EBEN-EZER. A Full and Exact RELATION OF THE Several Remarkable and Victorious proceed of the ever-renowned Colonel MASSY, Governor of Gloucester, from May 7. to May 25. 1644.  
In which time he took these several considerable Garrisons of the enemies in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, namely, Wesbury, little Deane, Newnam, Beverston-castle, Malmsbury, and Chippenham.  
With the Summons sent by Col. massy to Col. Howard (son to the Earl of Berkshire) Governor of Malmsbury; and his answer thereunto. And the names of the Officers and Commanders taken there.  
As also, the Votes of the House of Commons on Friday last, concerning the supplies to be sent to Col. massy, and a thousand pounds per annum to be given to him and his heirs for ever, out of the estates of Papists and Delinquents; as a reward for the many acceptable services performed by him.  
june 4. 1644.  
Imprimatur,  
JOHN WHITE.  
LONDON, Printed for T. W. and are to be sold in the Old-baily. 1644.   

A true Relation of several happy and wonderful Victories lately given unto Col. Massy Governor of Gloucester, from May 7. 1644. until the 25 of the same Month.  
ON Tuesday the 7th of May the Governor marched out of Gloucester with about nine hundred foot, and his own Regiment of Horse, and Col. Purefoys' regiment of Horse, two pieces of Ordnance, and other Carriage fit for the march, with purpose to remove the enemy's Garrisons at Wesbury, Little-Deane, and Newnam, all strongly fortified, and well provided with Men, Arms, and Ammunition; all which it pleased God miraculously to deliver into his hands. For he first assaulting the Garrison at Wesbury (which was Mr. Colchesters' house, and the Church) he got to the Church, and with Granades and pistol-shot, the which he sent in at the Windows, he presently made the enemy to forsake the Church, and to run to the house: which being discerned by the Governors' Forces, the Church was quickly possessed by them; which made the Enemy forsake all their outworks, and to cry for quarter. There were slain of the enemy about twenty, and about threescore taken prisoners in that Garrison, with their Arms and Ammunition. Whilst the Foot was at this Garrison at Wesbury, Colonel massy commanded some of the horse to march to Little-Deane, where the enemy had also fortified a house to face them, who falling suddenly into the Town took divers of them in the Town, and there killed lieutenant-colonel Congre Governor of Newnham; and the Horse only with their Carbines, Swords, and Pistols, suddenly surprised the Garrison itself (although fortified) where were near forty prisoners taken: and that night Colonel massy quartered at Wesbury and Deane, and the next day drew up to Newnham, where presently he beat the enemy out of the Town into their Works, which were double fortified and very strong, having a very small compass to make good, and there being but one place possible to fall on the enemy, who having there four small pieces of Ordnance and good store of Provision and Ammunition. Yet it pleased God to give the soldiers such courage and resolution that they fiercely stormed the Works, and made the enemy to forsake them, and to run into the Church, where the Governors forces rushed in upon them pellmell, with much violence, which enforced them to cry out for quarter; which one Tipper an old servant to Sir J. Winter and an arch Papist perceiving, and being not willing to take quarter, gave fire to a barrel of Powder intending to destroy himself and all the rest, which occasioned the putting of more to the sword then otherwise had been, the Governor being much enraged to see any of his men scorched with Powder. In this Garrison was taken good store of provisions of all sorts, 4 Guns, one great Wall-piece of 8 foot long, good store of Granades, and some Fireworks, 8 barrels of Powder, 60 skeines of fine Match, with good store of great shot for the Guns, about 150 prisoners, whereof 3 were Captains, and one Capt. Butler was stain with the buttend of a Musket, and so was old Tipper (that traitor to the rules of War) with about 20 others; there were taken about twenty others; there were taken also about 40 horses. The prisoners were instantly conveyed to Gloucester with safety, and the Governor quartered that night at Newnam and little Deane. But the wonderful and extraordinary providence of God was in this, that in the taking of three fortified garrisons in two days, and all by storm, the Governor lost never a man, only some few were scorched with the treachery of the Papists powder-plot, and one had his arm shot off with Cannon-bullet, but none of the wounds mortal.  
After the taking of the said three several Garrisons, the Governor of Gloucester marched with his said forces to Lidney, where Sir john Winter's fortifications and provisions being found too strong for such forces as the Governor had with him, the Governor drew off his wearied men, and caused three Iron-mills of Sir john winter's, with his provision of Coals to be destroyed and burned, the same being very beneficial to the said Sir john Winter, and most useful to him and the popish party for provisions of warlike engines against the Parliaments Army and the Kingdom. While those Noble actions of the Governor were performed in Gloucester stir, Col. Mynn with his Regiments of Horse and Foot forsook Rosse in Herefordshire, and entered some into Hereford, and some into Monmoth for their better security; whereupon the worthy Governor with his said Forces of Foot and Horse marched into Herefordshire, possessed himself of Rosle, took Wilton-bridge, being a drawbridge on the River Wye, and took the house or castle near unto it, with one and thirty prisoners and some horse; and then sent part of his horse, viz. Col. Purefoys Regiment of horse towards Monmoth, to give an Alarm there; and the other part, viz. his own Regiment of horse, towards Hereford, to perform the like; which caused the great Jesuitical Papist and arch Traitor, the L. Herbert, to gather his forces of horse and foot into Monmoth to join with the forces there of Col. Minus, and sent all their horse from Monmoth towards Wilton-bridge; but they were encountered by the way by the horse sent by the Governor towards Monmoth, who charged them bravely, slew 5 or 6 of them, and the rest being near the Town of Monmoth sheltered themselves there. In the mean time the Governor being now quietly possessed of all that part of Herefordshire, summons the County to come in, and to take the Covenant, and to pay contribution unto him; where he found willing obedience by the greatest part of the Yeomanry of that County, and was resolved to have besieged Hereford, which would have yielded unto him in very short time, as is since informed, had not other important occasions called him from thence, to perform a greater service in God's cause. While the Governor was thus employed in Herefordshire he received advertisement that 7 of his soldiers had taken Col. Oglethorp the Governor of Beverston-castle, and six others of his Troopers, and brought them to Gloucester; and that a Captain of his was going away into other service of the Parliament: whereupon he coming to Gloucester May 21, in the evening, dispatched the business he came about; and finding then by examination of some of the said prisoners, that there were some distractions happened upon taking the Governor of Beverston-castle, touching the government thereof, and the rather because the King had granted the same unto Sir Baynham Trockmorton whilst the said Oglethorpe was Governor; the said Noble Governor of Gloucester resolved to take the opportunity to perform some worthy exploits; and having then about 10 a clock at night the said 21 of May received Letters from the Committee of the house of Commons nominated for the affairs of the garrison of Gloucester, he wrote several Letters unto them from Gloucester, which took up his time until two a clock in the morning, and then posted bacl into Herefordshire 12 miles from Gloucester the same day Wednesday May 22. and there drew his said forces of horse and foot into one body at Rosse, and then presently caused his horse to march by Gloucester, appointing them to be the next day at the Rendezvouz within 3 miles of Beverston-castle 15 miles from Gloucester Southward; and also the same day caused his foot to march somewhat a nearer way towards Beverston-castle, over the River Severne unto Frampton, being at least 16 miles, and were constrained to march all Wednesday night to meet the horse at the Rendezvouz appointed, as aforesaid; and from thence marched to Beverston-castle on the Thursday, where they first surprised about 60 horse depasturing under the Castle walls, and guarded with about 6 Musketeers, who flying gave the Alarm to the Castle, which the Noble Governor suddenly surrounded with his horse, and the same night drew up his foot and Artillery, and then sending to summon the Castle, and writing also to the lieutenant-colonel and other Officers there some plausible Letters, and offering fair quarter and true performance, the Castle was surrendered unto him about 12 a clock the same night by accord, only to give them quarter, liberty and their wearing apparel. In which Castle they had 50 Muskets, 4 barrels of Powder, and other provision; the command whereof was presently delivered unto Captain Read a faithful man in the service of the Parliament. The noble Governor having thus settled a garrison for the Parliament in Beverston-castle, continued his march the next morning toward Malmsbury in Wiltshire, and the same day sent this ensuing summons written with his own hand unto the Governor of Malmsbury, viz.  
To the Governor or Commander in chief of the Garrison of Malmsbury.  
YOu are hereby summoned, that you within one half hour after the coming of this to your hands, surrender the same, with all the Arms, Ammunition, provision, and other things of service and use whatsoever unto Col. Massy Governor of Gloucester, for the use, and on the behalf of the King and his Parliament now sitting at Westminster. And he doth hereby engage himself by all the ties of honour, that you, your officers, and soldiers shall not only enjoy your lives, and be received under the protection of good usage and quarter, but also all such as shall desire employment with us, under my command, shall find entertainment according to their qualities, or departed whither they please. And if you shall refuse this proffer of mercy, than you are to expect no other but what Fire and Sword shall bring upon you.  
Edw. massy. Dated 24 of May, 1644.  
The Governor of Malmesbury within the time limited in the said Summons sent this ensuing Answer.  
SIR,  
I Have received your Summons, and (without any unsavoury language) do return you this Answer: That we will maintain this town for the King and Parliament now sitting at Oxford, in defence of those Rites that pretended Parliament at Westminster have abused and rob our Nation. For the other particular, that upon denial we must expect the extremity of Fire and Sword, we make this Answer: That those extremities, I believe, are as likely to fall upon those that assault this town, as those that defend it. For that point, of serving you, the truth is, we are all too proud.  
Your Servant, Henry Howard.  
This Henry Howard, a Colonel of Foot, and one of the Earl of Berkshires' sons, being Governor there, prepared his Soldiers for defence, as well as for defiance, and filled his Works with his numerous Soldiers, bragging much of their valour and resolution; which caused that worthy Commander Colonel massy, to double his cart and diligence to storm it, with all vigour, courage, and expedition; but it was late in the evening before he could draw up his Horse, Foot, and Artillery before the said Town: and these two difficulties happened unto him the same time: the one was his soldiers want of sleep, having continued their constant watch, and continual duty, for several days and nights together, without intermission: the other was, the great store of rain that fell the same evening, and continued all the night ensuing, whereby Colonel Purefoy's Regiment of Horse were constrained to forsake the field, and seek out some shelter for themselves and their horses: But the unwearied Governor, with his Foot, and some three or four Troops of Horse of his own Regiment, gave the Alarm to the Enemy all that night, playing hard with his Ordnance and Musketeers, during which time he himself took great pains in making Blives, and in taking such houses as might best preserve his men, and resolved to storm it early the next morning, and accordingly about Sunrising May 25. he drew out a strong party of Musketeers against the Turnpike and chain, who very gallantly assaulted the Enomy, and beat them from their Ordnance and Guards: some other of the Musketeers assaulting the Enemy in their Works (at one and the same time) with scaling-ladders, beat the Enemy from their Works, and with great courage and resolution entered the same, wounded some, and the rest fled further into the Town: in all which it was hard to judge, whether that worthy Commander, by his personal action, or discieet direction, were of greater avail in taking the Town: but sure it is, the same added much courage to the Captains both of Horse and Foot; insomuch that Major Grace and Captain Ayleworth with joint courage, and brave horses well manned, swiftly entered the town, by leaping their Horses over the chain, and over the Turnpike, and encountered the first Enemy, by cutting off his arm with a sword, and shot the next in the head with a Pistol; and Captain Blunt, one of the Captains of Foot, upon the discharge of the Enemy's Ordnance forced his entrance into the Town through the Enemies Work where the Enemy plied the Ordnance, which he overturned upon his entrance, and made way for his Soldiers to follow: and Captain White entered the Town in another place over the Works, first mastering the same with his Musketeers: but the first man that by force entered the Enemy's Works, was a Sergeant with 40. resolute Musketeers, to whom the Governor had promised five pounds, with other rewards to the 40. Musketeers, if they would give the first assault, and perform it with courage, which they did accordingly, and the Governor paid them liberally. It was a brave spectacle to see, how unanimous both Commanders and Soldiers undertook the enterprise, and with what undaunted spirits and carriage all of them in one minute of time performed the same, notwithstanding their hard marches, want of sleep, and the unseasonable rain all that night. But let all glory and praise be given to the Lord of Hosts, by whom the work was done in so little time, and without so much as a man hurt of the Governors' Soldiers in the storming of it: nor did they lose a man during their time of being there, except the Governors' boy, and one common Soldier: our Forces lay but twelve or thirteen hours before the same, ere they took it by assault: the Governor of Malmesbury, and such other Prisoners as were taken, are contained in the ensuing List.  

A List of the Officers and Soldiers taken at Malmesbury, May 25. 1644. at 4. of the Clock in the morning.  

Henry Howard, Col. of Foot,  
William Howard, Liev Col.  
Sons to the Earl of Berkshire.  
William Chester, Major.  
William Markham, Capt.  
Gilbert Wheathill, Capt.  
John Brimsden, Capt. Lievt.   

Lieutenants.  
Richard Bleak.  
Edward Scott.  
William Roach.   

Ensigns.  
John Barrat.  
Robert Bates.  
Richard Cage.  
Browning.   

Quartermasters.  
James Bower, Moreley.  
Laurence Short.   

Sergeants.  
Henry Dixon.  
Richard Fletcher.  
Robert Baily.  
William Fenton.   

Corporals.  
Henry Painter.  
Thomas Hadley.  
John Poole.  
John Peerce.  
John Chapel.  
Gilbert Harris, Drummer.  
William Weeks, Chirurgeon  
John Clark, Capt. of Horse.  
Private Soldiers, 149.   

Gentlemen that bare Arms.  
John Freame.  
William Norris.  
John Bridges.   
The rest of the Officers and Soldiers by running thorough the River made their escape.  

2. Iron Falcons.  
2. Iron Hamberguns.  
9 Barrels of Powder.  
152. Skeins of Match.  
900. Weight of Shot.  
150. Muskets, or thereabouts.   
As soon as the right worthy Colonel Massey had possessed himself of Malmesbury, and the Prisoners, he preserved all the town from plunder of the Soldiers, and then sent a strong party to Chipham, who took in that Garrison also, and about 80. Musketeers Prisoners, he took also seven Wanes or Wagons laden with Sack and other Wines, going from Bristol to Oxford: but it is affirmed by others, that much of that lading is Arms and Ammunition. He hath since taken other towns, and brought the greatest part of Wiltshire under the obedience o● the Parliament, and hath taken many other Commanders and Malignants adhering to the Cavaliers, and the Irish Rebels, viz. M. George Low, of the Oxford-Parliament, and another, second son of Sir Edward Barmons, and one M. Chivers, with others: And by taking of Malmesbury and Beverston Castle, all trade and commerce out of the West to Oxford is much hindered, and from Bristol to Oxford quite taken away, and the trade of clothing opened from those parts to London; and, as the report is, there are upon the way now coming up out of Wiltshire towards London thirteen Wains laden with woollen cloth, which willbe welcome to the Merchants and Drapers here, and other wares and commodities will be sent and returned from London into the Country: This is the Lords doing, and to him be given all the praise and glory. This also may stir up the hearts of such as are able to lend upon the Gloucester Ordinance, for the raising of some horse to serve under the command of that valiant Commander, who will be left destitute of horse, when the Regiment of Colonel Purefoys Horse shall be called away from him, who is earnestly desired by the Committee of Coventrey, that he may return again into Warwickshire, for the defence of that County, being raised by them for that purpose. To all which I will only add, and conclude with the Votes and Resolutions of the House of Commons, made upon reading the said Governors Letters of the taking of Malmesbury and Beverston, .   

Die Veneris, 31. Maii. 1644.  
A Letter from Colonel Massey from Malmesbury of the 25. of May concerning the taking of the Town of Malmesbury, and a copy of the Summons sent to the Town, and the Answer of the Garrison, were all read: and likewise a Letter of the 27. of May from Malmesbury, relating the same particulars more at large, was likewise read; desiring that his Regiment might be recruted before any other addition of force: and likewise desiring to know how that Town of Malmesbury shall be disposed of.  
Ordered, That the Town of Malmesbury, and the Castle of Beverston, as to the Government of them, shallbe left wholly to the disposal of Colonel Massey.  
Ordered, That before there be any addition made of new Regiments for the assistance of Colonel Massey, Colonel Masseys own Regiment of Foot be first recruted, and that his Regiment of Horses may be completed for Men, Horse, and Arms, by such supplies of Monies as by the Ordinance may be procured for Gloucester.  
Ordered, That after Colonel Masseyes' Regiments of Horse and Foot shall be recruted and completed, That a Regiment of Horse shall be raised for Colonel Stephens, High Sheriff of the County of Gloucester, to be under the command of Colonel Massey: and that my Lord General be desired to grant no Commission to any other for raising any other Regiments for the County of Gloucester, and the other Counties mentioned in the Ordinance, but to such as shall be recommended by Colonel Massey unto the Committee of Gloucester, and by them to this House.  
Ordered, That Roger Burgoyne do by this day seven-night at farthest pay in the 400. l. owing upon Bond to Capt. Matthews deceased, and assigned by former Order upon Colonel Massey.  
Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee for Gloucester, to prepare an Ordinance, and bring it in on Tuesday morning next, for settling upon Colonel Massey an Estate of Jnheritance to the value of 1000 pound per Annum, at least, out of some Papists and Delinquents Estates.  
Char. Stavely Cler. Dom. Pury. 1644. June 4.   
FINIS.