Historical Relation of the Military Government of Gloucester, Letter 1 – Letter 4

Historical Relation of the Military Government of Gloucester · Letter 1 – Letter 4

p. 42Charles Rex.

OVt of our tender compassion to our City of Gloucester, and that it may not receive prejudice by our Army, which we cannot prevent if we be compelled to assault it: VVe are personally come before it, to require the same, and are graciously pleased to let all the inhabitants of, and all other persons within that City, as well Souldiers as others know, that if they shall immediately submit themselves, and deliver this City to VsUs, VVe are contented freely and absolutely to pardon every one of them without exception, and doe assure them in the word of a King, that they nor any of them shall receive the least dammage or prejudice by Our Army in their persons, or estates. But that VVe will appoint such a Governor, and a moderate garrison to reside there as shall be both for the ease and security of that City, and the whole County. But if they shall neglect this offer of grace, and favour, and compell VsUs by the power of Our Army to reduce that place (which by the helpe of God We shall easily and shortly be able to doe) they must thanke themselves for all the calamities, and miseries that shall befall them. To this Message We expect a cleare and positive answer, within two houres after the publishing hereof? And by these presents doe give leave to any persons safely to repaire to, and returne from VsUs, whom that City shall desire to imploy unto VsUs in that businesse, And We do require all the Officers and Souldiers of Our Army, quietly to suffer them to passe accordingly.

The King by this time drew into the field before the Towne, attended by Prince Charles, the Duke of Yorke, Prince Rupert and Generall Ruthen, faced us with about six thousand horse and p. 43foote on that side, and two thousand horse on the other side. After some debate upon the Message, an answer was drawn, consented unto, both by Citizens and Souldiers, and presented to His Majesty by Serjeant Major Pudsey, and a Citizen.

VVE the Inhab…, Magistrates, Officers, and Souldiers, within this Garrison of Gloucester, unto his Majesties gratious Message return this humble Answer, That we do keep this City according to our Oath and Allegiance, to and for the use of his Majesty and his royall Posterity, and doe accordingly conceive our selves wholly bound to obey the Commands of his Majesty signified by both Houses of Parliament; and are resolved by Gods help to keep this City accordingly.

His Majesty with all mildnesse seemed to receive this answer, onelyonly to wonder at our confidence, and whence wee expected succour, adding these words, Waller is extinct, and Essex cannot come. The enemy advanced forwards into the Suburbs on the East side, where they lost a Commander in the first skirmish, and the rest were fired out; for upon the returne of the messengers the Suburbs on each part of the City were all in a flame, which did secure and more strongly engage us, and which the enemy beheld as the act of desperate Rebells; for those dreadfull sights doe seeme to higthen and bloud the minds of men. The next day we discovered that they had begun their entrenchments on the South and East parts, the night before in the shadow and shelter of the houses which the flames had not catched, within Musket-shot of the walls. They in the trenches plyed their worke whilest the Musketteers played hard on both sides. Yet our men from the walls could doe little to retard their pioners, but by severall sallies with small parties fell into their trenches, beate them out, gained some working-tooles, armes and prisoners, and retreated without losse. Our ordnance likewise from the East gate killed some sew, and among the rest a Lieutenant Colonell, and Captaine of the Queens black Regiment, Sir Iacob Ashley was then shot in the arme, and p. 44upon severall approaches we beat of the enemy, killed and wounded many.

By that time the Welch forces under the command of Sir Wil. Vavasour, were advanced to the Bishops house, halfe a mile from the West-gate, one of our outguards by us intended to keep off the approach of the Welch, but now deserted for want of men and that nothing might be lost which we purposed to defend. Here they left a sufficient guard and passed over the River to joyne with the forces that newly arrived from Worcester: who made their leager on the North-west side of the City. Generall Ruthen placed his leager behind the Priory of Lanthony on the South-side very neere, but sheltred from our shot by a rising ground. Sir Iacob Ashley with a strong party quartered in some part of the Suburbs on the East-side. The East and South ports were dammed up, and rammed with a thicknesse of Earth Cannon proofe, and the Walls on that side from port to port were lined to the Battlements, since there wee thought to receive the maine shock.

Three dayes after the siege laid, an hundred and fifty Musketteers commanded by Captaine Gray, sallied over the workes upon the Worcester forces, with whom the Welch had not yet joyned, fell into their quarters, marched up to their maine guard, killed a Captaine with eight or nine common Souldiers, tooke five prisoners, divers armes, burnt their guard, and retreated without the losse of any; within a day after upon some suspition and kinde of intelligence that the enemies Ordnance lay undiscovered in some grounds neere the Northgate; Captaine Mallery was commanded forth with a hundred and fifty Musketiers to surprise it, but finding none, retreated without losse, having killed some, taken a few prisoners and fired some of their quarters. VponUpon the sixteenth of August an other party of an hundred and fifty Musketiers, commanded by Captaine Crispe sallied forth at the North-port, fell into their trenches under the Town wall on the East-side, marched above halfe way through them, performed gallantly, killed above an hundred men as was confessed by some of the enemy, wounded many, beat them out of their workes, and by the helpe of out Musketiers from the wall, retreated without the losse of any, only two wounded after a very hot skirmish, for the space of halfe an p. 45houre, the Cannon and Musquets on both sides playing most furiously. These executions put those within on a desperate straine, and heated their minds with bloud.

The Enemy was indefatigable and swift in the entrenchments. The workes from the South and East gates, hasted to meete each other; their preparations seemed more tedious, yet effectuall and certaine and tended withall to save the lives of their men. Wherefore they chused not a sudden storme on the lower and weaker parts of the City, but rather to prepare the assault on the strongest side, yet most easy to their intention. For there only could they rayse the workes without the annoyance of the water-springs, that issued in the lower grounds; there only could they make battery within Pistoll shot of the walls, that wanted flankers; and when they had once entred a breach there, they were instantly possest of the highest part of the Town. On this side therefore were their Ordnance brought up, and first two Culverin of sixteen pound bullet were planted on the East side, a little out of musketshot, where they made some store of shot, but did no execution. Next they planted three pieces of Ordnance of foureteene and five and twenty pound bullet upon their battery in a square redoubt, on the South-side, and began to batter the corner point of the wall, and a brick house adjoyning, where one of our men was killed, without more harme. Then they played upon our Ordnance mounted against their battery point blanck, and made some slight breach, which was quickly stopped up with wooll-packs, and Cannon baskets. By this time they had drawne the trench neer the moate, where they made a kind of mine to drain it, and sunk much of the water: and attempted to cast faggots into the moate, but were beaten off by our musketiers. At severall times they shot large Granadoes out of their Morter-pieces many fell into houses and brake, but did no harme, and one that fell in the street had the fuz quenched before it came to ground, was takenup whole and found to weigh three score pound.

After the Welch and Worcester forces came up, foure peece of Ordnance were drawn a good distance before the place of their leager, and one planted against the Awnegate, and the Sconces thereunto adjoyning. Wherefore a party of about foure hundred Musketiers commanded by Major Pudsey and Captaine Gray p. 46assisted by Captaine Faulkner, and Captaine Massey sallied forth of the Norrhgate. Meane while a Lieutenant with fifty Musketteers was sent over the works to give them an Alarm, whilst the greater party got behinde their Cannon and breastworkes, fell upon their maine guard, slew many Officers, two Canoneers with about a hundred common Souldiers mortally wounded, took a Lieutenant with foure more prisoners, nayled their Cannon, and retreated with the losse only of two slaine, and about foure taken prisoners.

The Enemy having planted three pieces of Ordnance against the Southside, and now three more on the Eastside, and two more neer the Eastgate within Pistoll shot of the Town wall, began a most furious battery upon the corner point, and made above an hundred and fifty great shot against it, whereby the stones were sorely battered, but the Earth workes stood firme. By all this shot only two persons were hurt, for the Battery was so neare, that if the Bullet missed the wall, it flew quite over the Town, or lighted at randome, yet in the intervalls of the great shot after each discharge our musketiers playd hard, and killed foure principall Cannoneers, neither were the people daunted at the noyse of Cannon, which by the slender execution, became so contemptible, that at that very time women and children wrought hard in lining the walls and repairing the breaches. The enemy continued the storme by sending Granadoes which were guided by the hand of providence into by-places, and sometimes falling upon the houses did rend and teare the buildings, when the people within were preserved.

After ten dayes siege two severall parties were designed for the nayling of the enemes cannon. These were commanded to fall into the trenches and march on till they met each other. The one party of about two hundred Musketiers of the Town Regiment commanded by Captaine Stevenson and Captaine Moore, sallied forth at the Northgate, to have fallen into their Trenches at the East Port, but by the mistake of their guide, over a marish ground and full of ditches, were brought round about to Sir Iacob Ashleys quarter, where most of them came not up; only fourty Musketiers, encountred with five Colours of the Enemy, slew divers of them, took two Lievtenants prisoners, forced back the p. 47rest, and marching a little farther, faced and fired at eight Colours more, and so retreated: In the retreat two Troopes of the Enemies horse came on the Reare, whom our men facing about and charging forced to fall back and made good their own retreat; in this distracted skirmish two of ours were killed, three hurt, and a Sarjeant taken prisoner. The other party of the Lord Stanfords Regiment commanded by Captaine Blunt and Captaine White, sallied by boat down the River on the Southpart of the Town towards the maine Leagre, marched up to a Square redoubt (our Cannon in the mean while playing upon the houses in the Suburbs) beat them thence, killed a Major with some common Souldiers, and advanced to meet the other party. But the design failing through the misguidance of the other party, they were called off, and by the help of our Ordnance made a faire retreat without losse of any, onelyonly two wounded. The failing of the enterprize crossed a brave exploit and seasible, they might have scoured the Trenches under the shelter of our Walls: Neither did the Enemy take care to prevent them by turning the mouthes of any one piece of Ordnance upon the entry of the entrenchment. Neverthelesse the crosse event did much amaze them, that a small party should runne up to their Head-quarters, force their men, and recover back without a sensible losse. Certainely the care of a higher providence preserved and brought off those many severall parties, when the vanquishing of any one of them must needs run the City upon extream hazard; for our whole strength remained upon the works day and night, except the reserve of a hundred and twenty men at the maine Guard. One rare and slender Rank were to receive the storme without seconds, yet the safety of the whole did require those frequent sallies, a desperate remedy to a despairing City: not only to cast back the enemies preparations, but to amaze them, that the Souldiers should be held up in such heigth of resolution, and cause them to expect more hot service from within the works: Our men likewise were to be kept in the heat of action to prevent the fainting of the spirits: Their hands also imbrued in bloud did the more enrage them. Nor by safer meanes could they overcome the terrour, which by the reputation of the Kings Army might possesse their minds: The Enemy were kept waking by continuall Alarums to p. 48waste and weary them: And twas the care of the Governour to cause a perpetuall noise; that whensoever their Cannon had been silent for a while, one or two of our Guns gave fire to disturbe the calm, and signifie to the Country that we were yet alive; for the besiegers ever and anon scattered reports of the taking of the Town, with a purpose to prevent our reliefe. All things within did presage a deliverance. The sadnesse of the times did not cloud the countenance of the people, they beheld their fortunes with a clear brow, and were deliberate and chearfull in the endeavours of safety. No great complainings were heard in our Streets, no discontent seized on the Souldiers, at other times prone to mutiny; men of suspected fidelity did not faile in action; Every valuable person was active in his own place: The usuall outcryes of women were not then heard, the weakenesse of whose sexe was not overcome by the terrible Engines of warre. And our becalmed spirits did implore divine assistance without consusion. The Governour personally performed, ready at every turning of affaires, and gracing the businesse with speech and gesture; upon the least intimation of diffidence he pretended rationall hopes of successe, adding withall that our late yeelding could not mollifie the Kings Army, and if in the close we must needs be lost, no suter meanes of safety then by the utmost gallantry to constraine honourable conditions.

The Enemy still prepared for a generall storm, mean while seeking to waste our Magazine, which they knew must needs suddenly fayl, expended their own store, and dayly acted to the terrour of the inhabitants; shooting Granadoes, Fire-bals, and great stones out of their Morter-peeces, and had now planted a Battery on the Southside westward, unto which the lower part of the Town was open. Thence in one night they shot above twenty fiery melting hot iron Bullets, some eighteen pound weight, others two and twenty pound weight, which were seen to fly through the ayre like the shooting of a starre. They passed through stables, and ricks of hay, where the fire by the swiftnesse of the motion did not catch, and falling on the tops of houses, presently melted the leads, and sunk through; but all the skill and industry of the enemy could not set one house on fire.

They still playd their great shot against the wals, and wrought p. 49hard in filling up the Moat with faggots and earth at the place where they battered, where also they built a Gallery over the head of the Trench, the breadth of foure abreast; in the shelter whereof they had almost workt themselves over the Moat. Then we found that they had sunk a Mine under the East Gate; whereupon the Governour commanded a Counter-mine in two places, but finding the Springs, left off, conceiving for the same reason the endeavour of the enemy to no purpose. To discover or interrupt this work, a Serjeant with five daring men were put forth at a port hole in the dungeon at the East gate, came close to the mouth of their mine, took off the board that covered it, and for a while viewed the miners. One of these cast in a hand-Granado amongst them, whilst the foure musketiers played upon them as they ran forth, and with the noise of our men from the walls gave the whole leager a strong alarm, and crept in at the port-hole without harm. Wherefore discovering that the enemy notwithstanding the springs, went on with their mine, we renewed our countermine; for they had sunk a great depth under the moat, and extreamly toyled in drawing up the spring water, till at length they had gotten under the gate that our miners could heare them work under them, and did expect to spoyle them by pouring in water, or stealing out their powder.

For a remedy to this mischiefe, and withall the enemy having planted store of Canon baskets within half musketshot of the East gate point blank, intending a battery there, upon the springing of their mine; We made a very strong work crosse the street with a large trench before it, and filled it with water, intending to raise it up to the Eaves of the houses, and to plant some Cannon there: we answered their severall approaches by so many counter works. A sconce was built upon a rising ground that looked into their trenches, where we could plant foure piece of Ordnance to cleare within the wals a ground called the Friars Orchard southward, and scoure their flank upon their entrance at the East gate, and so northward. Also an inner work was drawn from the south side along the middle of the Orchard, and all passages stopt between that and the East port. And to hinder their gallery we began to undermine for a place to put forth a peece of Ordnance at the bottom of the wall, to batter the flank thereof; which was perfected p. 50and a saker there placed. Commanded men were drawn out upon the walls, Granadoes provided, and when the great Gun played upon the gallery, the musketiers sent plenty of shot, and cast divers Granadoes into their trenches; in the mean while (they firing their Ordnance against the top of the wall) we cut off a maine beame of the gallery with our bolt shot. But the same day the enemy had sunk a piece against the port-hole of out mine, and forced us to withdraw the sakre, yet we cast them back three dayes work.

And because all this side of the Town had no flankers, nothing did more offend the enemy in their entrenchments then an old Barne at a corner point, near the North Port, in which was mounted a Peece that commanded three severall wayes, and obliquely looked into their Trenches, and oft times did good execution upon the pioners. This was the chiefe strength of that side, conceived the weakest part of the Town. VponUpon the Key head an halfe moon was raysed, with a breast-work upon Seavern side under the Castle, and the river chained, to defend an assault from those high grounds beyond the river, which was ever feared by those within.

His Majesty constantly residing at a miles distance, would not solemnly invite by publique Summons, lest hee should detract from the honour of his enterprize: Neverthelesse, those about him dealt underhand by sundry advertizements of the Kings displeasure, threatnings, perswasions, and many intimations of possible grace and favour. Some of our neighbours in their own names desired admission to a conference, and perswaded the Surrender of the City, in regard of the great power and terrible menacings of the enemy, with the small hopes and in a manner impossibility of reliefe; adding withall the heavy burthens under which the Countrey groaned. The Governour made answer, that we were sufficiently conscious of our own strength, and the ground of our resolution, and that we did not think our selves obliged to the enemy for the hopes and offers of favour. These manifold perswasions made the besieged more obstinate, and enabled them to understand themselves as a people worthy of entreaty, a prize worth the purchase, and in no wise lost or desperate, the enemies themselves being Iudges.

As the …ouldiers within were heated with their own performance, so the enemy without being wasted in a lingering design p. 51before the houre of service came grew feeble in their own thoughts and to us contemptible. Our common souldiers took to themselves a liberty to revile, prevented and confounded the enemy with the self-same language in which they were wont to abuse and scorne our party; which contumely, though it begets a more deadly hatred and desire of revenge in generous mindes, at that time did deject exceedingly and debase the spirits of their private souldiers, who had never performed one gallant atchievement, and to whom the sturdinesse of our men was well known. The slownesse of their design in that form of a leaguer, proceeded from the desire of saving their foot, with this presumption, that there was no power to raise the siege; which confidence deceived them, till too late; for their foot, after those many knocks, and the first fury spent, were not so capable of the service, without the help of many tedious preparations. Wherefore besides their mine and battery, they framed great store of those unperfect and troublesome engines to assault the lower parts of the City. Those engines ran upon wheels, with planks musket proof, placed on the Axel-tree, with holes for musketshot, and a bridge before it, the end whereof (the wheels falling into the ditch) was to rest upon our breast works.

Our reliefe seemed slow, and the straitnesse of the siege debarred all intelligence. Only two Spies which we sent out, returned from Warwick, and brought newes of the advance of the Lord Generall. The report of his Excellency, who then lay under a cloud, did give no great assurance. The truth is, the sense of the depth of our distresse did not reach us: Sir William Waller, upon whom the Citizens of London cast their favour, had not the reliques of an Army. The Generals Army crumbled away: the malignants of London fomented tumults in the City, and insurrections in Kent distracted the businesse. The house of Lords voted a treaty with the King, the house of Commons debated the matter. The resolution of Gloucester turned the stream, whose succour was resolved upon as the Kingdoms safety. The recruit of the Army was too slow for the service. The London trained Bands or none, must relieve us; but could not agree who should undertake the businesse. Essex was not favoured but the more prudent saw that he must be the man. That none might decline the service upon whom the lot fell, the shop windows were commanded to be shut up and p. 52trading for a time suspended. The expedition was hasted in every pulpit carried on with continuall fasting and prayer: an Army was framed in an instant, and marched with incredible swiftnesse. Prince Rupert with the greatest part of the Kings horse drew from Gloucester to retard their march, but still appearing in the Van did no more then drill them along. The enemy stayed before us till the last houre, judging every particle of time a great advantage not knowing what a moment might bring forth. They within not satisfied with the former intelligence, sent out two other Spies with a double signall, first one fire on the side of a hill to signifie their escapes, and two fires on the same place if they heard good newes; which latter was accordingly performed and beheld by us.

The fifth of September was appointed for a publike Fast, to be kept by such as might be spared from labour. This day we discovered their carriages marching from the leaguer, and their horse and foot marching after; yet we were not confident of the raising of the siege till the men were drawn out of the trenches, and the reerguard fired their huts. We then perceived that God had sent a deliverance, and that in the close of a solemn Fast, as a gracious returne of prayer.

This evening the Lord Generall came to the brow of the hills seven miles from the Town, and fired a warning piece, but by reason of the contrary winds the report was not heard, neither did the newes reach us that night. Wherefore we did not venture upon the Reere of the enemy with our slender and wearied forces, but kept as strong and watchfull guards as any time before; presuming that reliefe at hand had raised the enemy, yet suspecting that in point of honour they would attempt something worthy of a Royall Army. But abiding before us to the last extremity, they were driven away with great confusion, after so many vowes of victory and revenge, when their mines, batteries, and engines were in readinesse. This hurry preserved the Countrey from injury, which by them was devoted to ruine. His Majesty was forced to leave the Town behinde him, and constrained to a tedious march in that tempestuous rainy night; their carriages were not got up the hills till the next morning, which distraction was not known to us: and the Generals Army was tired with long and continuall marches. The admirable care of providence was beheld in the season p. 53of our reliefe, when all things were prepared by the enemy for a generall storme; our ammunition consumed, but three single barrels of powder left in our magazine, and not so much more elsewhere: in the little harm done by their Cannon, and Morterpieces, that sent amongst us so many terrible messengers. Our lost men taken or slain, did not amount to the number of fifty, and of these but two Officers were slain. Captain Harcus and the Governours Ensign; yet we killed of the Enemy (who never ventured an assault) above a thousand men, by the lowest confession. The King expended much in Ammunition, Engines, and keeping together the discontented Souldiers, besides the losse of his pretious time in that full tyde of Victory. Here was a bound set to the swelling of those proud waves and the rock that split that Army; when the Queen was sayd to be transported with passion because her counsell was not followed, who advised the King to wave Gloucester and advance for London, whilst the Parliament had no Army in the field, the number of Malignants in the City did equall the rest, began to rayse tumults, and the actions of State were unresolved. This City diverted the enemies thoughts from that rare opportunity, which not so conscious of the Kingdoms weaknesse, held up beyond reason, and gave a breathing time to the State to effect its own reliefe. Great was the failing of the Kings hopes in this defeat, who by the gaining of this town, would have held an undivided uninterrupted command, and the granary of the Kingdome in the heart of his Country, on the West bounded with the Sea, cleare through the middle of the Land to the Northerne parts, where also the Earl of Newcastles Army prevailed, and in breadth reaching from the utmost Wales to the London Association, and backed with Ireland, with whom an Accommodation was then preparing.

Neverthelesse the raising of the siege was but an unperfect deliverance. The successe of the Generals Army with the supply of our wants were to make it compleat. For the enemy continually lay at our doores, commerce was clean taken away, and we farre distant from the fountaine of future supplies; Wherefore during the stay of his Excellency, parties of horse were continually sent abroad to fetch in provisions out of the Enemies quarters, and Malignants estates. The Granary was quickly filled. The p. 54Generall left three Culverins, forty single barrels of Gunpowder, and set the Garrison in order.

The London Train-Bands and Auxiliaries supposing the work already done, and the date of their Commission expired, earnestly contended homewards, yet must they break their way through the Kings Army, and give him some further blow to secure and perfect the reliefe of this Garrison; for so confident were the enemy of their own strength, that many thought his Majesty ill-advised in not fighting with the Earle of Essex neare Gloucester: wherefore the Generall was to secure this retreat, to take heed lest he be penned up in these parts, and with that speed made after the Kings Army (which by this time had gotten some miles in the Van of our Army) that some horse and foot out of the remote quarters marched above thirty miles before they rested. They came up before Cirencester where the King had left a strong party. The forlorne hope entred the Town whilst the rest surrounded it, killed the Sentinell sleeping, marched up to the Market Place without opposition (the enemy supposing them Prince Maurice his Forces, that night expected) till they entred the houses and surprized them in bed, took foure hundred men, and thirty Cart-loades of bread, cheese, and other provisions, a great reliefe in a wasted Countrey, and the only support of the Souldiers against the Battle at Newbery.

The successe of which Battell did close up with honour, that happy and gallant undertaking of the Lord Generall, and the Citizens of London: As brave a service as these Warres can shew forth, enobled by its wonderfull rise, lively progresse, nimble expedition, admirable fortune and honourable conclusion. Notwithstanding his Excellency had hereby disabled and broken the Kings Army, and secured the Garrison of Gloucester from a sudden reverse; yet his own Army was sorely bruised, and retiring to London, left but a little burthen upon the Enemy on that side. By which meanes they were free to molest these parts, and this Garrison left to beat the brunt, provide for it selfe, and run the danger though not of an other siege, yet of blocking up and ruine by the spoyle of our Countrey, which that party decreed to destruction; and the Enemy at the doore and the distance of our friends did threaten no lesse. Not a man could be left by the Generall to encrease our strength, p. 55nor money to content the Souldier; there was only an assurance of help from the Parliament, when the arreares of Officers and Souldiers were large; the Governour made certaine propositions to the Parliament concerning the support of this place; That since at such a distance he could not expect a constant supply, they would send down at once ten thousand pounds and a thousand men, farre below the places due; according to the termes of the Souldiers entertainment, might set things in a thriving way, and enable the Souldier to act of themselves without those continuall cravings and out-cryes against the State. VponUpon which termes the activenesse of this Government gave assurance of the framing of an Army to master the Countrey then enthralled to the enemy, yea, to lie upon the enemies quarters, consume their store, distresse their cheife Garrisons of Bristoll and Oxford and endanger the rest as Hereford and Worcester, and stop their supply of men and money. Such a strong beginning had been more then halfe way to the end of the work.

But the State seemed to walk in a frugall course and desire a daily dropping of reliefe, rather then to entrust much, which is not the way of great performance nor can bring to the end of the design; when as this rationall adventure might give the encrease of an hundredfold: and upon the failing hereof the greatest mischiefe could bee no more then the losse of that expence. Wherefore they voted a supply and raised men and moneys in a languishing way, that those five hundred listed for Gloucester were reduced to a fifty, ere they could reach us, and the greatest part of the money squandred away without a sensible advantage to this Garrison.

After Newbery fight Sir William Vavasour was sent to Hereford, with a strong party to raise Forces in those parts with Commission to command in chiefe in the Countreys of Gloucester and Hereford, and a command from his Majestie to distresse Gloucecester on the Welch side, and to Garrison Tewkesbury.

Colonell Massie was not satisfied in keeping his own Garrison, but eager of continuall service, to destroy or disable the enemy, for which no other place in the Kingdome was conceived capable of the like advantage: Wherefore by himselfe urged, he set upon the p. 56Parliament with importunate complaints that for lack of strength great opportunities of service to us and disservice to them were lost. And a greater mischiefe did exercise this government, the want of men and money, and ammunition to defend it selfe; upon which, extreme scarsity of provision was like to follow, and in these hopes did the enemy blesse themselves; so that the advantage and honour of maintaining the City against the violence of an Army was like to vanish in the lingring death of the place. And the Governour was about to embrace an other command in the Generalls Army, yet reserving a submission to the Parliaments pleasure who required him to continue his service in this Government. This charge was surrounded with difficulties and each day brought forth some new birth. When the enemy begirt us in their Winter quarters, the hopes of our promised succours were past without the Convoy of an Army. Not one Gentleman of the Countrey durst be seen to assist us, no Member of Parliament did reside here to encourage the businesse. All things rested upon the Governours sole care both to store the Garrison with provisions, and raise money out of that small pittance of the Countrey out of the enemies hands. The discontent of the Souldier was now heigthned and ready to cause a disbanding. To make good the place was the Parliaments command: and inevitable necessity was the cheifest law to support it. Wherefore apprehending more misery then in the late siege, the Governor was constrained to lay some easie taxation on the Countrey to supply the present exigence, whilst the enemies power extended on all sides almost to the Gates of Gloucester. Hereupon daily complaints were brought before him, that the taxes were unequally rated by the Officers of the severall Parishes, that such as were broken by the enemy, were rated as high as if their Estates were entire. The Governour represented these things to the Parliament, earnestly begged their direction in his intended course, which by them was not in one syllable contradicted: Wherefore at a Councell of Warre the condition of the Countrey was debated upon, and an order made that some Officers & Citizens should be intreated as a Committee to hear and rectifie the complaints concerning assessements, and to use that moderation which reason did require. Not p. 57long after a petition was presented to the Governour in the name of the Countrey, That one Monthly rate without other charge, might be imposed upon them, likewise that the rate might be made according to equity, and the poore spared; that the money might bee paid in to the common Treasurer, whence it should issue as necessity required, and that a choyce Committee might be appointed to over-see all the money rated, received and disbursed. The Governour to manifest his desire of the peoples satisfaction, and that things might bee carryed in a just and equall way, ordered by the consert of a Councell of Warre, that a Committee of Officers, Citizens, and Countrey Gentlemen, should regulate the assessements of the Countrey according to their desires. Some of which Gentlemen not long after were of the Committee for these Counties by Order of Parliament.

Moreover, this Committee moved at a Councell of Warre for a further power to heare and determine such businesses as by the Governours speciall order should be referred unto them, to examine upon oath, and commit all such persons (Officers and Souldiers only excepted) as should offer contempt; and this they enforced with these reasons: 1. Because there was no Committee of Parliament then in being, nor would any adventure such an undertaking in an oppressed and distracted Countrey; and the necessities of the Garrison did admit of no delay. 2. That this Committee consisting of Souldiers, Citizens and Countrey Gentlemen, would give satisfaction both to the Countrey men, who payd their money, when themselves were acquainted with its necessity and disposall; and to the Souldiers, who being privy to the receit of the money and the Countreys indigence, might be contented with a slender entertainment: that at once it seemed to prevent discontent in the Countrey, and mutiny in the Souldier. 3. That the Petitions of the Countrey pressed upon the Governour in such multitudes, that a great part of his time which might be spent against the enemy to better purpose, was taken up herewith, or many persons must needs be exposed to injury and oppression. 4. Because all course of Law from Westminster was then stopped, p. 58not a Lawyer left in the Countrey, no Court of Equity to relieve the oppressed, or curb the extremity of the Law, whose present want was not so much in setling estates and determining right, as in providing for the support of the Garrison, then like to be ruined; of which the Kings partee had as great a confidence as before the Siege. No Landlord could receive his Rent, no intercourse of Trade between man and man, whereby to enable them to pay taxations. And for these reasons such an Order by the Councell of Warre was then assented unto.

In this the people never groaned under the Governours power; their voluntary submission was a witnesse of his moderation. And this authority had more of entreaty then constraint, only the Sword had some influence of feare upon the injurious; the proceedings of the Town-Court not suspended, but sometimes entreated to forbeare upon equitable considerations. And when the Governour began to observe some derogation from his intentions, by this Committee, he instantly sent a Prohibition. Twas never his thought to rule by the Sword, but in a desperate case by the same to cut out a way wherein the rules of Law and Iustice might freely passe. He was ever unwilling to take the charge upon him, and by severall Letters requested the Parliament, that the burthen of Government might be layd upon some other; or if that charge must rest upon him, that they would send down a Committee, that might take off the former cares, and permit him to look to the well ordering of his Forces for the safety of this place, and to enlarge his quarters, that the service here might not bee only to keep Gloucester, but weaken the Enemy, and beget friends daily to the Parliament.

Such was the face of Government within the City, whilst the Enemy acted his part without, and bore down by force on all sides. From Hexeford Sir William Vavasour with about seven hundred horse and foot marched into Tewksbury, with a purpose to garrison that Town. A wide and open place not easy to be held by us, who had neither competent strength nor time to fortify, the Kings forces continually lying upon us. Sir William made shew of setling the Garrison, styled himselfe Governour of Tewksbury, invited the Countrey with promises of moderation and candor in all his p. 59proceedings; yet these Welch Forces had scarce taken up their quarters, but received an Alarum from Gloucester, by a party that went up in a Friggot: And the common souldiers partly discontented with their Officers, who had often deceived that innocent people, and betrayed them to the Sword; and partly repining for want of pay, fell into a desperate mutiny, forced their Commanders, chose rather to be kild then to fight, and constrained their flight out of the Town, hasted over Vpton Bridge, and did scarce look back, till safe in their own Countrey; and twas to be suspected that many late knocks had beaten out their spirits, but chiefly that they were afraid of this Countrey ayre, in which they could never thrive. By this meanes the excrescence of Sir William Uavousors government was pared off, and himself driven to retire into Hereford.

Neverthelesse we are cooped up with the enemies garrisons round about, and wholly divided from the rest of the Parliaments Army. Sudely Castle was maintained by the Lord Chandos, a great stop to our entercourse with Warwick, which was the only way of commerce with London, that a Scout could not passe without extream hazard. Berkley Castle was held for the King by a Scottish Captain, and subdued the richest part of the County. In the heart of the Forrest Sir Iohn Winter strongly fortified and defended his own House: And now the enemy had put a garrison into Beverstone Castle, resolving withall not to leave one strong house unguarded, both to enlarge their own quarters, and to stop our markets and contribution. Our Governour began to look forth, and first for want of quarters was enforced to send abroad his own Company, which were placed in a defenceable house at Frampton upon Severn. These were a stop to the incursions from Berkley, and furthered the safety of that side of the Countrey. An hundred and fifty Foot of Colonell Devereux his Regiment garrisond a strong house at Presbury, within foure miles of Sudely Castle. These sorely vexed the enemy in those parts, did a little open the passage towards Warwick, and the house proved a good resting place in the repasse. Another guard was set at Westbury on the edge of the Forrest, to affront Sir p. 60Iohn Winter, a most active enemy, and one chiefe Agent of the Popish Faction. Sir Iohn, assisted with the Lord Herberts Horse, threatned us out of the Forrest, and had made a passage over Seavern at Newnham, to afflict those parts beyond the River. Notwithstanding all this, our small party by continuall action upheld their repute. Some weeks after the raising of the siege, the Governour marched with his two Troops and two hundred musketiers before Berkley Castle. The musketiers faced and kept in the enemy, whilst the Horse fell into the Countrey beyond to fetch in the persons of some principall malignants, but in stead of them met with the Lords Herberts Troops, and an hundred and fourty Horse besides, which came to relieve the Castle. Our Horse with some few musketiers fell upon them, put them to a retreat, and slew some few without any losse to our party, who drew off expecting the opportunity of a greater strength.

About this time Sir John Winter entred upon the Government of Newnham; whereupon he took the courage to plunder the Villages neare Gloucester: his Horse came within three miles of the City, and drove away store of the Countrey cattle. The Governour receiving intelligence, drew forth his small number of Horse not exceeding seventy, made after and pursued them to the entrance of their new Garrison; where they had already secured their plunder: in the retreat five Troops of the Lord Herberts Regiment fell on the reare; our men drew up in a narrow lane ready to receive the charge, fired upon them, and put them to a running retreat. An Officer with twelve Troopers made the pursuit, took one horse colours, and some prisoners, and killed a Cornet, and Quartermaster, which event made Sir Iohn Winter for present quit that government with much distraction.

At that time there was no lofty stage of action, because the present enemy did yeeld no gallant opportunity. Sir Iohn Winter was wise for himselfe, nimble in inferiour businesses, delighted rather in petty and cunning contrivance then open gallantry, referred all his industry to his own house, or the limits of the Forrest, vexed his neighbours more then weakned p. 61his enemy, and advanced the Catholike Cause no other way then by the plague and ruine of the Countrey.

On the other side of the City the enemy was imboldned to erect new Governments at Tedbury and Wotton Underedge. These did invite the Governours march that way, who withall had his eye upon Beversione Castle newly garrisond, and commanding the rich Clothiers of Stroodwater: hither he advanced with a party of three hundred foot and foure score horse. These horse sent before were so formidable to the enemy at Tedbury, that the Governour Horatio Cary with his whole Regiment were put to flight, and dissipated with the losse of fourteene of their men slaine and taken prisoners.

Colonell Massey brought up his men and two Sakers against Beverston Castle, where having surrounded it, hee planted his Guns within Pistoll shot of the Gate, and gave fire severall times. Fifty Musketiers ran up to the Gate at noone-day and fixed a Petarre, which neverthelesse failed in the execution. Those from within threw Granodoes amongst our men, but hurt none, who although thereby forced from the Gate, yet they ran up the second time, being open to the full shot of a secure enemy, and brought of the Petarre with much gallantry. The design was not feazible for a quick dispatch; for the Gate was barricado'd within, the night came on, and those remote parts did promise no security to so small a party; likewise the state of the City required them nearer home: wherefore after twelve houres the party was drawn off, and in the retreat advanced towards Wotton Underedge, where the enemy had placed a kind of temporary Garrison with a Regiment of horse; they prepared for the coming of our Forces, drew up on a Hill before the Town to face them, and at night retreated to their Garrison; Where our men arrived somewhat late, and found the enemy all mounted, sell upon them and put them to flight, of whom about six were slaine, and twelve taken prisoners, the rest escaping to Bristoll.

The next day by an over-ruling hand of providence, our party was led back to Gloucester, contrary to the hope of p. 62Sir Iohn Winter and his Complices. These having intelligence of the Governours absence with a stronge party, and supposing the Garrison thereby weakned, sent to all the quarters of the Forrest, Monmouth and Herefordshire, to draw together and advance for the surprisall of Gloucester. It was afterwards suspected a complotment, to be managed by the assistance of Malignants in the City. Late at night the Governour had notice of the enemy in the Forrest. Thereupon he commanded Captain Crispe to draw fifty Musketiers from the Guards and march three miles that way, making good a house that stood on the passage. As yet there was no suspition of a Plot, but before our party had passed a mile and halfe, they encountred the enemy who were drawn up Horse and Foot in a broad lane neare Highnam House, instantly fired upon them, slew a Captaine, and some foure common souldiers. The enemy were amazed at the sudden and unexpected encounter, forced back with feare, and retreated to Huntly, where Sir Iohn Winter had secured his own person: But distracted by the strange repulse, marched off in great confusion at the approach of fifteene horse that fell in amongst the whole Brigade, slew seven or eight, and took ten prisoners.

This discomfited the enemy and dashed the designe; yet the Hereford and Monmouthshiere Forces kept their randevouz at Coford in the Forrest, and still threatned the City. No meanes for the reducing of this place is left unattempted, and at this present treachery was the grand design and over-ruled all their proceedings, and prevented many mischievous acts of open hostility, which might easily have destroid us; for divers Malignant Gentlemen of this County went about to cast this City into extreme poverty and exigence by the Countreys ruine: Wherefore conceiving the present enemies not sufficiently cruell, they importuned his Majesty that Colonell Charles Gerrard might quarter upon us with his Brigade, to devour, spoyle and burn, besides the expectation of all the mischiefe the Lord Herbort and Vavasour can doe. But this malitious councell and instigation though most opportune for the Kings p. 63purpose, was afterwards crossed by their own party, waiting upon the successe of a close design.

About this time was the act of Pacification made by the King with the Irish Rebels, which began to undeceive the world, and wipe of the Varnish of the former Oathes and Protestations. The world could not believe that any command or power could so soone allay and quell those Irish stormes, but that word which raised them up: Then did the effect declare the cause of those rare and slow Proclamations against that bloudy Rebellion, and strange intercepting of reliefe sent from the State to the distressed Protestants. The greatest admirer of the Kings Declarations could judge no lesse then that those Rebells did better comply with his intentions then the Parliament of England; since his Majesty having two enemies, is resolved to make peace with one to crush the other; he will fall in with that party that carries least contradiction to his maine designe; and this was the Rebell of Ireland; whose chiefe aime likewise his Majesty must not abhorre: for there can bee no lasting compliance without a mutuall engagement. Besides, the heads of that Rebellion were brought over not as accessaries, but principals in the Kings warre, and admitted to the secret Councell. And to colour the Pacification, the losse of that Kingdome and all the sufferings of the English Protestants were charged upon the Parliament. The English Forces in Ireland were possest with the opinion of neglect in the State, and were taken off the persuite of a just revenge upon those cursed Rebels to warre against their native Countrey, and teare the bowels, of the mother that bare them, and therein act a part, and cast in their lot with the Rebels themselves.

Some of these Irish Forces landed at Bristoll, and thence fell down upon Gloucestershire: Colonell Min, and Sir William St. Leger, with both their Regiments, making up eight hundred or a thousand Foot, and a hundred Horse, all resolved men, with eight Piece of Ordnance, advanced to Thornbury. Colonell Massey proclaimed entertainment to all such as would tender their service to the Parliament, and many private souldiers p. 64resenting the difference of the cause came over daily. About the twentieth of December, a party of two hundred horse and Dragoones commanded by Captaine Backhouse, were designed to beat up their quarters at Wotton, where they were lately arrived from Thornbury: Wherefore the party advancing thither, suddenly fell in among them, and found eight hundred men, charged up to the maine Guard, and for a while were masters of foure Piece of Ordinance, but over-matched and borne down by their numbers, were forced to retreat, yet having first slaine, wounded, and taken many of them without the losse of a man. At the same time some of Colonell Vavasours Forces undertook to settle at Upton upon Seaverne, but at the first shew of an approach from Gloucester quitted those quarters.

Once more doe the clouds gather round about, the storm threatned by the enemies fury, and more violently driven by the malice of some Countrey Gentlemen begins to arise; The Malignant Gentlemen of Cotswold provide Armes, and garrison strong Houses. Forces from Oxford were expected at Painsewick and Stroud; the Irish were to lie on this side Berkely, the Lord Herbert and Sir Iohn Winter in the Forrest, the Lord Chandos at Cheltenham, Sir William Vavasour and Sir Walter Pie at Tewkesbury, so that by them our destruction is decreed and seemes as a thing done.

Every corner of the Country is pestered with the enemies Garrisons, as Newneham, Lidney, Monmouth, Hereford, Worcester, Dimmock, Newent, Highleaden, Tainton, Tewkesbury, Sudely, Saperton, Beverston and Berkely. Opposite to these was the Governour constrained to erect petty Garrisons, as many and as neare as possible; for the Kings Forces were againe advanced out of Herefordshire with a greater strength and well prepared. Sir William Vavasour, Sir Walter Pie, and Colonell Wroughton are arrived at Tewkesbury, and began to fortifie, having a great power with them till the Town was setled, and made strong; yet still disturbed by continuall Alarums from Gloucester, though the Land-flouds hindred our design upon them. The Irish Regiments rose from Wotton, and thence made p. 65over the Hills for Tewkesbury. And because their march was interrupted by our parties, the Lord Chandos horse joyned with them to strengthen and secure their, advance to Cheltenham; whether they came with foure small Piece of Ordnance. Our men still flirted upon them. And a Party of Horse and Dragoones commanded by Major Gray, fell that night into Charlton Kings, and had surprized the Lord Chandos in his quarters, had he not made a private escape, where the search after him caused the losse of seven or eight private souldiers; yet they slew some of the enemy, took ten prisoners and some few horse. The next day the Horse and Foot bended their course to Tewkesbury; our men waited upon the march, and kept them up close, that those parts of the Countrey received but little dammage; when these had joyned with the other Regiments, they were supposed to make neare upon two thousand six hundred Horse and Foot.

After a little stay, a part of these forces were drawn off towards Warwickshire, to joyne with the enemy that there waited the intercepting or surprizall of our supplies from London, then long and earnestly expected and noised abroad, our powder being welnigh spent, and necessity constrianing us to use a kind of match made of Bast. Sir Walter Pies Foot, and Col. Wroughtons Horse remained at Tewksbury to block up the City on that side, in and about which Town fifteen hundred Horse and Foot were constantly quartered; Colonell Washingtons Regiment kept Garrison at Evesham, and a Regiment of Horse lay at Parshore, besides a considerable strength at Sudely. These thought to swallow up our approaching succours, or if they did not come, speedily to compell us to yeeld up the City; for it was reported with the enemy, and believed by many, that we suffered extream penury.

And though provisions were not much wanting, being in a fat Countrey, yet the reall exigences of the Garrison were great; for lack of pay the discontents of the Souldiers were desperate and endlesse. In most of the Officers a generall neglect of duty, who for the least check would throw up their p. 66Commissions, to the Governours great discontent and trouble. Many inferiour Officers forsook us, and common Souldiers ranne to other places that yielded a large and constant entertainment, and required lesse service; whilst honest and gallant men that did not desert their Colours, were exposed to misery and want; yet could we not want men, who daily offered themselves to the service, had wee moneys to pay them. Neither had wee any power of men to raise moneys for the Garrisons maintenance. Our out-guards as Presbury, Wesbury, Essington, Frampton, Froster, set to preserve the Countrey, and keep the Markets open, did eat up the greater part of the Contribution, and consume our men and ammunition, besides the daily sending out of parties. Twas a kinde of shifting life and wonderfull, that the Officers command should finde the least measure of obedience. Some Offcers did expend their own meanes to keep their Companies entire; the Governour was necessitated at his own charge to billet above threescore Souldiers, besides the charge of a Troop. The Countrey was impoverished, the Commission of Excise was not setled, and brought in no considerable summe. The Citizens were restrained of Trade, and the wayes of Commerce stopped up; and therefore at present they were quite left to the Garrison. Besides the slownesse and low reports of our succours did exceedingly dis-hearten the people. Many Countrey Gentlemen that were not the Confidents of the contrary Faction, were about to comply with this Government, especially upon the Parliaments Declaration of pardon; but the notice of those slender supplies, and the thought of the States supposed neglect, turned them off, and made them more violent against us. For this lasting suspense and bondage under two parties did vex them: wherfore his Majesty was again importuned, to destroy and fire the Countrey, if he could not lodge his forces so neare as to block us up.

The Garrison neverthelesse did not only defend its own territories, but made sundry adventures and inrodes upon the Enemies p. 67quarters, staved off, and kept them within their bounds. The Governour had built a Friggot for service upon the River, to secure the Countrey near Gloucester, on that side Seavern, because the Enemy commanded greatest part of the River, and landed at their pleasure upon our quarters, from Bristoll and Wales. This Friggot was sent down Seavern manned with Sea-men and a party of Souldiers, for whatsoever attempt sudden opportunity should offer; and arriving at Chepstow, our musketteers hasted ashore, and entred the Town, where they surprized most of the Officers of Colonell Oneales Regiment, raysed under the command of the Lord Herbert. These never dreamed of an enemy from Gloucester, in that corner of the Land, at such a distance. And this was the advantage of the service, that by the surprizall of the Officers, it prevented the raysing of that Regiment of horse which shortly after would have plagued the Countrey. Our men having secured their prisoners, and ready to made homewards, another prize fell into their hands, where they took a Vessell laden from Bristoll with Oyle, Wine, Sugar, and other commodities. These little services were answerable to the times, and upheld the esteem of the Garrison in that low ebbe. This Expedition gave an Alarum to Bristoll, and all Wales, who to prevent the like inrode, sent up divers Friggots to guard the River.

At this time Sir William Vavasour began to appeare from Tewksbury, and made an attempt upon Bodington House, a petty Garrison of ours, only to preserve the Countrey. Hither he came up with five hundred foot and two peeces of Ordnance, fired his Gunnes against the House, and engaged himselfe in an assault. The place was maintayned by them within till a small party drew from Gloucester, the report of which (at three miles distance) caused Colonell Vavasour to draw of and return back to Tewkesbury, with the losse of eight or ten men before the House. Neither did Vavasour seem to act with that violence, which the out-side of the enemies design did look for: whether retarded by the dulnesse of nature, or the notice of some close contrivance. However, the slownesse p. 68and ill successe of his actions rendred him obnoxious to the jealousies of his own Party; which suspition was easily encreased by the intercourse of civility between him and Colonell Massie, when the known fidelity and constant indeavours of the one could inable him without offence to his own side to disport with an enemy in such complements, as the other had not the liberty to use. Such neglected passages have a great weight in the ballance of reputation and honour: since the minde is not revealed by it selfe, and wise men as well as fooles oft-times have only the event to guide their judgements.

On the other side of the Town, we had continuall skirmishes with Colonell Veale newly made Governour of Berkly Castle, and assisted with the Lord Inchequeens Regiment of Horse. This enemy was no way formidable nor mischievous in any thing save the plunder of the Countrey, by whom hee was oft-times beaten back and kept in awe by the assistance of Frampton garrison. The Church at Newnham was againe fortified and defended by Sir Iohn Winter with a sufficient strength of men, and foure Pieces of Ordnance, whence hee might runne up to the Gates of Gloucester, rob the Countrey and take mens persons at pleasure, only we kept a guard at Arlingham to hinder his passage over Seavern.

Colonell Man lay strong at Newent, Highleaden, and Tainton: The Governour could doe little on that side, only he placed a Garrison at Hartpury Court, both to preserve Cosselawne, and to endeavour the engagement of Colonell Min. Our Garrison at Frampton was removed to Slimbridge within foure miles of Berkley; we had other guards likewise at Essington and Froster, to preserve and enable the people to contribution. Thus was the City pestered on every hand, and fetched its livelihood out of the fire, with continuall hazard, forcing the enemies quarters, and defending its own; parties were daily drawn out by the Governour, who then could not aime at victory, nor expect any great performance, though the common people repined that he did not alwayes conquer, when it was conquest enough to keep the enemy in action, and prevent their extravagances, p. 69to beare up the hearts of our friends, and signifie to the world that we were yet alive. Though the Governour was not invited abroad, yet he strove to make opportunities according to the stock of Ammunition that was left him; that councells might spring out of the midst of action. He drew out upon Tainton with two hundred Musketiers, and with a hundred horse faced the house only to keep in or amaze them, but when the horse marched off, some of their Troopes fell on the Reareguard and charged the Governour, who re-encountred and charged home some distance before the rest of the Troop, and by the breaking of the curb, his horse carryed him amongst the enemies Troopes, with whom for a while he grappled, and was rescued by the gallantry of a common Trooper, by which time our Musketiers were brought up, and beat them back without losse to us.

The Governour choosed rather to make work for the enemy, and to seek him in his own quarters, then lie at home to expect the challenge; yet did he play a wary game and though zealous of honour, yet more true to the maine chance and tender of the lives of men: wherefore hee advanced againe with foure hundred Musketiers and fifty horse, came before Tainton, and with a small party faced the house, having laid some Ambuscado's with a purpose to allure them into the snare, and cut off their men, as well to encourage the Countrey as weaken the enemy, but they did not adventure out. When we drew thence, our men beheld a faire body of horse at Highleaden, whereupon a forlorn hope of our Musketiers with twenty horse advanced upon them, and found their Horse and Foot drawn out of Highleaden House: These were to joyn with Colonell Min, who at that instant was marched out of Newent, with a purpose to fall on Hartpury Garrison. Here at the first some few of our horse gave the charge, hurried the enemy and beat up their Ambuscadoes: then they drew out their whole Garririson and sell on; Their horse did not stand to it, but with their foot there was an hot skirmish almost an houre: And though our seconds were slow in comming up yet did the forlorn hope drive them from hedge to hedge, and after a while our body p. 70comming on beat them in, and pursued them up to the very house, took some few prisoners, and came off with the losse only of two men.

Such multitudes of the Kings Forces lay upon us to oppresse the Countrey and intercept our reliefe, that they were extremely straimed of quarter, and enforced to look forth for livelihood. Whereupon two thousand Horse and Foot marched from Tewkesbury to Painsewick to gather contribution, and rob the Countrey about Stroudwater: The Governour drew out two hundred Musketiers with an hundred horse, and marched to the top of Bruckthrop Hill expecting the enemy, whom he found divided into three bodies and himselfe born down by their multitude, for whilst two parties faced him the third stole down an hollow lane, and had almost surrounded him unawares by the negligence of the Scouts, so that our whole body was brought into great danger, driven to a sudden and confused retreat, and the Governour himselfe, left deeply engaged; yet most of our men got off, being preserved only by the gallartry of a few resolved men that stood in the breach; and of them Captaine George Massie striving to retard the pursuit, grappled with three together hand to hand, received a sore wound in the head, and was happily rescued by a Serjeant of the company; of ours, two Lievtenants and sixteen private Souldiers were taken prisoners, the rest in disorder ran down the steep through a rough and narrow lane, and recovered an house at the foot of the Hill, where a party was left to make good the retreat, and the enemy durst not pursue, by which meanes all the bottome was preserved from spoyle; next day they retreated to Few esbury laden with plunder.

Suddenly after this repulse, we lost two small Garrisons at Westbury and Huntly, by the treachery of Captaine Thomas Davis, who sold them at a rate to Sir John Winter. This Davis commanded the Guard at Huntly where himselfe by night some distance from the house attended the enemies comming, went in before them as friends from Gloucester, gave them possession, and having accomplisht that peece of treason, immediately marched to Wesbury where he was received for a friend, and led p. 71in his traine of Cavaleers, that both places were surprized in two houres, and above eighty men and armes lost in that great exigence. This Villaine was posted on the Gallowes in Gloucester, and the Lord Generall was desired that his name might stand upon the Gibbet in all the Parliament Garrisons

During these things, a Treason of higher nature was plotted by the Enemy, to a self-delusion in the close, a greater birth requiring more time to bring forth. It was first conceived the nineteenth of November, and for near ten weeks had the prime influence on their whole course in these parts; and is now ripe for action. All the force they can make from Oxford, and the Irish are drawn together. The Lord Herbert, Colonell Vavasour, and Sir Iohn Winter lie upon us, and Prince Rupert himselfe lying at Newent, hoping to effect this great Design. Fifteen colours of horse arrived at Cirencester, and five hundred horse and foot advanced to Saperton and Musarden, within ten miles of this Garrison. There were of the Enemies forces round about, near six or seven thousand.

The failing of their endeavours and hopes in the late siege, brought forth a despaire of reducing the City by storme, and put them upon the wayes of treachery, who therein illuded themselves, and were over-acted in their own councels. One Edward Stanford an Esquire, and a grand Papist, assaulted the fidelity of Captain Backhouse once his friend and acquaintance. He presumed that former friendship might make way to admit the plot, and Backhouses power and interest in the Governour made it (in his conception) very feasible. Wherefore in a private Letter he tendred the renewing of ancient love, not only to the procuring of the Kings pardon, but a greater advancement and fortune then the condition of those whom he served, could rayse him to. This might be purchased by the delivering of Gloucester into their hands, which was not hard for him to perform considering the nature of his employment And the honesty of the enterprize was grounded on the old proverb, fallere faltentem non est fraus. An hasty and abrupt temptation and the tempters irrationall confidence did befool him in the first onset, who knew not either to propose or expect such grounds of assurance p. 72duplicate page p. 73duplicate page p. 72as the thing did require: but set upon a knowing man, without the knowledge of any imbred inclination to treason or present provocation. Except a strange levity, a minde set on mischief, the conscience of delinquency, or desire of revenge, vain glory, or riches, are the sole aimes of a Traytor, and the hopes of either must appear large and certain; but here an attempt is made on such a one who neither by feare was compeld to provide for himselfe, nor enraged against his own party, but acknowledged a present felicity in the work in hand: as though it were possible to perswade a man wittingly to contrive his own overthrow.

The Letters were no sooner received, but communicated to the Governour, who advised to embrace the businesse, and hold a correspondence with that party, practizing that rule by themselves propounded, for these reasons: First, twas a delight and glory to take them in the snare which themselves had layd; and the advantage was great. 2. That this treason (already secured) might prevent other conspiracies against the City, so long as they had faire hopes of prevailing by this; lest the contrivance of a second should confound the disposition of the first. 3. That the Countrey under the command of this Garrison, which upon the petition of the malignant Gentry was devoted to destruction, might be preserved and spared by the Enemy, in hope to enjoy the benefit thereof themselves; for the embracing of this plot did not draw on the Enemy, but held his hand and suspended the execution of his fury. 4. To spin out the plot, and feed their expectation till the Countrey had vented in the markets their spare provisions of Corn and Cattle. 5. That the Enemy possest and taken up with the gayning of the City, might give the Parliaments Forces in other parts of the Kingdome a greater freedome to execute their designes. 6. That a flattering promise might allay their fury till the winter were past or our reliefe come, and we be able to feed them with harder meat; and that themselves might taste the cursed fruits of Treason, to a selfe-shame and confusion. The Design was communicated to Captain William Singleton Alderman, and Captain Read.

p. 73For these and the like reasons, Backhouse undertook the businesse, and returned an answer in a liberall garb, protesting that he honoured his Majesty with his soule, and was ready to perform all reall service. He seemmed withall to promote the plot by requiring sworn secrecy, and agreeing upon a trusty messenger: and that he might seem more deeply to rellish the matter, catcht hold on the promise of Reward, and required some unquestionable assurance, that he might not play an after: game poorely. Thus the fraud is returned upon them by one that strives to maintayn the repute of integrity, conceiving it no transgression of Military Honour, to deceive them into a snare by verball equivocation, as well as by a doubtfull action, the common way of the Stratagems of Warre. This confident Reply and the palpable discovery of a sudden change, did not render him suspected, but beyond all reason gave the complotters great contentment, who did not enquire into the conviction and change of his thoughts by due degrees. Stanford desired him forthwith to expresse his conditions, propose the way, and descend unto the particulars of the service, assented to constant intercourse, and assured him that none but the Lord Digby should be privy to the Design. Captain Backhouse drew the modell of the plot in this following Letter to Mr Stanford.

SIR,

YOV desire my conceit in proposall of particular Propositions, and of my Reward: To both which I shall thus propose unto you to present to more mature judgements: Whether I may not by drawing out my Troop in an evening (as I can doe at any time) meet with your forces, and bring them in at the gate on the sudden in a moonshine night, and so master the first guard, which may easily be done, and not discerned till too late; my Troop being above three score, who may be all in the reare, and at your mercy, though I my selfe shall lead in the force, which cannot give the alarme in the night so soon as to prevent the designe. Whether if I perswade the Governour with a strong party of Horse and Foot upon some designe to lie out all night eight or ten miles distant from the p. 74Garrison (as I know I can doe) and I my selfe stay at home, in whose absence you may safely advance in the evening to the Towns side, when I can come out to you, and so bring you in under colour of our owne forces. Whether if I finde out a place stenderly guarded, and somewhat easie to come in at, I may draw off the sentinels upon some pretence, as I can do, being known unto them all, and there direct your entrance. Whether if I send for hay, and give you notice of the very time of its comming in, which must be in the night, I may not after the Carts bring in some men as Carters, who may have snaphance muskets in the Carts and some Dragoons to fall in in the reare of the Carts, who may master the first guard and possesse the Ordnance there, and so let in both Horse and Dragoons who with such Ordnance may march through all the streets in the Town. These severall wayes I propose for the present, but I conceive that those who have been versed in the taking of Towns may make more choice of Propositions, any of which if I apprehend it feazible, I shall gladly undertake, or render a reason of my dislike. As for my reward I am right sensible of how great concernment the businesse is to your side, and although it be utterly against my spirit to indent before hand, especially with such gallant and noble personages; But the straits I have beene put into for lack of money, (having received no pay for my selfe from those whom I serve) and my estate and charge bids me look to that. I shall expect two thousand pound to bee secured, two or three hundred whereof I shall desire you as my friend to procure in hand, that I may bee enabled to beare up my port and credit, especially among the common souldiers and VnderUnder-Officers of the Garrison, to whom I must be open handed, and engage affection, that they may be ready at my call. Secondly, to engage mine owne Troop, and to binde such unto me with a silver cord, as I shall finde fittest for my purpose; and withall plentifully to reward the entercoursers between you and me, that they may execute our commands with all celerity and trust. This I leave to your consideration and mannage, and hope that ere long we shall meet to discourse it, when all the world shall not know.

R. B.

p. 75These Propositions are sent to Oxford, entertained by the Kings Cabinet-councell, the Lord Digby becomes the great undertaker, and ratifies the proposall of Captaine Backhouse in the following Letter:

SIR, You having so farre declared your desires to serve His Majesty unto my very good friend Master Stanford, I thinke it fit you should now receive some more authentick assurance of His Majesties gracious acceptance thereof, then perhaps you will thinke his bare assurance to be. Therefore I doe here solemnely engage my word unto you both as a minister of State, and a Gentleman, that if you shall performe faithfully what you promise there, you shall punctually receive immediately after, such a pardon as your selfe shall desire, and the summe of two thousand pounds. As for the three hundred you desire in present, such a confidence I will have in your word, that as soon as ever I shall have received your answer to this under your hand, it shall be forthwith paid into whatsoever place you shall appoint, or to what person. As for the particular waies of effecting our designe, those you propose are very rationall, but the choice, and disposition thereof must be between you, and those that are to execute it, with whom if it were possible you should procure a meeting at some unsuspected place. I doe propose unto you the choyce of severall men, and whom of them you shall like best, and thinke fittest by reason of the place where his command is, to him alone, and to no other the businesse shall be imparted, whether Sir William Vavasour commander in chiefe of the forces now in Gloucestershire, or Colonell Myn, Commander of a brigade of the English that come out of Ireland, or Colonell Washington who is at Evesham; or lastly, whether the Governour of Berkley-castle. As soon as you shall send me an answer you p. 76shall receive satisfaction, from him who hopes you will so behave your selfe as to make me,

Your assured friend, G. D.

Here this degenerate Lord sels his honour and betrayes the esteeme of gallantry, by promoving and engaging himselfe to reward the vilest treason, and to insinnate himselfe into the close workings thereof, when many brave spirits out of their abundant justice have disdained the proffer of so base a service. And herein did hee derogate from the repute of an able Statesman in relying upon the doubtfull expressions of an unknowne person, and whose condition could not invite any of the least ground of beliefe.

Hereupon a correspondency was held with the Lord Digby; unto whom Backhouse made his reply, that his Lordships directions suted with his owne former proposals made unto Master Stanford, to wit, that the Commander of the forces to be imployed herein must be conscious of the designe; and as touching the choice of a chiefe actor on their part, he conceived Sir William Vavasour the fittest man, because he was neerest the businesse, his men lying at Ledbury, when the rest were more remote and of inconsiderable strength: as also because he had the best advantage to make his approach undiscovered, there being no suburbs nor house neere the City from his quarters, nor any out-guard to give the alarm. And for himselfe, upon a few daies notice he would comply with their expectation, as the actors should agree upon all circumstances.

Upon this they returned large expressions of reward, and honour, but the present payment of the three hundred pound was waved by Stanford, as much as possible, upon pretence of the danger of mis-fezance in the maine plot. Backhouse would not admit the excuse, importuned the payment, as well to have something in hand, as to let them know the great wheele that turned him about, that the palpable shew of corruption might make them more confident. Neither could they well keepe backe the earnest of this guerdon, lest they should render themselves capable of p. 77his dislike jealousie, or seem to suspect his trust, whose adventure (if reall) in every line was sufficient to ruine him, and he left to bewaile his owne mis-fortune: wherefore it was resolved that this Stanford and Captaine Backhouse should debate upon the businesse by word of mouth; they met accordingly in Cosl…wne at an houre appointed, without armes or attend…nts, where Backhouse received two hundred pounds in hand, with a promise from Stanford to discharge a Bond of fifty pounds, and was not once urged in the whole conference to an asseveration of fidelity by protestation or oath. He received likewise the contrivance of the plot laid by Master Stanford, Sir William Vavasour, and others that were lately come to Tewkesbury, which ranne thus: That Colonell Massie should be drawne out of the Garrison with a strong party towards Berkley-castle, having assurance that the Castle should be rendered, which was really intended by them, that the gaining of Gloucester might be the more facile. In the absence of the Governour Captaine Backhouse was to open the gate, and deliver the word. Thus was the plot proposed and approved by Backhouse, but with additionall advise, that their forces might with all speed relinquish Tewkesbury, because he should never perswade the Governour to draw forth such a party, whilst they lay so strong upon us. This also was assented unto by the complotters, being secure of their agent, and blinded with extreame desire and confidence. And had not the proposall of the enemy been by themselves deserted, we had possest Barkley-castle, and placed a garrison in Tewkesbury. Yet so farre did they prosecute the businesse, that Sir William Vavasour sent to require the Governour of Berkley to draw out his whole garrison (which was refused, without the Kings, or Prince Ruperts speciall command) himselfe also commanded a great part of his foot to Parshow, professed his endeavours to march with the residne, and all the horse; but that His Majesties Commissioners were so averse as by no meanes to consent or permit, unlesse they might know and approve the designe, whom he professed to leave unsatisfied, lest he might doe Backhouse a disservice, and prevent or disturbe the motion▪ Notwithstanding Backhouse knew well enough that the … of … Tewkesbury, and the whole Court at p. 78Oxford are full of this complement; and so close was the businesse carried that the London Mercury had blazoned him for a Traytor. Wherefore upon this pretence they runne backe to one of the former Propositions, to wit, that he would draw forth his owne Troope, with one more, which should be put in the reare of their horse, and himselfe lead the forlorne hope into the Towne. But he exquisitely declined this way pretending himselfe not a little dashed at the disturbance of the first intention, which in his owne thoughts ranne so feazeble, and alledged the Governours watchfulnesse in observing the garrison of Tewkesbury, that he had given private commands to the Officers both of horse and foot to be instantly ready upon the first advance of their forces, and kept abroad night and day good parties of horse to bring intelligence. So that he could not joyne with them, without suspition or discovery: and as he should be glad to confirme their opinion of his reall performance, for whom he did thus hazzard his life and fortune, so should he be infinitely unwilling to put them upon any enterprize which to themselves might prove prejudiciall: he minded them withall that the true frame of the plot was the life of the action. That one misfeizance in a businesse of this nature was never to be repaired, but crossed the perfection of such an enterprize, wherein he protested himselfe happy if he might sacrifice himselfe to accomplish the same according to his desires. In the close hee gave his opinion, that the Governours absence was the chiefe requisite to prepare the businesse, that his presence was not consistent with the safety of their side, especially if the alarm be taken at the first entrance. Wherefore he was once more confident to urge the relinquishing of Tewkesbury, and upon the removall promised to possesse the Governour with a private intelligence of the surrender of Berkley, and perswade him to imbrace the supposed opportunity, whilst himselfe should remaine at home with the command of the horse left for scouts, and act the businesse with more ease and safety.

This motion effected its intended purpose to bring them on at the West Port, to our best advantage against them, and Sir William Vavasour seemed to incline, but craved a little patience till the p. 79contribution were brought in to satisfie the Souldiers. Master Stanford required a particular information of the state of the garrison, and received an account of the severall Ports, Forts, great Guns, Draw-bridges, Provisions and Ammunition. This was taken for a pregnant testimony of Backhouse his fidelity, and made them the more bold to come on, who were gulled with such a slender notice of triviall things, that the meanest boy which passed through the streetes might give as great satisfaction: but whatsoever was of concernment he represented to the best advantage of the garrison.

After much variety of entercourse, Sir William Vavasour urged the execution, in regard the Parliaments Army grew so strong, that what they attempted was to be done out of hand. The plot was thus disposed by Captaine Backhouse, as well to secure his owne person within the gates, as to render the designe more probable. That whereas being Commander of the horse he could require the Keyes of the City for the sending forth of scouts, he proposed this way to their liking; that the very night of their approach he might provide Scouts out of his owne Troope who should not be ready till the businesse were acted. Meane while himselfe would take the Keyes, repaire to the West gate, and pretend to stay for their comming, and set the guard which is usually slender to drinke in an Ale-house: In which time they might advance, finde no living soule but himselfe at the gate, or a few drunken men, and pretend withall to be our owne men from Churcham, where we had a guard of horse and foot, which if they did not disturbe would continue there awhile, and further the performance.

Thus the safety of the Countrey, and our small garrisons was still interwoven in each part of the plot: and they deceived with so great a semblance of reason, that they could not suspect, though in every motion hee constantly waved selfe-ingagement, and personall danger. The maine care of the businesse is to draw them on to a selfe-destruction: and the last modell complies with their fancy in each particle, and to their second thoughts likewise appeares still more rationall. On the fifteenth of February the … time is come, nine of the clocke at night is the houre appointed, p. 80the guards are to be drawn off from the further Bridge, and the Sentinells to be taken in. Prince Rupert is to advance with fifteen hundred horse and foot, and it would be very satisfactory if Captaine Brickhouse met them with his own Troop pretending to beat up a horse quarters, but this they urge not it it be found inconvenient. In the evening a Messenger is dispatched, from Gloucester to the Enemies quarters, with the watch word for their assurance and some private directions for their march up the Town; while himselfe waited at the Gate, which he undertook to set open, if they came by nine of the clock, or within half an houre-after.

After the messengers dispatch, the ports were shut up round the City, carefull Sentinells set, The Governour called a councell of War, acquainted the Officers with the Plot, gave order that aswell Citizens as Souldiers should continue that night in Armes: drew to the Westgate three peeces of Ordnance, and a strong guard of Musketiers well provided with Granadoes, and commanded foure stout men in a boate under Ouers Bridge halfe a mile distant from the gate to lie under the maine. Arch, with direction that upon the firing of the first Ordnance they should out a cable rope, which being done the Bridge would fall into the River. By which meanes they had all been killed, drowned or taken being cooped up in an Island open to our shot without possible meanes of escape. In this preparation and posture we continued all night, watching the time to have delivered our selves from the future mischiefe of such bloud thirsty Enemies, They advanced with their whole body of horse and foot, but before they came within a mile and a halfe of the City it was open day, when having lost the time by the slownesse of their manch, they durst not come on but instantly retreated to Newent, from thence Captaine Backhouse was informed by letters of the reason of their faylings, which induced us to believe that the Enemy did not yet know that their designe was destroyed. Wherefore we indeavoured secrecy, and the next day suffered no man to passe the ports, desired to salve the matter and bring them on once more, but the whole frame quickly fell asunder, though the languishing enemy gave some cold entertainment to a few patching p. 81letters, because they were ashamed to acknowledge such a strong delusion.

As they had all justly perished in their own hellish mischiefe, so are they deservedly branded with notorious folly in the whole mannage: and the chiefe undertakers might have learned not to indulge their hopes of faire conclusion by their own subtilty cogitations, and the shew of a neate contrivance, when nothing beneath a like mutuall engagement, and strong necessity doth deserve assurance and confidence. Neverthelesse the pregnant hopes of this maginary treason, as it brought forth a lie to the contrivers thereof, so it wrought much good for this garrison, and the common service of the State. The imbracing of the motion held up the desires of the enemy, and made them lesse active elsewhere. It preserved the Country till our succours came which were every day expected. Neither was this plot the cause that the power of the enemy did beare hard on the Countrey (for here was the confluence of their Winter quarters) but since we must beare their burden, it made it the lesse grievious. 'Twas impossible to keep out an Enemy, but all the skill was to allay his fury and hinder the acting of mischiefe: which was carried on with violence by the Malignant Gentry, and that party that were not privy to or disliked the Plot; inso much that Sir William Vavasour was complained of, reviled and cursed: and at once lost the opportunity of action and advancement in the Kings Service.

The Enemy swarmes in every corner, except the County of the City and Whitstone hundred, that each day creates new troubles, and the Governour constrained on one side, or other continually to draw out strong parties, to defend our selves, maintaine our Markets and incourage that part of the Country which is yet clear: All advantages were taken to ingage the people and herein did the Governors industry put forth it selfe in setling the Country in a posture of defence, when the command of the City did not reach above three miles some wayes, and not above seaven miles on the best side. At severall Randezvouzes published the nationall Covenant and Declaration of both Kingdomes expressing their mutuall care of repayring our breaches p. 80duplicate page p. 81duplicate page p. 82and perseverance in their maine undertaking, which gave great satisfaction to such as were damnityed in this cause, and confirmed unto them the vigor and strength of the Parliament. By which meanes the nearer parts became wholly ours, not only yeilding a supply of maintenance, but engaging themselves on their own and our defence. And some of them that did not seem to confide in the State were drawne in being first enraged by the Enemeis cruelty, which discontent and desire of revenge the Governour cherished, and raised to an open Declaration, and unawares of the multitude put them beyond the hopes of a faire retreate. So that these men observed the Enemy upon every motion sent alarms to the City, and in a great part took off the feare of a sudden surprizall.

Amidst these things the expectation of the London supply, and the dayly hopes of money strongly upheld the common Souldiers by a meere delusion: its delay became a greater advantage, since its reall strength had before bin crumbled to dust. No part of the Kingdome was capable of better service by a considerable number, yet a meane and slender reliefe did not onelyonly not shake off the burthen, but disgrace the businesse and contract, and sinke the mindes of men when hope doth enlarge and beare up.

The Governour therefore advised the stay of the Convoy, and was willing to expect such a party as might inable him to beare off the Enemy fifteen miles round about. Want of Ammunition was the greatest exigence, and the preserving thereof; till a supply came was the maine hinderance of all designes? Neverthelesse we had perpetuall Bickerings, that the Enemy might not grow upon us and our dayly nimble performances were unto them as a continuall dropping. Amongst others a party of horse and Dragooners issued forth as far as Marshfield, fell upon a Troope of horse quarters there and brought thence a Lieutenant, Cornet, and Quartermaster, with a few common prisoners, and such horse and Armes as the Troop did yeild. Whilst Colonell Ueales foot, and the Lord Incheequeenes horse lay in and about Berkely, and sorely oppressed the Country, we fell into a horse quarter of Incheequeenes▪ Regiment, and took a Major and two Captaines, p. 83three Lieutenants, two Cornets with two Colours and other inferior Officers and Souldiers, to the number of three and twenty, all this while the strength of the Kings army is lodged between us and Warwick, to intercept our relief and in thought have already divided the spoyle.

Sir William Vavasour willing to act something in the latter end of the day, to repaire his credit in the Kings Army, desired a greater strength with a sufficient Artillery to distresse and straiten Gloucester, and having obtained two Culverins from Oxford, with a proportion of powder, he advanced with a strong Brigade towards Painswick with unusuall preparations and expectation. Their march afflicted the Country, and indangered our out-garrisons. The enemy were confident to the last that extremity would compell us to yeild up all to their mercy. Sir William Vavasour entred Painswicke with as gallant horse and foot as the Kings Army did yeild. Here the Governour had placed a guard in a house neer the Church, into which the Church also was taken in by a Breast work of Earth. The intention of the guard was to command contribution, and keepe off a plundering party: and order was given to the Lieutenant which commanded to maintaine it against a lesser party, but if the maine body and Artillery advanced upon them, to relinquish it and retreate down the Hill to Bruckthrop (where the Governour had set a guard to prevent the Enemies falling down into the bottome) for which purpose they were assisted with a Troop of horse, to make good such a Retreate if need were. But the Lieutenant more confident of the place, and not understanding the strength of the Army, and not willing to draw off before the last minute, was inforced by the Enemy to engage himselfe, and many willing people of the Neighbourhood in that weak hold, and upon the first onset deserted the house being the stronger part, and betook himselfe to the Church, which wanting flankers the Enemy had quickly gained by firing the doores and casting in hand-Granadoes, some few were slaine in defending the place, and the rest taken prisoners. We lost three inferior Officers, seaven and thirty common Souldiers, and many Country men; At that season the Governour had commanded to Stroud, another guard of fifty Musketiers p. 84to support and strengthen the place in its own defence. But Ammunition was their only cry, which struck us dead, and constrained the Governour to withdraw that party to the garrison at Essington; For our Magazine did then yeild no more then six single barrells of powder, by which meanes he was wholly disabled to encounter the Enemy; Only to preserve the bottome, he drew forth the greatest part of both Regiments with their Colours display'd to flourish at a distance, and summoned the Volunteers of the Country whom himselfe had engaged in a posture of defence. These were to increase the appearance of strength by day, and at night to guard the severall passages. So that the Enemy durst not adventure below the Hills, nor seek us in our advantages, nor was it safe for us, who wanted horse, to set upon them in those large and open places; Either party kept their own ground. They wasted the Hill Countries, whilst we secured the Vale: and the Souldiers sustained hard duty in marching to and fro to give the Country satisfaction, where the Enemy prevailed they plundered to the bare walls, and this was the accomplishment of the great service, so long expected from Sir William Vavasour.

This Brigade, upon the defeate of Sir Ralph Hoptons Army, by Sir William Waller at Charrington Down, was commanded hence and instantly marched for Cirencester and so to Oxford, our horse made after them but could not recover the Reare, only they lighted upon some straglers, and in the whole businesse we killed and took near fifty men. This diversion relieved Gloucester which else had bin blocked up to the Gates, and cast into as great necessity as ever. In this pinch we received twelve horse loade of Ammunition strangely conveyed between the Enemies garisons, only by the Carriers and a foot post, when their designed convoy that set forth a little after and missed them, gave them for lost and returned to Warwicke; The residue of the relief was stolne by parcells through the enemies Quarters, for though their greater body was drawn off, yet were we still vexed with their garrisons. Not long after there arrived another portion and three Troopes of horse to make up the Governours Regiment. At length came Lieutenant Colonell Ferrar that p. 85had the command of these succours with a little long expected pay for the Garrison. As for the Foote Souldiers that came with him out of London, in regard they came severall wayes and at severall times in a lingering march with want of pay, and some taken prisoners, about fifty came to Gloucester, and of the rest, no good account could be given.

When Vavasour was called off the Enemy revived and grew bold under a more active Leader Colonell Nicholas Min, who commanded the Irish Brigade. In the first entrance hee began to lash out, and made assayes of action, cut down the Bridge at Masemore, allarmed the City from the Vineyard Hill, and took divers of our men that issued out upon a sally over the River in a boate.

At this present there came dayly cries for the reliefe of Brampton Castle in the remote parts of Herefordshire, which held out a long time in the midst of the Enemies Country to the expense of much time and bloud. And their succour was the more importuned by the rage of the Enemy, which had lately acted their cruelties upon fourty prisoners of the same command taken by Colonell Woodhouse in Hopton Castle, which were basely murthered after the surrender. Colonell Massie had no forces under his command to undertake a march through the midst of the Enemy, when they pressed hard on our own borders, and the Brigade of horse assigned for the Convoy, and commanded by Commissary Generall Bher were unwilling to undertake the service. Yet while these horse remained here, the Governour desired to set them a worke that they might not act only to the spoyle of the Country. Wherefore they joyned with a party of our foot, and made an attempt upon Newent, Colonell Mins garrison, but were called off in the midst of the service by a speciall order from the L. Generall.

The Enemy have lost the hopes of their Winter action, and this garrison made the best of a bad game in continuall petty services and small parties, yet beyond the strength of the place, not to conquer, but live, nor to destroy the Kings Forces but to stave off or delude them. But to enable Colonell Massie to march with a better strength, Colonell Purefoy with his Regiment p. 86of horse about the first of April 1644, was by the Committeè of both Kingdome, commanded into these parts, and the maine designe was to remove or take in the garrisons that lay round the City. These horse having brought but a slender part of the Ammunition, and none of the Armes that were sent from London were remanded to Warwicke, for the Convoy of Match and Powder: The Governour resolving not to undertake a march or action of time without a proportion of Powder, both for the field and garrison. Upon their second arrivall these horse with a party of foure hundred foot were drawne out with two small pieces of Ordnance, and advanced into the Enemies quarters, first with a purpose to seeke out Colonell Min, who was lodged in the nearer parts. But upon the report of our march he fell back from Newent and hastned to Rosse, where he began to fortify the Church with his own and Sir Iohn Winters Regiments. The Governour made forwards into Herefordshire, and kept his head quarters at Ledbury to appeare unto the Enemy, and in their own Country provoke them to action, and in the meane while to fetch in monies for the supply of the Souldier, and to ease our Neighbourhood, which till then did beare the whole burden. Our horse that lay neer upon their garrisons had some encounters, but with no considerable party. From Hedbury an hundred and fifty Musketiers with the whole strength of horse were drawn towards Hereford to command the Country, and face the garrison which feared our approach, and for that cause fired a lone house neer the City, but none did adventure to sally forth or fall on the Reare in our retreat, so we marched through the greatest part of the County, but the grand Malignants were fled with the best of their substance. The Governour resolved to attempt the lesser garrisons, but the noyse of our march had reached Prince Rupert, who thereupon was come to Evesham with as great a strength of Horse and Dragoones as he could draw together with a purpose to fall over Upton-Bridge, and get between Gloucester, and our forces, whilst Colonell Min and Sir John Winter held us in play in these parts. Wherefore being advertised of the Princes march, and suspecting his intention, he drew back the party as well to refresh and preserve his men as to make the Enemy secure.

p. 87But within foure daies the like number were againe drawne out towards the Forrest side to attempt and act something upon Myns forces, and first they came up upon Westbury, once our owne garrison, but betrayed into the hands of Sir John Winter. Here the enemy held the Church, and a strong house adjoyning. The Governour observing a place not flanked, fell up that way with the Forlorne hope, and secured them from the danger of shot. The men got stooles and ladders to the windowes, where they stood safe, cast in Granadoes and fired them out of the Church. Having gained the Church, he quickly beat them out of their workes and possest himselfe of the house, where he tooke about foure score prisoners, without the losse of a man. The enemy had an other guard at Little-Deane, whither the Governour commanded a party of horse to give them alarms whilst he fell upon Westbury. These horse found the enemy stragling in the Towne, and upon the discovery of their approach shuffling towards the garrison, which the Troopers observing, alighted and ran together with them into the house, where they tooke about twenty men. Neere unto which guard Lieutenant Colonell Congrave Governour of Newnham and one Captaine Wigmore with a few private Souldiers were surrounded in some houses by the residue of our horse. These had accepted quarter, ready to render themselves when one of their company from the house kils a Trooper, which so enraged the rest, that they broke in upon them and put them all to the Sword: in which accident this passage was not to be forgotten that expressed in one place an extreame contrariety in the Spirits of men under the stroke of death: Congrave died with these words, Lord receive my soule; and Wigmore cryed nothing but Dum me more, Dame me more; desperately requiring the last stroke, as enraged at Divine revenge.

Colonell Massie pursued the successe (whilst his owne men were full of life and hope, that the confidence of the enemy might be dashed by a quicke surprisall.) And the very next day came before Newnham, where a strong party of Sir John Winters forces kept garrison in the Church, and the Fort adjoyning, of considerable strength, who at that instant where much daunted p. 88and distracted by the losse of Congrave their Governour. Our men were possest of the Towne without opposition, and recovered the houses by which they got neere the workes. The Governour commanded a blind of faggots to be made athwart the street, drew up two pieces of Ordnance within Pistoll shot: and observing a place not well flanker'd. where he might lead up his men to the best advantage, himselfe marched before them, and found that part of the worke fortified with double pallisadoes: (the Souldiers being provided with Sawes to cut them down,) and having drawn these close within a dead angle, and secure from their shot, and drawing the rest of his force for a storme, the enemy forthwith desires parley, and to speake with the Governour, which he refused, and commanded a sudden surrender. In this interim some of the enemy jumpt over the workes, and so our men broke in upon the rest, who ranne from the out-worke into the Church, hoping to cleare the mount which we had gained. But our men were too nimble, who had no sooner entred the mount, but rushed upon them before they could reach home, and tumbled into the Church all together. Then they cryed for quarter, when in the very point of victory a disaster was like to befall us, a barrell of Gunpowder was fired in the Church, undoubtedly of set purpose, and was conceived to be done by one Tipper a most virulent Papist, and Sir John Winters servant, despairing withall of his redemption being a prisoner before, and having falsified his engagements. This Powder blast blew many out of the Church, and sorely singed a greater number, but killed none. The Souldiers enraged fell upon them, and in the heate of blood, slew neere twenty, and amongst others this Tipper. All the rest had quarter for their lives (save one Captaine Butler an Irish rebell, who was knocked downe by a common souldier) and an hundred prisoners taken. The service was performed without the losse of a man on our side.

After this dispatch the Governour marched to Lidney house, with purpose to attempt according to what he should finde meet, and in the first place summoned the same to a surrender, which being refused, and he finding the house exceedingly fortified, and no lesse provided with victuall and force, engaged not upon it: p. 89And understanding that Col. Myn with a considerable strength of horse and foot, assisted by the Lord Herberts forces, and Sir John Winter, was come as far as Coford; he was enforced with more expedition to draw off, for the gaining of the hill towards them, there expecting the enemies advance till towards evening, when he marched off his wearied men to Gloucester, first having fired Sir John Winters Iron-mils and Furnaces, the maine strength of his estate and garrison.

After these things many Gentlemen of the County began to looke towards the Parliament, and tender their obedience, desiring Protections from this government, to secure themselves from spoyle, and the souldiers violence. Neverthelesse as the personall estates of all knowne delinquents within the reach of this command were seized, and the profits of their Lands sequestred, so these men were not to be ignorant or insensible of the value of their peace. Concerning some the Governour desired the direction of the Houses, yet granted Protections with strict provisoes onelyonly to preserve their persons from the violence, and their estates from the plunder of the common souldier, for the advantage of the publique, till a full conviction, or the pleasure of the Houses were by themselves or their Committee made known. And this he did according to the Parliaments undeniable justice, and the example of other generall Officers. As for the moderate offenders, unlesse the state of things did require or permit their utter destruction, he had no other way but to endeavour to make them our friends and confidents, and since it was resolved they must live amongst us, hee desired by love and gentle dealing to hold the way secure and open, that they might imbrace the condition without discontent or feare, and for these protections hee reserved nothing to himselfe but caused the moneys to be paid in to the publique Treasurer for the use of the garrison.

Neither was he sluggish in the spring of action, but immediately fell upon another designe, the surprisall of Tewkesbury, by an unexpected onset. For the enemy by the number of their men, and the naturall strength of the place, with the workes well begun, were sufficiently provided to receive an expected and open storme, and the Governour shun'd all desperate hazzards, because p. 90he did not march with supernumerary forces, but the maine strength of Gloucester. Wherefore to deceive the enemy the foot were drawne forth at the West-gate, bearing the shew of an advance into Herefordthire, and the Horse kept their Rendezvouz, and looked the same way. But in the evening the horse came backe and marched through Gloucester towards Tewkesbury, having first sent a guard to Upton-bridge: while the foot came on beyond Severne. The designe had taken effect, had not the foot by their slow march or mis-guidance passed the houre, which was breake of day, for they came not before the Towne till an houre after Sunne rising, when we were found not sit to assault a waking and prepared enemy. To withdraw neverthelesse, did seeme but a feeble businesse for such a faire body of horse and foot displayed before the Towne, and carried before it the appearance of a baffle: yet the Governour, though naturally jealous of honour, could digest such mis-fezance, when the safety of his owne men required, knowing that the opportunity of service would in good time cancell a mis-grounded ignominy, and in his whole course, whensoever the present exigence did not urge a greater hazzard, neglected the hopes of those victories that could not be gained without the weakning of that party on which the maine rest did lie.

This party was presently sent over the River, and marched toward Rosse to prevent the joyning of Colonell Myn (now made Commander in chiefe in the roome of Sir William Vavasour) with Sir John Winter, and the Welsh forces, as also to raise moneys for the garrison out of the remoter parts, to enlarge our owne quarters, engage the Countrey with us, or to lie ready for all occasions of service. There our horse and foot arrived, with two pieces of Ordnance, and found Wilton-bridge guarded by Captaine Cassie, and thirty Musketiers from Gudridge-castle; a party of our horse advanced upon them, forced the River, and got beyond them; after some dispute beat off the guard, wounded and tooke the Captaine, slew many of his men, and tooke the rest in the chase almost up to the Castle. Our forces rested here a few daies, and summoned the Countrey to appeare, it being the Governours constant endeavour to adde daily friends unto the Parliament, p. 91and to put the Countrey into such a posture, that upon all alarms they might gather to an head for their owne defence, and hereupon many came in and declared themselves, by taking the Nationall Covenant. Whilst the engagement of the Countrey was thus prosecuted some emergent occasions drew the Governour to Gloucester, where he found a prisoner Captaine Oglethorpe Governour of Beverston-castle, a man rendred odious to the Countrey by strange oppressions and tyranny, and who lost himselfe basely being taken by some of our Scouts in a private house courting his Mistresse, and when once taken, not so high and sterne before, but now as vile and abject. By which meanes the Governour was made sensible of the weakenesse of the Castle, but much divided in his owne thoughts, whether to leave the Countrey that came on so fairely to a selfe-engagement, and neglect the Contribution already levied, but not payd in, or desert the hopes of agallant service: till at last considering the great command of the Castle, that the gaining of it would free the Clothiers of Stroudwater from the bondage and terrour of that government, & might prove a great detriment and annoyance to the enemy, in stopping or disturbing their passage from Oxford to Bristoll, he turned his thoughts to the businesse, put on and resolved to try for it. Wherefore he drew from Rosse without delay, and commanded his foot over Severne at Newnham passage, whilst the horse marched through Gloucester: the next day he came before Beverston, and demanded the Castle in the name of the King and Parliament.

The Lieutenant that commanded, at the first returne sent an answer of complyance, farre from the language of a souldier, and without one confident expression. They quickly came to a parley, and rendered upon conditions that both Officers and common Souldiers leaving their Armes, Ammunition, Bagge and Baggage, should freely passe to whatsoever garrison of the Kings themselves desired, onelyonly foure Officers had the priviledge to take each man his horse. So that without losse or danger we were possest of Beverston-castle, to the great content and satisfaction of the Countrey round about. 'Twas lost unworthily on the enemies part, who might have held it with ease. Of so p. 92great simplicity was he conscious that commanded the Garrison as to aske the place, whether our forces intend the next march, expressing his doubts of Malmesbury, and feare of being taken the second time. Neverthelesse they required a conduct thitherward and were guard d along by two Troops of horse, and that very day our forces fell before it.

Whilst the horse faced the Towne Colonell Massie sent in the Summons, but this enemy put on the appearance of bravery fired upon the horse, and Colonell Henry Howard Governour of the Garrison sent backe a resolute answer. Thereupon our foot and artillery were brought up from Tedbury, and within two houres drawne into the Suburbs and lower part of the Towne. The foot broke their way through the houses till they came almost up to the workes, and the onelyonly place of entrance into the Towne, which is built upon the levell of a rocke. Colonell Massie caused a blinde to be made crosse the street to bring up the Ordnance, within Carbine shot: when on the sudden the fancie of an Alarm seized upon our men in the heate of the businesse, that the enemy were sallying out upon them, which was nothing so. This unexpected accident strucke those men that at other times would brave it in the face of an enemy, with such distraon and feare, that they all fled, and left their Cannon in the open street. This meere conceit was like to overturne all: but they within observed not. After a while the Souldiers recovered themselves, regained and kept their ground, and the Governour resolved to storme the Towne in three places at once. The severall parties were drawne out to the places of assault, but this designe miscarried through the mis-understanding of the signall. The parties returne unto the Governour, who resolved to make the assault at breake of day in one place where himselfe kept the onelyonly passage into the Town, having no draw-bridge at the entrance, but onelyonly a Turn-pike, whereas the other parts were almost inaccessible, guarded by a steepe descent, and double channell round about. The houses within Pistoll shot of the workes were our maine advantage, by which meanes our men were brought safe under the shelter of their workes. And the Governour observing the late effects of a panick feare amongst p. 93his owne men, gave the charge that they should fall on all together with a sudden and confused noise, to amaze the enemy, and disturbe the command of the Officers. The forlorne hope advanced, seconded with a good reserve, all put on together, came up to the Turn-pike, and threw in Granadoes, the enemy made many shot at randome, in the disadvantage of a rainy night, and their muskets lying wet on the workes. So that our men came all in a croude to the narrow passage, and thronged in, and not a man slaine or wounded in the storme. One onelyonly was killed the night before in helping to make the blinde. Colonell Howard was taken at the workes after three shots received in severall parts of his garment, each of which missed his body. An hundred musketiers were taken prisoners, many having escaped, besides those of Beverston-castle, who came hither for refuge the day before. This service was performed gallantly by our men, after three daies continuall march. Upon the first entrance Colonell Massie preserved the Town from plunder, nor at any time did he suffer his souldiers to ransacke any place that he took by storme, giving this reason, that he could judge no part of England an enemies Countrey, nor an English Town capable of devastation by English souldiers. After a little stay to settle the garrison, and Countrey, and to command in some moneys for the satisfaction of the souldiers, and present supply of the brigade, he returned to Gloucester; and the Warwickeshire horse were called off into their owne Countrey.

After few daies the Governour having breathed himselfe and his men, resolved to attempt the taking of Tewkesbury, a bad neighbour to our head garrison, and where he had suffered the repulse twice before. He was able to draw forth an hundred and twenty horse, and about thirty dragoones, with three hundred foot. For his strength was no more then the standing forces of the City, a great part of which were now swallowed up by the garrisons lately taken in. The horse and dragoones commanded by Major Hammond advanced some few houres before the Foot and Artillery, and were to alarm the enemy till the foot came up. They made a hault a mile from the Town, and drew out a pretty strong forlorne-hope, conceiving they might possibly surprize them, if p. 94they had not as yet tooke the alarm, and first three men were sent before to espy if the Draw-bridge were down, and six more behind went undiscovered; next unto these marched the forlorne hope, and the maine body in the reare. In this posture they advanced up to the Town, where they found the Bridge down, the guards slender; the enemy without intelligence, and supinely negligent. On went the first party, killed the Sentinels, a Pikeman and a Musketier without match, and made good the bridge: the forlorne-hope rushed in, and after them a full body of horse and dragoones, fell upon the guards, came up to the maine-guard before the alarm was taken, overturned their Ordnance, and charged through the streets as farre as the bridge Worcester way, where they tooke Major Myn the Governour of the Towne. The enemy threw down their Armes, many escaped by flight, and many were taken prisoners. Colonell Godfrey was slain in the first charge, as also Colonel Vavasours Quartermaster-generall, and a Lieutenant, all Papists, besides a Sergeant, with about six common Souldiers. Our Officers and Souldiers supposing themselves wholly victorious, dismounted and went into the houses, some in the vanity of their humour, others for plunder, whilst all sleighted their owne guards, and the making good of the bridge at which they entered, and neglected the taking and disarming of the maineguard, which lay in the heart of the Towne, and cleared every street. Whereupon those at the main-guard observing the horse not seconded with foot, took courage to charge some of our horse now in confusion, and many of the enemy out of the houses ran to the guard, and so strengthned it, that they issued out upon our men, put them to a retreat, beat them out of the Towne, and took some few prisoners. But before they were beaten out they had cut down two Draw-bridges, and secured the Governour Major Myn, who was passed over Severne with a small party that tooke him beyond the Town. By this time Colonell Massie was come up with a few horse halfe a mile in the Van of the foot, which hasted after to make an assault in this instant of time. But the bridge towards Gloucester was againe drawn up and the workes manned on that side; here the governour placed his company of dragoones, and gave order to fire upon them, whilst he drew his men round p. 95the Towne, it being now darke night; but before he could reach the farther end, where he entered about midnight the enemy were fled towards Worcester, being daunted at the first assault made by the horse, observing withall our foot now brought up, their owne Governour lost, their Officers slaine, and most of the common Souldiers already runne away. The Townesmen through feare durst not give the least intelligence of what had hapned. By which meanes they were past the recovery of our horse already tyred, besides the night and darke weather hindred the pursuit. OnelyOnly we tooke some scattering foot, to the number of foure and twenty, with a Lieutenant. Upon our entrance we found eighteen barrels of Powder, left by their haste, an hundred & twenty skeyns of Match, two hundred new Pikes, foure & thirty large hand-Granadoes, good store of Musket-shot, and two brasse Drakes. Most of their Muskets were thrown about in the fields, ditches, and rivers, many of which were afterwards found, but the place it selfe was of greatest consequence, and worthy of the service, being now a strong Frontier-town securing that side of the County, and commanding a good part of Worcestershire: and in this nicke of time extreamly crosse to the intentions of the Kings Army. The enemy confest themselves to be neer seven hundred strong, when our whole body could not reach that number. That very day Colonell Myn was to march from Hereford to ayd this Town: but prevented by our possession.

These things were acted here while the Earle of Essex and Sir William Waller lay neere Oxford with both their Armys, and compelled His Majesty to withdraw himselfe from his strongest hold. The King having shifted between them both by a close and nimble conveyance, and being on a swift march over Cotswood hils had this Town of Tewkesbury in his thoughts for his owne passe, and a stop to the pursuing Army, not understanding his losse till within a daies march of the place. The intelligence of this surprisall, and that Upton-bridge was made unpassable, perplexed the King, and turned aside the course of his flight towards Evesham: where he quartered for a night, and rose thence in great distraction, and caused all the bridges in those parts to be broken down after him, to hinder Sir William Waller in the pursuit, p. 96whom he expected in the Reare every hower. In such a hurry, confusion and feare did the Enemy run, that a smaller party of horse only with the report of the foot comming after, in a constant and close pursuit might have consumed and dissipated the whole army: which neverthelesse remained a body with life in it selfe, and quickly grew up to the perfection of parts.

The Governour had reduced these parts into a reasonable condition of ease, and security, made a convenient passe for the Parliaments forces through the heart of the Kings Country, and blocked up the course of the Enemy almost on every side, unlesse the maine Army did march. Malmesbury and Beverston-Castle lie in the Roade from Oxford to Bristoll, and inforce the lesser parties to fetch a compasse by Worcester and Hereford, thence round about into Wales, and at last to passe the River of Severne below Berkely Castle.

When the King had winded himselfe out of the snare, Sir William Waller could not well follow the chase with his foot and a traine of Artillery, though the horse might performe gallantly to the ruine of those who resolved rather to flie before them then fightupon any tearmes. Wherefore he made some pause by the way with a purpose to march his great Ordnance to Gloucester, and appointed Colonell Massie to meet him before Sudeley, where he performed an acceptable service to this Country. The Governour forth with faced the Castle, beat in the Enemy, and took twenty horses from under the Castle walls, expecting the arrivall of Sir Wil. Waller: who came up within few houres with a strong party of Horse.

The Enemy within discharged their Ordnance, and fired their out-houses like men resolved upon extremities rather then to yeild up or lose the garison. In the evening Sir William Waller summoned the Governour of the Castle: and it fell out that the very name of his Army and presence strooke them to the surrender of that hold that might have expended the lives of many, and much time then pretious in that great advantage on the Kings distressed Army: yet they refused to render at the first summons. The Battery was planted within halfe Musketshot. But the great pieces did little execution upon the soft and yeilding stone, nor could the Castle be taken by battery: but one shot by chance took p. 97off the head of their Cannoneer, and exceedingly daunted the common souldier: and the Governour Sir William Morton did in his owne thoughts incline to a surrender, whether out of a naturall feare or free choice. He was knowne to be active and violent in the Kings service, of an high spirit and bold, bearing before him the semblance of valour and supposed by an high degree of enmity most obnoxious to the justice of the Parliament, one that had the repute of a knowing man, able in the profession of the Law, and versed in the wayes and actions of men. He was likewise more strongly linked unto that cause by the late honour of Knighthood, which by the State is held no better then a note of infamy, to stigmatize those persons that have been eminent in the disservice of the common-Wealth. Notwithstanding this, being lost and desperate in the opinion of the Parliament, he gave up that strong hold and himselfe into their hands, having not provided for the indempnity of his own person: when by his own party, likewise he must needs be branded with treachery or cowardize, and so lost on all hands. So that no faction seemes to be assured of its principall confidents, and that no resolved nature or judgement can secure the strongest enterprize to a wise and honorable conclusion. After the surrender Sir William advanced thence to seek out the Kings Army, and left the Castle to be kept by the Gloucester forces.

By this time the Enemy had no footing in the County save Berkely-Castle and Lidney house; And as this government had by maine force gained every step of its command, so no lesse skill and vertue is required to maintaine the victories, we have the possession of Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Sudely, Newneham, Beverston, and Slimbridge, all to be defended and maintained at so great distances only by two Regiments of foot. For Malmesbury was kept by Colonell Deveraux his Regiment, who was appointed Governour under the command of Colonell Massie, unto whom the disposition and settlement of that garrison was intrusted by the Parliament. For want of money the City Regiments were weake and uncertaine in duty and service, and the Souldiers ranne dayly to other garrisons, where they found alwayes constant pay and lesse hardship: But the Governour p. 98could find none so rationall as to clap them in Irons, or give them back to his justice. For this cause he was perplexed in each designe, uncertaine of the atchievement, and could not waite for a regular disposition, and traine of circumstances: but nimble in the secret and sudden motions of the time and season: and sometrue resolving upon the sole guide of providence, but in this never running a greater hazard then the shame of a non-performanee. These many garrisons having taken up the whole strength; for want of a marching brigade, we were deprived of the fruit of our labours in the supplies of monies to be commanded out of the Enemies quarters, and disabled to relieve the remote parts that were by this time united under the power of this government. So that the first fruits were nipt in the bud, and we remaine miserable after so great enlargements, being inforced to cry to the Parliament for help, which we should have held a disparagement, had we received a stock to improve to a larger support, and livelyhood. Wherefore the house of Commons taking notice of the many good services of Colonell Massie, made an Order for the recrute of his Regiment of horse and foot in the first place, and to make up a competent Brigade, Colonell Tho. Stephens had commission for a Regiment of horse, and Colonell Edward Harley for a Regiment of foot. In which businesse the Governour advised, not to raise men and horse at Londm, whither the refuse of the Army, runnegadoes, and such as disliked the conditions of their former entertainment were wont to repaire, but only to procure monies to be sent into the Country, where horses might be raysed at a cheaper rate, and able men were easy to be found, and chiefly where we might robbe the Enemy of their maine strength, from whom great multitudes were ready to flow in upon the hopes of entertainment. And before this time since the late siege at least a thousand of the Enemy, that here tendred themselves to the service, went from us for lack of pay. This was a speedy course and effectuall, which might carry on the worke whilst we were in a thriving way.

At that time the affaires of the garrison were a little enterwoven with some passages of the greater Army, Sir William Waller was led into the Northerne parts, in the pursuit of His p. 99Majestie, straining to reach or get beyond him. But the King doubled in the chace, hasted back by Worcester towards Oxford, and left Sir William a few dayes march in the Rear, who neverthelesse made after with all speed, but was constrained to rest at Gloucester to refresh his weary Souldiers. And purposing to fall upon the Kings Army, importuned the Governor to lend his assistance, which was extracted out of the extreme penury of these parts, onelyonly for a quick dispatch. Two hundred and seventy Muskettiers with a Company of Dragoons were sent from Gloucester, and a hundred Muskettiers from Malmsbury which did not a little necessitate the place, and stop the actions of this command which had so many Garrisons to make good, and defend the Countrey from the neighbouring Enemy that began to threaten from every quarter.

At this time there happened a dispute between the Kings Army and Sir William Waller at a Bridge neer Banbury: where some few were slain, and taken on both sides, but on ours the chief miscarriage was the losse of some Ordnance. After this brush the King marched off into the borders of Worcestershire, and Sir William Waller towards Buckingham, to joyn with Collonel Browne. Our Countrey is in danger of ruine by the falling down of the Kings Army, whose main body lay for a while about Breedon three miles from Tewkesbury: where his Majestie being informed of the weaknesse of the place, drew neer with a purpose to storme it, advanced the Ordnance within a mile, and sent out parties to skirmish. Collonel Massie upon the first intelligence clapt into the Town two hundred Muskettiers, for an additionall strength, and to incourage those within: Himself in the mean while with a hundred and fifty Muskettiers in Cos…awne waited to encounter with an other party of the Worcester forces, whom he staved off with the losse of five or six men neer Vpton bridge, and passed over Seavern to Tewksbury. Upon notice hereof, the Enemy drew thence, and retreated towards Parshowe, and Evesham. There the King pretended to passe over the River into Herefordshire and Wales, and gave command that all the Bridges should be made up, but his designe lay Westward. Wherefore he made up the hils, marched p. 100the first day in the view of Shudely Castle over the Downes, and came that night to Cubberly seven miles from Gloucester, and from thence marched the next day by Beverstone Castle to Sodbury. They went on like a flying Army, surprised the Countrey, but they onelyonly touched and away; And our weak troops drove in the stragling plunderers. For the Governor commanded a party of horse to follow the Reare of the Enemy, whilest the rest were imployed in a necessary defence in sundry places. These did seem to give them a gentle convoy over the hill Countrey towards Bristoll; and though the Van of their horse were too nimble for us, and drove great store of the garrison cattell, that lay in their way, yet the Countrey-men were saved from any great matter of losse, and the parties of horse brought into our garison between 50 and 60 prisoners, officers and souldiers; and though they could not retard the march, yet made them passe forward with much watines and fear.

In the mean while Coll: Min, together with Sir John Winters forces take the advantage of our weaknes to spoil and destroy our friends on the Forrest side, Sir William Russell and the Governor of Worcester make incursions on that side. And the garison oppressed with many out-guards, and multitudes of prisoners within, had much ado to preserve the neighbours from ruine. Collonel Min advanced from Rosse, where he quartered his regiment, within half a mile of the City, drove away the Countrey cattell, and took the persons of many. And the forces of Berkely Castle act a sufficient part in the generall mischief. The Governor looks round about him, and though he cannot hope to lay them flat, and subdue their spirits, yet he can check their insolence, & make them stand on their guard. He commanded a party of horse and Dragoons towards Berkley, who fell upon the guard of the Town, beat them into the Castle, slew eight or ten, took prisoners Captain Sandys with a Lieutenant, Ensigne, Sargeant, and seven common Souldiers; whence likewise they brought away fourty or fifty arms, and took from out of the Park under the Castle wall about fiftie horses with other cattell. An other party was commanded within foure miles of Worcester, and surprised in their quarters p. 101Sir Humphrey Tracy, Lieu: Coll: Hely, and Captain Savage, and brought them prisoners to Gloucester.

By this time an increase is added to the garrison forces by the arrival of Col: Stephens with three troops of horse, and two troops of Coll: Harlyes Regiment, which did inable the Governour once more to appear in the field: and draw out against Collonel Min, a serious and active Enemy, and a perpetuall terror to the Countrey, whose ruine was again contrived, and resolved upon. And for this designe strong preparations were made by the Enemy round about. The Governor had some discovery out of their own quarters, and upon advertisement that some forces out of Hereford and Wales went over the River at Aust passage, advanced with his horse towards Berkly Castle, and thence to the passage, where they missed not half an houre of the surprisall of the Lord Herbert. The notice of the march of our horse into the remote parts of the County hastned Mins expedition for Gloucestershire. And our intelligence abroad gave a timely advertisement of the work in hand, which a little after was fully confirm'd by letters taken out of Collonel Mins pocket, to wit, that Hereford and Worcestershire were to joyn their forces about Cosselawne, and with an over-powering Army to march up to the gates of Gloucester, to the utter devastation of the parts adjacent with fire and plunder, and to burn up the corn on the ground, it being then neer harvest. Hereupon the Governor marched back with his troops to Gloucester, from whence he commanded two hundred and twenty Musketiers, and ordered an hundred Muskettiers from Tewksbury to meet him on the march, to prevent this great noised Army.

Whilest the orders for the march were giving forth to the Officers of horse and foot, there fell out a sad accident between Major Gray, and Major Hammond, which was like to dash the whole action. The heat of a quarrell then brake forth by occasion of a verball contestation at a Councell of Warre the same day, when both had orders to march, and were commanded to their particular charges. Major Gray began to question Hammond for his hasty language, and to require satisfaction. This challenge at the present was refused or sleighted, p. 102wherefore impatient of the supposed injury, and full of revenge, he smote him on the face with his fist: upon this to swords they went in the street, and after a little clashing, Gray received his deaths wound by a thrust in the neck, and expired in the place. This miserable accident was like to beget a greater mischief among the Souldiers, who being in Arms, and ready to advance, came back with full streame of violent resolution for the present revenge of Grays blood: that the whole City and garrison was not farre from an uproar. It rested on the Governors sole care to allay that violence of the Souldier, who used his best art, and industry to appease them, whilest the Officers indulging their own discontent at the losse of their Major, fell quite off the hinges: After an houres dispute, and intreaty the tumult was in some measure qualified, that the most were perswaded to march, as it was high time, when the Enemy came on within three miles of the City with a resolution if not to lay waste by fire (as they threatned) yet to plunder and take away the persons of men, their goods and cattell. The businesse was put forwards, but with little help from the discontented Officers. Late in the afternoon our party began to advance, and at High leaden passage got over the brook. The Enemy were quartered in Hartpury field, and commanded to lie close. Our men came up to a bridge within a quarter of a mile of them in the dark night, gave them an alarme, and took ten prisoners, and an other party of our horse that quartered neer the Lawne took divers that were sent that way to plunder. But their main body evaded us, and with great speed marched that night to Redmarley, and we after a tedious wandring to find them out came to Eldersfield two miles from their quarters, where we rested two or three houres to refresh ourselves and horses.

At break of day we prepared to advance upon the enemy, when the beating of their Drums minded us of an early march: and by six of the clock we came up to their randezvous, their horse consisted of an hundred and sixty, and their foot of eight hundred and fifty: and of them six hundred and fourty Muskettiers by their own confession: all drawn up into p. 103battalions, and the hedges lined with Muskettiers. To beat them out of their advantages the Governor divided the Foot into two bodies, and drew out the Horse into single troops, because the frequent inclosures would not make roome for a larger forme (the Enemy in the mean while plying us with small shot) and having disposed of his own troop, with the hundred Muskettiers from Tewkesbury newly come in, and many of the Countrey inhabitants armed with Muskets, and good resolutions to one part of the Town, he drew the Gloucester Muskettiers about an hundred and sixty (for the rest remained at home ready to raise a mutiny for the misfortune of Grayes death) and the greatest part of the horse to an other place of best advantage. Himself advanced with this party, and led the Van, which consisted of three troops: these were seconded with three other troops left to the command of Captain Backhowse. Some of the Foot were placed in each Flank of the Horse, and one single troop with the rest of the foot brought up the Reare. They were drawn out into this posture, marched up to the face of the Enemy, the Governor in the Van, next unto him Collonel Harley in the head of his own troop, gallantly, and in good order, gave the charge, beat them from their ambuscadoes, put their horse to flight, and in the instant of time got into the Van of their foot, cut down, and took them prisoners, that few escaped our hands. The Horse and Foot, both Officers and Souldiers, plaid their parts with resolution and gallantry. The Enemy was left to our execution, and their whole body broken and shattered, many wounded and slain, but more taken. Major Generall Min was slain on the place with an hundred and seventy. Among the Officers, Leiftenant Collonel Passy then mortally wounded, Major Buller, seven Captains, foure Leiftenants, five Ensignes, twelve Sergeants, and neer three hundred common Souldiers were taken prisoners. Some troops advanced in the pursuit fiue miles from the place of the sight; but upon the view of a strong party from Worcester that came to joyn with Collonel Min, they were enforced to leave the pursuit, and prepare for a second encounter. And a strange hand of providence kept p. 104asunder the Hereford and Worcester forces, whose joyning would have proved unto us an inevitable destruction. For Leiftenant Collonel Passie, who commanded this fresh partie of an hundred, and fiftie horse and five hundred foot, just upon the beginning of the fight was riding up to Mins Brigade to bring news of their arrivall, but happily intercepted, and wounded by our Scouts, and left for dead. So that neither Enemy had the knowledge of each others condition; But the Worcester forces advanced within two flight shot of the place, whilest our men were scattered here and there in the chase of a vanquished Enemy, nor did the Governor when the first brunt was over, expect an after-birth.

The first discovery was made by Collonel Broughton, and Captain Backhowse, upon whom a blunt fellow charged up from the head of the main body in the entrance of a crosselane. Him they surprised in the name of friends, drew him aside from the view of the company, and informed themselves of the strength at hand. Forthwith they make a noise in the Enemies hearing, pretending to fall on with a body of ours ready for a charge, by the sudden out-cry daunted and drove back that strong party, and made way for the Governors retreat, and those with him, which were now dispersed, secure of the victory, and following the chase. Our stragling persuers were gathered together, drew back to the place of the fight, and there expected the charge, choosing rather to make good the victory atchieved upon so great hazard and disadvantage, then venture all by seeking out a fresh and doubtfull Enemy with our few and weary Souldiers. OnelyOnly three or foure slain, five or six wounded, amongst whom Collonel Harley received a shot in the arme. The successe of this designe cut off the maine strength of the Kings forces in South-wales: and secured the Countrey from our plundering neighbours on the Welch side. The body of Collonel Min was brought to Gloucester, and vouchsafed an honorable buriall. His death was by his own party much lamented, together with the losse of a brave Regiment that were commanded from Ireland to fight here a gainst the justice of that cause, upon which the Irish war p. 105was held up, and owned by the whole Kingdom. And it hath been observed, that as the Irish Pacification was unlucky and reproachfull to the outside of the Kings actions amongst his Protestant party; so the Commanders that came thence were unfortunate in all their designes, and in the end miserable.

When the Governor had setled his affaires at home in reasonable security, his desires and aime was to put in for the advantage of a more generall service: and pitched upon these two proposals, the one to make a diversion from the Lord Generals Army then blocked up in the West, the other to keep back Prince Ruperts stragling forces which then lay between Shrewsbury and Worcester a little after the great Northern defeat. And these the Prince earnestly desired, that upon this rubbish he might frame an Army for the close of the Summer action.

Wherefore if possible to endeavour a diversion from the West-parts, the Governor drew towards Bath with one hundred horse and foot (the Forces lent to Sir William Waller being in part returned) with a purpose to disturbe the Kings quarters, and withdraw a part of the maine Army to inable Bristoll and Bath. On the hils likewise he might expect to encounter Prince Rupert from Bristoll, who fled thither with about three hundred horse presently after the discomsit in the North. But within a few dayes upon advertisement of the miscarriage and disaster of the Lord Generals Army, he drew back, and the rather having intelligence that the Prince had commanded Collonel Charles Gerrard out of Wales, and the reliques of his own Army to break their way through our countrey into the Western parts. These were reported to lie neer Worcester, waiting there for a clear passe, and by all means to escape Collonel Massie. They were to take their course over Coltswold Hils, or by the borders of Herefordshire to make into the Forrest of Deaue, and thence over the River at Aust. Wherfore the Governors maine businesse was to prevent this this Conjunction, and block up either passage. In his retreat towards Gloucester, he fell down before Berkely and lodged his men two dayes in the Town, summoned the Castle, and made p. 106shew of an assault; but this was taken up in the way besides the intention of the designe, and though the losse of six or eight men by their own folly gave Collonel Veale occasion of boasting, yet for all the pretended great service in maintaining the place that was never attempted, he was immediately after cashered that Government by the Princes order. But before Collonel Massie drew thence, he caused the boats to be fired at Aust passage: and intending to passe over Seaverne at Frampton to meet Prince Ruperts Forces, received an alarme that they were already in Gosse Lawne, whereupon our marching Brigade hasted to Gloucester, where they found that many of those troops under the command of Sir Marmaduke Langdale were newly come into Herefordshire, and that a party of them joyning with Collonel Lingens horse had advanced within six miles of the City of spoil and plunder those Parishes that were joyned in one Association to a mutuall defence, and the aid of this Government.

The Governor persued his designe drew forth towards the Lawne, and stopped their course on that side Seaverne. Where upon they took their course through Worcester, where they obtained an additionall strength from Collonel Sandys his horse, and Sir William Russels horse and foot, with all the foot that Dudly Castle and those parts could afford them. And now conceiving themselves able both in power and advantage of the march, having (as they supposed) left Collonel Massie beyond Seaverne, and too farre in the Reare to reach them, resolved to break forth, hoping both to passe clear, and relieve Banbury in the way. But the Governor being certified of their march, forthwith conveyed his men over Seaverne at Tewkesbury, and recovered the hils as farre as Stanway, and got before them, in the meane while gave notice to the Major of the Earle of Denbighs horse, that lay neer Tewkesbury in Worcestershire, who the Jame day brought up two hundred horse to joyn with our party on the hils. Neverthelesse the Governor understanding nothing, but that the Enemy was marched to Stratford upon Avon, and so beyond his reach, sent back the Foot almost tyred with tedious and continuall marches, and with his p. 107horse resolved to joyn with Collonel Fines at Banbury. But he found at the return of the Scouts, that about five hundred horse neer at that instant got over the River on this fide Evesham, and made their approach neer his quarters, and that a party of Foot were left at the Bridge to make good the repasse; one half of the Forces in the mean while lying at Evesham, and the other neer Parshowe. Our men appearing on the hils, the Enemy took the alarme retreated suddenly, and for a while lodged themselves beyond Worcester. Their number was computed by such as beheld them to be about five and twenty hundred horse, ill armed, and the surviving part of the ruines of the Northern Army. Again to prevent their incursions into the remote parts of the County beyond Seaverne, a competent strength of horse and foot were commanded over, and withall to attend the Enemies motion.

In the midst of this and other designes of consequence at that time depending, the Governor with all the Officers of horse and foot were much distressed for lack of that support, which the necessity of the service did require, and the extreme want of the common Troopers drove them daily away. Every performance in the whole course of this Government was filled with much distempers: and though the exigence of the Souldier hath been great in many places, yet the gleanings of other Brigades have been better then our vintage. No Officer had any portion in the Contribution money: no pay for the troops for many moneths together, no allowance for Scout, Spie, or Intelligencer, who observe onelyonly the liberall and open handed, nor the hopes of reward to incourage the Souldiers gallantry: That the indeavours of the Governor in keeping together, and increasing the Forces were nigh lost. Neither was any means allotted to the supply of the necessary attendants and Officers of a marching Brigade. And in the heat of service the nature and terms of the Governors command were disputed, and twas very questionable whether to provide for the attendants of a march: that onelyonly a proportion seemed to be cared for, that might live within the walls of Gloucester, and nothing to further such action that might restrain, and lessen the strength of the Enemy, preserve the Countrey, and passe p. 106duplicate page p. 107duplicate page p. 108withall to the relief of remote garrisons. Neverthelesse the establishment of such a power was required in these parts as might check the Enemy in all his marches and recruits: and this strength far greater then the stint of that constant number which the garrisons took up.

In this extremity the Governor was constrained to act, and marched on in the pursuit of the Enemy, who kept randevous neer Hereford with fourty two troops of horse, resolving to passe the Severne at Aust, not daring to adventure over the hill Countrey. And to guard the passage, Prince Rupert sent into the Forrest a commanded party of five hundred horse and foot. These began to fortifie Beachly for a lasting guard, a place of extreme difficult approach, being a gut of land running out between Seaverne and Wye, and the onelyonly commodious passage, from Wales to Bristoll, and the Western parts, being the maine entercourse of the Kings Army, and a strong reserve for the last exigence. It was high time therefore to crush this designe, and nip the bud of so great hopes. The Governor advanced upon them some foure dayes after they began their fortifications, and had drawn the trench half way from the banks of one River to the other, when the other part was well guarded with an high quick-set hedge (which they lined with Muskettiers) and a ditch within with a fair meadow beyond, wherein they had made a re-intrenchment. The strength consisted neer of six hundred horse and foot, which at the first coming on lighted upon a partie of horse from Chepstow, took some, and drove the rest into the River: then faced the Enemy within Musket shot that Evening, and so continued the next morning, waiting the opportunitie of an assault, for at high water the place was inaccessible, by reason of their ships which guarded each River with Ordnance, lying levell with the banks, and clearing the face of the approach from Wye to Seaverne. Wherfore the Governor taking the advantage of lowe water drew forth a party for the on-set. These were brought neer the place of entrance, where the Enemy intended a draw-bridge, with order to storme the works which as yet were not finished. Out of the forlorn hope the Governor had selected ten Musketiers to creep along the hedges, and thenceto fall into the very p. 109breach. These gave the first alarme, and caused the Enemy (according to the meaning of the plot) to spend their first shot in vain. And when the first volly was given, ere they could recharge their Muskets, the Governor gave the signall by the discharge of a Pistoll: on went the Forlorn-hope, and the Reserve following, the Trumpets sounding, and the Drums beating, run up the Works, rushed in among them, and fell upon the hack, when the whole and each part of the action was carried on without interruption, and the Souldiers went up in such a regular march, and so great solemnity, that it seemed more like the pomp of a triumph then the confused face of a fight. Of the Enemy some were killed, and the rest taken prisoners, besides some few that recovered the boats, and many of them that took the water were drowned. And to grace the service, it was performed in the full view of a multitude on Chepstow side, whilest the great guns plaid from each River which cast beneath the banks by the lowe ebbe did no execution, but by their noise, and semblance of terror, both raised the Souldier, and conduced to the majesty of the victory.

This good successe, and the season held forth a fair opportunitie to compasse an other designe at that time in agitation. Some overtures were made by Lieutenant Collonel Kyrle of the delivering of Monmouth into our hands. Many did urge the present acceptance of the plot, and an hasty performance, and were discontented in that which they called slacknesse in the Governor: when as neither the method of the plot was propounded in the generall (the circumstances being left free) nor the present state of things gave leave to manage the businesse, when the following Army of P: Rupert was to be intercepted, a work of greater concernment, and more beseeming a publick spirit then this latter: But at that time twas the usuall mistake of particular Associations to confine every enterprise to their own Counties, and divide the Common-wealth into so many petty kingdoms. And in this did Collonel Massie deny himself, in spending the latter part of the Summer in prosecuting a lesse plausible and appearing service, though of larger concernment. But having now pursued the Princes horse into Wales, and destroyed the Enemies project in fortifying Beachly, p. 110he quartered with his horse and foot neer Monmouth on the Forrest side; and receiving an answer to a message lately sent to Lieutenant Collonel Kyrle, propounded unto him, and followed this way. That he would feigne a Post from Gloucester side to desire a sudden return with his forces thitherward, to secure that part of the Countrey from the Enemy, which was already fallen out from Bristoll, and Berkley: and this message was to come to his hands at Mr. Halls house of High meadow, a grand Papist, where it would take wings for its dispatch to Monmouth, by which means Kyrle commanding the horse might easily draw forth some troop to follow the Rear of our party. Hereupon the Governor feigned a sudden retreat to Gloucester, and having marched back three miles, lodged his forces in a thicket of the Forrest: & sending his Scouts abroad, prevented the Enemies discovery. In the mean while the intelligence reaches Monmouth, & Leift: Col: Kyrle draws out, whom the Governour surprised at midnight in High meadow house, with his troop of thirty horse: and with as little noise as possible advanced thence to Monmouth. Neverthelesse twas not so deep a silence but the alarme was given by the Cornet of the troop, who escaped the surprisall, and the attempt made the more difficile, if not desperate. The Town took the alarme, stood upon their guard, expecting an Enemy. Notwithstanding this, Kyrle with an hundred select horse arrived at the Towns end, confidently came up to the draw-bridge, pretended a return with many prisoners taken, perswaded the guards, and prevailed with Coll: Holthy the Governor of the Town by the Officers of the guard, to let down the draw-bridge, which was done but with much jealousie, and a strong guard, & the bridge presently drawn up again: insomuch that the first party were like to be held prisoners in the Town. Our forlorn hope saw that it was time to lay about them, they declare themselves, over-power the guard, and make good the bridge: and in this there wanted not those that kept a strict watch over Kyrles deportment, who acted his part with dexterity and valour. Our body of horse and foot were at hand, had a large entrance, subdued the Town in a moment, and spared the blood of the surprised Souldiers. But the dark and rainy night fitted the governour p. 111of Monmouth with the major part of the garrison for an escape over the dry graft. We took one Major, three Captains, and divers inferior Officers, threescore common Souldiers, five barrels of powder, and some arms: but the Town it self was the best prize, being the key of Southwales, and the onelyonly safe entercourse for the Kings Army between the West, Wales, and the Northern parts.

The taking of Monmouth gave a fearful alarme to the whole Countrey, especially to the Earl of Worcester at Ragland Castle, who raised the Countrey, and called in Prince Ruperts horse to their assistance. The Ragland Papists made the poore Welch believe that we came to put man, woman, & child to the sword, and filled their fancies with as many strange conceits of the Roundheads, as the poore Spaniards had of the English after their revolt from Rome, it being easie to perswade an irrational and stupid people. Forthwith they appear in arms against us. Wherfore two dayes after our entrance, the Governor sent out a small party of Muskettiers, commanded by Capt: Rochford, to quash the rising of the Countrey. Our men find out the randevous, with a kind of guard defended by Captain Gainsford, with his ragged Regiment. These upon the first onset were all put to flight, ran an hundred wayes like a barbarous people, were pursued by our horse, about twenty knocked on the head and sixteen taken prisoners. To revenge this losse, Sir Will: Blaxton with his brigade of horse, joyns with the Countrey Trainhands, and the forces from Ragland, and Chepstow, making (according to the best relations, five hundred horse, and twelve hundred foot. Of this preparation we were not advertised, till they fell upon one of our horse quarters in a strong house neer Monmouth, where we lodged two troops, and by good hap ten Muskettiers to secure the quarters. The house was made good by the resolution of Captain Bayly, and Leift: Page, till the Major of the horse had drawn up the troops, & faced the Enemy, whilest the Governor commanded out of Monmouth a hundred and fifty Muskettiers. But before our foot could reach the house, their horse drew thence, encountred with a party of ours, & being recharged by Major Backhowse, were beaten back to the foot. By thistime our Musketiers were brought up, and p. 112in the first charge put the Enemy to a confused running retreat, slew seventy, and wounded many, took threescore prisoners. Of the Officers, a Major of horse, and two Captains were slain, one taken, and Sir William Blaxton shot in the thigh. But the pursuit had an early stop by a small river which the Enemy passed, & plucked up the bridge: or their foot had been wholly routed and taken. The prisoners that were of the Countrey people the Governor entreated kindly, and after a few dayes sent them home by parcels, and each man with a little note or letter directed to his master, or the severall Parishes, to signifie that the intention of the Parliament, and the present government, was not to destroy, or enslave their persons, or take away their livelihoods; but to preserve their lives and fortunes, to open the course of justice, & free them of their heavy burthens under the forces of Rupert a Germane Prince. At the free discharge of the captives, they began to resent the Governors humanity, as before by the slaughter of their men they had felt the force of arms. And the dispersed papers did in part undeceive the people, and dislodge their fears; our horse marching peaceably, and doing no spoil or violence.

After the appeasing of the Countrey tumults, the indeavours of the Governor were to reduce that people to a willing, and cordiall obedience. He dispatched many letters of invitation to the gentlemen of the Countrey, and gave assurance to the best affected of his purpose to defend & make good the Town. But all were silent, and not two valuable persons did own the businesse. On the other fide, they did not stir a foot at the summons of the Earl of Worcester: and in confidence of the justice of this party they frequented our markets; wheras at our first approach they drove away all their cattell, into the remote parts of the county: yet most of the gentlemen fled from their houses. The greatest part of P: Ruperts forces lie stil under our arrest in Wales, where they decrease and drop away, discontent and burden the Countrey, between whom there arise perpetuall quarrels. And the truth is, even those people whose affections comply with the Kings designe, could never correspond with the Souldier of that faction, with whom there is no dealing for very friends. Insomuch that the generall hatred of the souldier might drive in to the Parliament, a moderate enemy, and such p. 113as breathe a more cool spirit of malignity, when the State shall reach out the hand to clear the way, and make good the engagement.

Collonel Massie seems now to have spread the Branches of his government beyond the sap and strength of the root, and the extreme parts grow burdensome to the main body. He had neither horse nor foot to maintain what was gotten, considering the strivings of the Enemy to repossesse themselves of Monmouth. For which end the whole power of Southwales that is fit for the march under the command of Collonel Gerrard are come as far as Abergenny, Vske, and Ragland. Sir John Winter must bring forth his master-peece to the world, and once more assisted with four hundred from Bristoll, purchased at a high rate, and added to a hundred of his own men, with all the aid Prince Rupert can send, undertakes to fortifie Beachly. The noised strength of the Enemy round about did contribute to the designe with all fiercenesse, fince the want of a guard upon this passage did render all Southwales of little value. And it highly concerned us to indeavour the preventing this project, which threatned the ruine of the Forrest, the intercepting of the passage between Gloucester and Monmouth, and to render that garrison in great part uselesse. The Governor had a hard game to play, alwayes put upon desperate hazards without a sufficiencie to accomplish or make good. For the case was questionable whether to desert Monmouth, or seek to maintain it, having no competent number for a Town yet unfortified, generally malignant, in an Enemies countrey, at a great distance, and with a difficult passe: but that the wonderfull successe of Beachly twice fortunate determined the doubt. The businesse was not capable of deliberation, nothing but a quick dispatch had the shew of safety. Gerrard was to be kept from joyning his fortes with these in the Forrest, who when once fortified were not to be beaten out, having all the advantages of Sea and land. And although his Forces hovered about the Countrey, pretending to fall upon Monmouth, yet about midnight, Octob. 13. one hundred Muskettiers were drawn thence with eight troops of our poore horse unto Clurewall, expecting there to meet the Newnham foot drawn off for this designe, the garrison supplyed in the interim by the Countrey Voluntiers. In the close of the next evening they approached neer the Enemy, where no good presage did favour the p. 114busines. The horse failed six houres of the time appointed, whom the constant want of pay, and hands bound up from plunder, made irregular, and disabled the Commander in chief to reward or punish. Himself must manage the designe not by advice onelyonly, but personall action, and act a part in the duty of each inferior Officer. That night we beat up their ambuscades, forced them within their works, and by frequent alarms kept them waking, yet as much as possible from working. The next morning at break of day was the time reserved for a storme: but the foot were all stragling, and could not be gathered up, insomuch that the Governors own troop with no more then fourscore Muskettiers made the onset, and by Gods help performed gallantly. They found the Enemy well prepared, the works followed with dexterity and diligence, with much art and cost on pallisadoes, and breast-works, and the most defective places from Wye to Seaverne defended with a tall quick-set hedge, & a ditch within, the Pinnaces riding in each River with Ordnance to play upon us, and the line so strongly guarded with hammer Guns, & Murtherers placed on the Flanks at either end, that it seemed impossible to storme the same by day without apparent great losse; yet was the Governour to wait for lowe water, that the Guns from the ships might not reach us, which happily fell out at the opening of the day; yet were we in the reach of the Ordnance planted on the Weleh shore, and equall to our height. He laid holdon the instant of season, with a small party in a silent march came close to the works; wherupon after the taking of the alarme, when the Enemy had spent many shot, our men forced two or three Pallisadoes, that some of the foot and the forlorn hope of horse brake in: but finding themselves at a stand between the Pallisadoes and the quick-set hedge lined with Muskettiers, began to face about when there was no looking back, nor passing forwards, by reason of the continuall shot. In this party was the Governor engaged, who now became the Leader of the Forlorn-hope, and with not a little difficulty forced his own horse over the hedge, fell in among them, was recharged furiously, his head-peece knocked off with the but-end of a Musket, & strangely preserved, till three or foure foot and some horse brake over the hedge after him, then there came up a full body of horse and foot, and by maine force bore down before them a resolved and prepared Enemie, p. 117slew thirty, and tooke prisoners a Leiutenant Colonell, one Major, two Captaines, three Leiutenants, three Ensignes, with other Officers, and common Souldiers, to the number of two hundred and twenty. They forced Sir John Winter downe the clift into the river, where a little boate lay to receive him, and convey him thence into the ships, riding within Musket shot of the shore, with many Musqueteers and great shot. Many tooke the water, some whereof were drowned, and others saved themselves by recovering the boates. Prince Rupert the Patron of this designe, was expected there the next high water, being then upon the river, but extreamely prevented and crossed in the height of his desire and confidence.

It was a brave exployte and true victory upon such an eminent disadvantage over a formidable enemy. They were stronger within the Fortifications then sixe times the same number in the open field. The storme that hovered was blowne over, & we calme, and secure in the possession of Monmouth. But as for this necke of land so fortunate and famous to the Government of Gloucester for two remarkable victories: though Sir John Winter and the VVelsh forces had their eye continually upon it, yet the neglect of the place was no oversight in our Garrison, but caused by the incapacity of the place it selfe, it being impossible to be held by us till we were Masters at Sea, because at every floud the ships on the Seaverne lay levell with the highest ground. Wherefore it was resolved by a Councell of Warre that the buildings should be demolished, and all trees and hedges cut downe. The taking and securing of Manmouth was a faire beginning, and almost the possession of halfe Wales. But as yet the County became unserviceable to us, and we made loosers by enlarging our bounds.

The Substance of Gloucestershire was expended in maintaining the Garrison foote, and the Horse left wholly unfurnished, yet bounde up from plunder and rapine: neither did we finde that assistance in the County as was expected and promised: considering which, with our meane forces and slender pay, no progresse could be made in gaining the Countrey, but the time was spent in light skirmishes, and surprizals betweene petty parties on both sides: and we sustained some losse by Colonel Broughtons Captaine Leiuetenant who with fifty souldiers undertooke to garrison a house p. 118neare Godridge Castle, neither obvious to releife, nor caring to fortify or store the place with victualls. This was done in the Governours absence without order, disavowed by all, and owned onelyonly by the Captaine himselfe: whose plea was, that he had no support for his men, and was enforced to get his living there. But within a few dayes his house was fired upon him, and he and all his carried prisoners to Hereford before releife could reach them.

Notwithstanding our necessitous condition, the Parliament were informed of great multitudes, and a burden of supernumerary Officers and Souldiers, and seemed to require out of the superfluity of those parts an assistance more ample then the maine strength of the place. It was hard to take a just and full view at such a distance; and peradventure perpetuall action, and the great things effected here, might multiply the numbers of the Garrison, and represent things in the largest forme. But the voyce of the people gave out that we were kept low by the malice of misinformations: and that the souldiers cry could not be heard, because they were apt to be thought ever craving and querulous. Wherefore at that season there came some particular commands from the Powers above, which did not correspond with the State of our Affaires, or the ground of the enjoyned Service. November the tenth Colonell Massie received Instructions from the Committee of both Kingdomes to march with all the strength he could make, into the Borders of Oxfordshire to prevent the joyning of the Welsh forces under the Conduct of Colonell Gerrard with the rest of the Kings Army, or to take advantage of the enemy, or joyne with the Parliaments Army as occasion did offer. This command found him overwhelmed with manifold imployments, and in that instant of time some Monmouthshire Gentlemen tendred their assistance to the taking in of Chepstow Castle, which the Governour was ready to embrace, (that Wales might fall under the power of the Parliament) but with much warinesse, having many irons in the fire. Neverthelesse lying under a greater weight of envie, he resolved to obey the former Orders against the progresse and reason of his affaires; wherefore he called off his owne Regiment of horse from about Monmouth, where the enemies vigilancie was not little, and the malignity of the towne wondrous great; with the Regiment of horse, he hasted towards p. 119Eversham, where the Enemy had arrived before, whose march he could not interrupt or retard since they were eight for one. But before this march having drawne a small party out of Monmouth, he commanded from Gloucester his own company, and another company of the same Regiment to the security of that Garrison, and committed the charge of the Towne in his absence to Major Throgmorton then Serjeant Major to Colonell Harley, who by Order of Parliament was designed to that Government, but with no Power to command out a Partye upon any designe, having no thought that the forces left there were fit to be imployed upon any service, more then the defence of that place: Besides, he had waved the offers of Chepstow till he might gaine an assurance of making good so much ground in an enemies Country; for it was alwayes his desire in ingaging any people to those masters whom he served, to foresee a possibility of continuing that engagement, least hee might doe them a greater disservice by dashing the resolution of others, who intended the same course, and by grasping beyond his reach take off their inclinations who might be gained in due time. Notwithstanding the Governors expresse Order, at the earnest solicitation and promises of some well-affected in the Country, and the vehemencie of others, who thirsted after the glory of some atchievement in the Governors absence, the Major yeelded for the drawing out of a party for Chepstow, and stretched his power beyond the knowndiscipline of warre, fearing either the brand of cowardise, or the censure of a man unwilling to doe his Country service, though he declared his judgement against it. Wherfore he advanced towards Chepstow with three hundred commanded men: having some conceived assurance of gaining the Castle by surrender or onslat. The newes is conveyed forthwith to the Enemy, who draw together all the strength they can make, of horse and foote from Ragland, Abergeveny, Hereford, and Godridg…, and November the nineteenth about breake of day, came neere the towne, and lay undiscovered behind a rising ground, at a quarter of a miles distance, never thinking to make an attempt, muchlesse to surprise it; but as the Governors inavoydeable absence, and the impertinent enterprize of Monmouth garrison did cause their approach, there being not above a hundred and fifty left there; so the p. 118duplicate page p. 119duplicate page p. 120negligence of the Captaine to whom the Keyes were intrusted in the Majors absence, gave up the towne into their hands. So remisse were the slender guards, that the Treually was beaten & none tooke the alarme. The enemy observed it, and tooke the courage to attempt the surprisall, came upon the higher side of the towne, that looked towards Hereford, having onelyonly a sloping banke cast up to a reasonable height, with a dry graft of no depth; Insomuch that the Gaurds and Sentinells being all asleepe, or supinely negligent, above forty men presently climbed over, and fell downe to the next Port, where they found no more then sixe men, who fled from the guard upon their comming on; with that one takes an iron barre, breakes the chaine, forces the gate, and sets it open to the whole body of horse, who rid up the towne with full career, seased upon the maine guard before one man could be ready to give fire, and cooke the rest in their beds; it was done in a moment, where wee lost Colonell Broughtom, foure Captaines, Lieutenants and Ensignes, some of the Committee, together with common souldiers, in all, about one hundred and threescore prisoners, two Sakers, besides a Drake, and nine hammer Guns taken at Beachly, with Ammunition and Provision, and at least foure hundred muskets.

The newes of the taking of Manmouth reached Colonell Massie neere Burford, prosecuting the commands of the Committee of both Kingdomes, and there abiding to meete the Lord Grandes…on, with the Worcester forces who endeavour for Oxford; hence he makes haste to the reliefe of the party sent out against Chepstow, and to bring off the rest that remaine upon their guards in that County: and at Gloucester understood that the party sent for Chepstow were safely landed, on this side Wye, having effected nothing of their designe; the Governor met them in the Forrest, and thence marched to Rosse, where he hoped to have passed the bridge, to the releefe of Pembridge Castle, which was made an out-guard to the garrison of Manmouth, but found the bridge broken downe, and the river made unpassable, by the sinking of boates on the other side, and a guard of horse to defend it. Here we had some disputes with the Enemy for two dayes: but those in the Castle having no meanes of a longer subsistence, were inforced to surrender upon quarter, and the freedome of their persons, most of the common souldiers revolted, p. 121being formerly of the Kings Army, and our prisoners.

The base neglect of the Officers had not the least share in the unfortunate losse of Manmouth, and daily wants increased the neglect, and weakned the Governours hand in inflicting condigne punishment. And as the Parliaments Service was by many degrees cast backe by this misfortune: so the Forrest in speciall was hereby sorely plagued being left open to the spoyle of the enemy, against whom they were preingaged by Colonell Massie, and of late had declared themselves more freely. And though the generall multitude seemed to be brought in by the hatred of Sir John Winter, whose name and faction the people did abhorre; yet at that time the tye of affection and necessity drew them to a strong combination. To provide for their safety was the Governours maine care, wherefore instead of one good baracadoe, the Towne of Monmouth, sundry Garrisons are erected in the Forrest, for want of an ample strong-hold, and these expended greater portions of Men and Ammunition, though the limits of the Government were much contracted. The Garrison of Highmeadow did affront Monmouth, and furthered the preservation of that side: Ru…rdeane was a stoppe to the Plunderers from Hereford; And those at Kidney were kept in by another party at N…t. These lesser places distracted the Governour on every side, willing but not able to preserve all them that desired to live under his protection.

Some weekes before, the Governour had commanded a party to Tate-Court within ten miles of Bristoll, to secure the Neighbourhood being a well affected people: but in this distraction he resolved to call off those men, who peradventure might maintaine themselves in a kinde of imprisonment; but in no wise preserve a Countrey that was then filled with the Kings forces, so neere Bristoll, and farre from releife, especially in the Winter. Nor at that season could they draw off without a stronger Guard and Convoy. To this end the Governour marched to Kingscoate with three hundred Horse and Dragoones, intending to send a party to bring off that Garrison: but receiving advertisement of a Regiment of Horse, quartered that night in S…dbury, he fell downe thither, where he found an enemy there arrived to the assistance of Colonell Gernard against Tate-House; here he resolved to undertake them that night, p. 122and had no sooner appeared at the Townes end, but the first Guard fledde, and our men marched into the Town one by one, because of the enemyes baracadoes, went up to the maine Guard consisting of forty Horse, who being surprized & daunted at the sudden entrance of our men, and not confiding in their owne strength, quitted the place, and left the rest in their quarters, most of which escaped on foote by the backe side of the Towne. We tooke fourescore Horses, many Armes, twenty prisoners, and of them two Captaines, and the next morning brought off the forlorne Garrison.

In the depth of Winter, when each parcell of the Parliaments Army had retired into London, or the securer parts of that Association, and the Kings forces were dispersed into the severall quarters: Cirencester and the hill Country of Gloucestershire, was assigned to Sir Jacob Ashley, having the Command of three Brigades of foote, and assisted with the Queenes, Prince Ruperts, Prince Maurices, and the Lord Wilmots Regiments of Horse with others. His designe was to destroy the Countrey, and live upon the ruines thereof: whose incursions on that side, and the Bristoll forces about Berkely, with the Worcester, Hereford, and Monmouth forces on the other side, act something daily to the spoyle of a miserable Countrey, which is left as the Kingdomes forlorne hope, and croucheth daily betweene two burdens. The distressed Neighbourhoode did seeme to challenge those severall Armyes then in being, which lay rusting in their quarters, to keepe the Associated Countyes where no feare was, when they might prevent the ruine of their freinds, and starve the enemy who live upon our fatnesse; when they might hinder the Kings Recruits, disturbe their Winter calmes, and make them fight for the possession and enjoyment of their owne Territoryes. But in the deepe silence of that part of the Kingdome, these parts are borne downe by the maine Bulke of the Kings Army, without the least inablement at present, or the hopes of future releife.

The enemyes whole burden rests upon this Government. Colonell Massie placed a Guard at Lypiat, commanded a party of Horse and Dragoones to Strouds a place most exposed to spoyle: and set Guardes of Horse at severall places of advantage. These Guardes affronted Sir Jacob Ashley in the stoppe of Contribution p. 123and Plunder, the indignation whereof drew him out of Cirencester with foure Regiments of Horse to Hampton Roade, where he divided his men, and sent them out three severall wayes to surprze our Horse in their quarters, and plunder the Countrey. Each party fayled of the designe, through the favour of Providence to that well affected people. At each Guardes some few that tooke the Alarme did encounter and stave off the enemyes first violence, till the rest of a few slender troopes were drawne up, and encouraged by the Governours fortunate arrivall from Gloucestershire at that instant, charged and overcame a farre greater power, which were also engaged to fight by their heavy plunder, and difficult returne. In the whole about eight or nine slaine, and twenty of the best men of the Queenes and Princes Regiment taken prisoners, and of these one Captaine, and Cornet. The successe did revive and engage the Countrey.

Yet after a few dayes Sir Jacob Ashley marched out of Cirencester with a greater power of Horse and Foote, and assaulted the Guard at Lypiat in the absence of the Captaine that commanded there, with instructions from the Governour to draw off, if at any time an Army fell downe. But the House being unfortifyed was soone taken, and uncapable of defence, where we lost a Lieutenant, and fifty private Souldiers. At which very time we had lodged three hundred foote within Muserden House sent thither the day before, with orders to defend it as a Garrison, who had no knowledge of the enemyes approach till they came within halfe a mile. They remained in the House according to command, but in no defensible posture, neverthelesse expecting the Onset every moment. The surprizall of these men was prevented by a meere accident of the Governours Arrivall, who faced the great Body with no more then sixty Horse, till the Foote were drawne off the Hills.

That the strength of the Kings Army should lie upon us, was not strange, but that no care was had of a competent provision for a deserving Country, was beyond the conceit of them that beheld our misery. The enemy were strong in horse, and our few divided into so many parcells and swallowed up in the petty guards, that no sooner could we drawe to the rescue of one side, but the forces p. 124on the other hand fell on to the ruine of the poore people. The Governor knowes no remedy but by daily shifting motions, and becomes an Ubiquitary: He can attempt no designe, but first in his owne person faceth the Enemy on the contrary side, and fills them with the alarme of his presence; Sir Jacob Ashley sends Warrants for contributions to the gates of Gloucester: The forces from Hereford were marched forth to Canon-Froome towards Lidbury; whereupon the Governor advanced with a party of horse and foote as farre as Bosbury waiting for action, but staied onelyonly for a night, having placed guards towards Worcester and Hereford in the most passible wayes for the Enemies approach, and fell into one of their quarters, tooke a Captaine and his Cornet, with some common Troopers, and fifteene horses; the Enemy falling downe from Cirensester suddenly fetches home this party.

Whiles these things happened, the Governour received a command from the Committee of both Kingdoms to attempt Campden House, newly Garrisoned by the Kings forces, under Sir Henry Bard; and the horse of Warwicke, and Coventry, by command of the same Committee were to aide and receive Orders from him in the prosecution of this designe; Colonell Massie tooke courage to resolve them of the incapacitie of that service for the present, since it could not be done without greater losse to the State then the fortune of the action could countervaile; for it was a worke of continuance that required our whole strength; and that side of the Country from which we drew must be given up to destruction, and the Enemy waited no greater advantage then to fasten the Governor upon a tedious enterprize: besides, the intendment was unvailed in all those parts that were required to send aide, and before the Orders of the grand Committee came to his hand, the London Mercuries had proclamed it to the world.

The Earl of Worcester, the Lord Herbert, and their Agent, Sir John Winter, bestirre themselves to patch up the lingring life of the Garrison at Lidney, and have procured from Prince Maurice at Worcester a regement of horse and dragoones, by whose assistance he was confident to have beaten up our small guards in the Forrest, and enlarge his owne quarters; to bring the Forrest once more under his power to the destruction of the people, and the great advantage p. 125of the Kings Army, and Bristoll in speciall, furnishing them with iron, wood & coales. The reminding of so great a mischiefe to the Parliaments Service made the Governour carefull to prevent him, and with an answerable number of horse and foote advanced into the Forrest towards Lidney, where Sir John and his party got in before him. But after a few small skirmishes, to no valuable losse on either side; the Governour set guards upon all the passages, and imprisoned the Enemy in their own strong hold, and again drew off the maine body in the view of the Garrison. The Enemy observing his march, and supposing the expedition for Gloucester, sallied out upon Sully-House at a miles distance, and a temporary garrison for the blocking up of Lidney. In the instant of time the Governour returnes to this guard, and understanding by the Scouts their neere approach, drew out a forlorne hope, faced and charged them, retreated alittle, and faced them againe with the exchange of few shot, till the Enemy were brought up so high that they discovered our body. Hereupon they make a sudden retreate, our forlorne hope fall on, and the body followes, turned their horse to flight, who forsooke the foote, and left most of them to our mercy. Here wee tooke one Captaine, with five and twenty common souldiers, having slaine a Captaine, two Leiutenants, and twenty sixe souldiers. The whole action upon those forces from Worcester was performed onelyonly with the losse of twenty horses, and a few men surprized in their quarters, which neverthelesse cost the Enemy the life of a Major. The passages from Lidney are all guarded by our horse to starve those within, and preserve the Forrest from their plunder.

The Governour having his hands and thoughts filled with these distractions, was yet more perplexed by a fresh and unknowne engagement of Colonell Stephans in Wiltshire. It happened that about this time the enemie had garrisoned an old, but repaired Castle at the Devizes. And to prevent the spoyle of the Country neere Malmesbury, Colonell Deveraux had erected a garrison at Rouden House between the Devizes & Malmesbury; and before it was setled or well furnished with Ammunition and Provision, it was set upon, & sorely straightened: Colonell Stephens being newly made Governour of Beverston Castle, was desired to give aide to the reliefe of the house, p. 126and sets upon the service without Colonell Massies Order, or knowledge in those his manifold preingagements; wherefore hee advanced to succour the besieged with three Troopes of his owne Regiment, and some Malmesbury foote, and though he failed of a parry of horse to be sent from Colonell Devereux, undertooke the businesse, broke through the Enemy with much difficulty and hazard, and relieved the house with provision and powder, but failed in the concluding part; for when he might with farre lesse difficulty have forced the way back through a troubled enemy, he alighted unwarely and went into the house to refresh himselfe, thereby giving the besiegers time to rally, and to cast up a breastworke before the passage, that hee, with the rest, being foure hundred horse and foote, were all cooped together, and the poore besieged are most desperately straitened by this kinde of reliefe. They without are five hundred strong; the newes runnes to Gloucester and calls for helpe, which had not needed, had Colonell Stephens imparted the businesse to the Governour, as he ought, and waited to have set the Country in a posture on all sides to face the Enemy, whose inrodes in the meane while were expected from each quarter. They were already drawne out of Cirencester, Farfard and Leehlade, and keept their Randevouz on the hills by Cirencester. From Hereford they stirre with a great strength on that side, and in the Forrest, those that are penned up in Lidney strive to breake prison.

Notwithstanding this at our first alarme, the Governour sent his owne Captaine Leiutenant, and threescore of the choise horse well appointed, and all that could be spared, unlesse he would ruine the Forrest: and now the worke of releeving this place is made more difficult, the Enemy round about being drawne together with a purpose to swallow them up, or more gladly to fight with Colonell Massie at such advantage on the hills and farre from home; yet the best face is put on a bad matter, the threescore horse were to joyne with an hundred horse and dragoones from Malmesbury to breake through the Enemy, and these added to the foure hundred and thirty within the house, were conceived able to force a passage through the midst of the first five hundred. But now a greater power are come up to the house, at least three thousand men: Sir Jacob Ashley p. 127did contribute much to the strength of the besiegers by draining his quarters at Cirencester, whom the Governour could not prevent, nor follow, except with the losse of his interest in the Forrest; onelyonly he raised the Country about Stroudwater, to face the Garrison of Cirencester; our horse advanced up to the first guard, and slew the Sentinell, hoping by this alarme to draw backe the residue from Rowden House: And though the weather dispersed and drove backe the Country forces, yet such hopes did revive the businesse, that two rainy nights might be an opportune and active season for Colonell Stephens to breake through, and then which no greater could be expected. Our second party of horse went on for Malmesbury to releeve the besieged at Rowden, and by the way releeved Beverston Castle with Ammunition, but came too late for the maine designe; for the more potent Enemy had so strongly guarded the passages, that the releefe of the house became desperate, and they within presently surrendred upon quarter for their lives.

The Regiments of horse are much broken, and reduced to an inconsiderable number; the Enemy growes strong, and a streame of ill successe flowes in upon us. Colonell Hopton, for whom the Governour procured a Commission, upon his promise of raising foure hundred horse and armes at his owne charge, without the helpe of the State or Country, having got together about threescore horse, and forty foote, undertooke with these men to garrison Castle-dit… neere Ledbury in Herefordshire, having neither order nor directions from the Governour, who conceived the house not to be defended, and required him to desist the enterprize; the order is neglected: But not many dayes after, a party drawne out of Hereford, had not lain before it foure and twenty houres, but he, with his forty foot, and twenty horse were taken, and carried prisoners to Hereford, ere the Governor could come with releefe, who lighted neverthelesse upon a few straglers in the reare, and tooke thirteene prisoners.

Meane while Sir John Winters releife lyes under the arrest, yet so as we would gladly ridde our hands: for the Guards set round his House to the safety of the Forrest, did alwayes distract our designes. These Horse are impatient of a longer imprisonment, and after a sore distresse breake their way through our quarters into the utmost parts of the Forrest towards Chepstow, and joyne with p. 128a partie of foote from Chepstow landed at Lancaught, where they intended to fortify and to make good the Passe over Wye: by which meanes they might issue out of Wales at their pleasure. The place containes foure hundred acres, having a very straight entrance. Hereupon our severall Guards drew together and summoned the Country to aide and came up to the enemy, who were divided in opinion: one part held it meete to make good the passage, the rest perswaded to draw out into the Field and fight. These latter prevailed, and for a while both parties faced each other. Our men drew out a forlorne hope of Foote, the place so requiring, next unto these a forlorne hope of Horse, and the rest were appointed for a reserve. Their Horse violently charged our forlorne hope of Foote, who were ready to give backe when our Horse came in opportunely and played their parts, whereat the foote tooke courage, and fell on all together, and with one charge turned the enemy to flight, that they killed few on the place, but drove them up to the River side, and fell upon the hacke in the pursuite, and so cooped them up that few escaped their hands. About fourescore were slaine, of whom were Colonell Gamme, and Colonell Vangerris; of the residue some adventured the River to recover the Frigate: many were drowned of whom Colonell Poore Governour of Berkely Castle; but Sir John Winter and his brother with some few besides escaped onelyonly of an hundred men from Chepstow, and an hundred and fourescore Horse and Dragoones from Lidney House. The remainder fell into our hands, an hundred and twenty taken prisoners, of whom two Leiutenant Colonells, foure Captaines, and divers inferiour Officers. This was the last blow of three which Sir Iohn Winter received one in the necke of another.

These things happened about the time of the taking of Shrewesbury, which called off the Kings forces from these parts: Sir Jacob Ashly marched from Cirencester, and Prince Rupert out of Herefordshire to releive his brother Maurice neere Chester. The Governour was imployed in observing the enemyes motion, but with a strength every day more slender, having lost most part of his own troope with some peeces of others by an other miscarriage in fetching our Armes and Ammunition from Warwicke, and in the Conveying of some Clothiers Packes of great value, which were taken p. 129betweene Campden and Banbury through the misguidance of the Officer that commanded.

Neverthelesse he advanced into the neerer parts of Herefordshire with two hundred Horse and five hundred foote, to startle the enemy or make some diversion, supposing they bent their course to the releife of Westchester. Here he found great multitudes of the Countrey people appearing in Armes, but standing on their owne Guard, and declaring themselves for neither side. It was hoped neverthelesse they might be made of good use, and the best affected of them gave Colonell Massie that satisfaction as was meete, by whom he understood the condition of their engagements. The Governour of Hereford sending for hay and contribution to his Garrison, was so farre denyed by the Countrey that it came to blowes. The people rising to resist, some few men, and as it was reported women and children were slaine, and some carried prisoners to Hereford: also some of the Hereford forces were taken by the Countrey men. The next day the Alarum went throughout that side of the County, and some parts of Worcestershire. The people gather into a Body, and march to Hereford. Here they stayed some dayes with a resolution to have certaine Articles granted by the Governour of that Garrison. The summe of their demaunds were to this effect, that such of theirs as were held prisoners there, should be delivered forthwith; that satisfaction be given to the Country for the losse they sustained by plunder, as also to the wives and children of those that were slaine: that the Countrey might be freed from Contribution and all manner of Payment to the Souldier; that since the present forces of Hereford were not able to defend the County, they forthwith quit the Garrison, and leave it to be kept by the Countrey, who are able to defend the same, and the whole County with lesse charge. These and the like triviall passages did they discover to the world, as it is wont to happen in such popular Commotions. In the meane while severall Posts were dispatched to Colonell Massie at Ledbury, and letters returned from him to them, and in particular to some Gentlemen, the cheifest and best affected. These letters received by the Country people, tooke well with some; but the generall vote was that they needed not his helpe to gaine Hereford, which they conceived; would be p. 230delivered up by the Citizens, whom they knew to be of one minde with them. Other messengers came from them with intreaties to march up to Hereford, promising concurrence in assaulting the Towne; others would have him fall upon another Garrison at Canon-Froome. The Governour made answer to the severall Messages, that he desired to conferre with some of their best intrusted Gentlemen and Yeomen, expecting meete security that either by Protestation or taking the Nationall Covenant they give him an assurance of their standing with the Parliament, requiring them to cast off the enemy, and receive orders from him, to act nothing of themselves without the consent and approbation of Parliament, without which engagement he could not joyne or act with them. To this they replyed that they held it a thing of evill consequence, and dangerous to declare themselves, and they knew their ability of themselves to performe what they had resolved, intreating him to march backe with his men, giving assurance that they were our friends, but could not declare for either side: this act of theirs being a just defence against the unjust proceedings of the Committee and Souldiers of Hereford, and to secure the Countrey from contribution and quarter. The Governour makes answer to this resolve, That the course they had taken was neither safe nor legall; for it in this confused manner they should gaine Hereford, it would doe them little service: unlesse they were able to keepe it from the Kings Army, and be able of themselves to beate them wholly from that side Seaverne, that no incursion could be made on their Countrey from any part: that they would distresse themselves without releife, because their illegall way would not be owned by the Parliaments forces: for though they have undertaken the preservation of the Kingdome, yet they can give no protection to any that will not joyne with them in that way which the representative Body of the Kingdome thinks fit. For a third party cannot be in England. And therefore they have no way of safety or justification in this action, but a speedy declaration for the Parliament, from whom they would finde security and protection and after assurance of fidelity, a setling of the Countrey to their owne likings. He gave them likewise to understand, that the charge of the Parliament in maintaining the Souldiers, and of the Countrey in contribution, p. 131did thence arise; that the people being disingaged in person might looke to their Husbandry; declaring withall that the disunion of the Country not understanding their interest in the Parliament was the sole cause of the entertayning of Souldiers. For had the whole Kingdome rose in time and expressed themselves of this opinion, that they would stand up as one man against the Popish partie, and enemy of their Countrey: the worke had beene long since done. But their drawing backe put the Parliament upon this way of raysing Armes upon their stocke and expence, or the Kingdome must needs fall. He minded them likewise that if they lost this opportunity, of closing with the Parliament, nothing but destruction would follow; that if they closed with Hereford, and composed the difference, this compliance might last till Prince Ruperts returne, and then they must looke to pay for this rebellion: but if they purpose at last to fall in with Rupert, it would hasten their bondage, yet givethem no security.

This kinde of entercourse passed betweene Colonell Massie and the Countrey people; meane while he drew backe to Rosse, waiting the event of this commotion, but not engaging himselfe amidst a promiscuous and doubtfull multitude. He represented likewise to the Committee of both Kingdomes, what advantage the gaining, and disadvantage the losse of this opportunity might be to the whole worke: that their expressions of their esteeme of himselfe, and his gentle dealing with them were great: that the weaknesse of his forces, cheifely of Horse, was the maine businesse that caused the Major Part to decline his invitation: importuning them if they desired to gaine this partie, as also a leading party to the whole Kingdome, to send a considerable strength of Horse; and if the forces saide to be intended, had come to him, when fifteene thousand appeared in Armes before Hereford, and of them sixe thousand Musqueteers, and some well mounted, he had gained a full testimony of compliance with the Parliament, and drawne them with ease to aide him against Prince Ruperts Army, when they were in the moode, so farre incensed and inraged. And to compleate the designe, a Recruite for the Regiments of Horse was necessary, and that the Auxiliaries should bring along their meanes of entertainment; for the sending of strength without money did more wound p. 132then heale us; for the Souldiers challenge their pay or plunder; And as it was hatefull to the Governour, so the State of the Countrey would not permit him to spend his time in gathering contribution. But for want of a just and due supply, these men were lost to us and to themselves also, concluding a peace with the Governour of Hereford, and obnoxious and open to the Kings Army.

Hereupon Colonell Massie marched from Rosse, and passed the Seaverne towards Berkely, purposing to joyne with Sir William Waller, who was noysed to be come into the Borders of this Countrey, when the day before some of the Berkely forces had issued out towards our Garrison at Slimbridge: but ere they could retreate to the Castle, the Garrison forces fell upon them, slewe twelve, wherof one Captain, an Irish Rebell, and took twenty five prisoners, whereof two were Captaines and one Leiutenant. The Governour with his party advanced thence towards Chipping-Sodbury, where Colonell Strange with a party of Horse began to fortify: but upon the notice of our Advance retreated to Berkely.

No sooner had the Herefordshire men disbanded, and returned to their owne houses, but Prince Rupert falls backe out of Shropshire, and comes upon them with his whole Army. The noise of his Arrivall doth hasten the Governours returne to Gloucester: who drew thence two hundred Horse, and five hundred foote into the Borders of Herefordshire, where many of the Countrey people resorted unto him, some with fire weapons, some with others: but the want of strength, especially of Horse, render'd him of little capacity to preserve them. The people having good desires, but daunted with the greatnesse of the enemy, and the slendernesse of our forces, were wholly lost. Sir William Waller was importuned to draw this way, or to send a strong party which might prove of the greatest advantage to the Kingdome, when the Princes designe was to lye on that Countrey to recruite his Army with men, horses and money for the Spring action, and the approach of the Parliaments Army; and would not onelyonly bring in the Countrey, and make them firme to their service, but disappoint if not destroy Prince Ruperts Army, at that time the greatest in the Kingdome, being a confluence of the forces of Prince Rupert, Prince Maurice, Colonell Gerard, Lord Hastings, Lord Ashly, & Sir Marmaduke Langdale. These men beare p. 133all before them, take mens Persons, spoyle their Estates, disarme the Countrey, reape the benefit of the late insurrection, and extract money by force and terrour from the poore people: whose destruction as well as their late rising in Armes is wholly lost to the Parliament, and serve onelyonly to make up the enemies recruite. The Princes impresse men in great abundance in Hereford, Monmouch, Worcestershire, raise great summes of money, get good store of Armes: necessity in part casting them upon such ways of violence; and coercive power. And though the prest men were of suspected fidelity, and lesse value, and had often deceived them in the heate of battell: yet they conduced to the sudden forming of an Army when the Kings Affaires grew desperate, and thrust in with the old Volunteers made up the bulke of a great Body. Thus both the strength and the ruines of the Countrey are left to the enemy, when by the aide of twelve hundred Horse in the beginning of this insurrection, the hopes of the businesse might without vanity promise the Parliament many thousand fighting men of all sorts besides those already in pay.

Sir John Winter the plague of the Forrest once more importuned the releife of Lidney House, and obtaines from the Prince about two thousand Horse, and fifteene hundred foot, who breake in to destroy the Countrey and disarme the Inhabitants. The Governour with what strength he can make marched to Wesbury and quartered within a mile and a halfe of the enemy, and gave order to the Guards that beset Lidney, that the foote be drawne off to the Garrison of Nast, and Highmeadow, and the Horse repaire to the Randevouze, which was done without losse, when the Forrest was full of the enemy. He preserved likewise the lower parts neere the river, but for want of horse wherein the enemy did abound, could not without extreame hazard and losse advance to the further parts, where they kept their Randevouze, and which they laide wast, plundering the houses to the bare walls, driving all the cattell, siezing upon the persons of men, and sending them Captives to Monmouth, and Chepstow, except such as escaped to us by flight, (as many did with their Armes) and some few that saved themselves in Woods and Minepitts. The enemy did not adventure into the lower and neerer places, where our foot lay ready and resolved to undertake theirs if they came on. Our Neighbouring parts of Hereford and Worcestershire, runne the like fortune with these in the Forrest, and looke blacke upon this Garrison which was not able to preserve them. The Kings forces returned the second time into p. 134the Forrest; and tooke the gleanings of the former Harvest: yet the neerer parts are still prrserved. The enemy raised themselves to a great power, already reputed sixe thousand horse and foote, and seeme to endeavour Northward, wherefore the Governour intending to helpe the Countrey, by driving up the Reare of their march, or to put in for any service, advanced to Lidbury with foure hundred horse and five hundred foot, his whole marching strength, notwithstanding the addition of two hundred and fifty Horse from Northampton and Warwicke, and with this party attended the enemyes motion. Hither Prince Rupert advanced with the best part of his Army, of whose approach neither spye nor Scout from the Out-guards made the least discovery, till they came within halfe a mile of the Towne, horse and foote, to surprize or at least to surround us. The Governour instantly commanded the Horse to mount, and drew up the foote, though not in so good order as he might, by reason of the sudden Alarme; and suspecting what he afterwards founde, that the Prince would endeavour to compasse him in, he marched off the foot with all due speed that the enemyes right or left wing might not get before us, which they endeavored by sending one party to the Towns end to keep us in action there, whilst two other parties fetched a compasse upon either hand. In the meane while he brought up those few horse, that were not upon the Out-guards to charge the enemy at their first entrance, and placed an Ambuscado of twenty Musqueteeres to make good the retreate. But the businesse was acted so, that the Governour in person with the Field Officers and Captaines were enforced to entertaine the enemy with severall charges, and beare their brunt alone, till the foote had ridde some ground before them. In this part of the skirmish their losse was the greatest for number, of ours only Major Backehouse mortally wounded, the Governour, whom the Prince aimed to charge, had his horse wounded under him by two severoll shots. Our men drew off as was meete, & made good the retreat three or foure miles to the enemyes losse, till they came up to a place of shelter, when hasting to get before the right wing of the enemyes horse, they were put into some confusion. And the Horse having no great desire to fight, neglected the advantage of the place, to stop the pursuit though the Governour endeavoured what he could to engage them. That the enemy fell in among the Reare Guard of the foote, where he lost neare two hundred men taken prisoners: many Country men being taken in to make up the number. This businesse cost them p. 135the lives of some gallrnt Officers, and the Prince missed his aime of surprizing Colonell Massye, but the Governour supposed the stay of the Princes march an advantage to the Service.

Neverthelesse the Army continued some dayes after, betweene Hereford and Worcester recruiting dayly, and seeme to put much confidence in the Country, whom they cause, not onelyonly to abjure the Parliament, but binde over to themselves by solemne oath, swearing in the presence of God; That they beleeve no power of Pope or Parliament can depose the King, and obsolve them from their naturall obedience to his Royall Person and Successors, that the two Houses of Parliament without the Kings consent, have no power to make Lawes, or to binde or oblige the subjects by their Ordinances, that they beleeve the Earl of Essex, and Manchester, and Sir Thomas Fairsaxe, Sir William Waller, Colonell Massie, together with all such as have already, or shall hereafter take up Armes by Authority, or commission from the members of Parliament at Westminster, pretending to fight for King and Parliament, doe thereby become actuall Rebells, and as such ought with all their adherents and partakers, to be presented and brought to condigne punishment: that they will never beare Armes in their quarrell, but will, if they be thereto called, assist their Soveraine and his Armies in the defence of his Royall Person, Crowne, and Dignity, against all contrary forces to the utmost of their skill and power, and with the hazard of their lives and fortunes; that they will not discover the secresies of his Majesties Army unto the Rebells, nor hold any correspondence with them; and all designes of theirs against the Kings Army, for the surprizing or delivering up of the Cities of Hereford or Worcester, or any other of his Majesties Forts, they shall truly discover to those whom it shall concern, so soone as it comes to their knowledge. That his Majesties taking up Armes for the causes by himselfe so often declared in Print is justly necessary. That they shall endeavour all they can to hinder popular tumults, risings, randevouzes, meetings, confederacies, and associations of the people, townes, hundreds, and countries, which are not warranted to assemble by his Majesties expresse commission, or by power derived from him by vertue of his Commissions, and in the sense he meanes it, and that they detest from their heart that seditious and traiterous late invented nationall covenant, and protest never to take it. All these particulars they vow and protest sinceerely to obsolve without Equivocation or mentall Reservation. This Pretestation p. 136was strictly injoyned by the Princes, to be taken by all without exception, in the Counties of Mounmouth, Glamorgan, Breekno…ke, Radnor, Hereford, and Worcester. Neverthelesse this constained act could not knit the hearts of a male-contented Country to the love of that side, nor could the State permit the enemies exaction and violence by this vow eternally to binde up the people from well-doing.

The Princes Army is the maine rest of the Kings Affaires which they strengthen daily by impressing the Countrey, taking in lesser Brigades, and draining the Garrisons, and a part of Gorings Army passed over the Seaverne from Bristoll into Wales, and so to Rupert at Hereford. After a little stay to perfect the recruite the enemy drew thence, the Infantery and Artillery lay betweene Worcester and Beaudly commanded by Sir Jacob Ashley, whilest Rupert and Maurice with the horse and some select foote fetch off the King from Oxford, assisted also with Gorings Horse and Dragoones, who left his Majesty at Stew and marched backe over the hills into the West through our Borders.

The Governour received another dropping by the addition of two Troops from Newport-Pagnell, the Auxiliaryes were in all three hundred and forty: his owne so few, weake, and ill armed, that he could scarce muster a hundred fighting Horse: and those much discontented, observing the rest in good equipage, but themselves in the constant action of Souldiers naked and miserable. These are imployed in attending the enemyes march, to preserve the Countrey what they may; yet they disturbe it with frequent Alarmes, and sometims beate up the lesser partyes, and upon sundry attempts tooke one Colonell, divers Captaines, with inferiour Officers and souldiers.

Sir John Winter despairing of longer subsistance and livelyhoode, deserted and fired his house at Lidney, having first spoyled the Forrest and so before hand with revenge. By this time the Counties round about are cleared of the Kings Army, and Colonell Massie received a larger supply of Horse from the remainder of Colonell Bher and D'albeirs Regiments commanded by Major Buller: and thereby inabled to undertake some important Service. Evesham was beheld as the most opportune and of greatest concernment in distressing Wor cester, and establishing the Committee by Order of Parliament for that County. Wherefore the Governour drew before it with five hundred foote from Gloucester, and two hundred from Warwicke, who belonged to the Worcester Committee, with a strong able Brigade of Horse, and in the name of the King and Parliament summoned Colonell p. 137Robert Legge Governour of the towne, to make a speedy surrender of the Garrison with all Persons, Armes, Ammunition and Provision, which he there held against the justice of them both, or upon refusall to expect such justice as fire and sword would inflict. And to this he expected a speedy answer. Colenell Legge sent backe the Summons with this answer. You are hereby answered in the name of his Majesty, that this garrison which I am intrusted to keep, I will defend so long as I can with the men armes and ammunition therein, being nothing terrified by your summons. I perceave you are a stranger to our strength and resolution, further treaties will be troublesome.

Upon this returne the Governour prepared the designe, and ordered to each Officer his charge in the storme. The assault was to be made on each part of the towne. The side that lookes towards Worcester was to be stormed in five places with one place at the bridge on the other side of the river. The commanded parties of the foote were lead on by the severall Captaines, and seconded by the Horse devided into three Bodies. After the disposition of the designe, and the night spent in Alarmes, the Signall was given a little after breake of day, when both horse and foote fell on together with life and heate in a furious assault, broke up the Pallisadoes, filled the grafts with faggots, and other preparations, made sundry passages, recovered the workes, and stood firme on the Parapet, whilest the Musqueteers from within played furiously. The foot having recovered the shelter of the ditch beate off the enemy, got up by scaling ladders, stood on the breast workes, and some entred but were againe driven up by the Horse to the top of the workes, where they stood firme and fired, but after a while ready to be beaten off by the violent charge of the enemies horse, till a party of our horse on that fide drawing up close, and having a small breach made for their entrance, fell in and beate off the enemy from that bul warke; whilest another party made an entrance neare the Bridge. And now they tumble over the works on all sides: and charge up both horse and foote with equall gallantry, bore downe the enemy and mastered the Garrison. The conflict was hot and difficult for almost an houre, and maintained by the enemy with much resolution. The lives of the Officers and Souldiers were wonderfully preserved in that violent storme, when each man was exposed to the hazard of the most daring enemy. Of the Officers two onelyonly wounded, and ten private souldiers slaine, and twelve of the enemy. The prisoners taken in the garrison were five hundred and fifty on the list, of whom two Colonells one Major, thirteene Captaines, with other Officers and Gentlemen reformadoes to p. 138the number of seventy. Many Gentlemen and Officers that charged with the Governour, acted their parts with courage, and spurd on the valour of the souldiers. The reserve of foot devided into three bodies, to second the assaylants performed as became resolved men, and the whole action was compleate according to the Idea & Platforme of the designe. The Evening before to keep off an approaching enemy from Worcester, about a hundred horse were drawne out, and kept guard five miles from Evesham, faced a party of horse from Worcester, whose hasty and distracted retreat gave such an alarme to the whole City, that they fired foure peece of Ordnance before day, and alarmed the Countrey round about, when the Conquest was already secured, and the Parliament Masters of Evesham.

This performance was the concluding honour of Colonell Massies government, after his remove from the present command was resolved by both Houses of Parliament, when the desires of promoving the publike service made him to hazard the fame of his former atchievements by the doubtfull issue of the last action.

Some dayes before hee had an honourable invitation from the Westerne Gentlemen, and the same day that he entred Evesham, received a Commission from the Lords and Commons to leade an Army in the West: The Parliaments command found the Governour absolutely free in affection and choice, willing to comply with their pleasures, neither longing to stay, nor eager of a change, but in any place ready to spend his blood in the Kingdomes Cause, if he might not spend it in vaine. Neverthelesse the City and County of Gloucester did much resent it, and something repine that their Governour should be snatched from such a people as had done much, and suffered much in their fidelity and resolution without president (considering the many assaults) that had sacrificed their lives and fortunes in preserving this City and the Kingdome therein, that had borne so much in the firing of the Suburbs, in the burning of many houses neere the towne, some by the Enemies malice, and some by themselves for safety, and the pressures of the Country under both Armies. They cast up the consequence and concernment of the place, being the Center, Garden and Granary of the Kingdome, the Blocke-house to the river of Severne, and a barre to all passages betweene Worcester, Bristoll, and the Sea, the stop of entercourse betweene Oxford and Wales, the Key to open the passage upon the Welsh and their Frontiers, and the locke and barre to keepe-out their incursions: the onelyonly refuge and safety for the Parliament party and friends in that part of the p. 139Kingdome, and the Enemies sole hinderance from the command of the whole West. Besides, this they had strong desires of retaining their Governour having so long experience of his judgement to foresee dangers, and care to prevent them, of his readinesse to issue out for offence and defence upon each incursion, of his indefatigable industry in taking the advantage of all oportunities to weaken rhe Enemy, and happy successe in all enterprizes, of his disposition and comportment, by which he cherished the well-affected, ratisfied and confirmed the indifferent, reduced the very malignant: and by himselfe engaged the Country to armes, and governed the souldiers from mutiny, rapine, and plunder, or other violence in the Garrison or Country. To all which they added an unavoidable prejudice against any stranger, though in himselfe able and faithfull, considering the many by-past plots, and the Enemies implacable malice who breath out threatnings daily. Such was the sense of the people universally. And the Major and Aldermen with the whole City Nemnie Contradicente did so farre honour themselves in vindicating Colonell Massie, as to petition both Houses of Parliament for his continuance in the Government, representing in expresse termes his noble disposition, constant and unwearied paines, blest by God with extraordinary successe, and his maine influence on the hearts of the people in generall, most of them being by him ingaged in armes for the Parlinment, and upon the whole so idiery, who were kept together to serve in this Countrie, chiefely by the love and respect they beare to him. And this they acknowledged not with an intention of prescribing rules to the State, but out of their care and zeale to the common Cause. They likewise importuned the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-Councell of London, upon the mutuall bonds of former engagement, in defending and raising the late Siege of Gloucester, to represent unto the Parliament the sense of their feares, and the Countries distraction at the removall of Colonell Massie: complaining of the sinister ends of some few persons who brought in a crosse Petition, with Articles in the name of the County of Gloucester, which no part of the County did ever acknowledge, and of which no corner thereof was conscious.

The House of Commons would not accept the charge against Colonell Massie, and that they might deale in the businesse without partiality, refused also the Countries Petition. Neverthelesse the Speaker was directed in the name of the House, by way of answer to their requests, to let them know, that they were very sensible of the dangers that might attend an alteration in that kinde, but that the Governour provided to p. 140succeed might speedily give such assurance against such dangers, that there will be no cause for them to continue, much lesse to encrease their feares. That the House was confident that their constant readinesse to comply with the publike, would also in this particular of Colonell Massies removall make them rest content in the resolution of the Parliament in that matter. Though Gloucester be a place they prize, and care for as much as any in the Kingdome, yet for the present it was thought of greater necessitie to imploy him in that command of the Westerne Forces and they cannor doubt of the concurrence and submission of those well-affected parts in whatsoever is judged to be of publike advantage.

Hereupon it was ordered the third of June, 1645 by the Lords and Commons, that Master Luke Nurse Major of Gloucester, Alderman Singleton, and Colonell Blunt, or any two of them shall have the command of the Garrison of Gloucester, and of the Forces and Garrison in Gloucestershire, in as ample manner as Colonell Massie had till the appointed Governour come downe to his charge there, or the Houses take other order.

Colonell Massie in the meane while labours to disingage the affections of the Countrey, and to take off discontents and mutiny, and beseeches the Parliament to send downe the succeeding Governour that he might seeke to interest him in the hearts of the people, whom he never desired to indeare unto himselfe, but to those Masters whom he served, which was a full testimony of a true Servant to the State, upon the sole termes of Conscience and Honour.

FINIS.

End of the text · John Corbet, Historical Relation of the Military Government of Gloucester (1645)