Historical Relation of the Military Government of Gloucester, Errata (1 of 2)
Errata.
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AN Historicall Relation Of The Military Government of GLOUCESTER.
AMidst the variety of action in the present Age, the course of this Military Government was conceived not unworthy to be knowne unto more than them that acted, or beheld at a nearer distance; onelyonly the care of a true and meete Representation held his thoughts, who hath now brought it to the publick light, and hazarded the censure of these knowing times. If I have fallen below the Story, I shall neither begg acceptance nor crave pardon for a deliberateerrour; neverthelesse to give an accompt of the designe is no more then that due which all may expect and challenge: onelyonly the Princes of Learnings Empire are authentick in the very name, and require an uncontrolled passe without a Preface to …ther them: but whosoever owes respect and d… to the world, his observance will plead for the necessity of a … introduction.
The Relation therefore brings to remembrance the affaires of a particular Command, which as yet hath not been the meanest part of the present warfare, the event wherof all Christendome may expect with admiration and horrour; tis one branch of the History of these times, which happily may be viewed in severall parcells better then in one entire body: for such a Chronicle, if it shall duely expresse the rise and progresse of things, must needs be perplexed with multiplicity of interwoven Discourses, when three Kingdomes are ingaged, and no part in either of them stand free as Spectators onelyonly of the common calamity; that the worke must either swell into a bulke mishapen and burdensome, or lye too narrow to comprize the severall parts in their just and perfect measures; but many single Narrations doe more exactly delineate, give the truest colours, and put upon things the most unsuspected visage. Generall Histories doe seldome approach the fountaine of action, and their glosse though beautifull, yet more dull cannot hold forth that native grace and lustre. Whereas there appeare in particular branches those lively sparklings and more secret motions of life and heate, which strike upon that fancy and intellect that can behold and reach them; besides, they that gather up so many divided Plots (as are now acted) into one modell, are wont to endeavour after a smoother path, a greater harmony, and more exact symmetry of parts; whereas the face of things is conscious of more disproportion, sometimes a confusion of businesse, and the severall scenes may easily swerve from the originall plot; but the divided parts drawne in severall are not so constrained and rackt, but come naked and more simple, and shew that the reason of the same Counsells is one in the Senate or Conclave; another in the field, discovers the failing or the crosse-working of contrivances, how in the midst of action the maine Land-markes are waved, and many grand projects never reach their period. Out of all which the comparing faculty of a judicious observer may collect the mis-guidance or defects of Policy; and see how the pearcing subtilties of wit are broken and shattered by the course of things more knotty, rude, and and violent; and this is the life of History, that ought to declare the delinquency of State as well as its accomplishment and perfection.
If the materialls of the Worke be questioned whether fit to be drawne up into one regular and compacted whole, and to make a standing monument, we also know that nothing in this kinde is to be thrust upon the world, since History doth intend to gratifie the future times with the remembrance of those things onelyonly which prudent men desire, and claime from such as pretend an interest and portion in the treasures of knowledge; it beares therefore before it nothing more then the thing it selfe gives forth, and which may finde acceptance with severer wits; for not onelyonly the remarkable changes of the Universe, the grand periods of Kingdomes and Common-wealths, the chiefe and turning points of State-affaires, but particular Plat-formes, lives, examples, and emergent occasions also, are to be observed and laid up for posterity. More yet, those particularities, and minute passages are they that come home to mens businesse, approach their experience, and guide their course; but things more grand and lofty seeme to be turned upon the wheeles of Providence; too high for the imitation of men. The worke of a politick or martiall man is to fixe his designe, and then to expect the accomplishment, not by one sudden or great atchievement, but by a series of many particles, and through an infinite variety of emergent occasions, and at last the maine turning point falls in by the over-ruling power of the Universall cause; such are properly the workes of men into which they ought to enquire and search. Besides, the chiefe skill is not the generall knowledge of the maine undertaking, but a certaine dexterity in meeting every point, in working through many mazes and windings, since sundry passages of small purport intervene to disturbe or promove it. Experience tells, that many Universall Schollars are the most uncouth persons to Civill imployment, which so happens, because they study Bookes more then the course of businesse, in which they gaze upon high objects, and binde themselves to the riged observance of received Canons; that if they venture amongst men, upon a slight accident unexpected, they sticke in the mire or runne a wrong course. We dislike not the taking up of well tryed Principles, onelyonly by examples of all sorts must we learne to except and distinguish, and by consequence to use or abate the rigour of Politicall Maximes: neither doth it seldome come to passe that inferiour things over-rule, and a circumstance may be predominant. From such a low bottome and meane beginning are great things raised, and as their verticle point come in an instant, so may they be turned upon a weake and slender hinge; yet we meane not those circumstances that are the inseparable attendants of every naturall action, but onelyonly such as are worthy, and have a morall influence; all which shun their understandings who respect onelyonly great, and excelse objects, which peradventure may flourish with ostentation and pompe, but if applyed unto the life of man bring forth an effect like the birth of the Mountaines. And here we tender a naked Comentary and true rehearsall of those things as deserve not wholly to be forgotten; if it be not full of rare changes which may grace the composure, and affect the Reader; yet doth it give the full draught of a Martiall command, and a true Copy of the things it intends to expresse: it hath this advantage it common with others of the like nature, that it can come forth to the censure of the present Age without the guilt and shame of mistakes or flatteries. Authors more Universall could never gaine to be stiled the Writers of unquestionable verities, for they see at a greater distance, and by a more obscure and duskey light: certainly a nearer approach, and some kind of interest is required of him that desires to shew not onelyonly some tarcke and foot-steps, but the expresse image of things, for whatsoever passes from hand to hand though upon the most undubitable Authority, proves at the best but the image of a Picture: for the best wit that takes things though upon the surest trust, must needs fall short of the Copy by which he writes, if not in beauty, yet in the truth and life thereof. The onelyonly danger in such as are intressed is, least they be partiall to their own side, or make the Discourse more lofty then the Stage can reach; which mischiefe the deliberate thoughts of a serious man can prevent, and tell him that the unvayling of the defects, and misfortunes of his owne party doth evince the sincerity of the Relation, and graceth it with more variety, then what the continuall streame of the hight of gallantry and successe can yeeld; and which is most of all, doth demonstrate that at some times the designe was laid upon the principles of reason, and prosecuted with industry, whereas continuall victory is attributed to a certaine hidden felicity, and the bounty of providence. Affection therefore receives a check from that man who is more true to his owne faction and ends, then to transgresse against the honour of that worke he takes in hand.
As for this Military Government, the power hereof hath rested in one Command, and therefore doth more easily close into a single frame, yet not in a smooth and equall straine, but distinguished by many rises and falls: 'tis a branch almost divided from the maine stocke, and hath been put to live and act of it selfe: neverthelesse a branch still, and enlivened by the Authority of the Kingdomes soveraigne power, from which it receives an influence both of support and guidance: but its distance from the fountaine of power had derived upon the Trustee a more free command, and made way for the perfect worke of a souldier both counsell and action, which is the surest way to make such commands both active and prosperous.
The seate hereof lyes in the heart of the enemies Country, like a forlorn hope, and is maintained not so much for its owne sake, or that so much ground might lye under a Parliament Power, but to divide the Kings Association, to stop his Recrutes, to scarter his Forces, and continually to distract the designes of that Army. Experience is witnesse of how great concernment it hath been to the safety of the Commonwealth, not one place in the Kingdome of England hath so much exhausted the enemies Army, nor hath the like advantage to ruine it: It can paine them at the heart, 'tis a fire kindled in their bowels, that might eate out their strength, had it been the felicity of the State to have sent hither a part of those great supplies, which have been else-where expended, and done little towards the conclusion of the great worke.
If this Collection shall present any thing that comes home to a civill life, or the imployment of a Souldier, if it shall bring to minde acceptable services, and cause the people to remember the day of small things, with the power of active and faithfull endeavours, that observe and follow the Divine Providence, I shall not faile of my end: and I know that this my adventure is no more then what the action doth deserve, and the world may challenge.
THe ingagement of the City of Gloucester in this common Cause of Religion and Liberty, first began when the Houses of Parliament declared to the Kingdome their resolution of a defensive War: neither were its principall and active men drawne in by inferiour and accidentall motives, but quickened by the same Principles in the maine, that did enliven and actuate the Supreme Court, expressing themselves the very motions of a Parliamentary spirit by an absolute and greedâ compliance with every act that breathed towards the perfect health of the State, the severall Remonstrances of both Houses were received with all due respect, whereas no Declaration sent from the other Party, found the courtesie of a formall entertainment. It hath beene the honour of that Civill Government, never to be guilty of the least act of disservice against that Cause which their hearts wish might prevaile and prosper. Therefore when the fire kindled and fomented by Jesuited Papists and their adherents, was blowne up into a flame, and the heads of two Parties appeared within this Realme, the City of Gloucester determined not to stand Neutrall in action, but to adhere unto one party, with which they resolved to stand or fall, necessity requiring no lesse, which affection improves into vertue. The acknowledgement of its owne advantage in scituation and strength importuned a more timely Declaration, least by it selfe neglected, it should be seized by the Enemy, whose eâe was upon it, and so cast into perpetuall bondage. Also the greatest part of the Country consented and resolved to maintaine their Birth-rights in the defence of the Priviledges and Power of Parliament, against all invasions of usurpation and tyranny.
During the Kings preparaetions in the North, they attempted (according to the slendernes of al beginnings) to put themselves into a posture of defence, and exspected the instructions of Parliament. And whereas the Ordinance of Militia was the first pretended ground of difference betweene his Majesty and the Houses, (they desiring such Officers in whom the State might confide, and the King refusing to deprive them that by himselfe were intrusted) when the rent was once made, a greater necessity impleaded the execution of that Ordinance: Whereupon the Lord Say was by Order of Parliament appointed Lord Lieutenant: A Commission was likewise granted unto divers Gentlemen for Deputy Lieutenants, many whereof drew back and shunned the imployment, that the power for the most part rested in the Members of the House of Commons for this County, by whose countenance many Companies of Volunteers were raised, then called the Militia Bands, and led by such Captaines as the Embryo of the Warre could afford. But the first undertaking was more jocund then the progresse; as oft times it comes to passe, that a Military pompe and appearance of bravery doth affect and raise up many feeble spirits, who quickly lye flat when they begin to feele the stubbornesse and cruelty of Warre.
The Commission of Array did not adventure to render it selfe to the people; it was about to be offered to their liking at Cirencester, by the Lord Chando's and some other disaffected Gentlemen, but was stifled in the birth, and crusht by the rude hand of the multitude before it saw the light; the chiefe Abetter thereof was like to suffer violence by the meanest of the people, whose fury constrained him to promise, and give under his hand, that he would never more deale in the businesse. But when they saw that this Lord had escaped their hands by a secret conveyance, they were the more enraged, and waxed cruell against his Accoutrements and Furniture, and whatsoevtr of his was left behind, delighting in a contumelious revenge and rustick triumph. Such were the effects of that fury that tooke hold on the ignoble multitude, in whom not alwaies the deepe sense of their owne interests doth provoke this extasie of passion, but peradventure a slighter accident and unexpected turning of the fancy sets them in a hurry, when their insolency becomes intollerable, and they glory to vent their humours, by reason of an usuall restraint and subjection. Neverthelesse they have produced good effects, and oft times a more undescerned guidance of superiour Agents turnes them to the terrour of the Enemy, and an unexplecable selfe-ingagement upon the common people, which prudent men promote and maintaine, yet no farther then themselves can over-rule and moderate. Hereupon the full streame of the Country runnes for the Ordinance of the Militia, and against the Kings Declarations and Commission of Array. But since we are now upon the beginning of action, it will not be from the matter to declare the grounds of that affection which the Country did expresse, and were common unto them with many parts of the Kingdome, that were devoted to the same Cause, but might appeare in a greater degree, and have a clearer evidence in the present example. Most men therefore did undoubtedly foresee greater hopes of liberty from the Parliament then the Kings Party; in so much that there appeared in all the States adhearents an inbred propensity to freedome, but a desire of vast Dominion, Dignity, revenge, or rapine in them that tooke to the contrary Faction; by which this Country did seeme well disposed to comply with the Parliaments grand Designe: for there was no excessive number of powerfull Gentry, who for the most part care not to render themselves the slaves of Princes, that they also might rule over their Neighbours as Vassalls: But the Inhabitants consisted chiefly of Yeomen, Farmers, petty Free-holders, and such as use Manufactures that enrich the Country, and passe through the hands of a multitude, a generation of men truely laborious, jealous of their Properties, whose principall ayme is Liberty and Plenty, and whilst in an equall ranke with their Neighbours they desire onelyonly not to be oppressed, and account themselves extreamely bound to the world, if they may keepe their owne; such therefore continually thwart the intentions of tyrannie unto which they onelyonly are moulded, who detesting a close, hardy, and industrious way of living doe eate their bread in the sweat of other men, and neglecting a secure estate, rejoyce rather in the height of fortune though inconstant and dangerous. Such is the predominant humour of Gentlemen in a corrupted age. Besides, the Country-man had of his owne, and did not live by the breath of his great Land lord; neither were the poore and needy at the will of the Gentry, but observed those men by whom those Manufactures were maintained that kept them alive. By which meanes it came to passe that neither they of the middle ranke, nor the needy were de voted to the examples of the Gentlemen who turned back, betrayed their trust (and are alwaies more apt to be corrupted, or mistaken in judging of the common interest) but had learned to reverence their Liberties, and to acknowledge their native happinesse.
But some higher cause had a greater influence on the endeavours of many for a well-bounded Freedome, and regular Priviledges; a knowledge of things pertaining to Divine Worship, according to the maine Principles of the Christian profession. Which Religion is not according to the will of man but grounded upon an unchangeable and eternall Truth, and doth indispensably binde every soule to one Law perpetuall and constant. This therefore doth strongly implead the necessity of externall priviledges in her Professors, and though it doth not destroy the Kingdomes of the World, nor usurpe a greater liberty then humane Lawes will easily grant, yet it will not give away its native right; and it hath moreover in its nature an irreconcileable emnity against Arbitrary Government, and will worke its selfe out of bondage when the felicity of the times shall give power and a lawfull call. And in this kinde of knowledge this City and County was more happy then many other parts of the Kingdome by meanes of a practicall Ministry, which hath not onelyonly its powerfull working in Divine things, but doth also inable vulgar capacities more fitly to apply themselves to such things as cenverne the life of a morall man; and although each Person thus informed reacheth not the depth of the reason, yet he can comprehend the truth thereof, and jealousie makes him the more quick-sighted. Thus have we found that the common people addicted to the Kings service have come out of blinde Wales, and other dark corners of the Land; but the more knowing are apt to contradict and question, and will not easily be brought to the bent. For this cause the ambition of the times hath endeavoured the undermining of true Religion, to promote a blind and irrationall worship, that might bring forth an ignorant and slavish generation of men, which kinde of bondage the meanest person that performes a reasonable service cannot but resent and feare.
Yet something there was that might debase and infeeble their spirits (the plague and mischiefe of the whole Realme) a grosse ignorance, and supine neglect of Military Discipline, there being no ground for the study and exercise of Armes that might keepe the body of the State in health and vigour. Nor is it unlikely that extreame vassalage was the end of that long sluggish Peace, when the Nation could not have been more happy, then in some just and honourable warre with forraigne parts, though now none more miserable by reason of these civill broyles, that teare the bowels and eate up the strength of the Kingdome. 'Tis no shame in the progresse of time to looke backe upon the beginnings of action. The Trained Bands accounted the maine support of the Realme, and Bulworks against unexpected invasions, were effeminate in courage and uncapable of Discipline, because their whole course of life was alienated from warlike imployment, in so much that young and active spirits were more perfect by the experience of two daies service. Wherefore these men might easily repine at oppression, and have a will to preserve themselves; yet a small body of desperate Cavalliers might over runne and ruine them at their pleasure. Some professed Souldiers were sent downe from the Parliament to settle these and the Militia bands, who had this onelyonly according to the Rules of warre, to be gathered under severall Captaines, and many of them into the forme of a Regiment, which disposition might fit them for a suddaine service, and the very posture conferre something of a warlike spirit.
Within the City of Gloucester one Company of Volunteers was added to the Trayned Band, and some Peeces of Ordinance obtained from London and Bristoll, which were then received with universall amazement by an Inland people, though not long after they grew familiar with their terrible executions: meane while the City was open on three parts at least, and had no considerable defence, onelyonly capable thereof by advantage of scituation: The Citizens did mainely shew their care and affection in fortifying the Towne, a worke both expensive and tedious; being of great compasse, and raised from the ground: During these things the Enemy came not neere our dwellings, we heard of them a farre off, but little thought that the cloud of blood should be blowne from the North and settle over us, upon whom it afterwards brake into so many showres; that this place should become the seate of Warre, and the Stage of action; that then lying open to a free commerce with the World, it should be shut up sometimes in strict custody, but still under a larger confinement, and beleagured at a distance in the midst of the Kings head Garrisons.
At that time the rumours of Warre and first acts of Hostility quickly filled the eares and tongues of people, Alarms were then taken at a greater distance, and the first was given from the neighbour City of Worcester, by five hundred of the Kings Horse, which entred the Towne, and at that season were not the least part of his Majesties forces: His whole strength could not amount to the number of a just Army, according to the slender proportion of those times, neither could they march like a set and perfect body, but flasht through the Land as the Lightning that strikes from one quarter of the Heaven to the other. The noyse of a nearer Enemy raised the Volunteers of the Country, who marched under the conduct of some Gentlemen towards Worcester, expecting to meete Colonell Nathaniel Fiennes with a strength of Horse, but Colonell Fiennes had faced the Towne and drawne off before the advance of our Foote, and they also retreated having done nothing, but so meanely prepared for the service, that they were much bound to the Enemy that they fell not out of the City and cut them in peeces. The same Volunteers came on the second time, and were to joyne once more with Colonell Fiennes, who returned with a greater strength of Horse and Dragoones under the Command of Colonell Sands, and now also prevented our Foot; they attempted the onset, and approached the Towne with much speed and confidence on the Welch side of Seaverne, supposing the Earle of Essex at hand to assault the other side; but were meerely deluded by a false Message from the Enemy with a signall accordingly given, at which instant of time Prince Rupert arrived at Worcester. By meanes of this deceit the Horse rush upon an Ambuscado, when through the straightnesse of the passage first over a Bridge, then through a narrow Lane, neither the Reare could be brought up, nor the Van make a Retreat. 'Twas an hot skirmish, and performed with sufficient gallantry on our part by them that came up, where persons of value were slaine and taken, the rest wholly routed and fled in confusion farre beyond the reach of a persuite. This Victory was of great consequence to the Enemy, because the Omen and first fruits of the warre. Upon this the Kings forces hearing of the approach of the Parliament Army immediately quitted the Towne: so they shifted from place to place since their inconsiderable number would scarce allow them to erect any Garrison; yet they encreased by their motion and quick dispatch, gathered the strength of the Countries as they passed along, and withall overcame the contempt of their small numbers, and by frequent execution gained the repute of a Party not easily to be vanquished. This they acted while the Parliament Army lay still, or marched according to the slow paces of a greater Body. The day after the Skirmish the Earle of Essex entred Worcester with his whole Power, and there continued a moneths space, sent forth severall Parties, as the Lord Stanford to Hereford to prevent the Forces of South-wales, whilst the King lay about Shrewsbury, and raised himselfe to such an Army as was able to deale with and endanger that maine power raised by the Parliament.
After the famous Battaile at Edge-hill, the first large field of bloud in these Civill Warres, though the Kings Army was there much broken, yet his strength increased, and multitudes began to looke towards him, as one at least-wise possible not to be overcome, and in this strange confluence of men His Army seemed like that fabulous generation that sprung out of the teeth of the Cadmean Serpent buried in the earth. The neglected Enemy becomes formidable, and the Parliament Forces may desire their first advantage, but have sufficiently learned that to give the first blow is not against the Law of a defensive warre; the hopes of a subitaneous service are lost and the Kingdome is made sensible, that their peace and liberty will cost much bloud. Both the Armies begin to take up their winter quarters in the most defensible places, and for the most part are setled according to the affections and ingagements of the people; Colonell Thomas Essex marched into Gloucester with the Command of two Regiments of Foote as Governour of the Towne, but as yet the Deputy Lieutenants had the sole Command of the County. Foure weekes had not passed in this Government but Colonell Essex was commanded to Bristoll, to secure and settle that City of so great concernment, both by Sea and Land, and at that time much distracted between the well-affected and malignant parties. So it was, that the Kings Cause and Party were favoured by two extreames in that City; the one the wealthy and powerfull men, the other of the basest and lowest sort, but disgusted by the middle ranke, the true and best Citizens. Thus the present state of things had taught men to distinguish between the true Commons of the Realme and the dreggs of the people; the one the most vehement assertors of Publicke Liberty, but the other the first rise of Tyrannicall Government, and the foot-stoole upon which Princes tread when they ascend the height of Monarchy. In that City many of the rich men were dis-affected to reformed Religion, and some more powerfull were conscious of delinquency; others upbrayded themselves with their owne publicke disgrace, and therefore did much distaste the waies of the Parliament, and the needy multitude besides their naturall hatred of good Order were at the devotion of the rich men. These therefore began to raise Commotions, and hearing of the advance of the Forces from Gloucester, flocked together after a tumultuary manner, shut up the Gates, but chiefly guarded that Port where they expected an entrance would be made, and planted many Ordnance against the approach of our men, with a full resolution to fire upon them. They were expected in the Evening, but Colonell Essex had intelligence of these preparations, and from a Party within was directed that night to march to another Gate (then neglected by the multitude) that should be set open; this was performed accordingly, and betimes in the morning he entred the City with his two Regiments, besides great numbers out of this County, and in an instant surprized the mutineers, and quashed the businesse without drawing of bloud.
The City of Gloucester was againe left naked till the Earle of Stamford marched hither with his Regiment of Foot, and two Troopes of Horse from Hereford, the Earle himselfe was commanded into the West upon his first arrivall, but his Regiment designed for this City under the command of Lieutenant Colonell Massie, first as Deputy Governour under the Lord Stamford, afterwards with the power in himselfe which for the space of two yeares and sixe moneths continued an uninterupted and happy Government. The providence of God and the felicity of the place so over-ruling, that that Country which should endure the brunt, fustaine so many violent shocks, and beare up under the Kings whole Army should be defended by a Commander, whose experience, fidelity, and valour with indefatigable care and industry might answer the expectation of so great a trust, assisted with that Regiment, whose very name proved a terrour to the Enemy, and long enjoyed the honour of the most ancient Regiment in the Parliament Army, though broken, torne, and worne out with extraordinary duty and service. And because the meere pompe of Military preparations, and the hopes of a sudden Victory being now past, the warre hath put on a blacker visage, and the sad effects thereof come home to these parts; it is meete to expresse what was the state of the Country at that time. The inhabitants of this County had openly engaged themselves in the State service, nor as yet had they any thought of repenting, though cast into the midst of an inraged Enemy. Oxford is the Kings head Garrison, Herefordshire possessed by his Forces upon the first removall of the Earle of Stamford into Gloucester; Worcester hath already entertained a strength, Wales rise on the Kings behalfe by the power of the Lord Herbert: the Earle of Essex with his Army is drawne towards London, the Parliament Forces in the West have their hands full; and there remaine in these parts of the Kingdome onelyonly two broken Regiments at Bristoll, which was much distracted by intestine divisions, and one Regiment at Gloucester; so that the most slender Guard was left upon these parts, where the Enemy resolved their chiefe game for the winter action. And if this Country must be preserved, it must be done by the Volunteers, which were yet as a Cake not turned, a kinde of Souldiers not wholly drawn off from the Plow or domesticke imployments, having neither resolution nor support suitable to the service: But the greatest defect was the want of able and experienced Officers; neither had they any Commander in chiefe upon whom the hearts of the people might fasten.
Amidst these things the strength of the County was drawne to Cirencester a fronteer Towne towards the Kings head quarters, then made a Garrison to prevent the incursions of the Enemy, as well to preserve the Country from ruine as to advance the Publicke Service; Colonell Fettiplace had the Command of this Garrison, under whom some Traine Bands and Volunteers were drawne into a Regiment, and two Companies of the Lord Stamfords Regiment were added to incourage the businesse: a few Horse and Dragoones were raised at the free charge of the Country, and the rest of the Militia were to assist upon all appearance of danger: all things were trans-acted in a more voluntary, but lesse regular way. The businesse chiefly rested on Sir Robert Coske, Sir John Seamore, Master Natbaniel Stephens, Master Edward Stephens, Master Thomas Hodges, with the rest of the Deputy Lieutenants; and setting aside these men with some gleanings of the Gentry, the Yeomen, Farmers, Cloathiers, and the whole middle ranke of the people were the onelyonly active men. The Gentlemen in generall denyed their concurrence, discerting their Country either by open enmity or detestable neutrality; and from the Major part no better fruite was to be looked for in a degenerate Age, when in many of them there appeared an hatred of the Commons, and a strong disposition to the ends of Tyranny. Others there were not wholly averse from the good of the Common-wealth, whose enmity was grounded in Religion, which obtained the most eminent place in the Parliaments Cause. The superstitious adoring of their old way imbittered their spirits against reformed Religion, which to them seemed a peevish affectation of novelty, besides, the hatred and feare of Ecclesiasticall Discipline. But the greatest number neither driven by ambition, nor the spirit of blind zeale, onelyonly resolving to be true to themselves, deserted the State with some inclinations to the contrary Faction, reflecting on their estates invironed with the Kings Country, neare the heart of his strength and farre from Parliamentary supplies; besides, the violence and quicke dispatch of the Kings Army, with the slow performances of our Country Agents after the space of an ordinary legall course in those extremities, did much deterre them; the Country complained of their principall men for the neglect of Taxes, and the Gentlemen might happily see the grudgings of the Country in the payment of those Taxes (for the common people are alwaies covetous though well-affected) and forbeare to urge whatsoever might distaste the people, or crosse the Parliaments accustomed moderation. Which slow deliberations did lessen the esteem of the service in the hearts of many.
The secession of the dis-afiected Gentlemen did cast an aspe…sion that could not sticke, that the businesse was dese…ted by knowing men, and prosecuted by a rash and confused multitude. Whereas by no one thing could it more evidently appeare to be the Cause of the Commonwealth then by the acknowledgement of the whole Body of the Commons, which is more honest and wise in things of publicke concernement; for though they be very weake one by one, yet brought together they ballance each other, and when no man hath power to impropriate much, each man expects onelyonly a proportionable share in the Publicke interest. Neither is their judgement and fore-sight to be undervalued who are apt to discerne any thing that concernes themselves, and being united are not like to faile, for they have the best experience and are neerely affected with the woe or weale of the State, and so may sometimes judge better then those that guide it, as he that useth the house can better judge thereof then the Builder, and the Pilate of the Sterne then the Carpenter. And although they have not the first and most excellent part of knowledge to finde out, and by themselves to understand the rules of Government, yet have they the second part, which is also excellent to judge aright of things proposed, and if not made fit for the yoke by dependence on the Gentry, can discover the fraud that lyes under the fairest pretext; but the Gentlemen by depriving the meaner people of their due protection, blemished the reputation of their Families, and crossed the end of their honours and possessions, which in a well ordered State are given for a shelter to the under shrubs that some generous spirit neerer the Commons might keepe off the invasion of Princes, and whose power was most desired in such an exegence, to gather up the scatterings of the people and keepe them united, who for want of this concurrence were of lesse strength and vigour.
Such was the face of this Country now ready to receive the first shocke of the Enemies fury. About the first of January, 1642. the maine strength of the Kings Army came before Cirencester prepared and resolved to storme it, yet they onelyonly faced the Towne, and after two daies were strangely taken off, either disabled by the extreame cold on the Hills, or some suddaine misfortune, or daunted by the shew of unanimity and resolution in the people, or else clouded in their thoughts by the secret Will of God in the nick of action, that they made not the least attempt, but threatned an afterclap. A few daies after our forces had their designe upon Sudely Castle, at that time kept by Captaine Bridges in the behalfe of the Lord Chandos. Leiutenant Colonell Massie was intrusted with the manage of this action, who drew from Gloucester a Party of three hundred Musketteers, with two Sakres assisted with fourescore Horse, and foure Companies of Dragoones from Cirencester by order of a Counsell of Warre held there, and consent of the Deputy Lieutenants; there were in the Castle neere threescore Souldiers, with Provision and Ammunition sufficient: Our men drew up before it in the Evening, made severall shots, and the Canon did some Execution; the same night summons was given, the enemy refused to render upon quarter, but craved time till the next day, which in part was granted; Guards were set upon them all night, the next morning our men were drawne out to make an assault, Beds and Wooll-packs were fetched out of the Neighbourhood, which they tumbled before, and saved themselves from shot: the Horse and Dragoones came up before the foot approached the wall, and possest themselves of a Garden under the Castle, and got Hay and Straw which they fired, that the smoake driven by the wind smothered the house, in the shadow of which the Ordnance were brought up undiscovered, and planted against the weakest part of the Castle, which when the enemy perceived they sounded a parley, and immediately rendred upon agreement; the conditions were that all might have liberty of person, and passe to their owne houses leaving their Armes behind, and taking an Oath never to serve against the Parliament: they compounded also for the goods in the house, for which they were to pay five hundred pounds within sixe daies, or to leave them a free prize to the Souldiers.
Within two daies after Prince Rupert faced Sudely with about foure thousand Horse and Foot pretending an attempt to regaine it, but in the meane time marched his Artilery towards Cirencester. Lieutenant Colonell Massie made provision to maintaine the Castle by taking in water, and store of Hay and Corne, and having left there Lieutenant Colonell Forbes with a sufficient Guard, himselfe retreated to Gloucester; the Prince with his Forces kept the Hills, and after three daies fell before Cirencester a stragling and open Towne, neither well fortified nor capable of defence. The champaine Country round about was most advantagious to the Horse, in which the Enemies strength did chiefly consist, and which was then wholly wanting to that Garrison, for their Horse and Dragoones were sent to the taking of Sudely: most of their Officers were drawne out upon that service except the Captaines of the Volunteers, and Lieutenant Colonell Karre was the onelyonly experienced Souldier left there: their Canoneers were wanting, the common Souldiers quite off the hinges either cowardly or mutinous. The storme rose when least feared by the miserable people, who had not ended the joy of their late deliverance from as great a power but strangely diverted; and though they were still in the same danger upon the reverse of the Army, yet were they not capable of the least distrust, till the storme hovered againe, either supposing themselves invincible, or by defiance to have bafled a wary Enemy, that falls backe and waites his time to returne with greater fury. On the second of February the Towne was assaulted and taken; the first and maine assault was made on a house a flight shot from the Town, which was defended by a hundred Musketeers for an houres space against two Regiments of Foot, and a Regiment of Horse which were led on by the Prince, till at length having drawne up their Musketeers, and by Granadoes fired the Barnes and Ricks and smoothered the Guard, the Enemies Horse drove their Foote before them, entred the streetes by maine force, and possest themselves of the Garrison within two houres, yet it cost them the lives of many, amongst whom the Welch-men were reported to suffer the greatest slaughter, who in that Army were a continuall sacrifice to the Sword. Each Guard made resistance according to the Officers valour and experience; the Souldiers of the Earle of Stamfords Regiment had acted the best part but that they were most put to the sword when the Towne was entred, except those that by flight had their lives given them for a prey. Some few besides defended their Guards a while, but the passages were many and open, and the enemy soone came upon their backes; as for the Country-men their houre was not yet come, neither had they quitted such imployment as did infeeble their spirits, nor entred the Schoole of War to study indignation, revenge and bloud, that alone can overcome the terrour of an Army.
It so fell out that in the midst of the service they were at their wits end, and stood like men amazed, feare bereft them of understanding and memory, begat confusion in the minde within, and the thronging throughts did oppresse and stop the course of action that they were busied in everything but could bring forth nothing; few of ours were slaine in the fight, but many murthered after the taking of the Towne, eleaven hundred taken prisoners and at least two thousand Armes lost, which the Country had there laid up as in a secure Magazine; the miserable Captives were entertained with all despight and contumely, according to the Enemies accustomed cruelty in the beginning of the warre; Commanders and Gentlemen had no better quarter then the common Souldiers, but were all thrust into the Church to be reserved for a triumph, and trampled upon in a base and impotent revenge: whether the first fury of a civill warre, and the jarres of Brethren prove most outragious, or the cause of Religion had blouded their minds. Not a man could be released, though the price of his redemption were paid, till he had first attended the triumph at Oxford; that an unfortunate King might view the aspect of such innocent Subjects, that should presume to claime those rights wherein they were borne when reason might easily evince that no slight matter could engage such a people in a open warre as were ever willing to deceive themselves into a Supererrogation of Loyalty.
The whole Country was quickly full of this disaster, and in vaine did thinke to recover what was lost by weakenesse of spirit or errour in the chiefe manage of the businesse; thousands of men armed and unarmed flocked together, and resolved to undertake the Enemy under the conduct of a grave and well-minded Patriot; but the desired Leader was conscious of the peoples madnesse, and knew well that they made a loude cry a farre off, but if once brought up to the face of the Army they would never abide the fury of the first onset. Wherefore he refused to engage himselfe and them upon a certaine destruction; neverthelesse the people bitterly railed against him, and curst him as a Traitor to his Country; neither could the experience of these times dispossesse them of that absurd conceite.
The very next day after the losse of Cirencester the City of Gloucester was demanded by Prince Rupert, the Summons found the people extreamely dashed at the strange turning of things, and so much amazed that they could not credit the report of this blow, though confirmed by sundry eye-witnesses; the hearts of many sunke very low and began to lye flat, Zeale and Religion upheld some, all had a kinde of will; but the strong sidelity and resolution of the Souldier at that time, and in all extreame hazards upheld the Garrison. The Prince therefore received a short answer from Lieuten ant Colonell Massie and the principall Officers, that they were resolved with their lives and fortunes to defend the City for the use of the King and Parliament, and in no wise would surrender at the demand of a forraigne Prince. Another answer was returned from the Mayor of the City (for the Martiall Command was not fully setled) that he was resolved according to his Oath and Allegiance to keepe the City in his Majesties behoose, and would not deliver the same according to this summons. Whereupon a second summons was sent from the Prince, which could not alter the case in their judgement who held the Towne, and seeming withall to perswade and solicite them out of their Hold, did easily beget an opinion of the Enemies weakenesse and their owne considerable strength, since neither Religion nor modesty could with-hold from bloud that enraged Party, but onelyonly the conscience of a selfe insufficiency; the Souldier therefore began to acknowledge the remainder of power which did not appeare contemptible with the Kings Army.