AN EXAMINATION OF A PRINTED PAMPHLET; ENTITLED, A Narration of the Siege of the Town of Leicester (the last of May 1645.) By the King's Forces.  
WITH A more perfect and exact Relation, of the Taking the said Town and Garrison.  
ALSO, The true Copy of a Letter sent from Leicester to the Lord Grey.  
LONDON, Printed for THOMAS WALKLEY. 1465.   

An Examination of a printed Pamphlet, Entitled; A Narration of the Siege of the Town of Leicester, by the King's Forces.  
THough the late taking of Leicester by the Enemy, did too sadly prove, that the complaints heretofore made by some Honourable personages against that Committee, were no groundless accusations, or splenitive aspersions cast upon them, but the just fears of provident men: ●et because that Committee have since, in a Printed Narrative, gone about to justify their whole proceed; it may concern the other, not so much in vindication of their own honour, as for redeeming the truth, to examine the particulars of that Narration. Those Gentlemen of quality, who at the beginning of this sad War, had, with the hazard of their lives and fortunes, put the Town of Leicester into a posture of defence, could not choose afterwards (out of zeal to the public) but continue their care for the suppression of it; though the full managing of that Affair were since taken out of their hands, and committed to others of Meaner rank, and such men, who had not at first joined in the hazard with them, nor appeared, until danger did seem to be blown over. Nor could they better express that public care which they had to Preserve the Country, then by a serious observing, and timely complaining of such faults or Errors as that Committee were guilty of. Some of those faults, how well soever that Committee have endeavoured to blanche them over, Will plainly appear in searching out the truth of their own Narration. In which it is not our meaning to pick needless quarrels against all that they say: But to insist only upon such things, as without too much injury to truth, cannot be let pass. That discourse concerning Master Purif●y, which they begin with, it is let pass, as a thing improper to give answer to; seeing he gave in his Testimony to that Committee, which the House appointed for examining the particulars concerning Leicester. But to an higher concern, which presently follows in their Narration, as namely where the Committee say, that the works were amended where they were any ways defective, and that they were well made up in all places; To this is answered, that they had left all places of advantage to the Enemy undemolished, as namely, Master Chapman's Houses near Belgrave Gate, Green's houses near Humberstone Gate; Widow Swan's house, and the Grange near unto Southgate; divers Houses at the West bridge, and many near to Saint Sundays Bridge. From which place Major Inns with a Party of his own men, alighted from their Horses, with Carabines in their hands, Sallied out at Sundays bridge, beat off the King's Forces, and fired those houses (the Foot of the Town refusing to go upon the Service) All which places left thus, undemolished, were within sixscore Paces of the Works, and most of them within Pistol shot. It will be further proved that the Committee were unprovided of divers materials, necessary for defence of the Garrison, as Spades Shovels, and Mattocks to make up the breaches, the Works altogether naked, there being neither Cannon nor Musket Baskets to Shelter the Soldiers. Besides all this, that place in the Newarke, where the breach was made, the Committee would never suffer to be Fortified, because Master Wadland Clerk to the Committee, and a powerful man with them, had a parcel of ground lying there, which he was unwilling should be cut up. In the next place, whereas they say, That the line was near three miles about, and made by the Lord Grace; It is answered, that the Lord Grace could never prevail with the Committee to pull down those Houses before mentioned, much less to contract the Line to a more narrow circumference, and this unwillingness of theirs is most apparent, in regard that they suffered the said Houses to stand, and the King's forces to take possession of them, though they had timely intelligence of the King's approach. And whereas they say, That the Kings coming to Ashby was so sudden, that they had not time to call away their men from Colearton, and bring off their Cannon; To that we answer; Sir john Gell by Letters advertised the Committee, three days before the King came to Ashby, that in all probability the King's design was for Leicester. So that they had time enough to call in their out Garrisons, being (as they say) 350. Horse and Foot at Colearton, and 160 Horse and Foot at Kirby, in all 510. besides those at Bagworth. Wheareas they say, that when the Town was Summoned, only Sir Robert Pie, and Major Inns seemed to question whether their number were sufficient to make resistance against such an Army; They answer, that being Strangers they enquired what their Strength was; the Committee having formerly related to them, that they had 1500. fight men in the Town (wherewith no doubt but the Town might easily have been defended) But upon view at the several Posts they found not above 450. Soldiers, a very insufficient number to Man the Circumference of so vast a Line. Besides Sir Robert Pie 〈◊〉 the Committee to take Order that there might be Teams and D●●●ght Horses for the removing of the Cannon from place to place, as occasion should require. But not an Horse nor Team was to be seen in readiness for that service. And whereas the Committee promised Sir R●bert Pie, that there should be 300. Men upon the main Guard constantly, there were not seen above twenty men; Notwithstanding all these things, Sir Robert Pie, and Major Inns, declared that they would contribute th●ir best endeavours to the maintenance of the Town, which they fu●ly performed; and when several other Officers did quit their Post, Major Inns maintained his; and it is evidently known, that the Enemy never entered at his Post.  
Whereas the Committee say, That they disposed themselves to several pa●ts of the Town, to supply what was wanting in Ammunition, and otherwise distributing of Money to the Soldiers that stood at the Line; It is answered, We heard the Soldiers at several Posts complain, that in twenty four hours they had no relief in meat, drink, or money; and that the Committee very seldom appeared at the Works. Whereas they attribute the maintining of that breach in the Newarke to Captain Hacker and Captain Babbington; We say that Captain Babbington was never, during the Storm, nearer to the breach then the Westbridge, which was assigned for his Post. And this breach was maintained by Major Inns; and after that all the Officers and Soldiers (properly belonging to the Garrison) had deserted that place, Major Inns with his Troops repulsed them five several times. After which repulses, the Enemy falling on at other Places, Captain Hacker made his escape through that Breach, and was taken near Humberston; the same Captain Hacker, who when Colonel Rocciter was engaged with Sir Marmaduke Langdale, near unto Milton Mowbray, failed to join with him, which did extremely prejudice that service. And being then Governor of the Garrison at Kerby, fled to Leicester; first setting fire on the Barns and Stables there; according to the information of an honest man, who was then at Kerby Garrison, when the King's Forces came by Melton. Who saith that there were no Scouts sent out that day from the Garrison of Kerby Beler. And further faith that one Captain Gollifon, coming from Melton, told Captain Hacker that Colonel rossiter's Forces were Routed, upon which information Captain Hacker Commanded that all his Soldiers, who had the weakest Horses, should with all speed march away to Leicester; and those, who had the best Horses, should go into the Garrison, and set fire on it. The Soldiers obeying his command, set fire on a great Barn of eleven bays of Building; the greatest p●rt of the said Barn having been newly made a stable to hold 250 Horses, and some Bays left to lay in Hay. All which were burnt, and about ten or twelve Bays more, and then the said Captain Hacker marched away, leaving behind h●m provisions of Victual, ammunition, and other necessaries for the Garrison; in which also he left six Prisoners, who ra● away. Some other Soldier's report that by Captain Hackers command they Carried into the Hall, Hay, Straw, and Firres, to have fired the House. Whereas they writ that Colonel Grace, of whose Valour they had former experience, was sore wounded, and led off the place; It will be proved that he suffered Sir Barnard Ashlie his whole brigade of Foot to scale with three laddders, and enter the works, without discharging a Musket; and running from his Post, was wounded in the back, one of his Enemies saying, that he would give him the mark of a Coward; and that formerly he declared to us his ignorance, and want of experience to perform the duty of a Governor. Where they say also that Captain Hurst was slain, it is like to the rest in their Narration; for he was not so much as wounded. Besides this, it is most certain that the Committee were so possessed with fear, that they told His Majesty they would have delivered the Town at first upon the summons, had not Sir Robert Pie, and Major Inns dsswaded them from it. Sir Henry Skipwith likewise, and Sir John Pate two notorious Delinquents, and powerful with His Majesty, declared at Leicester, in the presence of many honest men, that the greatest motive which drew the King to Leicester, was the certain Intelligence, that he had of the weakness of that Committee, and their want of experience in Military affairs. Concerning the fortifying of the Newark, which they say was intended by them; But that, upon a Letter from Colonel Booth to the Lord Grey, the Committee of both Kingdoms did command the contrary: We will leave it to the judgement of all the World, how great a discouragement that had been both to Town and Country, and of what small advantage to the public. Since it was impossible that the Newark could receive the persons, much less the goods and estates of all the well-affected. Insomuch as that if it had been fortified (which could not be effected to any purpose, unless they would resolve to pull down hundreds of houses) we conceive that both the P●rsons and Estates of the aforesaid well-affected persons, had been subject to as much misery and plunder, as they have since undergone. And for Colonel Booth, we are so well assured of his good intentions, in that dissuading Letter (as they say) that malice itself can gather nothing of it, but a cordial desire to prevent the misery, that was like to befall that place, both for want of able soldiers to manage the Militia, and strength enough to man the Works. We therefore, as not unwilling that further notice may be taken of his Letter, have caused it to be reprinted. Concerning the taxation of the Country, we conceive nothing could breed more discontentment, than that inequality, which the Committee used in taxing the several Towns, which Taxations (had they been equally laid according to the proportion of some Towns) had amounted to a fare greater sum ●hen is appointed by the Ordinance of Parliament. And it is verily besee●●● that, ●a● the moneys collected Weekly been converted to no other use, then for the service and maintenance of their Garrisons, Leicester had been better provided for a Siege, than (as appears) it now was. And yet notwithstanding the Committee did, over and above those great Taxes, charge the Country with all kind of Provisions for their Garrisons, and with Horses to mount their men. Where they affirm, that they receive not any pay; We are credibly informed that very few, or not one of them but is chargeable with moneys raised in the Country for the public service. And how they have disposed of it, we must leave to the Examination of those who are employed for that purpose. This we know, that many of them were Captains, and received great sums of money; yet seldom or never went out with their Troops for defence of the Country. Whereby there was an unjust and unnecessary charge, which might have otherwise been employed upon able soldiers. Instead of which they cashiered old Officers, and able men, advancing in their places raw soldiers, to the great prejudice of the business. And whereas they affirm, that they undertook the Work, when others of greater Estates deserted it, and justify themselves in that point through the whole Narration; it is well remembered that Captain Temple, late Governor of Coleotton, when the Lord Grey began to fortify Leicester, upon intelligence given of the Enemies advance out of Worcestershire towards Ashby, repaired at Midnight to the Lord Greys Chamber, earnestly persuading him at that instant to remove to Rockingham with his Forces, Canon, and Carriages. And indeed many times since hath he expressed that fearful disposition. For in time of danger (pretending business) he usually hastens to London; witness the last journey that he made up thither, upon the approach of the King's Army into those parts. And for the rest of those that now sit in the Committee, not above two or three of them did appear, and join in the service with those Gentlemen, that hazarded their lives and fortunes for the Public at the beginning, and are now out of the Ordinance for the Militia; neither did they appear until Leicester was nigh fortified, and both Town and Country in a good posture of defence. Whereas they say that Sir Edward Hartop, Sir Thomas Hartop, Sir Roger Smith, john St. John, and Thomas Brudenell Esquires, were but commanded down to sit as Committees, they would give more satisfaction to the Country, and do the Parliament better service, than those that are of less estates and esteem, possibly can do; The Committee well know that all, or most of those Gentlemen before mentioned, by reason of their age and other infirmities (without prejudice to their health) cannot attend to do service, as otherwise they willingly would. And it is most evident how earnestly the Country petitio- for an addition to the Committee, of Gentlemen of known integrity and abilities, who suffered both in their Persons and Estates for their affections to the public; namely William Quarles, Thomas Beaumond, William Danvers, George Pochin, Thomas Pochin, Thomas Cotton Esquire, and William Sherman Gent. with divers others, some of which, during the time of the Siege, were thought worthy and invited to sit, and advise with the Committee; yet the Committee would not give way to an addition: But did, as much as in them lay, render those Gentlemen odious to the Parliament. It is true that the Lord Grey gave a Commission to Theophilus Grey Esquire, than eldest Captain of his Lordship's Regiment (the superior Officers of the Garrison being drawn out upon service) to command in Leicester for s●me few days, when there was no danger of an Enemy. Upon these considerations; How much those Gentlemen of the Committee, who have had the power of the Militia in their hands these ten month's last passed, deserve to be rewarded for their service let the world judge. Nor can we fear that this frivolous Apology of their (which they have printed under the name of a Narration, stuffed with apparent and detected falsehoods) should so fare prevail with wise men, as to acquit them of such heinous essences against the State● or much less have power to transmit the blemish from themselves to their just accusers. Such Apologies, as they imply some faults committed, are themselves sometimes greater faults, than those wh●ch they labour to excuse. Since it is a greater crime purposely to deceive a State by misunderstanding, then to trespass against it by ignorance, or weakness. Howsoever, no fear of prejudice can discourage men of Honour, who are ashamed of nothing but ignoble actions, to aver and maintain a clear truth against any persons, especially where the satisfaction of the State, more than the vindication of their own Honours, doth engage them to it.  
JAMES INNS.   

A Copy of a Letter sent from Leicester to my Lord Grace.  
BEing arrived at this place, which by reason of your public and private interest in it, lays claim to your utmost endeavours for the preservation of it. I shall make bold to present your Lordship with the weak condition it is in, most obvious to the unobserving eye, by all men's account there are not above 200 Soldiers in the Town, and those as peremptory against discipline as their Governors are ignorant of it. I am most confident nay durst hazard myself and fortune upon it, that 500 resolute well managed Soldiers, at any time night or day, would make themselves Masters of this Town, which if lost, will take away all Commerce from all the Northwest of England; And I can assure you its God's providence alone in keeping it from the Enemy's knowledge, and suppressing their courage, that is this Town's defence, but when we neglect to serve God in his Providence by the adhibition of second means, it is just with God to leave us to our own strength which is nothing but weakness. The grand Masters most sensible of Danger, and careful of their own security, have all of them got houses i● a place of this Town called the Newarke, where they are fortifying themselves as strong as may be, which will prove as I fear of most dangerous consequence; For I perceive the Townsemen much discontented, conceiving themselves destined by the Committee for the Enemy's mercy. I assure you my Lord, I espy discontent dispiersing itself very fast abroad in this Town, and if your Lordship's care prevent nor, I expect very shortly to hear ill news from this place. Pardon my boldness, excuse my haste, and accept of my profession of being,  
Leicester, Apr. 12. 1645. My Lord, Your Lordship's most humble Servant, GEORGE BOOTH.  
FINIS.