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
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
his owne person lost his friends subjected those that escaped to great frights and hazard his House and Estate to utter ruine and himselfe to extremity of Justice Touching your Lordships twenty thousand pound your Lordship hath liberty to solicite about that by the same hands your Lordship shall give an account of the surrender to his Majesty I desire your Lordship upon receipt of these to dismisse my Trumpeter and to returne Answer by one of your owne THO. FAIRFAX SIR THe difficulty of resolution by the Souldiers and Officers other then I thought causeth my request for your patience in not giving you full answer to the conditions you sent me yesterday but as soon as I shall obtaine it you shall not be long without it But one thing and that of moment I desire to be satisfied in whether if any conclusion should be made that afterward I shall be left to the mercy of the Parliament for alteration at their will and pleasures and if it be so I shall endeavour in vain to study more about it For example in my Lord of Shrewsbury his case and divers others how conditions have been broken doth a little affright me I know by your will and consent if should never be but Souldiers are unruly and the Parliament unquestionable and therefore I beseech you pardon my just cause of fear and I will rest Your humble Servant H. WORCESTER MY LORD I Have perused your Letter of this eleventh of August As to your scruple wherein you desire to be satisfied so far as I understand it I can onely give you this resolution That wat I grant I will undertake shall be made good As to the instance you give in my Lord of Shrewsburie's case the actors in that breach who were none of my Army have received their censure and by this time I beleeve the execution But here if any conclusion be made while I stay I dare undertake there shall be no such thing or if any there shall be reparation THO. FAIRFAX SIR FOr the better accommodation of these unhappy disferences if you please that there may be a cessation of Armes and working and to engage your Honour for the returne of my Commissioners to morrow by ten of the clock they shall wait upon you in your Leaguer where they shall vindicate me for being the onely obstruction of the generall peace So in expectation of your sodaine Answer I rest Your humble Servant H. WORCESTER MY LORD HAving not yet received in any of your Letters a direct answer to the conditions I sent you I have no grounds or consideration for such a cessation of Armes and working as in your Letter you desire but if it be your purpose to returne your answer by Commissioners I shall by the hour you mention appoint Commissioners of mine owne to receive the same in the Leaguer as you desire and engage my selfe for the safe returne of yours not exceeding six Commissioners and as many servants And in order to this I shall be content there be a cessation of Armes and working from nine of the clock to morrow morning till two in the afternoon Yours c. THO. FAIRFAX SIR HAd I not thought you had been in the Leaguer to the end that Propositions from the place in answer to yours might have been first presented unto you and to avoid delayes which I thought your side would best like of it was resolved to send Commissioners together with our Propositions but considering it was otherwise I have sent you such as I am advised unto to take into your consideration and because there is some addition to yours I would have been glad you had heard the just reasons thereof to the end you might not have been perswaded to slight them without just cause your pleasure for the ordering of businesse I at your leisure expect and if you please the dismission of this Messenger and so rest Your humble servant H. WORCESTER MY LORD I Have perused the Propositions sent out by your Commissioners which I find such as deserve no answer I have offered your Lordship and the rest conditions which you may yet have if you accept in time if there be any thing in them obscure needing explanation or wanting circumstantials for the better performing of the things intended therein I shall be willing to appoint Commissioners on my part to treat with yours to that purpose upon those Propositions of mine provided you send Commissioners instructed with power to treat and conclude and returne your resolution herein by six of the clock this evening Yours c. THO. FAIRFAX August 14. 1646. In the meane time our Approaches went on towards the Castle our maine Work was some sixty yards from theirs we had planted four Mortar-pieces in one place and two Mortar-pieces at another each Mortar-piece carrying a Granadoe shell twelve inches diameter August the 14. His Excellency who was every day in the Trenches appointed a new approach which the Engineer Captaine Hooper had so farre proceeded in as to throw up approaches of an hundred yards in circuit making exacting running Trenches so secure as if they were Works against a storm comming within sixty yards of their Works August 15. The Marquesse sent forth his desire to treat upon the Generals Propositions whereupon the Treaty was appointed at Master Oates his house about a mile and a halfe from Ragland to begin at two of the clock that afternoon His Excellencies Commissioners were Colonel Morgan Colonel Birch Master Herbert one of the Commissioners of Parliament residing in the Army Quartermaster General Gravesnor Lieutenant-Colonel Ashfield and Major Tulida By Monday August 17. The Treaty was concluded the Marquesse casting himselfe upon the mercy of the Parliament according to the ensuing Articles Articles concluded and agreed upon betwixt his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight General of the Forces raised by the Parliament on the one part and the right honourable the Marquesse and Earle of Worcester Governour of the Castle and Garrison of Ragland on the other part for and concerning the surrender of the Castle and Garrison of Ragland I. THat the Castle and Garrison of Ragland with all the Ordnance Armes Ammunition and provision of War thereunto belonging shall be delivered up without wilfull spoyle unto his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax or such as he shall appoint to receive the same on Wednesday next being the nineteenth day of this instant August by ten a clock in the forenoon in such forme as shall be expressed in the ensuring Articles II. That upon the said nineteenth day of August the Officers Gentlemen and Souldiers of the Garison with all other persons therein shall martch out of the said Garison with their Horses and Armes with Colours flying Drums beating Trumpet sounding Matches lighted at both ends Bullet in their mouthes and every Souldier with twelve charges of Powder Match and Bullet proportionable and Bag and Baggage to any place within ten miles of the Garison where the Governour shall nominate
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
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
King to know his pleasure in it I rest Your servant Rupert Saturday September 6. A Trumpeter was sent in with a reply to Prince Ruperts answer in these words Sir your Overture of sending to the King to know his pleasure I cannot give way to because of delay I confess your answer doth intimate your intention not to surrender without his Majesties consent yet because it is but implicite I send again to know a more positive answer from your self which I desire may be such as may render me capable of approving my self Your Highness humble servant Tho. Fairfax This day came 12 Colours more of the well-affected Countrymen as an addition to the former Forces The Trumpeter was detained all that day and night Every thing was prepared for a storm the General was in the field to that end the Souldiers had their faggots on their backs and leaped for joy they might go on yet about ten at night for severall reasons it was held fit to give orders to put off the busines till Munday morning two of the clock and only to alarm the Enemy for that time as we did often to amuse them and keep them waking Lords day Septemb. 7. in the forenoon the Trumpet returned with these Propositions from Prince Rupert Sir Whereas I received your Letter for the delivery of the City Forts and Castle of Bristol and being willing to joyn with you for the sparing of blood and the preserving of his Majesties subjects I have upon those grounds and none other sent you these following propositions First that my self all Noblemen Commanders and Souldiers of Horse and Foot that have served either his Majesty or Parliament in England or elswhere as likewise all persons whatsoever men or women now resident in this City of Bristol Castle and Forts thereof shall have free liberty to march away out of the said city castle and forts with their Arms flying Colours Drums beating Trumpets sounding Pistols cockt Swords drawn Matches lighted at both ends and as much Powder and Match as they can carry about them with all their bag and baggage horses arms and other furniture ten peeces of canon 50 barrels of powder Match and Bullet proportionable 2. That neither mine own person nor the person of any Nobleman Commander Officer Gentleman or Souldier or any other of mine or their Retinues be searched molested or troubled upon what pretence soever but left to their liberties to depart or stay as it shall be most convenient for them 3. That none of your Army whatsoever shall entice or perswade any Officer or Souldier of mine from their Regiments or Colours with any promise of preferment or reward 4. That all such Officers and Souldiers that are hurt and sick and cannot now march out of this city castle and fort shall have liberty to stay till they be recovered and then have safe-conducts to go wheresoever they please either to any of his Majesties armies or garrisons or their own houses where they may live quiet and that in the interim those being sick and hurt may be protected by you and have civil usage 5. All prisoners taken on both sides since the beginning of this siege be forthwith set at liberty 6. That my self and all those above mentioned may not be required to march further in a day then what conveniently we may and that a day or two of rest be allowed upon our march if we shall find it requisite and that we be accommodated with free quarter during our march and a sufficient convoy to any of the Kings armies or garrisons which I shall name to secure us in our march from all injury or incivility that shall any ways be offered to us And likewise that there be one hundred and fifty carriage-horses and forty Wains with sufficient teams provided for carriages of all sorts 7. That no person here in these Articles mentioned shall be in their march â—endezvouz or quarters searched or plundred upon any pretence whatsoever And that two Officers be appointed by you the one for accommodation for free-quarters for Officers Souldiers and others and the other for providing of horses and carriages for our baggage and train 8. All Noblemen Gentlemen Clergy-men Citizens Resiants or any other person within this city suburbs and liberties thereof shall at any time when they please have free liberty to remove themselves their goods and families and to dispose of them at their pleasures according to the known and enacted laws of the land either to live at their own houses or elswhere and to enjoy their houses lands goods and estates without any molestation and to have protection for that purpose and this article to extend to all those whose estates are sequestred or not sequestred and that they may rest quiet at their abodes and travell freely and safely upon their occasions And for their better removal they may have Letters of safe-conduct with horses and carriages at reasonable rates upon demand 9. That all persons above mentioned may have free liberty to passe to any part beyond the seas any time within three moneths as their occasions shall require 10. That the Lines Forts Castle and other Fortifications about or in the city of Bristol be forthwith slighted and the City stated in the same condition it was before the beginning of this unnaturall warre And that hereafter the Parliament during this war place no garrison in it 11. That no Churches be defaced that the severall members of the foundation of this Cathedral shall quietly enjoy their houses and revenues belonging to their places and that the Ministers of this city may likewise enjoy their benefices without trouble 12. That no Oaths be imposed upon any person now in this city suburbs and liberties other then are required by the ancient and enacted lawes of the land 13. That the Major Sheriffs Aldermen and Citizens within this Corporation of the City of Bristol shall be free in their persons and estates and enjoy all their priviledges liberties and immunities in as full and ample manner as formerly at any time they did before the beginning of this war and that they shall have freedom of trade both by land and sea paying such duties and customes as formerly they have done to his Majesty and that no mulct of fine be imposed upon any person mentioned in this article upon any pretence whatsoever or questioned for any act or thing done or committed before the day of our marching forth That no free-quarters shall be put upon them without their own consents 14. That all other persons whose dwellings are in this city and now absent may have the full benefit of these articles as if they were present 15. That all Noblemen Gentlemen and others that have goods in this city and are now present or absent may have liberty at any time within three moneths to dispose of their goods as they please 16. That there be no plundering or taking away of any mans person or any part of his estate
that neither Bristol nor the Devizes were able to hold out against our force did easily resolve that a Poore house was much lesse able though in truth there were good works about it accordingly therefore upon the first Summons he came to conditions of surrender and had honourable tearms granted him upon which he marcht out the next day towards Excester viz. himself his Officers and Souldiers with their arms and baggage the General himself adding to the solemnity by his own presence who went from the Devizes on purpose to view the garrison and see the Enemy march forth section 4 Barkley-Castle stormed by col Rainsborough The same day col Rainsborough with his forces before Barkley-castle stormed the out-works and the Church which were the main strength of the castle with Scaling-ladders performing the service with so much resolution gallantry both Officers and Souldiers as quickly made them masters of the place wherein were taken 90 prisoners besides 40 put to the sword amongst whom were a Major and a Captain This was such a terror and discouragement unto the Enemy within the castle to see the resolution of our souldiers and the execution done upon theirs in the Church and out-works that the Governour Sir Charles Lucas who returned answer to the first Summons That he would eat horse-flesh before he would yield and mans flesh when that was done and upon a second Summons sent as peremptory an answer yet now perceiving the planting of our ordnance against him upon his own Works which we had newly gained whereby we had a great advantage to play into the castle and sensible what he was to expect if he came not to present terms was glad to sound a Parley which was yielded to and Commissioners sent out to treat and the Castle was surrendred upon these Articles Barkley-castle surrendred The souldiers to march out without arms the Governour Sir Charler Lucas with three horses and arms and not above 50. l. in money every Field-officer with two horses and but 5. l. in money Foot-captains with swords but no horse the souldiers with not above 5 s. a piece This Castle was a place of great strength well victualled and manned the Governour thereof Sir Charles Lucas a souldier of reputation and valour confident to hold it out against any force should appear before it that Winter There were taken in it eleven pieces of Ordnance provision of victuals for six moneths afterwards sold for a good value for the use of the souldiery In this service we lost only one Captain not many common souldiers though many wounded colonel Herbert as he valiantly led on his men to storm was shot through the Hat narrowly escaping a greater danger there marched out of the castle above 500 Horse and Foot the County of Gloucester not a little satisfied with the reducing of this Castle being a totall clearing of their County How this high hand of God lifted up and stretched forth against the Enemy wrought upon them I shall give you in some instances A Lieut. col of Sir Charles Lucas's when he saw the garrison was surrended could not hold but brake forth and swore to col Rainsborough He could be content to go to Hell and be a Major there to plague the Roundheads advancing in his hellish Dialect in this latter speech but proportionable to his Essay in a former speech after the first Summons when he said God dam him he would go quick into hell rather then yield the Castle to the Roundheads Another of their Officers in the same castle said to a captain of Horse in our Army He thought God was turned Roundhead the Kings forces prospered so ill These ought to be the greater engagements upon us to sanctifie that name of God which he proclaimes amongst us in these successes from whom else shall God have his glory CHAP. II. The counsels whereby the Army steered their course imparted The Reduction of Winchester A counsel of war the forementioned garrisons reduced advising of the next action AND now came into consideration in what way for the advantage of the kingdoms service the Army should be disposed of as to the ensuing Winter it being then the latter end of September the taking in of some of these garrisons of the Enemies viz. Winchester Basing Dennington Farrington and Wallingford which together with Oxford like Vipers in the bowels infested the midland parts seemed with much reason to invite the Army especially being so neer them to attempt them which if by Gods blessing they should happily succeed in they might to the best advantage make their winter quarters about Oxford whereby that garrison being straitned would probably fall into their hands by the Spring for want of provisions On the other hand many a sad look towards the West where the most considerable visible strength of the Enemy then was which if let alone all winter might possibly prove very formidable in the Spring and in the mean while overpowering Major gen Massies forces then about Taunton might advance their quarters into the midland parts and make all our new conquests unserviceable to the Kingdom did strongly incline the Army that way but that which most of all distracted them was that they were not able at once to grasp both the West and Midland parts as was their great ambition yet resolving to assay what they were able to both Their resolution Lieutenant-General Cromwel was sent with the forementioned Brigade and three Regiments of horse for the taking in of the garisons of Winchester and Basing which was the rather attempted because it conduced much to the absolute freeing of a passage from London into the VVest whither the General with the rest of the army according to a resolution then taken was immediately marching About this time was Farleigh castle in Somersetshire surrendred to the Parliament And about the same time Sandal castle in Yorkshire was surrendred to col Overton Col. Rainsborough his work at Berkley-castle being done was commanded to advance to the General who resolved to halt with his Forces about Warminster till he came up to him Accordingly Saturday 27. the General marched to Warminster with the Army and there continued till Tuesday the 30. On which day the Army marched towards Shaftsbury and were mustered in their march the General continuing still at Warminster choosing so to do not only for the forementioned reason but also till he might heare that the treasure for the Army was at least on the way from London the Souldiers being so out of money that they were all inforced to take free quarter which they had not done till then During his Excellencies abode at Warminster the good news of the Kings forcâ—s being routed at Routon-Heath neer West-Chester by Major-General Pointz was brought to the Army month October 1645 Wednesday Octob. 1. the Army marched to Middleton and thence the next day to Dorchester and thence Saturday Octob. 4. to Beauminster where they rested
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
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