SIR EDWARD HUNGERFORDS VINDICATION, FOR THE SURRENDERING of Malmsbury in Wiltsshire to the King's forces, after it was taken by SIR WILLIAM WALLER As it was sent in a Letter from the said Sir EDWARD HUNGERFORD to a worthy Member of the House of COMMONS;  
And now published for the satisfaction of all such as desire to be truly informed of the whole passages in the winning and losing of MALMSBURY, within less than a week's time in April last  
LONDON. May 6. Printed for Francis Leach, Anno Dom. 1643.   

SIR EDWARD HUNGERFORDS Vindication, for the surrendering of Malmsbury in Wiltshire to the King's forces, after it was taken by Sir William Waller.  
SIR,  
I Have not heard that either the letter subscribed by Sir William Waller, Sir Arthur Haslerigge, and myself at Malmsbury, to certify the Parliament of the taking of that town, or mine, (within a few days after) relating the hasty deserting of that town unto the enemy; was ever read, or came to the view of either House of Parliament, Wherefore to avoid mistakes or misunderstandings, that may happen by Common fame, I shal● briefly give you the true relation both of taking and deserting of the said Town. Upon the Tusday seven-night before Easter, about one of the clock in the afternoon, Sir William Waller came before it, and at the fi●st onset took the Suburbs, but the Town held out longer, being fiercely assaulted by our men, all that afternoon, till about ten of the clock at night, and aswell defended by the Enemy within then being weary on both sides there was a pause for a few hours, after which our drums beating an Alarm, the enemy began to treat, and upon Wednesday by seven of the Clock in the morning, Sir William did peaceably enter the Town, where besides three hundred prisoners that was taken, there was an Iron Saker, some Muskets, and some Pikes, and some few horses taken, but little or no ammunition.  
I was appointed to take the charge of that Town and accordingly expected to have it left withal things for defence, but much business happening, and Sir William Waller hastening out of Town upon his design towards Gloucester, before any consultation, could be had concerning the settlement thereof, upon Thursday I went out of Malmesbury to wards Tedbury, with Sir William Waller at what time the Town was left with more Prisoners than Soldiers, without Ammunition and money, and by the way mentioning to Sir William Waller, the dangerous condition of that Town if he left not there a very considerable party, especially in case he removed to any remote place, without forcing the enemy first from Cirencester, who was there at that time very strong both in horse and foot, whereupon Sir William Waller did that evening at Tedbury order 3. Barrels of Powder to be presently sent unto Malmesbury, and appointed Major Clyfton to repair thither, to join with Major Trayle, in the ordering of the forces there, that Captain Talbot with his Troop should presently go thither, to guard the Prisoners from thence the next day to Bath and Captain Waldon with his parcel of Dragooners, near upon 20. to remain at Malmesbury, I conceiving that the said Sergeant Major Clifton sent thither by Sir William Waller was a Commander able and fit to give direction and secure the Town, I left all my forces with him at Malmesbury, and went myself to Bathe attended only with my own servants, speedily to send more Ammunition Men and Horse, whereof there was not at Malmesbury a sufficient number for Scouts, as also to get money for the payment of the Garrison at Malmesbury, whilst I was about this work, had gotten my horses together, made up two companies ready on their march towards Malmesbury, with Ammunition which was wanting there, for Ordnance, and a supply of other Ammunition, news was brought that Malmesbury was abandoned, (and for aught I could understand) rather upon the conceit than sight of an enemy, the cause of this conceived to be, from an apprehension of the power of an enemy near them; the small force they had then in the Town (not exceeding one hundred and Twenty Soldiers) to make resistance, the backwardens of the Country to come in to bear Arms or to assist with money who seemed very forward whilst Sir William Waller was present but altered their minds so soon as they did see him with his Army, to be departed from them, my Soldiers generally discontented, that they had not Pillage as others who took less pains (as they thought) and lost no blood, over burdened with duties, being but a few in number, and hourly raised with Allarumes.  
The Captains at odds amongst themselves, Major Trayle that should have reconciled all, not so careful as he ought, Major Clifton that was sent to join with him, gone away from thence to Bath, these two being the able Commanders, especially trusted for the defence of the Town, One of the Officers also amongst them, did much increase their fears, and seeing false Alarumes, and after as their number decreased, did help to disarm the remainder; also two of the Captains that should have encouraged them, told them that they were all but dead men, if they did not fly forth presently, they being the first that shown them the way by their example; after this the soldiers could not be stayed, butein spit of their Captain & Officers which were left, who sought to keep them in, they ran away so that within a hour or two, there were scarce ten soldiers left in the Town, thus was Malmsebury left at eleven of the Clock upon Saturday at night, no enemy entering until seven of the clock next morning being Sunday.  
At this present the enemy hath in Garrison there, four hundred foot, and Curston his Troop of Horse, Colonel Bawfeild, is appointed Governor thereof, and this is the true relation of the winning and losing of that Town, within less than the space of a week, (as will be testified by many of very good credit) wherewith I shall entreat you to acquaint the House, that they may not suffer their servants in the Country to undergo an ill opinion, who have not deserved the same, which is all that I have at this time, to recommend unto you, but that I am.  
Bath. 28. April 1643. Your humble Servant. Edward Hungerford.  
FJNJS.