Historical Relation of the Military Government of Gloucester, Errata (2 of 2)

Historical Relation of the Military Government of Gloucester · Errata (2 of 2)

p. 23Hitherto the City hath been lodged in the midst of many out Garrisons as the heart in the body, but now it hath enough to doe in its owne safety, and the remote parts must be pared off that a liberall nourishment might preserve and foster that place which was the seate and fountain of life unto these parts of the Kingdome. Sudeley Castle was deserted, the Garrison of Tewksbury (which was defended onelyonly with such slender Forces as Gloucester could spare out of its penury before the Enemy fell on the County) was already surprised with feare; both places could not be maintained when so great a power did urge, and heare downe on every side. Those of Tewksbury sent an expresse to the City to informe them of the State of their Towne, and to request more aide; likewise they dispatched Messengers to the Villages round about, to acquaint them with the state of things, and to try whether the Inhabitants would come in person or send in their Armes, but there came neither the one nor the other, and itwas resolved by the Counsell of Warre at Gloucester that the Forces, Ordnance and Ammunition with all well-affected persons should forth-with repaire thither. In the heate of this debate p. 24there came an invitation from Worcester by a Letter from Sir William Russell, with intimation of conditions of Peace; all which disposed that Towne to complyance with the Enemy. Hereupon a Common Counsell being held, and the Officers present 'twas determined that the Gloucester order was to be obeyed. The Towne thus deserted was willing to provide for its owne safety, and chused rather to obtaine some reasonable termes of Peace then suffer it selfe to be quite ruined; wherefore they drew up some Propositions to be sent to Sir William Russell, yet before the dispatch they sent to Gloucester a second Message by the Minister of the Towne, and an Officer of the Garrison with Sir William Russells Letter and their Answer. These promised an early return, but failing some houres of the time appointed, in the meane while the Propositions were sent to Worcester. This Message brought a countermand, when there sprung an Alarum that Cirencester was regained, and the spoile and prisoners recovered backe, for this cause the Souldiers were detained a while, but when the report was found untrue, of themselves they began to quit the Towne. In the Evening the Messenger returned from Worcester with the Propositions granted; the subjection seemed unfortunate and dishonourable in them whose affections were engaged to this Cause, neither did there appeare a meanes to prevent it for the transmigration of the whole Towne was impossible, nor as yet did the condition of the warre require any such thing from one particular place; for the Parliaments adherents, as also the Malignant Faction did never at once forsake their habitations to be gathered into one body for a suddain conclusion, but were brought peecemeale unto action, and many lye under covert in the Enemies Country reserving themselves for future service. Thus the people entertained gladly those conditions, which though performed in part yet were a sufficient bondage, did impoverish their spirits, coole their zeale of Religion, and lessen the former inclination to liberty; after which by frequent changes under many Lords they became so feeble p. 25that they never durst confide in themselves to vindicate the Towne into its former happinesse, but a long time remained averse to the fairest opportunities, yea necessities of ingagement and desired an everlasting neutrality. The deserting of this Towne encreased the forces of Gloucester by two hundred Foot and Dragoones, and tooke off the feare of a greater mischiefe; for though the quitting of the place caused us to resent our great distresse, yet the taking thereof would have confounded our thoughts, and hazarded the maine chance where the whole strength did not lye at stake.

The enemy breathed out threatnings, many false friends sought cunningly to make us affraid, the Country-men in generall were taken off, who in their jocund beginnings still concluded on the Victory, but never prepared for a blow, that the whole businesse was dashed at one clap, and especially when Cirencester was taken, in which they did repose so much trust. The issue discovered the weaknesse of the former proceedings in committing the whole fortune of the Country, and the lives of so many men to such a poore defence, and hazarding the maine rest where the strength of the game could not be managed. Besides, the Enemy had this great advantage in over-powring the minds of men; who, since their cause could not lay claime to justice, nor themselves procure love, sought to prevaile by terrour and by their late cruelties became dreadfull: so that such spirits as wanted greatnesse of minde or strong fidelity to persevere, did greedily comply with that Party, supposing themselves secure from this side, at least in respect of a deep personall suffering, which supposals were grounded upon the Parliaments lenity, and unto which peradventure they were bound, that they might gaine affections in a voluntary warre. The more zealous and active had no head under whom they might unite and grow strong; the power of the Deputy Lieutenants was quite fallen, a kind of command suitable onelyonly to the infancy of Military affaires, and the whole businesse was devolved on the Souldier, whom the people then beheld as the professed servants of fortune, and p. 26trusted not till after manifold experience; so they sunke under the burden, and gave up themselves to spoile and rapine. The clouds gathered round the City, the Enemy lay strong at Cirencester and Tewksbury, our men were confined to the Towne walls; the workes not halfe finished, the Souldier within mutinous and desperate: no monies came from the State, and but small supplies out of the Country, that the vilest mutineers were to be dealt with by intreaty, their insolencies to be suffered with patience, who tooke so great advantage by our extremity that their humours had a full vent, and ran forth into incorrigible wickednesse: the City was constrained to free quarter and great disbursements by way of lone, and the Governour to use his skill in keeping together the male-contented Souldiers.

The Army raised in Wales by the power of the Earle of Worcester, and his Son the Lord Herbert begins to appeare, is designed for Gloucester, and comes on at Coford in the Forrest of Deane three miles from Monmouth, where Colonell Berrowes Regiment had made a kind of loose Garrison for the defence of the Forrest in an open Towne, and with slender preparations. Here the Welch fell on, but their Officers with strange fury drove our party before them, which was borne downe by their multitudes yet with a greater losse on their part; divers Officers were slaine, and with the rest their Commander in chiefe Sir Richard Lawdy, Major generall of South-Wales; of ours few slaine, but Lieutenant Colonell Winter, and some inferiour Officers, with about forty private Souldiers taken Prisoners. All the strength of these parts are now driven into the Walls of Gloucester, onelyonly Barkly Castle is held still for an entercourse between us and Bristoll. This City was accounted one of the chiefe Holds of the Kingdome, and far from the well-spring of succour, yet was there no care of a competent Brigade or Magazine, a common defect, by which the State hath received much detriment; that through the penury of men, Armes, and Ammunition, remote Garrisons are left in dispaire, or the intention of the maine Army must be diverted for their relief. p. 27Our succours were yet to be raised, or selected out of severall commands and come on slowly; the people were held up by false reports, and to stave off the Enemy the Governour was to put the best face on a bad matter.

Meane while a great power of the Welch Army advance towards Gloucester and setled at Hignham house within two miles of the City and began to intrench. The Governour placed a Guard at the Bishops house to keepe them at a distance. Sir Jerome Brett their Major Generall had the confidence to demand the Towne, but the summons was received with scorne from a Welch Brigade, and became ridiculous when Prince Rupert had beene twice refused, besides an inveterate hatred derived by fabulous tradition had passed betweene the Welch-men and the Citizens of Gloucester. Such slight and irrationall passages prevaile much with the common people in whom opinion beares rule. Those Forces were said to expect Prince Ruperts approach on the other side, else it cannot be imagined to what end they lay five weekes in a stinking nest. They were basely basled, never attempted our out-Guard, never undertooke the least Party that issued forth. Meanewhile the Prince was conceived to waite upon other designes. The Bristoll Plot offered it selfe, upon which his person did attend before the Gates of that City. Thence he was drawne off to stop Sir William Wallers advance for our reliefe, who deceived the Prince by strong reports and night marches, and happily drilled along his small Army to the place of action. The Governour could attempt nothing but onelyonly make good the Guard at the Bishops house, and flourish with some slender Sallyes; he had not an hundred Horse, and the Enemies foot were double the number of those in the Garrison; at length an addition of two hundred Horse and Dragoones from Bristoll under the command of Captain John Fiennes gave some life to the businesse: hereupon severall Parties at sundry times were drawn out, w^ch never failed to beat the Enemy into their works, kill and take prisoners, although treble the number of our strongest Party. So that the name of our Blew Regiment became a terrour p. 28to those miserable Welch-men, who were partly constrained to take up Armes, partly allured with the hope of plunder. Certainely they were deceived out of their owne Country not to fight but to take Gloucester; by which meanes they could act an impotent villany and cruelty, but nothing of a Souldiers gallantry.

Immediately after the taking of Malmesbury Sir William Waller bent his course towards Gloucester, and laid his designe for the surprize of the Welch Army; he gave notice of his advance unto Lieutenant Colonell Massie, with directions instantly to draw forth both Horse and Foot before Hignham, and to keepe them in continuall action, that they might not understand his approach. He gave order likewise that those Flat-bottomes which were brought from London upon Carriages for service upon the River Seaverne, should be sent downe to Frampton passage, sixe miles below Gloucester, where both Horse and Foot were arrived by noone, passed over the River before night, and unawares of the Enemy got between them and home, tooke them in a snare and intercepted their flight. The Governour performed according to the intention of the Plot, drew forth all the Horse and a Party of five hundred Foot, brought up the Ordnance neere the house, and kept them in the heate of play till the Evening; at night he set Guards round the house, with that straitenesse and confidence that the Enemy durst not stirre, nor a Spy steale out, although they lay fifteene hundred strong. At Sunne rising they had a fresh Alarme by our Ordnance, and were held to it by our Musket shot. This morning their Horse issued out, attempting to force their way through the Horse Guard, which they did, and put some of our Horse rashly charging and upon disadvantage, to a disorderly retreate, but comming up to a Foot Guard received a repulse: and to the reliefe of that Guard which was thought too weake, a Party was drawne from the Artillery, and that againe by this meanes much neglected, in so much that the same instant the enemy fell out upon our Ordnance then like to p. 29be deserted, but were beaten backe by the gallantry of some few that kept their ground. In this point of action Sir William Waller came up and shot his warning-peece on the other side, which dasht the Enemy, and so revived our men that they ran up with fury, stormed a redoubt, and tooke in it two Captaines and above thirty private Souldiers, which service had a maine influence upon the surrender of the house; Sir William placed his Army to the best advantage for shew, and displaid the Colours of two Foot Regiments reduced to a hundred and fifty men, drew neere the house and made some few shot with his Canon; After his approach not a man of the Enemy was slaine or hurt, yet the common Souldier would doe any thing but fight, when they were well fortified, and had a sufficient Magazine; they sounded a Parley and sent forth some Officers to treat, which had this result; that they should render the house and themselves as prisoners, and the Officers should receive respect and quarter according to their quality. Upon the returne of these termes some advised to break through, which the common Souldiers utterly refused and neglected the advantage of a dark and rainy night. The persons that treated dealt the second time in a kind of begging way, but at last accepted the former conditions, and gave up the Welch Army into the hands of men quite spent with continuall marches and watching. Divers persons of quality were here taken, the most powerfull Gentry of Herefordshire, some of those that in scorne were stiled the Nine Worthies, who in the first opening of the great breach affronted the Parliament with a scandalous remonstrance; the next day being the twenty fift of March, neere fifteene hundred were led Captive into Gloucester, as great a number as Sir William Wallers Army with the Garrison Forces could rise unto: Thus the first fruites of Wales were blasted, the strength of the nearer parts almost vanquished, and the effects of this Victory had been more lasting had it been used to the best advantage. The Kings Party had a notable faculty in the improvement of Victories by strict imprisonment, and inhauncing p. 30the rate of their Captives; their usuall fiercenesse did extract great Ransomes or unequall exchanges, and disposed them to detaine their Captives in extreame misery, and to neglect their owne friends in the like thralldome, of which those that were taken at Cirencester gave a full testimony: But the Parliament Garrisons knew not how to keepe a correspondence in this case, but groaned under the burthen of miserable prisoners, were prone to exchange, or set free upon easie termes. And by this meanes most of the common souldiers then taken within tenne daies were sent backe into their owne Country, with an Oath never to serve against the Parliament; others that tendred themselves were entertained in the service, who for the most part proved Runnegadoes; the Commanders and Gentlemen came off, some with a Ransome, and Oath which they quickly violated, and the residue were wholly lost at the surrender of Bristoll.

The whole successe of the former action happily complyed with the maine Plot, and extreamly dashed the Kings affaires in these parts. The generall fame did increase and heighten the repute of Sir William Waller, and the enemy possessed there with began to draw back on all sides; Sir Matthew Carew forthwith quitted the Towne of Tewksbury, which within twelve houres was repossest by our Forces, Captaine John Fienes was commanded thither with a slender strength of Horse and Dragoones, with whom the well-affected of the Town that abode in Gloucester began to returne. The undertaking was hasty and confused, without the observance of the Enemies motion or distance, or any rationall assurance of defending the place. Our Party had no sooner saluted the Towne but received an Alarme that the former Forces were returned with a greater power. 'Twas a gallant Brigade of Horse commanded by the Lord Grandeston, which immediatly came from Cheltenham, whereof our men had not the least intelligence; it seemed by the event that the Enemy expected none from Gloucester; however there was quicke dispatch on both sides, yet Captaine Fienes with his whole Party had bin p. 31surprised had not those Horse been kept off at a miles distance by a ridiculous accident. It so fell out that they met a man comming alone from the Towne, whom they fell to question whether any Forces were there, of what strength, and by whom commanded; the man intending nothing lesse then the escape of our Party, but supposing them a part of the Parliament Forces, and willing to curry favour begins to talke of a maine strength and vast numbers, with so many Guns and all kind of preparations, and withall defies the Cavalliers with much affected indignation; which words so farre prevailed that they presently held a Counsell of War, and once were about to fall back. This delay gave an houres respit to those within to prepare for a flight, who had no sooner recovered the end of the Towne, but the Enemy had entred, amazed to see themselves so miserably deluded.

When Sir William Waller had refreshed his men some few daies about the first of Aprill 1643. he advanced towards Monmouthshire, at the solicitation of divers Gentlemen of that Country, with a promise of concurrence in reducing those parts to the obedience of King and Parliament. When he came neere the Towne of Monmouth where the Lord Herbert had began to place a Garrison, the Souldiers did not abide his comming, but all shifted for themselves by flight; Sir William entred the naked and open Towne, where he stayed a while and sent many Parties abroad the Country for supplies of money; thence marched to Vske, where he set free some prisoners kept there; but the reducing of the Country came to nothing, for the Gentlemen did not perform, and he found there what usually comes to passe in such cases, that men desirous of alterations invite upon ample promises, but never make good, and feldome appearein the businesse till the Souldier hath done the worke to their hands, or they have gotten some stronge Hold to secure their ingagements. So that the well-affected would not declare themselves, because a running Army could be no lasting support, and they had no strong Hold, nor the stream of the people, which were at the devotion of the Earle of Worcester, almost an universall Land-lord in that County.

p. 32Whilst these things are acted Prince Maurice enters Tewksbury with a power of Horse and Foot added to those former under the command of the Lord Grandeston, resolving to make after Sir William Waller, and to intercept his return out of Wales, for he was gotten into such a nooke of the Land in the Enemies Country, that the Prince might easily drive him to a Nonultra. Wherefore a bridge of Boates was made over Seaverne at Tewksbury, that they might passe to and fro nearer the retreat of our Army. Here the Prince marched over with a body of two thousand Horse and Foot, confident of this designe, and therefore too remisse & slow in his advance. Sir William was nimble in the retreat, caused his Foot and Artillery to passe over Seaverne at Chepstow, and himselfe with his Horse and Dragoones passed through the lower part of the Forrest of Deane neare the River side, and before the Enemy had notice of his march sent forth two Parties to fall upon two of their maine quarters, which was performed whilst the maine body slipt between both, and a Party was left to face them and make good the retreat, which came off something disorderly, and with the losse of a few private Souldiers. 'Twas an exquisite conveyance, and unexpected felicity that brought them out of the snare through those intricate waies. This Alarme quickly reached Gloucester, and Lieutenant Colonell Massie drew out three hundred foot and two troops of horse to fetch off our men, but if he found them dis-ingaged, for a further designe. This Party met them within two miles of the Towne, where the Governour made knowne to Sir William Waller his purpose to set upon Tewksbury, and taking the opportunity of the Princes absence, and the Enemies jollity at our supposed totall defeate, instantly advanced upon them, and by break of day brought up his men before the Towne, one part whereof fell in to the Ham, seased upon the Guard left with the bridge of Boats and cut off that bridge, the Horse with the rest of the Foot came up Gloucester way, the Forlorne. Hope surprised and slew the Sentinell, climbed over the workes, and cut down the draw-bridge; whereupon both Horse and Foot-rushed in, and the party on the other side of Avon ready to enter: there were left p. 33in the Towne neere three hundred men commanded by Sir Matthew Carew, whom the triumph of yesterdaies conceived Victory laid asleepe, and the sudden Alarme roused up, first into a shuffling fighting posture, and after halfe an houre to a nimble escape. Sir Matthew Carew fled, and many escaped the hands of our men, who wanted numbers to surround the Towne, but most of the common Souldiers, and some valuable Officers were taken. Oxford was as miserably gulled in these passages, and in a few houres extreamely affected with contrary reports; for the jocund newes of the vanquishing of Sir Wil. Waller arrived early in the morning, but before noone an expresse came of the losse of Tewksbury, which was cast upon the heat of the first report like cold water into a boyling pot.

The same day a Party of Prince Maurice his Horse appeared from the top of a Hill neere Tweksbury, and intimated the approach of his whole Army; whereupon Sir William VValler marched thither that Evening, and resolved to breake downe or make good the bridge at Upton upon Seaverne, besides which there was no passe nearer then VVorcester; but the Scouts gave notice that the Prince had recovered the bridge and set a guard upon it. The next morning Sir VVilliam advanced towards the Prince, and found him in Ripple Field with his Army drawn up, and divided into three bodies, besides the hedges lined with Musketeers. Here our Forces faced the Enemy in a large field, and could hardly reach the third part of the Princes strength, brought up their Gunnes, having neither shot prepared nor Cannoneers that understood the businesse, nor the assistance of Foot, save only a part of the Governours owne company, besides the wind and Sun were against them, and no retreat if need were, but through a narrow Lane of two miles long; and whereas they might stand upon the top of a rising ground to deceive the Enemy with the semblance of a greater power behind, they descended a little on the side of the Hill, and discovered their weaknesse to a full view. In this posture some perswaded to fight, and began to make some shot with the Ordnance which gave no shew of the least execution; But some other Officers p. 34examined the Cannoneere, and finding neither fit Bullet nor any convenient shot, but all things at randome, earnestly disswaded either to make the onset, or expect the enemy in that place; and advising likewise the tryall, discovered their Ambuscadoes within the hedges. Hereupon Sir VVilliam VValler fell back, and entred the narrow Lane commanding a Party of Dragoones to face the Princes Army, and the Musketeeres to stand at the corner of the lane within the hedges to make good the retreat. The enemy fell on, not a man of those Dragoons would stand to receive the charge, but hurried away, broke over the hedge, fell among and disordered our owne Musketeers, the Enemy clapt in after them, cut down foure or five of the Foot, and tooke as many Prisoners; Lieutenant Colonell Massie kept close to his Foot, and instantly dispatcht to Tewksbury for a supply, and Sir Arthur Hazelrigg prevailed with his owne Troope to charge, and in his owne person performed gallantly; the Foot with those Horse put the Enemy to a stand, and in part tooke off the foulenesse of the retreat through that straite passage. When they came to the next open place our men had the advantage of a ditch to stay the persuit, and in the heat of the chase one Foot Souldier at the command of the Governour turned upon the Enemy a gate then cast of the hinges; which barred their entrance & enabled our men to draw up for a charge; here for a while they stood in a maze, but on a suddain faced about, ran flock-meale, the Enemy upon their backs, and the close of this action was like to be miserable, but at the entrance a strait passage neere the Myth Hill, a supply of Foot from the Town opportunely met them, gauled the Enemy and put them to a stand once more, whilst the Governour charged the leader of the forlorne hope hand to hand, and was rescued by the gallantry of some Officers, when of ours onelyonly a small Party of Horse remained in the field, the rest being got off in great confusion. Yet the escape might equall a Victory, and the saving of the Forces passe for cleare gaine. Prince Maurice did not attempt the regaining of Tweksbury, the Government whereof was intrusted to Sir Robert Cooke, who had newly raised a Regiment of Foot by Commission from sir VVilliam VValler.

p. 35At that season the main strength of the Kings Army was drawn from these parts when Redding was beleaguerd by the Earle of Essex, by which meanes the Parliament forces had a large and free game in this Countrey; went on with a full stream of successe, driven with a gentle gale of providence, and a kinde of unimitable happinesse, in unbloody victories. The fortune of the former did over-rule the event of the succeeding action, and the name and presence of Sir William Waller did include more then a thousand men. Neither was he wanting to himselfe, but made the best use of his present fame, and kept it up by constant active endeavours, lest a little intermission might permit the enemy to recollect himselfe, or the reall weaknesse of this Army be discerned. It was therefore suddenly resolved for Hereford, whither he advanced with a thousand Horse and Dragoons, assisted by the Governour, with the greatest part of the Lord Stamfords Regiment: there were also the beginnings of Colonell Thomas Stephens his Regiment. The maine body of Horse and Foot were drawn up before Bisters gate on the North side of the Town, stood aloof off and shot at random; till the Lievtenant Colonell commanded Captain Grey with a party of musketiers over the River, towards Wie Bridge, whose march was secured by a rising bank under the walls. These were ordered to make shew of an assault, and if need were to fall back unto the water side, where seconds were placed for their reliefe. The enemies horse sallied out upon them, whom that party having gallantly kept off, and forced back into the City, with-drew thence and gained a Church within Pistoll shot of St Owens gate, whence our Musketiers plaied on the walls, and exceedingly terrified those within. But the main rest of the businesse was the name of a conquering army, which Sir William Waller improved to the best advantage by all expedition and industry: And to help forward, Massie drew up two Sakers in a strait line against Wigmarsh gate, not without extream hazard by shot from the walls; himselfe gave fire, and the first Canon shot entred the gate, took an Officers head from his shoulders, and slew some few besides, More shots were made, each of which scoured the streets, and so daunted the enemy, that they presently sounded a parley, which was entertained by Sir William Waller, and hostages given on both sides; the Parley lasted almost the whole day, whilst p. 36most of the common souldiers ranne over Wie bridge into Wales, only the Commanders and Gentlemen remained and were reported to be held in by the Townsmen, to sweeten the surrender, and obtaine better quarter. Next morning they rendred: the chiefe prisoners here taken were the Lord Scudamore, Colonell Coningsby Sir William Crofts, &c. few horse and private souldiers, but store of Armes and Ammunition. The Town compounded, was secured from plunder, and after fourteen dayes deserted. Sir William Waller obtained many faire victories, but had no power to make them good because his field was too large for that strength; and the State made an inconsiderable number of men the only stay of the remote parts. These could over-run the enemies Countrey, but get no ground, master no strong hold, nor reduce a people naturally malignant, that were dashed at present, but did flourish again in the reverse of the Kings Army. The next attempt was made upon Worcester, whither all the horse and the greatest part of the blue Regiment were drawn. They at Oxford were said to have yeelded that Town for lost, and to give out that Sir William was gone to take possession of his purchase. For at that time Treason was the pretended cause of every losse on both sides, especially if weak and unworthy. Both horse and foot came up before the City, where they lay a day and a night, effected nothing, and were drawn off at the noise of the Lord Capels advance; at which instant Sir William Waller was taken off these parts, and ordered to march into the West, with all speed to prevent the joyning of Sir Ralph Hoptons forces with the rest of the Kings Army. Sir Robert Cooks Regiment was called off from Tewksbury for the Western expedition, and that Town once more slighted.

Hitherto Lievtenant Colonell Massie governed the City of Glocester by deputation from the Earle of Stanford, whose returne was not expected; wherefore the thoughts of the Citizens began to enquire after a Governour. They thought well of a man neare home, and cast their eye upon a knowne Patriot. Neverthelesse more intelligent men upon the serious review of the Cities continuall hazard, found that the necessity of this place did require a tried Souldier, and that such a one might possibly be found faithfull; but a timorous or unskilfull man must needs ruine all. Wherfore they reflected on Massie, whose good services gave them also p. 37a competent assurance of his fidelity; that by the happy choice of the Citizens and the Lord Generals Commission, he was appointed Governour. To enable the City to defend it selfe, a foot Regiment was raised by Commission from Sir William Waller out of the Townsmen, for the major part both Officers and Souldiers, under the Command of Colonell Henry Stephens. The first intention of this Regiment was to defend the City only within the walls, according to the infancy of warre; but the hard service of this place did suddenly require and exact the full duty of Souldiers. At this instant the City was well becalmed, only there hapned one passage of inferiour nature, but full of the fortune of warre. The Governour with a party of an hundred and twenty Horse and Dragoons, advanced towards Stow in the wold, to beat up the enemies quarters; By break of day he fell into Slaughter, took a Lievtenant, twelve Troopers, horse and armes, and thence marched to Odington a mile beyond Stow, where he surprised a Captaine of a Troop with forty men and horse, and so made homewards, neglecting the residue of the enemy, who drew out of their quarters with all speed. The remainder of their Regiment fell upon the reere of our men, neare unto Slaughter with some slight execution, but were beaten back. The Governour being confident he was able to fight with them upon any ground, made no haste to march off, till the enemy had received a supply of Horse from Sudely Castle, and again charged him at Andovers foord, whom our men received gallantly, and repulsed without any losse. The Captaine that led the Van was slain by the Governours hand, and the rest wheeled about; whereupon the Governour dismounted the Dragoons, and divided his men into three bodies, the horse to the right and left wing, in this posture resolving to march up to the enemy (who would gladly rid their hands of the businesse) but having advanced a little distance, and looking back to bring on his men, saw the greater part in a strange hurry, occasioned by the faceing about of some cowardly spirits, and himselfe with those dismounted men desperately engaged; for a while he shuffled amongst the enemies Troopes, till observing himself eyed by some, he sprang forth, fired in their faces, and came last off the field upon the maine roade. He offended here, by affecting too much gallantry, and was deceived in his new raised men, who were not hardned by the sight of an enemy. Besides, p. 38no ordinary care was had of securing the prisoners, who were all recovered back. Four of ours were slaine, many wounded; Colonell Stephens, a Lievtenant, with five and twenty private souldiers taken prisoners. The springing hopes of Colonell Stephens failed unfortunately, when his eager minde, engaged him in the action without order, and against the will of the Commander in chiefe; he had no command in the action, but hasted after as greedy of the service; he was led captive to Oxford, and a while after breathed his last in that poysonous ayre, where many Gentlemen were observed in those dayes to expire.

Amidst these things Sir Iohn Winter, a zealous Papist, began to declare himselfe. A subtile wit, that pretended innocency till his houre was come, and had almost perswaded the world that he durst deny himselfe, and commit an unpardonable sinne against the Catholike Cause. His house in the Forrest of Deane was at first neglected, when it was in the power of this Garrison to ruine his designe. But under hand he prepared for defence, suddenly clapt in his owne Confidents, and with a little labour made it inaccessible, but with apparent great losse, and maintained his den as the plague of the Forrest, and a goad in the sides of this Garrison. These things were acted about the time of that blow almost fatall to the Parliaments cause, in the vanquishing of Sir William Wallers Army at the Devices; which defeat cast these parts of the Kingdome into a miserable plight, when the State had placed the whole game in the successe of this Army, never providing a reserve. The King became master of the field, the Parliament left without an Army that could check the enemy, who came up to our gates, and by threats would seeme to shake the walls of the City. Many began to prepare for flight, whose presence no reall necessity, but the peoples opinion did require. They at Bristoll disclosed their feares, and gave no good presages. And when that City was yeelded, Gloucester did stand alone without help and hope. The Lord Generals Army pined away: Sir William Waller at London for a recruit: The Earle of Stamford shut up within the walls of Exeter: The Kings Countrey reached from the utmost Cornwall to the borders of Scotland, and he was able to divide his Army, one part for Exeter, and the other for Gloucester.

That sudden surrender of Bristoll, which was almost beyond our p. 39feares, brought forth a dark gloomy day to the City of Gloucester. The mindes of people were filled with amazement, and the failing of such a promising Government made most men infidels, or at least to question all things. But here was the greatest mischiefe of all: Many were not wanting to debate upon the maine cause of the Kingdom; malignant spirits took the advantage of our misery, and unstable mindes, who beholding only the surface of things, and led by the common voice of their equals, were flushed in prosperous times, now became crest-fallen, and questioned the passages of State, conceiving each miscarriage a fundamentall errour, and accounting their present sufferings not for Religion and Liberty, but some scruples of State policy. The state of things required strong resolution; the usuall posture could not pretend to the safety of the place. The souldiers therefore acted with mindes more sturdy and vigorous as desperate concerning the enemy, but not in despaire of their owne party. The Commanders reserved no place of retreat, and if causlesse jealousies over-clouded any, they put themselves upon a free Declaration. The old and carefull souldiers who were unlucky in the censures of the people, upon the first arrivall of the sad newes from Bristoll, vented themselves in sharp and cutted speeches, which bursting from the fulnesse of the thoughts, did imprint and pierce, were received for good prognosticks, and repaired likewise that credit, which the presumption of a conceived opinion bore down, and an ordinary good behaviour could hardly raise up, but happily regained by one violent and severer passage. The Officers were to give in a full resolve, that no place be left for an after dispute; wherefore they vowed never to see within the gates the face of a conquering enemy. But chiefly the hearts of the people were to be held up, wherefore the Governour appeared in publike, rode from place to place with a cheerfull aspect, and bearing before him no change in the sudden alteration of fortune. To them that enquired into his very thoughts, hee gave assurance of safety, concealing the danger, or lessening its esteem. Fear did not beget confusion, but things were transacted in a calm and constant order. The presages of misery were exquisitely shunned, and the least shew of distraction and weaknesse forbidden. Money, Plate, valuable goods, or any kinde of riches were not suffered to passe the Gates, but here to rest as in a safe Treasury, p. 40that the people might resolve upon a happy Deliverance or an utter Destruction. Neverthelesse, whosoever was weak and fainthearted, had leave to depart the City. Meane while the enemy dealt underhand, and by the mediation of seeming friends affectionately sollicited a Surrender, with terrible information of our manifold losses abroad, of the rage of the Kings Army, and inevirable desolation; and withall tendred the opportunity of an Accommodation between his Majesty and the Citizens. The mouthes of the viler people were filled with curses against the authours of our engagements. We received strange intimations of dreadfull things concerning the State. The whole Countrey forsook us, and employed some to represent their desires and thoughts of the businesse, who in the generall had so farre revolted from themselves, as to perswade us to make our peace with the enemy, and to befool and execrate our perseverance; for they conceived the standing out of Gloucester, however advantagious to the Commonwealth, yet miserable for them; because by the falling down of a great Army, they expected a destruction of corn and cattle, and if at last the King should not take in this place, to stoop perpetually under two burthens, and be cast into a remedilesse condition of misery and poverty. Whereas if the enemy should prevaile, they were sure to rest in the heart of the Kings Countrey, farre from spoile and plunder, and have as free and ample trade as in times of peace. The Citizens examined their own strength and grounds of perseverance; a Common Councell was held, the Officers being present, their late protestation brought to remembrance, by which they were all obliged never to act or comply with the adverse faction, and upon that pretext joyntly refused the tender of peace. Neverthelesse a great number of the Inhabitants were only not malignants, but born up by the zeale of the rest, and the souldiers power; and those stuck most to the businesse, who were held up by the deep sense of Religion or acknowledged a necessity to withstand a malicious and enraged enemy, whose implacable hatred urged them to offend against their own designs, and by horrid threatnings to make the attempt more desperate. A den of Rebels was the common language: A few dayes respit recovered the City, and reports of a sudden reliefe did reare up the spirits of the common people. No crosse, show, or doubtfull resolutions did hinder p. 41the businesse; all suspended their private cares, and the women and children acted their parts in making up the defects of the fortifications. The strength of Gloucester was no more then two Regiments of foot, an hundred horse with the Trained Bands, and a few reformadoes; there were besides about an hundred horse and dragoons from Berkley Castle, in the whole about fifteen hundred men: forty single barrels of gunpowder, with a slender artillery. The works of a large compasse, not halfe perfect; From the South-gate eastward almost to the North Port, the City was defended with an ancient Wall lined with earth to a reasonable heigth; thence to the North-gate, with a slender work upon a low ground, having the advantage of a stone Barn that commanded severall wayes: VponUpon the lower part of the City, from the North to the West-gate, (being a large tract of ground) there was no ancient defence, but a small work newly raysed, with the advantage of marish grounds without, and a line drawn within from the inner North gate under the Colledge wall to the Priory of St Oswálds. From the West towards the South gate along the River side, no more defence then the River it selfe, and the meadowes beyond levell with the Town: from the Castle to the Southport, a firme and lofty work to command the high ground in the Suburbs. The ditches narrow, but watered round. In this posture did the City stand when the Kings forces hovoured over the hills, and now and then skirted upon the Town, before a close siege was laid: upon the tenth of August, they came down like a torrent full of victory and revenge, with indignation that a forlorne City should stand before them. Neverthelesse they would faine overcome without bloud, and the losse of time, then pretious in their full career of victory. For which end His Majesty came in person before it, that the terror of his presence might prevaile with some, and the person of the King amaze the simple, and seem to alter the case. Thus they began to work, because the Mayor had answered a former summons from Prince Rupert, that according to his Oath he kept the Town in His Majesties behoof, and some whisperers gave a malignant intimation that the Kings presence would sway the people. And it was so, that the Town was held for the use of His Majesty, but according to the sense of the houses of Parliament, and the Citizens put no difference between a command in person or deputation. p. 42whereupon His Majesty gave this honorable summons by two Heraulds at Armes.