A TRUE RELATION OF A BRAVE DEFEAT Given by the Forces in Plymouth, to SKELLUM GREENVILE, On Tuesday, the eighteenth of February, 1644.  
Written thence by a sure Hand to a special friend in London, and confirmed by many that were eye-witnesses of the same.  
With the taking of one Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, four Captains, four Lieutenants, two Ensigns, 92 Common Soldiers.  
There were also taken about 300 Arms, good store of Mattocks, Shovels and Faggots.  
Published according to Order.  
LONDON, Printed by E. P. for Francis Coles, dwelling in the Old Bayly. 1645. 1644   

A True RELATION Of A BRAVE DEFEAT, Given by the Forces in Plymouth to SKELLUM GREENVILE, on Tuesday the 18 of February, 1644.  
SIR,  
THe good success it hath pleased God to give our Forces lately, makes me once more set pen to paper, thereby desiring to inform you; That on Tuesday, the 18 of this instant February, our Plymouth Forces were drawn forth to all Quarters of the Town, the Enemy having the night before with a considerable number of Horse and Foot gained an Hill over-against the Town, the water being between, where formerly we had a Work called by the name of Mount Stamford, which we lost about a twelvemonth since, and was open my Lord Generals advance into the West quitted by the Enemy, and slighted by us: To this place the Enemy no● came again, and in one night did, with the help of some hundreds of Faggots, which they brought with them, make up a very formidable Work, at the least twelve foot thick, with a Brest-Worke drawn from each side in manner of a Line, which they completely man'd with Musquetiers, and stood in that posture, intending the next night to finish the Work, which then would have been impregnable, from whence they might shoot into the Town at their pleasure, and have so annoyed us, that no Shipping could have laid in Catwater without danger of sinking or firing, which is the most convenient place for Ships to ride in, that must unload at the Key. But blessed be God, by his help and the vigilancy of our Commanders, all this was prevented by a timely sally (delays in such cases proving dangerous) the weather did prove so advantageous, that both Horse and Foot went so cheerfully, so universally, to all the Works, that neither the Enemy without, or the slander by within, could imagine where we intended to fall on. About noon there were a considerable number of Foot and a strong Party of Horse conveied in Boats over the water, to a Work we have under the Hill called Mount Batten, it not being much above two flight shot from Mount Stamford, then in the Enemy's Possession; and being on the height of the same Hill, out Forces were commanded to march up against the Enemy, who lay within their Works and Line, being well manned both with Horse and Foot ready to encounter ours, yet not so strong as was supposed: the Enemy having drawn off a great part of them to the other side of the Town, when they rather expected we should fall on; but we crossing their expecttation, fell on where we were least looked for, the weather proving so clear, and we approaching so openly, gave the Enemy warning enough, we could not stir but they must see us.  
Well, our Foot, who were most Seamen, marched up resolutely, the forlorn hope of horse going before, and the reserve with them in the bottom, who had the advantage of some hedges which they lined with Musquetiers, who fired upon the Enemy while the rest advanced, the Enemy firing very fast upon them also; and while our Foot were getting up the hill, our horse and the Enemies met, who disputed not long, the Enemy rather trusting to his Horse legs, than their own swords; our Horse followed them amain, and it is verily thought kept some of them from coming back again thither any more.  
Our Foot seeing what good success the Horse had, went, or rather ran up to the Enemies work with their colours in their hands; and in a very short time made the Enemy fly for't; yet before they quitted the work, they blew up their Powder, and then betook them to their heels: our men entered the Work, and placed their colours upon it: our Horse cha●ed the Enemy a mile and better while they ran, as the old saying is, and never looked behind them: I mean never made halt, unless to take breath, till they came to a Work they have two miles off; by this time the night coming on, our men retreated to their Fort which they manned all night, intending to make even with the ground, contenting themselves with the beating the Enemy out of the field, and the taxing 104 Common Soldiers and Officers, whereof one a Lieveenant Colonel, one a Major, four Captains, and the rest Lieutenants and Ensigns; there were taken also about 300 Arms, and in the work good store of Mattockes, Shovels, and Faggots: On our part we have but one man slain, and that by an accident, some few hurt, and one they say taken by the Enemy: This is no small encouragement to our Soldiers, who are never better than when they are a fight. In the mean while, both from the Ships and Forts, on that side the Town were at the least sixty great Guns shot off, which beat up the dirt bravely about the Cavies ears: some there were slain upon the place, but not many, but without question many of them hurt, for our Horse were in amongst the Foot, slashing them amain, whom they routed totally, and made them run away basely. Which had you seen as I did, though at some distance, you would have laughed hearty, as I did.  
Sir, you need not question the truth of this; I assure you, I saw many of the Rogues brought in: I know you will receive this Relation from better hands, but being such good News, I could not omit to give you an account of it: If I have not expressed myself in proper Phrases, excuse me, for I am no Soldier, We shall have one day this week set apart for a special thanksgiving for this great mercy: So humbly beseeching God to give us thankful and cheerful hearts, and such courage, that we may neither fear man, or distrust God, I humbly take my leave, and rest  
Your Servant, I. P.   

A List of the Prisoners taken at MOUNT-STAMFORD.  

Lieut. Colonel Mohun.  
Sergeant Major Rich. Heel.  
Four Captains.   

Lieutenants taken.  
Lieutenant Gild.  
Lieutenant Weringe.  
Lieutenant Manwaring.  
Lieutenant Ashford.   

Ensigns taken.  
Ensign Batishill.  
Ensign Halfer.   
The rest inferior Officers and Soldiers.  
FINIS.