An Historical RELATION OF THE Military Government of GLOUCESTER: From the beginning of the Civil War Between KING and PARLIAMENT To the removal of Colonel massy from that Government to the Command of the Western Forces.  
By John Corbet Preacher of God's Word.  
Published by Authority.  
LONDON, Printed by M. B. for Robert Bostock at the King's Head in Paul's Churchyard. 1645.    

To the Right Worshipful, the Mayor, aldermans, and Common Council, with the Burgesses of the City of GLOUCESTER.  
Gentlemen,  
SIlent and calm times, and an equal stream of secular Affairs are more acceptable to men of the present age, because they are times of enjoyment; whereas the greater Changes and Confusions of the world do more delight Posterity, or such as survive the trouble of those Changes. For 'tis a pleasure to behold at such a distance the Risings and Falls of Nations and their Governments, as to see the raging Sea from the secure Land. And it doth not seldom come to pass that an universal Concussion, and the shaking of the pillars of the earth, doth cast it into better frame and settle it on a firm Basis: So that the men of the former Age do labour, and those of the later enter into their labours. Even so, 'tis the Calamity of these Days to be engaged in such a War and the woeful attendants thereof; yet their felicity to be engaged for the highest interests in this life, which will exalt them, whatsoever the success be; and if prosperous, will make the faithful in the land a perpetual Excellency, and the joy of many Generations. The Action of these times transcends the Baron's Wars, and those tedious discords between the Houses of York and Lancaster, in as much as it is undertaken upon higher Principles, and carried on to a nobler end, and effects more universal. And in this you have acted not the least part for a particular Government to your own safety and honour, and by a general acknowledgement not a little to the preservation of the whole Kingdom. Wherefore out of abundant respect to my dear native place, having collected some Memorials of its fidelity and Industry, I humbly present them to your view, who were witnesses of, and bore a part in those performances. I remember my own thoughts when we were in the height of Danger, and ready to fall into the depth of Misery, That I did seem to refresh myself in the conceit of the future joyous remembrance thereof, when we should out live those extremities. And you also must needs be abundantly satisfied in reminding those manifold hazards and exegencies which you by patience and perseverance have in good measure overcome. For which cause this Historical Relation, though it tenders itself to the review of all serious men, yet unto yours chiefly, that your joy might be yet more full. Neither ought we to be so injurious to Divine Providence, as to bury or keep secret the influence and working thereof upon the endeavours of a willing people. Hitherto you have run well, nothing remains but perseverance, that the concluding part may be blessed and honourable. Let your City ever flourish and prosper under the protection of the Highest.  
Gentlemen, Your humbly devoted servant, JOHN CORBET.   

LEges Historiae civilis aperte satis innuit Franciscus Verulamius notando plurima quae eam circumstant vitia. Dum plerique narrationes quasdam inopes & plebeias conscribant; alii particulares relationes, & Commentariolos opera Festinata, & textu inaequali consariant; alii capita tantum Rerum gestarum percurrant; alii contrà minima quaeque & ad summas actionum nihil facientia persequantur: Nonnulli, nimiâ erga ingenia propria indulgentia plurima audacter confingant: Ast alii non tam ingeniorum suorum, quam Affectuum imaginem rebus imprimant & addant, partium suarum memores, rerum parum fideles Testes; Quidam politica in quibus sibi complacent, ubique inculcent, & diverticula ad ostentationem quaerendo narrationem rerum nimis leviter interru●pant: alii in orationum & conoionum aut etiam Actorum ipsorum prolixitate parum cum judicio nimii sunt.  
Haec omnia cautè vitantur in Historia legitima & numeris suis absoluta.  De Augment: Scient. l. 2. c. 5.  

Errata.  
PAge 4. l. 37. r. track. p. 6. l. 27. r. in themselves. p. 8. l. 4. r. tender. p. 50. l. 17. del. and the river chained. p. 81. l. 6. r Subtle. p. ib. l. 10. r. imaginary. p. 82. l. 32. r. quartered. p. 85. l. 11. r. Winnie● hill. p. 86. l. 22. r. Ledbury. p. 119. l. 23. r. yielded to the drawing. p. 220. l. 13. r. role. p. 121. l. 21. r. Lidney. p. 123. l. 9 r Gloucester. Other faults less material, let the courteous Reader be pleased to correct.   

AN Historical Relation Of The Military Government of GLOUCESTER.  
AMidst the variety of action in the present Age, the course of this Military Government was conceived not unworthy to be known unto more than them that acted, or beheld at a nearer distance; only the care of a true and meet Representation held his thoughts, who hath now brought it to the public light, and hazarded the censure of these knowing times. If I have fallen below the Story, I shall neither beg acceptance nor crave pardon for a deliberateerrour; nevertheless to give an account of the design is no more than that due which all may expect and challenge: only the Princes of Learning's Empire are authentic in the very name, and require an uncontrolled pass without a Preface to ●ther them: but whosoever owes respect and d●●● to the world, his observance will plead for the necessity of a 〈◊〉 introduction.  
The Relation therefore brings to remembrance the affairs of a particular Command, which as yet hath not been the meanest part of the present warfare, the event whereof all Christendom may expect with admiration and horror; 'tis one branch of the History of these times, which happily may be viewed in several parcels better than in one entire body: for such a Chronicle, if it shall duly express the rise and progress of things, must needs be perplexed with multiplicity of interwoven Discourses, when three Kingdoms are engaged, and no part in either of them stand free as Spectators only of the common calamity; that the work must either swell into a bulk misshapen and burdensome, or lie too narrow to comprise the several parts in their just and perfect measures; but many single Narrations do more exactly delineate, give the truest colours, and put upon things the most unsuspected visage. General Histories do seldom approach the fountain of action, and their gloss though beautiful, yet more dull cannot hold forth that native grace and lustre. Whereas there appear in particular branches those lively sparklings and more secret motions of life and heat, which strike upon that fancy and intellect that can behold and reach them; besides, they that gather up so many divided Plots (as are now acted) into one model, are wont to endeavour after a smother path, a greater harmony, and more exact symmetry of parts; whereas the face of things is conscious of more disproportion, sometimes a confusion of business, and the several scenes may easily swerve from the original plot; but the divided parts drawn in several are not so constrained and racked, but come naked and more simple, and show that the reason of the same Counsels is one in the Senate or Conclave; another in the field, discovers the failing or the crosse-working of contrivances, how in the midst of action the main Landmarks are waved, and many grand projects never reach their period. Out of all which the comparing faculty of a judicious observer may collect the misguidance or defects of Policy; and see how the piercing subtleties of wit are broken and shattered by the course of things more knotty, rude, and and violent; and this is the life of History, that aught to declare the delinquency of State as well as its accomplishment and perfection.  
If the materials of the Work be questioned whether fit to be drawn up into one regular and compacted whole, and to make a standing monument, we also know that nothing in this kind is to be thrust upon the world, since History doth intend to gratify the future times with the remembrance of those things only which prudent men desire, and claim from such as pretend an interest and portion in the treasures of knowledge; it bears therefore before it nothing more than the thing itself gives forth, and which may find acceptance with severer wits; for not only the remarkable changes of the Universe, the grand periods of Kingdoms and Commonwealths, the chief and turning points of State-affairs, but particular Platforms, lives, examples, and emergent occasions also, are to be observed and laid up for posterity. More yet, those particularities, and minute passages are they that come home to men's business, approach their experience, and guide their course; but things more grand and lofty seem to be turned upon the wheels of Providence; too high for the imitation of men. The work of a politic or martial man is to fix his design, and then to expect the accomplishment, not by one sudden or great achievement, but by a series of many particles, and through an infinite variety of emergent occasions, and at last the main turning point falls in by the overruling power of the Universal cause; such are properly the works of men into which they ought to inquire and search. Besides, the chief skill is not the general knowledge of the main undertaking, but a certain dexterity in meeting every point, in working through many mazes and windings, since sundry passages of small purport intervene to disturb or promove it. Experience tells, that many Universal Scholars are the most uncouth persons to Civil employment, which so happens, because they study Books more than the course of business, in which they gaze upon high objects, and bind themselves to the riged observance of received Canons; that if they venture amongst men, upon a slight accident unexpected, they stick in the mire or run a wrong course. We dislike not the taking up of well tried Principles, only by examples of all sorts must we learn to except and distinguish, and by consequence to use or abate the rigour of Political Maxims: neither doth it seldom come to pass that inferior things overrule, and a circumstance may be predominant. From such a low bottom and mean beginning are great things raised, and as their verticle point come in an instant, so may they be turned upon a weak and slender hinge; yet we mean not those circumstances that are the inseparable attendants of every natural action, but only such as are worthy, and have a moral influence; all which eat their understandings who respect only great, and excelse objects, which peradventure may flourish with ostentation and pomp, but if applied unto the life of man bring forth an effect like the birth of the Mountains. And here we tender a naked Commentary and true rehearsal of those things as deserve not wholly to be forgotten; if it be not full of rare changes which may grace the composure, and affect the Reader; yet doth it give the full draught of a Martial command, and a true Copy of the things it intends to express: it hath this advantage it common with others of the like nature, that it can come forth to the censure of the present Age without the guilt and shame of mistakes or flatteries. Authors more Universal could never gain to be styled the Writers of unquestionable verities, for they see at a greater distance, and by a more obscure and dusky light: certainly a nearer approach, and some kind of interest is required of him that desires to show not only some tarcke and footsteps, but the express image of things, for whatsoever passes from hand to hand though upon the most undubitable Authority, proves at the best but the image of a Picture: for the best wit that takes things though upon the surest trust, must needs fall short of the Copy by which he writes, if not in beauty, yet in the truth and life thereof. The only danger in such as are interested is, lest they be partial to their own side, or make the Discourse more lofty than the Stage can reach; which mischief the deliberate thoughts of a serious man can prevent, and tell him that the unvayling of the defects, and misfortunes of his own party doth evince the sincerity of the Relation, and graceth it with more variety, than what the continual stream of the height of gallantry and success can yield; and which is most of all, doth demonstrate that at some times the design was laid upon the principles of reason, and prosecuted with industry, whereas continual victory is attributed to a certain hidden felicity, and the bounty of providence. Affection therefore receives a check from that man who is more true to his own faction and ends, then to transgress against the honour of that work he takes in hand.  
As for this Military Government, the power hereof hath rested in one Command, and therefore doth more easily close into a single frame, yet not in a smooth and equal strain, but distinguished by many rises and falls: 'tis a branch almost divided from the main stock, and hath been put to live and act of itself: nevertheless a branch still, and enlivened by the Authority of the Kingdom's sovereign power, from which it receives an influence both of support and guidance: but its distance from the fountain of power had derived upon the Trustee a more free command, and made way for the perfect work of a soldier both counsel and action, which is the surest way to make such commands both active and prosperous.  
The seat hereof lies in the heart of the enemy's Country, like a forlorn hope, and is maintained not so much for its own sake, or that so much ground might lie under a Parliament Power, but to divide the Kings Association, to stop his Recrutes, to scarter his Forces, and continually to distract the designs of that Army. Experience is witness of how great concernment it hath been to the safety of the Commonwealth, not one place in the Kingdom of England hath so much exhausted the enemy's Army, nor hath the like advantage to ruin it: It can pain them at the heart, 'tis a fire kindled in their bowels, that might eat out their strength, had it been the felicity of the State to have sent hither a part of those great supplies, which have been elsewhere expended, and done little towards the conclusion of the great work.  
If this Collection shall present any thing that comes home to a civil life, or the employment of a Soldier, if it shall bring to mind acceptable services, and cause the people to remember the day of small things, with the power of active and faithful endeavours, that observe and follow the Divine Providence, I shall not fail of my end: and I know that this my adventure is no more than what the action doth deserve, and the world may challenge.  
THe engagement of the City of Gloucester in this common Cause of Religion and Liberty, first began when the Houses of Parliament declared to the Kingdom their resolution of a defensive War: neither were its principal and active men drawn in by inferior and accidental motives, but quickened by the same Principles in the main, that did enliven and actuate the Supreme Court, expressing themselves the very motions of a Parliamentary spirit by an absolute and greedâ compliance with every act that breathed towards the perfect health of the State, the several Remonstrances of both Houses were received with all due respect, whereas no Declaration sent from the other Party, found the courtesy of a formal entertainment. It hath been the honour of that Civil Government, never to be guilty of the least act of disservice against that Cause which their hearts wish might prevail and prosper. Therefore when the fire kindled and fomented by Jesuited Papists and their adherents, was blown up into a flame, and the heads of two Parties appeared within this Realm, the City of Gloucester determined not to stand Neutral in action, but to adhere unto one party, with which they resolved to stand or fall, necessity requiring no less, which affection improves into virtue. The acknowledgement of its own advantage in situation and strength importuned a more timely Declaration, lest by itself neglected, it should be seized by the Enemy, whose eâe was upon it, and so cast into perpetual bondage. Also the greatest part of the Country consented and resolved to maintain their Birthrights in the defence of the Privileges and Power of Parliament, against all invasions of usurpation and tyranny.  
During the King's preparaetions in the North, they attempted (according to the slenderness of all beginnings) to put themselves into a posture of defence, and expected the instructions of Parliament. And whereas the Ordinance of Militia was the first pretended ground of difference between his Majesty and the Houses, (they desiring such Officers in whom the State might confide, and the King refusing to deprive them that by himself were entrusted) when the rent was once made, a greater necessity impleaded the execution of that Ordinance: Whereupon the Lord Say was by Order of Parliament appointed Lord Lieutenant: A Commission was likewise granted unto divers Gentlemen for Deputy Lieutenants, many whereof drew back and shunned the employment, that the power for the most part rested in the Members of the House of Commons for this County, by whose countenance many Companies of Volunteers were raised, then called the Militia Bands, and led by such Captains as the Embryo of the War could afford. But the first undertaking was more jocund than the progress; as oft times it comes to pass, that a Military pomp and appearance of bravery doth affect and raise up many feeble spirits, who quickly lie flat when they begin to feel the stubborness and cruelty of War.  
The Commission of Array did not adventure to render itself to the people; it was about to be offered to their liking at Cirencester, by the Lord Chando's and some other disaffected Gentlemen, but was stifled in the birth, and crushed by the rude hand of the multitude before it saw the light; the chief Abetter thereof was like to suffer violence by the meanest of the people, whose fury constrained him to promise, and give under his hand, that he would never more deal in the business. But when they saw that this Lord had escaped their hands by a secret conveyance, they were the more enraged, and waxed cruel against his Accoutrements and Furniture, and whatsoeutr of his was left behind, delighting in a contumelious revenge and rustic triumph. Such were the effects of that fury that took hold on the ignoble multitude, in whom not always the deep sense of their own interests doth provoke this ecstasy of passion, but peradventure a slighter accident and unexpected turning of the fancy sets them in a hurry, when their insolency becomes intolerable, and they glory to vent their humours, by reason of an usual restraint and subjection. Nevertheless they have produced good effects, and oft times a more undescerned guidance of superior Agents turns them to the terror of the Enemy, and an unexplecable selfe-ingagement upon the common people, which prudent men promote and maintain, yet no farther than themselves can overrule and moderate. Hereupon the full stream of the Country runs for the Ordinance of the Militia, and against the King's Declarations and Commission of Array. But since we are now upon the beginning of action, it will not be from the matter to declare the grounds of that affection which the Country did express, and were common unto them with many parts of the Kingdom, that were devoted to the same Cause, but might appear in a greater degree, and have a clearer evidence in the present example. Most men therefore did undoubtedly foresee greater hopes of liberty from the Parliament then the King's Party; in so much that there appeared in all the States adhearents an inbred propensity to freedom, but a desire of vast Dominion, Dignity, revenge, or rapine in them that took to the contrary Faction; by which this Country did seem well disposed to comply with the Parliaments grand Design: for there was no excessive number of powerful Gentry, who for the most part care not to render themselves the slaves of Princes, that they also might rule over their Neighbours as Vassals: But the Inhabitants consisted chiefly of Yeomen, Farmers, petty Freeholders', and such as use Manufactures that every the Country, and pass through the hands of a multitude, a generation of men truly laborious, jealous of their Properties, whose principal aim is Liberty and Plenty, and whilst in an equal rank with their Neighbours they desire only not to be oppressed, and account themselves extremely bound to the world, if they may keep their own; such therefore continually thwart the intentions of tyranny unto which they only are moulded, who detesting a close, hardy, and industrious way of living do eat their bread in the sweat of other men, and neglecting a secure estate, rejoice rather in the height of fortune though inconstant and dangerous. Such is the predominant humour of Gentlemen in a corrupted age. Besides, the Countryman had of his own, and did not live by the breath of his great Land lord; neither were the poor and needy at the will of the Gentry, but observed those men by whom those Manufactures were maintained that kept them alive. By which means it came to pass that neither they of the middle rank, nor the needy were the voted to the examples of the Gentlemen who turned back, betrayed their trust (and are always more apt to be corrupted, or mistaken in judging of the common interest) but had learned to reverence their Liberties, and to acknowledge their native happiness.  
But some higher cause had a greater influence on the endeavours of many for a well-bounded Freedom, and regular Privileges; a knowledge of things pertaining to Divine Worship, according to the main Principles of the Christian profession. Which Religion is not according to the will of man but grounded upon an unchangeable and eternal Truth, and doth indispensably bind every soul to one Law perpetual and constant. This therefore doth strongly implead the necessity of external privileges in her Professors, and though it doth not destroy the Kingdoms of the World, nor usurp a greater liberty then humane Laws will easily grant, yet it will not give away its native right; and it hath moreover in its nature an irreconcilable enmity against Arbitrary Government, and will work its self out of bondage when the felicity of the times shall give power and a lawful call. And in this kind of knowledge this City and County was more happy than many other parts of the Kingdom by means of a practical Ministry, which hath not only its powerful working in Divine things, but doth also enable vulgar capacities more fitly to apply themselves to such things as cenverne the life of a moral man; and although each Person thus informed reacheth not the depth of the reason, yet he can comprehend the truth thereof, and jealousy makes him the more quicksighted. Thus have we found that the common people addicted to the King's service have come out of blind Wales, and other dark corners of the Land; but the more knowing are apt to contradict and question, and will not easily be brought to the bent. For this cause the ambition of the times hath endeavoured the undermining of true Religion, to promote a blind and irrational worship, that might bring forth an ignorant and slavish generation of men, which kind of bondage the meanest person that performs a reasonable service cannot but resent and fear.  
Yet something there was that might debase and enfeeble their spirits (the plague and mischief of the whole Realm) a gross ignorance, and supine neglect of Military Discipline, there being no ground for the study and exercise of Arms that might keep the body of the State in health and vigour. Nor is it unlikely that extreme vassalage was the end of that long sluggish Peace, when the Nation could not have been more happy, then in some just and honourable war with foreign parts, though now none more miserable by reason of these civil broils, that tear the bowels and eat up the strength of the Kingdom. 'Tis no shame in the progress of time to look back upon the beginnings of action. The Trained Bands accounted the main support of the Realm, and Bulworks against unexpected invasions, were effeminate in courage and uncapable of Discipline, because their whole course of life was alienated from warlike employment, in so much that young and active spirits were more perfect by the experience of two day's service. Wherefore these men might easily repine at oppression, and have a will to preserve themselves; yet a small body of desperate Cavaliers might over run and ruin them at their pleasure. Some professed Soldiers were sent down from the Parliament to settle these and the Militia bands, who had this only according to the Rules of war, to be gathered under several Captains, and many of them into the form of a Regiment, which disposition might fit them for a sudden service, and the very posture confer something of a warlike spirit.  
Within the City of Gloucester one Company of Volunteers was added to the Trained Band, and some Pieces of Ordinance obtained from London and Bristol, which were then received with universal amazement by an Inland people, though not long after they grew familiar with their terrible executions: mean while the City was open on three parts at least, and had no considerable defence, only capable thereof by advantage of situation: The Citizens did mainly show their care and affection in fortifying the Town, a work both expensive and tedious; being of great compass, and raised from the ground: During these things the Enemy came not near our dwellings, we heard of them a far off, but little thought that the cloud of blood should be blown from the North and settle over us, upon whom it afterwards broke into so many showers; that this place should become the seat of War, and the Stage of action; that then lying open to a free commerce with the World, it should be shut up sometimes in strict custody, but still under a larger confinement, and beleaguered at a distance in the midst of the King's head Garrisons.  
At that time the rumours of War and first acts of Hostility quickly filled the ears and tongues of people, Alarms were then taken at a greater distance, and the first was given from the neighbour City of Worcester, by five hundred of the King's Horse, which entered the Town, and at that season were not the least part of his Majesty's forces: His whole strength could not amount to the number of a just Army, according to the slender proportion of those times, neither could they march like a set and perfect body, but flashed through the Land as the Lightning that strikes from one quarter of the Heaven to the other. The noise of a nearer Enemy raised the Volunteers of the Country, who marched under the conduct of some Gentlemen towards Worcester, expecting to meet Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes with a strength of Horse, but Colonel Fiennes had faced the Town and drawn off before the advance of our Foot, and they also retreated having done nothing, but so meanly prepared for the service, that they were much bound to the Enemy that they fell not out of the City and cut them in pieces. The same Volunteers came on the second time, and were to join once more with Colonel Fiennes, who returned with a greater strength of Horse and Dragoones under the Command of Colonel Sands, and now also prevented our Foot; they attempted the onset, and approached the Town with much speed and confidence on the Welsh side of Seaverne, supposing the Earl of Essex at hand to assault the other side; but were merely deluded by a false Message from the Enemy with a signal accordingly given, at which instant of time Prince Rupert arrived at Worcester. By means of this deceit the Horse rush upon an Ambuscado, when through the straightness of the passage first over a Bridge, then through a narrow Lane, neither the Rear could be brought up, nor the Van make a Retreat. 'Twas an hot skirmish, and performed with sufficient gallantry on our part by them that came up, where persons of value were slain and taken, the rest wholly routed and fled in confusion far beyond the reach of a pursuit. This Victory was of great consequence to the Enemy, because the Omen and first fruits of the war. Upon this the King's forces hearing of the approach of the Parliament Army immediately quitted the Town: so they shifted from place to place since their inconsiderable number would scarce allow them to erect any Garrison; yet they increased by their motion and quick dispatch, gathered the strength of the Countries as they passed along, and withal overcame the contempt of their small numbers, and by frequent execution gained the repute of a Party not easily to be vanquished. This they acted while the Parliament Army lay still, or marched according to the slow paces of a greater Body. The day after the Skirmish the Earl of Essex entered Worcester with his whole Power, and there continued a month's space, sent forth several Parties, as the Lord Stanford to Hereford to prevent the Forces of South-wales, whilst the King lay about Shrewsbury, and raised himself to such an Army as was able to deal with and endanger that main power raised by the Parliament.  
After the famous Battle at Edge-hill, the first large field of blood in these Civil Wars, though the King's Army was there much broken, yet his strength increased, and multitudes began to look towards him, as one at leastwise possible not to be overcome, and in this strange confluence of men His Army seemed like that fabulous generation that sprung out of the teeth of the Cadmean Serpent buried in the earth. The neglected Enemy becomes formidable, and the Parliament Forces may desire their first advantage, but have sufficiently learned that to give the first blow is not against the Law of a defensive war; the hopes of a subitaneous service are lost and the Kingdom is made sensible, that their peace and liberty will cost much blood. Both the Armies begin to take up their winter quarters in the most defensible places, and for the most part are settled according to the affections and engagements of the people; Colonel Thomas Essex marched into Gloucester with the Command of two Regiments of Foot as Governor of the Town, but as yet the Deputy Lieutenants had the sole Command of the County. Four weeks had not passed in this Government but Colonel Essex was commanded to Bristol, to secure and settle that City of so great concernment, both by Sea and Land, and at that time much distracted between the well-affected and malignant parties. So it was, that the King's Cause and Party were favoured by two extremes in that City; the one the wealthy and powerful men, the other of the basest and lowest sort, but disgusted by the middle rank, the true and best Citizens. Thus the present state of things had taught men to distinguish between the true Commons of the Realm and the dregs of the people; the one the most vehement assertors of Public Liberty, but the other the first rise of Tyrannical Government, and the footstool upon which Princes tread when they ascend the height of Monarchy. In that City many of the rich men were dis-affected to reformed Religion, and some more powerful were conscious of delinquency; others upbraided themselves with their own public disgrace, and therefore did much distaste the ways of the Parliament, and the needy multitude besides their natural hatred of good Order were at the devotion of the rich men. These therefore began to raise Commotions, and hearing of the advance of the Forces from Gloucester, flocked together after a tumultuary manner, shut up the Gates, but chiefly guarded that Port where they expected an entrance would be made, and planted many Ordnance against the approach of our men, with a full resolution to fire upon them. They were expected in the Evening, but Colonel Essex had intelligence of these preparations, and from a Party within was directed that night to march to another Gate (then neglected by the multitude) that should be set open; this was performed accordingly, and betimes in the morning he entered the City with his two Regiments, besides great numbers out of this County, and in an instant surprised the mutineers, and quashed the business without drawing of blood.  
The City of Gloucester was again left naked till the Earl of Stamford marched hither with his Regiment of Foot, and two Troops of Horse from Hereford, the Earl himself was commanded into the West upon his first arrival, but his Regiment designed for this City under the command of Lieutenant Colonel massy, first as Deputy Governor under the Lord Stamford, afterwards with the power in himself which for the space of two years and six months continued an uninterupted and happy Government. The providence of God and the felicity of the place so overruling, that that Country which should endure the brunt, fustaine so many violent shocks, and bear up under the King's whole Army should be defended by a Commander, whose experience, fidelity, and valour with indefatigable care and industry might answer the expectation of so great a trust, assisted with that Regiment, whose very name proved a terror to the Enemy, and long enjoyed the honour of the most ancient Regiment in the Parliament Army, though broken, torn, and worn out with extraordinary duty and service. And because the mere pomp of Military preparations, and the hopes of a sudden Victory being now past, the war hath put on a blacker visage, and the sad effects thereof come home to these parts; it is meet to express what was the state of the Country at that time. The inhabitants of this County had openly engaged themselves in the State service, nor as yet had they any thought of repenting, though cast into the midst of an enraged Enemy. Oxford is the King's head Garrison, Herefordshire possessed by his Forces upon the first removal of the Earl of Stamford into Gloucester; Worcester hath already entertained a strength, Wales rise on the King's behalf by the power of the Lord Herbert: the Earl of Essex with his Army is drawn towards London, the Parliament Forces in the West have their hands full; and there remain in these parts of the Kingdom only two broken Regiments at Bristol, which was much distracted by intestine divisions, and one Regiment at Gloucester; so that the most slender Guard was left upon these parts, where the Enemy resolved their chief game for the winter action. And if this Country must be preserved, it must be done by the Volunteers, which were yet as a Cake not turned, a kind of Soldiers not wholly drawn off from the Blow or domestic employments, having neither resolution nor support suitable to the service: But the greatest defect was the want of able and experienced Officers; neither had they any Commander in chief upon whom the hearts of the people might fasten.  
Amidst these things the strength of the County was drawn to Cirencester a fronteer Town towards the King's head quarters, than made a Garrison to prevent the incursions of the Enemy, as well to preserve the Country from ruin as to advance the Public Service; Colonel Fettiplace had the Command of this Garrison, under whom some Train Bands and Volunteers were drawn into a Regiment, and two Companies of the Lord Stamford's Regiment were added to encourage the business: a few Horse and Dragoones were raised at the free charge of the Country, and the rest of the Militia were to assist upon all appearance of danger: all things were trans-acted in a more voluntary, but less regular way. The business chiefly rested on Sir Robert Coske, Sir John Seamore, Master Natbaniel Stephens, Master Edward Stephens, Master Thomas Hodges, with the rest of the Deputy Lieutenants; and setting aside these men with some glean of the Gentry, the Yeomen, Farmers, Cloathiers, and the whole middle rank of the people were the only active men. The Gentlemen in general denied their concurrence, discerting their Country either by open enmity or detestable neutrality; and from the Major part no better fruit was to be looked for in a degenerate Age, when in many of them there appeared an hatred of the Commons, and a strong disposition to the ends of Tyranny. Others there were not wholly averse from the good of the Commonwealth, whose enmity was grounded in Religion, which obtained the most eminent place in the Parliaments Cause. The superstitious adoring of their old way embittered their spirits against reformed Religion, which to them seemed a peevish affectation of novelty, besides, the hatred and fear of Ecclesiastical Discipline. But the greatest number neither driven by ambition, nor the spirit of blind zeal, only resolving to be true to themselves, deserted the State with some inclinations to the contrary Faction, reflecting on their estates environed with the King's Country, near the heart of his strength and far from Parliamentary supplies; besides, the violence and quick dispatch of the King's Army, with the slow performances of our Country Agents after the space of an ordinary legal course in those extremities, did much deter them; the Country complained of their principal men for the neglect of Taxes, and the Gentlemen might happily see the grudge of the Country in the payment of those Taxes (for the common people are always covetous though well-affected) and forbear to urge whatsoever might distaste the people, or cross the Parliaments accustomed moderation. Which slow deliberations did lessen the esteem of the service in the hearts of many.  
The secession of the dis-afiected Gentlemen did cast an aspersion that could not stick, that the business was deserted by knowing men, and prosecuted by a rash and confused multitude. Whereas by no one thing could it more evidently appear to be the Cause of the Commonwealth then by the acknowledgement of the whole Body of the Commons, which is more honest and wise in things of public concernment; for though they be very weak one by one, yet brought together they balance each other, and when no man hath power to impropriate much, each man expects only a proportionable share in the Public interest. Neither is their judgement and foresight to be undervalved who are apt to discern any thing that concerns themselves, and being united are not like to fail, for they have the best experience and are nearly affected with the woe or weal of the State, and so may sometimes judge better than those that guide it, as he that useth the house can better judge thereof then the Builder, and the  of the Stern than the Carpenter. And although they have not the first and most excellent part of knowledge to find out, and by themselves to understand the rules of Government, yet have they the second part, which is also excellent to judge aright of things proposed, and if not made fit for the yoke by dependence on the Gentry, can discover the fraud that lies under the fairest pretext; but the Gentlemen by depriving the meaner people of their due protection, blemished the reputation of their Families, and crossed the end of their honours and possessions, which in a well ordered State are given for a shelter to the under shrubs that some generous spirit nearer the Commons might keep off the invasion of Princes, and whose power was most desired in such an exegence, to gather up the scatter of the people and keep them united, who for want of this concurrence were of less strength and vigour.  
Such was the face of this Country now ready to receive the first shock of the Enemy's fury. About the first of January, 1642. the main strength of the King's Army came before Cirencester prepared and resolved to storm it, yet they only faced the Town, and after two days were strangely taken off, either disabled by the extreme cold on the Hills, or some sudden misfortune, or daunted by the show of unanimity and resolution in the people, or else clouded in their thoughts by the secret Will of God in the nick of action, that they made not the least attempt, but threatened an afterclap. A few days after our forces had their design upon Sudely Castle, at that time kept by Captain Bridges in the behalf of the Lord Chandos. Leiutenant Colonel massy was entrusted with the manage of this action, who drew from Gloucester a Party of three hundred Musketeers, with two Sakres assisted with fourscore Horse, and four Companies of Dragoones from Cirencester by order of a Counsel of War held there, and consent of the Deputy Lieutenants; there were in the Castle near threescore Soldiers, with Provision and Ammunition sufficient: Our men drew up before it in the Evening, made several shots, and the Canon did some Execution; the same night summons was given, the enemy refused to render upon quarter, but craved time till the next day, which in part was granted; Guards were set upon them all night, the next morning our men were drawn out to make an assault, Beds and Wooll-packs were fetched out of the Neighbourhood, which they tumbled before, and saved themselves from shot: the Horse and Dragoones came up before the foot approached the wall, and possessed themselves of a Garden under the Castle, and got Hay and Straw which they fired, that the smoke driven by the wind smothered the house, in the shadow of which the Ordnance were brought up undiscovered, and planted against the weakest part of the Castle, which when the enemy perceived they sounded a parley, and immediately rendered upon agreement; the conditions were that all might have liberty of person, and pass to their own houses leaving their Arms behind, and taking an Oath never to serve against the Parliament: they compounded also for the goods in the house, for which they were to pay five hundred pounds within six days, or to leave them a free prize to the Soldiers.  
Within two days after Prince Rupert faced Sudely with about four thousand Horse and Foot pretending an attempt to regain it, but in the mean time marched his Artillery towards Cirencester. Lieutenant Colonel massy made provision to maintain the Castle by taking in water, and store of Hay and Corn, and having left there Lieutenant Colonel Forbes with a sufficient Guard, himself retreated to Gloucester; the Prince with his Forces kept the Hills, and after three days fell before Cirencester a straggling and open Town, neither well fortified nor capable of defence. The champain Country round about was most advantageous to the Horse, in which the Enemy's strength did chiefly consist, and which was then wholly wanting to that Garrison, for their Horse and Dragoones were sent to the taking of Sudely: most of their Officers were drawn out upon that service except the Captains of the Volunteers, and Lieutenant Colonel Karre was the only experienced Soldier left there: their Cannoneers were wanting, the common Soldiers quite off the hinges either cowardly or mutinous. The storm rose when least feared by the miserable people, who had not ended the joy of their late deliverance from as great a power but strangely diverted; and though they were still in the same danger upon the reverse of the Army, yet were they not capable of the least distrust, till the storm hovered again, either supposing themselves invincible, or by defiance to have baffled a wary Enemy, that falls back and waits his time to return with greater fury. On the second of February the Town was assaulted and taken; the first and main assault was made on a house a flight shot from the Town, which was defended by a hundred Musketeers for an hour's space against two Regiments of Foot, and a Regiment of Horse which were led on by the Prince, till at length having drawn up their Musketeers, and by Granades fired the Barns and Ricks and smothered the Guard, the Enemy's Horse drove their Foot before them, entered the streets by main force, and possessed themselves of the Garrison within two hours, yet it cost them the lives of many, amongst whom the Welshmen were reported to suffer the greatest slaughter, who in that Army were a continual sacrifice to the Sword. Each Guard made resistance according to the Officers valour and experience; the Soldiers of the Earl of Stamfords' Regiment had acted the best part but that they were most put to the sword when the Town was entered, except those that by flight had their lives given them for a prey. Some few besides defended their Guards a while, but the passages were many and open, and the enemy soon came upon their backs; as for the Countrymen their hour was not yet come, neither had they quitted such employment as did enfeeble their spirits, nor entered the School of War to study indignation, revenge and blood, that alone can overcome the terror of an Army.  
It so fell out that in the midst of the service they were at their wit's end, and stood like men amazed, fear bereft them of understanding and memory, begat confusion in the mind within, and the thronging throughts did oppress and stop the course of action that they were busied in everything but could bring forth nothing; few of ours were slain in the fight, but many murdered after the taking of the Town, eleven hundred taken prisoners and at least two thousand Arms lost, which the Country had there laid up as in a secure Magazine; the miserable Captives were entertained with all despite and contumely, according to the Enemy's accustomed cruelty in the beginning of the war; Commanders and Gentlemen had no better quarter than the common Soldiers, but were all thrust into the Church to be reserved for a triumph, and trampled upon in a base and impotent revenge: whether the first fury of a civil war, and the jars of Brethren prove most outrageous, or the cause of Religion had blooded their minds. Not a man could be released, though the price of his redemption were paid, till he had first attended the triumph at Oxford; that an unfortunate King might view the aspect of such innocent Subjects, that should presume to claim those rights wherein they were borne when reason might easily evince that no slight matter could engage such a people in a open war as were ever willing to deceive themselves into a Supererrogation of Loyalty.  
The whole Country was quickly full of this disaster, and in vain did think to recover what was lost by weakness of spirit or error in the chief manage of the business; thousands of men armed and unarmed flocked together, and resolved to undertake the Enemy under the conduct of a grave and wellminded Patriot; but the desired Leader was conscious of the people's madness, and knew well that they made a loud cry a far off, but if once brought up to the face of the Army they would never abide the fury of the first onset. Wherefore he refused to engage himself and them upon a certain destruction; nevertheless the people bitterly railed against him, and cursed him as a Traitor to his Country; neither could the experience of these times dispossess them of that absurd conceit.  
The very next day after the loss of Cirencester the City of Gloucester was demanded by Prince Rupert, the Summons found the people extremely dashed at the strange turning of things, and so much amazed that they could not credit the report of this blow, though confirmed by sundry eye-witnesses; the hearts of many sunk very low and began to lie flat, Zeal and Religion upheld some, all had a kind of will; but the strong sidelity and resolution of the Soldier at that time, and in all extreme hazards upheld the Garrison. The Prince therefore received a short answer from Lieuten ant Colonel massy and the principal Officers, that they were resolved with their lives and fortunes to defend the City for the use of the King and Parliament, and in no wise would surrender at the demand of a foreign Prince. Another answer was returned from the Mayor of the City (for the Martial Command was not fully settled) that he was resolved according to his Oath and Allegiance to keep the City in his Majesties behoose, and would not deliver the same according to this summons. Whereupon a second summons was sent from the Prince, which could not alter the case in their judgement who held the Town, and seeming withal to persuade and solicit them out of their Hold, did easily beget an opinion of the Enemy's weakness and their own considerable strength, since neither Religion nor modesty could withhold from blood that enraged Party, but only the conscience of a self insufficiency; the Soldier therefore began to acknowledge the remainder of power which did not appear contemptible with the King's Army.  
Hitherto the City hath been lodged in the midst of many out Garrisons as the heart in the body, but now it hath enough to do in its own safety, and the remote parts must be pared off that a liberal nourishment might preserve and foster that place which was the seat and fountain of life unto these parts of the Kingdom. Sudeley Castle was deserted, the Garrison of Tewksbury (which was defended only with such slender Forces as Gloucester could spare out of its penury before the Enemy fell on the County) was already surprised with fear; both places could not be maintained when so great a power did urge, and hear down on every side. Those of Tewksbury sent an express to the City to inform them of the State of their Town, and to request more aid; likewise they dispatched Messengers to the Villages round about, to acquaint them with the state of things, and to try whether the Inhabitants would come in person or send in their Arms, but there came neither the one nor the other, and itwas resolved by the Counsel of War at Gloucester that the Forces, Ordnance and Ammunition with all well-affected persons should forthwith repair thither. In the heat of this debate there came an invitation from Worcester by a Letter from Sir William Russell, with intimation of conditions of Peace; all which disposed that Town to compliance with the Enemy. Hereupon a Common Counsel being held, and the Officers present 'twas determined that the Gloucester order was to be obeyed. The Town thus deserted was willing to provide for its own safety, and choosed rather to obtain some reasonable terms of Peace then suffer itself to be quite ruined; wherefore they drew up some Propositions to be sent to Sir William Russell, yet before the dispatch they sent to Gloucester a second Message by the Minister of the Town, and an Officer of the Garrison with Sir William russel's Letter and their Answer. These promised an early return, but failing some hours of the time appointed, in the mean while the Propositions were sent to Worcester. This Message brought a countermand, when there sprung an Alarm that Cirencester was regained, and the spoil and prisoners recovered back, for this cause the Soldiers were detained a while, but when the report was found untrue, of themselves they began to quit the Town. In the Evening the Messenger returned from Worcester with the Propositions granted; the subjection seemed unfortunate and dishonourable in them whose affections were engaged to this Cause, neither did there appear a means to prevent it for the transmigration of the whole Town was impossible, nor as yet did the condition of the war require any such thing from one particular place; for the Parliaments adherents, as also the Malignant Faction did never at once forsake their habitations to be gathered into one body for a sudden conclusion, but were brought piecemeal unto action, and many lie under covert in the Enemy's Country reserving themselves for future service. Thus the people entertained gladly those conditions, which though performed in part yet were a sufficient bondage, did impoverish their spirits, cool their zeal of Religion, and lessen the former inclination to liberty; after which by frequent changes under many Lords they became so feeble that they never durst confide in themselves to vindicate the Town into its former happiness, but a long time remained averse to the fairest opportunities, yea necessities of engagement and desired an everlasting neutrality. The deserting of this Town increased the forces of Gloucester by two hundred Foot and Dragoones, and took off the fear of a greater mischief; for though the quitting of the place caused us to resent our great distress, yet the taking thereof would have confounded our thoughts, and hazarded the main chance where the whole strength did not lie at stake.  
The enemy breathed out threatenings, many false friends sought cunningly to make us afraid, the Countrymen in general were taken off, who in their jocund beginnings still concluded on the Victory, but never prepared for a blow, that the whole business was dashed at one clap, and especially when Cirencester was taken, in which they did repose so much trust. The issue discovered the weakness of the former proceedings in committing the whole fortune of the Country, and the lives of so many men to such a poor defence, and hazarding the main rest where the strength of the game could not be managed. Besides, the Enemy had this great advantage in overpowering the minds of men; who, since their cause could not lay claim to justice, nor themselves procure love, sought to prevail by terror and by their late cruelties became dreadful: so that such spirits as wanted greatness of mind or strong fidelity to persevere, did greedily comply with that Party, supposing themselves secure from this side, at least in respect of a deep personal suffering, which supposals were grounded upon the Parliaments lenity, and unto which peradventure they were bound, that they might gain affections in a voluntary war. The more zealous and active had no head under whom they might unite and grow strong; the power of the Deputy Lieutenants was quite fallen, a kind of command suitable only to the infancy of Military affairs, and the whole business was devolved on the Soldier, whom the people than beheld as the professed servants of fortune, and trusted not till after manifold experience; so they sunk under the burden, and gave up themselves to spoil and rapine. The clouds gathered round the City, the Enemy lay strong at Cirencester and Tewksbury, our men were confined to the Town walls; the works not half finished, the Soldier within mutinous and desperate: no moneys came from the State, and but small supplies out of the Country, that the vilest mutineers were to be dealt with by entreaty, their insolences to be suffered with patience, who took so great advantage by our extremity that their humours had a full vent, and ran forth into incorrigible wickedness: the City was constrained to free quarter and great disbursements by way of loan, and the Governor to use his skill in keeping together the male-contented Soldiers.  
The Army raised in Wales by the power of the Earl of Worcester, and his Son the Lord Herbert begins to appear, is designed for Gloucester, and comes on at Coford in the Forest of Deane three miles from Monmouth, where Colonel Berrowes Regiment had made a kind of loose Garrison for the defence of the Forest in an open Town, and with slender preparations. Here the Welsh fell on, but their Officers with strange fury drove our party before them, which was borne down by their multitudes yet with a greater loss on their part; divers Officers were slain, and with the rest their Commander in chief Sir Richard Lawdy, Major general of South-Wales; of ours few slain, but Lieutenant Colonel Winter, and some inferior Officers, with about forty private Soldiers taken Prisoners. All the strength of these parts are now driven into the Walls of Gloucester, only Barkly Castle is held still for an intercourse between us and Bristol. This City was accounted one of the chief Holds of the Kingdom, and far from the wellspring of succour, yet was there no care of a competent Brigade or Magazine, a common defect, by which the State hath received much detriment; that through the penury of men, Arms, and Ammunition, remote Garrisons are left in despair, or the intention of the main Army must be diverted for their relief. Our succours were yet to be raised, or selected out of several commands and come on slowly; the people were held up by false reports, and to stave off the Enemy the Governor was to put the best face on a bad matter.  
Mean while a great power of the Welsh Army advance towards Gloucester and settled at Hignham house within two miles of the City and began to entrench. The Governor placed a Guard at the Bishop's house to keep them at a distance. Sir Jerome Brett their Major General had the confidence to demand the Town, but the summons was received with scorn from a Welsh Brigade, and became ridiculous when Prince Rupert had been twice refused, besides an inveterate hatred derived by fabulous tradition had passed between the Welshmen and the Citizens of Gloucester. Such slight and irrational passages prevail much with the common people in whom opinion bears rule. Those Forces were said to expect Prince rupert's approach on the other side, else it cannot be imagined to what end they lay five weeks in a stinking nest. They were basely basled, never attempted our out-Guard, never undertook the least Party that issued forth. Meanwhile the Prince was conceived to wait upon other designs. The Bristol Plot offered itself, upon which his person did attend before the Gates of that City. Thence he was drawn off to stop Sir William waller's advance for our relief, who deceived the Prince by strong reports and night marches, and happily drilled along his small Army to the place of action. The Governor could attempt nothing but only make good the Guard at the Bishop's house, and flourish with some slender Sallies; he had not an hundred Horse, and the Enemy's foot were double the number of those in the Garrison; at length an addition of two hundred Horse and Dragoones from Bristol under the command of Captain John Fiennes gave some life to the business: hereupon several Parties at sundry times were drawn out, which never failed to beat the Enemy into their works, kill and take prisoners, although treble the number of our strongest Party. So that the name of our Blue Regiment became a terror to those miserable Welshmen, who were partly constrained to take up Arms, partly alured with the hope of plunder. Certainly they were deceived out of their own Country not to fight but to take Gloucester; by which means they could act an impotent villainy and cruelty, but nothing of a Soldier's gallantry.  
Immediately after the taking of Malmesbury Sir William Waller bent his course towards Gloucester, and laid his design for the surprise of the Welsh Army; he gave notice of his advance unto Lieutenant Colonel massy, with directions instantly to draw forth both Horse and Foot before Hignham, and to keep them in continual action, that they might not understand his approach. He gave order likewise that those Flat-bottomes which were brought from London upon Carriages for service upon the River Seaverne, should be sent down to Frampton passage, six miles below Gloucester, where both Horse and Foot were arrived by noon, passed over the River before night, and unawares of the Enemy got between them and home, took them in a snare and intercepted their flight. The Governor performed according to the intention of the Plot, drew forth all the Horse and a Party of five hundred Foot, brought up the Ordnance near the house, and kept them in the heat of play till the Evening; at night he set Guards round the house, with that straitness and confidence that the Enemy durst not stir, nor a Spy steal out, although they lay fifteen hundred strong. At Sun rising they had a fresh Alarm by our Ordnance, and were held to it by our Musket shot. This morning their Horse issued out, attempting to force their way through the Horse Guard, which they did, and put some of our Horse rashly charging and upon disadvantage, to a disorderly retreat, but coming up to a Foot Guard received a repulse: and to the relief of that Guard which was thought too weak, a Party was drawn from the Artillery, and that again by this means much neglected, in so much that the same instant the enemy fell out upon our Ordnance then like to be deserted, but were beaten back by the gallantry of some few that kept their ground. In this point of action Sir William Waller came up and shot his warning-piece on the other side, which dashed the Enemy, and so revived our men that they ran up with fury, stormed a redoubt, and took in it two Captains and above thirty private Soldiers, which service had a main influence upon the surrender of the house; Sir William placed his Army to the best advantage for show, and displayed the Colours of two Foot Regiments reduced to a hundred and fifty men, drew near the house and made some few shot with his Canon; After his approach not a man of the Enemy was slain or hurt, yet the common Soldier would do any thing but fight, when they were well fortified, and had a sufficient Magazine; they sounded a Parley and sent forth some Officers to treat, which had this result; that they should render the house and themselves as prisoners, and the Officers should receive respect and quarter according to their quality. Upon the return of these terms some advised to break through, which the common Soldiers utterly refused and neglected the advantage of a dark and rainy night. The persons that treated dealt the second time in a kind of begging way, but at last accepted the former conditions, and gave up the Welsh Army into the hands of men quite spent with continual marches and watching. Divers persons of quality were here taken, the most powerful Gentry of Herefordshire, some of those that in scorn were styled the Nine Worthies, who in the first opening of the great breach affronted the Parliament with a scandalous remonstrance; the next day being the twenty fifth of March, near fifteen hundred were led Captive into Gloucester, as great a number as Sir William waller's Army with the Garrison Forces could rise unto: Thus the first fruits of Wales were blasted, the strength of the nearer parts almost vanquished, and the effects of this Victory had been more lasting had it been used to the best advantage. The King's Party had a notable faculty in the improvement of Victories by strict imprisonment, and enhancing the rate of their Captives; their usual fierceness did extract great Ransoms or unequal exchanges, and disposed them to detain their Captives in extreme misery, and to neglect their own friends in the like thraldom, of which those that were taken at Cirencester gave a full testimony: But the Parliament Garrisons knew not how to keep a correspondence in this case, but groaned under the burden of miserable prisoners, were prone to exchange, or set free upon easy terms. And by this means most of the common soldiers then taken within ten days were sent back into their own Country, with an Oath never to serve against the Parliament; others that tendered themselves were entertained in the service, who for the most part proved Runnegadoes; the Commanders and Gentlemen came off, some with a Ransom, and Oath which they quickly violated, and the residue were wholly lost at the surrender of Bristol.  
The whole success of the former action happily complied with the main Plot, and extremely dashed the King's affairs in these parts. The general fame did increase and heighten the repute of Sir William Waller, and the enemy possessed there with began to draw back on all sides; Sir Matthew Carew forthwith quitted the Town of Tewksbury, which within twelve hours was repossessed by our Forces, Captain John Fienes was commanded thither with a slender strength of Horse and Dragoones, with whom the well-affected of the Town that abode in Gloucester began to return. The undertaking was hasty and confused, without the observance of the Enemy's motion or distance, or any rational assurance of defending the place. Our Party had no sooner saluted the Town but received an Alarm that the former Forces were returned with a greater power. 'Twas a gallant Brigade of Horse commanded by the Lord Grandeston, which immediately came from Cheltenham, whereof our men had not the least intelligence; it seemed by the event that the Enemy expected none from Gloucester; however there was quick dispatch on both sides, yet Captain Fienes with his whole Party had been surprised had not those Horse been kept off at a miles distance by a ridiculous accident. It so fell out that they met a man coming alone from the Town, whom they fell to question whether any Forces were there, of what strength, and by whom commanded; the man intending nothing less than the escape of our Party, but supposing them a part of the Parliament Forces, and willing to curry favour begins to talk of a main strength and vast numbers, with so many Guns and all kind of preparations, and withal defies the Cavaliers with much affected indignation; which words so far prevailed that they presently held a Counsel of War, and once were about to fall back. This delay gave an hour's respite to those within to prepare for a flight, who had no sooner recovered the end of the Town, but the Enemy had entered, amazed to see themselves so miserably deluded.  
When Sir William Waller had refreshed his men some few days about the first of April 1643. he advanced towards Monmouthshire, at the solicitation of divers Gentlemen of that Country, with a promise of concurrence in reducing those parts to the obedience of King and Parliament. When he came near the Town of Monmouth where the Lord Herbert had began to place a Garrison, the Soldiers did not abide his coming, but all shifted for themselves by flight; Sir William entered the naked and open Town, where he stayed a while and sent many Parties abroad the Country for supplies of money; thence marched to Vske, where he set free some prisoners kept there; but the reducing of the Country came to nothing, for the Gentlemen did not perform, and he found there what usually comes to pass in such cases, that men desirous of alterations invite upon ample promises, but never make good, and feldome appearein the business till the Soldier hath done the work to their hands, or they have gotten some strong Hold to secure their engagements. So that the well-affected would not declare themselves, because a running Army could be no lasting support, and they had no strong Hold, nor the stream of the people, which were at the devotion of the Earl of Worcester, almost an universal Landlord in that County.  
Whilst these things are acted Prince Maurice enters Tewksbury with a power of Horse and Foot added to those former under the command of the Lord Grandeston, resolving to make after Sir William Waller, and to intercept his return out of Wales, for he was gotten into such a nook of the Land in the Enemy's Country, that the Prince might easily drive him to a Nonultra. Wherefore a bridge of Boats was made over Seaverne at Tewksbury, that they might pass to and fro nearer the retreat of our Army. Here the Prince marched over with a body of two thousand Horse and Foot, confident of this design, and therefore too remiss & slow in his advance. Sir William was nimble in the retreat, caused his Foot and Artillery to pass over Seaverne at Chepstow, and himself with his Horse and Dragoones passed through the lower part of the Forest of Deane near the River side, and before the Enemy had notice of his march sent forth two Parties to fall upon two of their main quarters, which was performed whilst the main body slipped between both, and a Party was left to face them and make good the retreat, which came off something disorderly, and with the loss of a few private Soldiers. 'Twas an exquisite conveyance, and unexpected felicity that brought them out of the snare through those intricate ways. This Alarm quickly reached Gloucester, and Lieutenant Colonel massy drew out three hundred foot and two troops of horse to fetch off our men, but if he found them disengaged, for a further design. This Party met them within two miles of the Town, where the Governor made known to Sir William Waller his purpose to set upon Tewksbury, and taking the opportunity of the Prince's absence, and the Enemy's jollity at our supposed total defeat, instantly advanced upon them, and by break of day brought up his men before the Town, one part whereof fell in to the Ham, seized upon the Guard left with the bridge of Boats and cut off that bridge, the Horse with the rest of the Foot came up Gloucester way, the Forlorn. Hope surprised and slew the Sentinel, climbed over the works, and cut down the drawbridge; whereupon both Horse and Foot-rushed in, and the party on the other side of Avon ready to enter: there were left in the Town near three hundred men commanded by Sir Matthew Carew, whom the triumph of yesterday conceived Victory laid asleep, and the sudden Alarm roused up, first into a shuffling fight posture, and after half an hour to a nimble escape. Sir Matthew Carew fled, and many escaped the hands of our men, who wanted numbers to surround the Town, but most of the common Soldiers, and some valuable Officers were taken. Oxford was as miserably gulled in these passages, and in a few hours extremely affected with contrary reports; for the jocund news of the vanquishing of Sir Wil Waller arrived early in the morning, but before noon an express came of the loss of Tewksbury, which was cast upon the heat of the first report like cold water into a boiling pot.  
The same day a Party of Prince Maurice his Horse appeared from the top of a Hill near Tweksbury, and intimated the approach of his whole Army; whereupon Sir William Waller marched thither that Evening, and resolved to break down or make good the bridge at Upton upon Seaverne, besides which there was no pass nearer than Worcester; but the Scouts gave notice that the Prince had recovered the bridge and set a guard upon it. The next morning Sir William advanced towards the Prince, and found him in Ripple Field with his Army drawn up, and divided into three bodies, besides the hedges lined with Musketeers. Here our Forces faced the Enemy in a large field, and could hardly reach the third part of the Prince's strength, brought up their Guns, having neither shot prepared nor Cannoneers that understood the business, nor the assistance of Foot, save only a part of the Governors own company, besides the wind and Sun were against them, and no retreat if need were, but through a narrow Lane of two miles long; and whereas they might stand upon the top of a rising ground to deceive the Enemy with the semblance of a greater power behind, they descended a little on the side of the Hill, and discovered their weakness to a full view. In this posture some persuaded to fight, and began to make some shot with the Ordnance which gave no show of the least execution; But some other Officers examined the Cannoneere, and finding neither fit Bullet nor any convenient shot, but all things at random, earnestly dissuaded either to make the onset, or expect the enemy in that place; and advising likewise the trial, discovered their Ambuscadoes within the hedges. Hereupon Sir William Waller fell back, and entered the narrow Lane commanding a Party of Dragoones to face the Prince's Army, and the Musketeers to stand at the corner of the lane within the hedges to make good the retreat. The enemy fell on, not a man of those Dragoons would stand to receive the charge, but hurried away, broke over the hedge, fell among and disordered our own Musketeers, the Enemy clapped in after them, cut down four or five of the Foot, and took as many Prisoners; Lieutenant Colonel massy kept close to his Foot, and instantly dispatched to Tewksbury for a supply, and Sir Arthur Hazelrigg prevailed with his own Troop to charge, and in his own person performed gallantly; the Foot with those Horse put the Enemy to a stand, and in part took off the foulness of the retreat through that straight passage. When they came to the next open place our men had the advantage of a ditch to stay the pursuit, and in the heat of the chase one Foot Soldier at the command of the Governor turned upon the Enemy a gate then cast of the hinges; which barred their entrance & enabled our men to draw up for a charge; here for a while they stood in a maze, but on a sudden faced about, ran flock-meale, the Enemy upon their backs, and the close of this action was like to be miserable, but at the entrance a straight passage near the Myth Hill, a supply of Foot from the Town opportunely met them, gauled the Enemy and put them to a stand once more, whilst the Governor charged the leader of the forlorn hope hand to hand, and was rescued by the gallantry of some Officers, when of ours only a small Party of Horse remained in the field, the rest being got off in great confusion. Yet the escape might equal a Victory, and the saving of the Forces pass for clear gain. Prince Maurice did not attempt the regaining of Tweksbury, the Government whereof was entrusted to Sir Robert Cook, who had newly raised a Regiment of Foot by Commission from sir William Waller.  
At that season the main strength of the King's Army was drawn from these parts when Redding was beleaguered by the Earl of Essex, by which means the Parliament forces had a large and free game in this Country; went on with a full stream of success, driven with a gentle gale of providence, and a kind of unimitable happiness, in unbloody victories. The fortune of the former did overrule the event of the succeeding action, and the name and presence of Sir William Waller did include more than a thousand men. Neither was he wanting to himself, but made the best use of his present fame, and kept it up by constant active endeavours, lest a little intermission might permit the enemy to recollect himself, or the real weakness of this Army be discerned. It was therefore suddenly resolved for Hereford, whither he advanced with a thousand Horse and Dragoons, assisted by the Governor, with the greatest part of the Lord Stamford's Regiment: there were also the beginnings of Colonel Thomas Stephens his Regiment. The main body of Horse and Foot were drawn up before Bisters' gate on the North side of the Town, stood aloof off and shot at random; till the Lieutenant Colonel commanded Captain Grey with a party of musketeers over the River, towards Wie Bridge, whose march was secured by a rising bank under the walls. These were ordered to make show of an assault, and if need were to fall back unto the water side, where seconds were placed for their relief. The enemy's horse sallied out upon them, whom that party having gallantly kept off, and forced back into the City, withdrew thence and gained a Church within Pistol shot of Saint Owen's gate, whence our Musketeers played on the walls, and exceedingly terrified those within. But the main rest of the business was the name of a conquering army, which Sir William Waller improved to the best advantage by all expedition and industry: And to help forward, massy drew up two Sakers in a straight line against Wigmarsh gate, not without extreme hazard by shot from the walls; himself gave fire, and the first Canon shot entered the gate, took an Officers head from his shoulders, and slew some few besides, More shots were made, each of which scoured the streets, and so daunted the enemy, that they presently sounded a parley, which was entertained by Sir William Waller, and hostages given on both sides; the Parley lasted almost the whole day, whilst most of the common soldiers ran over Wie bridge into Wales, only the Commanders and Gentlemen remained and were reported to be held in by the Townsmen, to sweeten the surrender, and obtain better quarter. Next morning they rendered: the chief prisoners here taken were the Lord Scudamore, Colonel Coningsby Sir William Crofts, etc. few horse and private soldiers, but store of Arms and Ammunition. The Town compounded, was secured from plunder, and after fourteen days deserted. Sir William Waller obtained many fair victories, but had no power to make them good because his field was too large for that strength; and the State made an inconsiderable number of men the only stay of the remote parts. These could overrun the enemy's Country, but get no ground, master no strong hold, nor reduce a people naturally malignant, that were dashed at present, but did flourish again in the reverse of the King's Army. The next attempt was made upon Worcester, whither all the horse and the greatest part of the blue Regiment were drawn. They at Oxford were said to have yielded that Town for lost, and to give out that Sir William was gone to take possession of his purchase. For at that time Treason was the pretended cause of every loss on both sides, especially if weak and unworthy. Both horse and foot came up before the City, where they lay a day and a night, effected nothing, and were drawn off at the noise of the Lord Capulets advance; at which instant Sir William Waller was taken off these parts, and ordered to march into the West, with all speed to prevent the joining of Sir Ralph Hoptons' forces with the rest of the King's Army. Sir Robert Cooks Regiment was called off from Tewksbury for the Western expedition, and that Town once more slighted.  
Hitherto Lieutenant Colonel massy governed the City of Gloucester by deputation from the Earl of Stanford, whose return was not expected; wherefore the thoughts of the Citizens began to inquire after a Governor. They thought well of a man near home, and cast their eye upon a known Patriot. Nevertheless more intelligent men upon the serious review of the Cities continual hazard, found that the necessity of this place did require a tried Soldier, and that such a one might possibly be found faithful; but a timorous or unskilful man must needs ruin all. Wherefore they reflected on massy, whose good services gave them also a competent assurance of his fidelity; that by the happy choice of the Citizens and the Lord General's Commission, he was appointed Governor. To enable the City to defend itself, a foot Regiment was raised by Commission from Sir William Waller out of the Townsmen, for the major part both Officers and Soldiers, under the Command of Colonel Henry Stephens. The first intention of this Regiment was to defend the City only within the walls, according to the infancy of war; but the hard service of this place did suddenly require and exact the full duty of Soldiers. At this instant the City was well becalmed, only there happened one passage of inferior nature, but full of the fortune of war. The Governor with a party of an hundred and twenty Horse and Dragoons, advanced towards Stow in the wood, to beat up the enemy's quarters; By break of day he fell into Slaughter, took a Lieutenant, twelve Troopers, horse and arms, and thence marched to Odington a mile beyond Stow, where he surprised a Captain of a Troop with forty men and horse, and so made homewards, neglecting the residue of the enemy, who drew out of their quarters with all speed. The remainder of their Regiment fell upon the rear of our men, near unto Slaughter with some slight execution, but were beaten back. The Governor being confident he was able to fight with them upon any ground, made no haste to march off, till the enemy had received a supply of Horse from Sudely Castle, and again charged him at Andovers' ford, whom our men received gallantly, and repulsed without any loss. The Captain that led the Van was slain by the Governors' hand, and the rest wheeled about; whereupon the Governor dismounted the Dragoons, and divided his men into three bodies, the horse to the right and left wing, in this posture resolving to march up to the enemy (who would gladly rid their hands of the business) but having advanced a little distance, and looking back to bring on his men, saw the greater part in a strange hurry, occasioned by the faceing about of some cowardly spirits, and himself with those dismounted men desperately engaged; for a while he shuffled amongst the enemy's Troops, till observing himself eyed by some, he sprang forth, fired in their faces, and came last off the field upon the main road. He offended here, by affecting too much gallantry, and was deceived in his new raised men, who were not hardened by the sight of an enemy. Besides, no ordinary care was had of securing the prisoners, who were all recovered back. Four of ours were slain, many wounded; Colonel Stephens, a Lieutenant, with five and twenty private soldiers taken prisoners. The springing hopes of Colonel Stephens failed unfortunately, when his eager mind, engaged him in the action without order, and against the will of the Commander in chief; he had no command in the action, but hasted after as greedy of the service; he was led captive to Oxford, and a while after breathed his last in that poisonous air, where many Gentlemen were observed in those days to expire.  
Amidst these things Sir john Winter, a zealous Papist, began to declare himself. A subtle wit, that pretended innocency till his hour was come, and had almost persuaded the world that he durst deny himself, and commit an unpardonable sin against the Catholic Cause. His house in the Forest of Deane was at first neglected, when it was in the power of this Garrison to ruin his design. But under hand he prepared for defence, suddenly clapped in his own Confidents, and with a little labour made it inaccessible, but with apparent great loss, and maintained his den as the plague of the Forest, and a goad in the sides of this Garrison. These things were acted about the time of that blow almost fatal to the Parliaments cause, in the vanquishing of Sir William waller's Army at the Devices; which defeat cast these parts of the Kingdom into a miserable plight, when the State had placed the whole game in the success of this Army, never providing a reserve. The King became master of the field, the Parliament left without an Army that could check the enemy, who came up to our gates, and by threats would seem to shake the walls of the City. Many began to prepare for flight, whose presence no real necessity, but the people's opinion did require. They at Bristol disclosed their fears, and gave no good presages. And when that City was yielded, Gloucester did stand alone without help and hope. The Lord General's Army pined away: Sir William Waller at London for a recruit: The Earl of Stamford shut up within the walls of Exeter: The King's Country reached from the utmost Cornwall to the borders of Scotland, and he was able to divide his Army, one part for Exeter, and the other for Gloucester.  
That sudden surrender of Bristol, which was almost beyond our fears, brought forth a dark gloomy day to the City of Gloucester. The minds of people were filled with amazement, and the failing of such a promising Government made most men infidels, or at least to question all things. But here was the greatest mischief of all: Many were not wanting to debate upon the main cause of the Kingdom; malignant spirits took the advantage of our misery, and unstable minds, who beholding only the surface of things, and led by the common voice of their equals, were flushed in prosperous times, now became crestfallen, and questioned the passages of State, conceiving each miscarriage a fundamental error, and accounting their present sufferings not for Religion and Liberty, but some scruples of State policy. The state of things required strong resolution; the usual posture could not pretend to the safety of the place. The soldiers therefore acted with minds more sturdy and vigorous as desperate concerning the enemy, but not in despair of their own party. The Commanders reserved no place of retreat, and if causeless jealousies overclouded any, they put themselves upon a free Declaration. The old and careful soldiers who were unlucky in the censures of the people, upon the first arrival of the sad news from Bristol, vented themselves in sharp and cutted speeches, which bursting from the fullness of the thoughts, did imprint and pierce, were received for good prognostics, and repaired likewise that credit, which the presumption of a conceived opinion bore down, and an ordinary good behaviour could hardly raise up, but happily regained by one violent and severer passage. The Officers were to give in a full resolve, that no place be left for an after dispute; wherefore they vowed never to see within the gates the face of a conquering enemy. But chiefly the hearts of the people were to be held up, wherefore the Governor appeared in public, rode from place to place with a cheerful aspect, and bearing before him no change in the sudden alteration of fortune. To them that enquired into his very thoughts, he gave assurance of safety, concealing the danger, or lessening its esteem. Fear did not beget confusion, but things were transacted in a calm and constant order. The presages of misery were tightly shunned, and the least show of distraction and weakness forbidden. Money, Plate, valuable goods, or any kind of riches were not suffered to pass the Gates, but here to rest as in a safe Treasury, that the people might resolve upon a happy Deliverance or an utter Destruction. Nevertheless, whosoever was weak and faint-hearted, had leave to depart the City. Mean while the enemy dealt underhand, and by the mediation of seeming friends affectionately solicited a Surrender, with terrible information of our manifold losses abroad, of the rage of the King's Army, and inevirable desolation; and withal tendered the opportunity of an Accommodation between his Majesty and the Citizens. The mouths of the viler people were filled with curses against the authors of our engagements. We received strange intimations of dreadful things concerning the State. The whole Country forsook us, and employed some to represent their desires and thoughts of the business, who in the general had so far revolted from themselves, as to persuade us to make our peace with the enemy, and to befool and execrate our perseverance; for they conceived the standing out of Gloucester, however advantageous to the Commonwealth, yet miserable for them; because by the falling down of a great Army, they expected a destruction of corn and cattle, and if at last the King should not take in this place, to stoop perpetually under two burdens, and be cast into a remediless condition of misery and poverty. Whereas if the enemy should prevail, they were sure to rest in the heart of the King's Country, far from spoil and plunder, and have as free and ample trade as in times of peace. The Citizens examined their own strength and grounds of perseverance; a Common Council was held, the Officers being present, their late protestation brought to remembrance, by which they were all obliged never to act or comply with the adverse faction, and upon that pretext jointly refused the tender of peace. Nevertheless a great number of the Inhabitants were only not malignants, but born up by the zeal of the rest, and the soldier's power; and those stuck most to the business, who were held up by the deep sense of Religion or acknowledged a necessity to withstand a malicious and enraged enemy, whose implacable hatred urged them to offend against their own designs, and by horrid threatenings to make the attempt more desperate. A den of Rebels was the common language: A few day's respite recovered the City, and reports of a sudden relief did rear up the spirits of the common people. No cross, show, or doubtful resolutions did hinder the business; all suspended their private cares, and the women and children acted their parts in making up the defects of the fortifications. The strength of Gloucester was no more than two Regiments of foot, an hundred horse with the Trained Bands, and a few reformadoes; there were besides about an hundred horse and dragoons from Berkley Castle, in the whole about fifteen hundred men: forty single barrels of gunpowder, with a slender artillery. The works of a large compass, not half perfect; From the South-gate eastward almost to the North Port, the City was defended with an ancient Wall lined with earth to a reasonable height; thence to the North-gate, with a slender work upon a low ground, having the advantage of a stone Barn that commanded several ways: Upon the lower part of the City, from the North to the West-gate, (being a large tract of ground) there was no ancient defence, but a small work newly raised, with the advantage of marish grounds without, and a line drawn within from the inner North gate under the College wall to the Priory of St Oswálds. From the West towards the South gate along the River side, no more defence than the River itself, and the meadows beyond level with the Town: from the Castle to the Southport, a firm and lofty work to command the high ground in the Suburbs. The ditches narrow, but watered round. In this posture did the City stand when the King's forces hovoured over the hills, and now and then skirted upon the Town, before a close siege was laid: upon the tenth of August, they came down like a torrent full of victory and revenge, with indignation that a forlorn City should stand before them. Nevertheless they would feign overcome without blood, and the loss of time, then precious in their full career of victory. For which end His Majesty came in person before it, that the terror of his presence might prevail with some, and the person of the King amaze the simple, and seem to alter the case. Thus they began to work, because the Mayor had answered a former summons from Prince Rupert, that according to his Oath he kept the Town in His Majesty's behoof, and some whisperers gave a malignant intimation that the King's presence would sway the people. And it was so, that the Town was held for the use of His Majesty, but according to the sense of the houses of Parliament, and the Citizens put no difference between a command in person or deputation. whereupon His Majesty gave this honourable summons by two Heralds at Arms.  
Charles Rex.  
Out of our tender compassion to our City of Gloucester, and that it may not receive prejudice by our Army, which we cannot prevent if we be compelled to assault it: We are personally come before it, to require the same, and are graciously pleased to let all the inhabitants of, and all other persons within that City, as well Soldiers as others know, that if they shall immediately submit themselves, and deliver this City to Us, We are contented freely and absolutely to pardon every one of them without exception, and do assure them in the word of a King, that they nor any of them shall receive the least damage or prejudice by Our Army in their persons, or estates. But that We will appoint such a Governor, and a moderate garrison to reside there as shall be both for the ease and security of that City, and the whole County. But if they shall neglect this offer of grace, and favour, and compel Us by the power of Our Army to reduce that place (which by the help of God We shall easily and shortly be able to do) they must thank themselves for all the calamities, and miseries that shall befall them. To this Message We expect a clear and positive answer, within two hours after the publishing hereof? And by these presents do give leave to any persons safely to repair to, and return from Us, whom that City shall desire to employ unto Us in that business, And We do require all the Officers and Soldiers of Our Army, quietly to suffer them to pass accordingly.  
The King by this time drew into the field before the Town, attended by Prince Charles, the Duke of York, Prince Rupert and General Ruthen, faced us with about six thousand horse and foot on that side, and two thousand horse on the other side. After some debate upon the Message, an answer was drawn, consented unto, both by Citizens and Soldiers, and presented to His Majesty by Sergeant Major Pudsey, and a Citizen.  
WE the Inhab●●●●●, Magistrates, Officers, and Soldiers, within this Garrison of Gloucester, unto his Majesty's gracious Message return this humble Answer, That we do keep this City according to our Oath and Allegiance, to and for the use of his Majesty and his royal Posterity, and do accordingly conceive ourselves wholly bound to obey the Commands of his Majesty signified by both Houses of Parliament; and are resolved by God's help to keep this City accordingly.  
His Majesty with all mildness seemed to receive this answer, only to wonder at our confidence, and whence we expected succour, adding these words, Waller is extinct, and Essex cannot come. The enemy advanced forwards into the Suburbs on the East side, where they lost a Commander in the first skirmish, and the rest were fired out; for upon the return of the messengers the Suburbs on each part of the City were all in a flame, which did secure and more strongly engage us, and which the enemy beheld as the act of desperate Rebels; for those dreadful sights do seem to higthen and blood the minds of men. The next day we discovered that they had begun their entrenchments on the South and East parts, the night before in the shadow and shelter of the houses which the flames had not catched, within Musket-shot of the walls. They in the trenches plied their work whilst the Musketeers played hard on both sides. Yet our men from the walls could do little to retard their pioneers, but by several sallies with small parties fell into their trenches, beat them out, gained some working-tools, arms and prisoners, and retreated without loss. Our ordnance likewise from the East gate killed some sew, and among the rest a Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain of the Queen's black Regiment, Sir jacob Ashley was then shot in the arm, and upon several approaches we beat of the enemy, killed and wounded many.  
By that time the Welsh forces under the command of Sir Wil Vavasour, were advanced to the Bishop's house, half a mile from the West-gate, one of our outguards by us intended to keep off the approach of the Welsh, but now deserted for want of men and that nothing might be lost which we purposed to defend. Here they left a sufficient guard and passed over the River to join with the forces that newly arrived from Worcester: who made their leaguer on the Northwest side of the City. General Ruthen placed his leaguer behind the Priory of Lanthony on the Southside very near, but sheltered from our shot by a rising ground. Sir jacob Ashley with a strong party quartered in some part of the Suburbs on the East-side. The East and South ports were dammed up, and rammed with a thickness of Earth Cannon proof, and the Walls on that side from port to port were lined to the Battlements, since there we thought to receive the main shock.  
Three days after the siege laid, an hundred and fifty Musketeers commanded by Captain Grace, sallied over the works upon the Worcester forces, with whom the Welsh had not yet joined, fell into their quarters, marched up to their main guard, killed a Captain with eight or nine common Soldiers, took five prisoners, divers arms, burnt their guard, and retreated without the loss of any; within a day after upon some suspicion and kind of intelligence that the enemy's Ordnance lay undiscovered in some grounds near the Northgate; Captain Mallery was commanded forth with a hundred and fifty Musketeers to surprise it, but finding none, retreated without loss, having killed some, taken a few prisoners and fired some of their quarters. Upon the sixteenth of August an other party of an hundred and fifty Musketeers, commanded by Captain Crispe sallied forth at the North-port, fell into their trenches under the Town wall on the East-side, marched above half way through them, performed gallantly, killed above an hundred men as was confessed by some of the enemy, wounded many, beat them out of their works, and by the help of out Musketeers from the wall, retreated without the loss of any, only two wounded after a very hot skirmish, for the space of half an hour, the Cannon and Muskets on both sides playing most furiously. These executions put those within on a desperate strain, and heated their minds with blood.  
The Enemy was indefatigable and swift in the entrenchments. The works from the South and East gates, hasted to meet each other; their preparations seemed more tedious, yet effectual and certain and tended withal to save the lives of their men. Wherefore they choosed not a sudden storm on the lower and weaker parts of the City, but rather to prepare the assault on the strongest side, yet most easy to their intention. For there only could they raise the works without the annoyance of the water-springs, that issued in the lower grounds; there only could they make battery within Pistol shot of the walls, that wanted flankers; and when they had once entered a breach there, they were instantly possessed of the highest part of the Town. On this side therefore were their Ordnance brought up, and first two Culverin of sixteen pound bullet were planted on the East side, a little out of musket-shot, where they made some store of shot, but did no execution. Next they planted three pieces of Ordnance of fourteen and five and twenty pound bullet upon their battery in a square redoubt, on the Southside, and began to batter the corner point of the wall, and a brick house adjoining, where one of our men was killed, without more harm. Then they played upon our Ordnance mounted against their battery point blank, and made some slight breach, which was quickly stopped up with wooll-packs, and Cannon baskets. By this time they had drawn the trench near the moat, where they made a kind of mine to drain it, and sunk much of the water: and attempted to cast faggots into the moat, but were beaten off by our musketeers. At several times they shot large Granades out of their Morter-pieces many fell into houses and brake, but did no harm, and one that fell in the street had the fuz quenched before it came to ground, was takenup whole and found to weigh three score pound.  
After the Welsh and Worcester forces came up, four piece of Ordnance were drawn a good distance before the place of their leaguer, and one planted against the Awnegate, and the Sconces thereunto adjoining. Wherefore a party of about four hundred Musketeers commanded by Major Pudsey and Captain Grace assisted by Captain Faulkner, and Captain Massey sallied forth of the Norrhgate. Mean while a Lieutenant with fifty Musketeers was sent over the works to give them an Alarm, whilst the greater party got behind their Cannon and breastworkes, fell upon their main guard, slew many Officers, two Cannoneers with about a hundred common Soldiers mortally wounded, took a Lieutenant with four more prisoners, nailed their Cannon, and retreated with the loss only of two slain, and about four taken prisoners.  
The Enemy having planted three pieces of Ordnance against the Southside, and now three more on the Eastside, and two more near the Eastgate within Pistol shot of the Town wall, began a most furious battery upon the corner point, and made above an hundred and fifty great shot against it, whereby the stones were sorely battered, but the Earth works stood firm. By all this shot only two persons were hurt, for the Battery was so near, that if the Bullet miss the wall, it flew quite over the Town, or lighted at random, yet in the intervals of the great shot after each discharge our musketeers played hard, and killed four principal Cannoneers, neither were the people daunted at the noise of Cannon, which by the slender execution, became so contemptible, that at that very time women and children wrought hard in lining the walls and repairing the breaches. The enemy continued the storm by sending Granades which were guided by the hand of providence into by-places, and sometimes falling upon the houses did rend and tear the buildings, when the people within were preserved.  
After ten day's siege two several parties were designed for the nailing of the enemes cannon. These were commanded to fall into the trenches and march on till they met each other. The one party of about two hundred Musketeers of the Town Regiment commanded by Captain Stevenson and Captain Moor, sallied forth at the Northgate, to have fallen into their Trenches at the East Port, but by the mistake of their guide, over a marish ground and full of ditches, were brought round about to Sir jacob Ashleys' quarter, where most of them came not up; only forty Musketeers, encountered with five Colours of the Enemy, slew divers of them, took two Lieutenants prisoners, forced back the rest, and marching a little farther, faced and fired at eight Colours more, and so retreated: In the retreat two Troops of the Enemy's horse came on the Rear, whom our men facing about and charging forced to fall back and made good their own retreat; in this distracted skirmish two of ours were killed, three hurt, and a Sarjeant taken prisoner. The other party of the Lord Stanfords' Regiment commanded by Captain Blunt and Captain White, sallied by boat down the River on the Southpart of the Town towards the main Leagre, marched up to a Square redoubt (our Cannon in the mean while playing upon the houses in the Suburbs) beat them thence, killed a Major with some common Soldiers, and advanced to meet the other party. But the design failing through the misguidance of the other party, they were called off, and by the help of our Ordnance made a fair retreat without loss of any, only two wounded. The failing of the enterprise crossed a brave exploit and seasible, they might have scoured the Trenches under the shelter of our Walls: Neither did the Enemy take care to prevent them by turning the mouths of any one piece of Ordnance upon the entry of the entrenchment. Nevertheless the cross event did much amaze them, that a small party should run up to their Headquarters, force their men, and recover back without a sensible loss. Certainly the care of a higher providence preserved and brought off those many several parties, when the vanquishing of any one of them must needs run the City upon extreme hazard; for our whole strength remained upon the works day and night, except the reserve of a hundred and twenty men at the main Guard. One rare and slender Rank were to receive the storm without seconds, yet the safety of the whole did require those frequent sallies, a desperate remedy to a despairing City: not only to cast back the enemy's preparations, but to amaze them, that the Soldiers should be held up in such height of resolution, and cause them to expect more hot service from within the works: Our men likewise were to be kept in the heat of action to prevent the fainting of the spirits: Their hands also imbrued in blood did the more enrage them. Nor by safer means could they overcome the terror, which by the reputation of the King's Army might possess their minds: The Enemy were kept waking by continual Alarms to waste and weary them: And 'twas the care of the Governor to cause a perpetual noise; that whensoever their Cannon had been silent for a while, one or two of our Guns gave fire to disturb the calm, and signify to the Country that we were yet alive; for the besiegers ever and anon scattered reports of the taking of the Town, with a purpose to prevent our relief. All things within did presage a deliverance. The sadness of the times did not cloud the countenance of the people, they beheld their fortunes with a clear brow, and were deliberate and cheerful in the endeavours of safety. No great complain were heard in our Streets, no discontent seized on the Soldiers, at other times prone to mutiny; men of suspected fidelity did not fail in action; Every valuable person was active in his own place: The usual outcries of women were not then heard, the weakness of whose sex was not overcome by the terrible Engines of war. And our becalmed spirits did implore divine assistance without consusion. The Governor personally performed, ready at every turning of affairs, and gracing the business with speech and gesture; upon the least intimation of diffidence he pretended rational hopes of success, adding withal that our late yielding could not mollify the King's Army, and if in the close we must needs be lost, no suitor means of safety then by the utmost gallantry to constrain honourable conditions.  
The Enemy still prepared for a general storm, mean while seeking to waste our Magazine, which they knew must needs suddenly fail, expended their own store, and daily acted to the terror of the inhabitants; shooting Granades, Fireballs, and great stones out of their Mortar-pieces, and had now planted a Battery on the Southside westward, unto which the lower part of the Town was open. Thence in one night they shot above twenty fiery melting hot iron Bullets, some eighteen pound weight, others two and twenty pound weight, which were seen to fly through the air like the shooting of a star. They passed through stables, and ricks of hay, where the fire by the swiftness of the motion did not catch, and falling on the tops of houses, presently melted the leads, and sunk through; but all the skill and industry of the enemy could not set one house on fire.  
They still played their great shot against the walls, and wrought hard in filling up the Moat with faggots and earth at the place where they battered, where also they built a Gallery over the head of the Trench, the breadth of four abreast; in the shelter whereof they had almost worked themselves over the Moat. Then we found that they had sunk a Mine under the East Gate; whereupon the Governor commanded a Countermine in two places, but finding the Springs, left off, conceiving for the same reason the endeavour of the enemy to no purpose. To discover or interrupt this work, a Sergeant with five daring men were put forth at a port hole in the dungeon at the East gate, came close to the mouth of their mine, took off the board that covered it, and for a while viewed the miners. One of these cast in a hand-Granado amongst them, whilst the four musketeers played upon them as they ran forth, and with the noise of our men from the walls gave the whole leaguer a strong alarm, and crept in at the porthole without harm. Wherefore discovering that the enemy notwithstanding the springs, went on with their mine, we renewed our countermine; for they had sunk a great depth under the moat, and extremely toiled in drawing up the spring water, till at length they had gotten under the gate that our miners could hear them work under them, and did expect to spoil them by pouring in water, or stealing out their powder.  
For a remedy to this mischief, and withal the enemy having planted store of Canon baskets within half musketshot of the East gate point blank, intending a battery there, upon the springing of their mine; We made a very strong work cross the street with a large trench before it, and filled it with water, intending to raise it up to the Eaves of the houses, and to plant some Cannon there: we answered their several approaches by so many counter works. A sconce was built upon a rising ground that looked into their trenches, where we could plant four piece of Ordnance to clear within the walls a ground called the Friar's Orchard southward, and scour their flank upon their entrance at the East gate, and so northward. Also an inner work was drawn from the south side along the middle of the Orchard, and all passages stopped between that and the East port. And to hinder their gallery we began to undermine for a place to put forth a piece of Ordnance at the bottom of the wall, to batter the flank thereof; which was perfected and a saker there placed. Commanded men were drawn out upon the walls, Granades provided, and when the great Gun played upon the gallery, the musketeers sent plenty of shot, and cast divers Granades into their trenches; in the mean while (they firing their Ordnance against the top of the wall) we cut off a main beam of the gallery with our bolt shot. But the same day the enemy had sunk a piece against the porthole of out mine, and forced us to withdraw the sakre, yet we cast them back three day's work.  
And because all this side of the Town had no flankers, nothing did more offend the enemy in their entrenchments then an old Barn at a corner point, near the North Port, in which was mounted a Piece that commanded three several ways, and obliquely looked into their Trenches, and oft times did good execution upon the pioneers. This was the chief strength of that side, conceived the weakest part of the Town. Upon the Key head an half moon was raised, with a breast-work upon Seavern side under the Castle, and the river chained, to defend an assault from those high grounds beyond the river, which was ever feared by those within.  
His Majesty constantly residing at a miles distance, would not solemnly invite by public Summons, lest he should detract from the honour of his enterprise: Nevertheless, those about him dealt underhand by sundry advertizements of the King's displeasure, threatenings, persuasions, and many intimations of possible grace and favour. Some of our neighbours in their own names desired admission to a conference, and persuaded the Surrender of the City, in regard of the great power and terrible menacings of the enemy, with the small hopes and in a manner impossibility of relief; adding withal the heavy burdens under which the Country groaned. The Governor made answer, that we were sufficiently conscious of our own strength, and the ground of our resolution, and that we did not think ourselves obliged to the enemy for the hopes and offers of favour. These manifold persuasions made the besieged more obstinate, and enabled them to understand themselves as a people worthy of entreaty, a prize worth the purchase, and in no wise lost or desperate, the enemies themselves being judges.  
As the soldiers within were heated with their own performance, so the enemy without being wasted in a linger design before the hour of service came grew feeble in their own thoughts and to us contemptible. Our common soldiers took to themselves a liberty to revile, prevented and confounded the enemy with the selfsame language in which they were wont to abuse and scorn our party; which contumely, though it begets a more deadly hatred and desire of revenge in generous minds, at that time did deject exceedingly and debase the spirits of their private soldiers, who had never performed one gallant achievement, and to whom the sturdiness of our men was well known. The slowness of their design in that form of a leaguer, proceeded from the desire of saving their foot, with this presumption, that there was no power to raise the siege; which confidence deceived them, till too late; for their foot, after those many knocks, and the first fury spent, were not so capable of the service, without the help of many tedious preparations. Wherefore besides their mine and battery, they framed great store of those unperfect and troublesome engines to assault the lower parts of the City. Those engines ran upon wheels, with planks musket proof, placed on the Axletree, with holes for musketshot, and a bridge before it, the end whereof (the wheels falling into the ditch) was to rest upon our breast works.  
Our relief seemed slow, and the straightness of the siege debarred all intelligence. Only two Spies which we sent out, returned from Warwick, and brought news of the advance of the Lord General. The report of his Excellency, who then lay under a cloud, did give no great assurance. The truth is, the sense of the depth of our distress did not reach us: Sir William Waller, upon whom the Citizens of London cast their favour, had not the relics of an Army. The General's Army crumbled away: the malignants of London fomented tumults in the City, and insurrections in Kent distracted the business. The house of Lords voted a treaty with the King, the house of Commons debated the matter. The resolution of Gloucester turned the stream, whose succour was resolved upon as the Kingdom's safety. The recruit of the Army was too slow for the service. The London trained Bands or none, must relieve us; but could not agree who should undertake the business. Essex was not favoured but the more prudent saw that he must be the man. That none might decline the service upon whom the lot fell, the shop windows were commanded to be shut up and trading for a time suspended. The expedition was hasted in every pulpit carried on with continual fasting and prayer: an Army was framed in an instant, and marched with incredible swiftness. Prince Rupert with the greatest part of the King's horse drew from Gloucester to retard their march, but still appearing in the Van did no more than drill them along. The enemy stayed before us till the last hour, judging every particle of time a great advantage not knowing what a moment might bring forth. They within not satisfied with the former intelligence, sent out two other Spies with a double signal, first one fire on the side of a hill to signify their escapes, and two fires on the same place if they heard good news; which latter was accordingly performed and beheld by us.  
The fifth of September was appointed for a public Fast, to be kept by such as might be spared from labour. This day we discovered their carriages marching from the leaguer, and their horse and foot marching after; yet we were not confident of the raising of the siege till the men were drawn out of the trenches, and the rearguard fired their huts. We than perceived that God had sent a deliverance, and that in the close of a solemn Fast, as a gracious return of prayer.  
This evening the Lord General came to the brow of the hills seven miles from the Town, and fired a warning piece, but by reason of the contrary winds the report was not heard, neither did the news reach us that night. Wherefore we did not venture upon the Rear of the enemy with our slender and wearied forces, but kept as strong and watchful guards as any time before; presuming that relief at hand had raised the enemy, yet suspecting that in point of honour they would attempt something worthy of a Royal Army. But abiding before us to the last extremity, they were driven away with great confusion, after so many vows of victory and revenge, when their mines, batteries, and engines were in readiness. This hurry preserved the Country from injury, which by them was devoted to ruin. His Majesty was forced to leave the Town behind him, and constrained to a tedious march in that tempestuous rainy night; their carriages were not got up the hills till the next morning, which distraction was not known to us: and the General's Army was tired with long and continual marches. The admirable care of providence was beheld in the season of our relief, when all things were prepared by the enemy for a general storm; our ammunition consumed, but three single barrels of powder left in our magazine, and not so much more elsewhere: in the little harm done by their Cannon, and Morter-pieces, that sent amongst us so many terrible messengers. Our lost men taken or slain, did not amount to the number of fifty, and of these but two Officers were slain. Captain Harcus and the Governors' Ensign; yet we killed of the Enemy (who never ventured an assault) above a thousand men, by the lowest confession. The King expended much in Ammunition, Engines, and keeping together the discontented Soldiers, besides the loss of his precious time in that full tide of Victory. Here was a bound set to the swelling of those proud waves and the rock that split that Army; when the Queen was said to be transported with passion because her counsel was not followed, who advised the King to wave Gloucester and advance for London, whilst the Parliament had no Army in the field, the number of Malignants in the City did equal the rest, began to raise tumults, and the actions of State were unresolved. This City diverted the enemy's thoughts from that rare opportunity, which not so conscious of the Kingdom's weakness, held up beyond reason, and gave a breathing time to the State to effect its own relief. Great was the failing of the King's hopes in this defeat, who by the gaining of this town, would have held an undivided uninterrupted command, and the granary of the Kingdom in the heart of his Country, on the West bounded with the Sea, clear through the middle of the Land to the Northern parts, where also the Earl of Newcastles Army prevailed, and in breadth reaching from the utmost Wales to the London Association, and backed with Ireland, with whom an Accommodation was then preparing.  
Nevertheless the raising of the siege was but an unperfect deliverance. The success of the General's Army with the supply of our wants were to make it complete. For the enemy continually lay at our doors, commerce was clean taken away, and we far distant from the fountain of future supplies; Wherefore during the stay of his Excellency, parties of horse were continually sent abroad to fetch in provisions out of the Enemy's quarters, and Malignants estates. The Granary was quickly filled. The General left three Culverins, forty single barrels of Gunpowder, and set the Garrison in order.  
The London Train-Bands and Auxiliaries supposing the work already done, and the date of their Commission expired, earnestly contended homewards, yet must they break their way through the King's Army, and give him some further blow to secure and perfect the relief of this Garrison; for so confident were the enemy of their own strength, that many thought his Majesty ill-advised in not fight with the Earl of Essex near Gloucester: wherefore the General was to secure this retreat, to take heed lest he be penned up in these parts, and with that speed made after the King's Army (which by this time had gotten some miles in the Van of our Army) that some horse and foot out of the remote quarters marched above thirty miles before they rested. They came up before Cirencester where the King had left a strong party. The forlorn hope entered the Town whilst the rest surrounded it, killed the Sentinel sleeping, marched up to the Market Place without opposition (the enemy supposing them Prince Maurice his Forces, that night expected) till they entered the houses and surprised them in bed, took four hundred men, and thirty Cart-loades of bread, cheese, and other provisions, a great relief in a wasted Country, and the only support of the Soldiers against the Battle at Newberry.  
The success of which Battle did close up with honour, that happy and gallant undertaking of the Lord General, and the Citizens of London: As brave a service as these Wars can show forth, ennobled by its wonderful rise, lively progress, nimble expedition, admirable fortune and honourable conclusion. Notwithstanding his Excellency had hereby disabled and broken the King's Army, and secured the Garrison of Gloucester from a sudden reverse; yet his own Army was sorely bruised, and retiring to London, left but a little burden upon the Enemy on that side. By which means they were free to molest these parts, and this Garrison left to beat the brunt, provide for itself, and run the danger though not of an other siege, yet of blocking up and ruin by the spoil of our Country, which that party decreed to destruction; and the Enemy at the door and the distance of our friends did threaten no less. Not a man could be left by the General to increase our strength, nor money to content the Soldier; there was only an assurance of help from the Parliament, when the arrears of Officers and Soldiers were large; the Governor made certain propositions to the Parliament concerning the support of this place; That since at such a distance he could not expect a constant supply, they would send down at once ten thousand pounds and a thousand men, far below the places due; according to the terms of the Soldier's entertainment, might set things in a thriving way, and enable the Soldier to act of themselves without those continual cravings and outcries against the State. Upon which terms the activeness of this Government gave assurance of the framing of an Army to master the Country then enthralled to the enemy, yea, to lie upon the enemy's quarters, consume their store, distress their chief Garrisons of Bristol and Oxford and endanger the rest as Hereford and Worcester, and stop their supply of men and money. Such a strong beginning had been more than half way to the end of the work.  
But the State seemed to walk in a frugal course and desire a daily dropping of relief, rather than to entrust much, which is not the way of great performance nor can bring to the end of the design; when as this rational adventure might give the increase of an hundredfold: and upon the failing hereof the greatest mischief could be no more than the loss of that expense. Wherefore they voted a supply and raised men and moneys in a languishing way, that those five hundred listed for Gloucester were reduced to a fifty, ere they could reach us, and the greatest part of the money squandered away without a sensible advantage to this Garrison.  
After Newberry fight Sir William Vavasour was sent to Hereford, with a strong party to raise Forces in those parts with Commission to command in chief in the Countries of Gloucester and Hereford, and a command from his Majesty to distress Gloucecester on the Welsh side, and to Garrison Tewksbury.  
Colonel massy was not satisfied in keeping his own Garrison, but eager of continual service, to destroy or disable the enemy, for which no other place in the Kingdom was conceived capable of the like advantage: Wherefore by himself urged, he set upon the Parliament with importunate complaints that for lack of strength great opportunities of service to us and disservice to them were lost. And a greater mischief did exercise this government, the want of men and money, and ammunition to defend itself; upon which, extreme scarcity of provision was like to follow, and in these hopes did the enemy bless themselves; so that the advantage and honour of maintaining the City against the violence of an Army was like to vanish in the lingering death of the place. And the Governor was about to embrace an other command in the General's Army, yet reserving a submission to the Parliaments pleasure who required him to continue his service in this Government. This charge was surrounded with difficulties and each day brought forth some new birth. When the enemy begird us in their Winter quarters, the hopes of our promised succours were passed without the Convoy of an Army. Not one Gentleman of the Country durst be seen to assist us, no Member of Parliament did reside here to encourage the business. All things rested upon the Governors sole care both to store the Garrison with provisions, and raise money out of that small pittance of the Country out of the enemy's hands. The discontent of the Soldier was now heigthned and ready to cause a disbanding. To make good the place was the Parliaments command: and inevitable necessity was the chiefest law to support it. Wherefore apprehending more misery then in the late siege, the Governor was constrained to lay some easy taxation on the Country to supply the present exigence, whilst the enemy's power extended on all sides almost to the Gates of Gloucester. Hereupon daily complaints were brought before him, that the taxes were unequally rated by the Officers of the several Parishes, that such as were broken by the enemy, were rated as high as if their Estates were entire. The Governor represented these things to the Parliament, earnestly begged their direction in his intended course, which by them was not in one syllable contradicted: Wherefore at a Council of War the condition of the Country was debated upon, and an order made that some Officers & Citizens should be entreated as a Committee to hear and rectify the complaints concerning assessments, and to use that moderation which reason did require. Not long after a petition was presented to the Governor in the name of the Country, That one Monthly rate without other charge, might be imposed upon them, likewise that the rate might be made according to equity, and the poor spared; that the money might be paid in to the common Treasurer, whence it should issue as necessity required, and that a choice Committee might be appointed to oversee all the money rated, received and disbursed. The Governor to manifest his desire of the people's satisfaction, and that things might be carried in a just and equal way, ordered by the consert of a Council of War, that a Committee of Officers, Citizens, and Country Gentlemen, should regulate the assessments of the Country according to their desires. Some of which Gentlemen not long after were of the Committee for these Counties by Order of Parliament.  
Moreover, this Committee moved at a Council of War for a further power to hear and determine such businesses as by the Governors special order should be referred unto them, to examine upon oath, and commit all such persons (Officers and Soldiers only excepted) as should offer contempt; and this they enforced with these reasons: 1. Because there was no Committee of Parliament then in being, nor would any adventure such an undertaking in an oppressed and distracted Country; and the necessities of the Garrison did admit of no delay. 2. That this Committee consisting of Soldiers, Citizens and Country Gentlemen, would give satisfaction both to the Country men, who paid their money, when themselves were acquainted with its necessity and disposal; and to the Soldiers, who being privy to the receipt of the money and the Country's indigence, might be contented with a slender entertainment: that at once it seemed to prevent discontent in the Country, and mutiny in the Soldier. 3. That the Petitions of the Country pressed upon the Governor in such multitudes, that a great part of his time which might be spent against the enemy to better purpose, was taken up herewith, or many persons must needs be exposed to injury and oppression. 4. Because all course of Law from Westminster was then stopped, not a Lawyer left in the Country, no Court of Equity to relieve the oppressed, or curb the extremity of the Law, whose present want was not so much in settling estates and determining right, as in providing for the support of the Garrison, then like to be ruined; of which the King's party had as great a confidence as before the Siege. No Landlord could receive his Rent, no intercourse of Trade between man and man, whereby to enable them to pay taxations. And for these reasons such an Order by the Council of War was then assented unto.  
In this the people never groaned under the Governors' power; their voluntary submission was a witness of his moderation. And this authority had more of entreaty than constraint, only the Sword had some influence of fear upon the injurious; the proceedings of the Town-Court not suspended, but sometimes entreated to forbear upon equitable considerations. And when the Governor began to observe some derogation from his intentions, by this Committee, he instantly sent a Prohibition. 'twas never his thought to rule by the Sword, but in a desperate case by the same to cut out a way wherein the rules of Law and justice might freely pass. He was ever unwilling to take the charge upon him, and by several Letters requested the Parliament, that the burden of Government might be laid upon some other; or if that charge must rest upon him, that they would send down a Committee, that might take off the former cares, and permit him to look to the well ordering of his Forces for the safety of this place, and to enlarge his quarters, that the service here might not be only to keep Gloucester, but weaken the Enemy, and beget friends daily to the Parliament.  
Such was the face of Government within the City, whilst the Enemy acted his part without, and bore down by force on all sides. From Hexeford Sir William Vavasour with about seven hundred horse and foot marched into Tewksbury, with a purpose to garrison that Town. A wide and open place not easy to be held by us, who had neither competent strength nor time to fortify, the King's forces continually lying upon us. Sir William made show of settling the Garrison, styled himself Governor of Tewksbury, invited the Country with promises of moderation and candour in all his proceedings; yet these Welsh Forces had scarce taken up their quarters, but received an Alarm from Gloucester, by a party that went up in a Friggot: And the common soldiers partly discontented with their Officers, who had often deceived that innocent people, and betrayed them to the Sword; and partly repining for want of pay, fell into a desperate mutiny, forced their Commanders, chose rather to be killed then to fight, and constrained their flight out of the Town, hasted over Vpton Bridge, and did scarce look back, till safe in their own Country; and 'twas to be suspected that many late knocks had beaten out their spirits, but chiefly that they were afraid of this Country air, in which they could never thrive. By this means the excrescence of Sir William Uavousors' government was pared off, and himself driven to retire into Hereford.  
Nevertheless we are cooped up with the enemy's garrisons round about, and wholly divided from the rest of the Parliaments Army. Sudely Castle was maintained by the Lord Chandos, a great stop to our intercourse with Warwick, which was the only way of commerce with London, that a Scout could not pass without extreme hazard. Berkley Castle was held for the King by a Scottish Captain, and subdued the richest part of the County. In the heart of the Forest Sir john Winter strongly fortified and defended his own House: And now the enemy had put a garrison into Beverstone Castle, resolving withal not to leave one strong house unguarded, both to enlarge their own quarters, and to stop our markets and contribution. Our Governor began to look forth, and first for want of quarters was enforced to send abroad his own Company, which were placed in a defenceable house at Frampton upon Severn. These were a stop to the incursions from Berkley, and furthered the safety of that side of the Country. An hundred and fifty Foot of Colonel Devereux his Regiment garrisond a strong house at Presbury, within four miles of Sudely Castle. These sorely vexed the enemy in those parts, did a little open the passage towards Warwick, and the house proved a good resting place in the repass. Another guard was set at Westbury on the edge of the Forest, to affront Sir john Winter, a most active enemy, and one chief Agent of the Popish Faction. Sir john, assisted with the Lord Herbert's Horse, threatened us out of the Forest, and had made a passage over Seavern at Newnham, to afflict those parts beyond the River. Notwithstanding all this, our small party by continual action upheld their repute. Some weeks after the raising of the siege, the Governor marched with his two Troops and two hundred musketeers before Berkley Castle. The musketeers faced and kept in the enemy, whilst the Horse fell into the Country beyond to fetch in the persons of some principal malignants, but in stead of them met with the Lords Herbert's Troops, and an hundred and forty Horse besides, which came to relieve the Castle. Our Horse with some few musketeers fell upon them, put them to a retreat, and slew some few without any loss to our party, who drew off expecting the opportunity of a greater strength.  
About this time Sir John Winter entered upon the Government of Newnham; whereupon he took the courage to plunder the Villages near Gloucester: his Horse came within three miles of the City, and drove away store of the Country cattle. The Governor receiving intelligence, drew forth his small number of Horse not exceeding seventy, made after and pursued them to the entrance of their new Garrison; where they had already secured their plunder: in the retreat five Troops of the Lord Herbert's Regiment fell on the rear; our men drew up in a narrow lane ready to receive the charge, fired upon them, and put them to a running retreat. An Officer with twelve Troopers made the pursuit, took one horse colours, and some prisoners, and killed a Cornet, and Quartermaster, which event made Sir john Winter for present quit that government with much distraction.  
At that time there was no lofty stage of action, because the present enemy did yield no gallant opportunity. Sir john Winter was wise for himself, nimble in inferior businesses, delighted rather in petty and cunning contrivance then open gallantry, referred all his industry to his own house, or the limits of the Forest, vexed his neighbours more than weakened his enemy, and advanced the Catholic Cause no other way then by the plague and ruin of the Country.  
On the other side of the City the enemy was emboldened to erect new Governments at Tedbury and Wotton Underedge. These did invite the Governors march that way, who withal had his eye upon Beversione Castle newly garrisond, and commanding the rich Clothiers of Stroodwater: hither he advanced with a party of three hundred foot and four score horse. These horse sent before were so formidable to the enemy at Tedbury, that the Governor Horatio Cary with his whole Regiment were put to flight, and dissipated with the loss of fourteen of their men slain and taken prisoners.  
Colonel Massey brought up his men and two Sakers against Beverston Castle, where having surrounded it, he planted his Guns within Pistol shot of the Gate, and gave fire several times. Fifty Musketeers ran up to the Gate at noonday and fixed a Petard, which nevertheless failed in the execution. Those from within threw Granodoes' amongst our men, but hurt none, who although thereby forced from the Gate, yet they ran up the second time, being open to the full shot of a secure enemy, and brought of the Petard with much gallantry. The design was not feazible for a quick dispatch; for the Gate was barricadoed within, the night came on, and those remote parts did promise no security to so small a party; likewise the state of the City required them nearer home: wherefore after twelve hours the party was drawn off, and in the retreat advanced towards Wotton Underedge, where the enemy had placed a kind of temporary Garrison with a Regiment of horse; they prepared for the coming of our Forces, drew up on a Hill before the Town to face them, and at night retreated to their Garrison; Where our men arrived somewhat late, and found the enemy all mounted, sell upon them and put them to flight, of whom about six were slain, and twelve taken prisoners, the rest escaping to Bristol.  
The next day by an overruling hand of providence, our party was led back to Gloucester, contrary to the hope of Sir john Winter and his Complices. These having intelligence of the Governors' absence with a strong party, and supposing the Garrison thereby weakened, sent to all the quarters of the Forest, Monmouth and Herefordshire, to draw together and advance for the surprisal of Gloucester. It was afterwards suspected a complotment, to be managed by the assistance of Malignants in the City. Late at night the Governor had notice of the enemy in the Forest. Thereupon he commanded Captain Crispe to draw fifty Musketeers from the Guards and march three miles that way, making good a house that stood on the passage. As yet there was no suspicion of a Plot, but before our party had passed a mile and half, they encountered the enemy who were drawn up Horse and Foot in a broad lane near Highnam House, instantly fired upon them, slew a Captain, and some four common soldiers. The enemy were amazed at the sudden and unexpected encounter, forced back with fear, and retreated to Huntly, where Sir john Winter had secured his own person: But distracted by the strange repulse, marched off in great confusion at the approach of fifteen horse that fell in amongst the whole Brigade, slew seven or eight, and took ten prisoners.  
This discomfited the enemy and dashed the design; yet the Hereford and Monmouthshiere Forces kept their rendezvous at Coford in the Forest, and still threatened the City. No means for the reducing of this place is left unattempted, and at this present treachery was the grand design and overruled all their proceedings, and prevented many mischievous acts of open hostility, which might easily have destroyed us; for divers Malignant Gentlemen of this County went about to cast this City into extreme poverty and exigence by the Country's ruin: Wherefore conceiving the present enemies not sufficiently cruel, they importuned his Majesty that Colonel Charles Gerrard might quarter upon us with his Brigade, to devour, spoil and burn, besides the expectation of all the mischief the Lord Herbort and Vavasour can do. But this malicious council and instigation though most opportune for the King's purpose, was afterwards crossed by their own party, waiting upon the success of a close design.  
About this time was the act of Pacification made by the King with the Irish Rebels, which began to undeceive the world, and wipe of the Varnish of the former Oaths and Protestations. The world could not believe that any command or power could so soon allay and quell those Irish storms, but that word which raised them up: Then did the effect declare the cause of those rare and slow Proclamations against that bloody Rebellion, and strange intercepting of relief sent from the State to the distressed Protestants. The greatest admirer of the King's Declarations could judge no less then that those Rebels did better comply with his intentions then the Parliament of England; since his Majesty having two enemies, is resolved to make peace with one to crush the other; he will fall in with that party that carries least contradiction to his main design; and this was the Rebel of Ireland; whose chief aim likewise his Majesty must not abhor: for there can be no lasting compliance without a mutual engagement. Besides, the heads of that Rebellion were brought over not as accessaries, but principals in the King's war, and admitted to the secret Council. And to colour the Pacification, the loss of that Kingdom and all the sufferings of the English Protestants were charged upon the Parliament. The English Forces in Ireland were possessed with the opinion of neglect in the State, and were taken off the pursuit of a just revenge upon those cursed Rebels to war against their native Country, and tear the bowels, of the mother that bore them, and therein act a part, and cast in their lot with the Rebels themselves.  
Some of these Irish Forces landed at Bristol, and thence fell down upon Gloucestershire: Colonel Min, and Sir William St. Leger, with both their Regiments, making up eight hundred or a thousand Foot, and a hundred Horse, all resolved men, with eight Piece of Ordnance, advanced to Thornbury. Colonel Massey proclaimed entertainment to all such as would tender their service to the Parliament, and many private soldiers resenting the difference of the cause came over daily. About the twentieth of December, a party of two hundred horse and Dragoones commanded by Captain Backhouse, were designed to beat up their quarters at Wotton, where they were lately arrived from Thornbury: Wherefore the party advancing thither, suddenly fell in among them, and found eight hundred men, charged up to the main Guard, and for a while were masters of four Piece of Ordinance, but over-matched and borne down by their numbers, were forced to retreat, yet having first slain, wounded, and taken many of them without the loss of a man. At the same time some of Colonel Vavasours Forces undertook to settle at Upton upon Seaverne, but at the first show of an approach from Gloucester quitted those quarters.  
Once more do the clouds gather round about, the storm threatened by the enemy's fury, and more violently driven by the malice of some Country Gentlemen begins to arise; The Malignant Gentlemen of Cotsall provide Arms, and garrison strong Houses. Forces from Oxford were expected at Painsewick and Stroud; the Irish were to lie on this side Berkely, the Lord Herbert and Sir john Winter in the Forest, the Lord Chandos at Cheltenham, Sir William Vavasour and Sir Walter Pie at Tewksbury, so that by them our destruction is decreed and seems as a thing done.  
Every corner of the Country is pestered with the enemy's Garrisons, as Newneham, Lidney, Monmouth, Hereford, Worcester, Dimmock, Newent, Highleaden, Tainton, Tewksbury, Sudely, Saperton, Beverston and Berkely. Opposite to these was the Governor constrained to erect petty Garrisons, as many and as near as possible; for the King's Forces were again advanced out of Herefordshire with a greater strength and well prepared. Sir William Vavasour, Sir Walter Pie, and Colonel Wroughton are arrived at Tewksbury, and began to fortify, having a great power with them till the Town was settled, and made strong; yet still disturbed by continual Alarms from Gloucester, though the Land-flouds hindered our design upon them. The Irish Regiments rose from Wotton, and thence made over the Hills for Tewksbury. And because their march was interrupted by our parties, the Lord Chandos horse joined with them to strengthen and secure their, advance to Cheltenham; whether they came with four small Piece of Ordnance. Our men still flirted upon them. And a Party of Horse and Dragoones commanded by Major Grace, fell that night into Charlton Kings, and had surprised the Lord Chandos in his quarters, had he not made a private escape, where the search after him caused the loss of seven or eight private soldiers; yet they slew some of the enemy, took ten prisoners and some few horse. The next day the Horse and Foot bended their course to Tewksbury; our men waited upon the march, and kept them up close, that those parts of the Country received but little damage; when these had joined with the other Regiments, they were supposed to make near upon two thousand six hundred Horse and Foot.  
After a little stay, a part of these forces were drawn off towards Warwickshire, to join with the enemy that there waited the intercepting or surprisal of our supplies from London, then long and earnestly expected and noised abroad, our powder being well-nigh spent, and necessity constrianing us to use a kind of match made of Bast. Sir Walter Pies Foot, and Col. Wroughtons' Horse remained at Tewksbury to block up the City on that side, in and about which Town fifteen hundred Horse and Foot were constantly quartered; Colonel Washingtons' Regiment kept Garrison at Evesham, and a Regiment of Horse lay at Parshore, besides a considerable strength at Sudely. These thought to swallow up our approaching succours, or if they did not come, speedily to compel us to yield up the City; for it was reported with the enemy, and believed by many, that we suffered extreme penury.  
And though provisions were not much wanting, being in a fat Country, yet the real exigences of the Garrison were great; for lack of pay the discontents of the Soldiers were desperate and endless. In most of the Officers a general neglect of duty, who for the least check would throw up their Commissions, to the Governors great discontent and trouble. Many inferior Officers forsook us, and common Soldiers ran to other places that yielded a large and constant entertainment, and required less service; whilst honest and gallant men that did not desert their Colours, were exposed to misery and want; yet could we not want men, who daily offered themselves to the service, had we moneys to pay them. Neither had we any power of men to raise moneys for the Garrisons maintenance. Our outguards as Presbury, Wesbury, Essington, Frampton, Froster, set to preserve the Country, and keep the Markets open, did eat up the greater part of the Contribution, and consume our men and ammunition, besides the daily sending out of parties. 'twas a kind of shifting life and wonderful, that the Officers command should find the least measure of obedience. Some Offcers did expend their own means to keep their Companies entire; the Governor was necessitated at his own charge to billet above threescore Soldiers, besides the charge of a Troop. The Country was impoverished, the Commission of Excise was not settled, and brought in no considerable sum. The Citizens were restrained of Trade, and the ways of Commerce stopped up; and therefore at present they were quite left to the Garrison. Besides the slowness and low reports of our succours did exceedingly dishearten the people. Many Country Gentlemen that were not the Confidents of the contrary Faction, were about to comply with this Government, especially upon the Parliaments Declaration of pardon; but the notice of those slender supplies, and the thought of the States supposed neglect, turned them off, and made them more violent against us. For this lasting suspense and bondage under two parties did vex them: wherefore his Majesty was again importuned, to destroy and fire the Country, if he could not lodge his forces so near as to block us up.  
The Garrison nevertheless did not only defend its own territories, but made sundry adventures and inroads upon the Enemy's quarters, staved off, and kept them within their bounds. The Governor had built a Friggot for service upon the River, to secure the Country near Gloucester, on that side Seavern, because the Enemy commanded greatest part of the River, and landed at their pleasure upon our quarters, from Bristol and Wales. This Friggot was sent down Seavern manned with Seamen and a party of Soldiers, for whatsoever attempt sudden opportunity should offer; and arriving at Chepstow, our musketeers hasted ashore, and entered the Town, where they surprised most of the Officers of Colonel Oneales' Regiment, raised under the command of the Lord Herbert. These never dreamt of an enemy from Gloucester, in that corner of the Land, at such a distance. And this was the advantage of the service, that by the surprisal of the Officers, it prevented the raising of that Regiment of horse which shortly after would have plagued the Country. Our men having secured their prisoners, and ready to made homewards, another prize fell into their hands, where they took a Vessel laden from Bristol with Oil, Wine, Sugar, and other commodities. These little services were answerable to the times, and upheld the esteem of the Garrison in that low ebb. This Expedition gave an Alarm to Bristol, and all Wales, who to prevent the like inroad, sent up divers Friggots to guard the River.  
At this time Sir William Vavasour began to appear from Tewksbury, and made an attempt upon Bodington House, a petty Garrison of ours, only to preserve the Country. Hither he came up with five hundred foot and two pieces of Ordnance, fired his Guns against the House, and engaged himself in an assault. The place was maintained by them within till a small party drew from Gloucester, the report of which (at three miles' distance) caused Colonel Vavasour to draw of and return back to Tewksbury, with the loss of eight or ten men before the House. Neither did Vavasour seem to act with that violence, which the outside of the enemy's design did look for: whether retarded by the dulness of nature, or the notice of some close contrivance. However, the slowness and ill success of his actions rendered him obnoxious to the jealousies of his own Party; which suspicion was easily increased by the intercourse of civility between him and Colonel massy, when the known fidelity and constant endeavours of the one could enable him without offence to his own side to disport with an enemy in such compliments, as the other had not the liberty to use. Such neglected passages have a great weight in the balance of reputation and honour: since the mind is not revealed by itself, and wise men as well as fools ofttimes have only the event to guide their judgements.  
On the other side of the Town, we had continual skirmishes with Colonel Veale newly made Governor of Berkly Castle, and assisted with the Lord Inchequeens Regiment of Horse. This enemy was no way formidable nor mischievous in any thing save the plunder of the Country, by whom he was ofttimes beaten back and kept in awe by the assistance of Frampton garrison. The Church at Newnham was again fortified and defended by Sir john Winter with a sufficient strength of men, and four Pieces of Ordnance, whence he might run up to the Gates of Gloucester, rob the Country and take men's persons at pleasure, only we kept a guard at Arlingham to hinder his passage over Seavern.  
Colonel Man lay strong at Newent, Highleaden, and Tainton: The Governor could do little on that side, only he placed a Garrison at Hartpury Court, both to preserve Cosselawne, and to endeavour the engagement of Colonel Min. Our Garrison at Frampton was removed to Slimbridge within four miles of Berkley; we had other guards likewise at Essington and Froster, to preserve and enable the people to contribution. Thus was the City pestered on every hand, and fetched its livelihood out of the fire, with continual hazard, forcing the enemy's quarters, and defending its own; parties were daily drawn out by the Governor, who then could not aim at victory, nor expect any great performance, though the common people repined that he did not always conquer, when it was conquest enough to keep the enemy in action, and prevent their extravagances, to bear up the hearts of our friends, and signify to the world that we were yet alive. Though the Governor was not invited abroad, yet he strove to make opportunities according to the stock of Ammunition that was left him; that counsels might spring out of the midst of action. He drew out upon Tainton with two hundred Musketeers, and with a hundred horse faced the house only to keep in or amaze them, but when the horse marched off, some of their Troops fell on the Reare-guard and charged the Governor, who re-encountred and charged home some distance before the rest of the Troop, and by the breaking of the curb, his horse carried him amongst the enemy's Troops, with whom for a while he grappled, and was rescued by the gallantry of a common Trooper, by which time our Musketeers were brought up, and beat them back without loss to us.  
The Governor choosed rather to make work for the enemy, and to seek him in his own quarters, then lie at home to expect the challenge; yet did he play a wary game and though zealous of honour, yet more true to the main chance and tender of the lives of men: wherefore he advanced again with four hundred Musketeers and fifty horse, came before Tainton, and with a small party faced the house, having laid some Ambuscado's with a purpose to allure them into the snare, and cut off their men, as well to encourage the Country as weaken the enemy, but they did not adventure out. When we drew thence, our men beheld a fair body of horse at Highleaden, whereupon a forlorn hope of our Musketeers with twenty horse advanced upon them, and found their Horse and Foot drawn out of Highleaden House: These were to join with Colonel Min, who at that instant was marched out of Newent, with a purpose to fall on Hartpury Garrison. Here at the first some few of our horse gave the charge, hurried the enemy and beat up their Ambuscadoes: then they drew out their whole Garririson and sell on; Their horse did not stand to it, but with their foot there was an hot skirmish almost an hour: And though our seconds were slow in coming up yet did the forlorn hope drive them from hedge to hedge, and after a while our body coming on beat them in, and pursued them up to the very house, took some few prisoners, and came off with the loss only of two men.  
Such multitudes of the King's Forces lay upon us to oppress the Country and intercept our relief, that they were extremely straimed of quarter, and enforced to look forth for livelihood. Whereupon two thousand Horse and Foot marched from Tewksbury to Painsewick to gather contribution, and rob the Country about Stroudwater: The Governor drew out two hundred Musketeers with an hundred horse, and marched to the top of Bruckthrop Hill expecting the enemy, whom he found divided into three bodies and himself born down by their multitude, for whilst two parties faced him the third stole down an hollow lane, and had almost surrounded him unawares by the negligence of the Scouts, so that our whole body was brought into great danger, driven to a sudden and confused retreat, and the Governor himself, left deeply engaged; yet most of our men got off, being preserved only by the gallartry of a few resolved men that stood in the breach; and of them Captain George massy striving to retard the pursuit, grappled with three together hand to hand, received a sore wound in the head, and was happily rescued by a Sergeant of the company; of ours, two Lieutenants and sixteen private Soldiers were taken prisoners, the rest in disorder ran down the steep through a rough and narrow lane, and recovered an house at the foot of the Hill, where a party was left to make good the retreat, and the enemy durst not pursue, by which means all the bottom was preserved from spoil; next day they retreated to Few esbury laden with plunder.  
Suddenly after this repulse, we lost two small Garrisons at Westbury and Huntly, by the treachery of Captain Thomas Davis, who sold them at a rate to Sir John Winter. This Davis commanded the Guard at Huntly where himself by night some distance from the house attended the enemies coming, went in before them as friends from Gloucester, gave them possession, and having accomplished that piece of treason, immediately marched to Wesbury where he was received for a friend, and led in his train of Cavaliers, that both places were surprised in two hours, and above eighty men and arms lost in that great exigence. This Villain was posted on the Gallows in Gloucester, and the Lord General was desired that his name might stand upon the Gibbet in all the Parliament Garrisons  
During these things, a Treason of higher nature was plotted by the Enemy, to a self-delusion in the close, a greater birth requiring more time to bring forth. It was first conceived the nineteenth of November, and for near ten weeks had the prime influence on their whole course in these parts; and is now ripe for action. All the force they can make from Oxford, and the Irish are drawn together. The Lord Herbert, Colonel Vavasour, and Sir john Winter lie upon us, and Prince Rupert himself lying at Newent, hoping to effect this great Design. Fifteen colours of horse arrived at Cirencester, and five hundred horse and foot advanced to Saperton and Musarden, within ten miles of this Garrison. There were of the Enemy's forces round about, near six or seven thousand.  
The failing of their endeavours and hopes in the late siege, brought forth a despair of reducing the City by storm, and put them upon the ways of treachery, who therein illuded themselves, and were overacted in their own counsels. One Edward Stanford an Esquire, and a grand Papist, assaulted the fidelity of Captain Backhouse once his friend and acquaintance. He presumed that former friendship might make way to admit the plot, and Backhouses power and interest in the Governor made it (in his conception) very feasible. Wherefore in a private Letter he tendered the renewing of ancient love, not only to the procuring of the King's pardon, but a greater advancement and fortune than the condition of those whom he served, could raise him to. This might be purchased by the delivering of Gloucester into their hands, which was not hard for him to perform considering the nature of his employment And the honesty of the enterprise was grounded on the old proverb, fallere faltentem non est fraus. An hasty and abrupt temptation and the tempters irrational confidence did befool him in the first onset, who knew not either to propose or expect such grounds of assurance as the thing did require: but set upon a knowing man, without the knowledge of any imbred inclination to treason or present provocation. Except a strange levity, a mind set on mischief, the conscience of delinquency, or desire of revenge, vain glory, or riches, are the sole aims of a Traitor, and the hopes of either must appear large and certain; but here an attempt is made on such a one who neither by fear was compelled to provide for himself, nor enraged against his own party, but acknowledged a present felicity in the work in hand: as though it were possible to persuade a man wittingly to contrive his own overthrow.  
The Letters were no sooner received, but communicated to the Governor, who advised to embrace the business, and hold a correspondence with that party, practising that rule by themselves propounded, for these reasons: First, 'twas a delight and glory to take them in the snare which themselves had laid; and the advantage was great. 2. That this treason (already secured) might prevent other conspiracies against the City, so long as they had fair hopes of prevailing by this; lest the contrivance of a second should confound the disposition of the first. 3. That the Country under the command of this Garrison, which upon the petition of the malignant Gentry was devoted to destruction, might be preserved and spared by the Enemy, in hope to enjoy the benefit thereof themselves; for the embracing of this plot did not draw on the Enemy, but held his hand and suspended the execution of his fury. 4. To spin out the plot, and feed their expectation till the Country had vented in the markets their spare provisions of Corn and Cattle. 5. That the Enemy possessed and taken up with the gaining of the City, might give the Parliaments Forces in other parts of the Kingdom a greater freedom to execute their designs. 6. That a flattering promise might allay their fury till the winter were past or our relief come, and we be able to feed them with harder meat; and that themselves might taste the cursed fruits of Treason, to a selfe-shame and confusion. The Design was communicated to Captain William Singleton Alderman, and Captain Read.  
For these and the like reasons, Backhouse undertook the business, and returned an answer in a liberal garb, protesting that he honoured his Majesty with his soul, and was ready to perform all real service. He seemmed withal to promote the plot by requiring sworn secrecy, and agreeing upon a trusty messenger: and that he might seem more deeply to relish the matter, catcht hold on the promise of Reward, and required some unquestionable assurance, that he might not play an after: game poorly. Thus the fraud is returned upon them by one that strives to maintain the repute of integrity, conceiving it no transgression of Military Honour, to deceive them into a snare by verbal equivocation, as well as by a doubtful action, the common way of the Stratagems of War. This confident Reply and the palpable discovery of a sudden change, did not render him suspected, but beyond all reason gave the complotters great contentment, who did not inquire into the conviction and change of his thoughts by due degrees. Stanford desired him forthwith to express his conditions, propose the way, and descend unto the particulars of the service, assented to constant intercourse, and assured him that none but the Lord Digby should be privy to the Design. Captain Backhouse drew the model of the plot in this following Letter to Mr Stanford.  
SIR,  
YOU desire my conceit in proposal of particular Propositions, and of my Reward: To both which I shall thus propose unto you to present to more mature judgements: Whether I may not by drawing out my Troop in an evening (as I can do at any time) meet with your forces, and bring them in at the gate on the sudden in a moonshine night, and so master the first guard, which may easily be done, and not discerned till too late; my Troop being above three score, who may be all in the rear, and at your mercy, though I myself shall lead in the force, which cannot give the alarm in the night so soon as to prevent the design. Whether if I persuade the Governor with a strong party of Horse and Foot upon some design to lie out all night eight or ten miles distant from the Garrison (as I know I can do) and I myself stay at home, in whose absence you may safely advance in the evening to the Towns side, when I can come out to you, and so bring you in under colour of our own forces. Whether if I find out a place stenderly guarded, and somewhat easy to come in at, I may draw off the sentinels upon some pretence, as I can do, being known unto them all, and there direct your entrance. Whether if I send for hay, and give you notice of the very time of its coming in, which must be in the night, I may not after the Carts bring in some men as Carters, who may have snaphance muskets in the Carts and some Dragoons to fall in in the rear of the Carts, who may master the first guard and possess the Ordnance there, and so let in both Horse and Dragoons who with such Ordnance may march through all the streets in the Town. These several ways I propose for the present, but I conceive that those who have been versed in the taking of Towns may make more choice of Propositions, any of which if I apprehend it feazible, I shall gladly undertake, or render a reason of my dislike. As for my reward I am right sensible of how great concernment the business is to your side, and although it be utterly against my spirit to indent before hand, especially with such gallant and noble personages; But the straits I have been put into for lack of money, (having received no pay for myself from those whom I serve) and my estate and charge bids me look to that. I shall expect two thousand pound to be secured, two or three hundred whereof I shall desire you as my friend to procure in hand, that I may be enabled to bear up my port and credit, especially among the common soldiers and Under-officers of the Garrison, to whom I must be open handed, and engage affection, that they may be ready at my call. Secondly, to engage mine own Troop, and to bind such unto me with a silver cord, as I shall find fittest for my purpose; and withal plentifully to reward the entercoursers between you and me, that they may execute our commands with all celerity and trust. This I leave to your consideration and manage, and hope that ere long we shall meet to discourse it, when all the world shall not know.  
R. B.  
These Propositions are sent to Oxford, entertained by the King's cabinet-councel, the Lord Digby becomes the great undertaker, and ratifies the proposal of Captain Backhouse in the following Letter:  
SIR, You having so far declared your desires to serve His Majesty unto my very good friend Master Stanford, I think it fit you should now receive some more authentic assurance of His Majesty's gracious acceptance thereof, then perhaps you will think his bare assurance to be. Therefore I do here solemnly engage my word unto you both as a minister of State, and a Gentleman, that if you shall perform faithfully what you promise there, you shall punctually receive immediately after, such a pardon as yourself shall desire, and the sum of two thousand pounds. As for the three hundred you desire in present, such a confidence I will have in your word, that as soon as ever I shall have received your answer to this under your hand, it shall be forthwith paid into whatsoever place you shall appoint, or to what person. As for the particular ways of effecting our design, those you propose are very rational, but the choice, and disposition thereof must be between you, and those that are to execute it, with whom if it were possible you should procure a meeting at some unsuspected place. I do propose unto you the choice of several men, and whom of them you shall like best, and think fittest by reason of the place where his command is, to him alone, and to no other the business shall be imparted, whether Sir William Vavasour commander in chief of the forces now in Gloucestershire, or Colonel Mine, Commander of a brigade of the English that come out of Ireland, or Colonel Washington who is at Evesham; or lastly, whether the Governor of Berkley-castle. As soon as you shall send me an answer you shall receive satisfaction, from him who hopes you will so behave yourself as to make me,  
Your assured friend, G. D.  
Here this degenerate Lord sells his honour and betrays the esteem of gallantry, by promoving and engaging himself to reward the vilest treason, and to insinnate himself into the close workings thereof, when many brave spirits out of their abundant justice have disdained the proffer of so base a service. And herein did he derogate from the repute of an able Statesman in relying upon the doubtful expressions of an unknown person, and whose condition could not invite any of the least ground of belief.  
Hereupon a correspondency was held with the Lord Digby; unto whom Backhouse made his reply, that his Lordship's directions suited with his own former proposals made unto Master Stanford, to wit, that the Commander of the forces to be employed herein must be conscious of the design; and as touching the choice of a chief actor on their part, he conceived Sir William Vavasour the fittest man, because he was nearest the business, his men lying at Ledbury, when the rest were more remote and of inconsiderable strength: as also because he had the best advantage to make his approach undiscovered, there being no suburbs nor house near the City from his quarters, nor any out-guard to give the alarm. And for himself, upon a few day's notice he would comply with their expectation, as the actors should agree upon all circumstances.  
Upon this they returned large expressions of reward, and honour, but the present payment of the three hundred pound was waved by Stanford, as much as possible, upon pretence of the danger of mis-fezance in the main plot. Backhouse would not admit the excuse, importuned the payment, as well to have something in hand, as to let them know the great wheel that turned him about, that the palpable show of corruption might make them more confident. Neither could they well keep back the earnest of this guerdon, lest they should render themselves capable of his dislike jealousy, or seem to suspect his trust, whose adventure (if real) in every line was sufficient to ruin him, and he left to bewail his own misfortune: wherefore it was resolved that this Stanford and Captain Backhouse should debate upon the business by word of mouth; they met accordingly in Cosl●wne at an hour appointed, without arms or attendants, where Backhouse received two hundred pounds in hand, with a promise from Stanford to discharge a Bond of fifty pounds, and was not once urged in the whole conference to an asseveration of fidelity by protestation or oath. He received likewise the contrivance of the plot laid by Master Stanford, Sir William Vavasour, and others that were lately come to Tewksbury, which ran thus: That Colonel massy should be drawn out of the Garrison with a strong party towards Berkley-castle, having assurance that the Castle should be rendered, which was really intended by them, that the gaining of Gloucester might be the more facile. In the absence of the Governor Captain Backhouse was to open the gate, and deliver the word. Thus was the plot proposed and approved by Backhouse, but with additional advice, that their forces might with all speed relinquish Tewksbury, because he should never persuade the Governor to draw forth such a party, whilst they lay so strong upon us. This also was assented unto by the complotters, being secure of their agent, and blinded with extreme desire and confidence. And had not the proposal of the enemy been by themselves deserted, we had possessed Barkley-castle, and placed a garrison in Tewksbury. Yet so far did they prosecute the business, that Sir William Vavasour sent to require the Governor of Berkley to draw out his whole garrison (which was refused, without the Kings, or Prince rupert's special command) himself also commanded a great part of his foot to Parshow, professed his endeavours to march with the residne, and all the horse; but that His Majesty's Commissioners were so averse as by no means to consent or permit, unless they might know and approve the design, whom he professed to leave unsatisfied, lest he might do Backhouse a disservice, and prevent or disturb the motion▪ Notwithstanding Backhouse knew well enough that the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Tewksbury, and the whole Court at Oxford are full of this compliment; and so close was the business carried that the London Mercury had blazoned him for a Traitor. Wherefore upon this pretence they run back to one of the former Propositions, to wit, that he would draw forth his own Troop, with one more, which should be put in the rear of their horse, and himself lead the forlorn hope into the Town. But he tightly declined this way pretending himself not a little dashed at the disturbance of the first intention, which in his own thoughts ran so feazeble, and alleged the Governors' watchfulness in observing the garrison of Tewksbury, that he had given private commands to the Officers both of horse and foot to be instantly ready upon the first advance of their forces, and kept abroad night and day good parties of horse to bring intelligence. So that he could not join with them, without suspicion or discovery: and as he should be glad to confirm their opinion of his real performance, for whom he did thus hazard his life and fortune, so should he be infinitely unwilling to put them upon any enterprise which to themselves might prove prejudicial: he minded them withal that the true frame of the plot was the life of the action. That one misfeizance in a business of this nature was never to be repaired, but crossed the perfection of such an enterprise, wherein he protested himself happy if he might sacrifice himself to accomplish the same according to his desires. In the close he gave his opinion, that the Governors' absence was the chief requisite to prepare the business, that his presence was not consistent with the safety of their side, especially if the alarm be taken at the first entrance. Wherefore he was once more confident to urge the relinquishing of Tewksbury, and upon the removal promised to possess the Governor with a private intelligence of the surrender of Berkley, and persuade him to embrace the supposed opportunity, whilst himself should remain at home with the command of the horse left for scouts, and act the business with more ease and safety.  
This motion effected its intended purpose to bring them on at the West Port, to our best advantage against them, and Sir William Vavasour seemed to incline, but craved a little patience till the contribution were brought in to satisfy the Soldiers. Master Stanford required a particular information of the state of the garrison, and received an account of the several Ports, Forts, great Guns, Draw-bridges, Provisions and Ammunition. This was taken for a pregnant testimony of Backhouse his fidelity, and made them the more bold to come on, who were gulled with such a slender notice of trivial things, that the meanest boy which passed through the streets might give as great satisfaction: but whatsoever was of concernment he represented to the best advantage of the garrison.  
After much variety of intercourse, Sir William Vavasour urged the execution, in regard the Parliaments Army grew so strong, that what they attempted was to be done out of hand. The plot was thus disposed by Captain Backhouse, as well to secure his own person within the gates, as to render the design more probable. That whereas being Commander of the horse he could require the Keys of the City for the sending forth of scouts, he proposed this way to their liking; that the very night of their approach he might provide Scouts out of his own Troop who should not be ready till the business were acted. Mean while himself would take the Keys, repair to the West gate, and pretend to stay for their coming, and set the guard which is usually slender to drink in an Alehouse: In which time they might advance, find no living soul but himself at the gate, or a few drunken men, and pretend withal to be our own men from Churcham, where we had a guard of horse and foot, which if they did not disturb would continue there awhile, and further the performance.  
Thus the safety of the Country, and our small garrisons was still interwoven in each part of the plot: and they deceived with so great a semblance of reason, that they could not suspect, though in every motion he constantly waved selfe-ingagement, and personal danger. The main care of the business is to draw them on to a selfe-destruction: and the last model complies with their fancy in each particle, and to their second thoughts likewise appears still more rational. On the fifteenth of February the 〈◊〉 time is come, nine of the clock at night is the hour appointed, the guards are to be drawn off from the further Bridge, and the Sentinels to be taken in. Prince Rupert is to advance with fifteen hundred horse and foot, and it would be very satisfactory if Captain Brickhouse met them with his own Troop pretending to beat up a horse quarters, but this they urge not it it be found inconvenient. In the evening a Messenger is dispatched, from Gloucester to the Enemy's quarters, with the watch word for their assurance and some private directions for their march up the Town; while himself waited at the Gate, which he undertook to set open, if they came by nine of the clock, or within half an houre-after.  
After the messengers dispatch, the ports were shut up round the City, careful Sentinels set, The Governor called a council of War, acquainted the Officers with the Plot, gave order that aswell Citizens as Soldiers should continue that night in Arms: drew to the Westgate three pieces of Ordnance, and a strong guard of Musketeers well provided with Granades, and commanded four stout men in a boat under Ouers' Bridge half a mile distant from the gate to lie under the main. Arch, with direction that upon the firing of the first Ordnance they should out a cable rope, which being done the Bridge would fall into the River. By which means they had all been killed, drowned or taken being cooped up in an Island open to our shot without possible means of escape. In this preparation and posture we continued all night, watching the time to have delivered ourselves from the future mischief of such blood thirsty Enemies, They advanced with their whole body of horse and foot, but before they came within a mile and a half of the City it was open day, when having lost the time by the slowness of their manch, they durst not come on but instantly retreated to Newent, from thence Captain Backhouse was informed by letters of the reason of their failings, which induced us to believe that the Enemy did not yet know that their design was destroyed. Wherefore we endeavoured secrecy, and the next day suffered no man to pass the ports, desired to salve the matter and bring them on once more, but the whole frame quickly fell asunder, though the languishing enemy gave some cold entertainment to a few patching letters, because they were ashamed to acknowledge such a strong delusion.  
As they had all justly perished in their own hellish mischief, so are they deservedly branded with notorious folly in the whole manage: and the chief undertakers might have learned not to indulge their hopes of fair conclusion by their own subtlety cogitations, and the show of a neat contrivance, when nothing beneath a like mutual engagement, and strong necessity doth deserve assurance and confidence. Nevertheless the pregnant hopes of this imaginary treason, as it brought forth a lie to the contrivers thereof, so it wrought much good for this garrison, and the common service of the State. The embracing of the motion held up the desires of the enemy, and made them less active elsewhere. It preserved the Country till our succours came which were every day expected. Neither was this plot the cause that the power of the enemy did bear hard on the Country (for here was the confluence of their Winter quarters) but since we must bear their burden, it made it the less grievious. 'Twas impossible to keep out an Enemy, but all the skill was to allay his fury and hinder the acting of mischief: which was carried on with violence by the Malignant Gentry, and that party that were not privy to or disliked the Plot; inso much that Sir William Vavasour was complained of, reviled and cursed: and at once lost the opportunity of action and advancement in the King's Service.  
The Enemy swarms in every corner, except the County of the City and Whitstone hundred, that each day creates new troubles, and the Governor constrained on one side, or other continually to draw out strong parties, to defend ourselves, maintain our Markets and encourage that part of the Country which is yet clear: All advantages were taken to engage the people and herein did the Governor's industry put forth itself in settling the Country in a posture of defence, when the command of the City did not reach above three miles some ways, and not above seven miles on the best side. At several Randezvouzes published the national Covenant and Declaration of both Kingdoms expressing their mutual care of repairing our breaches and perseverance in their main undertaking, which gave great satisfaction to such as were damnityed in this cause, and confirmed unto them the vigour and strength of the Parliament. By which means the nearer parts became wholly ours, not only yielding a supply of maintenance, but engaging themselves on their own and our defence. And some of them that did not seem to confide in the State were drawn in being first enraged by the Enemeis' cruelty, which discontent and desire of revenge the Governor cherished, and raised to an open Declaration, and unawares of the multitude put them beyond the hopes of a fair retreat. So that these men observed the Enemy upon every motion sent alarms to the City, and in a great part took off the fear of a sudden surprisal.  
Amidst these things the expectation of the London supply, and the daily hopes of money strongly upheld the common Soldiers by a mere delusion: its delay became a greater advantage, since its real strength had before been crumbled to dust. No part of the Kingdom was capable of better service by a considerable number, yet a mean and slender relief did not only not shake off the burden, but disgrace the business and contract, and sink the minds of men when hope doth enlarge and bear up.  
The Governor therefore advised the stay of the Convoy, and was willing to expect such a party as might enable him to bear off the Enemy fifteen miles round about. Want of Ammunition was the greatest exigence, and the preserving thereof; till a supply came was the main hindrance of all designs? Nevertheless we had perpetual Bicker, that the Enemy might not grow upon us and our daily nimble performances were unto them as a continual dropping. Amongst others a party of horse and Dragooners issued forth as far as Marshfield, fell upon a Troop of horse quarters there and brought thence a Lieutenant, Cornet, and Quartermaster, with a few common prisoners, and such horse and Arms as the Troop did yield. Whilst Colonel Ueales foot, and the Lord Incheequeenes' horse lay in and about Berkely, and sorely oppressed the Country, we fell into a horse quarter of Incheequeenes▪ Regiment, and took a Major and two Captains, three Lieutenants, two Cornets with two Colours and other inferior Officers and Soldiers, to the number of three and twenty, all this while the strength of the King's army is lodged between us and Warwick, to intercept our relief and in thought have already divided the spoil.  
Sir William Vavasour willing to act something in the latter end of the day, to repair his credit in the King's Army, desired a greater strength with a sufficient Artillery to distress and straiten Gloucester, and having obtained two Culverins from Oxford, with a proportion of powder, he advanced with a strong Brigade towards Painswick with unusual preparations and expectation. Their march afflicted the Country, and endangered our out-garrisons. The enemy were confident to the last that extremity would compel us to yield up all to their mercy. Sir William Vavasour entered Painswicke with as gallant horse and foot as the King's Army did yield. Here the Governor had placed a guard in a house near the Church, into which the Church also was taken in by a Breast work of Earth. The intention of the guard was to command contribution, and keep off a plundering party: and order was given to the Lieutenant which commanded to maintain it against a lesser party, but if the main body and Artillery advanced upon them, to relinquish it and retreat down the Hill to Bruckthrop (where the Governor had set a guard to prevent the Enemies falling down into the bottom) for which purpose they were assisted with a Troop of horse, to make good such a Retreat if need were. But the Lieutenant more confident of the place, and not understanding the strength of the Army, and not willing to draw off before the last minute, was enforced by the Enemy to engage himself, and many willing people of the Neighbourhood in that weak hold, and upon the first onset deserted the house being the stronger part, and betook himself to the Church, which wanting flankers the Enemy had quickly gained by firing the doors and casting in hand-Granadoes, some few were slain in defending the place, and the rest taken prisoners. We lost three inferior Officers, seven and thirty common Soldiers, and many Country men; At that season the Governor had commanded to Stroud, another guard of fifty Musketeers to support and strengthen the place in its own defence. But Ammunition was their only cry, which struck us dead, and constrained the Governor to withdraw that party to the garrison at Essington; For our Magazine did then yield no more than six single barrels of powder, by which means he was wholly disabled to encounter the Enemy; Only to preserve the bottom, he drew forth the greatest part of both Regiments with their Colours displayed to flourish at a distance, and summoned the Volunteers of the Country whom himself had engaged in a posture of defence. These were to increase the appearance of strength by day, and at night to guard the several passages. So that the Enemy durst not adventure below the Hills, nor seek us in our advantages, nor was it safe for us, who wanted horse, to set upon them in those large and open places; Either party kept their own ground. They wasted the Hill Countries, whilst we secured the Vale: and the Soldiers sustained hard duty in marching to and fro to give the Country satisfaction, where the Enemy prevailed they plundered to the bare walls, and this was the accomplishment of the great service, so long expected from Sir William Vavasour.  
This Brigade, upon the defeat of Sir Ralph Hoptons' Army, by Sir William Waller at Charrington Down, was commanded hence and instantly marched for Cirencester and so to Oxford, our horse made after them but could not recover the Rear, only they lighted upon some stragglers, and in the whole business we killed and took near fifty men. This diversion relieved Gloucester which else had been blocked up to the Gates, and cast into as great necessity as ever. In this pinch we received twelve horse load of Ammunition strangely conveyed between the Enemy's garrisons, only by the Carriers and a foot post, when their designed convoy that set forth a little after and miss them, gave them for lost and returned to Warwick; The residue of the relief was stolen by parcels through the enemy's Quarters, for though their greater body was drawn off, yet were we still vexed with their garrisons. Not long after there arrived another portion and three Troops of horse to make up the Governors' Regiment. At length came Lieutenant Colonel Ferrar that had the command of these succours with a little long expected pay for the Garrison. As for the Foot Soldiers that came with him out of London, in regard they came several ways and at several times in a linger march with want of pay, and some taken prisoners, about fifty came to Gloucester, and of the rest, no good account could be given.  
When Vavasour was called off the Enemy revived and grew bold under a more active Leader Colonel Nicholas Min, who commanded the Irish Brigade. In the first entrance he began to lash out, and made assays of action, cut down the Bridge at Masemore, alarmed the City from the Vineyard Hill, and took divers of our men that issued out upon a sally over the River in a boat.  
At this present there came daily cries for the relief of Brampton Castle in the remote parts of Herefordshire, which held out a long time in the midst of the Enemy's Country to the expense of much time and blood. And their succour was the more importuned by the rage of the Enemy, which had lately acted their cruelties upon forty prisoners of the same command taken by Colonel Woodhouse in Hopton Castle, which were basely murdered after the surrender. Colonel massy had no forces under his command to undertake a march through the midst of the Enemy, when they pressed hard on our own borders, and the Brigade of horse assigned for the Convoy, and commanded by Commissary General Bher were unwilling to undertake the service. Yet while these horse remained here, the Governor desired to set them a work that they might not act only to the spoil of the Country. Wherefore they joined with a party of our foot, and made an attempt upon Newent, Colonel Mins garrison, but were called off in the midst of the service by a special order from the L. General.  
The Enemy have lost the hopes of their Winter action, and this garrison made the best of a bad game in continual petty services and small parties, yet beyond the strength of the place, not to conquer, but live, nor to destroy the King's Forces but to stave off or delude them. But to enable Colonel Massy to march with a better strength, Colonel Purefoy with his Regiment of horse about the first of April 1644, was by the Committeè of both Kingdom, commanded into these parts, and the main design was to remove or take in the garrisons that lay round the City. These horse having brought but a slender part of the Ammunition, and none of the Arms that were sent from London were remanded to Warwick, for the Convoy of Match and Powder: The Governor resolving not to undertake a march or action of time without a proportion of Powder, both for the field and garrison. Upon their second arrival these horse with a party of four hundred foot were drawn out with two small pieces of Ordnance, and advanced into the Enemy's quarters, first with a purpose to seek out Colonel Min, who was lodged in the nearer parts. But upon the report of our march he fell back from Newent and hastened to Rosse, where he began to fortify the Church with his own and Sir john Winter's Regiments. The Governor made forwards into Herefordshire, and kept his head quarters at Ledbury to appear unto the Enemy, and in their own Country provoke them to action, and in the mean while to fetch in moneys for the supply of the Soldier, and to ease our Neighbourhood, which till then did bear the whole burden. Our horse that lay near upon their garrisons had some encounters, but with no considerable party. From Hedbury an hundred and fifty Musketeers with the whole strength of horse were drawn towards Hereford to command the Country, and face the garrison which feared our approach, and for that cause fired a loan house near the City, but none did adventure to sally forth or fall on the Rear in our retreat, so we marched through the greatest part of the County, but the grand Malignants were fled with the best of their substance. The Governor resolved to attempt the lesser garrisons, but the noise of our march had reached Prince Rupert, who thereupon was come to Evesham with as great a strength of Horse and Dragoones as he could draw together with a purpose to fall over Upton-Bridge, and get between Gloucester, and our forces, whilst Colonel Min and Sir John Winter held us in play in these parts. Wherefore being advertised of the Prince's march, and suspecting his intention, he drew back the party as well to refresh and preserve his men as to make the Enemy secure.  
But within four days the like number were again drawn out towards the Forest side to attempt and act something upon Myns forces, and first they came up upon Westbury, once our own garrison, but betrayed into the hands of Sir John Winter. Here the enemy held the Church, and a strong house adjoining. The Governor observing a place not flanked, fell up that way with the Forlorn hope, and secured them from the danger of shot. The men got stools and ladders to the windows, where they stood safe, cast in Granades and fired them out of the Church. Having gained the Church, he quickly beat them out of their works and possessed himself of the house, where he took about four score prisoners, without the loss of a man. The enemy had an other guard at Little-Deane, whither the Governor commanded a party of horse to give them alarms whilst he fell upon Westbury. These horse found the enemy straggling in the Town, and upon the discovery of their approach shuffling towards the garrison, which the Troopers observing, alighted and ran together with them into the house, where they took about twenty men. near unto which guard Lieutenant Colonel Congrave Governor of Newnham and one Captain Wigmore with a few private Soldiers were surrounded in some houses by the residue of our horse. These had accepted quarter, ready to render themselves when one of their company from the house kills a Trooper, which so enraged the rest, that they broke in upon them and put them all to the Sword: in which accident this passage was not to be forgotten that expressed in one place an extreme contrariety in the Spirits of men under the stroke of death: Congrave died with these words, Lord receive my soul; and Wigmore cried nothing but Dum me more, Damn me more; desperately requiring the last stroke, as enraged at Divine revenge.  
Colonel massy pursued the success (whilst his own men were full of life and hope, that the confidence of the enemy might be dashed by a quick surprisal.) And the very next day came before Newnham, where a strong party of Sir John winter's forces kept garrison in the Church, and the Fort adjoining, of considerable strength, who at that instant where much daunted and distracted by the loss of Congrave their Governor. Our men were possessed of the Town without opposition, and recovered the houses by which they got near the works. The Governor commanded a blind of faggots to be made athwart the street, drew up two pieces of Ordnance within Pistol shot: and observing a place not well flankered. where he might lead up his men to the best advantage, himself marched before them, and found that part of the work fortified with double pallisadoes: (the Soldiers being provided with Saws to cut them down,) and having drawn these close within a dead angle, and secure from their shot, and drawing the rest of his force for a storm, the enemy forthwith desires parley, and to speak with the Governor, which he refused, and commanded a sudden surrender. In this interim some of the enemy jumped over the works, and so our men broke in upon the rest, who ran from the outwork into the Church, hoping to clear the mount which we had gained. But our men were too nimble, who had no sooner entered the mount, but rushed upon them before they could reach home, and tumbled into the Church all together. Then they cried for quarter, when in the very point of victory a disaster was like to befall us, a barrel of Gunpowder was fired in the Church, undoubtedly of set purpose, and was conceived to be done by one Tipper a most virulent Papist, and Sir John Winter's servant, despairing withal of his redemption being a prisoner before, and having falsified his engagements. This Powder blast blew many out of the Church, and sorely singed a greater number, but killed none. The Soldiers enraged fell upon them, and in the heat of blood, slew near twenty, and amongst others this Tipper. All the rest had quarter for their lives (save one Captain Butler an Irish rebel, who was knocked down by a common soldier) and an hundred prisoners taken. The service was performed without the loss of a man on our side.  
After this dispatch the Governor marched to Lidney house, with purpose to attempt according to what he should find meet, and in the first place summoned the same to a surrender, which being refused, and he finding the house exceedingly fortified, and no less provided with victual and force, engaged not upon it: And understanding that Col. Mine with a considerable strength of horse and foot, assisted by the Lord Herbert's forces, and Sir John Winter, was come as far as Coford; he was enforced with more expedition to draw off, for the gaining of the hill towards them, there expecting the enemies advance till towards evening, when he marched off his wearied men to Gloucester, first having fired Sir John Winter's Iron-mils and Furnaces, the main strength of his estate and garrison.  
After these things many Gentlemen of the County began to look towards the Parliament, and tender their obedience, desiring Protections from this government, to secure themselves from spoil, and the soldier's violence. Nevertheless as the personal estates of all known delinquents within the reach of this command were seized, and the profits of their Lands sequestered, so these men were not to be ignorant or insensible of the value of their peace. Concerning some the Governor desired the direction of the Houses, yet granted Protections with strict provisoes only to preserve their persons from the violence, and their estates from the plunder of the common soldier, for the advantage of the public, till a full conviction, or the pleasure of the Houses were by themselves or their Committee made known. And this he did according to the Parliaments undeniable justice, and the example of other general Officers. As for the moderate offenders, unless the state of things did require or permit their utter destruction, he had no other way but to endeavour to make them our friends and confidents, and since it was resolved they must live amongst us, he desired by love and gentle dealing to hold the way secure and open, that they might embrace the condition without discontent or fear, and for these protections he reserved nothing to himself but caused the moneys to be paid in to the public Treasurer for the use of the garrison.  
Neither was he sluggish in the spring of action, but immediately fell upon another design, the surprisal of Tewksbury, by an unexpected onset. For the enemy by the number of their men, and the natural strength of the place, with the works well begun, were sufficiently provided to receive an expected and open storm, and the Governor shunned all desperate hazards, because he did not march with supernumerary forces, but the main strength of Gloucester. Wherefore to deceive the enemy the foot were drawn forth at the West-gate, bearing the show of an advance into Herefordthire, and the Horse kept their Rendezvouz, and looked the same way. But in the evening the horse came back and marched through Gloucester towards Tewksbury, having first sent a guard to Upton-bridge: while the foot came on beyond Severne. The design had taken effect, had not the foot by their slow march or misguidance passed the hour, which was break of day, for they came not before the Town till an hour after Sun rising, when we were found not sit to assault a waking and prepared enemy. To withdraw nevertheless, did seem but a feeble business for such a fair body of horse and foot displayed before the Town, and carried before it the appearance of a baffle: yet the Governor, though naturally jealous of honour, could digest such mis-fezance, when the safety of his own men required, knowing that the opportunity of service would in good time cancel a misgrounded ignominy, and in his whole course, whensoever the present exigence did not urge a greater hazard, neglected the hopes of those victories that could not be gained without the weakening of that party on which the main rest did lie.  
This party was presently sent over the River, and marched toward Rosse to prevent the joining of Colonel Mine (now made Commander in chief in the room of Sir William Vavasour) with Sir John Winter, and the Welsh forces, as also to raise moneys for the garrison out of the remoter parts, to enlarge our own quarters, engage the Country with us, or to lie ready for all occasions of service. There our horse and foot arrived, with two pieces of Ordnance, and found Wilton-bridge guarded by Captain Cassie, and thirty Musketeers from Gudridge-castle; a party of our horse advanced upon them, forced the River, and got beyond them; after some dispute beat off the guard, wounded and took the Captain, slew many of his men, and took the rest in the chase almost up to the Castle. Our forces rested here a few days, and summoned the Country to appear, it being the Governors constant endeavour to add daily friends unto the Parliament, and to put the Country into such a posture, that upon all alarms they might gather to an head for their own defence, and hereupon many came in and declared themselves, by taking the national Covenant. Whilst the engagement of the Country was thus prosecuted some emergent occasions drew the Governor to Gloucester, where he found a prisoner Captain Oglethorpe Governor of Beverston-castle, a man rendered odious to the Country by strange oppressions and tyranny, and who lost himself basely being taken by some of our Scouts in a private house courting his Mistress, and when once taken, not so high and stern before, but now as vile and abject. By which means the Governor was made sensible of the weakness of the Castle, but much divided in his own thoughts, whether to leave the Country that came on so fairly to a selfe-engagement, and neglect the Contribution already levied, but not paid in, or desert the hopes of agallant service: till at last considering the great command of the Castle, that the gaining of it would free the Clothiers of Stroudwater from the bondage and terror of that government, & might prove a great detriment and annoyance to the enemy, in stopping or disturbing their passage from Oxford to Bristol, he turned his thoughts to the business, put on and resolved to try for it. Wherefore he drew from Rosse without delay, and commanded his foot over Severne at Newnham passage, whilst the horse marched through Gloucester: the next day he came before Beverston, and demanded the Castle in the name of the King and Parliament.  
The Lieutenant that commanded, at the first return sent an answer of compliance, far from the language of a soldier, and without one confident expression. They quickly came to a parley, and rendered upon conditions that both Officers and common Soldiers leaving their Arms, Ammunition, Bag and Baggage, should freely pass to whatsoever garrison of the Kings themselves desired, only four Officers had the privilege to take each man his horse. So that without loss or danger we were possessed of Beverston-castle, to the great content and satisfaction of the Country round about. 'Twas lost unworthily on the enemy's part, who might have held it with ease. Of so great simplicity was he conscious that commanded the Garrison as to ask the place, whether our forces intent the next march, expressing his doubts of Malmesbury, and fear of being taken the second time. Nevertheless they required a conduct thitherward and were guard d along by two Troops of horse, and that very day our forces fell before it.  
Whilst the horse faced the Town Colonel massy sent in the Summons, but this enemy put on the appearance of bravery fired upon the horse, and Colonel Henry Howard Governor of the Garrison sent back a resolute answer. Thereupon our foot and artillery were brought up from Tedbury, and within two hours drawn into the Suburbs and lower part of the Town. The foot broke their way through the houses till they came almost up to the works, and the only place of entrance into the Town, which is built upon the level of a rock. Colonel massy caused a blind to be made cross the street to bring up the Ordnance, within Carbine shot: when on the sudden the fancy of an Alarm seized upon our men in the heat of the business, that the enemy were sallying out upon them, which was nothing so. This unexpected accident struck those men that at other times would brave it in the face of an enemy, with such distraon and fear, that they all fled, and left their Cannon in the open street. This mere conceit was like to overturn all: but they within observed not. After a while the Soldiers recovered themselves, regained and kept their ground, and the Governor resolved to storm the Town in three places at once. The several parties were drawn out to the places of assault, but this design miscarried through the misunderstanding of the signal. The parties return unto the Governor, who resolved to make the assault at break of day in one place where himself kept the only passage into the Town, having no drawbridge at the entrance, but only a Turn-pike, whereas the other parts were almost inaccessible, guarded by a steep descent, and double channel round about. The houses within Pistol shot of the works were our main advantage, by which means our men were brought safe under the shelter of their works. And the Governor observing the late effects of a panic fear amongst his own men, gave the charge that they should fall on all together with a sudden and confused noise, to amaze the enemy, and disturb the command of the Officers. The forlorn hope advanced, seconded with a good reserve, all put on together, came up to the Turn-pike, and threw in Granades, the enemy made many shot at random, in the disadvantage of a rainy night, and their muskets lying wet on the works. So that our men came all in a crowd to the narrow passage, and thronged in, and not a man slain or wounded in the storm. One only was killed the night before in helping to make the blind. Colonel Howard was taken at the works after three shots received in several parts of his garment, each of which miss his body. An hundred musketeers were taken prisoners, many having escaped, besides those of Beverston-castle, who came hither for refuge the day before. This service was performed gallantly by our men, after three days continual march. Upon the first entrance Colonel massy preserved the Town from plunder, nor at any time did he suffer his soldiers to ransack any place that he took by storm, giving this reason, that he could judge no part of England an enemy's Country, nor an English Town capable of devastation by English soldiers. After a little stay to settle the garrison, and Country, and to command in some moneys for the satisfaction of the soldiers, and present supply of the brigade, he returned to Gloucester; and the Warwickshire horse were called off into their own Country.  
After few days the Governor having breathed himself and his men, resolved to attempt the taking of Tewksbury, a bad neighbour to our head garrison, and where he had suffered the repulse twice before. He was able to draw forth an hundred and twenty horse, and about thirty dragoones, with three hundred foot. For his strength was no more than the standing forces of the City, a great part of which were now swallowed up by the garrisons lately taken in. The horse and dragoones commanded by Major Hammond advanced some few hours before the Foot and Artillery, and were to alarm the enemy till the foot came up. They made a halt a mile from the Town, and drew out a pretty strong forlorne-hope, conceiving they might possibly surprise them, if they had not as yet took the alarm, and first three men were sent before to espy if the Draw-bridge were down, and six more behind went undiscovered; next unto these marched the forlorn hope, and the main body in the rear. In this posture they advanced up to the Town, where they found the Bridge down, the guards slender; the enemy without intelligence, and supinely negligent. On went the first party, killed the Sentinels, a Pikeman and a Musketier without match, and made good the bridge: the forlorne-hope rushed in, and after them a full body of horse and dragoones, fell upon the guards, came up to the maine-guard before the alarm was taken, overturned their Ordnance, and charged through the streets as far as the bridge Worcester way, where they took Major Mine the Governor of the Town. The enemy threw down their Arms, many escaped by flight, and many were taken prisoners. Colonel Godfrey was slain in the first charge, as also Colonel Vavasours Quartermaster-generall, and a Lieutenant, all Papists, besides a Sergeant, with about six common Soldiers. Our Officers and Soldiers supposing themselves wholly victorious, dismounted and went into the houses, some in the vanity of their humour, others for plunder, whilst all slighted their own guards, and the making good of the bridge at which they entered, and neglected the taking and disarming of the maine-guard, which lay in the heart of the Town, and cleared every street. Whereupon those at the main-guard observing the horse not seconded with foot, took courage to charge some of our horse now in confusion, and many of the enemy out of the houses ran to the guard, and so strengthened it, that they issued out upon our men, put them to a retreat, beat them out of the Town, and took some few prisoners. But before they were beaten out they had cut down two Draw-bridges, and secured the Governor Major Mine, who was passed over Severne with a small party that took him beyond the Town. By this time Colonel massy was come up with a few horse half a mile in the Van of the foot, which hasted after to make an assault in this instant of time. But the bridge towards Gloucester was again drawn up and the works manned on that side; here the governor placed his company of dragoones, and gave order to fire upon them, whilst he drew his men round the Town, it being now dark night; but before he could reach the farther end, where he entered about midnight the enemy were fled towards Worcester, being daunted at the first assault made by the horse, observing withal our foot now brought up, their own Governor lost, their Officers slain, and most of the common Soldiers already run away. The Townsmen through fear durst not give the least intelligence of what had happened. By which means they were past the recovery of our horse already tired, besides the night and dark weather hindered the pursuit. Only we took some scattering foot, to the number of four and twenty, with a Lieutenant. Upon our entrance we found eighteen barrels of Powder, left by their haste, an hundred & twenty skeyns of Match, two hundred new Pikes, four & thirty large hand-Granadoes, good store of Musket-shot, and two brass Drakes. Most of their Muskets were thrown about in the fields, ditches, and rivers, many of which were afterwards found, but the place itself was of greatest consequence, and worthy of the service, being now a strong Frontier-town securing that side of the County, and commanding a good part of Worcestershire: and in this nick of time extremely cross to the intentions of the King's Army. The enemy confessed themselves to be near seven hundred strong, when our whole body could not reach that number. That very day Colonel Mine was to march from Hereford to aid this Town: but prevented by our possession.  
These things were acted here while the Earl of Essex and Sir William Waller lay near Oxford with both their Arms, and compelled His Majesty to withdraw himself from his strongest hold. The King having shifted between them both by a close and nimble conveyance, and being on a swift march over Cotswood hills had this Town of Tewksbury in his thoughts for his own pass, and a stop to the pursuing Army, not understanding his loss till within a days march of the place. The intelligence of this surprisal, and that Upton-bridge was made unpassable, perplexed the King, and turned aside the course of his flight towards Evesham: where he quartered for a night, and rose thence in great distraction, and caused all the bridges in those parts to be broken down after him, to hinder Sir William Waller in the pursuit, whom he expected in the Rear every hour. In such a hurry, confusion and fear did the Enemy run, that a smaller party of horse only with the report of the foot coming after, in a constant and close pursuit might have consumed and dissipated the whole army: which nevertheless remained a body with life in itself, and quickly grew up to the perfection of parts.  
The Governor had reduced these parts into a reasonable condition of ease, and security, made a convenient pass for the Parliaments forces through the heart of the King's Country, and blocked up the course of the Enemy almost on every side, unless the main Army did march. Malmesbury and Beverston-Castle lie in the Road from Oxford to Bristol, and enforce the lesser parties to fetch a compass by Worcester and Hereford, thence round about into Wales, and at last to pass the River of Severne below Berkely Castle.  
When the King had wound himself out of the snare, Sir William Waller could not well follow the chase with his foot and a train of Artillery, though the horse might perform gallantly to the ruin of those who resolved rather to fly before them then fightupon any terms. Wherefore he made some pause by the way with a purpose to march his great Ordnance to Gloucester, and appointed Colonel Massy to meet him before Sudeley, where he performed an acceptable service to this Country. The Governor forth with faced the Castle, beat in the Enemy, and took twenty horses from under the Castle walls, expecting the arrival of Sir Wil Waller: who came up within few hours with a strong party of Horse.  
The Enemy within discharged their Ordnance, and fired their outhouses like men resolved upon extremities rather than to yield up or lose the garrison. In the evening Sir William Waller summoned the Governor of the Castle: and it fell out that the very name of his Army and presence struck them to the surrender of that hold that might have expended the lives of many, and much time then precious in that great advantage on the King's distressed Army: yet they refused to render at the first summons. The Battery was planted within half Musketshot. But the great pieces did little execution upon the soft and yielding stone, nor could the Castle be taken by battery: but one shot by chance took off the head of their Cannoneer, and exceedingly daunted the common soldier: and the Governor Sir William Morton did in his own thoughts incline to a surrender, whether out of a natural fear or free choice. He was known to be active and violent in the King's service, of an high spirit and bold, bearing before him the semblance of valour and supposed by an high degree of enmity most obnoxious to the justice of the Parliament, one that had the repute of a knowing man, able in the profession of the Law, and versed in the ways and actions of men. He was likewise more strongly linked unto that cause by the late honour of Knighthood, which by the State is held no better than a note of infamy, to stigmatize those persons that have been eminent in the disservice of the commonwealth. Notwithstanding this, being lost and desperate in the opinion of the Parliament, he gave up that strong hold and himself into their hands, having not provided for the indemnity of his own person: when by his own party, likewise he must needs be branded with treachery or cowardice, and so lost on all hands. So that no faction seems to be assured of its principal confidents, and that no resolved nature or judgement can secure the strongest enterprise to a wise and honourable conclusion. After the surrender Sir William advanced thence to seek out the King's Army, and left the Castle to be kept by the Gloucester forces.  
By this time the Enemy had no footing in the County save Berkely-Castle and Lidney house; And as this government had by main force gained every step of its command, so no less skill and virtue is required to maintain the victories, we have the possession of Gloucester, Tewksbury, Sudely, Newneham, Beverston, and Slimbridge, all to be defended and maintained at so great distances only by two Regiments of foot. For Malmesbury was kept by Colonel Deveraux his Regiment, who was appointed Governor under the command of Colonel massy, unto whom the disposition and settlement of that garrison was entrusted by the Parliament. For want of money the City Regiments were weak and uncertain in duty and service, and the Soldiers ran daily to other garrisons, where they found always constant pay and less hardship: But the Governor could find none so rational as to clap them in Irons, or give them back to his justice. For this cause he was perplexed in each design, uncertain of the achievement, and could not wait for a regular disposition, and train of circumstances: but nimble in the secret and sudden motions of the time and season: and sometrue resolving upon the sole guide of providence, but in this never running a greater hazard than the shame of a non-performanee. These many garrisons having taken up the whole strength; for want of a marching brigade, we were deprived of the fruit of our labours in the supplies of moneys to be commanded out of the Enemy's quarters, and disabled to relieve the remote parts that were by this time united under the power of this government. So that the first fruits were nipped in the bud, and we remain miserable after so great enlargements, being enforced to cry to the Parliament for help, which we should have held a disparagement, had we received a stock to improve to a larger support, and livelihood. Wherefore the house of Commons taking notice of the many good services of Colonel massy, made an Order for the recrute of his Regiment of horse and foot in the first place, and to make up a competent Brigade, Colonel Tho. Stephens had commission for a Regiment of horse, and Colonel Edward Harley for a Regiment of foot. In which business the Governor advised, not to raise men and horse at Londm, whither the refuse of the Army, runnegadoes, and such as disliked the conditions of their former entertainment were wont to repair, but only to procure moneys to be sent into the Country, where horses might be raised at a cheaper rate, and able men were easy to be found, and chiefly where we might rob the Enemy of their main strength, from whom great multitudes were ready to flow in upon the hopes of entertainment. And before this time since the late siege at least a thousand of the Enemy, that here tendered themselves to the service, went from us for lack of pay. This was a speedy course and effectual, which might carry on the work whilst we were in a thriving way.  
At that time the affairs of the garrison were a little enterwoven with some passages of the greater Army, Sir William Waller was led into the Northern parts, in the pursuit of His Majesty, straining to reach or get beyond him. But the King doubled in the chase, hasted back by Worcester towards Oxford, and left Sir William a few days march in the Rear, who nevertheless made after with all speed, but was constrained to rest at Gloucester to refresh his weary Soldiers. And purposing to fall upon the King's Army, importuned the Governor to lend his assistance, which was extracted out of the extreme penury of these parts, only for a quick dispatch. Two hundred and seventy Musketeers with a Company of Dragoons were sent from Gloucester, and a hundred Musketeers from Malmsbury which did not a little necessitate the place, and stop the actions of this command which had so many Garrisons to make good, and defend the Country from the neighbouring Enemy that began to threaten from every quarter.  
At this time there happened a dispute between the King's Army and Sir William Waller at a Bridge near Banbury: where some few were slain, and taken on both sides, but on ours the chief miscarriage was the loss of some Ordnance. After this brush the King marched off into the borders of Worcestershire, and Sir William Waller towards Buckingham, to join with Colonel Browne. Our Country is in danger of ruin by the falling down of the King's Army, whose main body lay for a while about Breedon three miles from Tewksbury: where his Majesty being informed of the weakness of the place, drew near with a purpose to storm it, advanced the Ordnance within a mile, and sent out parties to skirmish. Colonel Massy upon the first intelligence clapped into the Town two hundred Musketeers, for an additional strength, and to encourage those within: Himself in the mean while with a hundred and fifty Musketeers in Cos●●awne waited to encounter with an other party of the Worcester forces, whom he staved off with the loss of five or six men near Vpton bridge, and passed over Seavern to Tewksbury. Upon notice hereof, the Enemy drew thence, and retreated towards Parshowe, and Evesham. There the King pretended to pass over the River into Herefordshire and Wales, and gave command that all the Bridges should be made up, but his design lay Westward. Wherefore he made up the hills, marched the first day in the view of Shudely Castle over the Downs, and came that night to Cubberly seven miles from Gloucester, and from thence marched the next day by Beverstone Castle to Sodbury. They went on like a flying Army, surprised the Country, but they only touched and away; And our weak troops drove in the straggling plunderers. For the Governor commanded a party of horse to follow the Rear of the Enemy, whilst the rest were employed in a necessary defence in sundry places. These did seem to give them a gentle convoy over the hill Country towards Bristol; and though the Van of their horse were too nimble for us, and drove great store of the garrison cattle, that lay in their way, yet the Countrymen were saved from any great matter of loss, and the parties of horse brought into our garrison between 50 and 60 prisoners, officers and soldiers; and though they could not retard the march, yet made them pass forward with much watines and fear.  
In the mean while Coll: Min, together with Sir John winter's forces take the advantage of our weakness to spoil and destroy our friends on the Forest side, Sir William Russell and the Governor of Worcester make incursions on that side. And the garrison oppressed with many outguards, and multitudes of prisoners within, had much ado to preserve the neighbours from ruin. Colonel Min advanced from Rosse, where he quartered his regiment, within half a mile of the City, drove away the Country cattle, and took the persons of many. And the forces of Berkely Castle act a sufficient part in the general mischief. The Governor looks round about him, and though he cannot hope to lay them flat, and subdue their spirits, yet he can check their insolence, & make them stand on their guard. He commanded a party of horse and Dragoons towards Berkley, who fell upon the guard of the Town, beat them into the Castle, slew eight or ten, took prisoners Captain Sandys with a Lieutenant, Ensigne, Sargeant, and seven common Soldiers; whence likewise they brought away forty or fifty arms, and took from out of the Park under the Castle wall about fifty horses with other cattle. An other party was commanded within four miles of Worcester, and surprised in their quarter's Sir Humphrey Tracy, Lieu: Coll: Hely, and Captain Savage, and brought them prisoners to Gloucester.  
By this time an increase is added to the garrison forces by the arrival of Col: Stephens with three troops of horse, and two troops of Coll: Harlyes Regiment, which did enable the Governor once more to appear in the field: and draw out against Colonel Min, a serious and active Enemy, and a perpetual terror to the Country, whose ruin was again contrived, and resolved upon. And for this design strong preparations were made by the Enemy round about. The Governor had some discovery out of their own quarters, and upon advertisement that some forces out of Hereford and Wales went over the River at Aust passage, advanced with his horse towards Berkly Castle, and thence to the passage, where they miss not half an hour of the surprisal of the Lord Herbert. The notice of the march of our horse into the remote parts of the County hastened Mins expedition for Gloucestershire. And our intelligence abroad gave a timely advertisement of the work in hand, which a little after was fully confirmed by letters taken out of Colonel Mins pocket, to wit, that Hereford and Worcestershire were to join their forces about Cosselawne, and with an overpowering Army to march up to the gates of Gloucester, to the utter devastation of the parts adjacent with fire and plunder, and to burn up the corn on the ground, it being then near harvest. Hereupon the Governor marched back with his troops to Gloucester, from whence he commanded two hundred and twenty Musketeers, and ordered an hundred Musketeers from Tewksbury to meet him on the march, to prevent this great noised Army.  
Whilst the orders for the march were giving forth to the Officers of horse and foot, there fell out a sad accident between Major Grace, and Major Hammond, which was like to dash the whole action. The heat of a quarrel than broke forth by occasion of a verbal contestation at a Council of War the same day, when both had orders to march, and were commanded to their particular charges. Major Grace began to question Hammond for his hasty language, and to require satisfaction. This challenge at the present was refused or slighted, wherefore impatient of the supposed injury, and full of revenge, he smote him on the face with his fist: upon this to swords they went in the street, and after a little clashing, Grace received his death's wound by a thrust in the neck, and expired in the place. This miserable accident was like to beget a greater mischief among the Soldiers, who being in Arms, and ready to advance, came back with full stream of violent resolution for the present revenge of Gray's blood: that the whole City and garrison was not far from an uproar. It rested on the Governors sole care to allay that violence of the Soldier, who used his best art, and industry to appease them, whilst the Officers indulging their own discontent at the loss of their Major, fell quite off the hinges: After an hour's dispute, and entreaty the tumult was in some measure qualified, that the most were persuaded to march, as it was high time, when the Enemy came on within three miles of the City with a resolution if not to lay waste by fire (as they threatened) yet to plunder and take away the persons of men, their goods and cattle. The business was put forwards, but with little help from the discontented Officers. Late in the afternoon our party began to advance, and at High leaden passage got over the brook. The Enemy were quartered in Hartpury field, and commanded to lie close. Our men came up to a bridge within a quarter of a mile of them in the dark night, gave them an alarm, and took ten prisoners, and an other party of our horse that quartered near the Lawn took divers that were sent that way to plunder. But their main body evaded us, and with great speed marched that night to Redmarley, and we after a tedious wand'ring to find them out came to Eldersfield two miles from their quarters, where we rested two or three hours to refresh ourselves and horses.  
At break of day we prepared to advance upon the enemy, when the beating of their Drums minded us of an early march: and by six of the clock we came up to their randezvous, their horse consisted of an hundred and sixty, and their foot of eight hundred and fifty: and of them six hundred and forty Musketeers by their own confession: all drawn up into battalions, and the hedges lined with Musketeers. To beat them out of their advantages the Governor divided the Foot into two bodies, and drew out the Horse into single troops, because the frequent enclosures would not make room for a larger form (the Enemy in the mean while plying us with small shot) and having disposed of his own troop, with the hundred Musketeers from Tewksbury newly come in, and many of the Country inhabitants armed with Muskets, and good resolutions to one part of the Town, he drew the Gloucester Musketeers about an hundred and sixty (for the rest remained at home ready to raise a mutiny for the misfortune of Gray's death) and the greatest part of the horse to an other place of best advantage. Himself advanced with this party, and led the Van, which consisted of three troops: these were seconded with three other troops left to the command of Captain Backhowse. Some of the Foot were placed in each Flank of the Horse, and one single troop with the rest of the foot brought up the Rear. They were drawn out into this posture, marched up to the face of the Enemy, the Governor in the Van, next unto him Colonel Harley in the head of his own troop, gallantly, and in good order, gave the charge, beat them from their ambuscadoes, put their horse to flight, and in the instant of time got into the Van of their foot, cut down, and took them prisoners, that few escaped our hands. The Horse and Foot, both Officers and Soldiers, played their parts with resolution and gallantry. The Enemy was left to our execution, and their whole body broken and shattered, many wounded and slain, but more taken. Major General Min was slain on the place with an hundred and seventy. Among the Officers, Lieutenant Colonel Passy then mortally wounded, Major Buller, seven Captains, four Lieutenants, five Ensigns, twelve Sergeants, and near three hundred common Soldiers were taken prisoners. Some troops advanced in the pursuit five miles from the place of the sight; but upon the view of a strong party from Worcester that came to join with Colonel Min, they were enforced to leave the pursuit, and prepare for a second encounter. And a strange hand of providence kept asunder the Hereford and Worcester forces, whose joining would have proved unto us an inevitable destruction. For Lieutenant Colonel Passie, who commanded this fresh party of an hundred, and fifty horse and five hundred foot, just upon the beginning of the fight was riding up to Mins Brigade to bring news of their arrival, but happily intercepted, and wounded by our Scouts, and left for dead. So that neither Enemy had the knowledge of each others condition; But the Worcester forces advanced within two flight shot of the place, whilst our men were scattered here and there in the chase of a vanquished Enemy, nor did the Governor when the first brunt was over, expect an afterbirth.  
The first discovery was made by Colonel Broughton, and Captain Backhowse, upon whom a blunt fellow charged up from the head of the main body in the entrance of a crosse-lane. Him they surprised in the name of friends, drew him aside from the view of the company, and informed themselves of the strength at hand. Forthwith they make a noise in the Enemies hearing, pretending to fall on with a body of ours ready for a charge, by the sudden outcry daunted and drove back that strong party, and made way for the Governor's retreat, and those with him, which were now dispersed, secure of the victory, and following the chase. Our straggling pursuers were gathered together, drew back to the place of the fight, and there expected the charge, choosing rather to make good the victory achieved upon so great hazard and disadvantage, then venture all by seeking out a fresh and doubtful Enemy with our few and weary Soldiers. Only three or four slain, five or six wounded, amongst whom Colonel Harley received a shot in the arm. The success of this design cut off the main strength of the King's forces in South-wales: and secured the Country from our plundering neighbours on the Welsh side. The body of Colonel Min was brought to Gloucester, and vouchsafed an honourable burial. His death was by his own party much lamented, together with the loss of a brave Regiment that were commanded from Ireland to fight here a 'gainst the justice of that cause, upon which the Irish war was held up, and owned by the whole Kingdom. And it hath been observed, that as the Irish Pacification was unlucky and reproachful to the outside of the King's actions amongst his Protestant party; so the Commanders that came thence were unfortunate in all their designs, and in the end miserable.  
When the Governor had settled his affairs at home in reasonable security, his desires and aim was to put in for the advantage of a more general service: and pitched upon these two proposals, the one to make a diversion from the Lord General's Army then blocked up in the West, the other to keep back Prince rupert's straggling forces which then lay between Shrewsbury and Worcester a little after the great Northern defeat. And these the Prince earnestly desired, that upon this rubbish he might frame an Army for the close of the Summer action.  
Wherefore if possible to endeavour a diversion from the West-parts, the Governor drew towards Bath with one hundred horse and foot (the Forces lent to Sir William Waller being in part returned) with a purpose to disturb the King's quarters, and withdraw a part of the main Army to enable Bristol and Bath. On the hills likewise he might expect to encounter Prince Rupert from Bristol, who fled thither with about three hundred horse presently after the discomsit in the North. But within a few days upon advertisement of the miscarriage and disaster of the Lord General's Army, he drew back, and the rather having intelligence that the Prince had commanded Colonel Charles Gerrard out of Wales, and the relics of his own Army to break their way through our country into the Western parts. These were reported to lie near Worcester, waiting there for a clear pass, and by all means to escape Colonel massy. They were to take their course over Coltswold Hils, or by the borders of Herefordshire to make into the Forest of Deave, and thence over the River at Aust. Wherefore the Governors main business was to prevent this this Conjunction, and block up either passage. In his retreat towards Gloucester, he fell down before Berkely and lodged his men two days in the Town, summoned the Castle, and made show of an assault; but this was taken up in the way besides the intention of the design, and though the loss of six or eight men by their own folly gave Colonel Veale occasion of boasting, yet for all the pretended great service in maintaining the place that was never attempted, he was immediately after cashered that Government by the Prince's order. But before Colonel massy drew thence, he caused the boats to be fired at Aust passage: and intending to pass over Seaverne at Frampton to meet Prince rupert's Forces, received an alarm that they were already in Gosse Lawn, whereupon our marching Brigade hasted to Gloucester, where they found that many of those troops under the command of Sir Marmaduke Langdale were newly come into Herefordshire, and that a party of them joining with Colonel Lingens horse had advanced within six miles of the City of spoil and plunder those Parishes that were joined in one Association to a mutual defence, and the aid of this Government.  
The Governor pursued his design drew forth towards the Lawn, and stopped their course on that side Seaverne. Where upon they took their course through Worcester, where they obtained an additional strength from Colonel Sandys his horse, and Sir William russel's horse and foot, with all the foot that Dudley Castle and those parts could afford them. And now conceiving themselves able both in power and advantage of the march, having (as they supposed) left Colonel Massy beyond Seaverne, and too far in the Rear to reach them, resolved to break forth, hoping both to pass clear, and relieve Banbury in the way. But the Governor being certified of their march, forthwith conveyed his men over Seaverne at Tewksbury, and recovered the hills as far as Stanway, and got before them, in the mean while gave notice to the Major of the Earl of Denbighs horse, that lay near Tewksbury in Worcestershire, who the James day brought up two hundred horse to join with our party on the hills. Nevertheless the Governor understanding nothing, but that the Enemy was marched to Stratford upon Avon, and so beyond his reach, sent back the Foot almost tired with tedious and continual marches, and with his horse resolved to join with Colonel Fines at Banbury. But he found at the return of the Scouts, that about five hundred horse near at that instant got over the River on this fide Evesham, and made their approach near his quarters, and that a party of Foot were left at the Bridge to make good the repass; one half of the Forces in the mean while lying at Evesham, and the other near Parshowe. Our men appearing on the hills, the Enemy took the alarm retreated suddenly, and for a while lodged themselves beyond Worcester. Their number was computed by such as beheld them to be about five and twenty hundred horse, ill armed, and the surviving part of the ruins of the Northern Army. Again to prevent their incursions into the remote parts of the County beyond Seaverne, a competent strength of horse and foot were commanded over, and withal to attend the Enemy's motion.  
In the midst of this and other designs of consequence at that time depending, the Governor with all the Officers of horse and foot were much distressed for lack of that support, which the necessity of the service did require, and the extreme want of the common Troopers drove them daily away. Every performance in the whole course of this Government was filled with much distempers: and though the exigence of the Soldier hath been great in many places, yet the glean of other Brigades have been better than our vintage. No Officer had any portion in the Contribution money: no pay for the troops for many months together, no allowance for Scout, Spy, or Intelligencer, who observe only the liberal and open handed, nor the hopes of reward to encourage the Soldier's gallantry: That the endeavours of the Governor in keeping together, and increasing the Forces were nigh lost. Neither was any means allotted to the supply of the necessary attendants and Officers of a marching Brigade. And in the heat of service the nature and terms of the Governor's command were disputed, and 'twas very questionable whether to provide for the attendants of a march: that only a proportion seemed to be cared for, that might live within the walls of Gloucester, and nothing to further such action that might restrain, and lessen the strength of the Enemy, preserve the Country, and pass withal to the relief of remote garrisons. Nevertheless the establishment of such a power was required in these parts as might check the Enemy in all his marches and recruits: and this strength far greater than the stint of that constant number which the garrisons took up.  
In this extremity the Governor was constrained to act, and marched on in the pursuit of the Enemy, who kept rendezvous near Hereford with forty two troops of horse, resolving to pass the Severne at Aust, not daring to adventure over the hill Country. And to guard the passage, Prince Rupert sent into the Forest a commanded party of five hundred horse and foot. These began to fortify Beachly for a lasting guard, a place of extreme difficult approach, being a gut of land running out between Seaverne and Wye, and the only commodious passage, from Wales to Bristol, and the Western parts, being the main intercourse of the King's Army, and a strong reserve for the last exigence. It was high time therefore to crush this design, and nip the bud of so great hopes. The Governor advanced upon them some four days after they began their fortifications, and had drawn the trench half way from the banks of one River to the other, when the other part was well guarded with an high quickset hedge (which they lined with Musketeers) and a ditch within with a fair meadow beyond, wherein they had made a re-intrenchment. The strength consisted near of six hundred horse and foot, which at the first coming on lighted upon a party of horse from Chepstow, took some, and drove the rest into the River: then faced the Enemy within Musket shot that Evening, and so continued the next morning, waiting the opportunity of an assault, for at high water the place was inaccessible, by reason of their ships which guarded each River with Ordnance, lying level with the banks, and clearing the face of the approach from Wye to Seaverne. Wherefore the Governor taking the advantage of low water drew forth a party for the onset. These were brought near the place of entrance, where the Enemy intended a drawbridge, with order to storm the works which as yet were not finished. Out of the forlorn hope the Governor had selected ten Musketeers to creep along the hedges, and thenceto fall into the very breach. These gave the first alarm, and caused the Enemy (according to the meaning of the plot) to spend their first shot in vain. And when the first volley was given, ere they could recharge their Muskets, the Governor gave the signal by the discharge of a Pistol: on went the Forlorn-hope, and the Reserve following, the Trumpets sounding, and the Drums beating, run up the Works, rushed in among them, and fell upon the hack, when the whole and each part of the action was carried on without interruption, and the Soldiers went up in such a regular march, and so great solemnity, that it seemed more like the pomp of a triumph then the confused face of a fight. Of the Enemy some were killed, and the rest taken prisoners, besides some few that recovered the boats, and many of them that took the water were drowned. And to grace the service, it was performed in the full view of a multitude on Chepstow side, whilst the great guns played from each River which cast beneath the banks by the low ebb did no execution, but by their noise, and semblance of terror, both raised the Soldier, and conduced to the majesty of the victory.  
This good success, and the season held forth a fair opportunity to compass an other design at that time in agitation. Some overtures were made by Lieutenant Colonel Kyrle of the delivering of Monmouth into our hands. Many did urge the present acceptance of the plot, and an hasty performance, and were discontented in that which they called slackness in the Governor: when as neither the method of the plot was propounded in the general (the circumstances being left free) nor the present state of things gave leave to manage the business, when the following Army of P: Rupert was to be intercepted, a work of greater concernment, and more beseeming a public spirit then this latter: But at that time 'twas the usual mistake of particular Associations to confine every enterprise to their own Counties, and divide the Commonwealth into so many petty kingdoms. And in this did Colonel massy deny himself, in spending the latter part of the Summer in prosecuting a less plausible and appearing service, though of larger concernment. But having now pursued the Prince's horse into Wales, and destroyed the Enemy's project in fortifying Beachly, he quartered with his horse and foot near Monmouth on the Forest side; and receiving an answer to a message lately sent to Lieutenant Colonel Kyrle, propounded unto him, and followed this way. That he would feign a Post from Gloucester side to desire a sudden return with his forces thitherward, to secure that part of the Country from the Enemy, which was already fallen out from Bristol, and Berkley: and this message was to come to his hands at Mr. Hall's house of High meadow, a grand Papist, where it would take wings for its dispatch to Monmouth, by which means Kyrle commanding the horse might easily draw forth some troop to follow the Rear of our party. Hereupon the Governor feigned a sudden retreat to Gloucester, and having marched back three miles, lodged his forces in a thicket of the Forest: & sending his Scouts abroad, prevented the Enemy's discovery. In the mean while the intelligence reaches Monmouth, & Leift: Col: Kyrle draws out, whom the Governor surprised at midnight in High meadow house, with his troop of thirty horse: and with as little noise as possible advanced thence to Monmouth. Nevertheless 'twas not so deep a silence but the alarm was given by the Cornet of the troop, who escaped the surprisal, and the attempt made the more difficile, if not desperate. The Town took the alarm, stood upon their guard, expecting an Enemy. Notwithstanding this, Kyrle with an hundred select horse arrived at the Towns end, confidently came up to the drawbridge, pretended a return with many prisoners taken, persuaded the guards, and prevailed with Coll: Holthy the Governor of the Town by the Officers of the guard, to let down the drawbridge, which was done but with much jealousy, and a strong guard, & the bridge presently drawn up again: insomuch that the first party were like to be held prisoners in the Town. Our forlorn hope saw that it was time to lay about them, they declare themselves, overpower the guard, and make good the bridge: and in this there wanted not those that kept a strict watch over Kyrles deportment, who acted his part with dexterity and valour. Our body of horse and foot were at hand, had a large entrance, subdued the Town in a moment, and spared the blood of the surprised Soldiers. But the dark and rainy night fitted the governor of Monmouth with the major part of the garrison for an escape over the dry graft. We took one Major, three Captains, and divers inferior Officers, threescore common Soldiers, five barrels of powder, and some arms: but the Town itself was the best prize, being the key of Southwales, and the only safe intercourse for the King's Army between the West, Wales, and the Northern parts.  
The taking of Monmouth gave a fearful alarm to the whole Country, especially to the Earl of Worcester at Ragland Castle, who raised the Country, and called in Prince rupert's horse to their assistance. The Ragland Papists made the poor Welsh believe that we came to put man, woman, & child to the sword, and filled their fancies with as many strange conceits of the Roundheads, as the poor Spaniards had of the English after their revolt from Rome, it being easy to persuade an irrational and stupid people. Forthwith they appear in arms against us. Wherefore two days after our entrance, the Governor sent out a small party of Musketeers, commanded by Capt: Rochfort, to quash the rising of the Country. Our men find out the rendezvous, with a kind of guard defended by Captain Gainsford, with his ragged Regiment. These upon the first onset were all put to flight, ran an hundred ways like a barbarous people, were pursued by our horse, about twenty knocked on the head and sixteen taken prisoners. To revenge this loss, Sir Will: Blaxton with his brigade of horse, joins with the Country Trainhands, and the forces from Ragland, and Chepstow, making (according to the best relations, five hundred horse, and twelve hundred foot. Of this preparation we were not advertised, till they fell upon one of our horse quarters in a strong house near Monmouth, where we lodged two troops, and by good hap ten Musketeers to secure the quarters. The house was made good by the resolution of Captain Bayly, and Leift: Page, till the Major of the horse had drawn up the troops, & faced the Enemy, whilst the Governor commanded out of Monmouth a hundred and fifty Musketeers. But before our foot could reach the house, their horse drew thence, encountered with a party of ours, & being recharged by Major Backhowse, were beaten back to the foot. By thistime our Musketeers were brought up, and in the first charge put the Enemy to a confused running retreat, slew seventy, and wounded many, took threescore prisoners. Of the Officers, a Major of horse, and two Captains were slain, one taken, and Sir William Blaxton shot in the thigh. But the pursuit had an early stop by a small river which the Enemy passed, & plucked up the bridge: or their foot had been wholly routed and taken. The prisoners that were of the Country people the Governor entreated kindly, and after a few days sent them home by parcels, and each man with a little note or letter directed to his master, or the several Parishes, to signify that the intention of the Parliament, and the present government, was not to destroy, or enslave their persons, or take away their livelihoods; but to preserve their lives and fortunes, to open the course of justice, & free them of their heavy burdens under the forces of Rupert a German Prince. At the free discharge of the captives, they began to resent the Governor's humanity, as before by the slaughter of their men they had felt the force of arms. And the dispersed papers did in part undeceive the people, and dislodge their fears; our horse marching peaceably, and doing no spoil or violence.  
After the appeasing of the Country tumults, the endeavours of the Governor were to reduce that people to a willing, and cordial obedience. He dispatched many letters of invitation to the gentlemen of the Country, and gave assurance to the best affected of his purpose to defend & make good the Town. But all were silent, and not two valuable persons did own the business. On the other fide, they did not stir a foot at the summons of the Earl of Worcester: and in confidence of the justice of this party they frequented our markets; whereas at our first approach they drove away all their cattle, into the remote parts of the county: yet most of the gentlemen fled from their houses. The greatest part of P: rupert's forces lie still under our arrest in Wales, where they decrease and drop away, discontent and burden the Country, between whom there arise perpetual quarrels. And the truth is, even those people whose affections comply with the King's design, could never correspond with the Soldier of that faction, with whom there is no dealing for very friends. Insomuch that the general hatred of the soldier might drive in to the Parliament, a moderate enemy, and such as breathe a more cool spirit of malignity, when the State shall reach out the hand to clear the way, and make good the engagement.  
Colonel massy seems now to have spread the Branches of his government beyond the sap and strength of the root, and the extreme parts grow burdensome to the main body. He had neither horse nor foot to maintain what was gotten, considering the strive of the Enemy to repossess themselves of Monmouth. For which end the whole power of Southwales that is fit for the march under the command of Colonel Gerrard are come as far as Abergenny, Vske, and Ragland. Sir John Winter must bring forth his masterpiece to the world, and once more assisted with four hundred from Bristol, purchased at a high rate, and added to a hundred of his own men, with all the aid Prince Rupert can send, undertakes to fortify Beachly. The noised strength of the Enemy round about did contribute to the design with all fierceness, since the want of a guard upon this passage did render all Southwales of little value. And it highly concerned us to endeavour the preventing this project, which threatened the ruin of the Forest, the intercepting of the passage between Gloucester and Monmouth, and to render that garrison in great part useless. The Governor had a hard game to play, always put upon desperate hazards without a sufficiency to accomplish or make good. For the case was questionable whether to desert Monmouth, or seek to maintain it, having no competent number for a Town yet unfortified, generally malignant, in an Enemy's country, at a great distance, and with a difficult pass: but that the wonderful success of Beachly twice fortunate determined the doubt. The business was not capable of deliberation, nothing but a quick dispatch had the show of safety. Gerrard was to be kept from joining his forts with these in the Forest, who when once fortified were not to be beaten out, having all the advantages of Sea and land. And although his Forces hovered about the Country, pretending to fall upon Monmouth, yet about midnight, Octob. 13. one hundred Musketeers were drawn thence with eight troops of our poor horse unto Clurewall, expecting there to meet the Newnham foot drawn off for this design, the garrison supplied in the interim by the Country Volunteers. In the close of the next evening they approached near the Enemy, where no good presage did favour the business. The horse failed six hours of the time appointed, whom the constant want of pay, and hands bound up from plunder, made irregular, and disabled the Commander in chief to reward or punish. Himself must manage the design not by advice only, but personal action, and act a part in the duty of each inferior Officer. That night we beat up their ambuscades, forced them within their works, and by frequent alarms kept them waking, yet as much as possible from working. The next morning at break of day was the time reserved for a storm: but the foot were all straggling, and could not be gathered up, insomuch that the Governors own troop with no more than fourscore Musketeers made the onset, and by Gods help performed gallantly. They found the Enemy well prepared, the works followed with dexterity and diligence, with much art and cost on pallisadoes, and breast-works, and the most defective places from Wye to Seaverne defended with a tall quickset hedge, & a ditch within, the Pinnaces riding in each River with Ordnance to play upon us, and the line so strongly guarded with hammer Guns, & Murderers placed on the Flanks at either end, that it seemed impossible to storm the same by day without apparent great loss; yet was the Governor to wait for low water, that the Guns from the ships might not reach us, which happily fell out at the opening of the day; yet were we in the reach of the Ordnance planted on the Weleh shore, and equal to our height. He laid holdon the instant of season, with a small party in a silent march came close to the works; whereupon after the taking of the alarm, when the Enemy had spent many shot, our men forced two or three Pallisadoes, that some of the foot and the forlorn hope of horse broke in: but finding themselves at a stand between the Pallisadoes and the quickset hedge lined with Musketeers, began to face about when there was no looking back, nor passing forwards, by reason of the continual shot. In this party was the Governor engaged, who now became the Leader of the Forlorn-hope, and with not a little difficulty forced his own horse over the hedge, fell in among them, was recharged furiously, his head-piece knocked off with the butt-end of a Musket, & strangely preserved, till three or four foot and some horse broke over the hedge after him, than there came up a full body of horse and foot, and by main force bore down before them a resolved and prepared Enemy, slew thirty, and took prisoners a Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, two Captains, three Leiutenants, three Ensigns, with other Officers, and common Soldiers, to the number of two hundred and twenty. They forced Sir John Winter down the cleft into the river, where a little boat lay to receive him, and convey him thence into the ships, riding within Musket shot of the shore, with many Musqueteers and great shot. Many took the water, some whereof were drowned, and others saved themselves by recovering the boats. Prince Rupert the Patron of this design, was expected there the next high water, being then upon the river, but extremely prevented and crossed in the height of his desire and confidence.  
It was a brave exploit and true victory upon such an eminent disadvantage over a formidable enemy. They were stronger within the Fortifications then six times the same number in the open field. The storm that hovered was blown over, & we calm, and secure in the possession of Monmouth. But as for this neck of land so fortunate and famous to the Government of Gloucester for two remarkable victories: though Sir John Winter and the Welsh forces had their eye continually upon it, yet the neglect of the place was no oversight in our Garrison, but caused by the incapacity of the place itself, it being impossible to be held by us till we were Masters at Sea, because at every flood the ships on the Seaverne lay level with the highest ground. Wherefore it was resolved by a Council of War that the buildings should be demolished, and all trees and hedges cut down. The taking and securing of Manmouth was a fair beginning, and almost the possession of half Wales. But as yet the County became unserviceable to us, and we made loser's by enlarging our bounds.  
The Substance of Gloucestershire was expended in maintaining the Garrison foot, and the Horse left wholly unfurnished, yet bound up from plunder and rapine: neither did we find that assistance in the County as was expected and promised: considering which, with our mean forces and slender pay, no progress could be made in gaining the Country, but the time was spent in light skirmishes, and surprisals between petty parties on both sides: and we sustained some loss by Colonel Broughtons' Captain Lieutenant who with fifty soldiers undertook to garrison a house near Godridge Castle, neither obvious to relief, nor caring to fortify or store the place with victuals. This was done in the Governors' absence without order, disavowed by all, and owned only by the Captain himself: whose plea was, that he had no support for his men, and was enforced to get his living there. But within a few days his house was fired upon him, and he and all his carried prisoners to Hereford before relief could reach them.  
Notwithstanding our necessitous condition, the Parliament were informed of great multitudes, and a burden of supernumerary Officers and Soldiers, and seemed to require out of the superfluity of those parts an assistance more ample than the main strength of the place. It was hard to take a just and full view at such a distance; and peradventure perpetual action, and the great things effected here, might multiply the numbers of the Garrison, and represent things in the largest form. But the voice of the people gave out that we were kept low by the malice of misinformations: and that the soldiers cry could not be heard, because they were apt to be thought ever craving and querulous. Wherefore at that season there came some particular commands from the Powers above, which did not correspond with the State of our Affairs, or the ground of the enjoined Service. November the tenth Colonel Massy received Instructions from the Committee of both Kingdoms to march with all the strength he could make, into the Borders of Oxfordshire to prevent the joining of the Welsh forces under the Conduct of Colonel Gerrard with the rest of the King's Army, or to take advantage of the enemy, or join with the Parliaments Army as occasion did offer. This command found him overwhelmed with manifold employments, and in that instant of time some Monmouthshire Gentlemen tendered their assistance to the taking in of Chepstow Castle, which the Governor was ready to embrace, (that Wales might fall under the power of the Parliament) but with much wariness, having many irons in the fire. Nevertheless lying under a greater weight of envy, he resolved to obey the former Orders against the progress and reason of his affairs; wherefore he called off his own Regiment of horse from about Monmouth, where the enemy's vigilancy was not little, and the malignity of the town wondrous great; with the Regiment of horse, he hasted towards Eversham, where the Enemy had arrived before, whose march he could not interrupt or retard since they were eight for one. But before this march having drawn a small party out of Monmouth, he commanded from Gloucester his own company, and another company of the same Regiment to the security of that Garrison, and committed the charge of the Town in his absence to Major Throgmorton then Sergeant Major to Colonel Harley, who by Order of Parliament was designed to that Government, but with no Power to command out a Party upon any design, having no thought that the forces left there were fit to be employed upon any service, more than the defence of that place: Besides, he had waved the offers of Chepstow till he might gain an assurance of making good so much ground in an enemy's Country; for it was always his desire in engaging any people to those masters whom he served, to foresee a possibility of continuing that engagement, lest he might do them a greater disservice by dashing the resolution of others, who intended the same course, and by grasping beyond his reach take off their inclinations who might be gained in due time. Notwithstanding the Governors express Order, at the earnest solicitation and promises of some well-affected in the Country, and the vehemency of others, who thirsted after the glory of some achievement in the Governor's absence, the Major yielded for the drawing out of a party for Chepstow, and stretched his power beyond the knowndiscipline of war, fearing either the brand of cowardice, or the censure of a man unwilling to do his Country service, though he declared his judgement against it. Wherefore he advanced towards Chepstow with three hundred commanded men: having some conceived assurance of gaining the Castle by surrender or onslat. The news is conveyed forthwith to the Enemy, who draw together all the strength they can make, of horse and foot from Ragland, Abergeveny, Hereford, and Godridg●, and November the nineteenth about break of day, came near the town, and lay undiscovered behind a rising ground, at a quarter of a miles distance, never thinking to make an attempt, muchless to surprise it; but as the Governors inavoydeable absence, and the impertinent enterprise of Monmouth garrison did cause their approach, there being not above a hundred and fifty left there; so the negligence of the Captain to whom the Keys were entrusted in the Major's absence, gave up the town into their hands. So remiss were the slender guards, that the Trevally was beaten & none took the alarm. The enemy observed it, and took the courage to attempt the surprisal, came upon the higher side of the town, that looked towards Hereford, having only a sloping bank cast up to a reasonable height, with a dry graft of no depth; Insomuch that the Guards and Sentinels being all asleep, or supinely negligent, above forty men presently climbed over, and fell down to the next Port, where they found no more than six men, who fled from the guard upon their coming on; with that one takes an iron bar, breaks the chain, forces the gate, and sets it open to the whole body of horse, who rid up the town with full career, seized upon the main guard before one man could be ready to give fire, and cook the rest in their beds; it was done in a moment, where we lost Colonel Broughtom, four Captains, Lieutenants and Ensigns, some of the Committee, together with common soldiers, in all, about one hundred and threescore prisoners, two Sakers, besides a Drake, and nine hammer Guns taken at Beachly, with Ammunition and Provision, and at least four hundred muskets.  
The news of the taking of Manmouth reached Colonel Massy near Burford, prosecuting the commands of the Committee of both Kingdoms, and there abiding to meet the Lord Grandes●on, with the Worcester forces who endeavour for Oxford; hence he makes haste to the relief of the party sent out against Chepstow, and to bring off the rest that remain upon their guards in that County: and at Gloucester understood that the party sent for Chepstow were safely landed, on this side Wye, having effected nothing of their design; the Governor met them in the Forest, and thence marched to Rosse, where he hoped to have passed the bridge, to the relief of Pembridge Castle, which was made an out-guard to the garrison of Manmouth, but found the bridge broken down, and the river made unpassable, by the sinking of boats on the other side, and a guard of horse to defend it. Here we had some disputes with the Enemy for two days: but those in the Castle having no means of a longer subsistence, were enforced to surrender upon quarter, and the freedom of their persons, most of the common soldiers revolted, being formerly of the King's Army, and our prisoners.  
The base neglect of the Officers had not the least share in the unfortunate loss of Manmouth, and daily wants increased the neglect, and weakened the Governors' hand in inflicting condign punishment. And as the Parliaments Service was by many degrees cast back by this misfortune: so the Forest in special was hereby sorely plagued being left open to the spoil of the enemy, against whom they were preingaged by Colonel massy, and of late had declared themselves more freely. And though the general multitude seemed to be brought in by the hatred of Sir John Winter, whose name and faction the people did abhor; yet at that time the tye of affection and necessity drew them to a strong combination. To provide for their safety was the Governors main care, wherefore instead of one good baracadoe, the Town of Monmouth, sundry Garrisons are erected in the Forest, for want of an ample strong-hold, and these expended greater portions of Men and Ammunition, though the limits of the Government were much contracted. The Garrison of Highmeadow did affront Monmouth, and furthered the preservation of that side: Ru●rdeane was a stop to the Plunderers from Hereford; And those at Kidney were kept in by another party at N●●t. These lesser places distracted the Governor on every side, willing but not able to preserve all them that desired to live under his protection.  
Some weeks before, the Governor had commanded a party to Tate-Court within ten miles of Bristol, to secure the Neighbourhood being a well affected people: but in this distraction he resolved to call off those men, who peradventure might maintain themselves in a kind of imprisonment; but in no wise preserve a Country that was then filled with the King's forces, so near Bristol, and far from relief, especially in the Winter. Nor at that season could they draw off without a stronger Guard and Convoy. To this end the Governor marched to Kingscoate with three hundred Horse and Dragoones, intending to send a party to bring off that Garrison: but receiving advertisement of a Regiment of Horse, quartered that night in S●dbury, he fell down thither, where he found an enemy there arrived to the assistance of Colonel Gernard against Tate-House; here he resolved to undertake them that night, and had no sooner appeared at the Town's end, but the first Guard fled, and our men marched into the Town one by one, because of the enemy's baracadoes, went up to the main Guard consisting of forty Horse, who being surprised & daunted at the sudden entrance of our men, and not confiding in their own strength, quitted the place, and left the rest in their quarters, most of which escaped on foot by the back side of the Town. We took fourscore Horses, many Arms, twenty prisoners, and of them two Captains, and the next morning brought off the forlorn Garrison.  
In the depth of Winter, when each parcel of the Parliaments Army had retired into London, or the securer parts of that Association, and the King's forces were dispersed into the several quarters: Cirencester and the hill Country of Gloucestershire, was assigned to Sir Jacob Ashley, having the Command of three Brigades of foot, and assisted with the Queens, Prince rupert's, Prince Maurices, and the Lord Wilmots Regiments of Horse with others. His design was to destroy the Country, and live upon the ruins thereof: whose incursions on that side, and the Bristol forces about Berkely, with the Worcester, Hereford, and Monmouth forces on the other side, act something daily to the spoil of a miserable Country, which is left as the Kingdom's forlorn hope, and croucheth daily between two burdens. The distressed neighbourhood did seem to challenge those several Armies then in being, which lay rusting in their quarters, to keep the Associated Counties where no fear was, when they might prevent the ruin of their friends, and starve the enemy who live upon our fatness; when they might hinder the Kings Recruits, disturb their Winter calms, and make them fight for the possession and enjoyment of their own Territoryes. But in the deep silence of that part of the Kingdom, these parts are borne down by the main Bulk of the King's Army, without the least inablement at present, or the hopes of future relief.  
The enemy's whole burden rests upon this Government. Colonel massy placed a Guard at Lypiat, commanded a party of Horse and Dragoones to Strouds a place most exposed to spoil: and set Guards of Horse at several places of advantage. These Guards affronted Sir Jacob Ashley in the stop of Contribution and Plunder, the indignation whereof drew him out of Cirencester with four Regiments of Horse to Hampton Roade, where he divided his men, and sent them out three several ways to surprze our Horse in their quarters, and plunder the Country. Each party failed of the design, through the favour of Providence to that well affected people. At each Guards some few that took the Alarm did encounter and stave off the enemy's first violence, till the rest of a few slender troops were drawn up, and encouraged by the Governors fortunate arrival from Gloucestershire at that instant, charged and overcame a far greater power, which were also engaged to fight by their heavy plunder, and difficult return. In the whole about eight or nine slain, and twenty of the best men of the Queens and Prince's Regiment taken prisoners, and of these one Captain, and Cornet. The success did revive and engage the Country.  
Yet after a few day's Sir Jacob Ashley marched out of Cirencester with a greater power of Horse and Foot, and assaulted the Guard at Lypiat in the absence of the Captain that commanded there, with instructions from the Governor to draw off, if at any time an Army fell down. But the House being unfortifyed was soon taken, and uncapable of defence, where we lost a Lieutenant, and fifty private Soldiers. At which very time we had lodged three hundred foot within Muserden House sent thither the day before, with orders to defend it as a Garrison, who had no knowledge of the enemy's approach till they came within half a mile. They remained in the House according to command, but in no defensible posture, nevertheless expecting the Onset every moment. The surprisal of these men was prevented by a mere accident of the Governors' Arrival, who faced the great Body with no more than sixty Horse, till the Foot were drawn off the Hills.  
That the strength of the King's Army should lie upon us, was not strange, but that no care was had of a competent provision for a deserving Country, was beyond the conceit of them that beheld our misery. The enemy were strong in horse, and our few divided into so many parcels and swallowed up in the petty guards, that no sooner could we draw to the rescue of one side, but the forces on the other hand fell on to the ruin of the poor people. The Governor knows no remedy but by daily shifting motions, and becomes an Ubiquitary: He can attempt no design, but first in his own person faceth the Enemy on the contrary side, and fills them with the alarm of his presence; Sir Jacob Ashley sends Warrants for contributions to the gates of Gloucester: The forces from Hereford were marched forth to Canon-Froome towards Lidbury; whereupon the Governor advanced with a party of horse and foot as far as Bosbury waiting for action, but stayed only for a night, having placed guards towards Worcester and Hereford in the most passable ways for the Enemy's approach, and fell into one of their quarters, took a Captain and his Cornet, with some common Troopers, and fifteen horses; the Enemy falling down from Cirensester suddenly fetches home this party.  
Whiles these things happened, the Governor received a command from the Committee of both Kingdoms to attempt Campden House, newly Garrisoned by the King's forces, under Sir Henry Bard; and the horse of Warwick, and Coventry, by command of the same Committee were to aid and receive Orders from him in the prosecution of this design; Colonel massy took courage to resolve them of the incapacity of that service for the present, since it could not be done without greater loss to the State then the fortune of the action could countervail; for it was a work of continuance that required our whole strength; and that side of the Country from which we drew must be given up to destruction, and the Enemy waited no greater advantage then to fasten the Governor upon a tedious enterprise: besides, the intendment was unvailed in all those parts that were required to send aid, and before the Orders of the grand Committee came to his hand, the London Mercuries had proclaimed it to the world.  
The Earl of Worcester, the Lord Herbert, and their Agent, Sir John Winter, bestir themselves to patch up the lingering life of the Garrison at Lidney, and have procured from Prince Maurice at Worcester a regiment of horse and dragoones, by whose assistance he was confident to have beaten up our small guards in the Forest, and enlarge his own quarters; to bring the Forest once more under his power to the destruction of the people, and the great advantage of the King's Army, and Bristol in special, furnishing them with iron, wood & coals. The reminding of so great a mischief to the Parliaments Service made the Governor careful to prevent him, and with an answerable number of horse and foot advanced into the Forest towards Lidney, where Sir John and his party got in before him. But after a few small skirmishes, to no valuable loss on either side; the Governor set guards upon all the passages, and imprisoned the Enemy in their own strong hold, and again drew off the main body in the view of the Garrison. The Enemy observing his march, and supposing the expedition for Gloucester, sallied out upon Sully-House at a miles distance, and a temporary garrison for the blocking up of Lidney. In the instant of time the Governor returns to this guard, and understanding by the Scouts their near approach, drew out a forlorn hope, faced and charged them, retreated alittle, and faced them again with the exchange of few shot, till the Enemy were brought up so high that they discovered our body. Hereupon they make a sudden retreat, our forlorn hope fall on, and the body follows, turned their horse to flight, who forsook the foot, and left most of them to our mercy. Here we took one Captain, with five and twenty common soldiers, having slain a Captain, two Leiutenants, and twenty six soldiers. The whole action upon those forces from Worcester was performed only with the loss of twenty horses, and a few men surprised in their quarters, which nevertheless cost the Enemy the life of a Major. The passages from Lidney are all guarded by our horse to starve those within, and preserve the Forest from their plunder.  
The Governor having his hands and thoughts filled with these distractions, was yet more perplexed by a fresh and unknown engagement of Colonel stephan's in Wiltshire. It happened that about this time the enemy had garrisoned an old, but repaired Castle at the Devizes. And to prevent the spoil of the Country near Malmesbury, Colonel Deveraux had erected a garrison at Rouden House between the Devizes & Malmesbury; and before it was settled or well furnished with Ammunition and Provision, it was set upon, & sorely straightened: Colonel Stephens being newly made Governor of Beverston Castle, was desired to give aid to the relief of the house, and sets upon the service without Colonel Massies Order, or knowledge in those his manifold preingagements; wherefore he advanced to succour the besieged with three Troops of his own Regiment, and some Malmesbury foot, and though he failed of a parry of horse to be sent from Colonel Devereux, undertook the business, broke through the Enemy with much difficulty and hazard, and relieved the house with provision and powder, but failed in the concluding part; for when he might with far less difficulty have forced the way back through a troubled enemy, he alighted unwarely and went into the house to refresh himself, thereby giving the besiegers time to rally, and to cast up a breast-worke before the passage, that he, with the rest, being four hundred horse and foot, were all cooped together, and the poor besieged are most desperately straitened by this kind of relief. They without are five hundred strong; the news runs to Gloucester and calls for help, which had not needed, had Colonel Stephens imparted the business to the Governor, as he ought, and waited to have set the Country in a posture on all sides to face the Enemy, whose inroads in the mean while were expected from each quarter. They were already drawn out of Cirencester, Farfard and Leehlade, and kept their Rendezvous on the hills by Cirencester. From Hereford they stir with a great strength on that side, and in the Forest, those that are penned up in Lidney strive to break prison.  
Notwithstanding this at our first alarm, the Governor sent his own Captain Leiutenant, and threescore of the choice horse well appointed, and all that could be spared, unless he would ruin the Forest: and now the work of relieving this place is made more difficult, the Enemy round about being drawn together with a purpose to swallow them up, or more gladly to fight with Colonel Massy at such advantage on the hills and far from home; yet the best face is put on a bad matter, the threescore horse were to join with an hundred horse and dragoones from Malmesbury to break through the Enemy, and these added to the four hundred and thirty within the house, were conceived able to force a passage through the midst of the first five hundred. But now a greater power are come up to the house, at least three thousand men: Sir Jacob Ashley did contribute much to the strength of the besiegers by draining his quarters at Cirencester, whom the Governor could not prevent, nor follow, except with the loss of his interest in the Forest; only he raised the Country about Stroudwater, to face the Garrison of Cirencester; our horse advanced up to the first guard, and slew the Sentinel, hoping by this alarm to draw back the residue from Rowden House: And though the weather dispersed and drove back the Country forces, yet such hopes did revive the business, that two rainy nights might be an opportune and active season for Colonel Stephens to break through, and then which no greater could be expected. Our second party of horse went on for Malmesbury to relieve the besieged at Rowden, and by the way relieved Beverston Castle with Ammunition, but came too late for the main design; for the more potent Enemy had so strongly guarded the passages, that the relief of the house became desperate, and they within presently surrendered upon quarter for their lives.  
The Regiments of horse are much broken, and reduced to an inconsiderable number; the Enemy grows strong, and a stream of ill success flows in upon us. Colonel Hopton, for whom the Governor procured a Commission, upon his promise of raising four hundred horse and arms at his own charge, without the help of the State or Country, having got together about threescore horse, and forty foot, undertook with these men to garrison Castle-dit●● near Ledbury in Herefordshire, having neither order nor directions from the Governor, who conceived the house not to be defended, and required him to desist the enterprise; the order is neglected: But not many days after, a party drawn out of Hereford, had not lain before it four and twenty hours, but he, with his forty foot, and twenty horse were taken, and carried prisoners to Hereford, ere the Governor could come with relief, who lighted nevertheless upon a few stragglers in the rear, and took thirteen prisoners.  
Mean while Sir John Winter's relief lies under the arrest, yet so as we would gladly rid our hands: for the Guards set round his House to the safety of the Forest, did always distract our designs. These Horse are impatient of a longer imprisonment, and after a sore distress break their way through our quarters into the utmost parts of the Forest towards Chepstow, and join with a party of foot from Chepstow landed at Lancaught, where they intended to fortify and to make good the Pass over Wye: by which means they might issue out of Wales at their pleasure. The place contains four hundred acres, having a very strait entrance. Hereupon our several Guards drew together and summoned the Country to aid and came up to the enemy, who were divided in opinion: one part held it meet to make good the passage, the rest persuaded to draw out into the Field and fight. These latter prevailed, and for a while both parties faced each other. Our men drew out a forlorn hope of Foot, the place so requiring, next unto these a forlorn hope of Horse, and the rest were appointed for a reserve. Their Horse violently charged our forlorn hope of Foot, who were ready to give back when our Horse came in opportunely and played their parts, whereat the foot took courage, and fell on all together, and with one charge turned the enemy to flight, that they killed few on the place, but drove them up to the River side, and fell upon the hack in the pursuit, and so cooped them up that few escaped their hands. About fourscore were slain, of whom were Colonel Gamme, and Colonel Vangerris; of the residue some adventured the River to recover the Frigate: many were drowned of whom Colonel Poor Governor of Berkely Castle; but Sir John Winter and his brother with some few besides escaped only of an hundred men from Chepstow, and an hundred and fourscore Horse and Dragoones from Lidney House. The remainder fell into our hands, an hundred and twenty taken prisoners, of whom two Lieutenant Colonels, four Captains, and divers inferior Officers. This was the last blow of three which Sir john Winter received one in the neck of another.  
These things happened about the time of the taking of Shrewesbury, which called off the King's forces from these parts: Sir Jacob Ashly marched from Cirencester, and Prince Rupert out of Herefordshire to relieve his brother Maurice near Chester. The Governor was employed in observing the enemy's motion, but with a strength every day more slender, having lost most part of his own troop with some pieces of others by an other miscarriage in fetching our Arms and Ammunition from Warwick, and in the Conveying of some Clothier's Packs of great value, which were taken between Campden and Banbury through the misguidance of the Officer that commanded.  
Nevertheless he advanced into the nearer parts of Herefordshire with two hundred Horse and five hundred foot, to startle the enemy or make some diversion, supposing they bent their course to the relief of Westchester. Here he found great multitudes of the Country people appearing in Arms, but standing on their own Guard, and declaring themselves for neither side. It was hoped nevertheless they might be made of good use, and the best affected of them gave Colonel massy that satisfaction as was meet, by whom he understood the condition of their engagements. The Governor of Hereford sending for hay and contribution to his Garrison, was so far denied by the Country that it came to blows. The people rising to resist, some few men, and as it was reported women and children were slain, and some carried prisoners to Hereford: also some of the Hereford forces were taken by the Country men. The next day the Alarm went throughout that side of the County, and some parts of Worcestershire. The people gather into a Body, and march to Hereford. Here they stayed some days with a resolution to have certain Articles granted by the Governor of that Garrison. The sum of their demands were to this effect, that such of theirs as were held prisoners there, should be delivered forthwith; that satisfaction be given to the Country for the loss they sustained by plunder, as also to the wives and children of those that were slain: that the Country might be freed from Contribution and all manner of Payment to the Soldier; that since the present forces of Hereford were not able to defend the County, they forthwith quit the Garrison, and leave it to be kept by the Country, who are able to defend the same, and the whole County with less charge. These and the like trivial passages did they discover to the world, as it is wont to happen in such popular Commotions. In the mean while several Posts were dispatched to Colonel massy at Ledbury, and letters returned from him to them, and in particular to some Gentlemen, the chiefest and best affected. These letters received by the Country people, took well with some; but the general vote was that they needed not his help to gain Hereford, which they conceived; would be delivered up by the Citizens, whom they knew to be of one mind with them. Other messengers came from them with entreaties to march up to Hereford, promising concurrence in assaulting the Town; others would have him fall upon another Garrison at Canon-Froome. The Governor made answer to the several Messages, that he desired to confer with some of their best entrusted Gentlemen and Yeomen, expecting meet security that either by Protestation or taking the national Covenant they give him an assurance of their standing with the Parliament, requiring them to cast off the enemy, and receive orders from him, to act nothing of themselves without the consent and approbation of Parliament, without which engagement he could not join or act with them. To this they replied that they held it a thing of evil consequence, and dangerous to declare themselves, and they knew their ability of themselves to perform what they had resolved, entreating him to march back with his men, giving assurance that they were our friends, but could not declare for either side: this act of theirs being a just defence against the unjust proceedings of the Committee and Soldiers of Hereford, and to secure the Country from contribution and quarter. The Governor makes answer to this resolve, That the course they had taken was neither safe nor legal; for it in this confused manner they should gain Hereford, it would do them little service: unless they were able to keep it from the King's Army, and be able of themselves to beat them wholly from that side Seaverne, that no incursion could be made on their Country from any part: that they would distress themselves without relief, because their illegal way would not be owned by the Parliaments forces: for though they have undertaken the preservation of the Kingdom, yet they can give no protection to any that will not join with them in that way which the representative Body of the Kingdom thinks fit. For a third party cannot be in England. And therefore they have no way of safety or justification in this action, but a speedy declaration for the Parliament, from whom they would find security and protection and after assurance of fidelity, a settling of the Country to their own like. He gave them likewise to understand, that the charge of the Parliament in maintaining the Soldiers, and of the Country in contribution, did thence arise; that the people being disengaged in person might look to their Husbandry; declaring withal that the disunion of the Country not understanding their interest in the Parliament was the sole cause of the entertaining of Soldiers. For had the whole Kingdom rose in time and expressed themselves of this opinion, that they would stand up as one man against the Popish party, and enemy of their Country: the work had been long since done. But their drawing back put the Parliament upon this way of raising Arms upon their stock and expense, or the Kingdom must needs fall. He minded them likewise that if they lost this opportunity, of closing with the Parliament, nothing but destruction would follow; that if they closed with Hereford, and composed the difference, this compliance might last till Prince rupert's return, and then they must look to pay for this rebellion: but if they purpose at last to fall in with Rupert, it would hasten their bondage, yet givethem no security.  
This kind of intercourse passed between Colonel Massy and the Country people; mean while he drew back to Rosse, waiting the event of this commotion, but not engaging himself amidst a promiscuous and doubtful multitude. He represented likewise to the Committee of both Kingdoms, what advantage the gaining, and disadvantage the loss of this opportunity might be to the whole work: that their expressions of their esteem of himself, and his gentle dealing with them were great: that the weakness of his forces, chiefly of Horse, was the main business that caused the Major Part to decline his invitation: importuning them if they desired to gain this party, as also a leading party to the whole Kingdom, to send a considerable strength of Horse; and if the forces said to be intended, had come to him, when fifteen thousand appeared in Arms before Hereford, and of them six thousand Musqueteers, and some well mounted, he had gained a full testimony of compliance with the Parliament, and drawn them with ease to aid him against Prince rupert's Army, when they were in the mood, so far incensed and enraged. And to complete the design, a Recruite for the Regiments of Horse was necessary, and that the Auxiliaries should bring along their means of entertainment; for the sending of strength without money did more wound then heal us; for the Soldiers challenge their pay or plunder; And as it was hateful to the Governor, so the State of the Country would not permit him to spend his time in gathering contribution. But for want of a just and due supply, these men were lost to us and to themselves also, concluding a peace with the Governor of Hereford, and obnoxious and open to the King's Army.  
Hereupon Colonel massy marched from Rosse, and passed the Seaverne towards Berkely, purposing to join with Sir William Waller, who was noised to be come into the Borders of this Country, when the day before some of the Berkely forces had issued out towards our Garrison at Slimbridge: but ere they could retreat to the Castle, the Garrison forces fell upon them, slew twelve, whereof one Captain, an Irish Rebel, and took twenty five prisoners, whereof two were Captains and one Lieutenant. The Governor with his party advanced thence towards Chipping-Sodbury, where Colonel Strange with a party of Horse began to fortify: but upon the notice of our Advance retreated to Berkely.  
No sooner had the Herefordshire men disbanded, and returned to their own houses, but Prince Rupert falls back out of Shropshire, and comes upon them with his whole Army. The noise of his Arrival doth hasten the Governors return to Gloucester: who drew thence two hundred Horse, and five hundred foot into the Borders of Herefordshire, where many of the Country people resorted unto him, some with fire weapons, some with others: but the want of strength, especially of Horse, rendered him of little capacity to preserve them. The people having good desires, but daunted with the greatness of the enemy, and the slenderness of our forces, were wholly lost. Sir William Waller was importuned to draw this way, or to send a strong party which might prove of the greatest advantage to the Kingdom, when the Prince's design was to lie on that Country to recruite his Army with men, horses and money for the Spring action, and the approach of the Parliaments Army; and would not only bring in the Country, and make them firm to their service, but disappoint if not destroy Prince rupert's Army, at that time the greatest in the Kingdom, being a confluence of the forces of Prince Rupert, Prince Maurice, Colonel Gerard, Lord Hastings, Lord Ashly, & Sir Marmaduke Langdale. These men bear all before them, take men's Persons, spoil their Estates, disarm the Country, reap the benefit of the late insurrection, and extract money by force and terror from the poor people: whose destruction as well as their late rising in Arms is wholly lost to the Parliament, and serve only to make up the enemy's recruite. The Prince's impress men in great abundance in Hereford, Monmouch, Worcestershire, raise great sums of money, get good store of Arms: necessity in part casting them upon such ways of violence; and coercive power. And though the pressed men were of suspected fidelity, and less value, and had often deceived them in the heat of battle: yet they conduced to the sudden forming of an Army when the King's Affairs grew desperate, and thrust in with the old Volunteers made up the bulk of a great Body. Thus both the strength and the ruins of the Country are left to the enemy, when by the aid of twelve hundred Horse in the beginning of this insurrection, the hopes of the business might without vanity promise the Parliament many thousand fight men of all sorts besides those already in pay.  
Sir John Winter the plague of the Forest once more importuned the relief of Lidney House, and obtains from the Prince about two thousand Horse, and fifteen hundred foot, who break in to destroy the Country and disarm the Inhabitants. The Governor with what strength he can make marched to Wesbury and quartered within a mile and a half of the enemy, and gave order to the Guards that beset Lidney, that the foot be drawn off to the Garrison of Nast, and Highmeadow, and the Horse repair to the Randevouze, which was done without loss, when the Forest was full of the enemy. He preserved likewise the lower parts near the river, but for want of horse wherein the enemy did abound, could not without extreme hazard and loss advance to the further parts, where they kept their Randevouze, and which they laid waste, plundering the houses to the bare walls, driving all the cattle, siezing upon the persons of men, and sending them Captives to Monmouth, and Chepstow, except such as escaped to us by flight, (as many did with their Arms) and some few that saved themselves in Woods and Minepitts. The enemy did not adventure into the lower and nearer places, where our foot lay ready and resolved to undertake theirs if they came on. Our Neighbouring parts of Hereford and Worcestershire, run the like fortune with these in the Forest, and look black upon this Garrison which was not able to preserve them. The King's forces returned the second time into the Forest; and took the glean of the former Harvest: yet the nearer parts are still prrserved. The enemy raised themselves to a great power, already reputed six thousand horse and foot, and seem to endeavour Northward, wherefore the Governor intending to help the Country, by driving up the Rear of their march, or to put in for any service, advanced to Lidbury with four hundred horse and five hundred foot, his whole marching strength, notwithstanding the addition of two hundred and fifty Horse from Northampton and Warwick, and with this party attended the enemy's motion. Hither Prince Rupert advanced with the best part of his Army, of whose approach neither spy nor Scout from the Outguards made the least discovery, till they came within half a mile of the Town, horse and foot, to surprise or at least to surround us. The Governor instantly commanded the Horse to mount, and drew up the foot, though not in so good order as he might, by reason of the sudden Alarm; and suspecting what he afterwards found, that the Prince would endeavour to compass him in, he marched off the foot with all due speed that the enemy's right or left wing might not get before us, which they endeavoured by sending one party to the Towns end to keep us in action there, whilst two other parties fetched a compass upon either hand. In the mean while he brought up those few horse, that were not upon the Outguards to charge the enemy at their first entrance, and placed an Ambuscado of twenty Musqueteeres to make good the retreat. But the business was acted so, that the Governor in person with the Field Officers and Captains were enforced to entertain the enemy with several charges, and bear their brunt alone, till the foot had rid some ground before them. In this part of the skirmish their loss was the greatest for number, of ours only Major Backehouse mortally wounded, the Governor, whom the Prince aimed to charge, had his horse wounded under him by two severoll shots. Our men drew off as was meet, & made good the retreat three or four miles to the enemy's loss, till they came up to a place of shelter, when hasting to get before the right wing of the enemy's horse, they were put into some confusion. And the Horse having no great desire to fight, neglected the advantage of the place, to stop the pursuit though the Governor endeavoured what he could to engage them. That the enemy fell in among the Rear Guard of the foot, where he lost near two hundred men taken prisoners: many Country men being taken in to make up the number. This business cost them the lives of some gallrnt Officers, and the Prince miss his aim of surprising Colonel Massy, but the Governor supposed the stay of the Princes march an advantage to the Service.  
Nevertheless the Army continued some days after, between Hereford and Worcester recruiting daily, and seem to put much confidence in the Country, whom they cause, not only to abjure the Parliament, but bind over to themselves by solemn oath, swearing in the presence of God; That they believe no power of Pope or Parliament can depose the King, and absolve them from their natural obedience to his Royal Person and Successors, that the two Houses of Parliament without the King's consent, have no power to make Laws, or to bind or oblige the subjects by their Ordinances, that they believe the Earl of Essex, and Manchester, and Sir Thomas Fairsaxe, Sir William Waller, Colonel massy, together with all such as have already, or shall hereafter take up Arms by Authority, or commission from the members of Parliament at Westminster, pretending to fight for King and Parliament, do thereby become actual Rebels, and as such aught with all their adherents and partakers, to be presented and brought to condign punishment: that they will never bear Arms in their quarrel, but will, if they be thereto called, assist their Sovereign and his Armies in the defence of his Royal Person, Crown, and Dignity, against all contrary forces to the utmost of their skill and power, and with the hazard of their lives and fortunes; that they will not discover the secrecies of his Majesty's Army unto the Rebels, nor hold any correspondence with them; and all designs of theirs against the King's Army, for the surprising or delivering up of the Cities of Hereford or Worcester, or any other of his Majesty's Forts, they shall truly discover to those whom it shall concern, so soon as it comes to their knowledge. That his Majesties taking up Arms for the causes by himself so often declared in Print is justly necessary. That they shall endeavour all they can to hinder popular tumults, risings, randevouzes, meetings, confederacies, and associations of the people, towns, hundreds, and countries, which are not warranted to assemble by his Majesty's express commission, or by power derived from him by virtue of his Commissions, and in the sense he means it, and that they detest from their heart that seditious and traitorous late invented national covenant, and protest never to take it. All these particulars they vow and protest sincerely to absolve without Equivocation or mental Reservation. This Pretestation was strictly enjoined by the Princes, to be taken by all without exception, in the Counties of Mounmouth, Glamorgan, Breekno●ke, Radnor, Hereford, and Worcester. Nevertheless this constained act could not knit the hearts of a male-contented Country to the love of that side, nor could the State permit the enemy's exaction and violence by this vow eternally to bind up the people from well-doing.  
The Prince's Army is the main rest of the King's Affairs which they strengthen daily by impressing the Country, taking in lesser Brigades, and draining the Garrisons, and a part of goring Army passed over the Seaverne from Bristol into Wales, and so to Rupert at Hereford. After a little stay to perfect the recruite the enemy drew thence, the Infantry and Artillery lay between Worcester and Beaudly commanded by Sir Jacob Ashley, whilst Rupert and Maurice with the horse and some select foot fetch off the King from Oxford, assisted also with goring Horse and Dragoones, who left his Majesty at Stew and marched back over the hills into the West through our Borders.  
The Governor received another dropping by the addition of two Troops from newport-pagnel, the Auxiliaryes were in all three hundred and forty: his own so few, weak, and ill armed, that he could scarce muster a hundred fight Horse: and those much discontented, observing the rest in good equipage, but themselves in the constant action of Soldiers naked and miserable. These are employed in attending the enemy's march, to preserve the Country what they may; yet they disturb it with frequent Alarms, and sometims beat up the lesser parties, and upon sundry attempts took one Colonel, divers Captains, with inferior Officers and soldiers.  
Sir John Winter despairing of longer subsistence and livelyhoode, deserted and fired his house at Lidney, having first spoilt the Forest and so before hand with revenge. By this time the Counties round about are cleared of the King's Army, and Colonel massy received a larger supply of Horse from the remainder of Colonel Bher and D'albeirs Regiments commanded by Major Buller: and thereby enabled to undertake some important Service. Evesham was beheld as the most opportune and of greatest concernment in distressing Wor cester, and establishing the Committee by Order of Parliament for that County. Wherefore the Governor drew before it with five hundred foot from Gloucester, and two hundred from Warwick, who belonged to the Worcester Committee, with a strong able Brigade of Horse, and in the name of the King and Parliament summoned Colonel Robert Legge Governor of the town, to make a speedy surrender of the Garrison with all Persons, Arms, Ammunition and Provision, which he there held against the justice of them both, or upon refusal to expect such justice as fire and sword would inflict. And to this he expected a speedy answer. Colenell Legge sent back the Summons with this answer. You are hereby answered in the name of his Majesty, that this garrison which I am entrusted to keep, I will defend so long as I can with the men arms and ammunition therein, being nothing terrified by your summons. I perceive you are a stranger to our strength and resolution, further treaties will be troublesome.  
Upon this return the Governor prepared the design, and ordered to each Officer his charge in the storm. The assault was to be made on each part of the town. The side that looks towards Worcester was to be stormed in five places with one place at the bridge on the other side of the river. The commanded parties of the foot were lead on by the several Captains, and seconded by the Horse divided into three Bodies. After the disposition of the design, and the night spent in Alarms, the Signal was given a little after break of day, when both horse and foot fell on together with life and heat in a furious assault, broke up the Pallisadoes, filled the grafts with faggots, and other preparations, made sundry passages, recovered the works, and stood firm on the Parapet, whilst the Musqueteers from within played furiously. The foot having recovered the shelter of the ditch beat off the enemy, got up by scaling ladders, stood on the breast works, and some entered but were again driven up by the Horse to the top of the works, where they stood firm and fired, but after a while ready to be beaten off by the violent charge of the enemy's horse, till a party of our horse on that fide drawing up close, and having a small breach made for their entrance, fell in and beat off the enemy from that bull work; whilst another party made an entrance near the Bridge. And now they tumble over the works on all sides: and charge up both horse and foot with equal gallantry, bore down the enemy and mastered the Garrison. The conflict was hot and difficult for almost an hour, and maintained by the enemy with much resolution. The lives of the Officers and Soldiers were wonderfully preserved in that violent storm, when each man was exposed to the hazard of the most daring enemy. Of the Officers two only wounded, and ten private soldiers slain, and twelve of the enemy. The prisoners taken in the garrison were five hundred and fifty on the list, of whom two Colonels one Major, thirteen Captains, with other Officers and Gentlemen reformadoes to the number of seventy. Many Gentlemen and Officers that charged with the Governor, acted their parts with courage, and spurred on the valour of the soldiers. The reserve of foot divided into three bodies, to second the assailants performed as became resolved men, and the whole action was complete according to the Idea & Platform of the design. The Evening before to keep off an approaching enemy from Worcester, about a hundred horse were drawn out, and kept guard five miles from Evesham, faced a party of horse from Worcester, whose hasty and distracted retreat gave such an alarm to the whole City, that they fired four piece of Ordnance before day, and alarmed the Country round about, when the Conquest was already secured, and the Parliament Masters of Evesham.  
This performance was the concluding honour of Colonel Massies government, after his remove from the present command was resolved by both Houses of Parliament, when the desires of promoving the public service made him to hazard the fame of his former achievements by the doubtful issue of the last action.  
Some days before he had an honourable invitation from the Western Gentlemen, and the same day that he entered Evesham, received a Commission from the Lords and Commons to lead an Army in the West: The Parliaments command found the Governor absolutely free in affection and choice, willing to comply with their pleasures, neither longing to stay, nor eager of a change, but in any place ready to spend his blood in the Kingdom's Cause, if he might not spend it in vain. Nevertheless the City and County of Gloucester did much resent it, and something repine that their Governor should be snatched from such a people as had done much, and suffered much in their fidelity and resolution without precedent (considering the many assaults) that had sacrificed their lives and fortunes in preserving this City and the Kingdom therein, that had borne so much in the firing of the Suburbs, in the burning of many houses near the town, some by the Enemy's malice, and some by themselves for safety, and the pressures of the Country under both Armies. They cast up the consequence and concernment of the place, being the Centre, Garden and Granary of the Kingdom, the Blockhouse to the river of Severne, and a bar to all passages between Worcester, Bristol, and the Sea, the stop of intercourse between Oxford and Wales, the Key to open the passage upon the Welsh and their Frontiers, and the lock and bar to keepe-out their incursions: the only refuge and safety for the Parliament party and friends in that part of the Kingdom, and the Enemies sole hindrance from the command of the whole West. Besides, this they had strong desires of retaining their Governor having so long experience of his judgement to foresee dangers, and care to prevent them, of his readiness to issue out for offence and defence upon each incursion, of his indefatigable industry in taking the advantage of all opportunities to weaken the Enemy, and happy success in all erterprises, of his disposition and comportment, by which he cherished the well-affected, ratisfied and confirmed the indifferent, reduced the very malignant: and by himself engaged the Country to arms, and governed the soldiers from mutiny, rapine, and plunder, or other violence in the Garrison or Country. To all which they added an unavoidable prejudice against any stranger, though in himself able and faithful, considering the many bypast plots, and the Enemies implacable malice who breath out threatenings daily. Such was the sense of the people universally. And the Major and Aldermen with the whole City Nemnie Contradicente did so far honour themselves in vindicating Colonel Massy, as to petition both Houses of Parliament for his continuance in the Government, representing in express terms his noble disposition, constant and unwearied pains, blest by God with extraordinary success, and his main influence on the hearts of the people in general, most of them being by him engaged in arms for the Parlinment, and upon the whole so idiery, who were kept together to serve in this Country, chiefly by the love and respect they bear to him. And this they acknowledged not with an intention of prescribing rules to the State, but out of their care and zeal to the common Cause. They likewise importuned the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-council of London, upon the mutual bonds of former engagement, in defending and raising the late Siege of Gloucester, to represent unto the Parliament the sense of their fears, and the Country's distraction at the removal of Colonel massy: complaining of the sinister ends of some few persons who brought in a cross Petition, with Articles in the name of the County of Gloucester, which no part of the County did ever acknowledge, and of which no corner thereof was conscious.  
The House of Commons would not accept the charge against Colonel massy, and that they might deal in the business without partiality, refused also the Country's Petition. Nevertheless the Speaker was directed in the name of the House, by way of answer to their requests, to let them know, that they were very sensible of the dangers that might attend an alteration in that kind, but that the Governor provided to succeed might speedily give such assurance against such dangers, that there will be no cause for them to continue, much less to increase their fears. That the House was confident that their constant readiness to comply with the public, would also in this particular of Colonel Massies removal make them rest content in the resolution of the Parliament in that matter. Though Gloucester be a place they prise, and care for as much as any in the Kingdom, yet for the present it was thought of greater necessity to employ him in that command of the Western Forces and they cannor doubt of the concurrence and submission of those well-affected parts in whatsoever is judged to be of public advantage.  
Hereupon it was ordered the third of June, 1645 by the Lords and Commons, that Master Luke Nurse Major of Gloucester, Alderman Singleton, and Colonel Blunt, or any two of them shall have the command of the Garrison of Gloucester, and of the Forces and Garrison in Gloucestershire, in as ample manner as Colonel massy had till the appointed Governor come down to his charge there, or the Houses take other order.  
Colonel Massy in the mean while labours to disengage the affections of the Country, and to take off discontents and mutiny, and beseeches the Parliament to send down the succeeding Governor that he might seek to interest him in the hearts of the people, whom he never desired to endear unto himself, but to those Masters whom he served, which was a full testimony of a true Servant to the State, upon the sole terms of Conscience and Honour.  
FINIS.