree riding about sometimes to see the finishing of the Works at Broad-clisse and Poultimore and disposing of the quarters for the Foot who were sick in most places there dying of Souldiers and Inhabitants in the Town of Autree 7 8 and 9 a day for severall weeks together insomuch that it was not held safe for the head-quarter to be continued there any longer Col. Pickering that pious active Gentleman that lived so much to God and his Country and divers other Officers dyed of the New disease in that place Six of the Generals own family were sick of it at one time and throughout the Foot regiments half the Souldiers The Army unworthily censured by some yet notwithstanding at this very time did the Army undergo very hard censures by some for not being in action But so long as Conscience and Judgement was satisfied that if the season of the year and the abilities of Mens bodies would have admitted a March it should have been most willingly imbraced and that it was only the Divine providence that had awarded otherwise The Army had the less cause to take notice of other mens opinions especially when the Parliament had by Vote left the General at liberty to dispose of his Army as he should see cause But whosoever would have me proceed in my story must give me leave first to weep a while this sorrowfull Verse over deer Colonel Pickerings Hearse Anagr. IOHANNES PICKERING IN God I RECKON HAPINES Vain all our profer'd Ransoms are There 's no discharge in the Graves war Well * * i Proffered ranfomes They may shew yet they cannot What a brave Captive Death hath got Only t' amuse our discontent For Passion kils that has no vent Might thy wisht presence find excuse Of whom we made too little use Wee 'ld ask swift Poster whose * * He had done the Kingdome great service by riding between England and ScotlanÌ„d before these troubles great haste Was ne'r before the Kingdoms waste Why posts thou from 's Because we * * The Army rested then some time at Auirce rest Which suited not thy active brest Did that Antiperistasis Fire thy fine Spirits to thy blisse Must thou be scaling Heaven alone For want of other action Would thou hadst took that leisure-time To visit some responsal-Clime Or must hard * * The Army was unworthily censured at that time as is observed before in the Story Censures voyd of love Be expiate by thy remove Or Covetous couldst thou not stay For wages till the end o' th day Or could no vantage mend thy * * He was a little man but of a great courage stature To see our triumphs under * * Nature i the Heavens Nature But 't is in vain to ravel more Wâ—have nothing but thy Name t' adore That Oracle gives the best guesse Wherein we heare thee thus professe IN God I RECKON HAPINES section 6 The Enemy was much encouraged by the sickness of our Army and was confident as by their Letters which afterwards were intercepted did appear it had in a great measure weakned and would consume the Army to nothing whereupon they were much animated to raise new Forces under the command of his Highness Prince Charles the Lord Goring having some few dayes before taken shipping at Dartmouth for France to fetch over some fresh forces against the Spring leaving the command of his Horse in his absence to the Lord Wentworth The Prince raising Cornwal Devon and to that purpose sent out Proclamations for the Counties of Cornwal and Devon to rise in arms and to go in person with the Prince for that his Highness was resolved to march in person upon the head of them making no question as by their Letters we did understand to make our Forces rise from the East side Excester and inforce our Retreat And indeed his Excellencie had certain intelligence that the Enemy had an Army very considerable having drawn severall Foot and Horse from their quarters before Plimouth whereunto they received some addition in Foot from Dartmouth Barnstable which with the considerable Recruits of Foot that Greenvile with most extrem and industrious cruelty had raised and brought out of Cornwall did make a body of nine or ten thousand horse and foot then quartering about Tavestock and upon the edge of Cornwall and also at Okehampton where were 2000. of their foot besides horse commanded by Sir Richard Greenvile section 7 Yet a few dayes the Generall continued at Autree but resolved forthwith to remove in regard the disease increased so fast to Tiverton which place was agreed on to be an head-quarter which resolution was actuated on Saturday the Generall having first received intelligence from Captain Farmer of a Bark loaden with commodities of good value going for France from Excester taken by him between Topsham and the Fort. section 8 A councell of War called Lords-day December 7. A councell of War was called where it was propounded that in regard the garrisons of Nutwell Broad-Clisse Poultimore and Stoak were now made tenable against any suddaine assault of the Enemy and possessed by the forces of Lyme some foot of Major-Gen Massies and some new raised Regiments of the County whereby Excester was perfectly straightened upon the East side being by those garrisons made incapable either to annoy the country or relieve themselves on this side and in regard that now it would be convenient to remove our foot beyond the river in order both to the straightening of Excester on that side and to the hindering the Enemies recruting of his forces which at this instant he was strongly indeavouring The Proposition and result that some Regiments should be sent to Crediton a place that stood in a good aire which likely would much conduce to the health of our souldiers and lay conveniently for a strong quarter upon the West side of the river Some forces sent under Sir Hardresse Waller to possesse Crediton and the blocking up of Excester on that side the River committed to him which force was sent under the command of Sir Hardresse Waller a Gentleman faithfull and well able and ready to undergo that charge but lest the Enemy upon the advance of our foot thither should fire the towne as they had often threatened a party of Horse and Dragoones were sent all night to get possession of the town till the foot could get up to them Some Dragoons sent to possesse Crediton before hand The next morning being Munday December 8. the Dragoones were there by day break but by reason of the extremity of the weather the foot
Army to countenance the Cornish and that they would put all upon this Cast of relieving Excester The Army advancing towards the Enemy Most of the enemies horse were sent the next being the Lords day to Okehampton which quickened the Army unto a resolution of a Rendezvouz between that and Crediton on the Monday which was made good accordingly The horse and some foot being drawn up at Cadbury-hill some foure miles from Crediton but upon assurance there that the Enemy did not stir from Okehampton and for that the weather was bitter cold and the ground so slippery that horses could not well march and for other causes it was held fit to take up quarters thereabouts Yet it was observed that this readines and motion of the Army checkt the Enemies further advance the Army took time to make provisions for a continued march by carriages on horse-back these parts admitting no other Tuesday passed with the good news of the surrender of Skipton-castle in Yorkshire the same day the Enemy appointed a Rendezvouz again but the extream hard weather rendring it impossible for our horse to march unless they were all frosted in an extraordinary manner kept us still in our quarters section 14 A messenger of the Princes taken The next day was delivered into our hands a messenger of the Princes going to Excester for Arms for the Prince his person who was come to Dartmouth when also his Excellency had intelligence that some Forces for his Majesties service were to be sent over by the Lord Goring out of France and to land at Dartmouth month January 1645 section 15 Sir George Chidley's house garrisoned for the straitning Excester Saturday Ian. 3. The blocking up of Excester was so much further endeavoured by the addition of Sir George Chidley's house at Ashton to the garrisons which were possest by our forces the better to stop provisions from going into Excester section 16 The next being Lords-day brought good news from Plymouth viz. That they had taken two Works and a Church from the Enemy at St. Budeaux and therein 105. prisoners besides 20 Officers but withall That the Enemy intended to demand satisfaction for the same of us and were for that end advancing with a considerable strength to relieve Excester CHAP. VII The slackening of the siege of Excester by the Armies advance to meet the Enemy leaving only a Force to block up the City With their great successe in those two actions The Defeat of the Enemy at Bovey-Tracy and the taking of Dartmouth with a particular account of their Marches and lesser Passages VPon this certain renewed intelligence on the morrow viz. Monday Ian. 5. a private consultation was had divers Officers of the Army sought councel of Heaven that day keeping it as a private day of humiliation in answer whereto God inclined their hearts to resolve of an Advance The Army by a councel of war resolved to advance towards the Enemy The next day a publique Councel of war was called and that the former resolution might appear to be the answer of God it was in this publique Councel resolved Nemine contradicente to advance into the South-Hams where the greatest part of the Enemy lay The Dragoons from Canonteen were before-hand with this Resolution who this day fell into the Enemies quarters took a Captain 9 men and 20 horse And that this purpose to advance might finde the less interruption The same day the Stockings and Shooes which the poor Foot had so great need of and had so long expected came to Tiverton most seasonably to fit them for a March wherewith they were so well satisfied as that they shewed much forwardnes to march without staying for Cloaths which they had great need of also being many of them all to tatters and the weather was extream cold to boot While he Army was preparing to march some of our Dragoons from petty garrisons on Wednesday snatcht at the Enemy at Huick took a Lieutenant 10 prisoners 22 horses and one of their Colours with this Motto Patientia victrix section 2 The Army advancing according to former resosolution Thursday Ian. 8. All things being prepared in readiness for a March the Horse and Foot with their Ammunition on horse-back set forward to Crediton and at the same time Sir Hardresse Waller with two Regiments marched from Crediton to * At this place Sir Hardresse Waller was engaged with a party of the Enemies horse and dragoons where he slew many of them took 60 prisoners 40 horse and gave an Alarm to the Enemy on all that side the country whilest the Army in the mean time did the following action at Bovey-Tracy Bow as if the Army had bent towards Okehampton where the Enemy had both horse and foot when as indeed it was only to amuse them For at the same instant a Brigade of horse and foot marched that night to Crediton and the next day though very cold and much snow upon the ground the same Brigade marched to Bovey-Tracy then the Enemies quarters Lieut. general Cromwel going in person with them who about six at night fell into their quarters at Bovey where part of the Lord Wentworths Brigade then lay took about 400 Horse seven Colours one of them the Kings colours with a crown and C. R. upon it Lieut. gen Cromwell beating up the enemies quarters at Bovey-Tracy The Enemy in Bovey were put to their shifts yet through the darkness of the night most of the Men escaped except a Major and some few Officers more and about 50 prisoners It was almost supper time with them when our men entred the Town most of them at that instant were playing at Cards but our Souldiers took up the stakes for many of their principal Officers who being together in one room threw their stakes of mony out at the window which whilst our Souldiers were scrambling for they escaped out at a back-door over the river and saved their best stakes In the mean time his Excellency with another part of the Army was advanced from Tiverton to Morton within three miles of Bovey but part of the Carriage-horses with the Ammunition by reason of the Frost could get no neerer then Fulford section 3 The former successe improved by pursuing the enemy from place to place The next day the weather still extream bitter cold the forces at Morton at Bovey-tracy had a rendezvouz near Bovey whereat intelligence was brought by the country that about 120. of those that escaped in the night were got into Ellington church whereupon a party of horse and foot were cōmanded after them which the Enemy in the church understanding fled away The Army marched that night towards Ashburton the Enemies head-quarter the night before A party of horse was sent to see if the Enemy had quit the town as his Excellency had intelligence they had done who finding the enemy at the towns end were engaged with them beat the enemies Rearguard
Cook from thence with three Regiments of Horse of Major General Massies Brigade to attend the Enemies motion and the next day some Regiments of Horse and Dragoons martched from these parts to a Randezvouz toward the North of Devon though upon second advice they were recalled to Quarters month February 1646 section 5 The feare of another diversion from the Siege of Excester had almost driven the Army to a resolution of storming it insomuch that Warrants were issued out to all the Hundreds round about Excester for Ladders and also a dispatch to Plymouth to send their Scaling-ladders for that purpose which disposition of the Army what influence it might have upon the Enemy I know not but the Lords day Febr. 1. a Lieutenant and ten Horse well armed came in to Sir Hardresse Waller from the Enemy and that night the Plymouth Regiment took a Major and twenty Horse neer Barnstable and Tuesday following a Lieutenant-Colonell and fifteen men more with their Armes came in from the Enemy The General in the meane time being returned to Chidley section 6 Thursday 5. Upon intelligence of the Enemies Horse being gone towards Dunster Colonel Cook who had Orders to martch somewhat further Eastward in order to the Oxford horse that by information from the east were to be in Dorsetshire had Orders to returne Friday 6. Came newes that a Party of Horse of the Enemie computed by the countries information fifteen hundred had put some small reliefe into Dunster taking that opportunity when those Forces that attended therabout were drawn toward Corfe Castle in their retreat the Country with the assistance of Colonel Blakes Forces that were not able to oppose so great a Body and therefore during Reliefe secured themselves in a strong house fell upon their Rear slew some took others prisoners and disarmed more The same day the Army received the good newes of Belvoyr surrendred And now followes to discourse how the hand of Providence led us first into the north of Devon and then into Cornwall Onely first celebrate that good newes of the surrender of Westchester after a long Siege by that faithfull and indefatigable Commander Sir William Brereton which newes came to the General on the Lords day Feb. 8. CHAP. II. Our Army a second time diverted from the Siege of Excester with a particular account of the reasons thereof and the Motion and Actions of the Army occasioned thereby A Counsell of Warre called LOrds day Feb. 8. A Counsel of Warre was called to consider of martching with part of the Army into the north of Devonshire towards Torrington and Barnstable for the straightning thereof and for the better conveniency of Quarter the Army being much straightned for provisions where they were as also to possesse those parts and thereby dispossesse the Enemy who had some parties of Horse there which miserably oppressed the Country whilest they were in this Consultation certaine intelligence was brought by Spyes That the Enemy who had been labouring as for life to raise the Cornish and had brought a considerable number to Launceston to re-inforce their Army being in all about four thousand Foot besides their Horse were once more with all their strength martching over the River Tamar towards Torrington and as the Spyes informed would be there on Tuesday night likewise Letters from the Lord Wentworth to Sir John Berkley Governour of Excester being at the same time intercepted encouraging him to expect Reliefe shortly Upon this Orders were given for the drawing of most of the Horse and Foot to a Randezvouz the next day A Counsell of Warre called The subject of their debate Monday Feb. 9. A Counsel of Warre was called to advise what to doe and in issue it was resolved to advance towards the Enemy with part of the Army having already with the residue perfectly blocked up Excester on the west side also by setling Guards and Quarters at Affington Barley house and Reymouth-house within a mile of the City and a Garrison kept at Powdram besides that some of the Foot under the command of Colonel Shapcoat blocked up the Fort at Exmouth by which meanes Excester was now compleatly straightned and blocked up on both sides Accordingly Orders were immediately sent to the Horse and Foot to prepare for a martch and the Forces designed on both sides of Excester to straighten that place were commanded to receive Orders from Sir Hardresse Waller to whose care and judgment the management of that businesse was recommended whilest the rest of the Army advanced to the Enemy section 2 The Army on â—heir martch â—owards the Enemy Tuesday Feb. 10. The General and the Army begun their Martch and that day martched from Chidley to Crediton the head Quarter where the Army rested a day till the Treasure that was at Dartmouth was come up and other Forces that were to martch from other Quarters were drawne up to them The while fresh intelligence was brought to his Excellency that the Enemy with five thousand Horse and four thousand Foot were come to Torrington expecting a thousand Horse and Foot from Barnstable to joyne with them all under the command of the Lord Hopton who by a new Commission was made Commander in chiefe the Lord Goring being in France who had used much expedition in his martch having martched in one day from Stratton to Torrington being eighteen large miles they brought along with them much Cattle and Sheep which with salt and other provisions that were to come from Barnstable were for the Reliefe of Excester This Intelligence fully resolving the Army in the Motions and Intentions of the Enemy engaged them yet deeper in their Resolutions to make speed towards them and not passing one or two dayes intervened their martch In this interim tydings were brought the Army that Warham and the Committees there being surprized by a party of Horse from Oxford was by Colonel Cook regained he being with fifteen hundred Horse then about Shaftsbury and that Colonel Cromwel who commanded the Kings party was by him taken prisoner that the Horse were escaped and fled into Corfe Castle not apprehended by our Guards through the darknesse of the night Moreover that Mr Murrey and Sir David Conningham were taken coming out of France section 3 Saturday Feb. 14. The Army martched from Crediton to Chimleigh being ten miles the Weather wet and the way dirty the Enemy but a little before our Forces came were in the Towne and were beaten out by the Plymouth Regiment Lieutenant-colonel Wicks and others taken prisoners Here his Excellency received intelligence that the Enemy continued at Torrington and were a considerable Army upon which Sunday Febr. 15. the Army martched early from Chimleigh and had a Randezvouz two miles off in the way to Torrington Our Horse brought in divers prisoners to the Randezvouz who confest that the Lord Hopton was in Torrington and that he had sent out parties by three of the clock that morning to discover our motion also one
of our Spyes came thither out of Torrington that morning assuring his Excellency that the Enemies whole Army was in and about Torrington not expecting our being so neer The Army was drawn to the Randezvouz with intention to martch to Torrington but the weather proving so bad the bridges being broken down by the enemy and besides the day being far spent put the General upon resolution to order his owne Regiment of Foot and a party of two hundred Horse under the command of Captaine Berry to advance three or four mile in the way to Torrington to amuze the Enemy and himselfe with the rest of the Army to return to Chimleigh A party of Colonel Butler's men that were upon the Guard tooke fourteene men and seven and twenty Horse part of the Enemies Guard and brought them to Chimleigh being most of them of Goring's Life-guard who being brought before the General confest they heard of our advance Cattaine Berry who was sent as before toward the Enemy returned with his party of two hundred Horse informing the General that they had met with a party of the Enemy about the same number that the Enemy charged him but he had by the assistance of God routed them and sore wounded Lieutenant colonel Dundasse who led on the party and brought him and others away prisoners but Dundasse was so sore wounded that he was forced to be left at a country Village upon his Parolle to render himselfe a prisoner if he recovered which accordingly he very punctually performed and the General in commiseraton of his condition being disabled for service by reason of his Wounds upon his tender to engage himselfe never to beare Armes against the Parliament granted him his liberty section 4 * It should be remembred here that upon the Armies advance to Torrington Colonel Cooke who alwayes readily received and punctually observed his Orders was sent with Major-General Massie's Horse to lye before Barnstable and upon that part of Devonshire to be in a posture to interrupt the Enemies Horse in case upon the Armies advance into Cornwal they should attempt to break through Monday February 16. The Drummes Beat by four of the clocke in the Morning The generall Randezvouz of the Army was appointed to bee at Rings-Ash about three Miles from Chimleigh where accordingly by seven of the clocke in the Morning the whole Army was drawne up in Battalia Horse and Foot on the Moore five miles short of Torrington and so martched in order ready for a present engagement in case the Enemy should attempt any thing in our martch through the narrow Lanes the Forelorn-Hope of horse commanded by Major Stephens and Captaine Moleneux being advanced towards Stephenston Master Rolls his house neer Torrington his Excellency understood that the Enemy had two hundred Dragoons in the House whereupon a commanded Party of Horse and Foot were sent to fall on them but upon the advance of our Forces towards them the Enemy quit the place yet our Horse martching fast engaged their Reare took severall of their Dragoons prisoners and afterwards the Forelorn-Hope of Horse on both sides were much engaged in the narrow and dirty Lanes at last we beat them from Master Rolls his house all along the Lane almost to Torrington The Army engaged with the Enemy neere Torrington About five of the clock in the Evening the Van of the Army was drawn up in the Park the Forelorn-Hope of Foot was drawne out neer the Forelorn-Hope of Horse in the mid-way between Master Rolls house and Torrington and there lined the Hedges to make good the retreat of the Horse the Enemy likewise drew out of the Towne four or five Closes off and lined the Hedges with Musquetteers within a Close of ours and flankt their Foot with Horse whereupon good reserves were sent to second our Forelorn-Hope of Foot least the enemy knowing the ground and we being strangers unto it might suddenly encompasse us it being by this time dark night and the whole Army being then come up having martched ten miles that day about eight at night the Enemy drew off from some of the Closes they formerly possest whereupon we gained the ground they quitted a Counsel of war being called whether it was advisable it might engage the Enemies Body then in the town who were ready with the best advātages of ground Barricado's to receive us it was the general sense of the Counsell to make good our ground and double our Guards till the next morning that we might the better take view of the places where we were like to engage whereupon the General and Lieutenant-General went from Master Rolls his house to see the Guards accordingly set but hearing a noyse in the Towne as if the Enemy were retreating and being loath they should goe away without an affront to that purpose and that we might get certaine knowledge whether they were going off or not a small Party of Dragoons were sent to fire on the Enemy neer the Barricadoes and Hedges the Enemy answered us with a round Volley of shot thereupon the Forlorn-Hope of Foot went and engaged themselves to bring off the Dragoons and the reserve fell on to bring off the Forlorn-Hope And being thus far engaged the General being on the Field and seeing the generall resolution of the Souldiery held fit that the whole Regiments in order after them should fall on and so both sides were accordingly engaged in the dark for some two hours till we beat them from the Hedges within their Barricadoes which were very strong and where some of their men disputed the entrance of our Forces with push of Pike and butt end of Musket for a long time at last it pleased God to give us the Victory our Foot first entring the Towne and afterwards the Horse who chased the Enemy through the Towne the Lord Hopton bringing up the Reare had his Horse shot dead under him in the middle of the Town Their Horse once facing about in the street caused our Foot to retreat but more of our Horse comming up pursued them to the Bridges and through the other Barracadoes at the further end of the Towne where we had no sooner placed Guards at the severall Avenues and had drawne our whole Army of Foot and most of our Horse into the Towne but the Magazine of neer eighty barrels of Powder which the Lord Hopton had in the Church was fired by a desperate villaine one Watts whom the Enemy had hired with thirty pounds for that purpose as he himselfe confessed the next day when he was pul'd out from under the rubbish and timber and the Lead Stones Timber and Iron-work of the Church were blowne up into the Ayre and scattered all over the Towne and Fields about it where our Forces were yet it pleased God miraculously to preserve the Army that few were slaine besides the Enemies that were prisoners in the Church where the Magazine was blowne up and most of our men that
guarded them who were killed and buried in the ruines And here was Gods great mercy unto us that the General being there in the streets escaped with his life so narrowly there falling a web of Lead with all its force which killed the Horse of one Master Rhoads of the Life-guard who was thereon next to the General in the street but doing neither him nor the General any hurt There were taken in the Towne about six hundred prisoners besides Officers great store of Armes the Lanes and Fields being bestrewed with them all their Foot were scattered their Horse fled that night towards Cornwal in great confusion the prisoners we took confessed they had about four thousand Foot and four thousand Horse at least the service was very hot we had many wounded it was stoutly maintained on both sides for the time section 5 If any particular be omitted in this Relation let the Generals Letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons supply the same which here followeth with a List of the slaine and taken in this fight To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire SPEAKER of the Honourable House of COMMONS Master Speaker His Excellencies Letter concerning the Fight at Torrington PLymouth being set free and Dartmouth taken I sent Colonel Hammond with part of the Foot to possesse part of the houses neer Excester for the blocking of it up on the West side of the River as formerly I had done on the East and lay with the rest of the Army so as to countenance both that Work and the raising of some Forces in the Southams to lye about Totnes for the securing of that Country and to keep the Enemy from comming of that side of Devonshire againe when the Army should remove to the other These two things with the continuall foule weather at that time and the absence of Colonel Cook with so many of the Horse occasioned my stay thereabouts above a fortnight in which time the houses being competently fortified and the Forces raising in the Southams in good forwardnesse I drew the Army up towards Crediton with purpose to advance into the North of Devonshire also either by the taking of Barnstable or by blocking of it up and raising a Force in that wel affected corner to keep it in so as having all cleer or made fast behind me I might the better follow the remaining Field Forces of the Enemy into Cornwal And to continue the blocking up of Excester on the West side I left Sir Hardresse Waller with three Regiments of Foot and one of Horse of this Army and advanced with five Regiments of Horse and seven Regiments of Foot and five Troops of Dragoons the rest of the Horse and Dragoons being absent with Colonel Cook in Dorsetshire but then sent for to come up when I was resolved upon my advance this way The Enemy at the same time advanced out of Cornwal with all the Foot to Torrington about which their Horse did lye before and began to fortifie the Towne Their intentions therein as we conceived and doe since further find were by the advantage of this place and their Garrison of Barnstable so neer it to make this part of Devonshire more surely theirs and more difficult for us to come into and lying so much the neerer to Excester against which they supposed this Army wholly engaged to take their best advantages from hence and from Chimley which they meant also to have possessed to relieve Excester on the North side or disturb us in the Siege and it is probable they might have a further purpose in their posture here to secure the landing of Irish or Welsh supplies so much the forwarder towards the East On Saturday last I advanced from Crediton to Chimleigh where by many prisoners I was informed That the Lord Hopton had hereabouts foure thousand Horse and three thousand Foot Wee beleeved them to be about two thousand Foot or upwards and three thousand Horse the extreame foulnesse of Weather that day and the next occasioned me not to advance from about Chimleigh for the next night save only one Foot Quarter and an Horse Guard advanced to Ring-Ash three miles towards the Enemy to secure a Randezvouz so much the neerer to them for the day following I understood by the best Intelligence that the Enemy was resolved to make good their station and set their rest upon it to fight us there if we would come up to them and truly men in their condition could not hope al things considered to have more for it their Horse for nūber superior to what I brought up with me their Foot as I find since not much inferiour and if they could with all their force make good this Towne and put us to lye in the Field there being no Villages neer it that could shelter the Army the wet weather continuing which was then most likely would have forced us to draw back and make our fire Armes little usefull either for assault or defence and besides we were like for matter of provisions to be forced to draw off first they having both by their posture with the plentifull Country of Cornwal behind them and a River at their backs securing also a good part of Devonshire unto them and by their strength of Horse much advantage for longer subsistence then we and we by the barrennesse of the place where we must have lyen before them especially for Horse meat their Garrison of Barnstable lying partly behind us their Horse more numerous then ours which might with stronger parties cut off our supplyes had little possibility to subsist long before them These Considerations we had in our eye to discourage us from going on as I beleeve they had to encourage them to stand yet on the other side finding that by reason of the barrennesse and long exhausting of our Quarters behind us we could neither keep our Horse so close together as to lye safe so neer the Enemy nor indeed find subsistence for the Army either where we were or in any other Quarters more backward where we could lye so as to secure the Siege of Excester from reliefe and upon all considerations conceiving the affaires of the Kingdome did require us and God by all did call us to make a present attempt upon the Enemy Wee resolved to goe on to try what God would doe for us and trust him for weather subsistence and all things Accordingly on Monday morning I drew out the Army to an early Randezvouz at Ring-ash within six miles of the Enemy the weather still continued very wet and so by all signes was like to hold till we were advanced from the Randezvouz but suddenly when we were upon Martch it beyond all expectation began to be faire and dry and so continued whereas we had scarce seene one faire blast for many dayes before The Enemy as we understood by the way had all their Horse drawne together about Torrington and with their foot prepared to defend the Towne which
they had fortified with good barricadoes of earth cast up at every avenew and a competent line patcht up round about it their Horse standing by to flanke the same and some within to scoure the Streets Our Forlorne-Hope had order to advance to Stephenson Parke about a mile from the Towne and there to stay for the drawing up of the Army there being no other place fit for that purpose neerer to the Towne on that side we came on But when we came neere we understood that the Enemy had with two hundred Dragoons possest the House in the Parke and were fortifying it being of it selfe very strong but upon our neerer approach their Dragoons quitted the House and our Forlorn-Hope falling on them took many prisoners and pursuing them neer the Towne were engaged so far as they could not well draw back to the Parke which occasioned the sending up of stronger Parties to make them good where they were or bring them off and at last there being some feare that the Enemy would draw about them and hem them in Colonel Hammond was sent up with three Regiments of Foot being his owne Colonel Harlowes and mine and some more Horse to lye for reserves unto them by which time the night was growne on so that it was not thought fit unlesse the Enemy appeared to be drawing away to attempt any thing further upon the Towne till morning in regard none of us knew the ground nor the advantages or disadvantages of it but about nine of the clock there being some apprehension of the Enemies drawing away by reason of their drawing back some Out-guards small Parties were sent out towards the Townes end to make a certaine discovery which going very neer their Works before the Enemy made any firing but being at last entertained with a great Volley of shot and thereupon supposed to be engaged stronger Parties were sent up to relieve them and alter them the three Regiments went up for reserves till at last they fell on in earnest after very hot firings our men comming up to the Barricadoes and Line the dispute continued long at push of Pike and with butt ends of Muskets till at last it pleased God to make the Enemy fly from their Works and give our men the entrance After which our men were twice repulsed by their Horse and almost all driven out againe but Colonel Hammond with some other Officers and a few Souldiers made a stop at the Barricadoes and so making good their re-entrance rallyed their men and went on againe Major Stephens with their Forlorn Hope of Horse comming seasonably up to second them the Enemies Foot ran severall wayes most of them leaving their Armes but most of their Officers with the assistance of Horse made good their owne retreat out of the Towne towards the Bridge and taking the advantage of straight passages to make often stands against our men gave time for many of their Foot to get over the Bridge Their Horse without the Towne after some attempts at other Avenues to have broken in againe upon us being repulsed at last went all away over another Bridge and at severall other passes of the River and all fell Westward the ground where their Horse had stood and the Bridge they went over lying so beyond the Towne as our Horse could not come at them but through the Towne which by reason of straight passages through severall Barricadoes was very tedious by meanes wereof and by reason of continued straight lanes the Enemy had to retreat by after they were over the River as also by the advantage of the night and by their perfect knowledge of the Country and our ignorance therein our Horse could doe little execution upon the pursuit but Parties being sent out severall wayes to follow them as those disadvantages would admit did the best they could and brought back many prisoners and Horses we took many prisoners in the Towne who being put into the Church where the Enemies Magazine lay of above four score barrels of Powder as is reported besides other Ammunition either purposely by some desperate Prisoner or casually by some Souldier the Powder was fired whereby the Church was quite blown up the Prisoners and most of our men that guarded them were killed and overwhelmed in the Ruines the houses of the Towne shaken and shattered and our men all the Town over much endangered by the stones timber and lead which with the blast were carried up very high and scattered in great abundance all the Town over and beyond yet it pleased God that few of our men were slaine or hurt thereby save those in the Church onely our losse of men otherwise in this service was small though many wounded it being a hotter service then any storme this Army hath before been upon wherein God gave our men great resolution and Colonel Hammond especially and other Officers engaged with him behaved themselves with much resolution courage and diligence recovering the ground after their men were twice repulsed Of Prisoners taken in this service about two hundred were blowne up two hundred have taken up Armes with us and about two hundred more common Souldiers remaine Prisoners besides many Officers Gentlemen and servants not many slaine but their Foot so dispersed as that of about three thousand which the most credible persons do affirme they had there and we find by a List taken among the Lord Hopton's Papers themselves did accompt them more we cannot heare of above four hundred that they carried off with them into Cornwal whither their Horse also are gone being much broken and dispersed as well as their Foot By the Considerations and circumstances in this businesse which I have here touched upon you will perceive whose hand it was that led us to it and gave such successe in it and truly there were many more evident appearances of the good hand of God therein then I can set forth let all the honour be to him alone for ever being desirous as God shall see it good and further enable me to improve the advantage of this successe to the uttermost The next day having sent some Regiments of Horse and Foot to advance unto Quarters up towards Holsworthy to set the Enemy more home into Cornwal and with more terror upon them I sent also one Regiment of Foot with some Horse back towards Barnstable to possesse the Earl of Baths house at North-Tavestock about a mile from Barnstable on this side the River whereby that Garrison will be easily kept in on this side and I shall try what will be done upon it otherwayes whilest the Army takes a little rest hereabouts which the unseasonable Martches miserable Quarters hard Duty both Horse and Foot for many dayes have been put unto doe necessarily require But I conceive that so soon as the Army can be fitted for the purpose it would be best to follow the Enemy home and throughly into Cornwal the breaking of that Body of Horse that 's left there
settle the West Thirdly Excester and Barnstable would not probably hold out if the Field force were once subdued whilest that stood they could not in honor yeeld and therefore it was thought fit rather to follow the Enemy into Cornwal to subdue them then to stay to reduce Excester and Barnstable and then to pursue them for that those Garrisons would be dying for want of provisions whilest the Army should be in pursuit of the foresaid intentions section 2 Lords day Feb. 22. Orders were given to bring up some small quantity of Money that was at Tiverton to the Army that upon their martch into Cornwal there might be supply The Army martching into Cornwall Monday Feb. 23. Part of the Army martched from Torrington to Holsworthy being twelve long miles dirty way and the rest from Biddiford Tavestock c. to Torrington being fifteen miles and the wayes deep Before the Van of the Army got into Holsworth Colonel Butler was commanded before with a Party of Horse and four hundred Dragoons to force his passage over the River Tamar and if conveniently he could to fall into the Enemies Quarters and Captaine Woggan who was before sent with a small Party of Dragoons took five and twenty Horse and some Prisoners and brought them to Holsworthy section 3 A considerable performance of Colonel Butler Wednesday 25. The Army had a Randezvouz neer Tomerton where Intelligence came That Colonel Butler had fallen upon the Enemy and taken between three and four hundred Horse and eighty Prisoners and put Major General Web with the Forces under his command to flight this service was performed neer Stratton and thereupon our Forces entred Stratton where the people were much taken with their civility This day the Army martched to Launceston ten long miles being twelve at night before the Rear came up within two miles of the Towne three Scouts were taken who informed of Colonel Bassets being in the Towne with five hundred Foot of Colonel Tremayne's and some Horse a Forlon Hope was sent before to demand the Towne the Gates were shut upon them the Enemy resisted two of them were slaine about an hundred taken at last the Enemy was put to flight in great disorder by the darknesse of the night narrownesse and steepnesse of the wayes most of them escaped and our men possessed the Towne which had been garrisoned by them Thursday 26. The head Quarter continued at Launceston the Foot being much wearied out with the two dayes martch before The General viewed the ancient Castle of Launceston scituated upon a Mount raised very high but not fortified the Works and Mounts on the top of the Hill the Enemy left standing undemolished Many Cornish were taken prisoners in the Towne the night before who being brought before the General this day had twelve pence apeece given them and Passes to goe to their homes the Townes people in Launceston were much affected with such mercifull usage The Army in their martch into Cornwal thus far had much cause to observe the peoples frights quitting their Habitations in feare of the Army the Enemy having insinuated such an ill opinion of it into them endeavouring to make them beleeve by Oaths and Imprecations that no Cornish was to have quarter at our hands of which prejudice and misprission after the people were undeceived they frequented the Markets again as in former time section 4 This day a Letter was sent to Plymouth for the Cornish Gentlemen there to hasten to the General to Launceston the Rear-Guard of our Horse were appointed to quarter along the River Tamar the better to prevent the breaking through of the Enemies Horse an evill which his Excellency had ever a watchfull eye upon to prevent Messengers were sent to Colonel Cook who was left before Barnstable with Major-General Massies Horse all except the Lyme Regiment to keep good Scouts out to fall on the Flank of the Enemy in case they attempted to passe by Captaine Farmer was sent with a Company of Dragoons to possesse a House neer Camelford to gaine intelligence and the more to amuse the Enemy touching our advance after them and thereupon to enforce them to keep their Horse in a Body that they might not take Quarters and so to weaken and discourage them from breaking through section 5 Friday the 27. The Head Quarters continuing still at Launceston the Plymouth Regiments of Foot were sent unto to come from Tavestock thither and the residue to lye on the passes upon the River the more effectually to interrupt the Enemy if he attempted to break through Saturday the 28. His Excellency had intelligence That Salt-Ash was quit by the Enemy and their Works left undemolished that the Governour of Mount-Edgcombe was resolved to conclude upon a Treaty negotiated by Master Peeters The Army was ordered this day to Quarters and advanced four or five miles towards Bodman that the Rear of our Horse might quarter with more conveniency and closer together and to the end the next day all the Army both Horse and Foot might martch close in a Body in regard of the continued expectation that was of the Enemies Horse breaking through upon the advantage of a very open way much of it being Downes other Messengers were sent also to Colonel Cook for more surety and caution to be in readinesse in case the Enemy should attempt to break through for to prevent that still was the greatest care of the General knowing that if the Horse got East and joyned with the Kings force it might prolong the War and much disturb the peace of the Mid-land Counties likewise a Post was sent to Colonel Whaley to draw from Oxfordshire towards Wiltshire with some Regiments of his Horse that he had before Oxford the better to encounter with the Enemies Horse that would be to purpose harrased out with their martch in case they did break through by a hard pursuit of them which his Excellency intended month March 1646 section 6 About this time Abbington like to have bin surprized by a great Force from Oxford was gallantly defended Lords day March 1. It happened to be a bitter cold frost the Randezvouz of the Army was that day about six miles from Launceston upon the Moores a Party of Horse being sent out discovered the Enemies Scouts and not farre from Saint Blisland took eight of them belonging to a Guard of three hundred Horse which they kept but a little before our Army the Scouts confest they knew nothing of our approach that day but expected us the next that the three hundred Horse they had upon the Guard they thought were drawne off we had no sooner advanced a little farther but the Van of our Army discovered their said Guard who faced about our Army made an halt till our Reare was come up the Evening drawing on and having four miles yet to Bodman it was held fit to quarter the Body of the Army in the Field about Saint Blisland which was the head Quarter a
very poor Village and this was done both for security to lye close together being so neer an Enemy and for expedition to be the readier for a martch the next morning Besides it was held much advantage for the Army to lye close this night whereby they might keep good Horse Guards the better to discover and check the Enemy if he should seek to break through A little before they took the Enemies Scouts Intelligence came that our Dragoons under Captaine Farmer and Captaine Woggan were engaged with the Enemy as they were martching from the House they possest to joyne with the Army whereupon a Party of two thousand Horse were commanded under the Lieutenant General to fetch off our Dragoons but before the Horse came up they had acquitted themselves well the Enemy was retired and they were comming on to the Army That Party of the Enemy was commanded by Sir James Smith and had they not taken the nick of time and gone away when they did they had been all taken in their retreat by our Horse which came so instantly after them that they had like to have gained the passe The Enemy retreating This night his Excellency had intelligence that the Enemy had quit Bodman about ten at night Horse and Foot retreating yet further West Whither Hopton went and that the Lord Hopton otherwise Sir Ralph Hopton brought up the Reare most of the men poore creatures being drunk when they went away to mend their hard fortune His Excellency advancing after them About this time Ashby-de-la-Zouch a Garrison in Northamptonshire surrendred to the Parliament Monday early in the morning the Army following them martched towards Bodman and had a Randezvouz on the Downes on this side Bodman from thence part of the Horse and Foot were commanded to Ware-Bridge being a passage that was suspected very convenient for the Enemy in case they intended to break Eastward likewise Guards were commanded to Padstow for caution lest there the Enemy should get over the River and also the better to countenance the Townes-men that stood upon their guard against the Enemy Two actions little lesse then miraculous This day four Troopers pursued a party of two and forty Musquetteers of the Enemy beyond Bodman with their Muskets laden and matches lighted and after the rate of a miracle brought them away prisoners such feare was upon them from Heaven certainly likewise six Troopers pursued the Enemy on the left hand as farre as Lestithel made them quit their Guards there and hearing that Ammunition was going to Foy in Wane loads pursued the Convoy thither forced them to leave the Ammunition and so brought back four Wane loads of Match Powder Bullet and barrels of Muskets and safely convoyed the same to the head Quarter in Bodman the Troopers that did this action were rewarded but who is able to acknowledge the goodnesse and power of that God by whom they did these exployts Moreover a Party of our Horse this day took Sir John Greenvils Lieutenant-Colonel and others Tuesday March 3. The Army rested at Bodman Consultation was had what course was to be taken to keep the Enemy still before the Army their head Quarters then being at Truro their neerest Quarters about Saint Columb Grampond and Tregny between which Townes and Truro they lay then quartered keeping their maine Guard of Horse at Castle ô Denisse All the passes from the North Sea to the South Sea were taken into consideration and Guards of Horse and Foot disposed unto them and the Country were enjoyned to barricadoe up the Lanes and keep men upon the Foards Prince Charles gone to Scilly Wednesday March 4. His Excellency had certaine intelligence that the Prince was imbarqued and set sale for Scilly with his Lords and Gentlemen giving all for lost and so evidently irrecoverable did their condition appeare to all that their refuge of lyes failed them and they did not stick to say in desperation at their departure That all was lost The discouragement it was to the Enemy The Prince his flying much disheartned the Enemy and what a work should it have upon us It might become us here to stay and pause a while I cannot but run upon that Scripture in my mind Isaiah 51. 12 13 14. verses Who art thou that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall dye and of the son of man which shall be as grasse and forgettest the Lord thy Maker that hath stretched forth the Heavens and laid the foundations of the earth and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the Oppressor as if he were ready to destroy and where is the fury of the Oppressor The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed and that he should not dye in the pit or that his Bread should faile The poor Cornish like the captive exile hastened to be delivered lest they should dye in the pit and therefore took up Armes on any side to make an end of the Warre and restore a peace of any fashion for the fury of the Oppressor and where is the fury of the Oppressor A Ship hath embarqued them a strong wind hath carried them away Scilly hath opened her Armes and received them c. but I must remember my story The conditions for the surrender of Mount-Edgcomb a place of great strength and consideration were this day presented to the General by Master Coriton Master Lower Master Glanvile and Master Trevisa Gentlemen of the Country who were glad of the opportunity to present themselves to the General for his favour The Propositions were ratified by his Excellency and Letters of recommendation were agreed unto to be drawne and sent on their behalfe to the Parliament their seasonable comming in was a good service and Master Peter's industry in this Negotiation was great and worthy all acceptation and acknowledgment A Sūmons was this day sent unto some few Hundreds of the Country to appeare on Friday following upon the Downes at Bodman and strong Parties were sent out to see if they could meet with the Enemy who meeting with some of their Guards forced them to retreat beyond Saint Collomb This night the General had intelligence that a Ship was come into Padstow from Ireland that the Townes people seized on 't and stood on their guard against the Enemy and sent to our Dragoons who quartered neer them for their assistance Thursday 5. The Dragoons comming to their assistance boarded the Vessell some of the men were put to the sword others sore wounded Captaine Allen of Waterford an Irish Rebel had his life spared to the intent to make use of his Confession the Townes people were violent against them the Packet-Letters they brought were throwne over Board yet by the diligence of the Officers of Dragoons were found floating upon the water which being brought to the General there was found amonst them Letters from the Earle of Glamorgan that six thousand Irish were ready to be transported and four
martch it was held fit to take up quarter in the Villages thereabouts for as many as the places could receive and the General with the rest of the Army returned back to Bodman But to keep the Enemy waking that they might not refresh their Horse by any rest in their Quarters Colonel Rich was sent with a thousand Horse and Dragoons to fall on the Enemies Guards and Quarters and to bring in what prisoners he could light upon which accordingly he did neer Saint Columbe beat the Enemies Out-Guards to their Maine Guard their maine Guard being about six hundred most of them the Princes Life guard and Gentlemen then commanded by Major-General Pert who seeing no hopes of retreat drew out to give a Charge and gave a good home-charge to our first Division Maior-General Pert himself charged through but being shot was taken prisoner instantly the Enemy was put to the rout before the rest of our Divisions could come up That Division of ours that was commanded by Quartermaster-General Fincher who first charged them had the pursuit and execution of the Enemy for three or four miles wherein many were wounded and slaine about an hundred taken prisoners and about three hundred Horse But by reason the General and part of the Army retreated back this day to Bodman the Malignants began to rejoyce upon presumption that the Army was affronted and hereof they were so confident that they conveyed it up with much expedition to Oxford where it is certaine they had publick rejoycing for the great Victory obtained against FAIRFAX his Forces in Cornwal Lords day March 8. Though the day were very rainy the Army marched to other Quarters within six or seven miles of Truro to Saint Stephens Saint Blase and other parts Major-General Pert was brought to the head Quarters sore wounded he was a proper stout gallant man all meanes was used for his recovery if it might have been He satisfied divers there that those men that were so routed were the Princes Regiment most of them Gentlemen and Reformadoes That the Summons sent from the General to the Lord Hopton was not published The Copy of the Summons being read unto him he said that the conditions therein mentioned would be readily accepted by the Souldiery and if it were once published in the Army and refused by the Officers it would break them to pieces In Major-General Pert's pocket there was found a Letter intended to be sent to the Lords that were about the Prince to this purpose That the Kings condition is so low is not our fault we are not able to break through the Enemy nor strong enough to fight them therefore are resolved to compound for our selves and leave you to doe what you please This day the Lord Hopton returned back the General 's Trumpet without Answer to the Summons onely with this Apology Viz. By Colonel Rich his beating of their Guard That by reason of the interruption the last night he could not send a particular Answer to the General but would send one very shortly Which that he might vindicate from a delatory excuse he made haste and this day towards the Evening an Answer came from the Lord Hopton wherein he seemed willing to fancy the King and Parliament into a Treaty and Cessation and desired to know if it were not so as the Answer it selfe will shew the Copy whereof followeth Sir Sir Ralph Hoptons answer to his Excellencies Summons I Received yours bearing date the fift of this Moneth wherein I must acknowledge much kindnesse from you and a very Christian consideration of sparing blood But one thing there is I am confident you have too much honour to expect from me which is that to avoid any danger or to enjoy any worldly advantage I will renounce my Masters House to whom I am both a sworne Subject and a sworne Servant That I must professe I am resolved to undergoe all Fortunes with him and if there shall be cause to suffer any thing rather then in the least poynt to taint my honour in that particular and I hope there is not a man of any consideration in this Army under my command that is not so resolved yet in all honest and honourable wayes to procure the peace of this Kingdome and the sparing of Christian blood I take God to witnesse I am and still have been most desirous And I heare from good hands that our gracious Soveraigne is at present so farre advanced in a Treaty with the Parliament as that he hath promised to passe four of the principall of their Bils proposed whereof the entrusting of the Militia for seven yeers in hands agreed between them is one I desire you to deal freely with me in that particular for if that be so it will spare the labour of further Treaty being for my part ready to obey whatsoever his Majesty shall agree to God hath indeed of late humbled us with many ill successes which I acknowledge as a very certaine evidence of his just judgment against us for our personall crimes Yet give me leave to say your present prosperity cannot be so certaine an evidence of his being altogether pleased with you It is true we are reduced to a lower condition then we have been in yet have we a gallant Body of Horse that being preserved to a generall accord may be for good use against our common Enemies and being otherwise prest I may say it without vanity want not a resolution at lest to sell our selves at a deare rate against any oddes Your Propositions though they be not wholly consented to yet if a generall accord much more desirable be not in a likely forwardnesse to prevent them I shall be willing that eight Commanders of ours with three Country Gentlemen give a meeting as soon as you please to any equall number of yours at any indifferent place to consult of this great businesse and to conclude of some Propositions that may be reasonable and honourable for both Parts wherein I hope God will so blesse our cleer intentions as may produce a probable inducement to a generall Peace according to the unfained desire of Your Servant RALPH HOPTON March 8. 1645. But this Art would not do my Lord Hoptons Magick is not strong enough to condense the meer ayre of his owne fancy into a Cessation before our Armies as by the Generals Reply to this Answer the Reader may satisfie himselfe which here followes My Lord His Excellencies Reply I Should most truly and freely informe your Lordship the best I could in any thing that might lead you to a right understanding of things in order to the peace of the Kingdome or the reall good of your selfe and those with you so farre as may stand with my trust and duty to the publick to what I conceive your more certaine knowledge of that your desire to be informed in concerning the Kings offers to the Parliament would not be prejudiciall But the truth is I can give you
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
discovery of their strength and resolutions which were so considerable as it appeared that a Treaty was the best and safest argument to obtaine the place and to disperse the Enemy into more Faction by offering conditions who were at as much distance as could be within the same Wals by this way of proceeding against them and made Enemies to one another who else had been all as one Enemy against us and now they were already disbanded in Counsels a good preamble to the disbanding of their Garrison His Excellency preparing and sending in Propositions of his owner The Treaty being thus broke off upon occasion of the Enemies high demands and their Propositions being wholly laid aside other Propositions were prepared and digested by his Excellency and the Commissioners on our part which were not framed without much debate and taking the affaires of the Kingdome according to their then present posture into prospect and consideration as they stood in relation to this Businesse These Propositions were sent into the Garrison and the Treaty was reinforced on both sides yet now his Excellency treated as one who rather gave Lawes then took any reciprocally from them having sent them such Propositions as by advice with his Officers were just and honourable and as from which he could not vary save in point of circumstance or explanation His Excellency not so engaged to a Treaty as to agree to dishonourable termes but rather advising how to reduce it by force In this renewed Treaty there appeared yet much difficulty and aversnesse on the Enemies part I meane in their Commissioners Whereupon a Counsell of War was held by his Excellency to consider yet of reducing the Garrison by force if the Enemy should flye off in the Treaty This was the fullest Counsel since this Army martched consisting of the General Major-General Lieutenant-General of Horse Commissary General Lieutenant General of the Ordnance The General Officers of Horse and Foot besides the Colonels Lieutenant-Colonels and Majors of the Army I observe this to take off all aspersions of dark and private proceedings by parties and factions and to strengthen the reputation of such intelligence such Counsels and grounds as were received and proceeded on At a Counsel of WARRE held at Marston at the Leaguer before Oxford June 9. 1646. Present The General Major Gen. Skippon Lieuten Gen. Cromwel Lieut. Gen. Hamond Commis Gen. Ireton Colonel Sheffield Col. Sir Hardresse Waller Colonel Graves Colonel Lambert Colonel Ingoldesby Colonel Herbert Colonel Rainsborough Colonel Harley Colonel Okey Comptroler of the Ordn. Colonel Pindar Judge Advocate Colonel Bulstrod Adjutant-Gen Evelyn Adjutant-Gen Gray Scoutmaster-General Qu. mast Gen. Fincher Qu. mast Ge. Gravenor Lieut. Col. Bowen Lieut. Col. Ewers Lieut. Col. Hewson Lieut. Col. Ashfield Th. Herbert Esq Commissioner of Parl. Major Desborow Major Alford Major Horton The Resolves of the Counsel were first That there were four thousand Foot and three hundred Horse by their best intelligence in that Garrison for Defence The second was That they might hold out six months before they wanted provisions of Victuall and Ammunition The third was That it was not adviseable to storme Oxford The fourth was That the most probable way was reducing it by approaches in case they could not close by Treaty The City now appearing in this Reputation of considerablenesse we shall look over into particulars of its strength Souldiery Ammunition and Victuals The strength of the Garrison For its strength it was surrounded on all sides but the North with Rivers and Meadowes overflowne so as it was onely approachable on the North side and this way was onely approved on by the Counsel of Warre and yet this way there were two Lines and Works which in Reasons of Warre would have stood in no little cost and Blood for against every Port of the second Line were Colleges which however once places of Books and Peace yet now served as petty Castles of defence which thing was worthy to be considered not so much out of tendernesse to them or indulgency to the Blood of this Army but out of providence to the Kingdome whose Guard it was As for them it is well knowne they were never such Husbands of their Blood when the State stood in need of it The store of Ammunition For Ammunition and Victuall it was well stored there being Amunition which well husbanded might have served them six moneths and Victual for as long so as themselves and their Artillery would have both lived and determined together The numbers of Souldiers very considerable For the Souldiery there wanted no numbers for that businesse four thousand according to the best intelligence and as afterward by passes did appeare above three thousand beside Reformadoe Scholars Townes-men who though a Miscellany yet would all have been men of Warre and of one profession in a time of defence And beside all this we had the name and reputation of the Governour Sir Thomas Glenham to take in who hath been knowne into places that had been otherwise of a dejected fortune to put life and spirit witnesse his performance at York which after the totall routing of the Kings Army before the wals of that City being beleaguered by the three Generals with greatest advantage possible stepping immediately from the Victory to the Leaguer he yet defended till he obtained honourable conditions And after that despaired of no lesse at Carlisle where he endured ten moneths siege submittiâ—g to eat dogges and horseflesh before he would yeeld without honourable conditions So as according to this account consider what expence of time and blood would have issued in carrying on the approaches for the reducement by force December being a moneth they might very well have reached unto which must necessarily have engaged the Army into so much winter water cold and difficulty as that the issue might in reason of Warre have proved as sad for the Besiegers all things considered as for those in the City three moneths time would have been the least and when all things had been ripe for enforcing the hazard of how many honest gallant men against earth and wals against Lines and Colleges But surely we flow not so with good men in the Kingdome that we should be so indifferently prodigall of those we have if Victories may be purchased cheaper and at an easier rate beside the spoyle and firing of Colleges and it may be of that famous Library which how it would have stood with the Reputation of this State to destroy places of Arts so freely let others judge The particular grounds of concluding the Treaty upon such Articles A Treaty therefore being judged the best and most counselable way His Excellency and the Commissioners resolved to enforce it and that not onely in respect to the Army upon the forementioned considerations of the difficulty danger and tediousnesse of other wayes but also with reference to the State of the Kingdome and divers other considerations As First in relation
and Pendennis month August 1646 OXford Garrison having run to its period of obstinacy against the Parliament and being now reduced many other Garrisons that attended its fate fell with it even like ripe fruit with an easie touch But these two Garrisons of Ragland and Pendennis like winter fruit hung long on Ragland Castle a strong hold in Wales Garrisoned for the King under the command of the Marquesse of Worcester scituated conveniently to command all the parts of South-Wales being straightned by some Forces of Sir Trevor Williams and Major-General Langhorne before Colonel Morgan was ordered from Worcester thither to command in chiefe the Forces that were and should be sent before it was at length formidably and closely besieged The same Captaine-Engineer that gave so good demonstration of his skill at Banbury at the reduction of that Castle Captaine Hooper was imployed here and so soon as he could get Spades and Shovels he went most dexterously to work against this Castle of Ragland Colonel Morgan at first had but fifteen hundred men to carry on the designe the Enemy was eight hundred strong within in Horse and Foot and made divers desperate sallies upon Colonel Morgan who received him as gallantly and in every of them was personally engaged with great hazard to himselfe in particular In one sally the Enemy took a Colour of ours the Cornet lost his life withall In exchange whereof a Major and Captain of the Enemies was slaine and divers wounded on the Enemies part But at length by the addition of two thousand more to Colonel Morgan from his Excellencies Army after Oxford was over as is noted before the Enemy in the Castle was reduced to more caution and taught to lye closer And especially when his Excellency in person was come thither from the Bath to put life into the Siege which was by that time in a good forwardnesse both for their Works and Approaches Who being come sent in this Summons into the Castle MY LORD BEing come into these parts with such a strength as I may not doubt but with the same good hand of providence that hath hitherto blessed us in short time to reduce the Garrison of Ragland to the obedience of the Parliament I have in order therto thought good to send your Lordship this summons hereby requiring you to deliver up to me for the Parliaments use the said Garrison and Castle of Ragland which as it onely obstructs the Kingdomes universall peace the rendition may beget such tearms as by delay or vain hopes cannot hereafter be expected I remaine My Lord Your Lordships most humble servant THOMAS FAIRFAX Leaguer before Ragland Aug. 7. 1646. 〈◊〉 which Summons begat an intercourse of many Messages from one side to the other with the copies whereof I shall continue that part of the Story SIR ALthough my infirmities might justly claime priviledge in so sudden an answer yet because you desire it and I not willing to delay your time to your letter of summons to deliver up my House and the onely house now in my possession to cover my head in these are to let you know that if you did understand the condition I am in I dare say out of your judgement you will not thinke it a reasonable demand I am loath to be the Author of mine owne ruine on both sides and therefore desire to have leave to send to his Majesty to know his pleasure what he will have done with his Garrison As for my House I presume he will command nothing neither am I knowing how either by Law or conscience I should be forced out of it To this I desire your returne and rest Your Excellencies humble servant H. WORCESTER MY LORD TOuching your sending to his Majesty it is that which hath been denied to the most considerable Garrisons of England further then an account to his Majesty of the thing done upon the surrender which I doe also freely grant to your Lordship And for that distinction which your Lordship is pleased to make it is your House If it had not been formed into a Garrison I should not have troubled your Lordship with a Summons and were it dis-garrisoned neither you nor your House should receive any disquiet from me or any that belong unto me This I thought good to returne to yours and thereby to discharge my selfe before God and the world of all extremities and sad consequences that will ensure upon the refusall of the rendition of your Garrison upon my Summons I remaine yours THO. FAIRFAX SIR I Doe so much confide in your Honour as that being at stake concerning leave to send to his Majesty I will at this time forbeare to make further motion in it Onely one thing which is extraordinary I offer to your consideration for the just cause besides my Allegeance of my reasonable request which is That upon his Majesties promise of satisfaction I am above twenty thousand pounds out of purse and if I should doe any thing displeasing unto him I am sure all that is lost and no benefit to the Parliament If you knew how well known I was in Henry Earle of Huntington's time unto your noble Grandfather at York I am assured I should receive that favour at your hands that safely you might afford God knowes if I might quietly receive my meanes of subsistence and be in security with the Parliaments approbation and freed from the malice of those Gentlemen that are of the Committee within this County I should quickly quit my selfe of the Garrison for I have no great cause to take delight in it I have that high esteem of your worth noblenesse and true judgment that knowing you will offer nothing ignoble or unworthy for me to doe as the case stands with me I desire to know what Conditions I may have and I will returne you present answer and in the meane time I rest Your humble servant H. WORCESTER MY LORD ACcording to your Lordships desire I have returned you conditions such as may be fit and satisfactory to the Souldiery To your Lordship and Family I have granted quiet and security from all violence of any that belongs to me I would perswade your Lordship not to fear any ill or disrespect from the Committee of this County I shall easily reconcile that Party or that they will doe any thing but as they shall receive order from the Parliament By this meanes you are at liberty to send to the Parliament and upon a present surrender and submission to their mercy and favour your Lordship cannot but think to receive better termes for your selfe then if you stand it out to the last extremity when besides the hazard of your person and of those in your Family which I do presume are deare to you and the spoyle of the Castle which cannot be avoyded in extreame undertakes against it Your Lordship hath no reason to expect better then the Marquesse of Winchester received who in making good Basing-house to the last narrowly escaped in
besides that that County had longest suffered of any place in the Kingdom being the constant seat of the War from the beginning But the consequence of the West and the commiseration of Taunton in particular then greatly distressed by a close siege whereinto also most of the best affected in those parts had drawn themselves for safety Prevailes and swayes to decline the designe upon Oxford at that time though otherwise needfull enough And so the first fruits of this Army are devoted to the West section 2 His Excellency undertakes the Western expedition According to this result the Generall though under an indisposition of body by reason of an Ague that had exercised him for some time yet undertakes this Western expedition with a great deal of cheerfulnesse though the whole fruit of that Yeares service was in great hazard to have been thereby blasted in the bud the King being then in a condition ready to take the field having made severall Dispatches for that purpose to imbody all his Forces and we having no balancing Force to attend his motion Lieut. General Cromwel being farre too weak to engage him and the Scots at too remote a distance And though it was urged to be most necessary to relieve our friends yet the slight retrenching and garisoning of many Townes of no great strength by nature and situation though it may serve for the present securing of particular Counties and particular mens Estates from plundering Parties yet are they prejudicial to the Publike and to the main of the wars For such places are not able to hold out long and then either there must be a losse of charge arms or of our friends which would be a discouragement to our whole Party or else an Army must be diverted from their principal designes and besides the danger other places by its absence may be exposed to expose it selfe also to the certtain toyle inconveniences and hazardous chances of a long March which is likely also to end in a Fight And therefore it hath been held great wisdome by ancient and well experienced Souldiers to have but few Garisons and those very strong which may hold out long without relief which is the more necessary if they shall be in the corners of a country and remote from reliefe month May 1645 section 3 A party left with L. Gen. Cromwel to straiten Oxford But to returne The first of May his Excellencie began his march with the whole Army except the forementioned Party of horse and Dragoons which were with Lieut. Generall Cromwel and four Regiments of Foot besides who were ordered when their recruits were come up to joyn with him to busie the Enemy about Oxford And by the seventh of May they reached Blanford in Dorset-shire marching the whole seven dayes and some of them very long marches without any intermission so willing were the Souldiers to come timely to the relief of distressed Taunton To Salisbury were they come before the Enemy was aware as was discovered by letters of Sir Ralph Hopton to the Governours of Winchester and Basing wherein he desired them to send him word when they thought Fairfax would be able to take the field section 4 In this first March of this New-Model the Generall to lay an early foundation of good successe in the punishment of former disorders prevention of future misdemeanours caused a Councel of War to be called that morning that they marched from Andover a mile from the Town where the severall Regiments were drawn up and stayed two or three houres at which Councel severall Offenders were tryed for their lives A Renegado and four more Authors of the Mutinie in Kent were cast one of which whose lot it was with the Renegado were executed upon a Tree at Wallop in the way of the Armies march in terrorem And the next day was Proclamation made through the Army That it should be death for any man to plunder section 5 But little or no action or execution against the Enemy happened in this march save that the same night that they quartered at Newbury good Scouts and parties of horse were sent out towards Hungerford and Marlborough whereabouts General Goring was with a great body of Horse and Dragoons comming out of the West our Parties met with some of the Enemies horse and took Lieut. colonel Hacket and some other prisoners upon examination of whom and by other intelligence which came in the nick of time Goring intending to beat up the L. Gen. quarters neer Faringdon prevented we understood Gorings designe was that night or the next morning early to beat up Lieut. General Cromwels quarters near Faringdon and to relieve that place The Lieutenant-General being newly come to the General at Newbury and present at this Intelligence immediately repaired to his charge and was drawn into a Body betimes General Goring marched with what speed he could on the West of Faringdon and recovered Radcot-bridge The Lieutenant-General sent a party of horse over the river to discover his motion where Major Bethel engaging too far in the dark was taken prisoner and about four men more lost and two Colours severall wounded The Enemy kept his advantage of the River and quartered his horse as far back as Latchlade whilest the Lieutenant-Gen was making a passage over New-bridge and having gained the same Gen. Goring either declining an engagement or desiring to prevent the raising of the siege at Taunton marched back with all speed after the Army into the West This is the totall routing of Cromwels forces as the King in his Letter to the Queen of this engagement near Newbridge relates it to be A poor cause and a condition far from envie that is pensioner to such Royal mistakes to support its reputation section 6 His Majesty taking the field The King taking the opportunity of the army 's marching westward draws forth his artillery out of Oxford to embody himself in the field L. Gen. Cromwel and Major-Gen Brown were ordered to attend his motion and moreover it was held necessary to recall his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax from the service of the West and to allot only a portion of his Army for Taunton Two Expresses to this purpose were sent from the Committee of both Kingdoms to his Excellency who was marched as far as Blandford And now comes the triall of this new Army which God had designed for some more then ordinary service whohad scarce warmed their heads with glorious designments nay ere they could reflect upon the strength content of their united March were by this means to be divided three severall wayes ere ever the Army came to perfection or This like a black cloud for the time intercepted those prospects of glorious atchievements and success which themselves and others saw before to this Army and like a fierce storm threatned to dash all section 7 A Brigade appointed for Taunton the rest march back Accordingly a Brigade is appointed for Taunton of four
the losse of Leicester and the danger thereupon of the Kings breaking into the Associated Counties Lieutenant-General Cromwel was ordered by the Committee of both Kingdomes to march only with three Troops of horse to secure the Isle of Ely which commands he in greater tendernesse of the publique service then his own honour in such a time of extremity as that was disputed not but fulfilled And his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax was commanded to rise from before Oxford and to march to defend the Association accordingly Orders were immediately given for the Forces on the other side the river to march to Islip and Major-General Brown was desired to put a garison into Gaunt-house being a place that was conceived would much conduce to the straitning of Oxford which accordingly was done and the bridge lately made pulled up and the next day being Iune 5. the Army rose from before Oxford and marched that day to Marsh-Gibeon ten miles The General in his march turned out of the way to see the siege before Bostol-house where Major-General Skippon according to order had that morning made some attempt but the successe was not according to our desires the Moat being much deeper then we expected This night at the Head quarter intelligence came that the King was marching from Leicester towards Daventry with intention to raise the siege at Oxford as was conceived which was by order before done to his hand Friday Iune 6. the Army marched to great Brickhill twelve miles where the head-quarter was that night which was once intended to be at Stony-Stratford but that the intelligence which came that night to us of the Kings horse facing Northhampton that day rendred it not safe so to adventure whilest the greatest body of our Horse sent into Derbyshire were not as yet returned This night a great fire happened at the Generals quarters at Brickhil which was so sudden and violent for the time that a man and a boy and three or four horses were burnt in the Barn where the fire began before the Guard could get to preserve them It happened most remarkably in the house of one who expressed no good affection to this Army and denyed to furnish those conveniences for quarter affirming that he had them not which afterwards by occasion of the fire he was enforced to bring out The next day Iune 7. the Army marched to Sherrington a mile East of Newport-Pagnel to the end the Forces with Colonel Vermuden who upon the Scots retreat to Westmerland were recalled and upon their march back might more conveniently joyn but especially to be on that side the River the better to secure the Association in case the King who the day before had faced Northhampton and seemed to intend that way should attempt to break into it wherein it appeared they did not consult their safety and quarter on the back of a garison as without incurring any great censure they might have done but rather consulted their honour and the publick service Expresses were sent to Lieutenant-General Cromwel into the Association to inform him whereabout our Army was that in case the Association were in danger he might know how to joyn with us Lords day Iune 8. the Army resting in their quarters severall parties of horse were sent out as far as Tocester to gain intelligence of the motions of the Kings Army who brought in some prisoners of Sir Marmaduke Langdales Brigade from whom information was gathered that the Kings Army continued still about Daventry Whereupon the General called a Councel of War to consider of the best way to engage the Enemy Where taking into consideration of what use Lieutenant-General Cromwel would be to them in a time of so great action The General propounded to the Councel of War and it was by them unanimously consented unto that a Letter should be writ to the Parliament to desire that they would please for a time to dispence with L. Gen. Cromwels absence from the House and to give way he might command their Horse there being like to be very speedily an engagement Which Letter was sent by Colonel Hamond who went Post the same day to the Parliament and was instantly returned with an answer according as was desired to the great content of the General and the whole Army This day Colonel Vermuden who the day before was with his party of Horse returned and come near to the quarters of the army himself came to the General desiring in regard of some speciall occasions which he said he had to draw him beyond seas that he might have leave to lay down his Commission which was yielded unto and accordingly he received his discharge At this dayes debate Major-General Skippon was desired to draw the form of a battell and at the same time the Army was divided into severall Brigades of Horse and Foot in order to their being better disposed for an engagement The General though not depending upon multitudes yet serving Providence in the use of all good means sent one Post after another to Sir Iohn Gel Colonel Rossiter to the Governours of Coventry Warwick Northhampton and Nottingham To march with all speed with their Forces to the Army for that there was likely to be speedily an engagement with the Enemy In the mean the Army neglected no time but on Wednesday Iune 11 though a rainy day marched from Stony-Stratford to Wootton within three miles of Northampton where intelligence still confirmed the Kings continuance at Daventry quartering all his Foot and Carriages upon Burrough-hill a place of great advantage having formerly been an ancient fortification and making show as if he had chosen that place to fight upon in case we durst advance to him But afterwards it appeared that his stay there was only till a part of 1200 horse were returned which he had sent from his Army to Oxford as a convoy with the plundered cattel sheep of Leicestershire Northamptonshire c. the better to enable Oxford to endure a siege in case it should be attempted again in his absence himself being intent upon a march for the relief of Pomfract and Scarborough which he then apprehended to have smal difficulty in it understanding the removall of the Scotish army The Army being come to Wotton they found there none of the best accommodation for quarter only what was wanting that way was kindly and respectively endeavoured to be supplied by the Major and Magistrates of Northhampton who the same night came to the General at the head quarter upon the errand of a congratulatory visit and present The next day the Army marched to Gilsborough four miles on the west of Northampton and within five miles of Burrough-hill where the Enemy still continued Marching in very good order for that they did advance directly upon the place where the enemy had pitcht himself A commanded party of horse gave the Enemy an alarm and took some prisoners by whom they understood the King was a hunting the Souldiers in no order and
forth Tom Elliot in haste to desire to know the Generals tearms the General refused to admit of any treaty at all resolved that the Governour and they within that had destroyed so fine a town should have no conditions but should submit to mercy which being signified to the Enemy they yet would try the General with these three particulars First that the Governour with all the Officers and Gentlemen that were in the Town with their servants horses swords pistols and cloak-bags might march with a safe Convoy to Exeter Secondly that all the souldiers might likewise march to Exeter leaving their armes Thirdly that all Clergie-men in the town and Towns-men might have liberty to march with them or abide at home Edmund Windham Whereto the General returned these 1. To all their lives 2. To the inhabitants their liberty and freedome from plunder 3. Neither Officers nor Souldiers to be plundred of the clothes they had upon them 4. The Gentlemen to be disposed of as the Parliament should appoint and in the mean time to have civil usage Six Hostages to be sent and an answer in a quarter of an hour Tho. Fairfax The Governour returned answer that he found those Propositions so ill resented both by the Gentlemen and Souldiers that he could not accept of them The General thereupon gave order to the souldiers to stand upon their guard and go to their duties Tom Elliot desired nothing might be done till he returned leaving Sir Iohn Heale as caution which was agreed to and he presently returned with an answer of submission to the Generals Articles only slipt in a motion for himself that he might have liberty to carry the news to the King upon his Parol May he have more such imployment till peace be setled Thereupon the Hostages were sent Sir Iohn Heale Sir Hugh Windham Mr. Waldron Mr. Warr Mr. Siddingham Mr. Speake And we sent some into the Town to them They were to deliver the Town and yield themselves prisoners the next morning by eight of the clock and all that night they imployed themselves to quench the fire in the town The losse of men in this storm was not many Mr. Martin an Officer in the train had his leg shot and afterwards cut off whereof he died he behaved himself valiantly Wednesday Iuly 23. the town was surrendred about 1000 Officers and Souldiers besides Gentlemen and malignant Clergy marched out as prisoners There were taken in the town about 44 barrels of powder 1500 armes 44 piece of ordnance 400 weight of match Enemies goods of great value that had been carried for security into that place and were seized by the Commissioners of the Parliament and sould and 5. s. a man raised upon the sale to be bestowed as a reward upon the common souldiers for their good service in the storming of the place That which may seem to allay the happiness of the successe was that the town was fired but truly though in strictness of souldiery this might be very well justified yet God in his providence concurred to the justice of it and our acquittance They refused treaty after part taken they fired the part we had taken and rang the bels for joy when they saw it blaze and as we are credibly informed they fired the town themselves in many places where fire-works could do no hurt the souldiers saying The Town did it to be rid of them the town said the souldiers did it when they were in little hopes to hold it But God be thanked we found much more of it standing then we expected Some things there are which made the businesse considerable As first that by it a line of garrisons was drawn over that Ihstmus of ground between the South-sea and Severne by Bridgewater Taunton Lime and Langport it being from Bridgewater to Lime little above twenty miles by which the Counties of Devon and Cornwal then wholly in the Enemies possession except Plymouth were in a manner blockt up from all entercourse with the Eastern parts a business of no small consequence if we had proceeded no further Likewise this being taken our Army was at liberty for further work which was a great mercy at that time of the year It was a great gain with little losse and that which addes as much to the commendation of the action as any thing we kept our Articles exactly which is not only honourable in the eyes of men but acceptable in the sight of God and that which this war hath scarce formerly attained and it was not done without some difficulty now in regard our souldiers had suffered so much and Cornwal was so near Thursday Iuly 24. All the day was spent in ordering the manner of sending away the prisoners and securing Malignants goods in the town And thus you have that gallant fight at Langport crowned with an easie recovery of that considerable strength of Brigdewater whose natural fortification by water they that knew must needs conclude God was the Bridge by which our Army got over CHAP. III. The taking of Bath The Club-mens reply and his Excellencies rejoynder in two considerable Actions defeating them The impregnable Castle of Sherborn taken by storm FRiday Iuly 25. A Councell of war was called to advise how and which way next the Army might lay out themselves to the most advantage and best service of the Common-wealth whether to make up further West to Goring or to stay in the Eastern parts to curb the Club-men And in favour of this latter it was considered that the Army wanted Ammunition to march far West to undertake any considerable action and that this was a needfull work there being also severall Garrisons of the Enemy by which the Club-men took great boldnesse to shew themselves It was therefore inclined unto by the Councell of war that the Army should first make it their businesse to reduce the Club-men to better manners and to that end to attempt the taking in at least to keep in that Garrison which countenanced and encouraged them viz. Sherborn Castle where Sir Lewis Dives an active Enemy and resolute Souldier was Commander in chief But the determination of the Councell of war was notwithstanding to advance rather more West to prosecute our victory at Lamport and Bridgewater and hinder Goring for rallying his shattered force or raising any considerable body leaving some force to attend P. Ruperts motion about Bristoll and to disturb the Clubmen if they frequented meetings as formerly A march being thus resolved on it was accordingly undertaken on the morrow whence the Army marched to Martock ten miles in order to a more Westerly march where resting the Lords day there was a thanksgiving for the successe in the taking of Bridgewater The Generall who ever accounted it his greatest safety to act according to the advise of his Councel of war whom God had so often blessed in their resolutions was at this time much troubled in his thoughts concerning his march further West before Bath and Sherborn
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
section 4 Langford-house surrendred to Lieut. general Cromwel This day intelligence came That after Lieut. general Cromwel had taken Basing he immediately marched towards Langford-house neer Salisbury faced the same with part of his Brigade sent in a Summons and that the Governour upon the experience that Basing and Winchester were not able to resist the Force that was come against that place conceiving his condition desperate hearkned to a Treaty and surrendred the place upon these ensuing Articles The Articles of Langford 1. The Commanders in chief of the said garrison to surrender the said house and garison to the said Lieutenant gen Cromwel on the morrow by twelve of the clock being the 18. of October then instant 2. All arms and ammunition in the said garrison to be delivered to the use of the Parliament without any imbezelling of them 3. The Commanders in chief to march away with horse and arms and the private Souldiers without arms to Oxford within ten dayes and to have a Troop of horse for their guard the first day and a Trumpet with a Passe the rest of the way 5. The rest of the Gentlemen not exceeding 14 more to march with their swords and pistols and horses if they should lawfully procure them 6. The Commanders in chief to have a Cart or Waggon allowed them to carry their goods to Oxford 7. If any Gentlemen of the said garrison had a desire to go to any other garrison or army of the Kings to have Passes to that purpose 8. The goods remaining in the said garrison to be delivered to the severall Owners thereof upon demand within two dayes next following the date hereof 9. Lieut. col Bowles and Major Frye to be left Hostages untill these Articles should be performed CHAP. V. Excester straitned in order to a Siege with severall Debates and Resolutions thereabout THese 6 Garrisons of the Devizes Laicock-house Basing Winchester Langford and Tiverton besides Berkley-castle being reduced since the taking of Bristol there was no garrison in the way between Excester and London to interrupt the passage so that a single man might travel without any fear of the Enemy all the obstructing garrisons being cleered except Corf-castle neer the Sea-coasts which yet was securely blockt up by the Governour of Poole and Col. Pickerings Regiment sent thither for that purpose A Councel of war called Monday Octob. 20. The General and the whole Army marched to Silverton and the parts thereabouts within five or six miles of Excester where a Councel of war was called to consult what was fit next to be done whether to advance further West before Excester was reduced or to march up to the Enemy and relieve Plymouth After a long and serious debate it was held fit in regard of the season of the yeare winter being comming on and the Souldier already very sickly and much wearied out by their continuall marches and hard duties Excester resolved to be straitned rather to make it their work to straiten Excester then to march further West for the present and to leave so considerable a garrison upon their backs wherein were 1000. horse at that instant besides 4000. Foot that might annoy the Eastern parts of the Country as well as the Army in the Rear if they advanced further This resolution was not so acceptable to the Gentlemen of those parts who would fain have had the Army advance further into the West and desirous enough was the General to comply with them but his judgement did not lead him to it at this time for the reasons before mentioned Wherefore Tuesday 21 Octob. the General went in person with a small party to Stoake and so on towards Excester till he came within lesse then a mile of the town viewed that part of the city and returned back that night to Silverton A counsel of war was againe called wherein it was concluded that one part of the Army should march over Ex by the way of Tharverton and the other to Stoake-bridge and parts thereabouts section 2 Wednesday October 22. the General with a great part of the Army marched to Newton Siers with an intention to have gone that night to Affington but the wayes being narrow and the dayes short was inforced to take up their quarter that night at Newton Siers where his Excellency received intelligence that Goring went the night before from Excester towards Okehampton with the greatest part of the thousand horse before mentioned section 3 Thursday October 23. the Army marched early from Newton Siers to a Rendezvouz at the Beacon within three miles of Excester with intention to go to Affington that night but such was the extremity of wet and unseasonable weather which it pleased God to send that in a few hours rain the wayes proved unpassable for our carriages besides that the narrowness of the wayes however represented by some Gentlemen of the countrey with the Army was found upon conferring with others to be such as was altogether incomplyant with the Armies march and would necessitate them to go many miles about whereby it was not possible in any seasonable time to get to Affington that night Whereupon unexpectedly the Head-quarters were appointed that night to be at Crediton some six miles from Excester where several of the Enemies horse came in to his Excellency informing him that Goring was gone from Okehampton towards Tavestock section 4 Friday October 24. the Army rested at Crediton horse and man being much wearied out with the extreame wet weather and their carriages broken a counsel of war was called whether it was fit to pursue the former resolution of straitning Excester on both sides Whilest the business was in debate Lieutenant-general Cromwel happily came in and the forces that were sent under his command to Basing and Winchester were by that time come to Hunniton The good news of Digby and Langdale routed at Sherborn This night the Army received the good news of the Lord Digbies and Langdales being routed at Sherborne The sum whereof was that the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale marching from Newark by the Kings appointment with some 1600 horse to joyn with Montrosse in Yorkshire As they passed by Doncaster and so onwards they beat up our quarters in several places and near Sherborn took 800 of our men that drew out there to oppose them laying their Arms on a great heap in the street of Sherborn till they could get carriages to carry them away but before they were so provided Colonel Copley Col. Lilborne and other Commanders of Yorkshire marching with all speed came upon them and routed them recovered all our arms and men took 400 of their men 600 horse many Commanders and persons of quality slew 40. amongst whom were Sir Francis Carnaby and Sir Richard Hutton took Digbies Coach and therein many Letters and papers of great consequence divers colours with much rich pillage section 5 A councel of war called The subject of the
debate Saturday October 25. the business that was in debate the day before at a counsel of war was reassumed and after much dispute it was resolved to march back with all our forces on the East of Ex to possess Topsham and settle strong quarters on that side before they advanced any further West to relieve Plymouth Not but that the General and his Officers had that place much in their thoughts but conceived it not fit to attempt it at this season The Reasons of the resolution The reasons inducing to this resolution were chiefly these That nothing could be of that concernment nor so conducing to the advantage of the Kingdom as the preserving of this Army in an entire and healthful state for the future service thereof And such was the sickly state of the Army at this time as called rather for some relaxation then such extream hard duty as the relief of Plymouth would have put them upon especially if they should have staid by it to make it good when they had done Only to march thither and relieve the Town which the Enemy had blockt up by divers regular and strong forts well manned and furnished was such an enterprize as certainly required a more strong and healthy state of the Army And when the Army had done this should they have come back again for winter-quarters The Enemy so easily raised might as quickly have sat down again and so the relief of Plymouth would not have been one jot advanced Or should the Army have taken up their winter-quarters in an Enemies countrey surrounded with strong garrisons both before and behinde them besides a potent Enemy in the field judged upon the best intelligence to be equall if not superiour to them in number of horse it is equally evident to what an eminent hazard the Army must have been exposed thereby And what need was there to put that toile upon the Army when his Excellency and the counsel of war well understood though much was suggested to the contrary that such was the condition of Plymouth that they wanted not either men ammunition or victuals having received plentiful provisions sent them by sea only were impatient to be set at liberty for trade This day a party of horse was sent out towards Okehampton to discover where the Enemy was gone who returned with intelligence that Tavestock was their head-quarters section 6 Lords-day Octob. 26. the General in pursuance of the resolution for Topsham after the forenoon Sermon at Crediton marched with the Army back to Silverton Some Regiments advancing to Topsham two Regiments went to Stoake and those two Regiments that were at Stoake advanced that day to Topsham and three Regiments of horse with them This day intelligence came of the taking of Carmarthen by Major-General Laughorne the gaining of which town proved the reducing of that County and that Major-general Laughorne had treaty concerning the associating of three Counties more and had brought the same to good perfection section 7 Monday October 27. the General and Army reached Topsham and that night the Enemy fired the houses in the Suburbs of Excester to the number of about 80. which sent many out of the city complaining of the cruelty of the Enemy guards were kept that night within two miles of the city section 8 A counsel of war called The subject of the debate Tuesday October 28. a counsel of war was called to advise whether to put over forces on the other side the river Ex to Affington and to make a bridge over at Topsham the better to hold a mutual correspondency between both sides and what forces should be sent thither The resolution and reasons of it great dispute was about the same but at last it was resolved though much against the minde of those Gentlemen whose sufferings made them earnestly desire a siege on both sides to wave the putting over of forces to the other side and the making of a bridge which as appeared would be extreamly difficult and first to secure all on the East of Ex before such time as they possest any quarters on the other side for to divide the Army at that season of the year to lye near so great a garrison upon duty when already a sickness was amongst our souldiers was in the opinion of the General and the rest of the Commanders apprehended likely to ruine the Army Towards the latter end of this moneth of Octob. was Shelford-house not far from Newark stormed and taken by Major Gen. Pointz and therefore it was resolved to make several garrisons first on the East side of Ex along the Clysses river within three miles of Excester which being once finished a few men might keep them and hinder provisions from going into the city and the whole Army might thereby be at liberty to go on the other side to do the like afterwards neither could the Bridge have been defended had it been made with lesse then 2000 men that must have quartered at Topsham and gone near a mile to do duty at both ends of the Bridge besides those other little bridges that must have been made upon the watery places beyond the river which would have been such a duty in the winter time especially where the Enemy could not be hindred of his choice with a great force to fall upon the one side or the other which he pleased as might have hazarded our forces Accordingly Bishops-clysse Poultimore and Stoak were pitcht upon to be made garrisons Sir Iohn Bampfield a worthy Member of the House of Commons first giving his consent that his house in Poultimore might be made a garrison in regard it was so much for the service in hand in the reducing of Excester An Engineer was sent to Bishops-clisse to draw a Line for fortifications about Bedford-house The Lyme-Regiment had the charge of these two garrisons and Col. Hamonds Regiment was to secure and fortifie Stoake section 9 Wednesday 29. It was debated where the head-quarter should be this winter whilst the Army stayed on the East side whether at Topsham or not and upon debate it was held fit to wave making Topsham a quarter at all and that upon the same reason that moved the General to decline the making a Bridge and putting over Forces on the other side therefore upon this resolution waving Topsham the General having viewed the Fort at Exmouth which stands upon the sands and commands the passage at the mouth of the River sends away the Train of Artillery towards St. Mary Autree and followes after himself resolving to refresh his Army who never stood in more need of it by laying them in the best and most convenient quarters he could This day his Excellencie heard from Captain Moulton of the taking of Monmouth a considerable garrison and towards evening received intelligence by our Spies that Gorings horse being near 5000. were come into the South-Hams quartering at Totnesse Newton-bushel and as neer as Chidley the Hams being
could not get to Crediton till-Tuesday December 9. on which day the Horse and Dragoons gave them possession of the town which within two or three dayes after became the more usefull to us by the Generals going thither to order a designe in hand against Pouldrum House by water and land which being on Friday December 12. was immediately put in execucion only one day intervening which brought intelligence of the taking of Latham-house in Lancashire with eight pieces of Ordnance six murthering pieces five hundred Arms and proportionable Ammunition As also of the Kings Propositions to the Parliament for peace and of his Letter at the same time to Prince Rupert against peace section 9 A design upon Pouldrum-house The design against Pouldrum-house was this and thus carryed Lords-day December 14. nine of the clock at night Captain Deane the Comptroller of the Ordnance was commanded over Ex with 200 foot and dragoons to possesse Pouldrum-Castle but the enemy had some few houres before got 150 men into it unto those that were there before which our men not discovering before they had landed would not return without attempting something the Church at Pouldrum being not far distant from the Castle they resolved to possesse and make the best of it and accordingly did so and the next morning they got provisions from Nutwell-house unto them into the Church and began to fortifie the same the enemy at Excester much startled hereat fearing the Castle would be lost as well as the River blockt up by the fortifying of this Church Our party in Pouldrum-Church acquitting themselves gallantly sent therefore on Monday the fifteenth a party of five hundred foot who joyning with two hundred from the Castle assaulted our men about seven at night threw in many hand granadoes amongst them and so continued storming till ten but were beaten off with much losse leaving their dead on the place and carrying with them many wounded as appeared by the Snow that was much stained with their blood as they retreated section 10 In this service Captain Farmer Captain of Dragoones commanded our men who as they were beyond expectation happy in their successe not one man being lost in the storme so they were resolved to continue in their duty About this time was Hereford surprized and taken by a most gallant stratagem and notwithstanding the extremity of the cold by reason of the great frost and snow and want of all meanes to resist or qualifie the same in the church having no firing there they would not quit the same till they received orders so to doe which hard service hard in every respect although they were not immediately discharged of yet the next day Sir Hardresse Waller marched from Crediton with a strong party to Exminster to alarm the Enemy that he might not make a second attempt upon them till they had fortified the place or were recalled which action of Sir Hardresse Waller took that effect as was desired the Enemy being so amazed that they durst not march out that day as they had purposed to attempt the church again lest our men should get between them and home and God having blessed the meanes to their preservation hitherto The Generals noble care to bring them off The Generall considering further the bitter coldness of the weather and the hardness of the duty they would necessarily be put unto if they should make good the church sent orders to them to draw off which that they might do with the more safety two Regiments were appointed to draw downe and alarm the Enemy on that side Excester while they made good their retreat over the River by meanes whereof on Wednesday December 17. The Comptroller and Captain Farmer brought off the men very safe with their armes and ammunition the Enemy making no sally out of the Castle upon them though otherwise they had a faire opportunity to have fallen on them And these souldiers thus happily delivered and thus honorably come off were rewarded with proportions out of the prize taken by Captain Farmer below Apsham at the Generals command section 11 More force sent to Sir Hardresse Waller to Crediton But the Enemy drawing more force to Okehampton two Regiments more were sent to Crediton December 18. to assist those that were placed there before Col. Okey annoying the enemy at the Lord Chichesters house the same day Col. Okey with a party of Dragoones fell upon the Enemy at the Lord Chichesters house took a Captaine 12. prisoners 19. horses and returned back to his new formed garrison at Fulford House without the losse of a man section 12 Mr. Davis his house at Canon-teene garrisoned for the Parliam .. Also information being given that the house of one Mr. Davis at Cannon-Teen being within four miles of Excester stood convenient for a garrison and might beare an usefull proportion towards the blocking up of Excester and hindering of provision from the Southams some more of Col. Okeys Dragoones were ordered thither to possesse the same who accordingly went and fulfilled their orders December 21. and were no longer in the house Assaulted by the enemy but Munday December 22. in the morning the Enemy sent a force against it who stormed the house burnt the out-houses The Enemy repelled yet Captaine Woggan who commanded the Dragoones behaved himselfe so gallantly that he beat the Enemy off killed four desperately wounded a Lieutenant-Colonel and took divers prisoners section 13 Severall Intelligence of the Enemies preparations to releive Excester Tuesday Dec. 32. His Excellency had intelligence of the Enemies intention to march with their Army to relieve Excester and of their preparation of provisions to that end Decemb. 25. or thereabouts his Excellency had animadversion from the Committee of both Kingdoms of incursions made by the Kings horse from Oxford into the adjacent parts doing much mischiefe thereby whereupon the Regiment of Colonel Rainsborough then before Corfe-Castle was commanded to march from thence to Abingdon and Col. Fleetwood with the Generals his owne and Col. Whaleys Regiments and six troopes of Dragoones was sent also to lye about Islip to attend the motion of the Kings horse and guard the Associated counties as also in relation to the straightening of Oxford Fryday December 26. The Generall had advertisement from Plymouth of the Enemies actuating their intentions advancing in a great body towards the releife of Excester as they conceived which Intelligence was also confirmed by several of our Spies The Army resolved to be in readinesse to receive the Enemy whereupon a Councel of war was called wherein it was adjudged expedient to be in a fighting posture to receive them if they advanced and accordingly such resolution was taken up to which they saw the more cause to adhere by another Spie which came to them the next day with tidings to the same effect particularizing moreover that the Prince was to be in person in the head of the
through the town took nine men and twenty horse and inforced the rest of their horse to flie severall wayes being two Regiments of the Lord Wentworths Brigade that were left of five three of them being taken at Bovey-tracy section 4 Lords day Ianuary 11. The Generall after that by Spies he had sent Intelligence to Plymouth of the retreat of the Enemy marched with the Army to Totness where the Enemy had a foot quarter but upon our advance quitted it leaving one Regiment at Ashburton This Totnesse seemes to be one of the finest of an Inland town in Devon-shire and many of the Inhabitants rich a party was sent from hence towards Dartmouth to discover what scattered forces of the Enemies might be gone that way this party brought in some Officers prisoners who seemed to be well apaid with their lot saying it was well they were taken for they had no where to go to but the Sea section 5 About this time those Regiments of Foot under Colonel Hamond that were assigned to quarter at the town which was scarse able to afford them Victuals having caught little Fish of six weeks before was by a wonderfull and indeed no lesse then miraculous providence supplyed and furnished to theÌ„ by such great draughts of Mullets which God was pleased to send in in that abundance at that time as the like had not been known before whereby both Town and Army was plentifully provided for Munday Ianuary 12. The Generall taking speciall care to uphold the courage of Plimouth having sent for more surety lest the former Messengers should fail another Messenger to give them notice of the Enemies retreat gave orders for two Regiments to be drawn before Dartmouth And at the same time strong parties of horse were sent towards Tavestock after the Enemy which the enemy apprehending to be the Van of our Army supposing our Army following after them with great distraction and fear quit the siege before Plimouth leaving their Forts undemolished with seven pieces of Ordnance and four barrels of Powder making great hast over the River Tamar into Cornwall A Summons sent in to Dartmouth In the mean while a Summons was sent in to Dartmouth honourable conditions offered in the same but rejected by the Governour forces were commanded upon the guard within half a mile of the Town all night who encountred with extream bitter cold weather and snow yet were most cheerfull upon duty as they went readily unto it The next day the General and the Officers went to take a more particular view of the Town it was the joynt opinion of them all that they might carry the same by storm The Enemy according to their wonted manner not sparing to take or destroy any thing whereby they might advantage themselves and disadvantage us burnt Mr. Plumley's house and therein 400 bushels of Corn threshed and as much unthreshed In order to a Storm more Forces were ordered to march to assist those before Dartmouth By lying three or four cold dayes before it we lost nothing but a little time for by that stay Captain Batten being desired by the General was come before the Haven with a Squadron of ships to assist by sea and to keep any of their ships from going out of the harbour while we stormed by land Thursday the 15. the Country upon orders brought in Ladders the Comptroller was sent aboard Captain Batten for some Sea-men received 200. and allotted them a Post to do duty Friday the 16. The General himself took an account in what readines things were for a storm More particular intelligence to that which came before was given out of the town what condition they were in there good Guides were sent for from Plymouth that were Captain Roopes men and had been formerly inhabitants of Dartmouth to direct our men the best way into the town upon the storm Saturday 17. the General went again to view the Town all things were concluded on for a storm and Lots cast for every man who should fall on first and who to come on as Reserves the Officers of all the Regiments viewed their severall Posts and every man provided his guides Lords-day 18. Mr. Del in the morning and Mr. Peters in the evening exhorted the souldiers to their duty For Mr. Bowles who had formerly attended the service of the Army being called to his charge at York had taken his leave of his Excellencie Mr. Del succeeding in his room The souldiers were all drawn out about seven at night Forlorn hopes were set the evening very milde as at Midsomer the frost being newly gone the Word was given God with us the signal of the Souldiers was their shirts out before and behind Dartmouth stormed and taken About 11. a clock at night the storm begun and after the Enemy had discharged once our Men got under their Canon and quickly possessed them and turned them against the Enemy for the Army had no Peeces at all of their own the way and weather not admitting any to be drawn against that place where there were an hundred Peeces ready mounted against them a strange and unparalleld undertaking The Commanders of every Party possest those places they were designed unto Lieut. colonel Pride who led on Colonel Harlowes Regiment possest Mount-Boon wherein were 22 peeces of Ordnance Colonel Hamond possest the West gate wherein were 4 Peeces of ordnance and two in the Flanker Colonel Fortescue gained Tunstal-church with 12 Peeces of ordnance and so we became masters of the whole Town and the old Castle in which were 5 great Iron guns which commanded the River In all our men possessed themselves of about 60. peeces of Ordnance in the storm among which one Brass Demi-canon And such was even the miraculous goodness of God in this storm that we lost but one man and had very few wounded notwithstanding they plyed most fiercely both great and small shot upon our men from the Forts The storm succeeding so well the Comptroller of the Ordnance was sent to summon two Men of war which lay in the River which no sooner received the Summons but they yielded immediately There were two great Forts wherein were about 34 Peeces of ordnance which stood a mile from the town not taken with the rest that beat a Parley three houres together before they were heard but in issue Sir Henry Cary who was in one of them had conditions to march away He and his Officers with arms the Governour and Lord Newport c. being in the other Fort were refused the like conditions and submitted themselves to mercy section 5 I should have enlarged the more upon the action of this storm but that I finde a Letter of the Generals to the House of Peers concerning the same which is more worthy to be heard it self as followeth My Lords His Excellencies Letter to the House of â—eers concerning the takeing of Dartmouth After my comming to Totnes the Enemy rising in great disorder from their siege
prisoners were set at liberty and had two shillings a man to carry them home That the Cornish might see we had forgot former injuries and respected them as much as any other County Commissioners were appointed to dispose of the Prize-goods taken in the Town towards the reparation of the Well-affected of the Town that suffered at the Storm who had the greatest part of the Goods distributed amongst them And now the General having reaped so great and happy an advantage by his digression from the siege of Excester though he left sufficient Force also to block it up The next day without any more delay returned to Totnes Issued out Warrants to four Hundreds to appeare there on Saturday at nine of the clock in order to the service of the Kingdome and particularly for the good of those Parts ANGLIA REDIVIVA OR ENGLAND'S RECOVERY PART IV. CHAP. I. The Army returning to the Siege at Excester Pouldram Castle surrendred A French Vessell struck into Dartmouth wherein Letters of consequence from the Queen How far the reducing of Excester was endeavoured before a second diversion HIS Excellency and the conduct of this Army in all their motion attending Providence having answered the call of God in rising from Excester and meeting the Enemy wherein they found that great assistance and successe that hath been related now discerning no further advantage offering it selfe against the Field-Enemy at present his Excellency with the advice of his Officers resolves with all speed possible to return with the Army to the Siege of Excester and to improve the advantage of that further reputation their late successes had given them in vigorous endeavours against that place and in the meane time till the other Forces could follow some Regiments martched toward Excester a Summons was sent to S. Edmund Fortescue Governor of Charls-fort at Salcomb from whence a refusal of surrender was returned consultation was had about Barnstable section 1 Saturday Jan. 24. The Country according to appointment of his Excellency appeared at Totnes in number about 3000. out of whom upon consultation with the Committees a Regiment was to be raised of such as were willing under Colonel Fowell which done the General martched to the Lady Reynolds her house whence on the Lords day after forenoons Sermon his Excellency martched to Chidley endeavouring first to take a view of Pouldram before which place Col. Hammond was set downe with some force Pouldram Castle surrendred But night comming on whilest he had yet two miles thither he was forced to returne to Chidley whithout viewing the Castle which ere the next day was happily put out of a capacity of being viewed by him but in a new Relation for about twelve at night the newes came to him of the surrender thereof and therein five Barrels of Powder Match and Bullet proportionable and four pieces of Ordnance section 2 A French Vessell by a good Providence strucke into Dartmouth upon a mistake Monday 26. Tidings were brought the General of a French Vessel that came from France with a Packet from the Queen which was struck into Dartmouth presuming it to have still been in the hands of the Kings Forces and indeed little likelihood was there that it should be in any other especially so sodainly and at a time of yeer so unseasonable for action or storm but that God encouraged the Army to undertake it and his strong Arm prospered them in their attempt The Packet of Letters which were of no small consequence strongly recovered The Vessel being thus delivered by immediate Providence into our hands the Packet of Letters was yet more strangely preserved and recovered out of the Sea wherinto it was thrown when they knew their mistake according to the Queens directions but God provided a Wave to bring it to the Boat that was sent out to seek it and so it was brought unto his Excellency wherein was found Letters from the Queen Lord Goring Lord Jermin Davenant and others intercepted Some of the Contents were these The speciall and most observable Contents of the Letters The Queen by her Letters in answer to some former Letters she had received touching the King's intentions of transporting the Prince to Denmark utterly dislikes it and neither approves of Holland or Flanders adviseth the bringing of him into France And as touching his Marriage with the Duke of Orleance his Daughter which seemed to be an objection against it Shee replyed That they knew she was engaged elswhere and what if he should marry her the Dutchesse of Orleance so far exceeding them in Riches and potent Alliances might be of great assistance to the King But desires That he may be disposed of any whither rather then to come into the hands of the Rebels touching the Scots affairse she had this expression That she had sent William Murray fully instructed with her mind about it The Lord Goring in his Letter to the Lord Wentworth and Sir John Berkley gave them assurance That now the Negotiation with France was happily concluded by the industry of the Lord Jermin In his Letter to Sir Hugh Pollard the Governour of Dartmouth he doth assure him That by the first of March he should have five well appointed Men of Warre of the second rank the least bearing above thirty pieces of Ordnance to be solely under his command so that he might grow rich upon the spoile of the Rebels or else put them to the charge of keeping an whole Navy before him The Lord Widdrington not so well satisfied with the preparations of France used this expression in one of his Letters That he gave all hopes for lost for ever returning to his owne Country again except the businesse of the Scots took effect section 3 A Summons sent into Excester But as to the Siege of Excester our Forces being drawn neer unto this side of the City a Sūmons was prepared wherein honorable conditions were offered them which Summons was sent in the next day being January 17. The Enemies Answer Whereunto on the morrow an Answer was returned very faire to this purpose That in honour they could not surrender upon the termes offered while they were in no worse condition and had such probable hopes of reliefe from the Prince His Excellencies Reply Thursday 29. A Reply was returned the conditions re-inforced and further urged by undertaking in the behalfe of the Parliament and General that what they promised in the Summons should be made good and this is as farre as they proceeded at this time being a second time diverted by other action section 4 The grounds of this second diversion from the Siege of Excester for newes came this day to the Army that the Enemies Horse from Oxford were come neer Corfe Castle and the Lord Gorings Forces were advanced up neer Barnstable portending a designe to joyne together to prevent which the General went from Chidley to Tiverton to give order about that point sent Colonel
being the likeliest meanes to prevent or discourage the landing of any Forraign Forces in these parts or the raising of any more out of Cornwal In order to which I must earnestly recommend to your care two things especially The one to provide by the disposall of your Forces in the Mid-land parts that by excursions from Oxford hitherward I may not be diverted from prosecution of the Work in Cornwal to send againe that way nor the Sieges of Excester and Barnstable disturbed when I am engaged further West The other That money may be speeded if any ways possible but for a moneth or six weeks to enable the Horse as well as Foot to pay Quarters in Cornwal whereby the oppositions that People might make would in all likelihood be taken off and their affections or good opinions gained to make them helpfull to us against their present oppressors There came unto me this day a young man from Truro who certifieth me That Sir Walter Dudley came very lately from France to let those about the Prince know that if there were an absolute necessity they could bring over their men with a faire wind from France to be here by the middle of the next moneth expressing that they had neer 8000. Foot and a thousand Horse in readinesse and three months pay provided for them besides ten thousand pound in bullion daily expected a Mint being ready to coyne the same but yet intimated a conveniency in the giving a little more time for their comming over whereupon Sir John Culpepper was to goe in all haste to France upon Friday last as is supposed on purpose either to hasten al or a good part of those Forces over I think it will be very good that as much Shiping as may be obtained be hastened into those parts I shall upon this Information and the good successe God hath been pleased to give us so dispose of the Army as may most effectually conduce to a speedy and through settlement of these Westerne parts of the Kingdome therefore I desire you againe to have a speciall care that the Forces about Oxford be not permitted to range into these parts when the Army is like to be engaged so far West lest it occasion the division of our Forces and hinder the accomplishment of that we desire to effect I remaine Your most humble Servant THO. FAIRFAX Great Torrington Feb. 19. 1645. More particularly there was taken here Lieutenant-Colonel Wood eight Captaines Commissary Boney six Lieutenants one Cornet three Ensignes one Chirurgion four Serjeants two and fifty Troopers one hundred seven and twenty Gentlemen and about two hundred common Souldiers in all four hundred three and thirty whereof two hundred have taken up Armes being as they said forced in by the Enemy neer three thousand Armes broken and whole most of their Ammunition blowne up in the Church eight Colours brought in whereof one the Lord Hopton's owne with this Motto I WILL STRIVE TO SERVE MY SOVERAIGNE KING Slaine Major Threave Captaine Frye and divers Officers two hundred Souldiers besides those two hundred blowne up in the Church the Lord Hopton and Lord Caple wounded besides divers others of quality the Lord Hopton's Commission to be General under the Prince Sir George Digbye's to be Governour of the Forces before Plymouth and other Papers of consequence taken and about four hundred or five hundred pounds in Money taken at the Lord Hopton's Quarters with much plunder left in Portmantles there and in other places behind them section 6 Tuesday Feb. 17. The General rested at Torrington that day being spent in securing the prisoners and taking Lists of the names and sending some Forces towards Barnstable and that the Enemy might be kept in a continuall alarum and feare by our pursuing of them a Party were sent towards Holsworth to fall upon their Quarters whereupon they quit that place and the Country informed that their Horse were all fled into Cornwal that a great terror was upon them and those few scattered Foot that escaped in the dark at Torrington who all of them both Horse and Foot as his Excellency understood the next day drew into a Body in Cornwal to whom were now joyned the Princes Regiment of about eight hundred Horse which with some other Cornish Horse not before joyned to them mae up a Body of five thousand Horse much superiour in number to ours with this body of Horse and about a thousand Foot most Cornish they kept Guards on the other side of the River Tamar and this day there came by twenty and forty at a time of their Foot being most Devonshire men that were scattered the night before out of the Woods some with their Armes and others without them and listed themselves in the Army expressing that they onely waited for an opportunity to get to us so that this last defeat was in a manner the very ruining of all their Foot section 7 Commissary General Ireton sent to view Barnstable About this time MaJor-General Laughorne obtained great successe against the Enemy at Cardiffe in Glamorganshire abouâ— 400 of them slaine and 500 taken prisoners Thursday Feb. 19. Commissary-General Ireton was sent with a Party to view the Garrison of Barnstable and what places were fit to make Quarters and to keep Guards about the same whereupon one Regiment was sent to the Earle of Bathes at Tavestock to possesst it for Quarters That day there were three Ships in Biddiford which struck in thither thinking it had been in the Enemies power their burthen was small the Vessels were afterwards upon Petition released the owners being persons that had not voluntarily contributed against the Parliament This night the General returned back to Master Rolls his house at Stephenson in regard the Quarter at Torrington was inconvenient the Windowes shaken in pieces and the houses so shattered with the great blast that they could not performe a convenient shelter from the raine it being a time of extreame wet weather CHAP. III. His Excellency with the Army advancing into Cornwal driving the Enemy before them and possessing their Quarters A gallant piece of Service performed by Colenel Butler and his Party neer Stratton Prince Charles giving all for lost by his Excellencies pressing so hard upon them betakes himselfe to Scilly An advantage to the Parliaments Cause by a Packet of Letters from Ireland taken at Padstow section 1 FRiday 20. It was taken into consideration how far forth it was expedient to move towards Cornwall with the maine Forces to improve the advantage we had upon the Enemy which businesse was also further advised on the next day A Counsell of War Their Resolution and the Reasons therof At a Counsel of Warre where it was resolved nemine contradicente to martch into Cornwall The Reasons inducing them to that Vote were first To prevent the landing of any Forces out of France of which the Letters taken at Dartmouth gave an intimation Secondly to destroy the Field-enemy and by consequence
thousand more should be ready by the first of May That three hundred speciall Irish were appointed for the Prince his Life-guard but Allen confest that an hundred of them were to be put into the Monnt an hundred into Pendennis and the other hundred to be about the Prince in case he should approve of this disposall There were Letters also of the Lord Digbies taken in that Packet being a narrative of his proceedings against the Earle of Glamorgan expressing how swimmingly he had carried his Body in that businesse Also Letters from the Earle of Ormond The Letters from Glamorgan to the King were not found Master Coriton and the rest of the Gentlemen who came from Mount-Edgcomb being so opportunely here when the Packet came had the Original Letters shewed unto them which gave them such satisfaction as that they freely exprest themselves that what force they could raise in the country should be assisting to the Parliament for the opposing of all Irish or any Forraigners whatsoever that should be brought over CHAP. IV. His Excellency with the Army driving up the Enemy into Cornwal A Summons sent to Sir Ralph Hopton and his Forces to come in with the severall transactions of that businesse untill the disbanding of all his Forces fully related c. IT was intended that the Army should advance on the morrow but upon consultation it was held fit to stay that martch and to consider of a Summons to be sent unto the Lord Hopton which was accordingly prepared and sent away by the General 's Trumpet which Summons followeth in these words Sir The Summons his Excellency sent to Sir Ralph Hopton THrough the goodnesse of God to his people and his just hand against their enemies your Forces being reduc't to such condition as to my sense the good hand of God continuing with us wherein alone we trust they are not like either to have subsistence or shelter long where they are or to escape thence nor if they could have they whither to goe to have better I have thought good for prevention of more bloodshed or of further hardship or extremity to any but such whose hearts God shall harden to their owne destruction to send you this Summons for your selfe and them to lay downe Armes and withall a tender of such conditions upon a present surrender and engagement never to beare Armes against the Parliament as may be better then any thing they can rationally expect by further standing out First therefore to the Souldiery in generall English and Forreigners I shall grant liberty either to goe beyond Sea or to their homes in England as they please and to such English as shall choose to live at home my protection for the liberty of their persons and for the immunity of their estates from all plunder or violence of Souldiers and all to goe their wayes with what they have saving Horses and Armes but for Officers in Commission and Gentlemen of quality I shall allow them to goe with Horses for themselves and one servant or more suteable to their quality and with Armes befitting Gentlemen in a condition of peace and such Officers as would goe beyond Sea for other Service to take with them their Armes and full number of Horses answerable to their Offices To all Troopers and inferiour sort of Horse-Officers bringing in and delivering up of their Horses and Armes twenty shillings a man in lieu of their Horses to carry them home To English Gentlemen of considerable estates my Passe and Recommendation to the Parliament for their moderate composition Lastly for your selfe besides what is before implyed to you in common with others you may be assured of such mediation to the Parliament on your behalfe both from my selfe and others as for one whom for personall worth and many vertues but especially for your care of moderation toward the Country we honour and esteem above any other of your Party whose error supposing you more swayed with principles of honour and conscience then others we most pitty and whose happinesse so farre as consistent with the publicke welfare we should delight in more then in your least suffering These things not from any need or other ends then humane and Christian having offered I leave to your consideration and theirs whom they concerne desiring your and their speedy resolution which I wish may be such as shall be most for the honour of God the peace and welfare of this poor Kingdome and for your and their good so far as may stand therewith And having herein discharged as I conceive the duty of an honest man a Souldier and a Christian if God shall see it good to let your hearts be hardened against your own peace I shall though with some regreet for that ill that shall ensue to any yet with cheerfulnesse and rejoycing at the righteous judgement of God pursue my charge and trust for the publick in another way not doubting of the same presence and blessing which God hath hitherto vouchsafed in the same Cause to the weak endeavours of T. F. March 5. 1645. Instructions were likewise prepared for those that were to offer something to the Country that should appeare the next morning Friday March 6. His Excellency had intelligence the Enemies Horse began to draw together as if they were resolved to break through for now was the time for them to doe it or never for one dayes advance more would drive them into so narrow a compasse that it was in vain to think of it afterwards This was made known to the Country people at their meeting upon the Downes whereupon there were above a thousand of them exprest much willingnesse to assist in the blocking up of all passages and wayes that might prevent the Enemies breaking through and the Irish Letters being shewed and read unto them by Master Peters did much heighten their resolution to aide and assist the Parliament against the Forreigners and not onely so but the forwardnesse they exprest to assist against the present Enemy in their Country with the great joy and content they shewed at the Armies being come thither for their reliefe saying they had not seen such a day this three yeers was beyond expectation and certainly there was the great hand and good providence of God in the opportune bringing in of this Packet of Letters thither whereby the Country was so much wonne unto us The happy event of this day had a further accession by the news of the taking of Corfe Castle by a stratagem and storm managed by the discretion of that worthy prudent Gentleman Colonel Bingham Governour of Poole Strict Orders were given to all our Forces upon the Guards to be very vigilant this night and on the morrow a martch was intended for the whole Army Accordingly March 7. The Army martched early to a Randezvouz some four miles from Bodman towards Saint Collombe but the weather proving extreame wet and the place they desired to reach that night being a long
he attempted it And now we having the Passe at Truro the Lord Hopton drew his Forces to quarter more Westward and the Treaty was adjourned till next Morning and a Cessation observed on both Sides Wednesday the 11. The Commissioners on both sides met againe but could not make any great progresse into the Treaty the Cessation was continued for a day longer about one hundred and twenty Musquetteers came in this day with their Armes and Colours flying being of Colonel Trevanian's Regiment also divers Colonels Knights and Gentlemen of quality sent to the General making knowne their desires to be received into the protection of the Parliament which so disheartned Colonel Trevanian then with his Regiment at Perin that late that evening he sent unto his Excellency desiring he might be included in the Treaty with the Lord Hopton and have the same conditions that other Officers were to have These things so operated with the Governour of Saint Mawes Castle a principall Fort that had a great command of the Haven at Falmouth that he sent to the General to be received into favour And although Arrundell the Governour of Pendennis sent to command him to come into the Castle of Pendennis he fearing some evill intended against him refused and persisted in his former desire whereupon the General sent him conditions with a Summons which were accepted and he agreed to surrender By reason of the Cessation our Troopers mixed with the Enemies and upon this bruit abroad though without ground that the Enemies Troopers should lose their Horses they to make some advantage of them coursed good store of their best Horses to our men By twelve of the clock this night all the materiall poynts of the Treaty were concluded matters of circumstance onely remained which yet were so necessary to be concluded in order to the perfecting of the Treaty that the next day was allowed and the Cessation continued for the finishing thereof When the Treaty was fully ended and Hostages appointed the same day Saint Mawes Castle was surrendred and thirteen pieces of Ordnance in it whereof two great Brasse Pieces of about four thousand weight apiece and our Foot were sent to possesse it The Treaty being thus ended with great joy did the Enemies Officers receive our conditions and wisht they had sooner known our intentions towards them Those that seemed most discontented were the common Troopers that were to be dismounted who therefore to mend their conditions had changed away their best Horses for advantage before the disbanding And it is not to be credited how much our Army did get into the Enemies esteem during the Cessation and what sorrowfull expressions many of them did make that they han been so deluded concerning our carriage ingenuously confessing that the civility of our Army had been ever till now concealed from them Officers and Souldiers unanimously desired imployment for Jreland being willing to take the Sacrament Oath for that they proposed or to enter into what other Obligation should be thought fit That as they would never beare Armes against the Parliament in England so that they would not if they were imployed in Jreland by the Parliament desist from pursuing of their commands against the Jrish Rebels upon any countermand or other invitation of the Kings affirming that they had sufficiently smarted already for being enticed by him Saturday was appointed to be the day of disbanding which yet of very necessity was put off till the next day in the meane time one hundred and twenty more of the Enemies Foot with Colours came in and now all things being agreed the Commissioners of both sides supt this night with the General The next day which was appointed for the Disbanding was the Lords day in which the Army would have been glad to have rested but in regard time was precious and the country suffered so much by the Enemies Forces that lay upon them they by good warrant preferred mercy and necessity before sacrifice and the French Regiment under the command of Monsieur Laplane which was to be the first disbanded was that day brought to the place appointed for Disbanding Their Horses were very poore they having before by private contracts put off the best of them There were about three hundred dismounted but they having made their markets before most of their Horses as was but just were turned back upon their owne hands as not worth the twenty shillings an Horse which they were to receive according to the agreement In the space of five dayes more was the work finished and the whole Field force of the Enemy in the West of England disbanded viz. On Monday two Brigades of Horse Tuesday 17. the two Brigades of the Lord Cleveland's and Major-General Web's Wednesday 18. part of the Lord Wentworth's Colonel Bovile's Brigade Lord Hopton's Life-guard and Sir Richard Greenvil's Life-guar'd Thursday two Brigades more of which the Lord Goring's was one and the Princes Life guard Friday 20. the two last Troops of all the Cornish Horse were disbanded The number of Brigades in all that were disbanded were nine viz. the French Brigade consisting of three Regiments The Lord Wentmorth's Brigade consisting of four Regiments Sir James Smith's Brigade consisting of three Regiments The Lord Cleveland's Brigade consisting of four Regiments Major-General Web's of three Regiments The Lord Hopton's Brigade commanded by Colonel Bovile The Lord Goring's Brigade of five Regiments The Princes Life-guard consisting of nine Troops being seven hundred men armed Sir Richard Greenvil's Reformadoes The men that were dismounted are proper and lusty men To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire SPEAKER of the Honourable House of COMMONS SIR WHilst I lay at Bodman for the necessary refreshment of the Army and to block up the Passages from Bodman to the North and South Sea I sent a Summons with Propositions to Sir Ralph Hopton and the Army under his command A true Copy whereof I have here inclosed being encouraged thereunto by some of the Enemies Officers and Souldiers who came in to me and informed of their inclinablenesse to Conditions and hoping thereby either to bring them to such termes as should be to your advantage or would distract and weaken them and withall understanding by the intercepted Letters I sent you that an Irish Infantry was ready to be shipt for England I thought fit to try all meanes which in probability might break their Body of Cavalry upon the place When I had dispatched these Propositions to the Enemy J advanced upon Monday with all the Army from Bodman towards Truro being then the Enemies head Quarters and to Tregny where I quartered that night Sir RalphHopton sent a Trumpeter to me with a Letter desiring to have Commissioners apointed on both sides to meet at Tresilian-Bridge the next day with power to treat and conclude which I assented to The Treaty accordingly began the Commissioners meeting about four a clock in the Afternoon and J in the meane time advancing the quarters of the Army to Truro and
Saint Allen After some time spent between the Commissioners this agreement was made a Copy whereof I have here also enclosed and in execution thereof this day we began to disband the French Brigade under Colonel Lapland To morrow we proceed with three other Brigades they having nine in all and shall endeaveur to shorten this work as much as may be Truly Sir this must needs be acknowledged for an admirable mercy from the same gracious hand of providence that hath hitherto gone along with you that so considerable a force as this should be so baffled first at Torrington and afterwards should put themselves as it were into a Net whereby they were necessitated to take termes to the â—tter Ruine of so great a Bodie of Cavalry which according to all our information and the confession of our Enemies was not lesse at the time of the Treatie then four or five thousand Horse The Articles of Agreement will speak the mercie and needs no comment yet I hope I may make this observation upon them that thereby not onely so great a Body of Cavalry is broken but so many both Officers and Souldiers disobliged from taking armes against you and this at such a season when a Forraigne Aide so ready as the Earle of Glamorgan's Letters sent up formerly and now sent you speake at large the timely freeing of us for other services that remaine with discouragement put upon the Enemies Garrisons in these parts which we hope will cause them the more speedily to come in we trust will be good consequences of this work It 's the desire of us all the praise of all may be returned to God to whom it is onely due The reputation of this hath already produced a surrender of Saint Mawes Castle wherein we found about thirteen Guns and good proportion of Ammunition which place gives you a better interest in Falmouth-Harbour then the Enemy hath For by the advantage hereof you may bring in Shipping without hazard which they cannot It hath also occasioned the comming in of between three hundred and four hundred Foot of the Enemies with their Armes to me and given the Countries such heart against them That in Peryn a Towne formerly not very well affected and in Saint Ive they stand upon their Guards against the Enemy For further particulars concerning this businesse I referre you to Master Peters who since he came into this County where he was borne hath very much furthered the service in the bringing of the Country in so freely to the protection of the Parliament I remaine Your most humble Servant THO. FAIRFAX TRURO March 14. 1645. Articles of Agreement concluded betwixt Commissary Generall Ireton Colonell John Lambert Colonell John St. Aubin Commissary Generall Stane Captaine Edward Herle and Richard Deane Comptroller of the Ordnance Commissioners appointed on the behalfe of his Excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX Knight Generall of the Parliaments Army on the one part And Colonell Charles Goring Colonell Marcus Trevor Colonell Thomas Panton Colonell Jordan Bovill Sir Richard Prideaux Knight and Major Goteer Commissioners appointed on the behalfe of the Right Honourable the Lord HOPTON Generall of his Majesties Army on the other part as followeth I. IT is concluded and agreed That no person in the Lord Hopton's Army not formerly by name excepted by the Parliament from pardon shall be excluded from the privilege of this Treaty either as being a Forreigner or for having formerly served the Parliament but shall equally have the benefit of what shall upon this Treaty be granted to other persons of that quality that they are of in the Army And for any persons by name excepted by the Parliament they shall have present liberty if they desire it to goe beyond Seas with like recommendation and equipage as others of like quality or if they desire to live at home in England to make their addresses to the Parliament for that or other purpose they shall have leave and reasonable time so to do and the General 's protection to live quietly and at liberty in any place they shall nominate and chuse within the Parliaments Quarters untill they have received the Parliaments Resolution And if the Parliament shall not think fit to grant such their desires they shall then have leave and Passes to goe beyond Sea as before or to any of the King's Armies or Garrisons as they shall think fit II. That the Army and Forces under the command of the Lord Hopton shall within six dayes after the date hereof be wholy disbanded and discharged by the Lord Hopton and the Generall Officers Colonels and other Officers under his command according to the severall charges in manner hereafter expessed III. That all common Troopers Corporals of Horse Farriers and Sadlers that are mounted being of or belonging to the Forces under the command of the right honourable the Lord Hopton shall bring in and deliver up their Horses with their Bridles and Saddles and all their Armes unto his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax or unto whom he shall appoint to receive them in manner time and place as is hereafter exprest Provided that all Corporals and such common Troopers as shall appeare Gentlemen of worth and such other Troopers as shall goe beyond Sea shall be allowed to keep and carry away with them their Swords IV. That upon performance hereof they shall receive twenty shillings a man or keep their Horses and shall have their Passes to goe to their homes in England or beyond Sea with their Bag and Baggage which they shall have leave to carry with them or dispose of them as they please and those to whom Swords are allowed as before to passe with their Swords V. That the Commission-Officers of Horse under the Lord Hopton for their severall Troops respectively shall cause the said Horses and Armes to be duly delivered in without changes spoyling or imbezlement among themselves according to the effect of the first Article before-going VI. That this being performed all the said Commission-Officers of Horse in present command and all Trumpeters belonging to them shall have liberty to goe away either to their homes in England or beyond the Seas with their Bag and Baggage And also they shall have such number of Horses and Equipage as is hereafter allowed according to their severall qualities That is to say First For those that shall chuse to goe beyond the Seas the full number of Horses and Fire-armes if they have so many of their owne To Trumpeters one Horse a piece and their Trumpets To Quartermasters two Horses and one case of Pistols To Cornets three Horses and two case of Pistols To Lieutenants four Horses and three case of Pistols To Captaines Majors and Lieutenant-Colonels six Horses and four case of Pistols To Colonels eight Horses and six case of Pistols To the Adjutant generall six Horses and four case of Pistols To the other Adjutants of Brigades three Horses a piece and one case of Pistols To the Scoutmaster-generall six Horses and two
in the precedent or subsequent Articles to be carried away shall be delivered up to such persons and at such places neer Truro or Sir Thomas Fairfax his head Quarters as his Excellency shall appoint within six dayes after the date hereof without spoyle or imbezlement at the care as well of the General 's Officers of the said Army and all Commanders in their severall charges as by the persons themselves to whom such Armes or Furniture of Warre do belong or in whose custody they were XVI That whosoever shall after the conclusion of this Treaty purposely break spoyle or imbezle any of the Armes Horses or Furniture agreed and concluded to be delivered up in this Treaty shall forfeit the benefit due unto him by any Article in the Treaty And if any of the said Army after the conclusion of this Treaty shall plunder or wilfully do any violence unto any Inhabitants of the Country he shall give satisfaction unto the persons so wronged or lose the benefit of the Treaty and that the Commissioners of both parties or any three of them whereof one or more to be of Sir Thomas Fairfax his party and one or more to be of the Lord Hopton's shall have power to heare and determine all such cases accordingly XVII That the said Army and Forces under the command of the Lord Hopton from the time of the conclusion of this Treaty untill the time of their drawing out to be disbanded as in the ensuing Articles shall be quartered in such places Westward from Truro as Sir Thomas Fairfax shall appoint which shall be large enough for their accommodation and that the Cessation of Armes and of all Acts of Hostility betwixt the two Armies shall continue unto the time of the compleat disbanding of the Lord Hopton's Army XVIII That for the disbanding of the said Forces and delivering up of Horses Armes c. In performance of the precedent Articles Every Brigade and Regiment under the Lord Hopton's command shall by their respective Commanders be drawne out into such places of Randezvouz within two miles of Truro or Sir Thomas Fairfax his head Quarters and upon such dayes as Sir Thomas Fairfax shall for them joyntly or severally appoint notice of the same being given to his Excellency in writing sixteen hours beforehand under the Commissioners of the Lord Hopton's part or any of them two or more of whom shall for that and other purposes continue at Sir Thomas Fairfax his head Quarters untill the disbanding be finished and that the Quartermaster general or Adjutant of the Lord Hopton's with one Horsman from every Brigade shall also be there with them and that none of the said Brigades or Regiments shall be drawne out of their Quarters which shall be assigned to them as before otherwise then upon and according to such notice from Sir Thomas Fairfax as before except to and for their ordinary Guards XIX That to or before the drawing out of the severall Brigades or Regiments to such Randezvouz as before the chiefe Commanders of them respectively shall deliver unto whom Sir Thomas Fairfax shall appoint a true and perfect List of the Regiments and Troops in the severall Brigades and of all Officers and Souldiers in their severall Troops expressing by name which of them do chuse to goe beyond Sea and which do goe to live at home as also who are Reformadoes and in what degree of command they have served and that at the same times and places the Horses Armes and Furniture by vertue of the precedent Articles to be delivered up shall be delivered up accordingly and all the Officers and souldiers disbanded and discharged and there shall receive their passes with Warrants for quarters by the way for one night in a place and be conveyed towards their severall homes as farre as Chard if they goe so farre or unto Quarters assigned them for their transportation according to the precedent Articles That for the further performance of these Articles two Colonels of each Army shall be mutually delivered and kept as Hostages H. Ireton Jo. Lambert Jo. St Aubin William Stane Edward Herle Richard Deane Charles Coring Marcus Trevor Thomas Panton Jordan Bovill Richard Prideaux Jean Goteer There came in to the General during the Treaty many Lieutenant-Colonels Serjeant-Majors and Captaines Many Gentlemen of quality Ninety and six common Souldiers from Peryn with Armes Twelve more followed them One hundred more with their Arms and Colours of Colonel Trevanian's Regiment One hundred Officers and souldiers of Colonel Champernoon's Regiment Falmouth by this means and the surrender of St Mawes was ours on one side the Harbour Now having given you the Narrative give me leave to make some few observations on this succesfull progresse even to the Lands end which may well be the subject of greatest admiration and thankfulnesse The hard task the Army had in forcing up so great a Body as 5000 of the Enemies Horse into such a narrow neck of land through a Country so cragged in such a season of the yeer the ground all covered over with Snow the wayes so slippery and the Weather so bitter cold by a hard frost of that continuance as had not been knowne for many yeers before may well be compared with Hannibal's forcing his passage into Italy through the frozen Alps with Fire and Vinegar That five thousand Horse and more should be forced to capitulate and yeeld themselves to an Army comming short of that number in Horse is that which History can hardly paralell and Posterity will scarce beleeve And the benefit is as great as the wonder For had this Body of Horse escaped into the Mid-land parts they might in probability have much protracted the Warre and if they the Lord Ashlye's Foot and the Kings other Forces about Oxford had joyned together they would have been very considerable in the Field and so would necessarily have occasioned the diversion of the Army from the work they had in hand viz. the Reduction of the West which was of that vast importance to the Kingdom considering the Negotiations that were in France Ireland for the present bringing over Forces thither as by the intercepted Letters from those parts severally did appeare that nothing could be greater But by this good hand of God upon us this Body of the Enemy is secured their joyning prevented and all the mischiefe that would have ensued thereupon and Cornwal reduced Which last particular that you may see what a considerable summe alone and by it selfe it amounts unto cast it up and consider it as it was a Country having convenient Ports Harbours both for France and Ireland whose naturall scituation was very strong and apt for defence being all very mountainous and enwrapt with the Sea on all sides except toward Devonshire and there bounded by the River Tamar which in a right line runs almost from Sea to Sea From which advantages it hath been in ancient times one of the last places of retreat in the Kingdome and hath ever
made saving conditions for it selfe in those overflowing inundations both of Saxons and Normans Since the beginning of our late Warres it and its Forces have been more then once fatally disastrous to our former Armies and had ever been from the beginning of the Warres in the possession of the Enemy the people more generally disaffected to the Parliament then any other part of the Kingdome from whence the King as from a never failing Spring was constantly supplied with a choyce and able Infantry All which particulars whosoever doth consider will acknowledge that the reducing of this County was as difficult as desirable And this is another happy fruit of the disbanding those Horse and not only the reduction of that County of Cornwall but the absolute conquest of the West of England most of the Enemies Garrisons there onely waiting to see what would become of these Horse upon whom they depended for reliefe All which considered and put together this service may well live a lasting Monument to the glory of God and the honour of the Instruments Moreover during this space while the Enemies Forces were disbanding as an additionall to the occurrences of these five dayes Monday 16. another Packet of the Lord Glamorgan's taken at Peryn was brought to the General being a Duplicate of those Letters taken at Padstow another Vessell being newly landed there out of Ireland not knowing but that it was still in the Kings hand and that evening was Peryn possest by our Foot who were received with much joy by the Townes people Tuesday 17. Lieutenant-Colonel Ingoldsbey a stout and valiant man going to view Pendennis Castle received a shot from some of the Enemies Musquetteers behind the Mud-walls of which he dyed within three hours Wednesday The General went to view Pendennis and possessed Pennycome-Quick also Dennis Fort with twenty six pieces of Ordnance and thirty barrels of Powder was the same day surrendred to the General and Pensans and Saint Ives stood upon their guards against Goring's Forces Thursday Above an hundred men came with their Armes from Michael's Mount and tendred themselves to serve in the Army CHAP. V. The Army returning to the Siege of Excester with all the particulars of the Treaty and surrender of the same THe whole Field-Force of the Enemy being thus happily reduced Orders were given out immediately for the Army to martch back Eastward Saturday 21. the General accordingly martched from Truro to Bodman and the rest of the Army to other Quarters where they rested the Lords day Monday 23. Consultation was had with the Gentlemen for the settlement of those parts The Lord Mohune and others came to his Excellency that day Tuesday 24. Further debate was had concerning the ordering of the disbanded Horse who plundered the Country as they went and they were all called over by the List at the Bridges they were to passe over to see that none had more Horse with them then were allowed them at the disbanding place Wednesday 25. The General and Lieutenant-General and some of the generall Officers went to Plymouth and viewed the Forts and Works whilest the Army martched another way by Launceston The Governour and the Towne entertaining the General very honourably three hundred pieces of Ordnance discharged to welcome him thither Thursday 26. The Parliament-men and other Gentlemen of the Country met the General at Plymouth conference was had concerning the defensive posture of that County and the speedy sending over of the French that were disbanded and accordingly Ships were provided Friday 27. The General martched from Plymouth to Oakhampton four and twenty miles by Tavestock and the Army martched from Launceston that day within five miles of Oakhampton Saturday 28. His Excellency had newes of Sir Jacob Ashleys being taken and of the routing of his Army by the Forces under the command of Colonel Morgan Sir William Brereton and Colonel Birch and of Sir Charles Lucas being taken by Colonel Fleetwood who with his Horse hindred the conjunction of all the Oxford Horse with the Lord Ashley The General rested this day at Oakhampton till the rest of the Army came up Lords day March 29. They martched from Oakhampton to Crediton fourteen miles some part of the Army went that night to Newton Siers being eighteen miles Orders were given to possesse Heavytree a Village lying within halfe a mile of Excester lest the Enemy should sally out and burne those Villages upon the approach of the Army Monday March 30. The General resting at Crediton some more Foot advanced close to Excester a Summons was prepared to be sent in Tuesday March 31. The General drew all his Army round the City within Musquet shot and as be passed by them at every post our men that lay there gave a volley of shot and a great shout and so on the other side the River there being Bridges made over and presently after his Excellency sent in a Summons and came to quarter that night at Colomb John the rest of the Army to Silverton and other parts The Summons being prepared was sent in and ran thus SIR BEing returned with my Army from the West where God in his wisdome saw it good to bestow a dry and bloodlesse Victory upon me to the great peace and quiet of those parts and conceiving it my duty likewise to endeavour the good of this County which by the occasion of your Garrison is necessarily obstructed I thought fit once more to send you a Summons to deliver up to me the City of Excester with the Castle Forts Armes Ammunition and Magazine belonging to the same beleeving that by this time you are satisfied of the reliefe from the Princes Army and may equally be of all reliefe to come from any other place if your intelligence and knowledge were the same with ours There is nothing more induceth me hereunto then an unfained zeale toward any bloodshed and as much as in me lyes to preserve that City which hath already suffered deeply in these unnaturall distractions from further or greater misery Though I shall not boast of my numbers or strength yet I must needs tell you that I doubt not but the same power which hath formerly made difficult things easie will answer this and will acquit me from being accompted the occasion of those inconveniencies and miseries which necessarily will ensue upon your refusall Sir I shall expect your speedy and positive Answer herein and rest Your Servant THO. FAIRFAX March 31. 1646. month April 1646 Wednesday April 1. Sir John Berkley returned this Answer to the Summons SIR UPon your Summons I called a Counsel of Warre where after some debate it was determined to treat with you or with whom you should appoint and to conclude upon just and honourable termes And to that purpose I desire a safe Conduct for these persons to repaire to your head Quarters with their servants on Friday morning and to returne at their pleasure I remaine Your Servant JOHN BERKLEY April 1. 1646. Those first
Febr. 10 To Crediton  12 4 14 To Chimleigh  9 2 16 To Stephenston master Roules his house that night faced Torrington and entred  8 8 24 To Houlsworthy  10 1 25 To Launceston Cornw. 10 4 March 1 To Blisland  16 1 2 To Bodman  4 5 7 To a Randezvouz at Lanevet and back to Bodman  6 2 9 To Tregny  15 1 10 To Truro  6 11  Goring's Army of Horse surrendred and disbanded    21 To Bodman  20 5 1646     26 To Launceston the General to Plymouth  20 2 28 To Okehampton Devonsh 15 1 29 To Crediton  14 2 31 To view the Siege at Excester and to Collumb-John  13 13 Apr. 13 To Excester surrendred  4 5 18 To Chard Somersetsh 24 1 19 To Dorchester Dorsetsh 22 1 20 To Salisbury Wiltsh 32 4 25 To Andivor  15 2 27 To Newbury Berksh 13 3 30 To East Hendred  12 1 May 1 To Garsington Oxon 9 1 2 To Heddendon  3 53 June 24 To Oxford surrendred  1 0 The Contents of the severall Chapters PART I. CHAP. I. COntaining by way of Poeme and Introduction a generall account of the miserable condition of this Kingdome before this present Parliament The occasion and Instruments of calling it The snare laid for us in a former Parliament The Quarrell between the Royall party and the Parliament stated And shewing how the Command of the Parliaments Forces came to be devolved to Sir Thomas Fairfax their present Generall CHAP. II. Wherein a briefe Character of the General and Lievtenant-General The framing of the New-Model The beginning of their Action at Issip-Bridge Blechington-house Bampton-Bush c. And the effect these things had on His Majesty at Oxford CHAP. III. The General with the Army matching into the West Vpon after advice recalled and a party only sent to Taunton Their good successe in the relief of Taunton Lievtenant General Cromwell defending his Quarters against Goring CHAP. IV. The Army imployed to besiege Oxford How far they proceeded therein Severall Garisons thereabouts besieged and some taken The losse of Leicester and the Discontents and discouragements that ensued thereon With a modest enquiry into the cause of our low condition at that time CHAP. V. The Army commanded to rise from before Oxford Their severall Martches till the Battaile at Naseby with all the particulars thereof fully related CHAP. VI. The Victory at Naseby improved by pursuing the Enemy who fled into Wales Leicester not long before taken by the Enemy summoned and after preparations for Storm â—urrendred upon Articles found to be unjust and the charge retorted on them An Instance of the Enemies desperate prophanenesse joyned with Barbarous and Inhumane Cruelty PART II. Chap. I. His Excellency with the Army martching Westward to relieve Tauton the second time taking in Hiworth Garrison by the way Curbing the Clisbmen the retaking of Ilchester and the brave Fight at Langport CHAP. II. The Particulars of that gallant Service the storming of Bridgwater CHAP. III. The taking of Bath The Club-mens Reply and his Excellencies Rejoynder in two considerable Actions defeating them The impregnable Castle of Sherborne taken by Storme CHAP. IV. The Siege of Bristol the taking of it with the Actions that intervened viz. the taking of Nunny Castle c. PART III. Chap. I The Devizes and Laicock-House surrendred Berkly Castle after in part stormed surrendred With an account of the Counsels that did lead these Actions CHAP. II. The Counsels whereby the Army steered their course imported The Reduction of Winchester CHAP. III. The Motions and Actions of the Army unto Tiverton The storming and taking of Basing-House fully related CHAP. IV. The cheap Reduction of Tiverton Castle by a strange Providence The surrender of Langford-House CHAP. V. Excester straitned in order to a Siege with severall Debates and Resolutions thereabout CHAP. VI. Severall Passages between the Prince and his Excellency and between his Excellency and Goring Concerning Pouldrum the Enemies preparations to relieve Excester and Ours to meet them c. CHAP. VII The slackening of the Siege of Excester by the Armies advance to meet the Enemy leaving onely a Force to block up the City With their great successe in those two Actions The Defeat of the Enemy at Bovey-Tracy and the taking of Dartmouth with a particular account of their Martches and lesser Passages PART IV. Chap. I. The Army returning to the Siege at Excester Pouldram Castle surrendred A French Vessell struck into Dartmouth wherein Letters of consequence from the Queen How farre the reducing of Excester was endeavoured before a second Diversion CHAP. II. Our Army a second time diverted from the Siege of Excester with a particular account of the Reasons thereof and the Motions and Actions of the Army occasioned thereby CHAP. III. His Excellency with the Army advancing into Cornwal driving the Enemy before them and possessing their Quarters A gallant piece of Service performed by Colonel Butler and his Party neer Stratton Prince Charles giving all for lost by his Excellencies pressing too hard upon them betakes himself to Scilly An advantage to the Parliaments Cause by a Packet of Letters from Ireland taken at Padstow CHAP. IV. His Excellency wit the Army driving up the Enemy into Cornwal A Summons sent to Sir Ralph Hopton and his Forces to come in with the severall transactions of that Bunesse untill the disbanding of all his Forces fully related c. CHAP. V. The Army returning to the Siege of Excester with all the Particulars of the Treaty and surrender of the same 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 CHAP. VII The Siege of Oxford the Particulars of the Treaty and surrender thereof with the inâ—luence of the Fate of Oxford upon the remaining Garrisons CHAP. VIII The Siege and surrender of Worcester and Wallingford CHAP. IX Of the Reduction of Ragland Castle and Pendennis FINIS A Table of the Motion and Action of the Army under the Command of His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax From April 15. 1645. To August 19. 1646. VVherein is exprest what Battels were fought what Places of strength were taken whether by Storm or Surrender the number of Slain of Prisoners what Ordnance Arms and Colours were taken The name of the Commander in Chief the day of the Moneth when the COUNTY where the ACTION was done The Moneth and Day The Yeare Battels fought Places Relieved Taken and particul ingagements The manner How Daies of the siege time of fight Number of slain in fight or siege Number of prisoners taken Number of Ordnance taken Number of Arms. Number of Colours The chief Commander of ours in each designe Commanders of the Enemies The County Horse April 15 1645 Rout at Islip By a party of horse 2 houres 60 200  400 The qu.
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.