A continuation OF THE true NARRATION OF THE Most observable Passages in and about Plymouth, from January 26. 1643. till this present; Wherein you may observe how the Lord doth always work, for that poor, and remote Garrison. TOGETHER WITH The Letter of Sir Richard Greenvile, with the Answer to it, as also the burning of a book enclosed in his Letter by the hand of the Hangman, the Book being entitled, The Iniquity of the Covenant. With the discovery of a she traitor together with the Articles proved on oath against Her at a council of war. Published by authority. LONDON, Printed by I. D. for Francis Eglesfield, and are to be sold at the sign of the Marigold in Paul's Churchyard, May 10. 1644. The Preface to the Reader. PLymouth, being a town far remote, and the passage being by Sea, an account of God's workings (for Plymouth) against the Enemy, cannot so speedily be given as might be wished and expected, besides the Commanders (being more desirous to serve their God and Country, then to gaggle like hens on the laying of every egg) are contented to be silent, until there is enough acted to fill up a Relation. Now therefore not willing that God's mercies should be stifled, but published for his glory, and the heartening of such as stand up courageously, for the Lord against the mighty, this ensuing Narration (as a continuation of the most observable passages in and about Plymouth) is thought fit to be published. Our last ended Decemb. 25. and this begins Ian. 26. for in the Interimour great care was, and still is, to fortify the town, in pulling down Hedges, without our Works, in repairing decayed and ruined outworks, in building new, where they are wanting, and running Breastworks from work to work: Two new works are made, two repaired that fell down, Decemb. 25. at night, the very night, after the enemy removed the strait siege, and let not the world wonder, that we lay still a month, without encounters, when we had so many hundred hedges, to pull down, and 3. miles of ground, to be new fortified against the Enemy, besides the slighting of the enemy's works. If none of this had been Necessary, it might have been needful to refresh such a tired, and almost worn-out Garrison, it being common in the winter, for the poor soldiers to endure 6. or 7. night's duty, without relief, besides their hard bickerings, and encounters with the Enemy. But if the world knew, what rubs against action hath lain in the way, it would not wonder that, that gallant garrison hath given no better account to the Parilament, however take this Narration for a truth without questioning it, and bless God for this, and pray for them that are (by God's assistance) resolved to do more. A continuation of the true Narration of the most observable passages in and about Plymouth. January 26. 1643. THe enemy lying at Plympton, and at Buckland, and in other Parishes in their Quarters, sallied out and fell on some of our Men, that were abroad in the Country, but when we heard of it we drew forth our horse, Major Halsey commanding in chief, fell upon the enemy in Tamerton 4 miles from the town, where we took nine horses, and nine Prisoners, and one slain. February 24. Captain Lieutenant Chafin was sent out with a party of horse to fall upon the Enemies guard at Trenimans or Trenl●mans jump 4. miles from the town where we beat them off their guard, and took 25. horse, and one Prisoner, and lost but one horse. March 15. One of Col. Goulds men, and some others going into the Country, upon some occasions, the Enemy came upon them and took the colonel's man (since redeemed) and when the Alarum came into the town, Major Halsey commanding in chief, we drew forth our horse and pursued the Enemy to Trenimans' jump, where we fell upon their guard, and beat them out of their guard house, slew 3 of their men, and took 10 horse, and six Prisoners, 2 Drums and 9 Muskets, and lost not a man. March the 20●h, captain lieutenant Chafin Commanding in chief, was sent out with a Party of 60. horse and fell upon the Enemies guard aforesaid, where we beat them out of their guard, and pursued them about a mile upon the down towards Tanistocke, and 〈◊〉 about ten men of them, and took ten Prisoners, one captain, one lieutenant, one Quartermaster, and took thirty horse besides what was wounded of the Enemy, and ran away over the Hedges forsaking their horses, and we lost but one horse and two men wounded, and so returned safe home to Plymouth. March 27. That Unparraled (in respect of the West) colonel Gould parted this life, being called to Jesus Christ to have a crown of Gold, set on his head, for his golden activity, and fidelity, and undefatigable Patience and expense, to help the Lord against the Mighty, in purging the Church and commonwealth, being lamented of all but malicious and ambitious Malignants. By his death, the affairs of the town likely to be out of order, a Commission was granted to the Major of Plymouth, colonel Crocker, Lieutenant colonel Martin for the ordering of the affairs of the Garrison, until a Commander in chief was sent from the Parliament. The command of the Island, remaining in the hand of captain Henry Hatsell, a captain of such known integrity, that though envious stomachs, may rail against him yet they cannot draw off the affections of the well affected in Plymouth, from a high esteem of his approved valour and fidelity. The command of the Fort, is in the hands of Captain Samuel Birtch, who intends to keep them, as they have signified to the Parliament, for them and none else, the Garrisons of both protesting the same constancy and fidelity. The 16 of April (the Major of Plymouth and colonel Crocker having transferred the power they had from colonel Wardlaw, unto Lieutenant colonel Martin alone)▪ Intelligence being brought that the Enemy (Near 500) drew near us, and quartered at Saint Bud●aux (commonly called Saint Buttocks, two miles from Plymouth on Devonshire side) Lieutenant colonel Martin, sent out about 600. Commanded Musquetiers, with some Horse, to fall upon them, 17. Colours being sent to face Plymton (a grand quarter of the enemy) In the mean time, but our forlorn hope of Horse, (by mistake of the guides, went one way, and the body of foot another, notwithstanding our foot coming up undiscovered fell on the enemy, and put them to flight, killed two of them, and took in Saint Budeaux Tower, and in their flight 44. prisoners, besides lieutenant Corey, sometimes servant to Sir Bevile Greenvile, lieutenant colonel porter's ensign, three Barrels of Powder 20. horse above a 100 arms, Major Collins, captain Vacy of Tamerton, captain Tavernor hardly escaping by reason of the absence of our horse; most of these prisoners having taken the Covenant, and have taken up arms for us since. We have omitted one barbarous act of Sir Richard Greenvill, (that Runnagado) committed the week before, who having taken two of our soldiers, going out into the Country, enforced one to hang the other presently at the next tree they came to, the cavaliers dispatching the Survivor, Skellum Greenvile sitting on his horse beholding the spectacle. April 19, 200. Musketeers with some horse were commanded to fall on the Enemy, at Newbridge (in the way to Plympton) and the command was, that our forlorn hope should not fall on until the relief was in sight, but disobeying the command fell on when the relief was a mile behind, yet they beat them from hedge to hedge, and one breastworke on this side the bridge, but their Powder being spent and the greatest part of the enemy's forces at Plympton coming into the relief, our forlorn having spent their Powder they were compelled to retreit, but fairly without the loss of a man only two or three wounded. April 27. 40. foot sallied from Prince rock, to Plumlet mills, a quarter of the enemy lying in a creek against Prince rock, the enemy fled like Hares, and our Men took 16 foot, arms, one drum, five Hogs, five cows. As our Forces have not been altogether idle and successless at Land, so they have not of late been loyterous at Sea, our Remora's being removed, for our Seamen at three several times have fallen on the enemy's Country and brought away a 100 sheep. April 25. the Packet boat took a bark loaden with Irish cloth, Tallow, Hides &c. and since this another boat hath taken a Hoy loaden with three Butts of French wine, wherein were three Grand Cornish cavaliers, and it is without exception, that if our Ships might have Commission to land men on the Cornish shore, we should not only help Plymouth to many necessaries, but also fill the Cornish hands so full with watering their own shore that they should have little liberty and less heart to fall on Devonshire or Plymouth. We cannot conceal what we have by our intelligencers from the Country. 1. We are informed that Skellum Greenvile hath seized on the Lord of Bedford's Estate, and Master Cuttiners Estate, and sent him Prisoner to Exon, making havoc of his goods and corn. 2. That the said Runnigado Greenvile builds very much at Fitzford, (I hope Castles in the air, or houses without foundation) and boasts that he little doubts of having Plymouth speedily, but the Garrison, and Plymouth will not believe him. 3. That the enemy endeavours all he can to raise Forces, to fall on Plymouth, and carry them East-wards, threatening to hang such as refuse, and having pressed six in Lifton Patish (according to which Proportion, their whole number of pressed men will amount to 2500. men in the whole County) they were compelled to send a guard with them to Exon. 4. That there were lately expected 7000. to appear at Exon (as the cavaliers report) but there appeared but 700. which so moved Sir John Berklies worship that he pressed the Constables; a fit reward for their Activity. 5. That the generality of the Country (notwithstanding the Oath,) are well affected to the Parliament, but want some force to countenance them in the Country to cut the cavaliers throats, to free themselves of their iron bondage. 6. That Arundel of Chiddock in Dorsetshire, a Papist is carrying his goods into Cornwall, and hath seized on the Pious Lord Robert's ch●ldren, and committed them to safe custody at Bodmin, this is confirmed once and aga●n. 7. That the Lord Mohun Edgcombe and lane are returned from the Feminine Junto at Oxford. 8. That it is reported that the Queen is at Exon, whence since her invisible arrival, divers warants have been issued out to command the Train bands to make their personal appearance, and to bring all fat cattle into the City, whereby it is likely they expect a siege. 9 That the Kings privy seals are abroad to make up a 100000.l. given (in words) to his Majesty, for the re●●uting of himself, & his destroying Army, by the perjured Junto at Oxon 10. That the County is ordered to prepare 3. Subsidies, speedily, which they cannot well digest, you may visibly see the misery of the County, let not the country's Patriots be forgetful of that County, that have expended above 150000l. for their defence, let it not seem small that it sits in dust and ashes like a widow looking for some to help, but none appears; You may see how God hath preserved that poor Garrison at Plammouth, being as it was said of Britain, Divisos orbe I hope non cura et amore, of such as have the care committed to them. Let it seem most equal to them, to take care of their necessitated friends that account not their lives too dear for them; and it cannot but be very pious for the gods on earth to imitate the God of heaven, in taking care for Plymouth town and Garrison. April 25. The Constable of Edge-buckland was brought in hither who had a warrant from St. Thomas Hele (not all of the wisest) requiring the appearance of his Parishionets with their arms at Modbury, and for the providing of new arms (if they can get them) in the place of such as are wanting. It cannot be superfluous to give intelligence of God's gracious discovery of feminine Malignants and traitors in Plymouth, one whereof is committed to the Castle for holding correspondency with the Enemy. The Articles proved against her on Oath are, first that she hath sent suits of apparel to one colens a runnigado of Plymouth, who endeavoured with Pike his comfort to betray the town, as in our former narration we have expressed. 2. That by message she discovered to the Enemy what store of Powder was in the town. 3. That she invited the Enemy to assault the town. 4. That she desired Major Harris (a cavalier) to quarter in her house, viz. when the Town was taken. 5. That she seconded her former invitation with entreaties of a specdy onslate, falsely informing them that the Protestant Religion (since our covenanting) was decaying and breathing its last gaspein Plymouth. For the other Virago we shall let her sleep for a while, that her shame and doom may be the heavier. It is not to be omitted to see how providence watcheth over the town, for though ever since the gaining of Mount Stanfort the enemy hath daily continued shooting into the town. Some day's scores of great shot liberally spent, yet the hurt that they have done is but a trifie, and the People so far from being affrighted, that they slighted it being hardened, our boats daily going into the Sound, and to Milbay under the mouth of the Cannon, and within less than Musket shot. It is worth knowing for imitation, that Col. Gould hath much purged the Carrison, from swearers, drunkards, and abominable livers, causing the town and Garrison to be very careful in observing the Lord's day, days of humiliation, & to be frequently present at the ordinances of the Lord of Hosts. Sir Richard Greenviles' Letter. For Col. Gold, together with the Officers and soldiers now at the Fort, and town of Plymouth, These. Gentlemen, THat it may not seem strange unto you, to understand of my being engaged in his majesty's service, to come against Plymouth as an Enemy, I shall let you truly know the occasion thereof. It is very true, that I came from Ireland with a desire and intention, to look after my own particular fortune in England, and not to engage myself in any kind, in the unhappy difference bet wixt the King, and the pretended Parliament now at London. But chuicing to land at Liverpoole, the Parliaments forces there, brought me to London, where I must confess I received from both the pretended houses of Parliament, great tokens of favour, and also importunate motions to engage me to serve them, which I civilly refused: afterwards divers honourable persons of the pretended Parliament, importuned me to undertake their service for the Government and defence of Plymouth: unto which my answer was, that it was fit (before I engaged myself) I should underst●nd what means they could & would allow & provide for the effectual p●rformance of that service, upon that a Committee appo●nted for the West, thought fit with all speed to send a pres●nt relief of Men and Munition to Plymouth, which with very great difficulty was brought thither, being the last you had, afterwards there were many meetings more of that Committee, to provide the means that should give Plymouth relief, and enable it to defend itself, and notwithstanding the earnest desires, and endeavours of that Committee accordingly, I protest before God, after six months' expectation, & attendance on that Committee by me, I found no hopes or likelihood of, but reasonable means for the relief and defence of Plymouth, which made me account it a lost Town, & the rather because I being by Commission, Leiut. general to Sir William Waller, had an ordinance of the Parliament for the raising of 500 horse for my regiment at the charges of Kent, Surry. Sussex, Hampshire, who in 3 months' time, had not raised 4 troops, and my own troop, when I left them having 2 months pay due to them, could get but one month, for which extraordinary means was used, being a favour none else could attain, it being very true, that the Parliaments forces, have all been unpaid for many months, in such sort, that they are grown weak, both in Men and moneys, and have by only good words kept their forces from disbanding. The process of so long tune spent at London, made me and many others plainly see the iniquity of their Policy, for I found Religion was the cloak for Rebellion, & it seemed not strange to me, when I found the Protestant religion was infected with so many independents and Sectaries of infinite kinds, which would not hear of a peace, but such as would be in some kind as pernicious as was the war. The privileges of this Parliament I found was not to be bound by any of the former, but to lay them aside & alter them as they advantaged their party. This seemed so odious to me that I resolved to lay myself, as I have done, at his Ma: feet, from whence & his most just cause, no fortune, terror or cruelty, shall make me sweru, in any kind: and to let you see also what hath formerly past, I have sent you these enclosed. Now for a farewell; I must wish, and advise you, out of the true and faithful love and affection, I am bound to bear toward mine own Country, that you speedily consider your great charges, losses, & future dangers, by making and holding yourselves enemies to his majesty, who doth more truly desire your welfare and safety, than it seems you do yourselves, wherefore, (as yet my friends) I desire you to resolve speedily of your Propositions for peace, by which you may soon enjoy your liberties, contents, & estates, but on the contrary, the contrary which with a sad heart I speak; you will very soon see the effect of. Thus my affection urgeth me to impart unto you, out of the great desire I have, rather to regain my lost old friends by love, then by force to subject them to ruin, and in that consideration I must thus conclude. Fitzford 18 Martij. 1643. Your loving friend Rich. Greenvile. In Sir Richard Greenviles' letter was enclosed a book entitled, The iniquity of the Covenant, which was burnt in the Market place, by the hand of the common Hangman, according to the order of the council of war, & a Proclamation that if any person had any of those books and did not bring them forth they should be accounted and dealt withal as enemies to the state and Town. The Answer of the Commanders of the Garrison of Plymmouth to this Letter. Sir. THough your Letter meriting our highest contempt and scorn, which once we thought fit by our silence, (judging it unworthy of an answer) to have testified. Yet considering that yourself intends to make it public, we offer you these lines, that the world may see what esteem we have of the man, notorious for apostasy and treachery, & that we are ready to dispute the justness and equity of our cause in any lawful way, whereto the Enemy shall at any time challenge us, you might well have spared the giving us an account of your dissimulation with the Parliament, we were soon satisfied & our wonder is not so great that you are now gone from us, as at first when we understood of your engagement to us: & to tell you truth, it pleased us not so well to hear you were named to be a Governor for this place, as now it doth to know you are in arms against us; we accounting ourselves safer to have you an enemy abroad, than a pretended friend at home: being persuaded that your principles could not afford cordial endeavours for an honest Cause. You tell us of the pretended houses of Parl. at London a threadbare scandal sucked from Aulicus, whose reward, or a Bp. blessing, you may chance to be honoured with for your Court-service: & how they make Religion the cloak of Rebellion, a garment which we are confident your Rebellion will never be clad with: you advise us to consider the great charges we have been at, and the future dangers we run ourselves into, by making ourselves enemies to his Majesty, who more desires our good than we ourselves; & thence would have us propose conditions for Peace. That we have been at great charges already, we are sufficiently sensible, & yet resolve that it shall not any way lessen our affections to that Cause, with which God hath honoured us, by making us instruments to plead it against the malicious Adversaries. If the King be our enemy, yet Oxford cannot prove that we have made him so. That his majesty desires our welfare, we can easily admit, as well, as that its the mischievous councillors so near him, who render him cruel to his most faithful subjects: & as for our proposing conditions of peace, we shall most gladly do it when it may advance the public service; but to do it to the enemies of peace, though we have been thereto formerly invited, yet hath it pleased the disposer of all things, to preserve us from the necessity of it, & to support us against all the fury of the enraged enemy: the same God, is still our rock & refuge, under whose wings we doubt not of protection & safety, when the Seducers of a King shall die like a candle, and that name which by such courses is sought to be perpetual in honour, shall end in ignominy: forth want of money to pay the Parliaments soldiers, though it be not such as you would persuade us; yet certain we are their treasury had now been greater, & honest men better satisfied but that some as unfaithful as yourself, have gone before you inbetraying them both of their trust & riches. Whereas you mind us of the lost condition of our town, sure it cannot be you should be so truly persuaded of it, as they are of your personal, who subscribe themselves, and so remain friends to the faithful. FINIS.