A NEW TRICK TO TAKE TOWNS: OR, The just and perfect Relalation of the sudden surprisal of HEREFORD; Taken December 18. 1645.  
WITH A true Copy of the return of the Warrant, sent by a Lieutenant in the habit of a Countryman; And the names of the six men his assistants.  
Published by special Authority.  
LONDON, Printed by E. G. 1645.   

THE Just and perfect Relation of the sudden surprisal of HEREFORD, Taken the eighteenth day of December 1645.  
DIvine providence (the Governor of humane actions) brings that to pass with much admiration that is least expected by man's judgement; God's handiwork shined most clear through the cloud of the greatest difficulties, and appeared with the fairest splendour when it passeth the most hazard. Man's power doth execute what God decrees. By experience we find that the meanest of his creatures becomes the instruments of his sacred pleasure. The King and Kingdom's differences unreconciled seem uncureable without a conquest, and God is pleased by his victories to declare the justice of that cause he so much prospers. The particulars of Hereford's affairs with some obscurity hath passed the Press, but for the general satisfaction of the whole Kingdom (being an instrument in the design) I have presumed to enter upon a large discovery.  
SIr john Bryges' in his affections most real to his Country, after his continuance a while at Gloucester he came to London, where with the honourable Committee of both Kingdoms, he undertook with his best endeavours the reducing of the city of Hereford, and the introducing of the Parliaments forces into that Garrison, being cherished by, their Honours to proceed in the attempt he returned to Gloucester; from thence disguised he travelled into some private parts of Herefordshire, and sent to Cap. Alderne, & Cap. Howorth who upon his first summons repaired to him, they being together met, Sir john Bridges delivered himself and desired their several opinions, so that after an oath of performance and secrecy passed betwixt them, they concluded that for these reasons the design was feasible.  
First, the conveniancy and situation of Ailstons Hill which faced the drawbridge where an army might lie in ambush, yet undiscovered by the Sentinels.  
Secondly, the usual neglect of the Guard and the common custom in not sending out Scouts to Lug-bridge.  
Thirdly, the walls of the Priory within Carbine shot off the Gate, being then standing gave an advantage there to lodge the Forlorn party of Firelocks.  
Fourthly, the constant Intelligence Captain Aldern had from the City, the which might have prevented any danger, if the business had either been suspected or betrayed.  
Fifthly, the contrival of sending in an Officer with 6 men in the habit of a Constable and his Parishioners. Captain Alderne drawing a Warrent and subscribing the Constable's hand of his own Parish as a return thereunto.  
Sixthly, the assurance of a Reformado Officer in the City who was to be near the Guard at the time of entry, and to hinder the drawing up of the Bridge, as also to be ready to repair to us if he found any preparation against us, after the disputing of these reason's Sir john departed back to Gloucester, with a resolution to Post his man to London for orders from the Honourable Committee of both Kingdoms, Captain Howorth and Captain Alderne desired a speedy expedition and thus determined to dispose severally of themselves, Captain Howorth was to converse with the Officers in the City, and being acquainted with their designs to give upon all occasion's intimation to Captain Alderne in the Country from whom Sir john was to receive intructions, so accordingly to persevere therein, the Committee of both Kingdoms for the perfecting of this project finding by these gentlemen's particular engagements, there was some possibility in the effect, their Honours sent for Colonel Birch whose Regiments was commanded to draw into Gloucestershire, there in readiness to attend the event, Colonel Birch receiving his instructions, came with Sir john to Cannon Froome, from thence he sent privately to Captain Alderne by some Troopers belonging to that Garrison, and Captain Alderne according to their message, prepared himself, and avoiding all the means of suspicion, he came with Captain Howorth unto them, we blinding the business that very instant, that his own family were possessed with an opinion that the Parliaments approach was for no other end but contribution: Colonel Birch, Sir john Bridges, and the two Captains being met, the particular reasons were repeated, and all with one assent agreed upon the execution, the dry limited, which was the 16th day of December, there was a messenger dispatched to the Officer within the city, with a Letter from Sr. john, which intimated in short figures, both the time, and his duty, according to the agreement of all parties, Colonel Birch and Sir john Bridges hastened towards Gloucester, and about two of the Clock, upon Tuesday morning the Governor of Gloucester with Colonel Birch marched to Cannon Froome, from whence they drew towards Hereford, the Foot by reason of the deepness of the Snow, grew weak and were unable to march further, the Horse though willing were not able to accomplish the business, therefore Colonel Birch advised with Captain Alderne, what was best to be done, and freely offered, if Captain Alderne conceived it fit, to march with 500 Horse, and 100 Foot to prosecute the design, Captain Alderne imagined that the City might be entered with that few number, but in regard of the strength, and desperateness of the enemy, he was doubtful of a repulse, thereupon he advised that the Horse and Foot should retreat to Sedbury, which was accordingly effected, after some discourse between Colonel Morgan and Col. Birch, and the other Gentlemen, it was concluded that upon Wednesday night, that the Army should march betimes to Cannon Froome, and from thence in a continual motion draw to Hereford, in this intervale of time Captain Alderne kept correspondence with some of his friends in the City, and had the particular relation of the Governors proceed; most part of the Horse being on a march towards the relief of Chester, the Governor himself being in some difference with the City, Captain Alderne imagined that opportunity, the best to compass a surprise, so that Colonel Birch and the Governor of Gloucester drew from Sedbury to Cannon Froome, from thence Captain Alderne with two troops of Horse secured the three Bridges, viz. Lug-bridge, Lugwarden bridge, and Wordifords bridge, by means whereof there could no alarm or notice pass unto the garrison; betwixt the hours of three and four of the clock on Thursday morning the governor of Gloucester marched up with his horse, the foot seconding him, all rendezvouzd together on this side Aylslous hill; Cap. Howorth and one of Col. Birch his Captains commanded the Firelocks to the Priory, the counterfeit Constable and his men were disposed to their station; Cap. Alderne showed Col. Birch the place upon the hill, to draw up the forlorn hope of horse, which was in a large dingle; the Morning-prayer-bell rung out, the Travalley was beaten in the city, and a musket of ours by accident was discharged, which possessed us with a great fear that our projects were frustrated, our hopes a while dead; at last about eight of the clock the drawbridge was let fall, the Constable observing his season killed the Sentinel, Cap. Howorth and the Firelocks possessed the gate, Cap. Temple with the horse behaved himself most gallantly, Captain Alderne according to command with others routed those at the castle, Col. Birch and Col. Morgan being active in their commands kept the enemy from drawing in a body, so that without the effusion of much blood we became conquerors and masters of the garrison. The soldiers struck with apprehension of the danger betook themselves to shelter, the citizens knew no refuge, but kept themselves close in their houses, and he thought himself most happy that could secure himself till the storm was past, the two governor's preventing with their utmost power the citizens general loss and ruin. The garrison thus by policy and force surprised without remedy was plundered, neither could the commander's rhetoric or threat prevail with the soldier to keep their hands from pillage. The number and quality of the prisoners, as also the Ordnance and Arms taken, I am as yet uncapable to express, but in the generality I presume it was the largest prize taken since these wars began; to attribute that to man which is proper to God argues a sin as high as presumption. God's finger points out that line the which notwithstanding all windings man must follow; and since weak men's policy hath achieved that great men's power from other Nations could not accomplish, we are more bound to God in the strong links of constant gratitude, and with an acknowledgement: we must conclude, the strongest Cities that are most and best fortified by art and nature are easily taken if assaulted by the General of Heaven.   

A Copy of the return which a Lieutenant in the habit of a Countryman brought in with the six men.  
WHereas we have received a Warrant from the honourable Governor of Hereford, for the bringing in to the Garrison six able men to work, with such tools as are fit for your said service, we have in obedience thereunto by our neighbour Hugh Morris sent a return of the names of the said parties, viz. 

John Baily  
Wil Edward's  
Rich. Deem  
Phil. Mason  
J●. Ba●kervile  
Wil King.    
These we have sent in by our aforesaid neighbour, not daring ourselves to appear in respect of the enemy's garrison at Cannon-Froome.  


The mark of I S Jo. Searle.  
Roger Hill, Const:   Dated, Decemb. 17. 1645.  
FINIS.