A brief AND EXACT RELATION OF THE Most material and remarkable Passages that happened in the late well-formed (and as valiantly defended) siege laid before the City of Gloucester. Collected by John Dorney Esquire, town-clerk of the said City, who was there resident the whole Siege, and applied himself wholly to this business. Published by Authority, and entered into the stationer's hall-book according to Order. LONDON, Printed for Thomas underhill at the sign of the Bible in woodstreet, M. DC. XLIII. A brief and exact diurnal, Containing the most material and remarkable passages that happened in the late well formed Siege laid before the City of GLOUCESTER. AFter the unexpected surrender of Bristol, the City of Gloucester was assaulted with several Letters, Messages, and such verbal solicitations, by divers in the King's Army of no mean quality, thereby pretending our good, and expressions of their love and care of us, but really intending their own sinister ends and our destruction. Amongst the rest, there came a Letter on Friday, August 4. dated August 3. from a captain of a troop of Horse in the King's Army, to Mr. Alderman Pury, one of the Burgesses of the Parliament for this City, full of persuasive oratory for the yielding up of this City, with great promises as heretofore of preferment, and brags of the greatness of the Army that was then on their march coming against us, viz. All Prince Rupert's Forces, from Bristol, with addition of 1500. armed Welsh, and 2000 Club-men out of Wales, and arms sufficient to arm them from Bristol, 800 foot with a Regimenent of Horse from Worcester, and 5000 foot with a Brigado of Horse of the Queen's Forces from Oxford, and if he would send an answer, it must be by the Sunday-night following or not at all: But Mr. Alderman Pury (whose fidelity is sufficiently known to be so firm to the Parliament, that it is not to be shaken by promises or threats) thinking it not worthy of, so accordingly sent no answer. Saturday, August 5. We received intelligence, that about 2000 Horse from Bristol were advanced within 10 mile of this City, whereupon several messengers were dispatched to the Parliament. Sunday, August 6. General Garret faced this City with his Brigado of Horse in Tredworth-Field, and sent a Trumpeter to the governor for 4 Horses of his formerly taken by a party of ours in Cotswold, for which he offered others in exchange for them, or any other satisfaction. In the afternoon, a small party of Horse and foot commanded by captain Blunt, and assisted by Lieutenant colonel Matthewes, captain White, captain Pury the younger, and captain Lieutenant Harcus issued forth of the North-gate, and at Wotton took about 10 Prisoners, and sending home the foot, the said captains with the few Horse they had, went along to Vpton, St. Leonar's, and thence to the foot of Painswickes-Hill, on the top of which they discovered a party of the enemy's Horse, and so going round about by Matson, they retreated without the loss or hurt of any. This day we wrought hard in the amending and repairing of our bulwarks. Monday, August 7. News came to captain Pury the younger to Gloucester, That the enemy was plundering at Tuffleigh, about a mile and half from Gloucester, newly assigned for his Quarters for the billeting of his soldiers, who thereupon acquainted captain Evans therewith, resolving to take what men of theirs they could on the sudden get to surprise the enemy; But being come thither, assisted with Lieutenant Pierce, they understood that they were gone away with their plunder to Mr. wood's house at Brockthroppe, about a mile and a half further: They thereupon (having not above 40 foot, and some few of captain Backhouses horse) left some few foot to secure their retreat, and with the rest marched forward to meet with the enemy, skirmished with them, compelled them to take refuge in the house, killed one in the Orchard, and hurt or killed others in the house, and took one prisoner, and 7 Horses: But perceiving a party of Horse, that looked on on the hill all the while, to make towards them, they were forced to retreat without any loss, only one through his own indiscretion taken prisoner. As they were just at the town's-end, they met with the governor and a party of musketeers coming to their rescue, news being brought to town that they were in danger of being cut off. Tuesday, August 8. We understood that the King with all the foot from Bristol, and carriages were come to Berkeley, and that they intended to speed their march towards us. Wednesday, August 9 We had intelligence that provision was made for the entertainment of his Majesty at Princknedge, in the Lady Bridgemans house, about 3 miles off the City, and that the foot and carriages would be there that night: we likewise received intelligence, that the Lord Chando's that day dined at Brockworth, at the Guises there, whereupon a party went out of the North-gate towards Barnewood, skirmished with the enemy, and did some execution upon them, and amongst the rest a little boy of captain Nelmes Company, having shot away all his Bullets, charged his musket with a pebble stone, and killed a Commander therewith, we retreated without any loss at all. Thursday, August 10. His Majesty with about 6000 Horse and foot as we conceived, the Welsh & Worcester Forces coming after, faced us in Tredworth Field, at the foot of Ribinhoods-hill, about a quarter of a mile off the town; & about 2000 Horse more, faced us in Walham, within Canon-shot at random of our works. Towards the afternoon his Majesty sent a message by 2 heralds at arms, whereof the one being Somerses Herald, read the message at the Talsey as followeth. Out of our tender compassion to our City of Gloucester, and that it may net 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 that 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 doubt not, we shall easily and shortly be able to do) they must thank themselves for all the calamities and miseries that must befall them. To this message we expect a clear and positive answer within 2 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 do require all the Officers and soldiers of our Army, quietly to suffer them to pass accordingly. The Herald mentioned the publishing of this message openly in the street, but his Majesty by his message not requiring the same, the governor would no ways permit it. But the Heralds being withdrawn, after some debate in satisfying Mr. Major scruples touching his Oath of Majoralty, an answer was drawn, and unanimously agreed unto both by Citizens and soldiers in these words following. We the Inhabitants, 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 oaths 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. This answer was immediately sent to his Majesty, (who was by that time come to Tredworth-Field, attended by Prince Charles, the Duke of York, Prince Rupert, Lord general Ruthen, &c.) by sergeant Major Pudsey, and a Citizen who accordingly presented the same and so returned. Thereupon his majesty's Forces advanced forward into our suburbs, chiefly on the east-part into barton-street, where we killed a Commander from the East-gate: But the houses proved too hot for such inhabitants, for we had after the return of our messengers, fired all our suburbs on the North-east and South parts, as being those that could and would have done us most harm: yet one Issolds house in barton-street (by reason of a garden betwixt that and the next above) took not fire, so that the enemy played from thence with Musket-shot against us, till we by 5 or 6 Canon-shot from the walls, forced them to quit that place, Our Canon likewise from the Pen upon the West-gate, discharged upon the body of Horse in Walham, and doing some small execution there, made them go seek better quarters. Our Women and maids wrought all this afternoon in the little mead out of our works in the very faces of those houses, in fetching in turf for the repairing of our works: we were forced now through want of men for the guarding of the City itself (we being not above 1400 at most) to quit our outguards of the wineyard, and the two Sconces we had formerly made at each corner of the Isle of Alney for the securing thereof and the River of Seaverne. Friday, August 11. Upon break of day we discovered that the enemy had the night before begun their entrenchments in Gawdy Greene, on the South-part of the City, and about Issolds house on the East part, both within less than Musket-shot of our walls. They had likewise cut the Pipes that conveied our water from Robinhoods-hill to our Conduits, and diverted the course of water that drove our Corne-mills, so that we were forced to content ourselves with pump and Seaverne water, and to grind our corn with Horse-mills. Their pioneers plied their works in their trenches, the musketeers on both sides playing hard, we lost only a boy and a girl through their indiscretion gazing over the walls. The Welsh Forces under Sr. William Vavasor advanced to the wineyard, where after 2 hours' solemnity, they with great valour took it, nobody being there to make a shot against them. Yet upon their entry of the outward work, when they saw another within, they according to their known prowess, immediately ran out, yet taking heart again, they at last to their eternal glory took it. Upon their drawing up on the side of the hill, our Demeculverin discharged from the Pen fell amongst them and did good execution; we discovered them through our prospectives carrying away their dead or maimed, and afterwards divers gazing where the Bullet grazed that durst adventure so far to kill her noun's cousins and Countrymen. Among this crew had that treacherous Adam's, once a Lieutenant colonel under Sir William Waller, placed himself. They about 2 days afterwards leaving a sufficient guard at the wineyard and the sconce by Maysemore, made a Bridge of Boats there, and joined with the Forces that had now newly come from Worcester and quartered on the North west side of the City, at Longford and the Kingsholme, where they made their leaguer in two fields there about, less than half a mile off us. The Lord general Ruthen had placed his leaguer at some grounds behind Lanthony, within a quarter of a mile of the town, it being somewhat sheltered from our shot by a rising ground that lay between, yet our shot happened sometime amongst them and did some execution. There their Lord general pitched his Tent, and Sir Jacob Ashley quartered at Mr. wood's house in barton-street: captain Lieutenant Harcus, assisted by colonel Stevens ensign, at midnight issued forth of the South part, with a small party, beat the enemy from their trenches, and brought away many of their Shovels and Pickaxes. The same night the enemy making an approach in Barton-street, our Canon from the East-gate killed 6 of them, whereof one was a Lieutenant colonel, and another a captain of the Queen's black Regiment under colonel Blackwell, Sir Jacob Ashley was then shot in the arm. The enemy likewise advancing somewhat from Lanthony toward the Barbican, our guards there fired upon them and killed and wounded many of them, as we have received information by divers confessions. August 12. Saturday. In the forenoon a party commanded by captain lieutenant Harcus sallied forth through a door we made for that purpose in a brick-house adjoining to the town wall on the South East part over against Rignall stile (making a bridge of Ladders over the moat) and fell into the enemy's trenches in Gawdy Green, beat them out, gained some working tools, Arms and Prisoners, and retreated without loss of any, only two wounded. This was a hot skirmish for the space of half an hour. In the afternoon a party of about 150. Musketeers commanded by Captain Gray sallied forth over the works at the little Mead, and fell upon the enemy's quarters at the Kingsholme, marched up to their Main-guard, there killed Captain Rumney, and about 8. or 9 common soldiers, took 5. prisoners, and divers arms, burnt their Main-guard, and houses they quartered in, and retreated without the loss of any. These were the Worcester Forces with whom the Welsh had not yet joined. The same afternoon after our retreat the enemy had planted two great Culverins of between 15. and 16. pound bullet at the East side out of Musket shot point blank, with which they made some store of shot, intending to batter the Town-wall, but did no harm, although many fell into the Town. They then likewise began the making of a redoubt in a field near Lanthony towards Severn, making a breast-work from it to Lanthony wall cross the causey. And we perceiving by their Canon Baskets they placed in their Square redoubt in Gawdy Green that they intended a battery there, began the lining of our town wall from the South to the East gate, which we shortly after perfected; That night the enemy shot several great Granadoes out of their mortar pieces, they all brake, but did no harm; we have since received intelligence from some that were the whole Leaguer in the King's Army, that their biggest Morter-piece broke at the first discharging of it, they say the biggest in England. Sunday, August 13. The Enemy having planted three pieces of Ordnance on their battery at gaudy Green of 15. and 23 lb. bullet weight, began to batter the wall and brick-house over against Rignall stile, killed one of our men (no soldier) in the said Brick-house, as he was peeping there, but did no other harm. This day we began the blocking up of the South port, making a dam of earth against the draw bridge, and a breast-work Canon proof against the wall reaching from the draw bridge to the gate, and lining the houses on each side, and the almshouse between the gate and drawbridge with earth. Monday, August 14. We had some suspicion and kind of intelligence that they were drawing Ordnance to the Kingshome; And that it lay in some grounds undiscovered between the North gate and the Margaret's; whereupon a party of about 150. Musketeers commanded by captain Mallery sallied forth of the North port to surprise it, but not finding any, retreated, without loss, but killed four of the enemies, and took two prisoners, and fired some of their quarters at the Margaret's. This day the enemy played with their Ordnance from Gawdy Green, and battered the Town wall on the southside of the friar's Orchard, but we quickly made up the breach with woolsacks and Canon Baskets. By this time they had drawn their trench in Gawdy Green near the meat at Rignall stile, where they made a kind of Mine to drain the moat, which much sunk the water of the moat between the South and East ports. Tuesday, 15. August. The enemy removed their tents and carriages to their Leaguer near Lanthony. And in the afternoon valiant James Harcus, Captain lieutenant to the Earl of Stamford was slain in the friar's Orchard, as he was too venterously looking what execution a Granado had done, which he then threw into the enemy's trenches. Wednesday, 16. August. About 150. Musketeers commanded by Captain Crispe sallied forth at the North port, and fell upon the enemy's trenches upon the East side of the friar's Orchard, killed above 100 men (as is confessed by some of the enemies themselves) wounded many, beat them out of their trenches, took some Spades, Shovels, and Arms, and retreated without the loss of any, only two wounded after an exceeding hot skirmish for the space of half an hour or more, the Canon and Muskets on both sides playing most furiously. Amongst others a sergeant and corporal of captain Nelmes Company were observed to behave themselves very bravely. The enemy began this day to entrench between Barton street and the friar's barn, within musket shot of the walls. And we employed some time in lining of the house adjoining to the North gate with earth, and in amending and strengthening the works about the friar's barn. Thursday, 17. August. The enemy shot divers Granadoes out of their battery in Gawdy Green into the town; whereof about four fell upon some houses and brake into them, but (by God's providence) did no harm, and one fell into the street near the South gate, but a woman coming by with a pail of water, threw the water thereon, and extinguished the phuse thereof, so that it did not break, but was taken up whole: it weighed 60. pound weight. This night the enemy made divers alarms about the City, and our Ordnance and musketeers played hard against them. They then likewise brought faggots and the like to the moat by the friar's Orchard, but were beaten off by our musketeers from the walls. This day a printed paper containing the King's Message and our Answer thereunto was sent out of the King's Army, unto M. Alderman Pury, with a persuasive Letter for the surrendering up of the city the close of which printed paper runs thus, Let the world now judge if his majesty could have sent a more gracious Message to his most loyal Subjects, and whether these desperate Rebels deserve any mercy, who after so many Offers do still refuse a pardon: but since their returning this rebellious answer they have set their own suburbs on fire; which surely is not to keep the City either for King or Parliament. Printed at Oxford, &c. At the same time there was also sent unto him certain specious considerations and reasons subtly composed, tending to satisfy Conscience in the delivering up of the city not withstanding the late Oath and Protestation, wherewith all the said Capt. Pury being not convinced, did not divulge the same till after the siege was raised. Friday, 18. August. The enemy played with their Ordnance at Gawdy Green upon the wall on the South side of the friar's Orchard, but did small hurt thereunto. They having likewise (after the conjunction of the Welsh with the Worcester Forces) drawn 4. pieces of Ordnance to the Kingsholme, one whereof they planted against the Awnyate, and the sconces thereunto adjoining. A party of about 400. Musketeers commanded by Major Pudsey, and Captain Gray assisted by Captain Faulkner, and Captain massy, sallied forth of the North gate, being led by one Weaver, a stout fellow of Captain Pury the youngers' Company as their guide, and having sent Lieutenant Pincocke with about 50 musketeers over the works at the little mead to give them an alarm, who advancing up to their Canon (that made but one shot against them,) in the mean while they got behind their Canon and brestwork there, and fell upon their main-guard, killed divers of their Officers, and two cannoneers, with about 100 Common soldiers mortally wounded, Captain Basset with divers others, took Lieutenant Tipper and about 4 others' prisoners, nailed their Canon and retreated without other loss then 2 killed, and about 4 taken prisoners. Saturday, August 19 The enemy having planted 3 pieces of Ordinance at gaudy green as afore said, and now 3 more on the East side of the friar's Orchard near Rignall stile, within less than pistol-shot of the Town-wall, and 2 more in another Battery near the East-gate. They began a most furious battery upon both sides of the corner of the wall next Rignall stile, making above 150 great shot thereupon, wherewith they shrewdly battered the wall, but our earth-workes stood firm; by all this shot there was only a man and a maid hurt, and a Canon-bullet, its force being almost spent, running along the ground struck down a pig, which our soldiers eat, and afterwards well jeered the enemy therewith. Upon this Battery of the wall we began a brestwork from the wall on the South side of the friar's Orchard all along the middle of the said Orchard, and so making up all passages into the town between that and the East gate. This day (as hath been confessed by some of the King's Army) we killed three of their principal cannoneers. This day and the night following the enemy shot divers Granadoes into the Town, whereof one fell in at the top of M. Hathwayes house into his Chamber over his kitchen, and thence obliquely descending through the end of the Chamber took that with it, and broke in his Court. One piece fell in the kitchen Chimney, where three women were sitting by the fire, but by God's blessing hurt neither of them. The rest did no other hurt then to houses, and that not much neither. We expected that the enemy would have fallen on this night, whereupon we beat up an alarm with our drums round about the City. The enemy attempted to make a passage over the Moat at the place they had battered, but being descried by our Sentinels, they were beaten off with some loss by our musketeers. Sunday, 20. August. This morning that Rogue Hatton, one of our cannoneers, ran away to the enemy. The enemy followed hard their trench-work, and carrying of faggots. And some of ours, whilst other went to Church, as at other times, to implore divine assistance, wrought likewise at our works within the City. Monday, August 21. Two several parties were designed for the nailing of the enemy's Canon. The one being about 200. Musketeers, commanded by captain Stevenson, and assisted by captain Moor, sallied forth at the North gate to have fallen upon their trenches at the East gate, but their guide foolishly mistaking the way, brought them round about to S. Jacob Ashleyes' Quarters at the Barton, where about 40. Musketeers encountered with five Colours of the enemy, and having slain divers of them, and taken lieutenant Anderson, and lieutenant traps, prisoners, forced them to a retreat, then marching through the Barton Court, they faced and fired at eight colours more, and so retreated. In the retreat two troops of the enemy's horse came upon the rear, but ensign Matthewes facing about, charged them, and forcing them to retire, made good our retreat. In this Skirmish were two killed, three hurt, and a sergeant of Captain Nelmes taken prisoner; This party was all of colonel Stephen's Regiment, and some few of colonel Devereux men. The other was of the Lord Stamfords Regiment commanded by Captain Blunt assisted by Captain William White, who sallied forth by boat down Severne, and marched up to the enemy's quarters at Severne street, beat the enemy out of their redoubt there, (our Canon the mean while playing from the Barbican upon the houses there) killed sergeant Major wells, Captain of the Watch, and some common soldiers, took one prisoner, and advanced up to the turnpike at the upper end of Severn street. But the design failing through the misguidance of the other party, they were called off, and by the help of our Ordnance from the Barbican made a fair retreat without loss of any, only two wounded. Wednesday August. 23. About 15. Musketeers sallied out of the North gate and gave the enemies an alarm and so retreated. This day the enemy received supply of prvision and ammunition by water from Bristol. We employed ourselves in lining the friar's barn on the outside with earth for the preservation of our Canon there, & in strengthening of our brestworks there, conceiving the enemy had intended a Battery against it. In the evening, the enemy shot some few granadoes into the Town, which did no harm. And about 9 of the clock at night two of ours out of a Company (all the other sallies being in like manner Commanded men out of both Regiments) sallied out of the North-gate, and giving the enemy an alarm retreated. The enemy thereupon after our retreat spent good store of powder and shot against the wind. Thursday, August 24. This day there was a conference with Mr Bell of Sancthurst hur'st, and Mr Hill of Tewxbury within the drawbridge at the North gate, upon their desire thereof by a Letter sent that morning, intimating thereby that they had something to impart unto us for our good by word of mouth, which could not be done by Letter or otherwise. The effect of their speech was to persuade the yielding up of the city in regard of the great power & terrible threats of the enemy, and the small hopes, and in a manner impossibility of relief, withal adding the heavy burdens under which the country groaned, which they said were likely to prove heavier if we yielded not. To this speech they received a resolute negative answer, and so departed. The enemy made divers shot this day with two piece of ordnance they had newly planted at Lanthony, but did little hurt, killed none. One bullet of about 20. pound weight came through a chamber of the inn called the Crown, c●rried a bolster before it into the window, and there slept in it. This night came the only rain that happened during the whole siege, which much annoyed the enemy in their trenches. This night we discovered a fire upon Wain-loades hill, which gave us some encouragement, because we had appointed a man we had formerly sent out, if he heard of any relief, and could not come to tell us thereof, to make a fire there, which he now did accordingly. But the enemy not willing the country should take notice of it, or their soldiers be discouraged thereby, endeavoured to persuade them, it was their stratagem purposely made to deceive us, and to draw us out upon some Ambuscadoes they pretended to have laid. Friday August 25. some few Musketteirs of ours this morning sallied forth of the North port, and gave the enemy an Alarm, who through the suddenness of the Alarm, and hurly-burly thereupon, had a barrel of Powder blown up In the afternoon their Ordnance played from Gawdie Greene, and they likewise from thence shot many Granadoes, two fell into the south-gate-street, whereof one mortally wounded a woman, but did no other harm; some others fell upon several houses in the city, and shrewdly battered them, but did no other hurt; one fell-down upon the enemy's works. They shot likewise great fire-balls, which did no harm. They also shot great stones out of their morter-pieces, which did little hurt, and killed none. In the evening and night following, they shot from their battery at Lanthony above twenty fiery melting hot Iron Bullets, some 18 pound, others 22; pound weight in the night we perceived them flying in the air like a star shooting, male of them fell into houses and stables where hay was but by God's great providence did no hurt at all. One came through three houses, & fell into a chamber of Mr. Comelins' the Apothecary, and being perceived, many pails of water were cast upon it to quench the same, but that little avayting, it was cast into a Cowle of water, where after a good space it cooled. This night (it being suspected that false rumours of our being taken might be spread abroad to hinder our relief) it was ordered that some lights should be set up on the college-tower, to give notice abroad of our holding our, the performance whereof was committed to the care of Captain Pury junior, who performed it accordingly. The enemy vexed there at leveled some shot at the Tower, one whereof came close by the said Captain Pury, as he was looking towards Lanthony, whence their fiery Bullets came, who for all that continued the burning of his links till the moon was fully risen. Saturday August. 26: The enemy wrought hard in filling up the moat (at the place they had battered with fagotts and earth making a Gallery over the head of their trench, to save themselves tromour shot: at night they made some shot from their Battery at Gawdy Greene, upon the Town wall, on the Southside of the friar's Orchard but did no harm, only two or three hurt a little by the flying of the stones of the wall. Divers times during this siege some of our men would go forth over the works & fetch hay out of Walham, which to prevent the enemy this day, as often before, set some of the cocks on fire, which some by reason of our shot, I believe, dearly repented. Sunday August 27. The enemy wrought hard in casting earth into the moat, and making divers trenches 〈◊〉 here. They also this day made about twenty great shot upon the house over the East gate. Monday August 28. We conceived that the enemy had sunk a mine under the East gate, whereupon we began to countermine in two several places there, but finding springs we left off, conceiving the enemy would be forced to do the like for the same reason. Tuesday August 29. We began to undermine on the East side of the friar's Orchard, to make a place to put forth a piece of Ordnance at the bottom of the wall, to batter the flank of the enemy's Gallery, there we likewise made some great shot upon the enemy's trenches at the East gate from the friar's Barn. This night two Intelligencers we had sent forth on Saturday-night last, returned from Warwick with news of speedy relief from his Excellency and Sir William Waller. Wednesday August 30. Being the public fast day, there were two Sermons preached at St. Nicholas, without any disturbance, only a Musket. Bullet fell into the Church, but did no harm. This day we turned out our Cattle to graze in the little mead, and so continued them afterwards, guarded by some musketeers, taking them in at night: we made a bridge of ladders, and thereby put them in over the works. This day and the day before, the enemy shot out of their Canon long loggetts of wood, which did no harm. Thursday August 31. We again turned out most of our Cattle into the little mead, guarded by some few musketeers, the enemy fretting thereat, sent out some horse and straggling musketeers, upon whom we did some small execution; we should have done more, durst the enemy have adventured against us, but they kept themselves still almost Musket shot at random of us: At the Barbican three of the company of Sergeant Major Ferrer (Major of the town, who for his indefatigable pains, and extraordinary care and faithfulness to us, hath exceedingly deserved of us and the whole kingdom) crept along Seavern-Bank, and gave the enemy an Alarm, holding them play almost an hour: upon the Alarm about an hundred of the enemies had gathered themselves under a wall at Lanthony, upon whom we discharged a demi-culverin, shot from the Barbican, which lighted in the midst of them, made the stones of the wall fly about their ears, and could not but do good execution. Friday September 1. About three a clock in the morning, a Sergeant and four more of Captain White's company, with one John Barnewood, of Captain Pury the elders Company (who went forth in all the other sallies with Granadoes) crept forth of a hole made in the Dungeon at the East-gate, and came very softly to the mouth of the enemies mine there. The said Barnewood after he had taken aside the board that covered it, and a pretty while viewed them, fired and cast a granado in amongst them, our four musketeers playing at them as they ran out of it, and so retreated without harm. We killed four and hurt others. This put the enemy into a great fright, they crying nothing but arm, arm, for a good while after. Saturday September 2. Our mine in the friar's Orchard, was early this morning perfected and a Sacre placed there. Five out of a Company were drawn out upon the walls, and some Granadoes provided ready. About eight a clock in the morning we played thence with our great gun upon their Gallery, our musketeers fending plenty of shot into their trenches, and cast divers Granadoes thereinto. The enemy played with their Ordnance upon the top of our wall, with which hitting one of our Blinds, they killed one of our men, as he was discharging his Musket against them. They played likewise with their Canon in gawdy-green upon the South gate to little purpose. We battered their Gallery with our Bolt shot, but towards the evening the enemy had sunk a piece against the porthole of our mine, so that we were forced to withdraw our Sacre thence. About night they shot some Granadoes into the town, whereof one fell upon a Stable in the Eastgate-street, near whereunto stood many horses, but hurt none of them. Our men skirmished this day with some straggling men in Walham, where they killed a corporal that refused quarter. We discovered that the enemy for all the Springs went on with their mine at the East-gate, whereupon we renewed our countermine there. The Welshmen at the Wineyard had likewise now at last gotten the heart to advance as far as the town Ham, where placing themselves in a ditch, they played upon our maids and workmen that were fetching turfs out of the little mead, but our great gun at the pen speaking some harsh language to them, frighted them away, bereaving some of their own native language. Sunday September 3. In the forenoon the Congregation assembled at the Church to perform holy duties, but the Minister being informed of our great danger conceived at the East-gate, the enemy having planted store of Canon-baskets there, within less than half Musket-shot, intending a battery there, as we conceived, upon the springing of their mine, dismissed the Congregation without any Sermon. Whereupon we began the lining of the houses over the East-gate, and the making of a very strong breastwork cross the east-gate-street, with a large trench before it, filled by some springs there, intending to raise it up to the eaves of the houses, and to plant some Canon there. We also this day finished the Sconce we began September 1. upon the Mount in the garden by the friar's Orchard, where we could plant four pieces of Canon, to scour the friar's Orchard, and all along the Eastgate. The enemy with some straggling horse and foot vapoured this day in the Walham, but durst not come within the reach of our Musquetiers, upon the retreat of the horse a piece of Ordnance from Captain Pury the elders Sconce, fired and fell in the midst of them, a white horse was seen to fall. In the afternoon a paper was shot upon an arrow into the town, the contents whereof was this; These are to let you understand your god Waller hath forsaken you, and hath retired himself to the Tower of London, Essex is beaten like a dog, yield to the King's mercy in time, otherwise, if we enter perforce, no quarter, for such obstinate traiterly rogues. From a well wisher. To which presently upon another arrow was returned this answer. Waller's no God of ours, base rogues ye lie, Our God survives from all eternity; Though Essex beaten be, as you do say, Rome's yoke we are resolved ne'er to obey: But for our cabbages which ye have eaten, Be sure ere long ye shall be soundly beaten. Quarter we ask you none if we fall down, King CHARLES will lose true subjects with the town. So saith your best friend, if you make timely use of him, Nicholas Cudgel you well. Monday, September 4. We perceived divers carts laden with sick and maimed soldiers going from Lanthony to the water side at Sudmeade, where some boats attended to carry them to Bristol, The enemy had taken up all their horse about the town, so we had some hopes of their rasing the siege. This morning early our Miners had gotten as far as the outward part of the East-gate, where by the working of the enemies we perceived their mine to be sunk a great deal lower than ours, so that we were above them, whereupon we set workmen upon the making of great borers with which we intended to bore through our mine into theirs and so to drown the enemies mine. We understood likewise that the enemy had by the direction of that Jesuitticall Doctor Chillingworth provided great store of engines after the manner of the Roman Testudines cum Pluteis with which they intended to have assaulted the parts of the City, bbtweene the South and West Gates. These engines ran upon cart wheels with a blind of planks musket proof, and holes for four Musquetiers to play out of, placed upon the axletree to defend the Musquetiers and those that thrust it forward, and carrying a bridge before it the wheels were to fall into the ditch, and the end of the bridge to rest upon our brestworkes, so making several complete bridges to enter the City. To prevent this we intended to have made another ditch out of our works, so that the wheels falling therein the bridge would have fallen to short of our breastworks into our wet moat, and so frustrated their intentions. After the rasing of the siege, we took all these engines, and brought them into the town. This night we discerned two Fires upon wainload-hill, made by two Messengers, we had the night before sent out to give us Intelligence if relief was coming: We answered them again with lights in the college Tower. The enemy made about six great shot from Lanthony barn, whereof one of 25 l. bullet weight came through some houses into Master John Halfords kitchen, where his children were a little before, but did no hurt. We now perfected the lining of the houses over and by the East-gate. Tuesday September 5. was appointed for a public fast to be kept within this city by such as might be spared from labour In the space between the sermons we discovered their carriages from Lanthony making up Tredworth Feild and afterwards we perceived their foot and horse marching after, yet we were not assured of their raising of their siege or that our relief was so near at hand, till we perceived their rear guard to fire their huts and their men to be drawn out of their Trenches, which we perceiving, some of our men ventured foroth into their Trenches, and fired their Gallery and Canon Baskets. And presently after an honest country man came tunning into the town, and told us that his excellency had beaten P. Rupert about Stow, and that the rest of the Army rose to succour him. We thereupon perceived that God had delivered us, and that we were now freed from the hands of those that had so long thirsted after our blood. To him therefore be the honour and glory, dmen. It was admirable to observe 1. The constancy of resolution in Citizens and soldiers amidst so many temptations by reason of promises, threats, delay of succour, and want of intelligence even to the very end, although we had not in the whole town above 50 single barrels of powder at the beginning of the siege, and not above three or four at the raising thereof. We kept two powder-mills going, and with them made three barrels a week. 2. The vigilant care and unwearied endeavours of our valiant Governor, and most worthy sergeant Major, and the Officers and soldiers of both Regiments, in keeping the guards day and night without any relief, and the courage and good success they had in their many sallies against the enemy. 3. The cheerful readiness of young and old of both sexes, as well of the better as inferior sort of people by day and night, to labour in the further sortification of our city. Nay, our maids and others wrought daily without the works in the little Mead, in fetching in turf in the very faces of our enemies. 4. The little hurt done by the enemy with their Cannon, Muskets and Mortar pieces, that sent so many terrible messengers amongst us All that we lost (either taken or slain) amounted not to the number of above 50. men, yet we killed of the enemy (although they never durst venture an assault against us) above a thousand men, as hath been confessed by some prisoners and renegadoes, and is generally confirmed by the voice of the whole country, that continually heard the muttering of their soldiers at their return to their quarters, some say 1500. some more: we killed likewise most of their Canoniers, so that they were forced to send to Bristol for more, five whereof the King valued before 500 men. 5. The liberty we had in this strait siege for holy duties, though we were continually neecssitated to bodily labour, and that the siege was raised upon a day of solemn humiliation. 6. How opportunely his excellency came with relief unto us, through the great care of the Parliament and city of London, even than when the enemy thought themselves ready to devour us: for they had made many strong works and Batteries within less than pistol shot of our walls, undermined our gate, and wrought themselves quite over our Moat, and provided their Engines and Bridges in readiness. In all these they showed and used extraordinary skill and industry. 7. The plenty and store of provision we had in the town of all sorts, so that we turned out even to the very last hour they stayed before us, above 200 head of cattle over our works to graze in the very noses of them, beside others we kept in the town upon hay. 8. How confident our enemies were of prevailing, and how often they vainly promised to themselves victory: yet though they conceived mischief, they brought forth a lie, their designs were blasted, and we contrary to their expectation delivered. Which gracious acts of divine providence do deeply engage us to praise the Lord of Hosts with our hearts, lips and lives, who hath gone out with our Hosts, whose eye hath watched over us, and whose strong hand was with us. He made us a city of refuge to others, and hath now been a refuge to us in the time of our distress. What hath been done by us in our just defence against unlawful violence, hath not proceeded from any disloyalty to our sovereign Lord the King (whom God preserve) but out of our endeavours to defend true Religion and Justice, the main pillars of the King's Throne: And therefore we far less deserve to be styled desperate rebels, than those that pretend themselves good subjects, and are nothing less, their practices wholly tending to the subversion of the Protestant Religion, and the destruction of the commonwealth. Our cause we commit to him that judgeth righteously, upon whom we only depend for our protection, and to whom we daily pray, that he would be reconciled to Prince and people, and reconcile each to other, that there may be no more shedding of innocent blood, nor bitter complaining heard in our streets. Laus Deo in aeternum. Since the siege September 12. we received intelligence, that there was some Ammunition come from Bristol in a Bark to Newnam (about ten miles from Gloucester) for Hereford; whereupon we sent out a party of about 45 Foot, and a troop of Horse, to seize upon it for the use of our garrison, who according seized upon the same, being two tun of Match, and some store of wine, and such other merchandise, and brought it in wains to Gloucester. Sir John Winter sent out some horse to prevent us, but they durst not come within a mile of us. The Names of the superior Officers of both Regiments that now lie in Garrison in the city of Gloucester. Henry Earl of Stamford, Colonel, Edward massy, Lieutenant Colonel and governor of Gloucester. Constance Ferrer Major of the town. & sergeant Major to this regiment. Henry Stephens, Colonel. Humph. Matthewes Lieutenant Colonel. Isaac Dobson, sergeant Major. Captains Edward Gray, Charles Blunt, Peter Crisp, Edward Cotton, William White, Robert Malery George massy. John Read, Captain Lieutenant. Captains. William Singleton, Thomas Pury senior. Luke Nurse, John Nelme, John Evans, Thomas Pury, junior, Robert Stevenson, Capt. Lieutenant. There was likewise a broken Regiment of dragoons of about 100 men under the Command of Col. Forbes, that upon the taking of Bristol came from Berkley Castle hither. But the other two regiments do properly belong to this Garrison. EDWARD massy, Governor, Anagram, Never miss a good Reward. He that doth stand so well upon his guard. I hope shall Never miss a good reward. The copy of the letter mentioned to be sent to Master Alderman Pury, Sept. 4. SIR, THe affection which I bear you in particular, and the city in general (and no sinister end I call God to record) extorteth these lines from me: for should I be silent when the desolation of that place (I so dearly affect and where I have been so dearly beloved) is at hand; I conceive the very stones of that city being ruined, will rise up against me for ingratitude: But if my advice be not taken, and misery befall both the place and its neighbourhood, the fault shall then rest on you and the now inhabitants, and my conscience cleared. You well know, or at least may have heard, that the city of Bristol is taken, twelve ships at sea yielded, two ships of Ammunition from Rochel newly come into the Harbour seized on, one ship with great Artillery and Ammunition coming from the Parliament for relief of that city, taken. And this I know, that there are great preparations made for the taking of your city: All Prince Rupert's forces from Bristol, with addition of 1500. armed Welsh, and 2000 Club men out of Wales, and Arms sufficient for to arm them from Bristol, 800. foot from Worcester, with a Regiment of Horse, 5000. Foot with a Brgade of Horse of the Queens from Oxon. But I much fear that this will hardly sink into the belief of some amongst you, yet when you shall hear of the particular Randevouzes, and your Town surrounded, nay, your Houses fired over your ears; then, when it is too late, I much fear, will be the time of repentance. Wherefore I desire you, as you love God, and the good of your city for which you serve, and the which is committed to your charge and protection, to take into consideration your sad condition if the city be taken by force (most of the Army being set against you very bitterly:) And if it be not taken, in what condition of poverty and misery both your city and country will fall into. Is not your provision of corn out of Herefordshire, your commerce (wherein most of your livelihoods and being subsisted) both up and down the River, taken quite away? And if you will not consider your own good, yet in conscience think on your neighbours in the country, who have always been aiding & assisting to you for your protection, who must expect nothing but ruin, if by no other way, yet by the very lying of so mighty an Army amongst them; and if they be ruined, whence can you expect future supplies, and the very laying of a siege before your town, must necessarily produce a destruction to your corn and provision of cattle; and who will be losers thereby but yourselves, I know not: But this I further know, that your Ammunition is not overmuch, your places of supply nowhere, your enemy continually at your door, and able to retire to his own home at pleasure, and your friends far, and utterly unable, or at least not capable to send you present relief. I know you to be a conscientious honest man, and one whose aims (as I have thought) have tended to the public good, and now is the greatest time and opportunity to demonstrate your affections by using some course for an accommodation between your city and his Majesty (who now is here at Bristol) and from whom I dare boldly affirm by some great friends I have near him at Court, I can procure any favour either for the city in general, or yourself in particular: and of this you may be confident; but if once the forces come against it, you must expect no manner of mercy, but present ruin: wherefore if you intend any thing, let it be done with speed, and send to my quarter at Charvild, where you may send any one to me without suspicion. I beseech you seriously to weigh these things in your breast, and to weigh them as coming from one that dearly loves you and your city. And God give you all grace to do that which may most tend to your good, are the prayers of Your real loving friend, FINIS.