NEWS FROM DENNINGTON CASTLE OR A true Copy of Major William Rives his Letter, in VINDICATION of himself and others.  
Wherein is related the Condition of the Leaguer before it, and the manner of the late sally from the Castle, With what loss was on Both sides.  
Licenced and Printed according to Order.  IN DOMINO CONFIDO  printer's or publisher's device 
Printed for Henry Twyford, at the sign of the three Daggers in Fleetstreet, near the Temple. April the first 1646.   

News from Dennington Castle, or a Copy of Major Rives his Letter, etc.  
SIR,  
IT was my fortune yesterday to be very much engaged, but it pleased God to give me deliverance. On Tuesday last we drew forth of this Town, and faced the Castle on the Hill next Shaw, where we sent them a Summons, which was not totally refused, but they desired three day's time to send to his Majesty. This was taken as dilatory, and that night to begin the siege, I had orders with three Companies of mine, which were my own, Captain Doves and Captain Knowles, and with Major Blagraves four Companies to begin the works, and to raise a redoubt on the side of the Maypole hill, which was performed that night without loss of one man. The next morning we began to heighten our Work, but about seven of the clock the Enemy observing our Horse-guard drawn off, fell out on us most desperately with all their Horse, and near all their Foot, and beat in our by-guard, which was to discover clear to the Castle. Our guard was scarcely in to give us all arm, but their Horse were in with them, and ere we could have any notice fired their Pistols on our men in the pit where they were, which I had stickadoed round, to prevent the falling in of their Horse. At the same instant their Foot fell on on the other side o● us, and beat in our Pyoniers, who retreating in some disorder to their Arms, caused some distraction amongst our men. But of my own Company of Gray-coates being next hand, I rallyed some suddenly, thinking to have manned our imperfect redoubt, but ere I could do it, their Horse were in it; out of which I drawing myself some Musketeers to the corner of it, beat them out, and killed one of their Horses. Assoon as my Ensign saw that, he fell on the man with his sword, and either killed or wounded him; But their Horse and Foot coming on, he was forced to retreat to his Colours, And the Enemy's Foot possessing the trench of our Redoubt next the Castle under shelter of our Work, fired on us in the pit, where their Horse could not break in. These did I by about twenty Musketteires of my own Company beat back, but they being well seconded, came on again, and fell in from the hill side of the pit, whiles their Horse fired on the other side which was open. This put our men in such a maze, being so suddenly, that they in the rear run away in confusion, which occasioned my men being diserted to run also. My own Company which were formerly of the King's party fought very well, knocking it out at Musket stock, till they broke many of their Muskets. And one of my Corporals beat a Trooper from his Horse With his Musket, and took his Sword, but the man was rescued ere he could kill him; we got two Carbines, and some Pistols of such as were killed, or wounded by us. And since I understand by some of my wounded Soldiers prisoners (came off since) we killed and wounded as many of theirs, as they of ours, only the loss of our Colours. Which might well have been saved, had there been any Horse-guard, or that Major Blagraves' men (though I cannot impeach him in his person) had seconded me as they ought, but run first. At the cross Lane near Dennington town I forced some men to stand and fire, which forced▪ the Enemy to retreat in haft. And assoon as my men got more Ammunition, having spent their own on service, I advanced again to my post, and almost finished the Redoubt ere night. This night Colonel Martin finished it, and drew a line from Dennington Lanes to shelter our approach, and this night or to morrow we plant our Cannon and great mortar. And although we have a desperate Enemy, who the first night shot, and one fally fought like devils, yet I hope we shall be able suddenly to give a good account of the place. And had all done like the gray-coates (however some say they run away to the Castle) they never durst attempt us. And truly my Ensign with them fought gallantly; And of six only of them taken, there are four wounded, and yet prisoners in expectation of exchange. Ere long I presume you will hear that we shall repair our honour, which is greater than our loss. I am  
From the Leaguer before Dennington the 26. of March, 1646. Your humble servant, WILLIAM RYVES.  
FINIS.