A DESCRIPTION of the SIEGE of BASIN CASTLE; Kept by the LORD MARQVISSE OF WINCHESTER, for the Service of HIS MAJESTY: AGAINST, The Forces of the Rebels, under Command of Colonel NORTON, Anno Dom. 1644. OXFORD, Printed by LEONARD LICHFIELD, Printer to the University. 1644. A DESCRIPTION OF THE SIEGE OF BASIN CASTLE. Basin Castle, the Seat and Mansion of the Marquis of Winchester, stands on a rising ground, having its form circular, encompassed with a Brick Rampart, lined with earth and a very deep trench, but dry; The lofty Gatehouse with four Turrets looking Northwards, on the right whereof without the compass of the Ditch a goodly building containing two fair Courts; before them is the grange, severed by a Wall and common road, again divided from the foot of Cowdreys Down by Meads, Rivilets, and a River running from Basingstoake, a mile distant upon the West, though Basin Town joining upon the East, the South side of the Castle hath a Park, and toward Basin Town a little Wood, the place seated and built as if for Royalty having a proper Motto. Aymez loyalty. Hither (the Rebellion having made houses or pleasure more unsafe) the Marquis first retired, hoping integrity and privacy might have here preserved his quiet; But the source of the times villainy, bearing down all before it, neither allowing neutrality or permitting Peace, to any that desired to be less sinful than themselves, enforceth him to stand upon his guard which with his Gentlemen Armed with six Muskets (the whole remainder of a well furnished Armoury) he did so well, that twice the enemy's attempts proved vain. But finding their numbers in those parts (after the Loss of Reading) grown more formidable, their forces quartering round about him, he solicited His MAJESTY for one hundred Musquetiers, which (being sent under command of Lieutenant Colonel Peake) marching with speed and Secrecy the 31. of july 1643. were thrust into the place, which from that time became a Garrison; it's former fortune still continuing, Colonel Harvey and Colonel Norton, within a few hours after attempting to surprise it, being not only beaten off, but the same night forced retreat to Farnham. The place is then begun according to the quantity of men now added, to be fortified, and some time after upon report of a puissant Army, under command of Sir William Waller, to be appointed for the taking of it in: Colonel Rawdon with the rest of his Regiment (being about one hundred and fifty more) is commanded thither. The Lord Marquis taking forth Commissions as Colonel and Governor, for the raising of more forces for defence of the same. Novemb. 6. shows Waller with the expected Army (consisting of seven thousand Horse and Foot) before the House; where having lain nine days, and three times storming it, he again retires to Farnham, having dishonoured and bruised his Army, whereof abundance were lost, without the death of more than two in the Garrison, and some little injury to the House by Battery. He thus drawn off, and His MAJESTY'S Army, under command of the Lord Hopton, advancing two days after, affords the Liberty of farther fortifying, which thus (as time and number would permit) made up, is rather strong then Regular. The ensuing Spring the Rebels, as well consulting the importance of the place, as the injuries suffered by it, both in their Trade and Force, resolve (having before assayed it by Surprise and Storm) to try by starving it, to which their Armies six weeks Quartering at Farnham, Odiam, Gruel, and Basingstoake, was a preparative, harrowing the Country about until their March to Oxford. June. 4. 1644. At what time Colonel Norton drawing some forces from the adjacent Garrisons, by Order of their pretended Parliament, is to block up the House, and (by the treachery of a Soldier giving intelligence two days before) defeating a party of the Garrison drawn out to Odiam, and taking divers Prisoners upon the fourth of june faced the House with a Regiment of Horse and Dragoones, and after some hours stand Quartered in Basingstoake, each day (his Foot not yet come up) keeping his guards of Horse upon our Aveneves to stop the fetching in Provision. Jun. 11. Colonel Morleyes' Regiment of six Colours of Blue from Sussex, and Sir Richard Onslowes Regiment of five of Red, from Surrey, with two of White from Farnham, and three fresh Troops of Horse fetched in by Nortons' Regiment, are all drawn up before the House, upon the South of Basingstoake; The Companies of White at Evening, with one Troop of Horse, marching to Sherfield, Sir Richard Onslowe, with his Troop of Horse to Anwell house, and Morleyes' Foot with Colonel Nortons' Horse quarter in Basingstoake. During the time of lying at this distance, visiting us with horse (with whom entertaining skirmishes at their return) were usually made worse with little loss to us. Jun. 15. To see the countenance of the Enemy, fifty Foot are sent toward Basingstoake, under the covert of a Mill and hedge, whilst our Horse forced theirs into the Town, they reenforced, ours orderly retreat, drawing them on in danger of our Foot, who galling them, they stand the coming of their own, 'twixt whom some Volleys being spent, ours are Commanded in. Jun. 17. The Enemy's horse seize on two Teems of ours, fetching Provision towards Sherfield, and three horse grazing in the Park. At night, the Companies of white quarter in Basin Town, and fortifying the Church, next day from the adjoining houses shot two of our men; And being now come here, our numbers few, we divide our men into three parts, keeping two thirds on duty, whilst the other rest, appointing to each Captain and his Company a particular Guard, dividing the Quarters of the Garrison to the Field Officers, viz. to Major Cuffand, the works adjoining to the Park; to Major Langley, those in the gardens; to Lieutenant-colonell Johnson, the care of the grange; to Colonel Rawdon, the works next the Town; and dispose of the Guns to Lieutenant Colonel Peake; the Troopers fitted with Muskets, and part of his Foot Company as a Reserve for supply of all places as any need required; The Lieutenant Colonels and Majors by course being Captains of the watch, Colonel Rawdon, only in this excused by reason of his years. Jun. 18. The Regiment of Blue from Basingstoake relieve the White, on whom at midnight sallying forth, we Fired one of the houses which annoyed us; but the next night sallying again, we Fired all between us and the Church, themselves at same time Firing some beyond, by which their works grown hot, some fly into the hedges, others further off. But at the ringing of the Bells (their custom upon all Alarms) relief coming on all sides, ours retreat; they that night Quartering round the Park under the favour of the hedge and pale, where they continue till next Evening, and with continual Firing kill us one Sentinel, and hurt another. Jun. 20. The following day, the Park being cleared, and they returned to quarter, and their guard at Church, our Horse are put into it, and 12 Musqueteers lodged at the corner of the Lane in covert of the hedge, some Officers of theirs thinking the Lane secure are blooded from the hedge, and hardly scape to Basingstoake, our Horse pursuing them, and whilst their guard on Cowdryes Down perceiving it, Troop to their rescue; ours are recalled, and sent up by the grange to Fire their Quarter, which is done, and one of them brought in; At same time, more of theirs riding along the Lane, our Musqueteers killing the horse of Colonel Greaves his Brother, take him Prisoner, the Colonel and the rest escaping to pursue their journey to the West. Two hours after, a Trumpet is sent in from Colonel Norton to demand his liberty, under pretence of being a Traveller, but is returned with a proposal of Exchange, next day two of Sir Richard Onslowes Foot are taken in the Park, and a third killed. Jun. 24. Finding a sufferance by our Liberty resolving now more straight to begird us, two Companies more from Portsmouth, being joined to those of Farnham in the Town, the Regiment of Blue is drawn into the Park, and Colonel Onslowes to the Lane and Close towards Basingstoake, where having fixed their quarters, they presently break ground, shutting us up on three sides with their Foot, and on the other side their guards of horse keeping on Cowdreyes' Down, at night busying themselves with Spade and Pickax to secure their Quarters, three of ours run to them. Jun. 26. Some Musketeers are sent by the point of Basingstoake (a Bulwark) to view their lodging in the Lane, and to cut down some Trees blinding a ruined Mill, from whence they played on us, both which are done and divers of them killed, with loss of two of ours; At night they run a Line toward the Mill, where we had galled them the day before, next night a Party of horse Firing upon their Sentinels on Cowdreyes' Down, much amuse their guards, whilst others of them are sent by to Oxford. Jun. 29. Their work in the Park is brought to some perfection, and by noon their Cannon Baskets placed make known they had a Culverin there, giving us six shot thence. Next day being Sunday (their Cause allows not now for Sabbath) doubling their diligence throughout the Leaguer, forwarding the Sconce at Morleyes' Quarters in the Park, and on the Town side towards a Mill, drawing a Line from the Church. At Onslowes Quarter rasing a platform in the Lane with so much speed, that the next morning a Demyculverin plays from it; at night our Messenger from Oxford informing us His Majesty's success against Waller at Cropready, We Echo it to our neighbours with Volleys both of small and great, they answering with their Guns, battering our Kitchen and Gatehouse, till a shot from our platform spoiling the Carriage, silenced their Demyculverin. July. 3. Their Lines being run within half Musket shot, by their continual Firing pouring their Lead into the Garrison, they spoil us two or three a day, passing within our works, and shoot the Marquis himself through his , the Carriage of their piece being repaired, they now renew their Battery on the House unto the detriment and topping of our Towers and Chimneys. July. 8. This morning they assay to draw us forth by making an Alarm to themselves (leaving their piece neglected without a guard) but fail; at Evening a Prisoner escaping from them under the hazard of 100 shot so chafed them, that they continue Firing until midnight; and shot two of our men next morning: four Companies of Red from Surrey, coming to the relief of Colonel Onslowes men, marching too near, have three shot placed amongst them from our Minion, making them change their march to Troop at further distance. July. 11 One Company from Southampton of sevenscore, marched by the way of Hackwood unto Hollowayes Mill; with which (and those four Companies come in two days before) Morley is now so raised in his hopes that making use of Colonel Nortons' absence (ambitious of the honour, but of summoning the next day being out Fast adding to our afflictions) sends by a Drum this harsh demand; My Lord, TO avoid the effusion of Christian blood, I have thought fit to send your Lordship this Summons to demand Basin house to be delivered to me for the use of King and Parliament; if this be refused the ensuing inconveniences will rest upon yourself, I desire your speedy answer and Rest; My Lord, Your humble servant HERBERT MORLEY. The Marquis, upon small deliberation, returned Mr Morley this Answer. Sir, IT is a crooked demand, and shall receive its answer suitable, I keep the house in the right of my Sovereign, and will do it in despite of your Forces; your Letter I will preserve as a testimony of your Rebellion. WINCHESTER. This answer being returned by the Drum with a Hast hast hast post hast upon the Letter, Morley speaks his choler from his Guns, which now and some days following played on our Waterhouse; Colonel Onslowes men courteously permitting eight of our Foot to fetch six Beasts grazing before their Works. At night Coronet Bryan, and some Troopers, passing a Messenger by Cowdreys down, bring in two Prisoners. July. 18. A Bonfire in the Park, with two Volleys throughout their Leaguer, speak their Committees welcome unto Basingstoake. July. 20. A party of our Musquetiers fall out upon them in the Lane, and having done some execution there, retreat; a Captain of Colonel Morley's being shot dead at same time from our works; two hours after comes a Drum with Letters for exchange of Prisoners, but rather to inform us Norton's safe return from the defeat of Waller, and gain time to draw a Morter-peece more covert to their trench; from whence (their Drum returned) they send us a Granado of 801 next night, concluding their devotion and the day with thundering from their Culverins, two passed through the Quarters where our sick men lay, but without hurt. July. 22. Their Lines are much advanced, and their Sconce flanking their Battery in the Park finished, the Marquis himself hurt by a shot, and two men killed by chance shot, and the Carriage of our Cabinet broke from their Culverin; The following night being dark and Stormy, we dispatch our Messenger. Eight Prisoners taking the opportunity do the same for themselves to their Leaguer making our allowance of great shot to be next day doubled, and at night more Granades. July. 25. The trenches on the Town side in the Meads float with the quantity of rain that fell, thereby forcing them, lie more open to our Towers from whence our Marks men spoiled divers, whilst on the other side our men draw covert to a Blind, and do as much upon them: in the Lane at night two pieces charged with Case, so luckily are placed upon them (working upon their Lines) that they were heard complain their suffering. July. 26. Early this morn the Blind again being manned, an Officer with more of theirs are killed; and a Trooper of our own afterward fetching a Hog and Cow near the same place occasioning some service from the Blind and Bulwark they receive more loss. The Evening spending with dispute between our great Guns, they add six Granades, one falling in our Granary, spoilt some Corn, and two miss Firing; at night two Soldiers run to them. July. 27. This morning shows a traverse Cross the Close from the Mill, flanking our way unto the aforesaid Blind, and in the Park the enclosing of the nearer side of an old Orchard securing Morleyes' Quarter. At night from out their Morrer piece, they shot us six great stones sized with the Granades of 361, with each day continuing like allowance, these and the Granades for a while seemed troublesome, but afterwards become by custom so familiar to the Soldier, that they were called, as they counted them, Babbles, their mischiefs only lighting on the house, and that the less, our Courts being large and many. July. 30. They plant a Culverin by Basin Church, from thence battering a Tower, on which our Marks men stood, that much annoyed that Quarter, continuing shot from both their other platforms; This day ends the year of the places being Garrisoned, and the second month of the Leaguer, next day a platform is begun by the Wood side, within half Musket shot of Basin Bulwark. Towards Evening paying the shot (it having been their Fast) they spared all the day: At night running a trench from the Church to their work by the Wood, and (by four men which last night run to them) persuaded of strange executions done by stones and Granades send us store, one whereof Firing our Hay falling into the Barn, had done much hurt, had not our diligence soon quenched it. Aug. 1. Our men tired with length of 48 hours' duty are now divided into two parts relieving every 24: our Gentlemen and Troopers doing the same; and here I cannot pass them over without due Commendations, all the time of the Leaguer undergoing the duty of Foot (that of Sentries only except) going forth in all Sallies, as well on Foot with Muskets or Brown-bill, as otherwise on Horseback, as occasion was; and for seven week's time keeping their Horses with grass and Sedge, which in the nights they cut under Command of the Rebel's works with hazard of their lives. Aug. 4. Perceiving the intention of the Rebels rather to starve then storm us, and the doubt of a more potent Army now removed, which hitherto had made us frugal of our men (already few in number and much spent with labour) as well to animate our men dismayed through divers wants and reigning of the pox, as also to annoy the Rebels, retard their works, and gain by Prisoners, somewhat of their condition: We resolve upon advantages to make some Sallies, and finding then an opportunity, a Party of their Foot lying at hazard upon Cowdreys Down in waller's work, Lieutenant Cuffand with about 20 Horse is sent to fall on them, whilst Coronet Bryan with like number riding at rate, is to cut in betwixt them and the hedge, where stood their guard of Horse, who seeing themselves thus unexpectedly charged, suddenly rout, flying to Basingstoake, and are pursued with execution on them, almost to the Town, the Coronet bringing in their Colours, Trumpet, seven Horses, and three Troopers, besides what slain and maimed; of the Foot eleven killed on the place, and four brought in; our men returning under Command of their Cannon without the loss of a man; At first of the Alarm, they apprehending it, a Party with relief, began to fly the Park, till informed better, and again returning, they spend their heat at distance with their Guns and Mortar-peece, we learning from the Prisoners their intention to batter upon Basing-Bulwarke from their new platform by the Wood, lay on all hands for Lyning it, as yet being very weak there, labouring without enforcing us to do the like within our works, in many places slender and no where finished, of which defects our Renegades giving them information necessitates us work to frustrate their reports. Aug. 5. Their guard at waller's work is doubled, and strengthened with Pikes, keeping their guard of Horse by exercise in better readiness; In the Park side their Lines advance toward both our platforms, and their work by the Wood forwarded, liberally bestowing great Shot, Stones and Granades, of which they send us of three several sorts, besides their hand Granades. Aug. 10. Colonel Whitheads new raised Regiment of five Companies, marching through Basingstoake to Cowdreys Down, take up their Quarters in the Delve, for whose welcome and entertainment (with some sport) they founder a round Tower in the old Castle, by their Battery; in requital whereof next morning, Major Cuffand with 6 Files of Musqueteers and 20 Troopers with Browne-Bills, falling into the Park attack, their outward Lines, where killing some of them, burning their Blinds and Baskets, they bring off one of their Mortar pieces and store of Arms and Tools; with having two men hurt. Lieutenant Snow with 20 Musqueteers and 12 with Bills during the amazement falling upon their Quarter in the Lane with execution on them, breaking their Demyculverin, Firing their guard and Baskets, and from hence with Arms and Tools bring in some Ammunition. These Sallies were so much unto their loss, and touched so near their honour, That Oram (Captain of the Guards) for vindication must be brought to trial, and for neglect and Cowardice (running as others then and after did) holding correspondence with the place, (where no man knew him) and sending in Ammunition (which was never received) with the hazard of life is Cashiered their service; A sentence much like that against the Earl of Strafford made with caution not to be brought to precedent for after times, lest it too nearly might concern themselves: At night provision for our Horse being spent, we make a work beyond the grange near the Foot of Cowdreys Down, securing the Meads for our Troopers in dark nights to fetch in grass. Aug. 12. We see them busied making provision of Baskets, Brush, and Turf, to go on with their works; which for some days lay still, filling their Baskets now with grass to save their firing; and in the mean time ply their Culverins. At night an Alarm beating through their Quarters, we expect according to the noise, but they stay quiet till between three and four, what time a Trumpet sounding on Cowdreys Down, from forth the Delve, they fall upon us, busied at our new work with 50 Musquetiers, but soon draw back; at same time 60 more by favour of a Wood, had gotten to the ditch under our platform, where fired on by the Guard in the Park Bulwark flanking the ditch, they returned in haste leaving some Arms behind, having three Guns with case shot poured on their rear, for which they send us plenty from their several Guards. And now begin a trench into the Park from the Lane side, the better to secure that quarter, running it toward their great Work, meaning to close their Lines throughout their Leaguer. Next day they spare their great shot, but at night give us a false Alarm. Aug. 14. Towards evening Lieutenant Cuffand and Cornet Bryan each with twenty Horse and forty Musquetiers, Sally upon the Down again, beating the Foot from waller's work, and the Horse guard from their Post, pursuing them to Basingstoake, whence strengthened with fresh Horse, they force ours to retreat, take Cornet Bryan and one Trooper, wound three others, and kill Ensign Amery, ours having done abroad good execution bring in Lieutenant Cooper, a Corporal of Horse, and seven more of theirs; from whom we learn, Morley four days before was shot in the shoulder viewing his works in the Park; The two next days were spent in Parley for release of Prisoners. They sending us one wounded, we return them three, offering Lieutenant Cooper and the Corporal (both stout men, wounded, and taken fighting) for our Coronet, but would not be accepted, so much they valued him; the Parley ended they play as formerly, at night sending three Granades, whereof one failed them. Aug. 17. They bring Baskets to waller's work, and the Delve where they had wrought the former days to raise a Battery, and to secure themselves, learning our Sally intended the beating up that Quarter, and had been done, had not our Horse pursuing them too fare, engaged our Foot to secure their retreat; for at the first they ran, carrying their Colours with them from the Delve, though 300 men were said to Quarter in it; but animated with coming in of more, and drawing to the hedges in the Mead some-Musquetiers from Hollowayes Mill, they again make good the place streightening our Horse retreat; at Evening planting a Culverin there, they play from thence, and from the piece at Church, this night three run to them, and one the night before. Aug. 19 This day getting their Demy Canon to the work by the wood, they batter us, with 48 shot; and the two following days with eight score more, the least whole Culverin, with which and with Granades they killed two men, and mischieved two more, break our best Iron Gun, and make a breach in one of our square Towers: The injury of the work before it, the Officers and Soldiers putting hand to Spade repair, making it Canon proof, before scarce Drake. Aug. 22. This day they are more sparing, and permit the night enjoy its proper silence, disturbed only by such, whose baseness prompted them with hope to gain by craft, what by their force they could not, shooting Notes fixed to arrows with proffers of preferment to the Soldier, persuading Mutinies, and labouring divisions 'twixt the Regiments, leaving no stone unturned; but all in vain, except the gaining some faint hearted Knaves, The following days sending of Cross bar, shot Logs bound with Iron hoops, Stones, and Granades, whereof two miss firing; Two more run to them. Aug. 25. Their Battery near the Wood having much torn the Tower, they now begin on that side next the Town, within Pistol shot to make a work, to batter it from thence; In the mean time continuing shooting from their other Guns, they kill two men and maim a third; And in the Park they show a Sow made for their Musquetiers, thrusting before them for to play behind; this night two run to them, and next night four; enforcing us to seasonable justice in executing one who had attempted to have gone with them, by which our Soldiers were so fastened, that for a long time not one man that stirred, though our necessities grew fast on us, now drinking water, and for some weeks past making our bread, with Pease and Oates, our stock of Wheat being spent. Aug. 28. The Lines from Onslowes Quarter are brought on with a redoubt upon it, opposite to Basingstoake Bulwark, and having broke their Culverin, at the Delve, supplying it they play again from thence, and in the night steal off five Horses grazing in the Meads; next night two Troopers cutting grass, our River by the Mill being drawn down, enforce us make a Dam raising the water to secure the grange. Sept. 2. At noon with Letters for Exchange of Prisoners we receive this Summons. My Lord, THese are in the name and by the authority of the Parliament of England, the highest Court of Justice in this Kingdom, to demand the House and Garrison of Basin, to be deliveeed to me to be disposed of according to Order of Parliament. And hereof I expect your Answer by this Drum within one hour, after the receipt hereof, in the mean time, I rest From the Quarters before Basin, the 2. of Sept. in the afternoon. Yours to serve you RICH: NORTON. To which the Lord Marquis instantly dispatched this Answer. Sir, WHereas you demand the House and Garrison of Basin by a pretended authority of Parliament, I make this Answer, That without the King thore can be no Parliament, by His Majesty's Commission I keep the place, and without His absolute Command shall not deliver it to any pretenders whatsoever, I am Basin. 2. Sept. Yours to serve you WINCHESTER. Sept. 4. This Answer sent: From their new Battery by the Town in six hours' time they thunder sixscore shot Cannon and Culverin; with which they Founder one of our great Brick Towers, from whence we had annoyed that Quarter, their small shot playing thick this day, they killed us three, and hurta woman. The rubbish of the Tower filling the end of a Curtain under it, we cut off the other by a traverse, lining the Bulwark where their shot had run: next day their great shot is reduced to 20; their Cannon by the former heat being made at fault, is this day drawn to Farnham, The night brings on their Line at grange, blocks up our way to the Down, and slights the work we had made, by us some days before deserted, now grown too hot and wanting men to keep it. Aug. 4. The day of promised relief our men in readiness, Noon come and no appearance of them, unwilling to be idle, we resolve a sally; Lieutenant Snow, Lieutenant Byfeild, and Ensign Outram, each with 12 Troopers, with Brown Bills, and 18 Musquetiers are sent at once to fall on Onslowes Quarters in three parts, which is so well performed, that gaining their redoubts, they draw their Demyculverin near our works, bring but three Prisoners in, our Gaol being full, and having lost three men by the Enemies Case shot, and one hurt, retreat; the great Guns being plied on both sides, some of ours luckily fell upon them at the Delve. Sir William Waller with two Troops of Horse, two hours before arrived at Basingstoake, came forth to see the sport, and with his Horse facing the House too near on Cowdreys Down, they had their Captain killed with round shot from our works. In this day's service by confession of our Enemies they had 60 common Soldiers killed, and 12 dangerously wounded, besides two Gunners and two Lieutenants, one whereof belonged to Sir William, and brought by curiosity to see the Leaguer was there slain: of ours, besides the former, we had three slightly hurt with dirt beat up by Culverin shot. At night we endeavour to fetch off the Gun, but find it heavy, they having doubled Guards, we place 12 Musquetiers to wait the engaged piece. This day and next spends 50 shot from their new platform, by battering down a stack of Chimneys, making a large breach in the new building; toward night we see two Companies of Foot marching by Hackwood Westward, followed next Evening by two Companies more, two Wagons and twelve Troops of Horse; Next day again at noon ceasing their Battery, permit us to see two Regiments of twenty Companies follow the Horse had passed, two companies of White turn into Basingstoake and their Artillery, ten of several sorts conveyed by one Company more of Yellow. This night we expect Alarms, and were well prepared having for four nights since kept all our men upon duty. But it passeth without disturbance, more than that of tongues, boasting their Army to be next day shown us, which Sir William's haste into the West permits not; And well satisfied with Wednesdays Sally, the strife for plunder of the house maintained with so much pertinacy between his men and norton's ceased, and we again with our old guests are left to try it out, grown now so mute upon this parting, as in 48 hours we hear but of two Culverin shot, next day recovering heart, they tell us 22, and resting some days past, now find their work again. Sept. 11. Silent till towards evening, ten great shot; at night our Messenger Edward Jeffery assures the certainty of our reliefs advance to Aldermarston, and taking of some Scouts, we then make fires upon the Gatehouse in sign of notice, and of readiness, though (through the Fog) it hardly could be seen to the next hill. By seven next morn, the Noble Colonel Gage with Horse and Foot passed through so many hazards, had attained Chinham Down, where Colonel Norton with his strength having intelligence did stand in readiness. And now what here was done I shall refer to what hath been said by others from some one present there, which may relate to each his due desert, in all so much, That notwithstanding all advantages of place, and Men fresh and prepared against tired Troops and wearied Foot, a Fog so thick as made the day still night, helping the shrouding of his Ambuscades, and clouding passes unto such who neither knew nor could discern a way more than their Valour and the Sword did cut, and Maugre all, with execution forced his retreat the Fog befriending him serving as covert, for his safer flight through Basingstoake, the day then clearing, and report of fight brought near the Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson with some Musquetiers issuing by the grange, beats them from off their Line, pursues them to the Hill, and thence unto the Delve, clearing that Quarter with so small defence as is incredible. The pass thus cleared, meeting our welcome friends, our joys are echoed, whilst the sad Prisoners are led in to see the House they lay so long about, their number 64 Common Soldiers, two Sergeants, one Lieutenant, whereof the wounded were next day sent forth unto the care of their own Surgeons, and two that ran from us had execution. The Ammunition brought put in, and the Lord Marquis visited by his worthy friends, they return to Cowdreys Down; whence the Horse under some hazard of the Enemy's Guns retreat to Chinham, thence 100 Musqueteers being sent unto the House, they march through Basing-stoake, facing the Rebel's works whilst 14. barrels of powder and 100 Arms found in the town, and what provision of all sorts could be got, were sent into the Garrison, where 100 Musqueteers under command of Major Cuffand, seconded with like number of supplies led forth by Captain Hull, attack the line on Basin side, take in that quarter and the Church which they had fortified. In it 2. Captains (Captain john jephson and Captain jarvas,) 1. Lieutenant, 2. Sergeants, and about 30. Soldiers the rest by several ways escaping. During the former fight their Guns being drawn from off that platform to their works in the park; Sir Richard Onslowes quarter towards Basing-stoake, that fatal place again is taken in the sconces slighted; and their piece brought in by Musqueteers, led by Leiutenant-colonell Peak, their Tents and Huts fired near Holloway Mill, the enemy so hastening from these works as scarcely 3. could be made stay the kill. Thus might we see at once, three of their Quarter's blaze, only one (well fortified and their remaining strength drawn in) is left them quiet. Sept. 1 The next day is employed in sending warrants forth, fetching provision from the adjacent Towns, and getting in a Culverin the enemy's haste had left near to the wood, which they permitted us with so much tameness, as called our men to fall upon their works, but most part of our foot then busied abroad these are commanded off having a Sergeant and 5. others shot, whereof they after died, care being taken for such Gentlemen of our relief as had been hurt, night coming on, intelligence of enemies appearing from the towns near Silckester and drawing towards Kingscleare, Colonel Gage ordering his horse and foot to be in readiness, having supplied the Garrison as much as shortness of his stay gave leave, about 11. at night takes Congee of the place, marching the way of Reading, leaving the enemy next morn amused with a letter for exchange of Captain Love for Jephson, which by noon was done; and they by it assured the certainty of his retreat to Oxford. Sept. 14 The town of Basin not yet repossessed, a hundred Musqueteers are sent under command of Captain Fletcher to guard our Carts fetching provision thence, on whom the enemy with horse and foot falls out towards evening, Norton himself there present, ours taken in disorder are beat back, but soon restored by the coming forth of the field Officers, and they forced back into their works, sixteen of them being slain in the retreat and 11 taken, of ours an Ensign and two common Soldiers killed, six hurt, whereof 4. died, and 8 made prisoners, Lieutenant Colonel johnson Doctor of Physic, was here shot in the shoulder, whereby contracting a Fever he died a fortnight after, his worth challenging Funeral tears, being no less eminent in the Garrison for his valour and conduct, as a Souldie●, then famous through the Kingdom for his excellency as an Herbarist, and Physician. The following week keeping the town with guards we fetch provision, slight their platform, and throw down their works without the least Alarm. Sept. 23. The Rebels again falling upon our guard in town, ours are commanded in, having replenished our store for some week time, and wanting men to spare. The Church by them thus repossessed, they now enlarge themselves and keep us to our works, of late too loosely grown familiar in the town. This day two Gentlemen of our relief was exchanged from Reading for three of theirs with us. Next day a party of our Horse are sent forth by the Grange to face their guard on Cowdrey, whilst our foot draw in twenty fat hogs from of the Down, their Scouts draw back unto their Guards kept near to Basingstoak whence strengthened ours orderly retreating, are pursued near to a hedge lined with our Musqueteers, who salving them, they quickly face about, having swormd out the number of 5 Troops. The morrow entertains them in like manner whilst our men spoiling their platform at the Delve, bring in their plank and timber. Sept. 27. Some of our horse sporting on Cowdreys Down, and there amusing them, six others through the Park Lane toward Basing-stoake fetch in eight of their foot passing unto their Leaguer. And a water leveller employed for the drawing of our River, Morley himself hardly escaping them, causing some foot come forth to stop our horse retreat, are galled by our Musqueteeres purposely lodged in covert. An hour after we receive a Drum from Colonel Norton, for the sending out some gentlemen to treat the change of Prisoners, and is returned with fixing of a day. Sept. 29. The Stage of Coudrey furnished again with Actors, a Coronet and three more of theirs are killed and one of ours, At night (the morrow being a Fair at Basingstoke,) six Foot with Pistol and Brown Bill are sent to try the Market, and four miles off at a Committees house finding to serve their turn, from thence bring in twenty three head of Cattle by the Delve, which pass our daily skirmishing kept free, nex day informed the enemy imploed in fortifying the Church, sometimes kept but a careless Guard, 100 Musqueteeres led forth by Maj●r Cuffaud are sent to force the place, and having gained a work, wanting wherewith to force the door, theirs coming fast to rescue, ours retreat having a Sergeant and six Soldiers shot in the attempt, whereof most died, of theirs an Ensign and some others slain. Octob. 2. We send forth Captain Rosewell and Captain Rigby secured by Hostages, with instructions to treat release of Prisoners. The same night M. Greaves, and Captain jarvis, next day two Lieutenants with divers more sent out receiving Captain Rowlet, a Lieutenant, and two Sergeants lost at Odiham, and some days after Coronet Bryan and three Gentlemen of our relief released to Oxford. Octob. 4. This and the eight days following our Horse and theirs change Pistols upon Cowdreys down, they having number we advantage of a hedge with Musqueteers, so as the odds was ours, and three or four of theirs was daily carried off, we all the while losing one Horse and two Foot Soldiers, at night send forth our Chapmen well furnished and good Market folks, in five hours' time return with 25 Beasts under the noses of their Sentinels, some Mesqueteers of ours lying abroad for their security. Octob. 17. Past noon from off our Towers, we see the Van of Manchesters' Army Marching to Basingstoake and Sherfield; next day some of his Horse visit the Leaguer, and by our Markes-men two of them are shot, the following day eight Regiments of Foot and some of Horse with all their Carriage and Artillery, drawn on the South of Basing-stoake facing the House, make halt some hours, and towards night return into the Town, most of their Horse which all the day had stood at two mile's distance near Rooks down, at night with haste enough Troop to their Quarters towards Farnham. Octob. 20. Three Foot Soldiers coming too near to see the House receive the courtesy of fetching in, and next day by our Foot in Ambush in the lane a Cornet of Sir William's Regiment and two Dragoones were taken, our Horse from off the Hill fetch in two straggling Foot, at noon some Regiments of Horse and Foot belonging to the Earl of Essex, join to the Leaguer, their Army toward evening drawn in Battalia, that night keep the field, the Van near Rooks Down, the Battle at Basing-Stoake, and Rear by Hackwood, next day Marching the Army towards Reading, the Foot by Sherbone, and the Horse keeping along their left, the following day three Troopers more brought in, keeping our Horse abroad to wait on them. At night part of a ruined Tower falling by Tempest on five of our men, killing one, and somewhat bruised the rest. Lieutenant Cuffand with some 40 Horse charging their Guardian Cowdrey's-downe, spoiling five Horses & as many men, takes one of theirs, with loss of one of ours; next day facing their Horse again, whilst Coronet Bryan with some few Horse fetched off a Load of Corn, driving near to their Guard. And riding through the Garrison from off th'other side, bring in a Cart and Team passing to Basing-stoake, These Carts did help us in 3 following nights, secured with Convoys, to fetch in 5 quarters of thresht Corn, and 12 load in the sheaf from Piats hill, the same nights furnishing us 14 Beasts, they some days after keeping at those Barns a Guard of Horse and Foot, releived each night at nine. Nou. 1. Our slender stock of Bread and Corn, that of Beer being spent, invites the sending forth Lieutenant Colonel Peake with Horse and Foot, to try what yet could more be done at Piats Hill, where coming about eight at night, finding their Fires, but their guards gone off: taking two Prisoners begin their work, loading their Carts, and sending them away continuing so till 12, what time their Horse from Sherfield coming down the hill, and Foot from Basin drawing up, fall on our Guards, and for some time dispute it, but our Foot from the lined hedges having gauled their Horse, give way to ours to draw theirs farther off, whilst their Foot acquainted with the ground strive to possess the hedges some of ours maintained, but an Alarm from the Castle given upon the Church, and our Horse now freed of thefts, cause them retreat, driving them through the River, they thus beat off, we to our Work again, and by the morning carry in 16 Cart loads in sheaf, our Drovers at same time passed through our Guards eight Beasts, at noon next day some Soldiers ste●ping out seize on 12 sides of Mutton & some Pork loaded upon a Horse as contribution food going unto the Church. Nou. 5. Our Beer being now spent, the Officers content themselves with water, having for ten days passed spared one meal a day, and now persuade the Soldiers who as yet had two, this causeth one at night to run away, telling our wants unto our Enemies, now animating them, before dishartened, had not the coming in of Strowds and Ludlow's horse with some Dragoones fastened thei● Leaguer, almost on remove. Nou. 6. Coronet Bryan with a party of Horse using the benefit of a fog, getting into the Bottom near to Basing-stoake, steals off three Sentryes, and placing there his own, after a while without the noise of Pistol, takes a Corporal and two Troopers more coming to their relief, This was a welcome to Strowdes new-come Horse. At night Major Cuffand with Horse and Foot killing a Sentinel, and beating off their Horse, cleareth the pass to Piats Hill, and sendeth forth our men for Beasts, but the enemy's Horse that night too much abroad, make void this Journey; two run to him, one of ●●em with a horse. Nou. 9 The like party sent out at night under Command of Major Rosewell, beating their Foot from a work thrown upon the pass at the Delve (their Horse not daring come too near the hedges) possess the Avenues, to Piats-Hill, then sending forth our Graziers, who in four hours' time return with eighteen Beasts our Guards in mean while from the Barns thereby passing six Load of Corn in sheaf and securing two Messengers on ward to Oxford, one sent three nights before being taken by the enemy. Nou. 13. Colonel Ludlow's Trumpiter is taken upon Cowdreys down, next day a Regiment of Foot showing themselves at Chinham, march to Basing-stoake; And the morrow a Trumpet from Sir William for his Coronet is returned with naming an Exchange; another bringing in two Officers of ours that long had lain at Farnham, for them carries out seven of theirs, we taking care to fill their rooms again, within two hours after fetch in one and kill two more abroad, There Army now again hover about, afford us sport, each day killing or taking some of their curious ones. And seize two Carts, one with a Load of Hay passing too near our works. The enemy wearied with Lying 24 weeks, diseases, with the Winter seizing them, his Army wasted from 2000 to 700, fearing the forces of His Majesty now moving about Hungerford, raiseth his Leaguer, and at eight this morn drew off his Wagons, and two Guns, three days before brought in, The Foot at noon march toward Odgiham, the Hots being fired, and some Troops of Horse left to secure their rear, On whom a party of our Horse with Coronet Bryan waiting their opportunityes disorder their retreat. Next night honoured Sir Henry Gage (the enemies remove not known) sent by His Majesty with 1000 Horse brings in supplies of Ammunition and Provision, each trooper in a bag beating his part having a skeene of Match swaddled about his waist besides what brought in Carts, and staying here three days most amply victualled the Garrison (drawn down by length of Siege, almost unto the worst of all necessities, Provision low, the Soldiers spent and naked, and the numbers few, having besides our hurt and maimed, and such as run from us, lost near 100 men by sickness, and the Siege, whereof a Lieutenant Colonel, two Ensigns, three Sergeants, and seven Corporals. I shall end all with these observations viz. That seldom hath been a Sei●e wherein the preservation of the place more immediately might be imputed to the hand of God, That the Soldiers in so long a Siege with all the sufferings incident thereto, should never Mutiny; Nor that that the customary Liberty at all our Parlyes for to meet and talk wrought any treachery, Wants of Provisions always so supplied as if by miracle, during the Leaguer; we not having less than seavenscore useless mouths, that had relief come at the time appointed, Waller then hover with his force at Farnham in probability a hazard whether they had relieved us, or preserved themselves. Or had Norton (able to bring three times, their numbers forth) when the next week they came, drawn out his strength, or had we not got Powder from them, that, by our relief scarce serving till the Siege was raised; or when we were relieved, had they not suffered us to possess the Town a week, thereout supplying ourselves for horse and man, before not having for above three weeks, Or had they when we first fetched Corn from Piats Hill, or fired or removed it. But God that holdeth all things in his hand, appointing times and seasons: ordereth all that tends unto those ends he wils; in vain it therefore were to Villisy the enemy; blaming his valour or discretion, Or yet to say the care and diligence of the Lord Marquis Governor, the skill and valour of the Officers, the courage and obedience of the Soldiers, (though all these did their parts) had thus preserved the place, in vain we watch and ward, except God keep the House. Let no man therefore speak himself an instrument, only in giving thanks that God had made him so, for here was evidently seen He chose the weak to confound the strong, Non Nobis Domine. Not unto us, not unto us O Lord. but to thine own name be all Glory for ever, AMEN. FINIS.