Sir William Breretons letter sent to the Honoble William Lenthal Esq; Speaker of the Honorable House of Commons. Concerning all the passages and treaties of the siege and taking of the city of Chester· And by Mr. Speaker appointed to be printed and published. With a most exact declaration of Chesters enlargement after three yeers bondage, set forth by Nathanael Lancaster, chaplein to the Cheshire forces.
         Brereton, William, Sir, 1604-1661.
      
       
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             Sir William Breretons letter sent to the Honoble William Lenthal Esq; Speaker of the Honorable House of Commons. Concerning all the passages and treaties of the siege and taking of the city of Chester· And by Mr. Speaker appointed to be printed and published. With a most exact declaration of Chesters enlargement after three yeers bondage, set forth by Nathanael Lancaster, chaplein to the Cheshire forces.
             Brereton, William, Sir, 1604-1661.
             Lancaster, Nathaniel, 1600 or 1601-1661.
          
           40 p.
           
             Printed for Edw. Husband, printer to the Honorable House of Commons, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Golden Dragon in Fleetstreet, neer the Inner-Temple.,
             London, :
             March 5. 1645 [i.e. 1646]
          
           
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Chester (England) -- History -- Siege, 1646 -- Early works to 1800.
           Great Britain -- History -- Civil War, 1642-1649 -- Campaigns -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A77321  R200644  (Thomason E325_30).  civilwar no Sir William Breretons letter sent to the Honoble William Lenthal Esq; Speaker of the Honorable House of Commons.:  Concerning all the passag Brereton, William, Sir 1646    18548 34 0 0 0 0 0 18 C  The  rate of 18 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           Sir
           
             William
             Breretons
          
           LETTER
           SENT
           To
           the
           Honoble
           
             William
             Lenthal
          
           
             Esq
          
           Speaker
           of
           the
           Honorable
           House
           of
           Commons
           .
           Concerning
           all
           the
           Passages
           and
           Treaties
           Of
           the
           Siege
           and
           taking
           of
           the
           City
           of
           CHESTER
           .
           
             AND
          
           By
           Mr.
           
             SPEAKER
          
           appointed
           to
           be
           printed
           and
           published
           .
           With
           a
           most
           Exact
           DECLARATION
           of
           
             Chesters
          
           Enlargement
           after
           three
           yeers
           Bondage
           ,
           Set
           forth
           by
           
             Nathanael
             Lancaster
             ,
          
           Chaplein
           to
           the
           
             Cheshire
          
           Forces
           .
        
         
           
             London
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             Edw.
             
             Husband
             ,
          
           Printer
           to
           the
           Honorable
           House
           of
           Commons
           ,
           and
           are
           to
           be
           sold
           at
           his
           Shop
           at
           the
           signe
           of
           the
           Golden
           Dragon
           in
           Fleetstreet
           ,
           neer
           the
           Inner-Temple
           .
           
             March
          
           5.
           1645.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           TO
           The
           Honourable
           
             William
             Lenthal
          
           Esquire
           ,
           Speaker
           to
           the
           Honourable
           House
           of
           Commons
           .
        
         
           
             SIR
             ,
          
        
         
           I
           Will
           not
           presume
           to
           present
           the
           inclosed
           to
           the
           more
           publike
           view
           of
           the
           House
           ;
           Yet
           I
           have
           thought
           fit
           to
           Communicate
           them
           unto
           your self
           ,
           that
           so
           you
           may
           receive
           a
           more
           full
           and
           exact
           accompt
           of
           the
           particulars
           of
           our
           transactions
           and
           proceedings
           here
           :
           Touching
           which
           I
           doubt
           not
           ,
           but
           you
           have
           heard
           various
           Reports
           ,
           as
           though
           there
           had
           been
           a
           neglect
           in
           the
           use
           of
           that
           endeavour
           ,
           that
           might
           have
           tended
           to
           the
           speedie
           reducement
           of
           this
           City
           :
           Which
           it
           is
           most
           true
           ,
           might
           have
           been
           sooner
           subdu'd
           if
           there
           had
           been
           a
           sufficient
           Army
           imployed
           against
           it
           :
           But
           there
           were
           more
           Armed
           men
           within
           the
           City
           ,
           then
           there
           were
           foot
           in
           our
           whole
           Army
           to
           maintain
           the
           Leaguer
           ,
           block
           up
           
             Hoult
          
           and
           
             Hawarden
             ,
          
           and
           to
           make
           good
           all
           our
           out
           Quarters
           :
           This
           City
           being
           the
           more
           Tenable
           ▪
           because
           more
           then
           the
           half
           thereof
           is
           encompassed
           and
           secured
           by
           the
           River
           of
           
             Dee
             ;
          
           so
           as
           their
           whole
           strength
           might
           be
           applyed
           to
           maintain
           that
           part
           where
           we
           stormed
           ,
           and
           the
           whole
           circumstance
           of
           their
           Walls
           are
           not
           (
           I
           believe
           )
           so
           large
           as
           the
           whole
           Works
           about
           
             Namptwich
          
           or
           
             Manchester
             :
          
           As
           also
           we
           have
           not
           been
           sufficiently
           furnished
           with
           Ammunition
           ,
           nor
           Granadoes
           until
           now
           of
           late
           ,
           having
           bought
           neer
           800
           or
           1000
           pounds
           worth
           of
           Ammunition
           ,
           besides
           what
           was
           sent
           from
           
             London
          
           and
           made
           use
           of
           ,
           whereof
           you
           received
           a
           former
           account
           which
           was
           a
           very
           large
           proportion
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           heard
           there
           was
           near
           forty
           Barrels
           spent
           in
           two
           dayes
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           our
           last
           Granadoes
           (
           which
           we
           could
           not
           possibly
           pro●●●●
           any
           sooner
           ,
           then
           they
           came
           unto
           us
           )
           did
           great
           execution
           ,
           and
           were
           〈◊〉
           ●●rrible
           and
           the
           City
           might
           
           have
           been
           thereby
           defaced
           and
           destroyed
           ;
           but
           not
           much
           sooner
           reduced
           ▪
           by
           reason
           that
           the
           Citizens
           were
           so
           enawed
           and
           enslaved
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           durst
           not
           displease
           nor
           resist
           the
           Governour
           or
           Officers
           ,
           who
           were
           possessed
           with
           expectation
           of
           relief
           by
           Letters
           intercepted
           from
           Sir
           
             Jacob
             Ashley
             ,
          
           Sir
           
             William
             Neal
          
           and
           divers
           others
           ,
           giving
           them
           assurance
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           15000
           
             Danes
             ,
             French
             ▪
          
           and
           
             Irish
          
           in
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           ready
           to
           be
           transported
           for
           their
           relief
           :
           Whereunto
           I
           gave
           no
           credit
           ,
           but
           have
           thought
           good
           to
           send
           the
           Copies
           of
           some
           of
           the
           Letters
           ,
           that
           so
           it
           may
           appear
           unto
           you
           ,
           that
           they
           had
           hopes
           of
           relief
           ,
           whereby
           they
           were
           induced
           to
           be
           so
           obstinate
           as
           to
           hold
           out
           so
           long
           ,
           knowing
           well
           their
           own
           strength
           and
           our
           weakenesse
           ;
           and
           that
           the
           season
           of
           the
           yeer
           would
           not
           permit
           us
           to
           prosecute
           those
           advantages
           that
           otherwise
           might
           have
           been
           better
           improv'd
           ;
           It
           not
           being
           possible
           for
           us
           to
           proceed
           on
           with
           our
           Lyne
           ,
           nor
           intrench
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           extream
           hard
           frost
           :
           so
           as
           howsoever
           it
           might
           seem
           a
           teadious
           work
           ;
           yet
           when
           it
           is
           considered
           how
           much
           our
           strength
           was
           unsuitable
           to
           the
           work
           ,
           and
           the
           great
           want
           of
           Money
           which
           made
           it
           the
           more
           difficult
           to
           keep
           together
           (
           upon
           such
           extream
           hard
           duty
           )
           an
           Army
           constituted
           and
           collected
           out
           of
           several
           Counties
           ,
           how
           often
           it
           hath
           been
           attempted
           to
           relieve
           this
           City
           ,
           how
           often
           they
           have
           been
           repulsed
           :
           how
           little
           relief
           hath
           been
           conveied
           into
           the
           City
           ,
           and
           how
           often
           the
           enemy
           hath
           Sallied
           out
           ,
           and
           been
           alwayes
           repulsed
           :
           so
           as
           during
           more
           then
           twenty
           weeks
           close
           siege
           ,
           our
           Quarters
           have
           not
           been
           beaten
           up
           ,
           neither
           have
           we
           susteined
           any
           considerable
           losse
           ,
           whereby
           I
           hope
           we
           may
           be
           sufficiently
           vindicated
           against
           those
           calumnies
           ,
           which
           the
           envy
           of
           some
           and
           impatience
           of
           others
           ,
           have
           cast
           upon
           us
           :
           Pardon
           I
           beseech
           you
           that
           I
           have
           so
           long
           detained
           you
           ▪
           and
           believe
           that
           I
           am
           ,
           and
           will
           alwayes
           remain
        
         
           
             Your
             very
             faithful
             Friend
             and
             Servant
             ,
             W.
             B.
             
          
           
             Chester
             ,
             
               Feb.
               9.
               1645.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             SInce
             the
             concluding
             hereof
             ,
             I
             hear
             there
             are
             some
             
               Irish
            
             and
             some
             few
             
               French
            
             landed
             in
             
               Wales
               ,
            
             the
             certainty
             I
             shall
             be
             able
             to
             inform
             you
             in
             my
             next
             ;
             but
             if
             there
             be
             any
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             much
             considerable
             ,
             not
             said
             to
             be
             above
             a
             hundred
             and
             fifty
             in
             the
             whole
             .
          
        
      
       
       
         
           Letters
           intercepted
           from
           Sir
           
             Iacob
             Ashley
             ,
          
           the
           Countesse
           of
           
             Leinster
          
           and
           others
           ,
           directed
           to
           the
           Lord
           
             Byron
          
           and
           others
           .
        
         
           
             
               To
               the
               Lord
               
                 Byron
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               MY
               very
               good
               Lord
               ,
            
             I
             received
             a
             Copy
             of
             your
             Lordships
             of
             the
             second
             of
             
               Jan.
            
             this
             11
             of
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             am
             sorry
             to
             hear
             your
             Lordships
             reduced
             to
             so
             hard
             an
             exigent
             ;
             the
             original
             was
             sent
             with
             a
             packet
             from
             
               Ireland
            
             to
             
               Oxford
            
             by
             the
             Governour
             of
             
               Worcester
               ,
            
             I
             being
             come
             to
             
               Liechfield
               ,
            
             where
             yet
             I
             am
             .
             I
             writ
             to
             your
             Lordship
             from
             
               Worcester
            
             by
             Mr.
             
               Walley
               ,
            
             about
             14
             dayes
             since
             ,
             but
             I
             perceive
             by
             Sir
             
               Iohn
               Wats
            
             to
             me
             of
             the
             4
             of
             this
             instant
             (
             which
             I
             received
             the
             10
             ,
             )
             that
             he
             yet
             stayes
             at
             
               Chirk-Castle
            
             ;
             from
             whence
             mine
             hath
             been
             sent
             to
             your
             Lordship
             two
             wayes
             ,
             so
             that
             I
             hope
             ours
             is
             come
             to
             hand
             .
             I
             missed
             of
             Captain
             
               Elies
               ,
            
             I
             being
             come
             from
             
               Worcester
               ,
            
             and
             thereby
             of
             the
             particular
             Relation
             of
             the
             state
             of
             
               Chester
               :
            
             I
             perceive
             the
             Peace
             in
             
               Ireland
            
             is
             concluded
             ,
             for
             my
             Lord
             Marques
             
               Ormond
            
             hath
             written
             to
             my
             Lord
             Archbishop
             of
             
               York
            
             by
             Letters
             of
             the
             12
             
               Decemb.
            
             last
             ,
             (
             a
             Copy
             whereof
             his
             Grace
             sent
             me
             ,
             and
             came
             to
             my
             hands
             the
             10
             of
             this
             instant
             )
             That
             he
             had
             3000
             foot
             in
             readinesse
             to
             be
             shipped
             for
             relief
             of
             
               Chester
               ,
            
             for
             which
             he
             desired
             fit
             Quarters
             to
             be
             provided
             against
             their
             Landing
             ,
             which
             by
             computation
             from
             his
             Letter
             should
             be
             about
             this
             time
             .
             I
             have
             written
             to
             his
             Grace
             ,
             praying
             his
             best
             power
             and
             assistance
             to
             be
             contributed
             for
             providing
             Quarters
             for
             them
             accordingly
             ;
             and
             so
             soon
             as
             I
             shall
             have
             notice
             of
             their
             Landing
             ,
             I
             shall
             advance
             with
             what
             strength
             I
             can
             make
             ,
             which
             I
             hope
             will
             be
             about
             1500
             horse
             ,
             and
             6
             or
             700
             foot
             to
             joyn
             with
             them
             ;
             and
             am
             glad
             your
             Lordship
             can
             adde
             so
             considerable
             a
             number
             ,
             which
             I
             hope
             may
             do
             the
             work
             .
             
               My
               Lord
               ,
            
             as
             by
             my
             last
             ,
             so
             again
             I
             pray
             you
             to
             inform
             me
             the
             Enemies
             strength
             ▪
             and
             what
             way
             is
             best
             to
             come
             ,
             and
             such
             like
             circumstances
             as
             your
             Lordship
             thinks
             pertinent
             .
             I
             assure
             your
             Lordship
             I
             am
             very
             sensible
             how
             much
             the
             preservation
             of
             that
             place
             imports
             His
             Majesties
             advantage
             ,
             and
             I
             shall
             imploy
             the
             utmost
             of
             my
             endeavours
             to
             render
             it
             relief
             :
             wherein
             I
             beseech
             your
             Lordship
             be
             confident
             of
             ,
             and
             that
             I
             am
             ,
          
           
             
               My
               Lord
               ,
            
             
               Your
               Lordships
               most
               humble
               Servant
               ,
               Jacob
               Ashley
               .
            
             
               Liechfield
               ,
               
                 12.
                 
                 Ian.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
               For
               Sir
            
             Richard
             Lloyd
             .
          
           
             
               SIR
               ,
            
             My
             Lord
             
               Ashley
            
             is
             not
             returned
             from
             
               Liechfield
               ;
            
             I
             sent
             the
             Letters
             to
             him
             ,
             whose
             Answer
             I
             expect
             hourly
             ;
             by
             the
             24
             of
             this
             moneth
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             a
             force
             sufficient
             with
             Gods
             blessing
             to
             raise
             the
             Siege
             ;
             you
             may
             assure
             the
             City
             ,
             so
             much
             was
             in
             Cypher
             ,
             of
             all
             this
             I
             am
             
             very
             confident
             ,
             and
             you
             may
             do
             well
             to
             send
             this
             to
             my
             Lord
             ,
             whom
             I
             will
             strive
             to
             serve
             to
             my
             utmost
             .
             I
             had
             gone
             to
             my
             Lord
             
               Ashley
               ,
            
             but
             for
             fear
             of
             my
             missing
             him
             upon
             the
             way
             .
          
           
             
               Your
               faithful
               Servant
               ,
               Rob
               :
               Elice
               .
            
             
               Bridgnorth
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 14.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             For
             my
             general
             Friend
             Sir
             
               William
               Neal.
               
            
          
           
             
               DEar
               Knight
               ,
            
             Pray
             be
             pleased
             to
             speed
             this
             enclosed
             Paper
             with
             all
             possible
             speed
             into
             
               Chester
               ,
            
             it
             contains
             crums
             of
             comfort
             .
             My
             Lord
             
               Byron
            
             hath
             the
             key
             ,
             for
             your
             present
             satisfaction
             ,
             be
             pleased
             to
             know
             ,
             that
             my
             Lord
             
               Ashley
               ,
            
             Sir
             
               Charls
               Lucas
               ,
            
             Sir
             
               William
               Vaughan
               ,
            
             and
             plenty
             of
             gallant
             Blades
             will
             be
             in
             these
             parts
             ere
             many
             dayes
             ,
             with
             a
             sufficient
             force
             (
             by
             the
             blessing
             of
             God
             )
             to
             raise
             the
             Siege
             at
             
               Chester
               :
            
             pray
             seal
             up
             the
             enclosed
             in
             a
             Paper
             ,
             and
             direct
             it
             for
             my
             Lord
             
               Byron
               :
            
             my
             duty
             to
             you
             all
             .
          
           
             
               Dear
               Knight
               ,
            
             
               Your
               true
               Servant
               ,
               John
               Wats
               .
            
             
               
                 Jan.
                 18.
                 2645.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               The
               Scribe
               is
               yours
               and
               my
               Ladyes
               most
               faithful
               Servant
               :
               This
               enclosed
               will
               be
               most
               welcom
               to
               your
               Neighbours
               :
               use
               all
               possible
               means
               to
               hasten
               it
               ,
               to
               prevent
               all
               sluggering
               comers
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             For
             my
             Lord
             
               Byron
               .
            
          
           
             
               MY
               Noble
               Lord
               ,
            
             This
             night
             ours
             is
             come
             from
             my
             Lord
             
               Digby
               ,
            
             and
             you
             post
             night
             and
             day
             to
             the
             King
             with
             assurance
             that
             15000
             are
             ready
             with
             all
             Accommodations
             for
             to
             come
             over
             for
             to
             relieve
             
               Chester
               ,
            
             which
             will
             crown
             your
             Lordships
             work
             ,
             and
             the
             truly
             loyal
             Mayor
             ,
             whose
             Names
             will
             be
             Honored
             by
             all
             vertuous
             posterity
             :
             they
             had
             come
             over
             before
             now
             ,
             if
             some
             miscarriage
             had
             not
             hapned
             ,
             which
             will
             suddenly
             be
             removed
             ,
             and
             then
             24
             hours
             will
             Land
             them
             upon
             English
             ground
             ,
             they
             care
             not
             for
             the
             Enemies
             ships
             .
             
               My
               Noble
               Lord
               ,
            
             when
             Sir
             
               William
               Gerrard
            
             writes
             in
             Cypher
             ,
             he
             will
             acquaint
             where
             the
             error
             was
             ,
             that
             before
             now
             this
             gallant
             Army
             came
             not
             ;
             I
             hope
             in
             good
             time
             it
             will
             :
             if
             peoples
             patience
             be
             not
             in
             
               Chester
            
             altogether
             exhausted
             ,
             which
             God
             forbid
             ,
             I
             assure
             them
             those
             of
             our
             Country
             Gentry
             that
             are
             gone
             in
             to
             the
             Enemy
             ,
             conceive
             themselves
             much
             neglected
             by
             them
             ,
             I
             would
             not
             have
             thus
             much
             trespassed
             upon
             your
             Lordships
             most
             serious
             occasions
             ,
             but
             knowing
             of
             Sir
             
               W.
               Ia.
            
             absence
             ,
             thought
             it
             necessary
             to
             impart
             this
             News
             in
             haste
             to
             youward
             ,
             Noble
             Mayor
             .
             God
             direct
             you
             both
             ,
             and
             have
             you
             in
             his
             keeping
             .
             So
             wisheth
             ,
          
           
             
               My
               Lord
               ▪
            
             
               Your
               most
               humble
               Servant
               ,
               Leinster
               .
            
             
               
                 Ian.
                 18.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
         
           
             For
             my
             Lord
             
               Byron
               .
            
          
           
             
               MAy
               it
               please
               your
               Lordship
               ,
            
             I
             have
             sent
             you
             these
             inclosed
             ,
             which
             I
             am
             sure
             will
             be
             welcom
             to
             you
             ;
             I
             durst
             not
             write
             to
             you
             before
             now
             ,
             by
             reason
             I
             had
             no
             certainty
             to
             write
             :
             I
             believe
             your
             Lordship
             doth
             know
             of
             my
             condition
             :
             here
             the
             Enemy
             lives
             in
             
               Hawarden
               ,
               Aston
               ,
            
             and
             
               Stretton
            
             and
             
               Bretton
               .
            
             I
             received
             a
             Letter
             from
             
               Denby
               ,
            
             intimating
             great
             hopes
             of
             the
             Irish
             Landing
             by
             this
             fair
             wind
             .
             
               My
               Lord
               ,
            
             the
             Enemy
             brags
             of
             a
             Parley
             for
             the
             delivering
             of
             the
             City
             ,
             but
             I
             believe
             them
             not
             :
             I
             beseech
             your
             Lordships
             care
             ,
             and
             two
             fires
             if
             this
             come
             safe
             to
             your
             hands
             ;
             and
             if
             all
             be
             well
             an
             hour
             after
             our
             fire
             to
             be
             made
             upon
             the
             Castle
             :
             So
             desiring
             you
             will
             be
             pleased
             to
             let
             me
             hear
             from
             you
             as
             soon
             as
             possible
             you
             can
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             further
             serve
             your
             Lordship
             ,
             which
             shall
             never
             be
             wanting
             by
             him
             that
             will
             remain
             .
          
           
             
               My
               Lord
               ,
            
             
               Your
               faithful
               Servant
               .
               William
               Neal.
               
            
             
               
                 Haw
                 :
              
               Castle
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 19.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             For
             the
             Ea.
             of
             
               Leinster
               .
            
          
           
             
               MY
               Honorable
               Lord
               ,
            
             This
             night
             hath
             produced
             this
             News
             ,
             that
             15000
             men
             are
             already
             in
             
               Ireland
               ,
            
             with
             shipping
             both
             from
             
               France
            
             and
             
               Denmark
            
             with
             all
             other
             accommodations
             ,
             and
             I
             hope
             will
             come
             in
             good
             time
             ,
             to
             crown
             your
             Lordships
             and
             the
             truly
             loyal
             Majors
             work
             ,
             which
             deserves
             all
             honour
             :
             They
             had
             been
             over
             before
             now
             to
             your
             Relief
             ,
             but
             for
             some
             miscarriage
             ,
             which
             will
             suddenly
             be
             removed
             ,
             and
             that
             done
             ,
             their
             readinesse
             is
             so
             compleat
             ,
             24
             hours
             will
             land
             them
             on
             English
             ground
             .
             I
             have
             no
             more
             to
             say
             ,
             but
             I
             hear
             some
             of
             our
             countrey
             Gentry
             being
             gone
             to
             the
             Enemy
             ,
             begin
             to
             think
             themselves
             much
             neglected
             by
             them
             ;
             so
             let
             all
             be
             which
             turn
             turn-coats
             .
             God
             have
             you
             all
             in
             his
             keeping
             .
          
           
             
               Yours
               till
               death
               ,
               Leinster
               .
            
             
               
                 
                   January
                
                 18.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             Sir
             
               Edmond
               Verney
            
             and
             Major
             
               Throp
            
             refusing
             to
             carry
             in
             the
             Propositions
             tendred
             by
             Sir
             
               Wil
               :
               Brereton
               ,
            
             divers
             of
             these
             Copies
             were
             thrown
             over
             the
             walls
             which
             produced
             good
             effects
             amongst
             the
             Citizens
             .
          
           
             I
             Did
             this
             day
             deliver
             unto
             Sir
             
               Edmond
               Verney
            
             and
             Major
             
               Throp
            
             Conditions
             ,
             wherein
             I
             tendred
             to
             all
             the
             Welch
             Souldiers
             and
             Officers
             ,
             liberty
             to
             go
             and
             live
             at
             their
             own
             homes
             .
             For
             the
             Irish
             (
             that
             have
             not
             taken
             part
             with
             the
             Rebels
             )
             liberty
             to
             return
             into
             Ireland
             ,
             or
             to
             march
             to
             any
             of
             the
             Kings
             Garrisons
             .
             To
             the
             Citizens
             (
             who
             were
             not
             Commissioners
             of
             Array
             nor
             Members
             of
             Parliament
             )
             the
             liberty
             of
             their
             persons
             ,
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             their
             estates
             ,
             and
             freedom
             of
             Trade
             ,
             as
             other
             
             Towns
             and
             Cities
             under
             the
             Parliaments
             power
             and
             protection
             ;
             which
             would
             have
             been
             performed
             had
             they
             been
             accepted
             ,
             but
             they
             would
             not
             receive
             them
             as
             was
             desired
             by
          
           
             
               William
               Breretor
               .
            
             
               Chester
               Suburbs
               ,
               
                 
                   Ian.
                
                 21.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             SIr
             ,
             We
             are
             told
             by
             Sir
             
               Edm
               :
               Verney
               ,
            
             and
             Major
             
               Thomas
               Throp
            
             (
             imployed
             from
             the
             Lo
             :
             
               Byron
            
             our
             Governor
             with
             Propositions
             )
             that
             you
             intended
             to
             send
             some
             by
             a
             Trumpet
             of
             your
             own
             (
             the
             bringing
             thereof
             being
             contrary
             to
             their
             Instructions
             )
             we
             have
             since
             seen
             Papers
             under
             your
             hand
             thrown
             over
             the
             wals
             (
             two
             whereof
             we
             send
             inclosed
             )
             and
             desire
             to
             know
             whether
             those
             be
             the
             Conditions
             you
             offered
             to
             their
             conveyance
             ,
             which
             if
             they
             be
             not
             ,
             we
             wish
             those
             may
             be
             sent
             you
             tendred
             to
             them
             :
             And
             remain
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               Servants
               ,
               
                 
                   
                     Cha
                     :
                     Walley
                  
                   Major
                   ,
                   for
                   my self
                   and
                   Citizens
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     Rob
                     :
                     Tatton
                     ,
                  
                   Vic.
                   
                   Com.
                   cestr.
                   .
                
              
            
             
               Chester
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 24.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             GEntlemen
             ,
             I
             have
             received
             your
             Letter
             ,
             and
             because
             this
             day
             is
             set
             apart
             for
             Sacred
             duties
             ,
             I
             shall
             send
             my
             Propositions
             to-morrow
             ,
             if
             before
             nine
             of
             the
             clock
             in
             the
             morning
             I
             receive
             a
             Passe
             from
             the
             Lord
             
               Byron
            
             for
             Col
             :
             
               Chidley
               Coot
               ,
            
             and
             Lieut.
             
             Col.
             
               Rob.
               Venables
               ,
            
             and
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             I
             remain
          
           
             
               Your
               Servant
               ,
               William
               Brereton
               .
            
             
               
                 Ian.
                 25.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             SIr
             ,
             I
             send
             inclosed
             a
             Passe
             for
             Col
             :
             
               Coot
               ,
            
             and
             Lieutenant
             Colonel
             
               Venables
               ,
            
             their
             horses
             and
             servants
             ,
             where
             you
             shall
             think
             fit
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             meet
             with
             Lieutenant
             Colonel
             
               Io.
               Robinson
               ,
            
             and
             Alderman
             
               William
               Ince
               ,
            
             whom
             I
             shall
             send
             to
             receive
             your
             Propositions
             ;
             and
             for
             whom
             ,
             with
             their
             servants
             and
             horses
             ,
             I
             desire
             your
             Passe
             ,
             and
             leave
             it
             to
             your
             choice
             ,
             whether
             at
             the
             Iron
             Bridge
             ,
             or
             between
             your
             Works
             and
             our
             Fort
             .
             Upon
             receipt
             and
             consideration
             had
             of
             your
             Propositions
             :
             I
             shall
             give
             such
             Answer
             thereunto
             as
             shall
             be
             consonant
             to
             Honour
             and
             Justice
             ,
             and
             remain
          
           
             
               Your
               Servant
               ,
               Iohn
               Byron
               .
            
             
               Chester
               ,
               
                 26.
                 
                 Ian.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             To
             all
             Commanders
             ,
             Officers
             and
             Souldiers
             of
             His
             Majestirs
             Army
             and
             Garrisons
             whom
             it
             may
             concern
             .
          
           
             YOu
             are
             hereby
             required
             to
             suffer
             the
             bearers
             hereof
             ,
             Col
             :
             
               Chidley
               Coot
               ,
            
             and
             Lieut.
             
             Col.
             
               Venables
               ,
            
             their
             servants
             and
             horses
             ,
             quietly
             to
             passe
             and
             travel
             to
             the
             Iron
             Bridge
             ,
             or
             to
             the
             mid-way
             between
             the
             Fort
             and
             the
             Enemies
             works
             at
             the
             choice
             of
             them
             ,
             there
             to
             meet
             with
             Lieut.
             
             
             Col.
             
               Io
               :
               Robinson
               ,
            
             and
             Alderman
             
               William
               Ince
               ,
            
             and
             to
             return
             into
             the
             Forgate
             street
             without
             any
             your
             let
             or
             interruption
             .
          
           
             
               Iohn
               Byron
               .
            
             
               Chester
               ,
               
                 26
                 Ian.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             MY
             Lord
             ,
             Although
             I
             expected
             a
             Passe
             for
             those
             two
             Gentlemen
             I
             nominated
             to
             come
             into
             the
             City
             ,
             as
             I
             granted
             to
             yours
             to
             come
             into
             my
             Quarters
             ,
             yet
             to
             satisfie
             the
             Citizens
             desire
             and
             expectation
             ,
             I
             have
             sent
             you
             a
             Passe
             for
             those
             Gentlemen
             you
             desire
             to
             meet
             the
             mid-way
             (
             betwixt
             two
             and
             three
             of
             the
             clock
             this
             afternoon
             )
             between
             your
             Fort
             and
             our
             Works
             ,
             which
             you
             shall
             receive
             inclosed
             ,
             and
             I
             remain
          
           
             
               Your
               Servant
               ,
               William
               Brereton
               .
            
             
               Chester
               Suburbs
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 26.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             To
             all
             Commanders
             ,
             Officers
             and
             common
             Souldiers
             ,
             in
             service
             for
             King
             and
             Parliament
             ,
             whom
             it
             may
             concern
             .
          
           
             YOu
             are
             hereby
             required
             to
             suffer
             the
             Bearers
             hereof
             ,
             Lieut.
             
             Col.
             
               Iohn
               Robinson
            
             and
             Alderman
             
               William
               Ince
               ,
            
             their
             servants
             and
             horses
             quietly
             to
             passe
             and
             travel
             the
             mid
             ▪
             way
             between
             our
             Works
             and
             the
             Enemies
             Fort
             ,
             there
             to
             meet
             with
             Col.
             
               Chidley
               Coot
            
             and
             Lieut.
             
             Col.
             
               Robert
               Venables
               ,
            
             and
             to
             return
             into
             Chester
             without
             any
             your
             let
             or
             molestation
             .
          
           
             
               William
               Brereton
               .
            
             
               Chester
               Suburbs
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 26.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             MY
             Lord
             ,
             I
             cannot
             now
             send
             you
             such
             Propositions
             as
             have
             been
             formerly
             rejected
             ,
             every
             day
             producing
             losse
             of
             Blood
             and
             expence
             of
             Treasure
             :
             neither
             will
             I
             trouble
             my self
             with
             answering
             the
             particulars
             of
             your
             unparalleld
             demands
             ,
             to
             which
             if
             I
             should
             suit
             mine
             ,
             I
             could
             require
             no
             lesse
             then
             your self
             and
             all
             the
             Officers
             and
             Commanders
             to
             be
             my
             prisoners
             ,
             and
             the
             rest
             submitted
             to
             mercy
             .
          
           
             Yet
             to
             witnesse
             my
             desires
             of
             the
             preservation
             of
             the
             City
             ,
             I
             have
             upon
             serious
             consideration
             and
             debate
             thought
             fit
             to
             tender
             these
             inclosed
             Conditions
             ,
             for
             the
             perfecting
             whereof
             ,
             I
             am
             content
             Commissioners
             meet
             concerning
             them
             ,
             and
             such
             further
             particulars
             as
             may
             be
             conceived
             conducible
             to
             the
             welfare
             of
             the
             City
             and
             counties
             adjacent
             ,
             and
             have
             given
             Commission
             to
             these
             Gentlemen
             to
             receive
             your
             Answer
             in
             writing
             to
             these
             Propositions
             of
             mine
             herewith
             sent
             ,
             touching
             which
             I
             shall
             not
             be
             so
             scrupulous
             as
             to
             demand
             their
             return
             ,
             not
             valuing
             to
             what
             view
             they
             may
             be
             exposed
             ,
             therefore
             they
             are
             to
             be
             left
             with
             you
             if
             you
             please
             ,
             and
             remain
          
           
             
               Your
               Servant
               ,
               William
               Brereton
               .
            
             
               Chester
               Suburbs
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 26.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
         
           
             From
             the
             Lord
             
               Byron
            
             to
             Sir
             
               William
               Brereton
               ,
            
             upon
             the
             first
             tender
             of
             his
             
               PROPOSITIONS
               .
            
          
           
             
               SIR
               ,
            
             I
             have
             received
             your
             Propositions
             by
             the
             Gentlemen
             ,
             sent
             to
             meet
             yours
             ;
             whereunto
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             the
             several
             conditions
             of
             men
             therein
             concerned
             ,
             I
             cannot
             for
             the
             present
             give
             an
             Answer
             :
             upon
             consideration
             thereof
             had
             by
             those
             therein
             concerned
             ,
             I
             shall
             not
             fail
             to
             give
             you
             a
             punctual
             Answer
             thereunto
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             rest
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               Servant
               ,
               John
               Byron
               .
            
             
               Chester
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 26.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             second
             Letter
             from
             the
             Lord
             
               Byron
            
             to
             Sir
             
               William
               Brereton
               ,
            
             touching
             the
             said
             
               Propositions
               .
            
          
           
             
               SIR
               ,
            
             These
             demands
             of
             mine
             which
             you
             term
             unparalleld
             ,
             have
             been
             heretofore
             granted
             (
             by
             far
             greater
             Commanders
             then
             your self
             ,
             no
             disparagement
             to
             you
             )
             to
             places
             in
             far
             worse
             condition
             then
             (
             God
             be
             thanked
             )
             this
             yet
             is
             ,
             witnesse
             the
             
               Basse
               ,
               Breda
               ,
               Mastrick
               ,
            
             and
             as
             many
             other
             Towns
             as
             have
             been
             beleaguered
             either
             by
             the
             Spanyard
             or
             Hollander
             ;
             or
             to
             come
             nearer
             home
             ,
             
               York
            
             and
             
               Carlifle
               ,
            
             and
             nearest
             of
             all
             
               Beeston
            
             Castle
             .
             And
             therefore
             you
             must
             excuse
             me
             ,
             if
             upon
             the
             Authority
             of
             so
             many
             Examples
             ,
             I
             have
             not
             onely
             propounded
             ,
             but
             think
             fit
             to
             insist
             upon
             them
             as
             the
             sence
             of
             ali
             manner
             of
             people
             in
             the
             City
             .
             As
             for
             your
             conceit
             in
             the
             demanding
             of
             my self
             and
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             Commanders
             and
             Officers
             to
             be
             your
             Prisoners
             ,
             I
             would
             have
             you
             know
             ,
             That
             we
             esteem
             our
             Honours
             so
             far
             above
             our
             lives
             ,
             that
             no
             extremity
             whatsoever
             ,
             can
             put
             so
             mean
             thoughts
             into
             the
             meanest
             of
             us
             all
             .
             And
             that
             to
             submit
             to
             your
             mercy
             ,
             is
             by
             us
             reckoned
             amongst
             those
             things
             we
             intend
             never
             to
             make
             use
             of
             ;
             I
             am
             neverthelesse
             still
             content
             that
             the
             Commissioners
             whose
             Names
             I
             formerly
             tendred
             unto
             you
             ,
             meet
             with
             such
             as
             you
             shall
             appoint
             ,
             in
             any
             indifferent
             place
             ,
             to
             Treat
             upon
             Honorable
             conditions
             ,
             and
             desire
             you
             to
             assure
             your self
             that
             no
             other
             will
             be
             assented
             unto
             you
             by
          
           
             
               Your
               Servant
               ,
               John
               Byron
               .
            
             
               Chester
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 27.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             Sir
             
               William
               Breretons
            
             Reply
             to
             the
             former
             .
          
           
             
               MY
               Lord
               ,
            
             I
             cannot
             believe
             that
             you
             conceive
             the
             War
             betwixt
             the
             Hollander
             and
             Spaniard
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             made
             a
             president
             for
             us
             :
             Neither
             can
             I
             believe
             that
             such
             conditions
             as
             you
             demanded
             ,
             were
             granted
             to
             
               Basse
               ,
               Breda
               ,
            
             or
             
               Mastrick
               :
            
             Sure
             I
             am
             ,
             none
             such
             were
             given
             to
             
               York
               ,
               Garlisle
               ,
            
             or
             
               Beeston
               ,
            
             though
             some
             of
             them
             were
             maintained
             by
             as
             great
             Commanders
             as
             you
             self
             ,
             and
             no
             disparagement
             to
             you
             .
          
           
             I
             shall
             therefore
             offer
             to
             your
             consideration
             ,
             the
             Examples
             of
             
               Liverpool
               ,
               Basing
            
             and
             
               Latham
               ,
            
             who
             by
             their
             refusal
             of
             Honorable
             terms
             when
             
             they
             were
             propounded
             ,
             were
             not
             long
             after
             subjected
             to
             Captivity
             and
             the
             Sword
             .
          
           
             You
             may
             therefore
             do
             right
             to
             all
             those
             many
             in●ocents
             under
             your
             Command
             ,
             to
             tender
             their
             safety
             ,
             and
             the
             preservation
             of
             the
             City
             ;
             for
             which
             end
             ,
             I
             have
             sent
             you
             fair
             and
             Honorable
             conditions
             ,
             such
             as
             are
             the
             sence
             of
             all
             the
             Officers
             and
             Souldiers
             with
             me
             ,
             which
             being
             rejected
             ,
             you
             may
             expect
             worse
             from
          
           
             
               Your
               Servant
               ,
               William
               Brereton
               .
            
             
               
                 Chester
              
               Suburbs
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 27.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             A
             Leter
             from
             the
             Major
             of
             
               Chester
            
             and
             
               Mr.
               Tatton
            
             to
             Sir
             
               W
               :
               Brereton
               .
            
          
           
             SIR
             ,
             My
             Lord
             
               Byron
            
             having
             acquainted
             us
             with
             a
             Letter
             which
             he
             received
             from
             you
             the
             last
             night
             ,
             in
             answer
             to
             his
             sent
             by
             the
             said
             Drum
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             conceive
             you
             apprehend
             a
             rejection
             of
             your
             Propositions
             ,
             which
             we
             much
             wonder
             at
             ,
             well
             knowing
             that
             my
             Lord
             writ
             unto
             you
             to
             appoint
             an
             indifferent
             place
             where
             ours
             and
             your
             Commissioners
             might
             meet
             to
             Treat
             upon
             the
             Propos.
             on
             both
             sides
             ,
             which
             is
             apprehended
             by
             us
             to
             be
             your
             sence
             also
             ,
             your
             own
             Propositions
             iming
             so
             much
             ,
             and
             you
             having
             so
             often
             by
             Letter
             expressed
             your
             tender
             care
             of
             the
             Cities
             preservation
             ,
             and
             prevention
             of
             the
             effusion
             of
             innocent
             blood
             .
             Our
             desire
             therefore
             is
             ,
             That
             you
             will
             nominate
             your
             Commissioners
             ,
             with
             the
             time
             and
             place
             ,
             that
             ours
             and
             yours
             may
             meet
             to
             debate
             and
             Treat
             upon
             the
             Propositions
             tendred
             on
             both
             sides
             ,
             without
             which
             there
             can
             be
             no
             hopes
             of
             a
             conclusion
             .
             So
             expecting
             your
             Answer
             ,
             we
             rest
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               Servants
               ,
               
                 
                   Cha
                   :
                   Walley
                   
                     Mayor
                     ,
                  
                
                 
                   
                     Rob
                     :
                     Tatton
                     ,
                  
                   Vic.
                   
                   Com.
                   cestr.
                   .
                
              
            
             
               Chester
               ,
               
                 Ian
                 ▪
                 28.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             Answer
             to
             the
             hast
             .
          
           
             ALthough
             I
             hold
             my self
             dis-engaged
             from
             any
             former
             tenders
             ,
             and
             do
             very
             well
             know
             your
             necessitous
             condition
             ,
             whereof
             I
             have
             received
             abundant
             information
             several
             wayes
             :
             Yet
             because
             I
             desire
             the
             Cities
             preservation
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             lengthen
             your
             miseries
             ,
             I
             am
             content
             to
             appoint
             for
             Commissioners
             ,
             the
             Gentlemen
             whose
             names
             are
             inclosed
             to
             Treat
             with
             yours
             upon
             my
             Propositions
             already
             tendered
             ,
             to
             morrow
             morning
             by
             ten
             of
             the
             Clock
             in
             the
             Forgatestreet
             ,
             if
             you
             send
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             for
             a
             Pass
             for
             your
             Commissioners
             formerly
             named
             ,
             and
             their
             servants
             :
             In
             the
             mean
             time
             I
             remain
          
           
             
               Your
               servant
               ,
               W.
               Brereton
               .
            
             
               
                 Ian.
                 28.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               The
               names
               of
               the
               Commissioners
               .
               
                 
                   Col.
                   
                     Bowyer
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     Col.
                  
                   Io.
                   Booth
                   .
                
                 
                   Col.
                   
                     Duckenfield
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     Col.
                  
                   Mich.
                   Iones
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     Col.
                  
                   Chidley
                   Coot
                   .
                
                 
                   Col.
                   
                     Carter
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   Adju.
                   Gen.
                   
                     Lowthian
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   Ionathan
                   Bruen
                   
                     Esq
                  
                
                 
                   Roger
                   Wilbraham
                   
                     Esq
                  
                
                 
                   Lieut.
                   Col.
                   
                     Hunt.
                     
                  
                
                 
                   Lieut.
                   Col.
                   
                     Venables
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     Mr.
                  
                   Rich.
                   Bradshaw
                   .
                
              
            
          
        
         
         
           
             From
             the
             Major
             of
             
               Chester
               ,
            
             and
             
               Mr.
               Tatton
            
             to
             Sir
             
               W
               :
               Brereton
               .
            
          
           
             
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             VVE
             desire
             that
             a
             Pass
             for
             our
             Commissioners
             formerly
             named
             ,
             ●heir
             servants
             and
             horses
             ,
             may
             be
             sen
             by
             this
             Drum
             ,
             to
             meet
             with
             yours
             in
             the
             Forgate-street
             to
             morrow
             morning
             by
             nine
             of
             the
             Clock
             ,
             and
             to
             return
             .
             Remaining
          
           
             
               Your
               servants
               
                 
                   Cha.
                   Walley
                   
                     Major
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   Robert
                   Tatton
                   ,
                   Vic.
                   Com.
                   cestr.
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 Chester
              
               
                 the
                 28
                 of
                 
                   Ian.
                
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             They
             delaying
             time
             ,
             and
             not
             sending
             for
             a
             Pass
             so
             soon
             as
             was
             expected
             ,
             this
             was
             sent
             in
             to
             them
             .
          
           
             
               Gentlemen
               ,
            
          
           
             I
             Have
             received
             your
             several
             Dilatory
             Answers
             ,
             and
             do
             assure
             you
             ,
             that
             if
             the
             Lord
             
               Byron
            
             (
             in
             whom
             you
             say
             the
             sole
             power
             of
             Treaty
             resteth
             )
             do
             not
             assent
             and
             act
             therein
             ,
             you
             may
             forbear
             sending
             .
             Do
             not
             deceive
             your selves
             in
             expectation
             that
             I
             will
             Treat
             when
             you
             please
             .
             I
             am
             sorry
             my
             care
             of
             the
             Cities
             preservation
             hath
             produced
             such
             unsuitable
             effects
             .
             The
             further
             misery
             that
             is
             like
             to
             befal
             that
             City
             ,
             be
             on
             your
             heads
             ,
             and
             not
             on
          
           
             
               Your
               servant
               Will
               .
               Brereton
               .
            
             
               
                 
                   January
                
                 29.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
               Lord
            
             Byron
             
               to
               Sir
            
             William
             Brereton
             .
          
           
             
               SIR
               ,
            
             I
             was
             knowing
             of
             ,
             and
             consenting
             to
             the
             Letter
             this
             day
             sent
             by
             Mr.
             Mayor
             and
             Mr.
             
             Sheriff
             
               Tatton
               ,
            
             touching
             the
             intended
             Treaty
             ,
             and
             am
             content
             (
             if
             a
             Passe
             may
             be
             sent
             for
             that
             purpose
             )
             that
             the
             Commissioners
             formerly
             named
             ,
             do
             meet
             with
             yours
             at
             the
             time
             and
             place
             in
             that
             Letter
             mentioned
             ,
             and
             remain
          
           
             
               Your
               Servant
               ,
               Iohn
               Byron
               .
            
             
               Chester
               ,
               
                 Ian.
                 29.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
               MY
               Lord
               ,
               I
               have
               ,
               according
               to
               your
               desire
               ,
               sent
               you
               a
               Passe
               here
               inclosed
               ,
               for
               those
               Gentlemen
               you
               formerly
               nominate
               ,
               who
               are
               to
               morrow
               expected
               at
               the
               time
               and
               place
               appointed
               ,
               where
               mine
               also
               shall
               be
               ready
               .
               In
               the
               mean
               time
               I
               remain
            
             
               
                 Your
                 Servant
                 ,
                 William
                 Brereton
                 .
              
               
                 Chester
                 Suburbs
                 ,
                 
                   29
                   Ian.
                   1645.
                   
                
              
            
          
           
             
               A
               Passe
               for
               the
               
                 Chester
              
               Commissioners
               .
            
             
               To
               all
               Commanders
               ,
               Officers
               and
               other
               Souldiers
               under
               my
               command
               ,
               in
               service
               for
               King
               and
               Parliament
               .
            
             
               THese
               are
               to
               command
               you
               to
               permit
               and
               suffer
               the
               persons
               under
               named
               ,
               with
               their
               Attendants
               (
               not
               exceeding
               twenty
               four
               in
               number
               )
               quietly
               and
               peaceably
               to
               passe
               your
               Scouts
               and
               Guards
               from
               Chester
               
               to
               this
               place
               ,
               with
               their
               Horses
               and
               Arms
               ,
               and
               to
               return
               without
               any
               your
               let
               or
               hindrance
               :
               Hereof
               fail
               not
               at
               your
               perils
               .
            
             
               
                 Given
                 under
                 my
                 hand
                 at
                 my
                 Quarters
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Forgate
                 street
                 ,
                 
                   Ian.
                   29.
                   1645.
                   
                
              
               
                 
                   
                     Sir
                     
                       Edm
                       :
                       Verney
                    
                     Knight
                     &
                     Col.
                     
                  
                   
                     William
                     Ince
                     
                       Alderman
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     Thomas
                     Cholmondley
                     
                       Esq
                    
                  
                   
                     Lieut.
                     Col.
                     
                       Peter
                       Griffith
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     Lieut.
                     Col.
                     
                       Henry
                       Leigh
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     Christopher
                     Blease
                     
                       Alderman
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     Sergeant
                     Major
                     
                       Tho
                       :
                       Throp
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     Lieut.
                     Col.
                     
                       Iohn
                       Robinson
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     Iohn
                     Iohnson
                     
                       Merchant
                       .
                    
                  
                   
                     John
                     Werden
                     
                       Gent.
                       
                    
                  
                   
                     Dr.
                     
                       Moreton
                       ,
                    
                     Divines
                     .
                  
                   
                     Tho
                     :
                     Bridge
                     ,
                  
                
              
            
          
        
         
           
             From
             the
             Mayor
             and
             Lord
             
               Byron
            
             to
             Sir
             
               William
               Brereton
               .
            
          
           
             SIR
             ,
             Vpon
             the
             return
             of
             those
             Commissioners
             sent
             to
             treat
             with
             yours
             ,
             and
             the
             Accompt
             they
             have
             given
             of
             their
             proceedings
             ,
             wee
             finde
             it
             so
             absolutely
             impossible
             to
             make
             a
             final
             conclusion
             in
             the
             time
             limited
             ,
             the
             matter
             being
             of
             so
             high
             a
             concernment
             to
             the
             Estates
             ,
             Liberties
             ,
             Lives
             and
             Consciences
             of
             the
             several
             conditions
             of
             people
             in
             this
             Citie
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             inforced
             to
             require
             a
             further
             day
             ,
             which
             we
             desire
             no
             longer
             then
             Monday
             next
             ,
             at
             which
             time
             we
             hereby
             engage
             our selves
             ,
             they
             shall
             return
             with
             full
             power
             to
             conclude
             :
             Hereunto
             not
             doubting
             your
             assent
             ,
             we
             rest
          
           
             
               Your
               Servants
               ,
               
                 John
                 Byron
                 .
                 Cha
                 :
                 Walley
              
               for
               my self
               &
               Citizens
               .
            
             
               Chester
               ,
               
                 31
                 
                   Jan.
                
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             MY
             Lord
             ,
             Upon
             due
             consideration
             how
             you
             have
             carryed
             on
             this
             Treaty
             ,
             and
             upon
             consultation
             with
             those
             with
             whom
             I
             have
             advised
             ,
             I
             finde
             nothing
             more
             then
             delayes
             in
             your
             desires
             ,
             there
             being
             no
             new
             matter
             proposed
             yesterday
             ,
             but
             what
             you
             have
             had
             sufficient
             time
             to
             consider
             .
          
           
             I
             shall
             not
             therefore
             admit
             of
             any
             further
             delay
             ,
             nor
             longer
             time
             to
             treat
             and
             conclude
             upon
             the
             Conditions
             tendred
             then
             this
             day
             ,
             and
             so
             remain
          
           
             
               Your
               Servant
               ,
               William
               Brereton
               .
            
             
               
                 Ian.
                 31.
                 1645.
                 
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
           Articles
           concluded
           and
           agreed
           upon
           Feb.
           1.
           1645.
           between
           the
           Commissioners
           appointed
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           
             John
          
           Lord
           
             Byron
             ,
          
           Field
           Marshal
           General
           of
           
             North
             ▪
             Wales
             ,
          
           and
           Governour
           of
           
             Chester
          
           on
           the
           one
           part
           ,
           and
           the
           Commissioners
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           Baronet
           ,
           Commander
           in
           chief
           of
           all
           the
           Forces
           of
           
             Cheshire
             ,
          
           and
           at
           the
           Leaguer
           before
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           on
           the
           other
           part
           ;
           for
           the
           Surrender
           of
           the
           City
           of
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           with
           the
           Castle
           and
           Fort
           thereof
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
          
           THat
           the
           Lord
           
             Byron
             ,
          
           and
           all
           Noblemen
           ,
           Commanders
           ,
           Officers
           ,
           Gentlemen
           and
           Souldiers
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           Persons
           whatsoever
           ,
           now
           residing
           in
           the
           City
           of
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Castle
           and
           Fort
           thereof
           ,
           shall
           have
           
           liberty
           to
           march
           out
           of
           the
           said
           City
           ,
           Castle
           ,
           and
           Fort
           ,
           with
           all
           their
           Apparel
           whatsoever
           ,
           and
           no
           other
           or
           more
           Goods
           ,
           Horses
           or
           Arms
           ,
           then
           are
           hereafter
           mentioned
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           The
           Lord
           
             Byron
          
           with
           his
           Horse
           and
           Arms
           ,
           and
           ten
           men
           with
           their
           Horses
           and
           Arms
           to
           attend
           him
           :
           Also
           his
           Lady
           and
           Servants
           ,
           two
           Coaches
           and
           four
           Horses
           in
           either
           of
           them
           ,
           for
           the
           accommodating
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           such
           other
           Ladies
           and
           Gentlewomen
           as
           the
           said
           Lord
           
             Byron
          
           shall
           think
           meet
           ,
           with
           eighty
           of
           the
           said
           Lords
           Books
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           Deeds
           and
           Evidences
           ,
           Manuscripts
           and
           Writings
           in
           his
           possession
           ;
           the
           said
           Lord
           ,
           his
           Lady
           ,
           nor
           any
           their
           Attendants
           ,
           carrying
           amongst
           them
           all
           above
           fourty
           pounds
           in
           money
           ,
           and
           twenty
           pounds
           in
           Plate
           :
           The
           rest
           of
           the
           Noblemen
           with
           their
           Ladies
           and
           Servants
           ,
           to
           march
           with
           their
           Horses
           ,
           each
           of
           the
           said
           Lords
           attended
           with
           four
           men
           ,
           their
           Horses
           and
           Arms
           ;
           every
           such
           Nobleman
           carrying
           with
           him
           not
           above
           thirty
           pounds
           in
           money
           :
           Every
           Knight
           and
           Colonel
           to
           march
           with
           two
           men
           ,
           their
           Horses
           and
           Arms
           ;
           no
           such
           Knight
           or
           Colonel
           to
           carry
           with
           him
           above
           ten
           pounds
           in
           money
           :
           Every
           Lieutenant
           Colonel
           ,
           Major
           and
           Captain
           of
           Horse
           ,
           with
           one
           man
           ,
           their
           Horses
           and
           Arms
           ;
           no
           such
           Lieutenant
           Colonel
           ,
           Major
           or
           Captain
           ,
           carrying
           with
           him
           above
           five
           pounds
           in
           money
           :
           Every
           Captain
           of
           Foot
           ,
           Esquire
           ,
           Graduate
           ,
           Preaching
           Minister
           ,
           Gentlemen
           of
           quality
           ,
           the
           Advocate
           and
           Secretary
           to
           the
           Army
           ,
           every
           of
           them
           with
           his
           own
           Horse
           and
           Sword
           (
           the
           Ministers
           without
           Swords
           )
           none
           of
           them
           carrying
           with
           him
           above
           fifty
           shillings
           ,
           and
           the
           Ministers
           to
           have
           all
           their
           own
           Manuscripts
           ,
           Notes
           ,
           and
           Evidences
           :
           Lieutenants
           ,
           Cornets
           ,
           Ensignes
           ,
           and
           other
           inferiour
           Officers
           in
           Commission
           ,
           on
           Foot
           with
           every
           man
           his
           Sword
           ,
           and
           not
           above
           twenty
           shillings
           in
           money
           :
           All
           Troopers
           ,
           Foot-Souldiers
           ,
           Gunpowder
           Makers
           ,
           Canoneers
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           not
           before
           mentioned
           ,
           to
           march
           without
           Horse
           or
           Arms
           .
           And
           that
           none
           of
           the
           said
           Persons
           before
           mentioned
           ,
           shall
           in
           their
           march
           ,
           after
           they
           are
           out
           of
           the
           City
           and
           Liberties
           thereof
           ,
           be
           plundered
           ,
           searched
           or
           molested
           .
        
         
           
             2.
             
          
           That
           all
           Women
           of
           what
           degree
           soever
           ,
           that
           please
           to
           march
           out
           of
           the
           City
           ,
           shall
           have
           all
           their
           Apparel
           with
           them
           ;
           and
           such
           Officers
           Wives
           ,
           whose
           Husbands
           are
           Prisoners
           or
           absent
           ,
           may
           carry
           such
           sums
           of
           money
           with
           them
           ,
           as
           are
           allowed
           by
           these
           Articles
           to
           ▪
           Commanders
           ,
           Officers
           ,
           and
           Gentlemen
           of
           their
           Husbands
           qualities
           and
           no
           more
           .
        
         
           
             3.
             
          
           That
           none
           of
           the
           Commanders
           ,
           Officers
           or
           Souldiers
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           at
           or
           before
           their
           marching
           out
           of
           the
           City
           ,
           Castle
           or
           Fort
           ,
           do
           injure
           or
           plunder
           the
           Person
           or
           Goods
           of
           any
           ▪
           nor
           carry
           any
           thing
           away
           out
           of
           the
           said
           City
           ,
           Castle
           or
           Fort
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           their
           own
           and
           hereby
           allowed
           .
        
         
           
             4.
             
          
           That
           all
           Citizens
           and
           others
           now
           residing
           within
           the
           City
           ,
           shall
           be
           saved
           and
           secured
           in
           their
           Persons
           ,
           and
           their
           Goods
           and
           Estates
           within
           
           the
           City
           and
           Liberties
           thereof
           ,
           preserved
           and
           kept
           from
           the
           plunder
           and
           violence
           of
           the
           Souldiers
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           like
           freedom
           of
           Trade
           ,
           as
           other
           Cities
           and
           Towns
           under
           the
           Parliaments
           protection
           have
           ,
           and
           such
           immunities
           as
           they
           of
           right
           ought
           to
           have
           .
           And
           that
           every
           such
           Merchant
           ,
           and
           Tradesman
           of
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           as
           shall
           desire
           to
           go
           into
           North-Wales
           ,
           to
           look
           after
           his
           Goods
           ,
           shall
           have
           a
           Passe
           to
           go
           thither
           ,
           and
           return
           back
           again
           ;
           he
           first
           giving
           security
           ,
           that
           (
           during
           his
           absence
           )
           he
           will
           do
           no
           act
           to
           the
           prejudice
           of
           the
           Parliament
           :
           And
           that
           no
           such
           person
           shall
           at
           any
           time
           without
           Licence
           carry
           more
           moneys
           with
           him
           ,
           then
           sufficient
           to
           defray
           the
           charges
           of
           his
           journey
           .
           And
           that
           all
           Citizens
           and
           other
           Inhabitants
           ,
           who
           shall
           now
           or
           hereafter
           desire
           to
           march
           forth
           of
           the
           City
           of
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           and
           not
           act
           any
           thing
           against
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           his
           ,
           or
           their
           Wives
           ,
           or
           Families
           ,
           to
           have
           the
           benefit
           and
           priviledge
           of
           Inhabitants
           .
        
         
           
             5.
             
          
           That
           such
           Officers
           and
           Souldiers
           as
           shall
           be
           left
           sick
           ,
           or
           wounded
           within
           the
           City
           of
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           or
           the
           Castle
           ,
           or
           Fort
           thereof
           ,
           shall
           have
           liberty
           to
           stay
           until
           their
           recovery
           ,
           and
           then
           have
           Passes
           to
           
             Conway
             ,
          
           or
           any
           of
           the
           Kings
           Garrisons
           not
           blocked
           up
           :
           In
           the
           mean
           time
           to
           be
           provided
           for
           .
        
         
           
             6.
             
          
           That
           the
           said
           Lord
           
             Byron
             ,
          
           Noblemen
           ,
           Commanders
           ,
           Gentlemen
           ,
           Officers
           and
           Souldiers
           ,
           and
           all
           others
           that
           shall
           march
           out
           of
           the
           Town
           ,
           shall
           have
           liberty
           to
           march
           to
           
             Conway
             ,
          
           and
           five
           dayes
           are
           allowed
           them
           to
           march
           thither
           with
           a
           Convoy
           of
           two
           hundred
           Horse
           ;
           the
           Welsh
           Officers
           and
           Souldiers
           to
           have
           liberty
           to
           go
           to
           their
           own
           homes
           ,
           all
           of
           them
           to
           have
           free
           Quarter
           in
           their
           march
           ,
           and
           twelve
           carriages
           (
           if
           they
           shall
           have
           occasion
           to
           use
           so
           many
           )
           which
           carriages
           are
           to
           be
           returned
           on
           the
           sixth
           day
           ,
           and
           that
           Passes
           be
           given
           them
           for
           their
           safe
           return
           to
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           and
           that
           they
           be
           secured
           until
           they
           return
           thither
           .
        
         
           
             7.
             
          
           That
           no
           Souldier
           in
           his
           march
           shall
           be
           inveigled
           or
           enticed
           from
           his
           Colours
           or
           Command
           ,
           with
           any
           promise
           or
           inducement
           whatsoever
           .
        
         
           
             8.
             
          
           That
           all
           such
           Persons
           ,
           Citizens
           ,
           or
           others
           ,
           who
           have
           Families
           in
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           and
           are
           now
           in
           places
           remote
           thence
           ,
           shall
           have
           the
           like
           benefit
           of
           these
           Articles
           ,
           as
           those
           who
           are
           now
           resident
           in
           the
           City
           .
        
         
           
             9.
             
          
           That
           the
           Friends
           of
           the
           Earls
           of
           
             Derby
          
           and
           
             Leitchfield
             ,
          
           or
           of
           any
           of
           those
           whose
           dead
           Bodies
           are
           not
           yet
           interred
           in
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           shall
           have
           two
           moneths
           time
           to
           fetch
           them
           thence
           ,
           whither
           they
           please
           ;
           provided
           ,
           that
           none
           of
           them
           come
           attended
           with
           above
           twenty
           horse
           .
        
         
           
             10.
             
          
           That
           no
           Church
           within
           the
           City
           ,
           or
           Evidences
           ,
           or
           Writings
           ,
           belonging
           to
           the
           same
           ,
           shall
           be
           defaced
           .
        
         
           
             11.
             
          
           That
           such
           Irish
           as
           were
           born
           of
           Irish
           Parents
           ,
           and
           have
           taken
           part
           with
           the
           Rebels
           in
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           and
           now
           in
           the
           City
           ,
           shall
           be
           prisoners
           .
        
         
           
             12.
             
          
           That
           all
           those
           Horses
           and
           Arms
           belonging
           to
           those
           that
           march
           out
           ,
           
           and
           not
           by
           these
           Articles
           allowed
           to
           be
           taken
           and
           carried
           out
           of
           the
           City
           (
           except
           such
           Horses
           as
           are
           the
           proper
           Goods
           of
           the
           Citizens
           and
           Inhabitants
           that
           shall
           remain
           in
           the
           City
           )
           before
           the
           delivery
           of
           the
           same
           be
           brought
           ,
           the
           Horses
           into
           the
           Castle
           Court
           ,
           and
           the
           Arms
           in
           to
           the
           Shire-Hall
           ,
           where
           Officers
           shall
           be
           appointed
           to
           receive
           them
           .
        
         
           
             13.
             
          
           That
           in
           consideration
           hereof
           ,
           the
           sayd
           City
           and
           Castle
           without
           any
           slighting
           or
           defacing
           thereof
           ,
           with
           all
           the
           Ordnance
           ,
           Armes
           ,
           Ammunition
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           furniture
           and
           Provisions
           of
           Warre
           therein
           whatsoever
           ,
           except
           what
           is
           allowed
           to
           be
           carryed
           away
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Records
           in
           the
           Castle
           ,
           without
           diminution
           ,
           imbezelling
           or
           defacing
           ,
           be
           delivered
           to
           the
           said
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           or
           such
           as
           he
           shall
           appoint
           for
           the
           use
           of
           King
           and
           Parliament
           upon
           Tuesday
           next
           being
           the
           third
           of
           this
           instant
           
             February
             1645.
          
           by
           ten
           of
           the
           cloke
           in
           the
           forenoone
           .
        
         
           
             14.
             
          
           That
           the
           Fort
           with
           all
           the
           Ordnance
           ,
           Armes
           Ammunition
           and
           Provision
           therein
           ,
           of
           what
           sort
           soever
           ,
           not
           formally
           granted
           or
           allowed
           of
           ,
           upon
           the
           signing
           of
           these
           Articles
           be
           delivered
           to
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
             ,
          
           or
           such
           as
           he
           shall
           appoint
           .
        
         
           
             15.
             
          
           That
           upon
           Signing
           of
           these
           Articles
           all
           Prisoners
           in
           the
           City
           ,
           Castle
           ,
           and
           Fort
           ,
           that
           have
           been
           in
           Armes
           for
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           or
           imprisoned
           for
           adhearing
           thereunto
           ,
           shall
           immediatly
           be
           set
           at
           Liberty
           .
        
         
           
             16.
             
          
           That
           the
           Convoy
           shall
           not
           receive
           any
           injury
           in
           their
           going
           or
           comming
           back
           ,
           and
           shall
           have
           three
           dayes
           allowed
           for
           their
           returne
           .
        
         
           
             17.
             
          
           That
           if
           any
           Person
           concerned
           in
           any
           of
           these
           Articles
           shall
           violate
           any
           part
           of
           them
           ,
           such
           Person
           shall
           loose
           the
           benefit
           of
           all
           the
           said
           Articles
           .
        
         
           
             18.
             
          
           That
           upon
           the
           Signinig
           of
           these
           Articles
           ,
           sufficient
           Hostages
           ,
           such
           as
           shall
           be
           approved
           of
           ,
           be
           given
           for
           the
           performance
           of
           the
           said
           Articles
           .
        
         
           
             Signed
             by
             us
             the
             Commissioners
             appointed
             on
             the
             behalfe
             of
             the
             right
             Honourable
             the
             Lord
             
               Byron
               .
            
             
               
                 Edmund
                 Verney
                 .
              
               
                 John
                 Robinson
                 .
              
               
                 Thomas
                 Cholmondeley
                 .
              
               
                 Peter
                 Griffith
                 .
              
               
                 Henry
                 Legh
                 .
              
               
                 Thomas
                 Throppe
                 .
              
               
                 Christopher
                 Blease
                 .
              
               
                 William
                 Jnce
                 .
              
               
                 John
                 Werden
                 .
              
               
                 John
                 Iohnson
                 .
              
               
                 Edward
                 Moreton
                 .
              
               
                 Thomas
                 Bridge
                 .
              
            
          
           What
           is
           done
           by
           the
           Commissioners
           is
           confirmed
           by
           
             Iohn
             Byron
             .
          
        
      
       
       
         
           Chesters
           Enlargement
           after
           three
           yeares
           bondage
           .
           Or
           ,
           A
           Compendious
           Narration
           of
           the
           reducing
           of
           
             Chester
          
           and
           
             Beston
          
           Castle
           ,
           with
           the
           memorable
           occurrances
           conducing
           thereunto
           .
        
         
           THe
           City
           of
           
             Chester
          
           is
           a
           strong
           Prize
           in
           it selfe
           ,
           anciently
           such
           by
           the
           high
           and
           broad
           Walls
           ,
           with
           many
           Towers
           and
           Bulwarkes
           flankering
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           since
           these
           troubles
           fortified
           by
           more
           than
           ordinary
           Mud-walls
           securing
           the
           Suburbs
           :
           and
           to
           compleat
           the
           whole
           ,
           the
           river
           
             Dee
          
           (
           in
           some
           measure
           Navigable
           )
           secures
           it
           on
           the
           West
           and
           South
           ,
           which
           swells
           so
           broad
           and
           high
           in
           the
           Tyde
           ,
           that
           no
           forces
           by
           Land
           can
           restraine
           reliefe
           by
           Sea
           .
        
         
           The
           scituation
           likewise
           makes
           it
           most
           advantagious
           to
           the
           possessors
           ,
           it
           being
           the
           key
           of
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           and
           a
           tye
           to
           unite
           North-Wales
           to
           
             Lancashire
          
           by
           a
           small
           neck
           of
           land
           in
           
             Cheshire
             ,
          
           five
           miles
           over
           ,
           the
           Rivers
           on
           both
           sides
           foardable
           .
        
         
           This
           Citie
           ever
           since
           the
           beginning
           of
           these
           troubles
           (
           Perfideously
           surprized
           by
           the
           Commissioners
           of
           Array
           ,
           in
           time
           of
           Truce
           )
           was
           kept
           for
           the
           King
           ,
           esteemed
           the
           master-piece
           of
           these
           parts
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           in
           some
           measure
           accordingly
           lookt
           upon
           by
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           whence
           it
           came
           to
           passe
           that
           much
           time
           and
           Treasure
           was
           expended
           by
           the
           prudent
           Commander
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           for
           the
           reducing
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           More
           then
           two
           yeares
           agone
           it
           was
           first
           attempted
           ,
           but
           the
           worke
           not
           well
           mannaged
           (
           the
           
             Militia
          
           being
           then
           in
           its
           infancie
           )
           it
           proved
           abortive
           .
           The
           enemy
           perceiving
           what
           they
           might
           expect
           in
           time
           ,
           endeavoured
           their
           utmost
           ,
           by
           art
           and
           industrie
           to
           make
           it
           impregnable
           .
        
         
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           perceiving
           that
           worke
           too
           difficult
           ,
           betooke
           himselfe
           
           to
           another
           Designe
           ,
           the
           reducing
           of
           
             Boston
          
           Castle
           ,
           a
           piece
           of
           such
           annoyance
           and
           charge
           to
           the
           Country
           ,
           that
           it
           will
           not
           bee
           impertinent
           to
           give
           a
           briefe
           account
           of
           the
           fortifying
           ,
           losing
           ,
           and
           regaining
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           the
           worke
           of
           this
           piece
           ,
           and
           the
           City
           ,
           did
           at
           all
           times
           so
           mutually
           interfare
           ,
           that
           they
           must
           be
           twisted
           in
           the
           historie
           .
        
         
           At
           the
           beginning
           of
           these
           Warres
           ,
           and
           many
           yeares
           before
           ,
           this
           piece
           was
           no
           more
           than
           the
           Skelliton
           ,
           or
           bare
           Anatomy
           of
           a
           Castle
           ,
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           prizing
           it
           by
           the
           scituation
           ,
           caused
           the
           Breaches
           to
           be
           made
           up
           with
           mud-walls
           ,
           the
           Well
           of
           the
           outer
           Ward
           to
           be
           clensed
           ,
           and
           a
           few
           roomes
           erected
           ,
           the
           old
           Walls
           being
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           the
           fabrick
           ;
           a
           Captaine
           or
           two
           being
           wearied
           out
           of
           the
           charge
           of
           such
           a
           Prison
           ,
           it
           was
           committed
           to
           Captaine
           
             Steele
             ,
          
           (
           a
           rough-heawn
           man
           ,
           no
           Souldier
           )
           whose
           care
           was
           more
           to
           see
           it
           repaired
           ,
           victualled
           ,
           and
           to
           live
           quietly
           there
           ,
           than
           the
           safe
           custody
           of
           it
           .
           After
           it
           was
           well
           stored
           with
           provision
           ,
           the
           Army
           out
           of
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           with
           the
           accession
           of
           other
           Forces
           ,
           under
           the
           command
           of
           Sir
           
             John
             Byron
             ▪
          
           drew
           into
           
             Cheshire
             :
             Steele
          
           had
           as
           sufficient
           notice
           of
           his
           danger
           ,
           as
           we
           of
           his
           negligence
           :
           the
           enemie
           suddenly
           surprized
           the
           inner
           Ward
           ,
           where
           was
           nothing
           but
           stones
           ,
           and
           a
           good
           prospect
           ,
           he
           by
           his
           sloath
           having
           lost
           that
           part
           ,
           out
           of
           cowardise
           gave
           up
           the
           other
           without
           delay
           :
           his
           reward
           was
           death
           ,
           upon
           the
           sentence
           of
           a
           Counsell
           of
           Warre
           ,
           ours
           ,
           the
           losse
           of
           the
           Countrie
           ,
           and
           the
           shaking
           of
           the
           whole
           County
           for
           the
           regaining
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           the
           enemy
           kept
           in
           possession
           ,
           about
           the
           space
           of
           two
           yeares
           .
        
         
           In
           
             December
          
           1644.
           
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           with
           the
           Forces
           of
           
             Cheshire
          
           and
           Auxiliaries
           of
           the
           Counties
           of
           
             Lancaster
             ,
             Yorke
             ,
             Darby
             ,
             Stafford
             ,
             Warwicks
             ,
          
           and
           
             Mountgomerie
             ,
          
           a
           very
           considerable
           Armie
           ,
           designed
           the
           reducing
           of
           
             Chester
          
           and
           this
           Castle
           ,
           began
           to
           beleaguer
           the
           Castle
           by
           fortifying
           
             Beston
          
           house
           ,
           halfe
           a
           mile
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           by
           some
           guards
           of
           Horse
           and
           Foot
           in
           adjacent
           places
           .
           The
           enemy
           from
           
             Holt
          
           Castle
           falling
           upon
           our
           Quarters
           ,
           caused
           us
           to
           quarter
           a
           strong
           party
           in
           
             Farne
             ,
          
           by
           which
           we
           restrained
           the
           incursions
           from
           that
           Castle
           .
           Then
           the
           enemy
           from
           
             Chester
          
           fell
           upon
           our
           Quarters
           at
           
             Aldford
             ▪
          
           which
           occasioned
           us
           to
           bring
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           the
           Armie
           to
           straiten
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           in
           the
           moneth
           of
           
             February
             Christleton
          
           being
           the
           head
           quarter
           (
           about
           a
           mile
           from
           
             Chester
             )
          
           was
           secured
           from
           Horse
           by
           sleight
           mud-walls
           ,
           by
           this
           meanes
           the
           City
           was
           straitned
           on
           this
           side
           the
           River
           :
           At
           this
           time
           (
           holding
           correspondence
           with
           some
           in
           the
           towne
           )
           we
           attempted
           a
           surprisall
           ,
           but
           (
           for
           ought
           we
           can
           learne
           )
           were
           drawne
           on
           by
           a
           subtill
           wile
           of
           the
           enemy
           ,
           yet
           brought
           off
           without
           losse
           by
           divine
           providence
           .
        
         
         
           One
           memorable
           atcheivement
           fell
           out
           in
           thetime
           of
           this
           Leaguer
           ;
           the
           enemy
           from
           
             Chester
          
           with
           a
           body
           of
           fifteen
           hundred
           Horse
           and
           Foote
           ,
           endeavoured
           the
           surprisall
           of
           
             Christleton
             ,
          
           whiles
           they
           were
           at
           dinner
           ,
           after
           notice
           of
           their
           approach
           by
           the
           centry
           on
           the
           steeple
           ,
           in
           a
           quarter
           of
           an
           houres
           space
           ,
           Collonel
           
             Jones
          
           drew
           up
           the
           Horse
           ,
           and
           adjutant
           
             Louthiane
          
           seven
           hundred
           Foote
           ,
           the
           enemy
           layd
           a
           strong
           Ambuscado
           of
           above
           three
           hundred
           Foote
           in
           the
           hedges
           ,
           the
           Body
           of
           their
           Horse
           advanced
           towards
           their
           Foote
           in
           a
           faire
           broade
           Lane
           nere
           
             Boughton
             ,
          
           Collonel
           
             Iones
          
           with
           his
           owne
           Troop
           ,
           and
           Major
           
             Sankey
          
           with
           his
           ,
           charged
           through
           their
           Ambuscado
           ,
           which
           so
           terrified
           the
           Enemy
           that
           many
           of
           them
           cast
           downe
           their
           Armes
           ,
           then
           they
           routed
           their
           Horse
           ,
           against
           whom
           the
           City
           shut
           their
           Gates
           ,
           least
           by
           their
           retreat
           they
           should
           loose
           all
           their
           Foote
           ,
           Adjutant
           
             Louthian
          
           divided
           his
           foote
           ,
           and
           drew
           them
           into
           the
           feildes
           to
           fall
           on
           the
           Enemies
           foote
           on
           both
           sides
           the
           lane
           ,
           whom
           he
           utterly
           routed
           ,
           chasing
           them
           within
           Musket
           shot
           of
           their
           own
           Workes
           .
           Our
           Horse
           being
           but
           few
           not
           seconded
           by
           the
           Reserve
           ,
           the
           Enemies
           Horse
           many
           ,
           and
           compelled
           by
           the
           Citizens
           to
           face
           about
           ,
           we
           were
           necessitated
           to
           drive
           away
           what
           prisoners
           we
           could
           with
           safety
           ,
           and
           whom
           we
           could
           not
           bring
           off
           we
           cut
           and
           slasht
           miserably
           ,
           which
           caused
           many
           to
           supplicate
           themselves
           prisoners
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           escape
           wounds
           ,
           many
           escaped
           from
           us
           down
           a
           steep
           Hill
           by
           the
           river
           ,
           others
           got
           into
           boggy
           places
           .
           The
           successe
           was
           good
           ▪
           we
           tooke
           Collonel
           
             Werden
             ▪
          
           Livetenant
           Collonel
           
             Vaine
             ,
          
           sixe
           Captaines
           ,
           twenty
           more
           Officers
           by
           Commission
           ,
           one
           hundred
           and
           eighty
           other
           Officers
           and
           Souldiers
           ,
           slew
           but
           few
           ,
           wounded
           very
           many
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           amazement
           of
           the
           Citizens
           ,
           who
           vowed
           they
           would
           never
           come
           out
           againe
           ,
           we
           lost
           one
           on
           the
           ground
           ,
           three
           died
           of
           their
           wounds
           ,
           about
           twenty
           wounded
           ,
           Major
           
             Sankey
          
           sore
           wounded
           ,
           but
           not
           dangerously
           ,
           Collonel
           
             Jones
          
           slightly
           wounded
           ,
           and
           Captain
           
             Blackwall
          
           taken
           prisoner
           .
        
         
           On
           Easter
           Eave
           we
           blockt
           up
           the
           City
           on
           the
           Welch
           side
           also
           ,
           for
           the
           space
           of
           sixe
           weckes
           ,
           adjutant
           
             Louthiane
             ,
          
           who
           quartered
           in
           
             Hawarden
          
           blockt
           up
           the
           Castle
           ,
           drewe
           his
           Trenches
           within
           a
           stones
           cast
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           so
           farre
           advance
           the
           worke
           by
           undermining
           and
           battery
           ,
           that
           in
           all
           probability
           ▪
           a
           few
           dayes
           had
           set
           us
           in
           possession
           of
           it
           ,
           others
           quartered
           in
           all
           the
           Townes
           and
           Houses
           neerer
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           to
           the
           repressing
           of
           markets
           ,
           but
           not
           restraining
           of
           reliefe
           ,
           for
           both
           sides
           were
           in
           some
           measure
           open
           to
           intelligence
           ,
           and
           some
           provision
           ,
           specially
           the
           Cheshire
           side
           .
           Our
           hopes
           of
           successe
           were
           great
           ,
           but
           the
           time
           of
           mercy
           for
           so
           ▪
           high
           a
           favour
           was
           ▪
           not
           
           yet
           come
           ;
           Our
           eyes
           were
           so
           fixt
           on
           the
           vast
           body
           of
           an
           army
           ,
           being
           the
           creame
           and
           gallantry
           of
           all
           the
           adjacent
           Counties
           ,
           that
           God
           would
           not
           eclypse
           his
           owne
           glory
           ,
           lest
           it
           should
           be
           said
           man
           had
           done
           it
           .
           For
           upon
           the
           approach
           of
           Prince
           
             Maurice
          
           with
           a
           farre
           lesse
           force
           ,
           we
           quit
           that
           side
           of
           the
           river
           ,
           leaving
           the
           City
           open
           to
           
             Wales
             ,
          
           and
           upon
           Prince
           
             Ruperts
          
           advance
           towards
           him
           ,
           with
           accession
           of
           Force
           ,
           we
           quit
           both
           the
           Leaguers
           ,
           and
           having
           strengthned
           the
           Garrisons
           ,
           drew
           to
           the
           further
           side
           of
           Cheshire
           ,
           remotest
           from
           danger
           .
        
         
           This
           proved
           fatall
           to
           the
           Country
           ,
           for
           the
           enemy
           at
           
             Holte
          
           burnt
           
             Faune
             ,
             Chester
          
           burnt
           
             Christleton
             ,
          
           haveing
           before
           upon
           our
           approach
           burnt
           great
           
             Boughton
             ,
          
           they
           of
           
             Beston
          
           Castle
           burnt
           
             Beston
          
           hall
           ,
           and
           
             Tilston
          
           house
           ,
           two
           goodly
           mansions
           ,
           and
           required
           seventeene
           weekes
           arrears
           of
           the
           Country
           (
           which
           was
           payd
           )
           according
           to
           the
           time
           we
           had
           blockt
           up
           the
           Castle
           ,
           in
           which
           time
           we
           lost
           much
           blood
           ,
           both
           in
           
             Wales
          
           and
           at
           
             Beston
             ,
          
           spent
           much
           Treasure
           ,
           and
           almost
           wasted
           the
           Country
           on
           both
           sides
           the
           river
           .
        
         
           The
           enemy
           encouraged
           hereby
           issued
           out
           of
           
             Chester
          
           with
           three
           hundred
           Foote
           and
           one
           hundred
           and
           twenty
           horse
           (
           the
           designe
           not
           yet
           knowne
           to
           us
           )
           passed
           nere
           
             Tarvin
             ,
          
           so
           through
           
             Barrow
             ,
          
           and
           accidentally
           fell
           upon
           Captain
           
             Gleggs
          
           quarters
           at
           
             Helseby
             ,
          
           tooke
           him
           ,
           all
           his
           Troope
           ,
           and
           some
           Country
           men
           prisoners
           ,
           marcht
           towards
           
             Beston
             ,
          
           intending
           to
           passe
           home
           by
           
             Holte
             :
          
           Upon
           intelligence
           ,
           
             Tarvin
          
           sent
           out
           ,
           under
           the
           Command
           of
           Livetenant
           Collonel
           
             Venables
          
           two
           hundred
           horse
           (
           most
           of
           which
           by
           speciall
           providence
           hapned
           to
           be
           there
           at
           that
           time
           )
           and
           one
           hundred
           and
           ninty
           Foote
           ,
           these
           hasted
           towards
           the
           enemy
           ,
           whom
           they
           encountred
           in
           
             Eaton
          
           towne
           ,
           rescued
           Captain
           
             Glegg
             ,
          
           all
           his
           men
           ,
           the
           Country
           men
           ,
           and
           some
           of
           his
           Horse
           ,
           slew
           seven
           ,
           many
           escaped
           by
           counterfeting
           themselves
           dead
           ,
           tooke
           three
           Captains
           ,
           many
           Officers
           two
           hundred
           and
           twenty
           Souldiers
           ,
           and
           all
           their
           plunder
           ,
           lost
           not
           a
           man
           on
           the
           ground
           ,
           but
           foure
           dyed
           of
           their
           wounds
           not
           long
           after
           .
        
         
           After
           this
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
             ,
          
           by
           an
           Ordinance
           ,
           was
           called
           up
           to
           the
           Parliament
           ;
           the
           transaction
           of
           the
           Civill
           affaires
           of
           the
           County
           ,
           were
           committed
           to
           seaven
           Trustees
           ,
           and
           the
           Deputy
           Lievtenants
           ,
           the
           Military
           to
           Collonel
           
             Jones
          
           and
           adjut
           .
           
             Louthiane
             ,
          
           men
           of
           such
           knowne
           worth
           ,
           that
           they
           need
           no
           Character
           of
           honour
           from
           this
           penne
           .
        
         
           These
           two
           Souldiers
           layd
           the
           foundation
           to
           the
           worke
           according
           to
           their
           owne
           principles
           .
           First
           they
           endeavoured
           to
           appease
           the
           Souldiers
           who
           were
           desperately
           mutinous
           ,
           and
           the
           Horse
           on
           their
           march
           to
           leave
           
           the
           County
           for
           want
           of
           pay
           ,
           and
           because
           of
           their
           deep
           arreares
           ,
           this
           the
           Gentlemen
           performed
           by
           faire
           language
           ,
           a
           months
           pay
           in
           hand
           (
           borrowed
           and
           out
           of
           their
           owne
           purses
           )
           and
           by
           deep
           engagements
           for
           a
           constant
           monthly
           pay
           ,
           then
           they
           put
           in
           execution
           the
           new
           Moddle
           ,
           by
           which
           the
           souldiers
           were
           reduced
           to
           such
           order
           that
           they
           past
           muster
           every
           night
           upon
           the
           Parade
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           came
           not
           dayly
           upon
           duty
           lost
           their
           pay
           .
           The
           Country
           were
           as
           sensible
           of
           their
           owne
           happinesse
           ,
           that
           they
           payd
           to
           none
           ,
           but
           those
           that
           served
           ,
           and
           that
           all
           free
           quarter
           to
           the
           Foote
           was
           taken
           off
           .
        
         
           Their
           first
           service
           was
           for
           Leicestershire
           ,
           Collonel
           
             Jones
          
           went
           out
           with
           five
           hundred
           Horse
           and
           Dragoones
           ,
           adjutant
           
             Louthiane
          
           with
           a
           considerable
           body
           of
           Foote
           ,
           as
           farre
           as
           
             Bakewell
             ,
          
           the
           Horse
           were
           Commanded
           to
           
             Darby
          
           to
           joyne
           with
           Sir
           
             John
             Gell
             ,
          
           who
           so
           retarded
           the
           Forces
           under
           his
           Command
           that
           they
           came
           short
           of
           the
           Battle
           at
           
             Nasby
             ,
          
           to
           which
           service
           they
           were
           designed
           ,
           yet
           advancing
           afterwards
           to
           
             Lecester
             ,
          
           were
           very
           serviceable
           for
           the
           reducing
           of
           that
           Towne
           ,
           till
           the
           worke
           was
           perfected
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           designe
           upon
           their
           returne
           ,
           was
           the
           siege
           of
           
             Beston
          
           Castle
           ,
           by
           their
           owne
           Forces
           onely
           :
           to
           make
           the
           worke
           sure
           (
           which
           formerly
           proved
           abortive
           )
           they
           erected
           a
           strong
           Fort
           within
           musket
           shot
           of
           the
           Castle
           ,
           before
           the
           Gate
           ,
           finisht
           it
           in
           seaven
           dayes
           ,
           built
           a
           convenient
           house
           in
           it
           ,
           which
           they
           stoard
           with
           provision
           and
           ammunition
           ,
           afterwards
           made
           a
           Counterskerfe
           ,
           hereby
           all
           hope
           of
           releise
           to
           the
           Castle
           was
           utterly
           cut
           off
           ,
           and
           they
           enabled
           to
           draw
           off
           the
           greatest
           part
           of
           their
           Force
           ,
           when
           called
           thereto
           ,
           by
           an
           invading
           enemy
           (
           which
           fell
           out
           twice
           )
           or
           for
           the
           carrying
           on
           of
           any
           designe
           ,
           by
           which
           meanes
           unexpectedly
           they
           surprised
           the
           Suburbes
           of
           
             Chester
             .
          
           God
           so
           farre
           smyl'd
           upon
           this
           enterprise
           ,
           that
           in
           all
           the
           dangerous
           worke
           of
           the
           Fort
           ,
           we
           lost
           not
           a
           man
           ,
           nor
           a
           drop
           of
           Blood
           ,
           though
           perpetually
           a
           faire
           marke
           to
           a
           violent
           enemy
           .
        
         
           This
           worke
           so
           farre
           advancr
           ,
           their
           thoughts
           were
           upon
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           though
           it
           seem'd
           a
           designe
           almost
           impossible
           in
           the
           judgement
           of
           man
           ,
           for
           all
           visible
           meanes
           was
           gone
           ,
           the
           Commander
           in
           cheif
           to
           the
           Parliament
           all
           the
           Auxiliaries
           disperst
           to
           their
           owne
           Countries
           ,
           and
           we
           a
           small
           despised
           in
           considerable
           Force
           ,
           not
           onely
           engaged
           in
           the
           Leaguer
           of
           
             Beston
             ,
          
           but
           hard
           put
           to
           it
           by
           the
           incursions
           of
           
             Holte
          
           Castle
           (
           a
           bad
           neighbour
           )
           besides
           other
           Forces
           out
           of
           
             Wales
          
           and
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           daily
           infesting
           some
           part
           of
           the
           County
           ,
           but
           laying
           to
           heart
           the
           reproach
           cast
           on
           us
           by
           some
           of
           our
           
           pretended
           friends
           ,
           as
           if
           all
           our
           worke
           were
           to
           lye
           idle
           in
           the
           Leaguer
           ,
           and
           considering
           it
           was
           all
           one
           with
           God
           to
           worke
           with
           many
           or
           few
           ,
           we
           resolved
           to
           storme
           the
           Citie
           .
        
         
           But
           whiles
           we
           were
           intent
           upon
           this
           ,
           two
           rubbs
           fell
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           the
           King
           with
           some
           force
           drew
           towards
           
             Namptwich
          
           intending
           for
           the
           North
           ,
           which
           caused
           us
           to
           draw
           off
           the
           Foot
           ,
           to
           secure
           the
           Garrisons
           from
           surprizall
           ,
           and
           Collonell
           
             Iones
          
           with
           the
           Horse
           ,
           and
           a
           small
           party
           of
           Foot
           undertooke
           the
           charge
           of
           
             Beston
             .
          
           The
           King
           drawing
           off
           from
           those
           parts
           inclined
           his
           course
           doubtfully
           ,
           whether
           for
           
             Darby
             ,
          
           or
           the
           lower
           parts
           of
           
             Cheshire
             ,
          
           intending
           to
           fall
           into
           the
           North
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           joyne
           with
           
             Mountresse
             ,
          
           which
           counterchanged
           our
           course
           ,
           for
           
             Adjutant
             Louthiane
          
           with
           the
           Foot
           ,
           and
           a
           small
           partie
           of
           Horse
           undertooke
           the
           Leaguer
           of
           
             Beston
             ,
          
           Collonel
           
             Iones
          
           with
           foure
           hundred
           Horse
           and
           Dragoones
           went
           into
           the
           field
           ,
           to
           save
           the
           Countrie
           (
           in
           the
           lower
           parts
           of
           
             Cheshire
             )
          
           from
           spoile
           ,
           to
           fall
           upon
           the
           reare
           of
           the
           enemy
           ,
           and
           to
           fight
           if
           occasion
           should
           require
           ,
           having
           an
           accession
           of
           foot
           in
           the
           skirts
           of
           the
           Countie
           .
           In
           this
           expedition
           he
           was
           drawne
           by
           authoritie
           to
           a
           longer
           march
           than
           was
           intended
           ,
           expecting
           to
           be
           engaged
           towards
           
             Doncaster
          
           or
           
             Newarke
             ,
          
           where
           the
           Scots
           and
           the
           adjacent
           Countries
           made
           up
           a
           very
           puissant
           Army
           .
           Upon
           his
           returne
           preparation
           was
           againe
           made
           for
           the
           intended
           enterprize
           upon
           the
           City
           ,
           but
           was
           retarded
           a
           few
           weekes
           by
           want
           of
           pay
           for
           the
           Armie
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           intelligence
           of
           the
           King
           drawing
           this
           way
           (
           being
           taken
           off
           his
           expedition
           for
           the
           North
           )
           which
           made
           us
           stand
           on
           our
           guard
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           not
           lose
           the
           ground
           we
           had
           gained
           at
           
             Beston
             .
          
        
         
           That
           cloude
           dispelled
           ,
           they
           fixt
           upon
           a
           day
           for
           this
           so
           great
           a
           worke
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           might
           be
           done
           without
           noise
           ,
           they
           made
           use
           only
           of
           their
           owne
           strength
           ,
           being
           about
           five
           hundred
           Horse
           ,
           two
           hundred
           Dragoones
           ,
           and
           seaven
           hundred
           Foot
           ,
           and
           they
           that
           were
           privie
           to
           the
           designe
           tooke
           an
           oath
           of
           secresie
           .
        
         
           On
           Friday
           
             September
          
           19.
           we
           drew
           off
           the
           Leaguer
           at
           
             Beston
          
           towards
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           but
           out
           of
           the
           common
           rode
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           make
           no
           noise
           in
           the
           Countrey
           ,
           nor
           the
           beleaguer'd
           Castle
           give
           any
           signall
           of
           forces
           abroad
           :
           after
           a
           tedious
           march
           all
           night
           ,
           wee
           storm'd
           the
           Suburbs
           of
           the
           Citie
           by
           breake
           of
           day
           ,
           were
           not
           discovered
           till
           we
           attempted
           the
           Work
           ,
           the
           Sentinell
           shot
           at
           our
           men
           ,
           askt
           if
           we
           had
           brought
           our
           deare
           brethren
           (
           meaning
           the
           Scots
           )
           with
           us
           ,
           to
           take
           the
           Citie
           :
           Wee
           multiplyed
           not
           words
           ,
           but
           fell
           to
           the
           worke
           ,
           Captaine
           
             Gymbert
          
           was
           the
           first
           that
           entred
           ,
           his
           Ladder
           being
           to
           short
           ,
           he
           lift
           up
           his
           man
           to
           the
           mount
           (
           neere
           the
           river
           
           side
           )
           from
           the
           top
           of
           it
           ,
           his
           man
           drew
           him
           up
           by
           the
           hand
           ,
           and
           then
           they
           cryde
           ,
           a
           towne
           ,
           a
           towne
           ,
           immediately
           they
           cleared
           that
           Mount
           ,
           slew
           Lievtenant
           
             Aldersey
             ,
          
           the
           Captain
           e
           of
           the
           Watch
           ,
           and
           put
           the
           rest
           ,
           about
           six
           men
           to
           flight
           ,
           then
           others
           set
           too
           their
           Ladders
           ,
           possest
           themselves
           of
           all
           the
           Mounts
           on
           that
           side
           the
           Citie
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           instruments
           wee
           brought
           with
           us
           ,
           brake
           open
           the
           gates
           :
           then
           all
           the
           Horse
           entred
           ,
           with
           the
           remainder
           of
           the
           Foot
           ,
           with
           loude
           shouts
           ,
           which
           utterly
           daunted
           the
           enemie
           .
           The
           next
           worke
           was
           to
           take
           the
           Barrs
           ,
           being
           the
           Fortification
           for
           the
           Forrest
           street
           ,
           which
           was
           effected
           speedily
           ,
           by
           entring
           at
           the
           back
           of
           some
           houses
           ,
           not
           farre
           from
           the
           gate
           ,
           so
           we
           fell
           upon
           that
           guard
           in
           the
           reere
           ,
           who
           fled
           in
           all
           hast
           into
           the
           City
           ,
           that
           while
           our
           men
           opened
           the
           gate
           into
           the
           Forrest
           street
           ,
           which
           we
           entred
           with
           a
           full
           body
           of
           Horse
           and
           Foot
           ,
           and
           some
           so
           close
           persu'd
           the
           Guard
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           neere
           entring
           the
           City
           with
           them
           .
           Master
           Major
           very
           difficultly
           got
           into
           the
           City
           ,
           but
           made
           such
           haste
           ,
           that
           he
           left
           the
           Sword
           and
           Mace
           at
           his
           house
           in
           the
           Suburbs
           .
        
         
           Thus
           possest
           of
           the
           out-workes
           ,
           we
           set
           guards
           in
           all
           places
           ,
           where
           the
           enemie
           might
           fall
           in
           upon
           us
           ,
           posted
           Letters
           to
           the
           Gent.
           over
           all
           the
           County
           ,
           also
           to
           
             Lancashire
             ,
             Salop
             ,
          
           and
           
             Staffordshire
             ,
          
           signifying
           what
           God
           had
           done
           for
           us
           ,
           desiring
           their
           assistance
           to
           the
           perfecting
           of
           this
           worke
           ,
           who
           neglecting
           all
           other
           engagements
           ,
           hasted
           towards
           us
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           worke
           had
           been
           their
           owne
           .
        
         
           The
           enemies
           first
           worke
           was
           to
           fire
           the
           Suburbs
           ,
           by
           their
           instruments
           lurking
           amongst
           us
           ,
           some
           of
           which
           we
           slew
           ,
           they
           burnt
           Cow-lane
           ,
           and
           St.
           
           
             Iohns
          
           lane
           :
           after
           that
           they
           burnt
           up
           all
           the
           street
           without
           the
           North
           gate
           ,
           to
           deprive
           us
           of
           all
           quarter
           ,
           though
           many
           hundred
           Families
           of
           their
           partie
           ,
           and
           much
           provision
           were
           destroyed
           thereby
           .
        
         
           The
           next
           day
           after
           the
           storme
           ,
           we
           brought
           in
           the
           Artillerie
           ,
           prepared
           a
           batterie
           that
           night
           ,
           fell
           upon
           the
           worke
           the
           next
           day
           ,
           made
           a
           wide
           breach
           by
           the
           New
           gate
           ,
           intending
           to
           storme
           the
           City
           at
           night
           :
           before
           which
           Master
           Major
           was
           writ
           to
           ,
           by
           way
           of
           advise
           to
           prepare
           the
           City
           to
           a
           summons
           (
           which
           was
           peremptorie
           )
           for
           the
           surrender
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           Summons
           they
           would
           not
           reade
           ,
           because
           the
           forme
           in
           the
           direction
           pleased
           them
           not
           ,
           the
           answer
           returned
           by
           the
           Major
           ,
           was
           to
           his
           wife
           in
           the
           Suburbs
           ,
           that
           she
           might
           comfort
           her
           heart
           ,
           for
           the
           King
           was
           within
           foure
           miles
           for
           their
           reliefe
           .
           About
           seven
           a
           clocke
           that
           night
           ,
           we
           stormed
           the
           towne
           in
           three
           or
           foure
           places
           ,
           some
           fought
           valiantly
           upon
           the
           tops
           of
           their
           Ladders
           ,
           many
           of
           which
           proved
           too
           short
           :
           Captaine
           
             Finch
          
           with
           
           his
           Fire-locks
           entred
           the
           breach
           ,
           beat
           off
           the
           enemie
           ,
           but
           he
           ,
           his
           Lievtenant
           ,
           and
           some
           others
           being
           wounded
           and
           carried
           off
           ,
           they
           who
           were
           to
           second
           them
           were
           discouraged
           :
           so
           the
           worke
           was
           suspended
           for
           that
           time
           .
        
         
           The
           City
           ,
           apprehensive
           of
           their
           owne
           danger
           ,
           in
           that
           we
           followed
           the
           worke
           so
           close
           ,
           sent
           to
           the
           King
           ,
           who
           gave
           them
           assurance
           of
           reliefe
           ,
           drawing
           towards
           them
           with
           all
           speed
           ,
           which
           caused
           us
           to
           send
           out
           some
           to
           seeke
           out
           Generall
           Pointz
           ,
           and
           to
           hasten
           him
           to
           our
           reliefe
           ,
           which
           was
           seasonably
           effected
           ,
           for
           he
           quartering
           at
           
             Whitchurch
          
           on
           Tuesday
           night
           ,
           marched
           thence
           before
           midnight
           :
           about
           six
           a
           clocke
           next
           morning
           ,
           advanc'd
           wirhin
           three
           miles
           of
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           neere
           the
           Kings
           Armie
           ,
           before
           they
           knew
           of
           one
           another
           .
           
             Poyntz
          
           was
           upon
           
             Hatton
          
           Heath
           ,
           divided
           from
           the
           Enemy
           by
           a
           short
           Lane
           ,
           whom
           he
           charged
           with
           a
           Forlorne
           hope
           ,
           was
           very
           active
           in
           his
           owne
           person
           ,
           and
           many
           gallant
           Gentlemen
           with
           him
           ,
           but
           being
           overpowred
           by
           the
           body
           of
           the
           Enemy
           ,
           who
           were
           in
           a
           good
           posture
           upon
           the
           open
           field
           ,
           they
           put
           him
           to
           a
           retreat
           ,
           though
           their
           losse
           was
           judged
           neere
           as
           great
           as
           his
           ,
           but
           the
           wounding
           of
           Collonel
           
             Greaves
             ,
          
           Collonel
           
             Bethel
             ,
          
           and
           Captaine
           
             Cotton
             ,
          
           gallant
           men
           ,
           wrought
           no
           small
           distraction
           amongst
           them
           :
           both
           Armies
           continuing
           facing
           one
           another
           after
           the
           skirmish
           (
           a
           lane
           betwixt
           them
           )
           till
           about
           foure
           a
           clocke
           ;
           by
           which
           time
           Collonel
           
             Jones
          
           was
           sent
           from
           the
           Suburbs
           of
           
             Chester
          
           with
           five
           hundred
           Horse
           ,
           and
           as
           many
           Foot
           ,
           commanded
           by
           Collonel
           
             John
             Boothe
          
           to
           the
           reliefe
           of
           
             Poyntz
             :
          
           the
           enemie
           in
           
             Chester
          
           perceiving
           that
           ,
           sent
           about
           one
           thousand
           horse
           and
           foot
           upon
           the
           reere
           of
           Collonell
           
             Iones
             ,
          
           yet
           by
           two
           hundred
           Horse
           ,
           and
           as
           many
           Foot
           ,
           sent
           out
           of
           the
           Suburbs
           by
           Adjut
           .
           
             Louthaine
             ,
          
           those
           were
           repelled
           and
           driven
           another
           way
           ,
           so
           Collonel
           
             Iones
          
           arrived
           safe
           to
           the
           field
           .
        
         
           The
           Enemie
           in
           
             Chester
          
           perceiving
           so
           many
           gone
           out
           of
           the
           Suburbs
           ,
           tooke
           the
           opportunitie
           to
           assault
           the
           Workes
           ,
           endevouring
           to
           cast
           out
           such
           unwelcome
           neighbours
           ,
           this
           they
           attempted
           in
           divers
           places
           ,
           but
           were
           valiantly
           repulsed
           by
           Adjutant
           
             Louthaine
             ,
          
           this
           was
           the
           second
           worke
           of
           that
           day
           ,
           wherein
           God
           appeared
           for
           us
           ,
           making
           these
           the
           first
           fruits
           of
           a
           glorious
           ensuing
           victory
           .
        
         
           When
           the
           Enemie
           perceived
           Generall
           
             Poyntz
             ,
          
           and
           the
           
             Cheshire
          
           Forces
           about
           to
           joyne
           ,
           they
           quit
           their
           ground
           ,
           drew
           into
           a
           body
           ,
           and
           set
           themselves
           in
           Batalia
           upon
           
             Rowton
          
           Moore
           ,
           we
           mattialled
           our selves
           likewise
           and
           joyned
           Battell
           betweene
           foure
           and
           five
           a
           clocke
           ,
           the
           greatest
           burden
           lay
           upon
           the
           
             Cheshire
          
           Horse
           ,
           because
           they
           were
           fresh
           for
           service
           ,
           the
           rest
           
           much
           wearied
           with
           an
           incessant
           march
           and
           long
           fasting
           ;
           Collonel
           
             Jones
          
           encouraged
           his
           souldiers
           with
           such
           language
           ,
           that
           he
           drew
           teares
           from
           their
           eyes
           ,
           and
           vowes
           from
           their
           mouths
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           sticke
           fast
           to
           him
           ,
           whether
           in
           life
           or
           death
           ,
           which
           they
           faithfully
           performed
           :
           the
           rest
           also
           buckled
           themselves
           to
           the
           service
           in
           hand
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           both
           sides
           their
           due
           ,
           they
           performed
           the
           worke
           with
           as
           much
           valour
           and
           resolution
           as
           could
           be
           expected
           from
           men
           :
           But
           God
           owning
           his
           owne
           cause
           ,
           made
           the
           Parliament
           partie
           victorious
           ,
           who
           slew
           them
           with
           a
           great
           slaughter
           on
           the
           ground
           ,
           and
           chased
           them
           over
           all
           the
           Countrie
           .
        
         
           Some
           of
           their
           scattred
           party
           united
           themselves
           neere
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           and
           made
           head
           againe
           ;
           these
           were
           composed
           of
           those
           ,
           who
           following
           Collonel
           
             Iones
          
           in
           the
           reere
           ,
           were
           driven
           toward
           bridge
           
             Trafford
             ,
          
           and
           the
           escaped
           in
           the
           field
           ,
           who
           were
           partly
           twisted
           in
           the
           Parliaments
           Armie
           ,
           whiles
           they
           pursued
           the
           victory
           ,
           and
           part
           of
           them
           driven
           before
           us
           :
           opportunity
           serving
           ,
           they
           separated
           themselves
           ,
           drew
           into
           a
           body
           ,
           fell
           upon
           our
           pursuing
           Army
           ,
           who
           suspected
           no
           danger
           ,
           got
           ground
           of
           us
           ,
           and
           put
           us
           to
           retreate
           ,
           but
           more
           force
           comming
           up
           ,
           we
           drave
           them
           under
           the
           Walls
           of
           the
           Suburbs
           ,
           where
           the
           guards
           from
           the
           Walls
           made
           execution
           on
           them
           .
           The
           reversion
           of
           these
           ,
           and
           the
           rest
           ,
           were
           gleaned
           up
           over
           all
           the
           Countie
           ,
           and
           in
           divers
           other
           Countries
           where
           they
           were
           scattered
           ,
           so
           that
           God
           made
           it
           the
           most
           cleare
           and
           full
           victory
           of
           any
           Battell
           yet
           fought
           in
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           for
           we
           slew
           about
           three
           hundred
           men
           on
           the
           ground
           ,
           many
           were
           drowned
           ,
           attempting
           to
           swim
           the
           river
           ,
           we
           tooke
           above
           1000.
           prisoners
           ,
           besides
           what
           daily
           were
           gleaned
           up
           by
           countrie
           men
           and
           women
           ,
           yea
           ,
           by
           knowne
           Cavaliers
           .
           We
           tooke
           most
           of
           the
           Horse
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           replenishing
           of
           the
           County
           ,
           and
           our
           Troopes
           :
           amongst
           other
           considerable
           men
           ,
           the
           Earle
           of
           
             Litchfield
          
           was
           slaine
           .
           Wee
           lost
           not
           30.
           men
           on
           the
           ground
           ,
           the
           chiefest
           of
           those
           ,
           Captaine
           
             Culme
          
           and
           Capt.
           
           
             Crant
             ,
          
           and
           some
           few
           died
           of
           their
           wounds
           afterwards
           ,
           the
           chiefe
           of
           them
           were
           ,
           Collonel
           
             Prince
             ,
          
           and
           Captain
           
             Cotton
             ,
          
           men
           much
           lamented
           .
        
         
           After
           this
           ,
           necessitie
           required
           some
           refreshing
           for
           Generall
           
             Poynts
          
           his
           Army
           ,
           he
           intended
           his
           quarters
           neere
           to
           the
           City
           that
           night
           ,
           and
           the
           next
           day
           to
           compasse
           it
           on
           the
           other
           side
           the
           river
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           distresse
           the
           City
           ,
           but
           to
           encompasse
           the
           King
           in
           it
           ,
           or
           pursue
           his
           leane
           reversion
           ,
           if
           escaped
           thence
           .
           But
           two
           men
           of
           seeming
           quality
           (
           yet
           not
           discovered
           )
           told
           him
           as
           messengers
           from
           the
           
             Cheshire
          
           Gentlemen
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           to
           take
           up
           his
           quarters
           at
           
             Northwich
             ,
          
           by
           which
           plot
           they
           tyred
           his
           Armie
           ,
           and
           tooke
           him
           off
           his
           intended
           enterprize
           .
        
         
         
           The
           next
           Sabbath
           in
           the
           morning
           
             Sept.
          
           27.
           
           Generall
           
             Poyntz
          
           with
           his
           own
           Army
           ,
           and
           the
           accession
           of
           1000.
           
           
             Lancashire
          
           and
           
             Cheshire
          
           foote
           ,
           and
           500.
           
           
             Cheshire
          
           horse
           ,
           passed
           over
           the
           river
           to
           the
           Welch
           side
           :
           the
           King
           was
           then
           at
           
             Denbigh
             ,
          
           to
           whom
           Prince
           
             Maurice
             ,
          
           with
           Sir
           
             Iacob
             Ashley
          
           joyned
           themselves
           ,
           to
           reinforce
           the
           broken
           Army
           ,
           or
           bring
           the
           King
           off
           :
           But
           having
           a
           signall
           by
           fire
           from
           a
           steeple
           in
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           of
           our
           passing
           over
           the
           River
           ,
           the
           King
           ,
           Prince
           
             Maurice
             ,
          
           and
           that
           small
           force
           they
           had
           ,
           fled
           by
           night
           to
           
             Chirke
          
           Castle
           ;
           We
           quartered
           that
           night
           neere
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           on
           Munday
           night
           at
           
             Wrexham
             ,
          
           endeavouring
           to
           informe
           our selves
           of
           the
           Kings
           motion
           ,
           and
           to
           follow
           him
           as
           opportunitie
           might
           serve
           .
           Upon
           Wednesday
           
             Octob.
          
           1.
           the
           intelligence
           was
           ,
           that
           the
           King
           marched
           towards
           
             Hereford
             ,
          
           thereupon
           Generall
           
             Poyntz
          
           that
           day
           marcht
           after
           him
           from
           
             Wrexham
          
           to
           
             Elesmere
             ,
          
           and
           Collonel
           
             Iones
          
           towards
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           to
           make
           good
           the
           Leaguer
           there
           .
        
         
           To
           hasten
           the
           worke
           of
           reducing
           the
           City
           ,
           we
           sent
           a
           Convoy
           for
           the
           great
           Guns
           at
           
             Stafford
          
           and
           
             Salop
             ,
          
           by
           them
           to
           force
           a
           speedy
           entrie
           ,
           before
           the
           King
           could
           reinforce
           himselfe
           to
           returne
           ,
           Powder
           and
           Ball
           was
           altogether
           wanting
           for
           so
           great
           a
           service
           ,
           but
           the
           Gentlemen
           of
           the
           County
           were
           so
           forward
           for
           the
           worke
           ,
           that
           they
           engaged
           themselves
           for
           foure
           hundred
           pounds
           ,
           by
           which
           we
           were
           furnished
           with
           Ammunition
           from
           
             Warrington
             :
          
           but
           such
           jugling
           there
           was
           to
           prevent
           the
           ball
           ,
           and
           retard
           the
           Guns
           ,
           and
           by
           subtill
           agents
           ,
           that
           cannot
           endure
           the
           work
           should
           prosper
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           these
           instruments
           (
           who
           affect
           the
           cause
           ,
           as
           they
           fancie
           the
           Leader
           )
           that
           we
           lost
           above
           a
           weeke
           for
           the
           effecting
           of
           this
           great
           Designe
           .
           Upon
           Munday
           
             Octob.
          
           5.
           the
           City
           was
           so
           strictly
           begirt
           on
           both
           sides
           the
           River
           ,
           that
           none
           could
           passe
           in
           or
           out
           for
           the
           guards
           ,
           of
           which
           Sir
           
             Iohn
             Byron
          
           the
           Governour
           complained
           in
           his
           Letters
           to
           the
           archbish.
           .
           of
           
             Yorke
             ,
          
           and
           his
           brother
           ,
           sent
           to
           them
           at
           
             Conway
             ,
          
           but
           intercepted
           by
           us
           that
           day
           ,
           the
           Powder
           and
           Ball
           being
           come
           ,
           we
           fixt
           a
           batterie
           on
           Tuesday
           night
           ,
           on
           the
           Northside
           towards
           the
           River
           ,
           and
           made
           a
           breast-worke
           for
           Muskettiers
           on
           the
           Welch
           side
           ,
           which
           clear'd
           a
           good
           part
           of
           the
           wall
           on
           the
           inside
           .
           On
           Wednesday
           we
           battered
           the
           Bulwarke
           next
           the
           North
           gate
           ,
           even
           with
           the
           Wall
           ;
           On
           Thursday
           the
           wall
           it selfe
           ,
           close
           by
           the
           Goblen
           Tower
           ,
           which
           proved
           so
           thicke
           ,
           and
           the
           Ball
           so
           brittle
           ,
           that
           not
           much
           more
           than
           the
           battlements
           was
           beaten
           downe
           :
           whiles
           the
           besieged
           endeavoured
           to
           make
           up
           the
           breach
           by
           packs
           ,
           feather-beds
           ,
           &c.
           and
           to
           lyne
           the
           Wall
           all
           along
           ;
           Our
           Cannon
           on
           the
           Welch
           side
           made
           great
           execution
           ,
           swords
           ,
           armes
           ,
           leggs
           ,
           whole
           bodies
           were
           seene
           to
           flye
           in
           the
           
           ayte
           ,
           cart
           loads
           of
           bodies
           drawne
           off
           ,
           and
           the
           Horse
           in
           the
           reare
           driving
           up
           men
           and
           women
           to
           make
           up
           the
           breach
           .
           That
           night
           ,
           a
           little
           before
           Sun-sett
           we
           storm'd
           the
           City
           upon
           the
           new
           breach
           ,
           the
           old
           breach
           neere
           the
           new
           gate
           ,
           and
           by
           scaling
           betwixt
           the
           East
           gate
           ,
           and
           the
           Fenix
           tower
           :
           the
           storme
           was
           very
           hot
           for
           neere
           two
           houres
           together
           ,
           some
           of
           ours
           carried
           it
           very
           stoutly
           ,
           fighting
           in
           the
           breach
           ,
           and
           on
           the
           tops
           of
           the
           ladders
           ,
           had
           they
           been
           sutably
           seconded
           ,
           the
           Town
           in
           all
           probability
           had
           been
           ours
           that
           night
           :
           In
           conclusion
           ,
           we
           made
           good
           our
           retreate
           in
           the
           darke
           :
           we
           lost
           27
           men
           on
           the
           ground
           ,
           of
           those
           ,
           no
           Officers
           ,
           but
           a
           Serjeant
           and
           a
           Corporall
           ,
           about
           60.
           wounded
           ,
           amongst
           them
           Lievtenant-Collonell
           
             Venables
             ,
          
           and
           Captaine
           
             Massy
             ,
          
           brother
           to
           the
           renowned
           
             Massie
          
           of
           
             Glocester
             ,
          
           but
           neither
           of
           them
           dangerously
           :
           the
           report
           from
           within
           the
           City
           is
           ,
           that
           their
           losse
           was
           more
           than
           ours
           ,
           amongst
           others
           ,
           Sir
           
             William
             Manwaring
          
           was
           slaine
           ,
           an
           unlucky
           Knight
           ,
           to
           fall
           the
           first
           time
           he
           came
           into
           the
           field
           ,
           and
           a
           wall
           betwixt
           him
           and
           danger
           .
        
         
           Upon
           Saturday
           
             Octob.
          
           18
           ▪
           the
           bridge
           of
           Boats
           (
           a
           very
           vsefull
           piece
           ,
           uniting
           the
           Forces
           on
           both
           sides
           the
           River
           )
           was
           finished
           :
           the
           one
           end
           fixt
           within
           the
           Workes
           ,
           the
           other
           guarded
           with
           a
           Fort
           ,
           whence
           the
           line
           was
           intended
           to
           intrench
           the
           Citie
           on
           the
           Welch
           side
           ,
           to
           prevent
           all
           reliefe
           .
           The
           Munday
           after
           ,
           we
           had
           a
           designe
           upon
           
             Holt
             ,
          
           in
           regard
           of
           the
           Enemie
           drawne
           thither
           ,
           reported
           to
           be
           700.
           which
           indangered
           the
           reliefe
           of
           
             Beston
             ,
          
           and
           the
           beating
           up
           of
           our
           quarters
           .
           Thereupon
           Collonel
           
             Iones
          
           fellsuddenly
           upon
           
             Holt
             ,
          
           with
           above
           1000.
           horse
           and
           foot
           ,
           who
           fell
           so
           unexpected
           on
           the
           Enemie
           ,
           that
           had
           the
           Forlorne
           hope
           observed
           the
           command
           ,
           to
           keep
           within
           Musket
           shot
           of
           the
           Body
           ,
           in
           all
           probabilitie
           ,
           wee
           had
           entred
           the
           Castle
           ,
           before
           they
           had
           drawne
           up
           the
           Bridges
           ;
           There
           we
           had
           a
           sharpe
           skirmish
           with
           about
           140
           horse
           ,
           and
           the
           Castle
           foot
           ,
           (
           for
           that
           was
           all
           the
           strength
           that
           Fame
           had
           made
           700.
           )
           upon
           whom
           we
           fell
           with
           such
           violence
           ,
           that
           we
           beat
           them
           into
           the
           Castle
           ditch
           ,
           made
           great
           execution
           on
           them
           in
           the
           fall
           ,
           slew
           one
           Major
           ,
           and
           many
           other
           souldiers
           ,
           wounded
           very
           many
           ▪
           took
           Lievtenant
           Coll.
           
             Byron
             ,
          
           the
           Lord
           
             Byrons
          
           Brother
           ,
           five
           more
           ,
           and
           some
           good
           horses
           :
           our
           losse
           was
           two
           men
           slain
           three
           wounded
           ,
           not
           mortally
           ,
           others
           sleightly
           wounded
           :
           fourteene
           of
           our
           Forlorne
           hope
           taken
           ,
           whose
           neglect
           of
           commands
           rendred
           them
           prisoners
           .
           By
           this
           atchievement
           ,
           we
           quite
           brake
           that
           Body
           ,
           secured
           the
           Leaguer
           at
           
             Beston
             ,
          
           and
           our
           own
           quarters
           .
        
         
           Neere
           about
           that
           time
           Major
           
             Sankey
          
           with
           a
           party
           of
           horse
           fell
           upon
           
             Hawarden
          
           towne
           ,
           which
           would
           not
           contribute
           to
           the
           Leaguer
           ,
           layd
           an
           
           Ambuscado
           within
           pistoll
           shot
           of
           the
           Castle
           ,
           drew
           the
           rest
           about
           to
           the
           other
           end
           of
           the
           Towne
           ,
           at
           the
           alarme
           given
           ,
           the
           listed
           Souldiers
           in
           the
           Towne
           and
           some
           others
           besides
           ,
           hasted
           to
           the
           Castle
           ,
           the
           ambuscado
           slew
           some
           ,
           tooke
           12.
           prisoners
           ,
           fetcht
           off
           42.
           head
           of
           Cattle
           ,
           50.
           sheepe
           of
           the
           Governours
           ▪
           14.
           
           Horse
           ,
           and
           a
           Beare
           ,
           which
           roared
           upon
           the
           man
           that
           layd
           hold
           on
           him
           for
           a
           calfe
           ,
           none
           of
           ours
           either
           lost
           ,
           or
           wounded
           ,
           thenceforth
           the
           Town
           contributed
           ,
           and
           we
           restored
           the
           Cattle
           ,
           this
           became
           a
           good
           president
           to
           the
           Welch
           ,
           who
           above
           20.
           miles
           off
           ,
           follow
           their
           example
           .
        
         
           Upon
           Friday
           ,
           and
           some
           dayes
           after
           our
           Cannon
           played
           on
           the
           enemies
           mills
           ,
           spoyled
           3.
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           battered
           the
           water
           Tower
           ,
           by
           which
           water
           was
           conveighed
           into
           the
           whole
           City
           .
           At
           this
           time
           we
           had
           sure
           intelligence
           of
           the
           enemies
           advance
           towards
           us
           ,
           whereupon
           the
           Commanders
           speeded
           Letters
           to
           all
           the
           adjacent
           parts
           to
           hasten
           all
           the
           releife
           possible
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           be
           enabled
           to
           make
           good
           the
           Leaguer
           ,
           and
           give
           Battle
           to
           the
           enemy
           in
           the
           field
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           might
           loose
           no
           ground
           .
        
         
           Hitherto
           the
           military
           affaires
           of
           this
           County
           were
           under
           the
           charge
           of
           Col.
           
             Iones
          
           &
           adju.
           
             Louthiane
             ,
          
           who
           discharged
           that
           trust
           in
           al
           their
           undertakings
           ,
           with
           as
           much
           prudence
           ,
           resolution
           and
           gallantry
           ,
           as
           could
           be
           expressed
           from
           men
           ,
           whose
           endevours
           God
           still
           crowned
           with
           happy
           successe
           ,
           and
           the
           worke
           in
           their
           hands
           so
           farre
           advanc'●
           ,
           that
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           unlesse
           relieved
           with
           an
           army
           ,
           must
           necessarily
           yeeld
           up
           themselves
           ,
           and
           
             Beston
          
           Castle
           gasping
           for
           every
           thing
           necessary
           but
           aire
           and
           water
           .
        
         
           Upon
           Saturday
           
             October
          
           the
           twenty
           five
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           came
           to
           
             Namptwich
             ,
          
           appointed
           by
           the
           Parliament
           to
           Command
           in
           cheife
           ,
           to
           whom
           the
           Commanders
           from
           the
           Leaguer
           signifyed
           the
           enemies
           designe
           ,
           and
           the
           preparation
           already
           made
           to
           entertaine
           them
           .
           Sir
           
             William
          
           approving
           of
           that
           course
           ,
           seconded
           their
           Letters
           ,
           to
           draw
           in
           the
           Auxiliaries
           ,
           who
           were
           very
           forward
           of
           themselves
           to
           promote
           this
           great
           designe
           ,
           in
           which
           they
           were
           all
           so
           much
           concerned
           .
        
         
           By
           this
           time
           the
           enemy
           in
           
             Wales
          
           were
           reported
           to
           be
           potent
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           encouragement
           of
           the
           beleaguerd
           City
           and
           Castle
           .
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
             ,
          
           however
           summon'd
           the
           Castle
           hopeing
           their
           low
           condition
           might
           incline
           them
           to
           a
           Parlie
           ,
           but
           they
           being
           confident
           of
           help
           at
           hand
           ,
           by
           signalls
           from
           the
           City
           ,
           and
           adjacent
           Castles
           ,
           sent
           backe
           the
           Drumme
           in
           a
           most
           scornfull
           and
           reproachfull
           manner
           .
           Then
           Sir
           
             William
          
           sent
           away
           Collonel
           
             Jones
          
           with
           fourteene
           hundred
           Horse
           and
           Dragoones
           ,
           and
           adjutant
           
             Louthiane
          
           with
           one
           thousand
           Foote
           ,
           to
           seeke
           and
           dissipute
           the
           
           enemy
           reported
           to
           be
           about
           three
           thousand
           at
           
             Denbigh
             .
             October
          
           the
           twenty
           nine
           we
           marc't
           to
           
             Moulde
             ,
          
           the
           next
           day
           to
           
             Ruthen
             ,
          
           and
           
             November
          
           the
           first
           to
           
             Denbigh
             ,
          
           where
           the
           enemy
           being
           about
           one
           and
           twenty
           hundred
           Pedees
           making
           up
           the
           number
           stayd
           for
           us
           ,
           not
           knowing
           we
           were
           so
           many
           ,
           we
           intended
           for
           
             Denbigh
          
           greene
           ,
           a
           faire
           peice
           of
           ground
           for
           a
           Battle
           ,
           they
           intercepted
           our
           course
           ,
           at
           a
           place
           called
           
             Whitechurch
             ,
          
           a
           mile
           from
           
             Denbigh
             ,
          
           where
           our
           Forlorne
           hope
           was
           engaged
           ,
           and
           fought
           couragiously
           ,
           till
           the
           Body
           came
           up
           ,
           after
           which
           ,
           though
           we
           got
           ground
           ,
           yet
           could
           not
           the
           Horse
           passe
           through
           that
           strait
           lane
           ,
           before
           which
           the
           enemy
           was
           marshald
           in
           a
           body
           ,
           therefore
           a
           competent
           part
           being
           left
           to
           keepe
           that
           ground
           ,
           the
           rest
           marcht
           in
           a
           compasse
           nere
           foure
           miles
           ,
           to
           forme
           the
           Batalia
           upon
           
             Denbigh
          
           greene
           ,
           or
           if
           the
           enemy
           would
           not
           there
           fight
           ,
           to
           compasse
           them
           on
           both
           sides
           ,
           which
           they
           perceiving
           ,
           fell
           upon
           the
           party
           left
           to
           keepe
           that
           passe
           ,
           ours
           beate
           them
           off
           and
           got
           into
           open
           ground
           which
           caus'd
           them
           to
           flye
           to
           the
           Castle
           hill
           for
           shelter
           ,
           there
           they
           rallied
           ,
           and
           came
           downe
           againe
           ,
           our
           Foote
           with
           the
           
             Warwicke
          
           and
           
             Darby
          
           Horse
           disperst
           them
           againe
           ▪
           drave
           them
           from
           under
           the
           Walls
           of
           the
           Castle
           ,
           and
           put
           them
           to
           a
           totall
           rout
           ,
           whom
           the
           Horse
           pursued
           8.
           miles
           ,
           till
           the
           night
           forct
           them
           home
           ,
           it
           is
           conjectured
           that
           we
           slew
           about
           100.
           on
           the
           ground
           tooke
           above
           300.
           many
           of
           which
           we
           lost
           in
           haste
           to
           get
           seasonably
           to
           the
           campe
           ,
           and
           because
           we
           saw
           they
           were
           not
           worth
           the
           keeping
           .
           Sir
           
             William
             Vaughan
          
           their
           Commander
           escapt
           by
           a
           timely
           flight
           ,
           advertising
           the
           Townesmen
           to
           provide
           for
           themselves
           ,
           who
           thereupon
           tooke
           Sanctuary
           in
           the
           Castle
           ,
           burnt
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           Towne
           ,
           and
           attempted
           the
           fireing
           of
           the
           whole
           ,
           we
           tooke
           above
           800.
           
           Horse
           ,
           lost
           not
           a
           man
           on
           the
           field
           ,
           or
           but
           one
           ,
           and
           not
           20
           wounded
           .
        
         
           The
           Munday
           after
           this
           blessed
           atcheivement
           ,
           we
           returned
           to
           the
           Leaguer
           at
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           about
           30.
           advancing
           ,
           before
           the
           army
           came
           up
           in
           sight
           of
           the
           City
           ,
           and
           wandring
           upon
           a
           vexatious
           marish
           ground
           ,
           gave
           occasion
           to
           the
           enemy
           to
           thinke
           we
           were
           routed
           ,
           whereupon
           ,
           after
           a
           great
           shout
           given
           in
           the
           City
           ,
           all
           the
           Horse
           and
           some
           Foote
           sallied
           out
           upon
           our
           quarters
           next
           the
           Bridge
           ,
           which
           caused
           a
           very
           sharpe
           Skirmige
           of
           long
           continuance
           ,
           in
           conclusion
           ,
           we
           drave
           them
           in
           with
           some
           losse
           on
           our
           side
           ,
           which
           warnd
           us
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           secure
           upon
           a
           victory
           ,
           nor
           to
           neglect
           our
           guards
           .
           The
           maine
           businesse
           of
           the
           Leaguer
           thenceforth
           was
           ,
           to
           finish
           the
           Trenches
           on
           the
           Welchside
           the
           City
           ,
           that
           went
           slowly
           on
           for
           want
           of
           mony
           ,
           which
           occasioned
           the
           enemy
           out
           of
           the
           Towne
           to
           take
           their
           advantages
           to
           fall
           upon
           our
           Guards
           ,
           which
           put
           us
           to
           almost
           daily
           Skirmishing
           ,
           and
           some
           losse
           .
        
         
         
           Upon
           Friday
           
             November
          
           14.
           after
           18.
           weekes
           Seige
           the
           beleagured
           Castle
           of
           
             Beston
          
           was
           brought
           to
           such
           extremities
           for
           want
           of
           provision
           ,
           that
           their
           stout
           hearts
           came
           downe
           to
           beate
           a
           Parly
           ,
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           appointed
           Collonel
           
             Croxton
          
           the
           Governour
           of
           
             Namptwich
          
           to
           Treate
           with
           them
           ,
           who
           tooke
           to
           his
           assistance
           Livetenant
           Collonel
           
             Coote
             ,
          
           they
           delivered
           up
           the
           Castle
           the
           next
           Lords
           day
           upon
           these
           conditions
           :
           To
           march
           out
           every
           man
           armed
           ,
           Colors
           flying
           ,
           Drummes
           beating
           ,
           Matches
           light
           ,
           a
           proportion
           of
           powder
           and
           ball
           ,
           all
           their
           proper
           goods
           to
           be
           carryed
           with
           them
           ,
           which
           laded
           two
           waines
           ,
           a
           Convoy
           to
           guard
           them
           to
           
             Flint
          
           Castle
           ,
           as
           many
           as
           pleased
           to
           live
           quietly
           at
           their
           owne
           homes
           ,
           and
           so
           farre
           trusted
           ,
           that
           no
           hostage
           was
           left
           to
           secure
           the
           returne
           of
           the
           Convoy
           ,
           they
           were
           brought
           so
           low
           that
           they
           had
           eaten
           their
           catts
           ,
           and
           had
           not
           provision
           for
           that
           night
           ,
           High
           conditions
           for
           a
           most
           bloody
           ,
           insolent
           Country-wasteing
           enemy
           ,
           and
           them
           brought
           to
           such
           a
           starved
           condition
           .
           Their
           march
           being
           on
           the
           Sabbath
           ,
           occasioned
           the
           breach
           of
           that
           holy
           rest
           to
           many
           in
           the
           Country
           ,
           who
           attended
           their
           first
           opportunity
           to
           enquire
           after
           their
           plundered
           goods
           ,
           stoard
           up
           in
           that
           Cage
           of
           violence
           ,
           and
           denne
           of
           theives
           .
        
         
           The
           next
           Wednesday
           after
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           summoned
           the
           City
           in
           hope
           that
           their
           wants
           within
           ,
           and
           losse
           of
           
             Beston
             ,
          
           might
           incline
           them
           to
           a
           Parly
           ,
           after
           full
           deliberation
           on
           the
           summons
           ,
           they
           returned
           an
           high
           scornefull
           ,
           and
           contempteous
           answer
           ,
           playing
           upon
           ,
           and
           jeering
           at
           the
           most
           perswasive
           a
           rguments
           used
           for
           the
           surrender
           of
           the
           City
           :
           that
           taking
           no
           better
           effect
           ,
           he
           sent
           to
           them
           once
           more
           by
           their
           owne
           Trumpet
           ,
           that
           since
           they
           despised
           such
           favour
           tendred
           ,
           their
           blood
           must
           rest
           on
           their
           owne
           heads
           .
        
         
           On
           Tuesday
           night
           
             November
          
           9.
           about
           midnight
           ,
           the
           enemy
           in
           the
           City
           had
           a
           great
           designe
           to
           fire
           our
           bridge
           of
           boates
           ,
           and
           to
           cut
           off
           the
           Leaguer
           guards
           on
           the
           Welch-side
           to
           the
           effecting
           thereof
           ,
           they
           sent
           2.
           
           Boats
           carryed
           downe
           with
           the
           Tyde
           ,
           laden
           with
           Tallow
           ,
           Pitch
           ,
           and
           other
           combustible
           mater
           ,
           with
           a
           frame
           of
           wood
           on
           the
           top
           of
           them
           ,
           on
           which
           were
           fixt
           double
           charged
           Carbines
           ,
           and
           other
           shorter
           peeces
           ,
           to
           make
           execution
           on
           them
           that
           sought
           to
           quench
           the
           fire
           ;
           the
           one
           of
           these
           fired
           hard
           by
           the
           Bridge
           they
           intended
           to
           burne
           ,
           made
           no
           execution
           on
           it
           ,
           or
           on
           any
           person
           ,
           but
           was
           seased
           on
           by
           our
           men
           ,
           and
           the
           fire
           quencht
           ,
           the
           other
           fired
           in
           the
           mid
           way
           ,
           betwixt
           their
           Bridge
           and
           ours
           ,
           consumed
           it self
           ,
           without
           hurt
           to
           any
           .
           To
           put
           us
           to
           the
           greater
           distraction
           ,
           they
           sallyed
           out
           Horse
           and
           Foote
           at
           the
           same
           time
           upon
           the
           Guards
           nere
           the
           Bridge
           ,
           
           and
           they
           of
           
             Holt
          
           Castle
           alarum'd
           our
           quarters
           at
           
             Pulford
             ,
          
           thinking
           thereby
           to
           worke
           such
           distraction
           ,
           that
           one
           Guard
           might
           not
           relieve
           an
           other
           ,
           if
           their
           designe
           should
           take
           ,
           but
           this
           attempt
           proved
           destructive
           to
           themselves
           ,
           for
           after
           an
           hot
           dispute
           ,
           we
           beate
           them
           in
           ,
           wounded
           many
           ,
           slew
           12.
           by
           the
           confession
           of
           their
           owne
           party
           ,
           which
           put
           them
           to
           great
           distractions
           within
           the
           City
           ,
           when
           that
           which
           promised
           releife
           ,
           proved
           their
           losse
           .
           In
           all
           that
           service
           we
           lost
           not
           a
           man
           ,
           nor
           a
           drop
           of
           blood
           that
           we
           know
           of
           .
        
         
           
             December
          
           4.
           a
           great
           packet
           of
           Letters
           was
           intercepted
           by
           our
           guards
           ,
           sent
           out
           of
           the
           City
           by
           a
           fit
           agent
           ,
           signifying
           to
           their
           owne
           party
           their
           low
           condition
           with
           desire
           of
           releife
           .
           The
           maine
           businesse
           was
           lockt
           up
           in
           Characters
           ,
           and
           they
           had
           the
           key
           ,
           the
           report
           of
           their
           condition
           was
           referred
           to
           the
           Messenger
           ,
           who
           chose
           rather
           to
           runne
           all
           hazards
           ,
           than
           confesse
           and
           discover
           his
           Message
           .
           Being
           sent
           prisoner
           for
           
             Tarvin
          
           behind
           one
           of
           our
           men
           ,
           he
           tooke
           the
           opportunity
           to
           dismount
           himselfe
           on
           the
           new
           bridge
           ,
           leapt
           into
           the
           water
           ,
           in
           hope
           to
           escape
           into
           the
           City
           by
           swyming
           ,
           but
           sunke
           in
           the
           mid
           way
           ,
           and
           was
           drowned
           ;
           whom
           ,
           though
           he
           escaped
           Martiall
           justice
           ,
           vengeance
           would
           not
           suffer
           to
           live
           .
        
         
           Now
           came
           in
           the
           happy
           tydings
           of
           the
           surrender
           of
           
             Latham
             ,
          
           upon
           very
           honourable
           conditions
           ,
           to
           Collonel
           
             Iohn
             Booth
             ,
          
           who
           thereupon
           tendred
           the
           further
           assistance
           of
           Lancashire
           ,
           for
           the
           service
           of
           this
           Leaguer
           ,
           which
           tender
           was
           as
           opportune
           ,
           as
           curteous
           ,
           for
           this
           peice
           being
           so
           considerable
           ,
           the
           enemy
           commanded
           by
           Sir
           
             William
             Vaughan
          
           drew
           into
           a
           posture
           nere
           
             Bridgenorth
          
           for
           the
           releife
           of
           it
           :
           they
           advanc't
           into
           Shropshire
           with
           about
           2000.
           
           Horse
           and
           Foote
           ,
           fell
           upon
           
             Rockadine
          
           Church
           ,
           where
           the
           Parliament
           had
           a
           small
           Garrison
           ,
           which
           beate
           them
           off
           with
           losse
           ,
           this
           caused
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           to
           prepare
           seasonably
           to
           breake
           that
           designe
           ,
           to
           the
           carryng
           on
           of
           which
           ,
           Lancashire
           supplyed
           us
           with
           13.
           
           Troopes
           ,
           and
           300.
           
           Foote
           .
           Upon
           the
           Sabbath
           day
           
             December
          
           21.
           we
           drew
           off
           all
           we
           could
           spare
           from
           the
           Leaguer
           ,
           and
           marcht
           that
           day
           to
           
             Whitchurch
          
           the
           army
           joyn'd
           was
           about
           1500.
           
           Horse
           and
           1500.
           
           Foote
           ,
           there
           we
           stayd
           till
           Friday
           ,
           which
           was
           a
           little
           respiration
           to
           this
           wasted
           County
           ,
           and
           so
           farre
           wrought
           upon
           the
           enemy
           ,
           that
           we
           heard
           no
           more
           of
           them
           ,
           then
           a
           retreat
           towards
           
             Kiddermuster
             .
          
           In
           that
           time
           the
           enemy
           issued
           out
           of
           
             Chester
          
           and
           made
           an
           escape
           with
           18.
           
           Horse
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           Saint
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           the
           way
           was
           open
           for
           their
           passage
           ,
           because
           no
           Trenches
           were
           cut
           on
           the
           Welch-side
           to
           interrupt
           them
           in
           their
           march
           ,
           yet
           the
           Guard
           tooke
           Livetenant
           Collonel
           
             Needeham
             ,
          
           and
           3.
           more
           .
           Upon
           
           Friday
           ,
           Dec.
           26.
           the
           violence
           of
           the
           Spring
           tide
           was
           such
           ,
           that
           carrying
           up
           a
           great
           waight
           of
           Ice
           ,
           it
           brake
           the
           new
           Bridge
           made
           of
           Boats
           ;
           the
           beleagured
           were
           much
           incouraged
           hereby
           ,
           made
           use
           of
           the
           present
           opportunity
           for
           some
           relief
           ,
           before
           we
           could
           repair
           that
           broken
           piece
           .
           On
           Saturday
           night
           the
           Enemy
           in
           
             Wales
          
           with
           about
           150
           horse
           of
           the
           L.
           
             Byrons
          
           and
           others
           joyned
           with
           his
           ,
           marcht
           beside
           our
           guards
           into
           the
           City
           ,
           with
           some
           small
           relief
           of
           Wheat
           ,
           Oatmeal
           ,
           Pyes
           ,
           and
           Moneys
           for
           the
           Welch
           Souldiers
           ,
           which
           was
           collected
           for
           them
           towards
           Conway
           .
           The
           next
           morning
           ,
           with
           the
           assistance
           of
           Chester
           horse
           ,
           and
           about
           600
           foot
           ,
           they
           forced
           their
           passage
           through
           the
           guards
           to
           Hawarden
           castle
           ,
           with
           the
           losse
           of
           a
           Cornet
           ,
           a
           Corporal
           ,
           and
           one
           common
           Souldier
           taken
           by
           the
           guard
           .
        
         
           Col
           :
           
             Iones
          
           perceiving
           the
           danger
           might
           ensue
           to
           the
           Leaguer
           on
           the
           Welch
           side
           by
           this
           unhappy
           accident
           of
           the
           Bridge
           broken
           ,
           hasted
           that
           day
           over
           the
           Foard
           with
           600
           horse
           ,
           100
           Dragoons
           ,
           and
           appointed
           100
           foot
           to
           march
           after
           him
           ,
           to
           dissipate
           that
           party
           ,
           which
           was
           preparing
           relief
           for
           the
           City
           ,
           and
           to
           ease
           these
           oppressed
           parts
           of
           the
           burthen
           of
           free
           quarter
           ;
           that
           night
           we
           quartered
           at
           Mould
           ,
           then
           coasted
           about
           the
           countrey
           neer
           
             Ridley
             ,
             Denbigh
          
           and
           
             Ruthén
             ,
          
           and
           returned
           to
           the
           Leaguer
           upon
           Saturday
           :
           In
           all
           the
           march
           we
           found
           the
           country
           well-affected
           to
           us
           ,
           not
           wanting
           in
           courteous
           entertainment
           ,
           rejoycing
           in
           our
           successe
           ,
           contributing
           freely
           to
           the
           relief
           of
           the
           Leaguer
           ,
           tendring
           their
           assistance
           as
           opportunity
           might
           serve
           ,
           for
           reducing
           of
           the
           country
           :
           A
           people
           rather
           to
           be
           pitied
           for
           their
           ignorance
           (
           whose
           Leaders
           have
           taught
           them
           to
           erre
           )
           then
           spoiled
           for
           their
           malignity
           .
        
         
           Col
           :
           
             Iones
          
           with
           the
           Cheshire
           and
           Darbyshire
           horse
           ,
           upon
           their
           return
           took
           up
           their
           Leaguer
           quarters
           close
           by
           Hawarden
           castle
           ,
           and
           Col
           :
           
             Massey
          
           with
           about
           400
           foot
           in
           Hawarden
           town
           ,
           which
           (
           though
           the
           service
           was
           dangerous
           ,
           and
           requiring
           much
           duty
           )
           proved
           very
           advantagious
           for
           the
           Intercepting
           of
           all
           relief
           that
           might
           come
           from
           those
           parts
           of
           Wales
           to
           the
           City
           :
           The
           Enemy
           perceiving
           our
           posture
           ,
           utterly
           despaired
           of
           sending
           relief
           by
           land
           ,
           and
           applyed
           themselves
           to
           attempt
           that
           design
           by
           water
           ,
           for
           the
           effecting
           whereof
           they
           fraught
           a
           Vessel
           with
           a
           good
           quantity
           of
           Wheat
           ,
           Bacon
           ,
           Beefe
           ,
           and
           such
           like
           provision
           ,
           not
           doubting
           but
           the
           Wind
           ,
           Tide
           and
           their
           Oars
           ,
           might
           secure
           them
           to
           passe
           our
           Boats
           ,
           when
           the
           swelling
           River
           made
           the
           course
           passable
           besides
           the
           Channel
           :
           To
           the
           preventing
           of
           which
           ,
           nothing
           was
           left
           unattempted
           that
           might
           conduce
           to
           the
           guarding
           of
           the
           River
           .
        
         
         
           The
           beleaguered
           seeing
           their
           desperate
           condition
           ,
           some
           from
           within
           the
           City
           assured
           us
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           mindefull
           to
           parlye
           ,
           and
           that
           upon
           Summons
           they
           would
           ▪
           undoubtedly
           deliver
           it
           up
           ,
           such
           care
           there
           was
           to
           preserve
           the
           City
           from
           plunder
           ,
           and
           to
           save
           the
           lives
           of
           many
           in
           a
           starving
           condition
           ,
           that
           not
           standing
           upon
           a
           Punctillio
           of
           honour
           ,
           where
           there
           was
           a
           probability
           of
           reducing
           a
           peice
           of
           such
           consequence
           ,
           it
           was
           agreed
           by
           a
           Councell
           of
           Warre
           ,
           that
           the
           City
           once
           more
           should
           be
           summoned
           .
        
         
           The
           Summons
           was
           this
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                 Gent.
              
               Experience
               tells
               you
               upon
               what
               foundation
               your
               hopes
               of
               releife
               were
               grounded
               but
               that
               you
               may
               see
               the
               tender
               care
               of
               the
               preservation
               of
               the
               City
               ,
               the
               lives
               and
               estates
               of
               the
               Inhabitants
               ,
               Once
               more
               J
               Summon
               you
               to
               deliver
               the
               City
               ,
               Castle
               ,
               and
               Fort
               into
               my
               hands
               ,
               for
               the
               use
               of
               King
               and
               Parliament
               .
            
             
               
                 Your
                 servant
                 William
                 Brereton
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Chester
                
                 Suburbes
                 
                   7.
                   Jan.
                   1645.
                   
                
              
            
             
               For
               the
               Major
               of
               
                 Chester
              
               and
               the
               Lord
               
                 Byron
                 .
              
            
          
        
         
           This
           summons
           was
           dated
           the
           seventh
           and
           sent
           away
           the
           eighth
           by
           a
           Trumpet
           ,
           whom
           they
           admitted
           to
           the
           Bridge
           ,
           and
           no
           further
           ,
           received
           the
           summons
           and
           returned
           this
           answer
           .
        
         
           
             
               I
               have
               received
               your
               summons
               ,
               to
               which
               in
               convenient
               time
               J
               shall
               returne
               an
               answer
               by
               a
               Messenger
               of
               mine
               owne
               .
            
             
               
                 Your
                 servant
                 
                   Iohn
                   Byron
                   .
                
              
               
                 Chester
                 
                   8.
                   
                   Jan
                   ,
                   1645.
                   
                
              
            
          
        
         
           They
           defered
           the
           answer
           till
           Munday
           
             Ianuary
          
           12.
           which
           caused
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           to
           send
           to
           them
           againe
           ,
           requiring
           an
           answer
           of
           the
           summons
           .
        
         
           Whiles
           our
           Trumpet
           went
           with
           that
           Message
           ,
           their
           Drumme
           brought
           in
           this
           answer
           ,
           so
           much
           expected
           .
        
         
           
             
               We
               are
               not
               convinced
               by
               experience
               of
               the
               groundlesse
               foundation
               of
               our
               hopes
               of
               releife
               ,
               neither
               (
               God
               be
               thanked
               )
               is
               our
               conditionsuch
               ,
               as
               to
               precipitate
               us
               to
               a
               prejudiciall
               treaty
               however
               if
               within
               twelve
               dayes
               we
               be
               not
               assured
               of
               releife
               ,
               by
               a
               Gentleman
               &
               Citizen
               ,
               whom
               we
               shall
               send
               for
               the
               purpose
               ,
               with
               a
               Trumpet
               of
               ours
               ,
               and
               a
               passe
               from
               you
               ,
               we
               shall
               then
               be
               content
               to
               enter
               into
               a
               Treaty
               upon
               honourable
               and
               Souldier
               like
               conditions
               ,
               remaining
               .
            
             
               
                 Iohn
                 Biron
                 .
                 
                   Charles
                   Walley
                
                 Major
                 for
                 himselfe
                 and
                 Bretheren
                 .
              
               
                 Chester
                 
                   Ian
                   :
                   12.
                   1645.
                   
                
              
            
          
        
         
           To
           which
           answer
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           thus
           reolyed
           .
        
         
           
             
               The
               paper
               sent
               by
               your
               drumme
               was
               no
               satisfactory
               answer
               ,
               neither
               will
               
               I
               assent
               to
               your
               desires
               in
               it
               .
               If
               you
               returne
               not
               a
               more
               positive
               answer
               by
               tomorrow
               at
               ten
               a
               clocke
               ,
               expect
               no
               further
               parlie
               .
            
             
               
                 Your
                 servant
                 William
                 Brereton
                 .
              
               
                 Chester
                 Suburbs
                 
                   Jan.
                   12.
                   1645.
                   
                
              
            
          
        
         
           To
           this
           no
           answer
           was
           returned
           the
           next
           day
           ,
           which
           rendred
           the
           Treaty
           as
           broken
           off
           ,
           and
           occasioned
           us
           to
           endeavour
           the
           further
           blocking
           up
           of
           all
           passages
           for
           releife
           of
           the
           City
           .
           Upon
           Wednesday
           
             Ianuary
             .
          
           14.
           a
           party
           of
           Horse
           and
           Foote
           were
           sent
           to
           quarter
           in
           
             Holte
             ,
          
           thereby
           that
           Castle
           was
           blockt
           up
           ,
           which
           was
           accustomed
           to
           range
           abroad
           dayly
           into
           Cheshire
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           prejudice
           of
           that
           wasted
           County
           ,
           which
           also
           proved
           a
           posterne
           ,
           by
           which
           some
           small
           releife
           many
           nights
           was
           sent
           into
           the
           City
           .
           The
           charge
           of
           this
           worke
           was
           undertaken
           by
           Generall
           
             Mytton
             ,
          
           who
           came
           so
           unexpected
           upon
           the
           Towne
           that
           he
           tooke
           32.
           
           Horses
           ,
           and
           3.
           persons
           Prisoners
           :
           but
           the
           next
           day
           ,
           being
           oversecure
           in
           their
           quarters
           ,
           about
           14.
           were
           surprised
           by
           the
           enemy
           ,
           out
           of
           the
           Castle
           .
           This
           blocking
           up
           of
           the
           two
           neighbour
           Castles
           rendred
           to
           the
           enemy
           their
           condition
           desperate
           of
           any
           considerable
           releife
           ,
           unlesse
           by
           a
           potent
           army
           .
        
         
           The
           enemy
           perceiving
           their
           pretences
           slighted
           ,
           and
           pincht
           with
           their
           owne
           necessities
           ,
           applyed
           themselves
           to
           seeke
           for
           a
           parle
           ,
           by
           this
           Letter
           sent
           to
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               
                 Sir
                 ,
              
               at
               the
               entreaty
               of
               us
               the
               Major
               ,
               Noblemen
               ,
               Gent.
               Alderman
               and
               Citizens
               of
               
                 Chester
                 ,
              
               the
               Lord
               
                 Byron
              
               our
               Governour
               (
               in
               whom
               the
               sole
               power
               of
               Treaty
               rests
               )
               is
               pleased
               to
               give
               way
               to
               a
               Treaty
               upon
               honourable
               conditions
               ,
               to
               which
               if
               you
               assent
               ,
               Commissioners
               to
               that
               purpose
               may
               be
               agreed
               upon
               by
               both
               sides
               :
               expecting
               your
               answer
               I
               rest
               .
            
             
               
                 Your
                 servants
                 Charles
                 Walley
                 
                   Major
                   ,
                
                 Robers
                 Tatton
                 vic.
                 Comes
                 .
              
               
                 Chester
                 .
                 
                   15.
                   
                   
                     Jan
                  
                   1645.
                   
                
              
            
          
        
         
           To
           which
           Sir
           
             William
             Brereton
          
           returned
           this
           answer
           .
        
         
           
             
               When
               I
               have
               so
               long
               considered
               of
               an
               answer
               to
               your
               Letter
               ,
               as
               you
               the
               Major
               and
               the
               Lord
               
                 Byron
              
               tooke
               time
               to
               answer
               my
               summons
               ,
               you
               shall
               heare
               from
               me
               by
               a
               Messenger
               of
               myne
               owne
               :
               in
               the
               meane
               time
               I
               rest
               .
            
             
               
                 Your
                 servant
                 
                   William
                   Brereton
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Chester
                
                 Suburbes
                 
                   15.
                   
                   Ian.
                   1645
                
              
            
             
               To
               the
               Major
               of
               
                 Chester
              
               and
               
                 Robert
                 Tatton
              
               Esquire
               .
            
          
        
         
           The
           day
           after
           (
           notwithstanding
           )
           this
           Letter
           was
           sent
           into
           the
           City
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                 Gent.
              
               We
               have
               prevailed
               with
               Sir
               
                 William
                 Brereton
              
               to
               give
               us
               leave
               to
               returne
               this
               answer
               to
               your
               last
               Letter
               ,
               that
               notwithstanding
               your
               former
               
               rejection
               of
               faire
               &
               honourable
               conditions
               ,
               and
               the
               expence
               of
               time
               and
               blood
               ,
               (
               which
               hath
               bin
               occasioned
               by
               your
               obstinacy
               )
               might
               justly
               provoake
               him
               to
               refuse
               any
               further
               treaty
               ,
               yet
               that
               it
               may
               appeare
               he
               reteines
               his
               wonted
               desires
               of
               the
               preservation
               of
               the
               City
               ,
               and
               the
               lives
               and
               estates
               of
               the
               inhabitants
               ,
               if
               your
               Governour
               (
               in
               whom
               you
               say
               lyes
               the
               full
               power
               to
               treat
               )
               send
               out
               reasonable
               Propositions
               ,
               betwixt
               this
               and
               Munday
               morning
               ,
               he
               will
               take
               them
               into
               consideration
               ,
               and
               returne
               such
               answer
               as
               may
               stand
               with
               honor
               and
               justice
               ,
               and
               may
               prevent
               the
               destruction
               of
               this
               ancient
               City
               ,
               which
               is
               desired
               by
               .
            
             
               
                 Your
                 servants
                 
                   
                     Robert
                     Duckenfield
                     .
                  
                   
                     James
                     Louthiane
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 
                   Chester
                
                 Suburbs
                 
                   16.
                   Jan.
                   1645.
                   
                
              
            
             
               For
               the
               Major
               of
               
                 Chester
              
               and
               
                 Robert
                 Tatton
              
               Esquire
               .
            
          
        
         
           To
           which
           Letter
           this
           answer
           was
           returned
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                 Gent.
              
               We
               have
               acquainted
               the
               Lord
               
                 Byron
              
               with
               your
               Letter
               to
               us
               directed
               ,
               who
               is
               pleased
               to
               promise
               ,
               that
               within
               the
               time
               therein
               limited
               ,
               a
               full
               answer
               shall
               be
               thereto
               returned
               ,
               we
               remaine
               .
            
             
               
                 Your
                 servants
                 
                   
                     Charles
                     Walley
                     .
                  
                   
                     Robert
                     Tatton
                     .
                     Vic.
                     Com.
                     
                  
                
              
               
                 Chester
                 .
                 
                   17.
                   Jan.
                   1645.
                   
                
              
            
             
               For
               Collonel
               
                 Duckenfield
              
               and
               adjutant
               Generall
               
                 Louthiane
                 .
              
            
          
        
         
           Upon
           Munday
           about
           noone
           ,
           they
           sent
           a
           long
           Letter
           without
           the
           propositions
           expected
           ,
           the
           contents
           whereof
           was
           ,
           to
           excuse
           their
           not
           sending
           in
           of
           propositions
           for
           want
           of
           time
           fully
           to
           deliberate
           upon
           things
           of
           so
           great
           importance
           .
           Also
           they
           nominated
           12.
           men
           for
           Commissioners
           ,
           consisting
           of
           the
           Gentry
           ,
           Souldiery
           ,
           Citizens
           ,
           and
           Clergy
           ,
           because
           all
           these
           had
           their
           share
           in
           the
           treaty
           ,
           desiring
           Sir
           
             William
          
           also
           to
           nominate
           persons
           of
           that
           number
           and
           quality
           on
           his
           part
           ,
           and
           to
           designe
           a
           place
           where
           they
           might
           treat
           .
           Sir
           
             William
          
           tooke
           it
           not
           well
           ,
           that
           they
           sent
           not
           the
           propositions
           ,
           as
           was
           expected
           ,
           and
           approved
           not
           of
           so
           great
           a
           number
           of
           Commissioners
           ;
           therefore
           he
           required
           their
           propositions
           speedily
           ,
           or
           to
           expect
           no
           further
           treaty
           ,
           the
           next
           day
           they
           sent
           againe
           signifying
           ,
           their
           propositions
           were
           ready
           ,
           but
           they
           would
           not
           send
           them
           by
           Drumme
           or
           Trumpet
           ,
           but
           by
           Commissioners
           ,
           which
           they
           desired
           might
           be
           agreed
           upon
           ,
           the
           place
           designed
           ,
           and
           their
           persons
           protected
           .
           Answer
           was
           made
           to
           the
           Lord
           
             Byron
             ,
          
           that
           if
           they
           sent
           propositions
           into
           the
           Suburbes
           ,
           by
           two
           persons
           of
           their
           choice
           ,
           they
           should
           have
           safe
           conduct
           .
           Accordingly
           they
           sent
           36.
           propositions
           upon
           Thursday
           
             Ianuary
          
           22.
           by
           Sir
           
             Edmund
             Verney
          
           and
           Major
           
             Thropp
             ,
          
           which
           were
           so
           extreame
           high
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           ridiculous
           ,
           not
           fit
           to
           burden
           the
           Presse
           ,
           or
           to
           reade
           ,
           otherwise
           
           than
           to
           make
           sport
           .
           Sir
           
             William
          
           then
           tendred
           to
           them
           his
           owne
           propositions
           ,
           which
           they
           utterly
           refused
           to
           take
           ,
           because
           they
           had
           no
           such
           Commission
           .
        
         
           Hereupon
           Sir
           
             William
          
           caused
           divers
           papers
           to
           be
           dispersed
           upon
           the
           walls
           that
           night
           ,
           which
           the
           Centries
           tooke
           in
           from
           our
           Souldiers
           ,
           in
           which
           he
           signified
           their
           unreasonable
           Demands
           in
           their
           propositions
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           refused
           to
           take
           with
           them
           his
           propositions
           in
           which
           he
           sought
           their
           good
           ,
           and
           preservation
           of
           the
           City
           ,
           not
           doubting
           but
           this
           would
           worke
           a
           mutiny
           ,
           and
           force
           them
           to
           a
           parlye
           in
           a
           more
           humble
           way
           .
        
         
           Their
           extremities
           caused
           them
           to
           pretend
           a
           desire
           to
           continue
           the
           parlie
           ,
           whiles
           new
           hopes
           of
           releife
           by
           late
           intelligence
           quickned
           their
           droopeing
           spirits
           to
           more
           than
           ordinary
           acclamations
           .
           For
           ,
           upon
           Friday
           
             January
          
           23.
           they
           reported
           to
           our
           Guards
           their
           great
           confidence
           of
           releife
           by
           an
           army
           out
           of
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           already
           landed
           ,
           and
           others
           to
           be
           assistant
           to
           them
           in
           
             Wales
             ,
          
           for
           joy
           whereof
           they
           shot
           off
           their
           Guns
           ,
           and
           gave
           a
           great
           shout
           upon
           the
           Walls
           ,
           and
           within
           the
           City
           ,
           which
           they
           doubted
           not
           would
           prove
           effectuall
           to
           animate
           the
           gasping
           Citizens
           ,
           and
           to
           worke
           on
           us
           to
           allow
           them
           better
           conditions
           .
        
         
           But
           to
           cleare
           all
           on
           our
           part
           ,
           Gen.
           
             Mytton
          
           with
           800.
           
           Horse
           and
           200.
           
           Foote
           and
           Dragoones
           .
           
             Ianuary
          
           25.
           marched
           into
           
             VVales
             ,
          
           quartered
           that
           night
           in
           
             Ruthen
             ,
          
           endeavouring
           to
           finde
           out
           and
           disipate
           that
           body
           of
           the
           enemy
           ,
           what
           ever
           it
           might
           prove
           ,
           under
           the
           command
           of
           the
           Lord
           Saint
           
             Paul
             .
          
           Collonel
           
             Iones
          
           the
           day
           after
           sent
           a
           party
           towards
           
             Ruthland
          
           Castle
           ,
           hoping
           thereby
           to
           inclose
           the
           enemy
           ,
           or
           interrupt
           them
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           if
           they
           attempted
           the
           releife
           of
           
             Chester
             ,
          
           whiles
           so
           great
           a
           party
           of
           ours
           was
           abroad
           in
           the
           Country
           .
           The
           enemy
           not
           appearing
           ,
           the
           party
           sent
           out
           by
           Collonel
           
             Iones
          
           made
           a
           speedy
           returne
           with
           a
           booty
           of
           Horse
           taken
           from
           the
           enemy
           ,
           who
           had
           secured
           them
           in
           
             Ruthland
             ,
          
           and
           good
           stoare
           of
           Catle
           ,
           for
           restitution
           of
           which
           the
           Country
           there
           payd
           their
           arreares
           of
           contribution
           for
           the
           Leaguer
           .
           But
           Gen.
           
             Mytton
          
           continued
           in
           
             Ruthen
             ,
          
           having
           great
           hopes
           of
           the
           Castle
           ,
           destitute
           of
           the
           Governour
           ,
           Ammunition
           and
           fuell
           .
        
         
           This
           while
           the
           Citizens
           were
           more
           sensible
           of
           their
           desperate
           condition
           ,
           then
           the
           Commanders
           ,
           resolved
           to
           feede
           no
           longer
           upon
           lyes
           ,
           which
           had
           brought
           them
           a
           long
           time
           to
           feede
           upon
           horesslesh
           so
           they
           forced
           the
           Commissioners
           to
           treate
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           the
           best
           conclusion
           they
           could
           but
           however
           to
           conclude
           ,
           Upon
           Friday
           
             January
          
           30.
           their
           12.
           
           Commissioners
           were
           admitted
           into
           the
           forrest
           streete
           ,
           which
           sent
           the
           
           same
           number
           of
           able
           men
           to
           joyne
           with
           them
           they
           continued
           late
           that
           night
           in
           debating
           the
           propositions
           but
           the
           worke
           drew
           not
           towards
           a
           period
           .
           Our
           Commissioners
           agreed
           ,
           that
           unlesse
           they
           came
           the
           next
           day
           by
           12.
           a
           clocke
           and
           ended
           by
           6.
           the
           treaty
           should
           cease
           :
           they
           desired
           to
           deferre
           it
           till
           Munday
           ,
           which
           would
           not
           be
           admitted
           ,
           so
           they
           all
           met
           upon
           Saturday
           ,
           continued
           the
           treaty
           all
           night
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           next
           day
           .
           Our
           Commissioners
           held
           them
           so
           close
           to
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           yeelded
           to
           very
           hard
           conditions
           ,
           which
           because
           they
           will
           be
           publique
           ,
           and
           larger
           then
           will
           sute
           to
           this
           short
           narration
           ,
           shall
           not
           burden
           this
           paper
           .
        
         
           Betwixt
           ten
           and
           eleven
           at
           night
           they
           possest
           us
           of
           the
           royall
           Fort
           ,
           wee
           having
           first
           sent
           Col.
           
             Bowyer
             ,
          
           and
           Col.
           
             Massie
             ,
          
           hostages
           to
           
             Hawarden
          
           Castle
           ,
           to
           secure
           them
           of
           our
           fidelitie
           in
           making
           good
           the
           Conditions
           on
           our
           part
           :
           upon
           Tuesday
           we
           were
           possest
           of
           the
           Citie
           and
           Castle
           ,
           by
           which
           the
           Almighty
           (
           who
           ever-own'd
           our
           undertakings
           )
           finisht
           the
           great
           worke
           of
           reducing
           this
           afflicted
           County
           ,
           almost
           spent
           under
           the
           incessant
           travell
           of
           a
           three
           yeares
           warre
           .
           Our
           hopes
           are
           ,
           that
           this
           respiration
           to
           us
           ,
           will
           be
           the
           first
           fruites
           of
           mercy
           to
           
             Northwales
             ,
          
           carrying
           with
           it
           a
           strong
           influence
           ,
           for
           the
           reducing
           of
           the
           many
           Castles
           ,
           such
           bad
           neighbours
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           destructive
           to
           that
           Country
           ,
           which
           now
           seeme
           as
           rype
           figgs
           that
           fall
           into
           the
           mouth
           of
           the
           eater
           .
        
      
       
         
           The
           present
           posture
           of
           Cheshire
           and
           
             Northwales
             .
          
        
         
           THe
           reducing
           of
           
             Chester
          
           hath
           better
           lessoned
           the
           Commissioners
           of
           Array
           ,
           then
           all
           the
           Kings
           Papers
           ,
           they
           begin
           to
           enquire
           after
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           suspect
           their
           former
           oathes
           unwarrantable
           ▪
           the
           Cannonicall
           prophesie
           will
           be
           made
           good
           :
           the
           rest
           were
           affrighttd
           and
           gave
           glory
           to
           the
           God
           of
           heaven
           .
           
             Apoc.
          
           11.
           
        
         
           
             Holt
             ,
             Hawarden
          
           and
           
             Ruthen
          
           Castle
           ,
           are
           blockt
           up
           and
           straightly
           begirt
           by
           Generall
           
             Mytton
             ,
          
           with
           the
           assistance
           of
           the
           Cheshire
           forces
           :
           
             Hawarden
          
           being
           batterable
           will
           be
           necessitate
           to
           make
           a
           timely
           surrender
           .
        
         
           The
           Bishops
           and
           great
           men
           are
           quiting
           
             Conway
             ,
          
           not
           trusting
           to
           a
           strong
           Towne
           destitute
           of
           releise
           ,
           this
           must
           needs
           put
           
             Denbigh
          
           to
           a
           stand
           ,
           as
           destitute
           to
           be
           a
           prison
           in
           a
           reduced
           Country
           .
        
         
           Cheshire
           (
           who
           can
           as
           well
           cease
           to
           live
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           out
           of
           action
           )
           will
           not
           be
           wanting
           to
           Generall
           
             Mytton
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Salopians
           for
           the
           reducing
           of
           
             Chirke
          
           Castle
           ,
           and
           high
           Archall
           ,
           or
           to
           march
           to
           
             Bridgenorth
             .
          
        
         
         
           A
           full
           harvest
           will
           fall
           out
           in
           the
           spring
           ,
           if
           our
           sins
           blast
           not
           these
           designes
           :
           we
           want
           no
           reapers
           with
           sharpe
           siccles
           to
           cut
           downe
           the
           harvest
           and
           vintage
           so
           fully
           dryed
           ,
           if
           the
           stronger
           forces
           above
           watch
           the
           
             Mideanites
             ,
          
           who
           were
           accustomed
           to
           put
           the
           siccles
           into
           our
           labours
           ,
           or
           to
           devoure
           them
           ,
           when
           prepared
           to
           our
           mouthes
           .
        
         
           Cheshire
           who
           hath
           indefatigably
           stuck
           to
           the
           worke
           desires
           the
           unsupportable
           burden
           of
           the
           many
           uselesse
           Garrisons
           may
           be
           removed
           from
           their
           shouldiers
           ,
           els
           ,
           whiles
           secured
           of
           their
           lives
           ,
           they
           are
           spoyld
           of
           their
           livelyhood
           ,
           and
           disabled
           to
           contribute
           to
           the
           worke
           abroad
           .
        
         
           Many
           great
           benefices
           now
           vacant
           are
           undisposed
           ,
           good
           Ministers
           want
           meanes
           ,
           and
           like
           
             Noahs
             ,
          
           Dove
           find
           no
           rest
           for
           the
           soales
           of
           their
           feete
           ,
           but
           in
           worse
           case
           ,
           for
           they
           have
           no
           arke
           to
           returne
           too
           ,
           but
           where
           the
           provission
           is
           spent
           ,
           and
           was
           never
           competent
           ,
           it
           makes
           well
           for
           them
           who
           are
           very
           busy
           in
           collecting
           Churches
           ,
           and
           the
           Idol
           shepheards
           are
           not
           without
           hopes
           of
           returne
           to
           their
           owne
           Cures
           ,
           before
           they
           be
           disposed
           of
           .
           But
           there
           is
           one
           who
           sitts
           at
           stearne
           ,
           whose
           zeale
           will
           mannage
           the
           worke
           ,
           that
           Christ
           may
           reigne
           .
        
      
       
         
           That
           worthlesse
           man
           may
           derogate
           nothing
           from
           the
           all
           working
           God
           ,
           we
           may
           render
           this
           account
           of
           heavens
           influence
           upon
           our
           designes
           ,
           which
           gave
           them
           life
           .
        
         
           
             Remarkeable
             providences
             concerning
             the
             Battle
             at
             
               Rowton
            
             Moore
             .
          
           
             
               1.
               
            
             THat
             Generall
             
               Poynts
            
             came
             so
             seasonably
             for
             the
             Battle
             ,
             whereas
             two
             dayes
             before
             ,
             we
             could
             not
             learne
             by
             any
             intelligence
             where
             that
             army
             was
             .
             As
             birds
             flying
             God
             saves
             
               Jerusalem
               ,
            
             and
             to
             those
             that
             feare
             his
             name
             ,
             the
             sunne
             of
             righteousnesse
             artseth
             with
             healing
             in
             his
             wings
             .
          
           
             
               2
               ,
            
             A
             great
             part
             of
             Generall
             
               Poynts
            
             army
             ,
             and
             those
             the
             best
             Regiments
             ,
             were
             not
             come
             up
             to
             the
             service
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             his
             speedy
             march
             .
             It
             s
             all
             one
             with
             God
             to
             save
             with
             many
             or
             few
             .
             The
             lesse
             of
             man
             the
             more
             of
             God
             .
          
           
             
               3.
               
            
             No
             part
             of
             the
             army
             but
             was
             first
             brought
             through
             the
             fire
             ,
             before
             God
             would
             crowne
             them
             with
             victory
             .
             Generall
             
               Poynts
            
             had
             a
             stormy
             morning
             ,
             and
             a
             Cloudy
             day
             ,
             first
             beaten
             off
             ,
             whiles
             attempting
             the
             worke
             ,
             then
             all
             the
             day
             kept
             under
             a
             sad
             apprehension
             of
             further
             evill
             .
             Collonel
             
               Jon●s
            
             marcht
             on
             the
             body
             of
             the
             enemy
             ,
             and
             a
             strong
             party
             in
             his
             reere
             :
             the
             instruments
             to
             carry
             on
             the
             worke
             were
             chosen
             in
             the
             furnace
             of
             afflction
             .
          
           
             
               4.
               
            
             Our
             army
             was
             interlynd
             with
             the
             enemy
             ,
             who
             brake
             through
             the
             weaker
             part
             of
             the
             left
             hand
             of
             our
             body
             ,
             so
             that
             whiles
             we
             pursued
             the
             victory
             ,
             they
             were
             mixed
             and
             twisted
             amongst
             us
             ,
             both
             parties
             knew
             it
             ,
             yet
             they
             
             strooke
             not
             at
             any
             of
             ours
             ,
             though
             we
             chased
             and
             beate
             downe
             those
             that
             were
             before
             us
             .
             It
             was
             in
             their
             power
             to
             hurt
             us
             ,
             but
             God
             gave
             
               Laban
            
             a
             charge
             concerning
             his
             servant
             
               Jacob
               .
            
          
           
             
               5.
               
            
             Whiles
             they
             sought
             a
             place
             to
             secure
             themselves
             ,
             they
             fell
             under
             our
             Walls
             ,
             where
             divers
             perished
             .
             So
             God
             strooke
             the
             
               Syrians
            
             with
             blindenesse
             ,
             who
             went
             into
             
               Samaria
               ,
            
             whiles
             they
             sought
             
               Dothan
               .
            
             Others
             fled
             into
             the
             river
             in
             hopes
             to
             escape
             ,
             where
             very
             many
             perished
             .
             God
             hath
             more
             instruments
             than
             the
             sword
             to
             over
             power
             his
             enemies
             .
             The
             river
             
               Kishan
            
             swept
             them
             away
             .
          
        
         
           
             Providences
             concerning
             the
             Battle
             at
             
               Denbigh
               .
            
          
           
             
               1.
               
            
             THe
             Foundation
             to
             their
             ruine
             was
             their
             owne
             lyes
             :
             they
             reporting
             themselves
             to
             be
             many
             ,
             drew
             us
             out
             to
             seeke
             them
             speedily
             ,
             the
             Country
             voting
             us
             few
             ,
             caused
             them
             to
             stay
             for
             us
             :
             Their
             publishing
             of
             lyes
             prepared
             them
             to
             destruction
             ,
             and
             their
             trusting
             in
             a
             lye
             slew
             them
             :
             He
             shall
             sweepe
             away
             the
             refuge
             of
             lyes
             .
          
           
             
               2.
               
            
             While
             our
             body
             was
             entyre
             we
             could
             not
             breake
             in
             upon
             them
             ,
             but
             trifled
             out
             the
             time
             ,
             when
             reduct
             to
             a
             small
             part
             that
             did
             the
             worke
             .
             When
             
               Gideons
            
             many
             thousands
             are
             sent
             away
             
               300.
            
             beat
             the
             
               Mideanites
               .
            
             God
             seldome
             fights
             with
             many
             .
          
           
             
               3.
               
            
             We
             slew
             about
             
               100.
            
             of
             theirs
             ,
             they
             not
             a
             man
             of
             ours
             on
             the
             ground
             .
             An
             hundred
             slaine
             for
             none
             ,
             it
             is
             as
             good
             as
             the
             promise
             ,
             one
             shall
             chase
             an
             hundred
             .
          
           
             
               4.
               
            
             The
             summer
             was
             lengthned
             beyond
             natures
             ordinary
             course
             ,
             for
             the
             effecting
             of
             these
             atcheivements
             ,
             the
             like
             this
             age
             hath
             not
             knowne
             ,
             but
             so
             soone
             as
             the
             serene
             heavens
             had
             smyld
             us
             successe
             ,
             the
             chyding
             winds
             ,
             with
             blustering
             stormes
             ,
             threatned
             the
             laden
             souldiers
             into
             their
             winter
             quarters
             .
             He
             that
             lengthned
             the
             day
             to
             
               Josua
            
             for
             the
             conquest
             of
             
               Canaan
               ,
            
             extended
             this
             summer
             for
             the
             spoyling
             of
             
               Babylon
               .
            
             Though
             we
             looke
             not
             for
             miracles
             ,
             we
             have
             a
             God
             that
             workes
             wonders
             .
          
        
         
           
             Providences
             concerning
             the
             Storming
             and
             Beleaguring
             of
             
               Chester
               .
            
          
           
             
               1.
               
            
             WHiles
             with
             many
             thousands
             and
             vast
             expences
             ,
             the
             worke
             was
             attempted
             ,
             the
             endeavours
             were
             unsuccessefull
             :
             but
             when
             reduc't
             to
             a
             small
             number
             ,
             and
             that
             under
             a
             double
             engagement
             ,
             the
             worke
             was
             done
             beyond
             expectation
             ,
             not
             by
             might
             ,
             nor
             by
             power
             .
          
           
             
               2.
               
            
             God
             prepared
             a
             way
             to
             the
             worke
             ,
             by
             giveing
             first
             into
             our
             hands
             the
             cheife
             actors
             of
             our
             ruine
             ▪
             ,
             Collonel
             
               Marrow
               ,
            
             Collonel
             
               Werden
               ,
            
             Major
             
             
               Philips
            
             and
             Captain
             
               Munday
               :
            
             when
             their
             Charret
             wheeles
             were
             taken
             off
             ▪
             they
             drave
             slowly
             .
          
           
             
               3.
               
            
             The
             Gentlemen
             of
             the
             County
             were
             so
             active
             on
             their
             part
             and
             so
             semented
             with
             the
             Commanders
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             deare
             affection
             ,
             that
             it
             seemed
             to
             us
             the
             first
             fruits
             of
             an
             harvest
             of
             peace
             for
             the
             whole
             County
             .
          
           
             
               4.
               
            
             Though
             the
             darkenesse
             ,
             and
             the
             way
             unknowne
             ,
             rendred
             the
             surprisall
             of
             the
             worke
             difficult
             ,
             and
             the
             height
             of
             the
             walls
             made
             it
             seeme
             desperate
             ,
             yet
             we
             found
             the
             Churches
             old
             friend
             the
             same
             to
             us
             ,
             as
             to
             his
             Champion
             
               David
               ,
            
             in
             whom
             we
             glory
             upon
             the
             like
             service
             :
             thou
             wilt
             lighten
             my
             candle
             :
             by
             my
             God
             I
             have
             leaped
             over
             a
             wall
             .
          
           
             
               5.
               
            
             Though
             the
             thrice
             storming
             of
             that
             strong
             piece
             seemed
             desperate
             ,
             and
             the
             enemy
             gloried
             in
             the
             slaughter
             of
             many
             hundreds
             ,
             yet
             (
             that
             we
             know
             of
             )
             we
             lost
             not
             above
             
               30.
            
             on
             the
             ground
             ,
             in
             those
             three
             assaults
             ,
             their
             losse
             (
             as
             they
             confesse
             )
             was
             more
             ,
             their
             rocke
             is
             not
             as
             our
             rocke
             ,
             our
             enemies
             themselves
             being
             judges
             .
          
           
             
               6.
               
            
             God
             so
             cleared
             the
             skie
             ,
             and
             crusted
             the
             myrie
             ground
             with
             a
             continued
             frost
             ,
             that
             the
             ayre
             and
             soile
             became
             healthfull
             to
             the
             great
             guards
             ,
             that
             had
             the
             earth
             for
             their
             beds
             ,
             and
             the
             heavens
             for
             their
             Canopie
             ,
             and
             most
             accommodious
             for
             the
             carrying
             in
             of
             provision
             to
             the
             Leaguer
             :
             Heaven
             and
             earth
             contribute
             to
             their
             service
             ,
             who
             are
             in
             service
             to
             their
             Maker
             .
          
           
             
               7.
               
            
             What
             was
             wanting
             to
             the
             souldiers
             in
             accommodation
             ,
             was
             supplyed
             by
             a
             spiritfull
             resolution
             ,
             for
             though
             divers
             lived
             on
             bread
             and
             water
             ,
             〈◊〉
             their
             arreares
             of
             pay
             deepe
             ,
             they
             resolved
             to
             stick
             to
             their
             worke
             ,
             what
             ever
             were
             their
             wages
             .
             When
             God
             hath
             a
             worke
             to
             doe
             ,
             nothing
             shall
             disappoint
             it
             .
          
        
         
           
             Providences
             concerning
             
               Beston
            
             Castle
             .
          
           
             
               1.
               
               A
            
             Friend
             of
             ours
             ,
             a
             Gun-smith
             betooke
             himselfe
             purposely
             to
             the
             enemy
             there
             to
             doe
             good
             offices
             for
             us
             ,
             so
             rested
             their
             armes
             in
             firing
             of
             them
             ▪
             that
             none
             could
             take
             such
             aime
             ,
             as
             to
             come
             neere
             the
             marke
             .
             
               Hushai
            
             pretends
             for
             
               Absalom
               ,
            
             when
             he
             doth
             the
             best
             offices
             for
             
               David
               .
            
          
           
             
               2.
               
            
             In
             erecting
             of
             the
             Fort
             and
             house
             ,
             within
             Musket
             shot
             of
             the
             Castle
             ,
             we
             lost
             not
             a
             man
             ,
             though
             much
             blood
             was
             spilt
             in
             the
             former
             Leaguer
             .
             God
             makes
             the
             blinde
             ,
             when
             he
             engageth
             men
             on
             his
             owne
             service
             .
          
           
             
               3.
               
            
             A
             woman
             bringing
             Letters
             and
             intelligence
             out
             of
             the
             North
             ,
             encompassed
             by
             two
             or
             three
             hundred
             of
             our
             souldiers
             whiles
             examined
             about
             it
             ,
             and
             kneeling
             betwixt
             a
             souldiers
             leggs
             ,
             at
             further
             distance
             from
             the
             Castle
             than
             the
             Fort
             ,
             the
             enemy
             discharged
             a
             Musket
             at
             so
             faire
             a
             marke
             ,
             the
             bullet
             shott
             her
             mortally
             through
             the
             backe
             ,
             kneeling
             in
             that
             posture
             ,
             but
             toucht
             not
             any
             of
             ours
             .
             An
             a●r●w
             shot
             at
             a
             venture
             strikes
             
               Ahab
            
             through
             a
             joynt
             of
             his
             armour
             :
             man
             shootes
             the
             bullet
             .
             God
             gives
             the
             ticket
             .
          
        
      
       
         FINIS
         .