SIR BARNABAS SCUDAMORE. DEFENCE.  
Vindicating him from those grand imputations Treachery and Negligence, in the late Surprisal of Hereford, Which through the ignorance of some, and malice of others are unjustly laid upon him.  
ALSO, Discovering the true Causes and Manner of its Surprisal the 18. day of September, Anno Domini 1645.  
Printed in the Year 1646.   

Sir Barnabas Scudamore's Defence.  
WHO commands in chief, in any kind of Action, becomes the single subject of all great failings; when in success, Officers and Soldiers, expect the benefit of it. This being my case in the surprisal of Hereford, the 18. of December 1645. is aggravated upon me (with such a kind of Treachery and wilful Negligence) that could the charge be made good against me, would render me not only unfit for employment, but for life. The importance of this Town, at that time, to the King, my Master, and whatsoever depended on him, was not unknown unto me; And when I have said this, I have saydenough, to show the degree and odiousness of such a villainy. Yet Passing by (that which is obvious) the blemishing of that honourable Profession of a Soldier (whose proper Acts eaten the defence of justice) and the staining of the Family whereof I am descended; I will add this, that to betray those persons, and that Town unto plunder and slaughter, in whose defence my duty and love did resolve me rather to die, had been an act unchristian and most barbarous. Yet under the oppression of this restless charge, I have laid languishing a Prisoner at Worcester, seven months. My importunity for a trial at a Court of War, hath been with; out ceasing. Twice or thrice it pleased his Majesty to write tha● I should be transported to Oxford. But malice hath been no less busy to keep me both from that, and all trials, than it was to asperse me at first. Oxford being rendered to the Parliament, and Worcester likely to follow, I laboured the Governor of this latter place, to grant me a public hearing there; which yet I failed to obtain, with effect, through the absence of the said Governor from the Court of War; though the time and place, and summoning of all witnesses were fixed upon several public posts by his appointment. Soon after, Worcester being in the same condition with Oxford, and my marching away included with the rest, and my liberty a consequent thereof, I see not now any other means left to vindicate myself from reproach with the world (since I know not when I may be so happy as to come to a judicial trial) then, according to the approved example of persons in like cases, to publish a true relation of the whole business: and therefore I shall endeavour without partiality to represent the motions, and naked state, of the whole, as it was carried, point by point, from the beginning.  
Sir John Bridges being discontented for the burning of his House, and for some reproachful Language given him by one of his Majesty's Generals, upon the business of the Clubmen: and angry with me, for not having something that he desired, which yet I could not give him; quits the King's Quarters, and goes to Gloucester; where, and in the parts adjacent, residing some two or three Months, and coming sometimes into Hereford-shire in disguise, the better to lay his design, at length goes up to London, and presents to the Committees of both Kingdoms, Propositions for the taking of Hereford, by the way of Stratagem, as he calls it. Hereupon Order is given to Colonel Birch, than Governor of Bath, to join his forces with Colonel Morgan, Governor of Gloucester, for the purpose v.  
Coll. Birch, his forces being joined accordingly, comes privately, with Sir john Bridges from Gloucester, to a place some few miles from Hereford, where they met with two persons (that is as I am credibly informed, Cap. Howorth, and Cap. Alderne) both Captains under the King; by whom Coll. Birch (as in his printed Letter may appear) was sufficiently informed of the state of the Town; and returning bacl to Gloucester, they received continual intelligence of the condition of Hereford, by the means of the said Captain Howorth and Captain Alderne, but especially from Captain Ballard my Captain Lieutenant; upon whose advertisements, being now drawn into their party, they most relied. In few days after, these aforesaid two Colonels marched with all their forces to Ledbury, in the County of Hereford; where they arrived at five a clock in the evening, upon Monday the 15. of December. Notice whereof being sent me, the next morning very early from one at Ledbury, upon whom I depended constantly for intelligence, I dispatched the messenger bacl with directions, that fresh messengers should be sent, to and fro continually, to advise me of the posture and motion of the Enemy. I likewise dispatched instantly Expresses, to intimate the same to Sir Michael Woodhouse, Governor of Ludlow, and Sir William Vaughan, who lay at Bridgenorth, collecting forces for the relief of Chester. And I gave immediate order to Captain Chaplain, the Towne-Major, to double the Guards in the Town. And the Town being weakened by forces sent forth two days before, for the relief of Chester, having drawn in, the day before, all the Horse that were quartering in the Country (saving the Lieutenant Colonels Troop) for the better fortifying of the Garrison, upon this notice of the advance of the Enemy, I drew in his Troop also; giving him command to guard that night, and to send out of the Town at Port-shutting a party of his Horse to guard without, and petroll toward the Enemy, to guard within, and go the Grand-Round himself; to go forth likewise himself at Port-opening, the next morning with Horse as fare as Lug-bridge: all which the said Lieutenant colonel jeffreys did exactly perform. This Troop was no sooner in, but, though it were drawn in upon this cause, a company of Townsmen take occasion from hence to raise a mutiny; and so, while we should have been in attendance to the motions of the Enemy without, the townsmen refusing quarter to this troop, and townsmen and soldiers going together by the ears, and the countenance of the mutiny appearing as if it were like to grow to a very great height, work & difficulty I had enough; yea, I was wholly employed to suppress the mutiny within. Whether this was done upon design or no, I cannot say; but I have inducements to think it so. Sure I am, the notice of it gave encouragement to the Enemy: Of whose march, all Monday night from Ledbury toward Hereford, as far as Cannon-Froom, I had notice by divers upon Tuesday morning; as likewise upon Tuesday night, of their return bacl to Ledbury. Upon Wednesday in the afternoon, I was advertised that the enemy was marched out of Ledbury, and that the discourse of the common Soldier in Ledbury was, that they were going towards Hereford.  
This news the Messenger delivering privately by word of mouth, when Master Major, and some half a score Gentlemen and Townsmen were in the room with me, I did instantly communicate it in public to them all. And directed Master Major to make Proclamation; that the Townsmen might have notice of this intelligence: And withal, he required presently to shovel off the Snow from the Walls, that the place might be fit for them to stand on with their Arms upon the first Alarm; which Proclamation was accordingly made. At two of the Clock, the said afternoon, Order was given by me, to Lieutenant Colonel Jeffreys, who commanded the Horse in chief, that as he, in his own person had performed the duty of the Guards the night before, as is before expressed, so he should give Order, that the Officer, who had the Guard that Wednesday night, should do the very same. This Order Lieutenant Colonel jeffreys acknowledgeth to have received from me; and affirms, that he transmitted it to Major Fletcher; who by turn had the command of the Guard that Wednesday night; and Major Fletcher under his hand, hath acknowledged that he received the said Orders from Lieutenant Colonel jeffreys; But the next day's success doth manifest, that no Horse were sent out that night, and that Major Fletcher failed in that important duty.  
About three a clock, that afternoon, I gave Major Chaplain Orders to double the Guards: Which he performed not, as by the list he gave me appears. At nine a clock, I dismissed the said Chaplain to go to his rest; telling him, that I would go the grand round myself; and should expect him to be with me at five a clock in the morning, to receive from me the defects of the Guards and to look to the Town, while I might catch an hour's rest or two; being, at eight a clock in the morning, to sit at a Court of War, upon the Mutineers of the day before. The grand round I went about one of the clock, and beginning at the main Guard, I found that Captain Traherne, Captain of the Watch, was not upon the place; and resenting it, I directed his Ensign to send for him, in my name, to attend his duty: which was done accordingly, but Traherne came not. Going on the round, at every Port, I charged them, upon pain of death, that neither Officer, nor Soldier, should stir off from their Guard; ever adding, that the enemy was advancing, and the Town in danger. Coming to Bysters' Gate, at which Port they that come from Ledbury enter, and where indeed the enemy did enter, I found the Corporal so drunk that he could not give me the word, whom I corrected for the present with my Cane, and commanded my Captain, Lieutenant, the above mentioned Ballard, who commanded the round with me, (mine own Company being upon the Guard) to place an Officer in Commission at that Port, as soon as the grand round should be ended, and to lay the Corporal by the heels. Looking up I called to the Sentinel that stood on the top of that Gate, to swingle his match; and answer being made, that he had a snap-hanz, for the more surety, I sent another Soldier up and called him down, and finding it to be so, and fixed, and laden, I returned him up to his sentry place and added one more to him; leaving a strict charge, that the Sentries should be often visited, and relieved every half hour. So that whereas it is noised, that I called down this Sentry, and returned none up, to meet with this rumour, you may perceive, that instead of one I placed there two. And here, seeing it is in my way, let me answer another as frivolous objection. It is bruited abroad, that I gave money to corrupt the Guard. 'tis true, that as I passed by the Ports, I gave in that cold snowy night, some twelvepences, or eighteen pence a piece, as my custom was, to each Guard; yet with order to the Officer, who received that money from me, that they should not drink it till nine a clock; and five shillings I gave to the Officer of the Horse, with like order. But at this Port (Bysters Gate) finding things as you see not in order I gave not one penny. The grand round being ended, about five of the clock I commanded my Captain Lieutenant Ballard to continue rounds without ceasing, until eigh, tanned to give me an account. Which Order he altogether neglected, though I did not only give it him at the dismissing of the Guards; but afterwards, at mine own house, repeating it twice at least: Yea, it was the last word I said unto him. But it is no wonder, if we consider what doth follow: For in place of it, 'tis very well known, by testimony of some who entered the Town with the enemy, that he the said Ballard drew off the Guards from Bysters' Gate; where, when the Town was entered, were but four Soldiers. And further, that he had beforehand poisoned, or by some other means, disabled the Murdering Piece, which lay in the mouth of Bysters' Gate. Both which good Officers were fair preparatives for the force which was without to enter with greater ease and safety. But where is Major Chaplain, the Town Major, whom the Common Council some weeks before recommended to me for that place with much importunity. It is not unknown, I then told them, that he would deceive them, and would not rise in a morning. And now they find my words made good: For according to Order I expected him to take the charge of the Town as befitted his Office; yea, I enquired often for him not without passion; but then no news could be heard of him: Yet now in his confession, under his hand, he is not ashamed to avow, that he was in his bed when the Town was taken, which was about eight a clock in the morning. And though his nature may incline some to think that this was sloth; and others, through his report, that the wounds which he had in his body, and the attendance of the Chirurgeon to dress it, may be the matter; yet I doubt there was a worse thing in it. For clearly, the wound that troubled him, for it is but one, is but in the nature of an Issue, and requires but the attendance of an Issue. Besides, this wound hath been in him some years; and notwithstanding it, during the siege of Hereford, which was not above four months before, he was able to watch all night, and do his duty all day, taking his rest but as other Officers did. But suppose him to be generally unable to rise betimes; yet when that Town which recommended him to, the place was in danger, and the Governor, by express Order had commanded him to be with him by five in the morning; and at a time, when all the Town knew, by Proclamation, that the enemy was approaching: For him than not to obtain of himself to rise two or three hours before his accustomed time, but to sleep, secure, doth shrewdly infer his mind to be in a worse condition than his body. But sleep he did not all this while; he was awake early enough, yea too soon in that respect. For his Lieut: Cooper spoke with him that morning, and received from his hands the keys of the sally Ports of the Castle: with which keys, for my part, I know not what Major Chaplain did. But Lieu: Lightfoot, to whose custody these keys did properly belong, informs, that this Chaplain, that night in my name (and I say again without my knowledge) demanded the Keys of him, as sent for by me, and got them from him by much importunity. Possible enough it is, that through these Sally-ports the enemy received intelligence that night and morning: for it is most certain, they expected intelligence out of the Town, even to the very minute of their entrance, in case any difficulty should have risen unexpectedly, to secure themselves. But Cooper finding me gone to rest, thought likely the time to be now most fit, and finding the Salliport keys to be of no further use for his design in hand, to conceal himself, rids his hands of those keys to Lieutenant Lightfoot, as returned by his Major; and then comes instantly to my house, and demands and presses with great importunity to have the keys of the great Gates delivered him, pretending that carts and people stayed in the street to go forth; which though it might have a colourable show was far from truth. But his earnestness at length prevailed with him that waited in my chamber to steal up that he might not awake me, and to take the keys which were in the window (and so still in my sight being awake) and to bring them down to him.  
The keys received, away he hastens, and omitting the ordinary duties, which were to go to the main Guard, and take a guard with him, sends the other keys to their several Ports, and passing to Bysters' gate, opens not the wicket, sends out no Scouts, but opens the great Gate, lets down the great Chain, let's fall the Draw-bridge, and going over himself, while he saw upon the side of the Mote the Lieu. and six soldiers, who acted the part of the Constable and Labourers (whose reported pretence of being sent for by warrant) Cooper could not but know to be untrue, for he was the overseer of the Works, & writ all such Warrants, and saw the snow upon the ground which made it unfit for work, and knew that the Ice was every day broken by the Garrison, cries out (and to them certainly) Now or Never, Now or Never. And happily thinking it would be too hot for him to return the same way he went forth, runs amain along the ditch side, and comes bacl into the Town at the Castle; which very return into the Town, when he could not but see as he ran along the Enemy entering, shows that he had a greater confidence in them, than one true to the Garrison could have.  
With this the Enemy enters, the above mentioned persons, Captain Howorth being in the forelorne-hope of foot that seconded the said personated Constable and Labourers: Sir john Bridges in the forelorne-hope of Horse, and Captain Aldern in the second division. Being entered the Gate, where they found but four Soldiers, the forelorne-hope of Horse, takes the right hand, and seizeth upon the Maine-guards, where were but six Soldiers and one Ensign; And Captain Alderne, my professed Enemy, takes the left hand to my house and the Castle. My man brings word to my bedside the Enemy was entered. I leapt up, commanded him to get me a horse, and slipping on my , I ran instantly down with my Sword and Pistol in my hand, to the fore gate towards the street, where the Enemy's Horse already come fired upon me, and shot my Secretary into the belly. At which I retreating, another of the house, shuts the door, & out I got at a back way towards the River, in hopes still of my horse. Upon the left hand, at the Castle, I was showed the Enemy galloping towards me; upon the right hand, going to the Bishop's Palace, I found a body of their foot coming into the Palace yard: and seeing myself thus beset, my boy showing me that a couple were gotten to the other side of the River over the Ice, by which I perceived it would bear; I passed over, and got to the gate at Wybridge, where intending to get into the Town at the wicket, I saw most of the guard gone, and a body of their horse coming upon the Bridge; and then, understanding the Enemy to be fully possessed of the Town, and no possibility of resistance left, I resolved to cast myself at the King my Master's feet, and rather to be sacrificed for his service, if his wisdom, upon trial of me, should so order it, then to live with appearance of such evil, either by putting myself into the protection of the Enemy, or by any other way of flying from the King's justice, desert mine own innocency. From hence then I went to Ludlow, and from Ludlow in like manner to Worcester, professing there my purpose to ride to Oxford. But sickness staying me there a week untouched, in comes my deputy Governor, and very unthankfully, being stirred up with a causeless revenge, chargeth me with the loss of Hereford by treachery; which, if it were true, the Orders given and diligence used by me, manifested in the foregoing Relation, would be a strange piece of policy; for it is as clear as the Sun that if the inferior officers upon whom this Relation in the face of the world, chargeth the loss of the place, had performed those Orders, it had been impossible that the Town should have been taken in this manner though I had concurred. For there would have been an Alarm, and then, the Garrison with the Town and Gentry, would have made their defence sufficiently, maugre the Governor. But I am charged, and must answer; you shall hear the proofs. It is said that I received money for the delivering the Town and Lieut: Wykes, who is a person that hath relation to my known Enemies, gives in evidence, that Mr. Charles Bridges did affirm to him, that about five or six days before the loss of Hereford he brought sixteen or seventeen hundred pounds to me for the delivery of the Town.  
To clear which, Mr. Charles Bridges hath disclaimed it to several persons of honour and quality. But then Wykes allegeth further that Mr. Thomas Pembridge, Colonel Morgan's Secretary, said to him, that he knew nothing of the said seventeen hundred pounds; but that he had brought twelve hundred pounds from Gloucester to the old Gore, being a little Village between Hereford and Gloucester, he being one of the Convoy, which money he saw told in Gloucester, and (to Wykes his best remembrance) said it was for Sir Barnabas Scudamore for the delivery of Hereford; and that he the said Pembridge thought, that the Parliament would be glad, if Sir Barnabas Scudamore were put to death that they might pay him no more money. Now, if for one man to allege, that he heard another man, and another, say this and that thing, shall pass for good evidence in a judicial trial, or with just men; what innocency, what person can be safe? Besides, for mine own part, I that tender the good of my soul, and would not (however other things may go with me) lose my reputation with good men, by adding wilful falsehood to these scandals, do here solemnly protest before God and the world, that I never received from the Parliament, or any other person whatsoever, or treated with the Parliament, or any person whatsoever, directly or indirectly, for the delivery up of Hereford.  
And Colonel Birches printed letter, upon the taking of Hereford to his superiors in London, shows, that there were great disbursements made to several persons, besides deep engagements, upon their going on to Hereford: so that there were instruments enough to be satisfied more than this twelve hundred pounds would perform; and therefore, men need not muse what employment there should be for this sum though the Governor touched it not. Secondly, 'tis alleged I had intelligence with the enemy: And for proof of this there is produced a paper, wherein there were figures and words at length, which they say were written by me.  
Resol. 'tis true, I confess the scribbling of such a Paper; but not with those thoughts as they would have it. To satisfy your desires, the manner, thus:  
About a Month before the Town was lost, having been all day sitting with the Commissioners of Array, and returning weary and melancholy to my House, some little space before supper time I found my Secretary writing in the Parlour, with divers others of my Servants; and taking one of his permes, I tore a piece of the backside of a letter, which was foul too, and broken with the seal; and sitting down I began to suffer my pen to drop forth any thing that a melancholy fancy, intending nothing, might happen upon. So first I wrote three or four Arithmetical figures, than three or four words, then leaving a blank space I wrote again words, and then figures, and so words interchangeably for some six lines, subscribed with my name, and dated at Hereford, both written backward; and then again my name written at large forward. By which time, hearing some company coming in to sup with me, and knowing one of them to have an intention to procure a pass from Gloucester, I suddenly folded up this written characterized piece of paper, and endorsed it, (for Major Dobson at Gloucester) to give occasion to the company and the aforesaid Gentleman to exercise their wits and to make themselves merry in desciphering and giving significations to things that were altogether nonsignificant, and so left it carelessly upon the Table for one of them to take up. Accordingly taken up it was by one of them, (Sir Baynham Throgmorton my Cousin German in the first degree) but it seems with a false heart; who, instead of communicating it for sport, concealed it in his pocket; (though he could be contented to sup with me that night,) and instead of revealing it Loyally to the King, with that diligence as the nature of such an affair did require, (it being in his apprehension, as is now pretended, intelligence with the enemy,) conceals it about a Month, till Hereford was lost: And then, comes his unthankful brother, Sir Nicholas Throgmorton my Deputy Governor, in a causeless revenge (being formerly upon some difference with a person of quality, as well as he, confined by me) and brings it with him to Worcester; and by virtue of that nonsense-paper, principally, lays this charge of Treachery upon me. But, seeing no intelligence can be held between two without communication, and that no conceits of the mind can be communicated by nonsignificant means, I hope this scroll will never be admitted as an evidence against the, until that which is writ within, be first proved to signify and intent such intelligence as is presumed. Now that by scribbling or writing upon this paper there was my intention in me to send or communicate any thing to Major Dobson, I disavow, and do here again affirm in the presence of God, under the same Protestation, which I formerly made concerning Money, that it was not so much as conceived in my thoughts. Which yet if any man should distrust, I could produce a paper from Major Dobson, though I never sought it, in which under his own hand, he doth upon the faith of a Gentleman, and the honour of a Soldier aver, that there hath never any letter, or character, passed from me to him, concerning the betraying of the Town of Hereford. And these are the Columns upon which they have placed their charge of Treachery; namely, these two heare-saies, and this scrap of nonsignificant paper.  
But here is not all: For besides this Treachery, I am further charged with wilful negligence; and so examined upon these particulars following.  
Ob. 1. First 'tis alleged, that I commanded to have the Key of the Sally-port of St. Owen's Gate, to send out a Party of Horse, but did not.  
Resol. 'tis true, I intended to send forth a party of Horse, in case an Alarm should be given; but no Alarm coming, no order was given to send out that way.  
Ob. 2. Secondly, they say, that a Knight in the Town sent two of his men in arms to have gone with the party of Horse, but the Governor sent them back with thanks, and said he had sent out a party already which was not so.  
Res. I grant there was no party sent out; but that was Major Fletcher's fault, not mine: for I gave Orders that afternoon, to him that commanded the Horse in chief, to send out a good party of Horse, with a careful Officer, at Port shutting; which Order Major Fletcher, in his examination upon oath, confesseth to be charged upon him by the person commanding the Horse in chief: but, it is evident, these Orders were not observed by him. Now, I supposing Horse to be sent forth according to my Order & no Alarm given, to what purpose should I have sent out that Gentleman's two Horses? But the truth is I remember nothing of any such offer made me.  
Ob. 3. Thirdly, 'tis said, that Captain Fletcher, and one Master Terringham, after they had gone the grand round with me that night, desired that they might go forth, or send out a party of their Horse.  
Resol. But, this is as true as the rest, and Major Fletcher in his examination only affirms, that having gone the grand round, he asked me whether I would command him any further service, expecting (he doth not say desiring) that I would have some of those Horse sent out. To which question, (apprehending it only as a civil taking of leave, not knowing that the Order of sending forth Horse at Port shutting was charged on him; nor having the least suspicion that the said Order was neglected, and so no Horse abroad) I answered, no more than the observance of their former Order; which was an Order requiring all Horse in the Town (excepting those that were upon the out-guard that night) to be ready by eight a clock the same morning, and so dismissed them.  
Ob. 4. Fourthly, because Lieutenant Cooper, the Major of the Town's Lieutenant, did fetch the keys of the Ports from my House, and did so perfidiously open the Gate, at which the enemy entered, it is alleged (by the said Major Chaplain, to excuse his own palpable naughtiness) that I did know and allow of his Lieutenant Cooper to open the Ports.  
Resol. But this hath as much truth as the former: For to what end did the Town commend, and I entertain him to be Major, if his Lieutenant could supply the place, and the trust should be reposed in him? And these be the main arguments, by which they would make me guilty of wilful negligence. I confess I am more than half ashamed to lengthen the Readers trouble in setting down such trivial things, especially since none of these objections have been proved upon oath. Yet, having been interrogated upon them, I thought it not amiss for satisfaction, to produce them to the view of the world to meet with rumours, lest they should gain credit to my prejudice.  
So, now you have seen both the charge and the proofs. The charge great enough, Treachery and Negligence: And the proofs weak enough, neither of them valid, even to the ordinary Reader. For as to the Charge of wilful negligence, none of the allegations above recited hath been made upon oath: but being sent to the Advocate Martial, he thought it not amiss to hear what I could answer to them.  
And as to the charge of treachery they have only offered as I said before, two heare-saies and a scrap of nonsignificant paper. Yet I have lain long enough a prisoner at Worcestor for depositions to have been sent in, if matter could have been as readily found as my adversaries have been laborious and curious to hunt after it.  
But how unlikely is it, that my desires should any ways concur in this fact, seeing the loss of that place hath not only put my life, but my good name, more precious than life, to most eminent hazard? By this means, I am deprived not only of the honour of being Governor, and the benefit accrueing by that command; but of all means of satisfaction for provisions of my own, which were in the town, before the time of my being Governor, and delivered by my Commissary to the Garrison, amounting to the value of 700 and odd pounds; of all hopes of relief for my other engagements and disbursements to the Commissary for the Garrison, amounting to as much more by the Commissaries Accounts; of all stores of provisions, & arrears of my allowance for my own house: Not to speak of my entertainment money, horses, plate, and householdstuff, surmounting in all the sum of 3000l. Besides, the estates of my friends, and of my best friends in that County, in which was included the only means remaining for my subsistence, was hereby exposed to Sequestration: the many noble and worthy persons of both sexes, whom I loved and honoured, who had fled thither for their last refuge.  
The Town, in which I had some part of my Education, and whereof I was now a sworn member: my fellow Citizens and companions in Loyalty, that so bravely assisted me in the late siege against a formidable Army of Scots; all these were made liable (I should detest to live, if by me) to the mercy of a party which esteemed us, as of all others most malignant, so most worthy of extreme severity. And all this, for what? for twelve, or seventeen hundred pounds? why, you see by that above mentioned, that I should have been so a loser in point of money. And if it be replied that I should have received more afterward; I pray you reflect, that the way to Oxford, was not the way to that. The blood of ancient Gently, and of an untainted family, makes me abhor the first apprehensions of so detestable and damnable a fact. For no act can be more perfectly base & cowardly, then, for fear of any temporal want, to desert in this sort, justice, Honour, and Humanity. Let my carriage be considered before, and after this action. Take a view of the whole course of my life, and particularly in this war. Look upon the orders I gave even to the last, while this evil fortune was in motion Regard my behaviour since, putting myself, stripped of all assistance, into the power of the King's party, enraged like Lions with that loss; and doth not my behaviour in these distinct parts of time, administer just arguments of innocency and constancy?  
But not to tyre the Reader, this was done by external force, and therefore it needs not be considered what reason or what affection might carry me, for it was done by others, and in no wise by me. Briefly, you see my diligence was such in point of intelligence, that we had continual notice of the motions of the Enemy, till the Horse were to got forth at Port-shutting that Wednesday night; and the failing of their going forth was not through default of order from me. Then, upon the intelligence, orders were presently given out, and continually renewed by me, to the Major of the Town, Captain Chaplain, to double the guards within. And drawing the Horse in, I commanded them double duty, that is, to guard as well without as within the Town. Upon the said Wednesday in the afternoon as soon as the notice of the Enemies advance came to me, I imparted it immediately to Mr. Major, and published it by Proclamation to the whole Town. At nine a clock that night, I dismissed the Town Major Chaplain to his rest, that he might be with me at five next morning to take care of the Town. I went the Grand Round, not remissly; but correcting faults as I passed: I sent for Captain Traherne Captain of the watch to come to the place of his duty, the Main Guard: At every Port, I charged them upon pain of death, that neither Officer nor Soldier should flirre off their guard, ever inculcating, that the Enemy was advancing, and the Town in danger. I Cudgeled the drunken Corporall at Bysters' Gate, commanding him to be set by the heels, and that an officer in Commission should be placed at that Port. I viewed the Sentries Arms that stood over that Gate, and added another Centrie to him, directing the Sentries should be visited and relieved every half hour. At the dismissing the Guards, I charged Ballard to continue Rounds, without ceasing, until eight a clock in the morning, and then to bring me an account.  
Permit me this further, that I was so fare from giving order (as is reported) that the Gates should be opened at 8. a clock, that I intended they should be kept shut at least till ten. For having received private notice that some opposition was like to be made by Townsmen, in defence of the Mutineers to be tried; I was willing, that business should be ended, before the Gates were unlocked. And my resolution being, immediately after the rising of the Court of War, to march out myself in person with the whole body of Horse, to discover, and observe the motions of the Enemy, I truly meant the ports should not be opened till I went forth myself. And of this resolution of mine, Lieu. Colonel jeffreyes' is a perfect witness; to whom I did communicate it, upon Letters I had received the day before, from Sir Michael Woodhouse Governor of Ludlow, who suspected the Enemy had a design to plant a Garrison at Tenbury, to stop the intercourse between Ludlow and Worcester.  
But you see how my intention was made frustrate: my servant that waited upon me in my chamber, stealing away the keys (as he might no less easily have taken away my life) from the place (where and in places like to which all Governors use to confide their keys) they usually rested, and safely enough even during the late siege; though I will not charge my said servant with any knowledge of Lieutenant Cooper's treacherous purpose. And this is the negligence that I am guilty of. Now if any of these orders had been fully executed, could this Town have been lost? It cannot be imagined. On the other side, you see how the plot was laid and Carried. Sir john Bridges and Colonel Birch, riding into Hereford shire, receive information of the present state of Hereford, by Captain Howorth and Captain Alderne: these two, with the addition of Captain Ballard my Lieutenant, conveyed continual intelligence to Gloucester. Major Fletcher omits to send forth out guards: Major Chaplain fails to double the guards within; and, in a word, keeping his bed, neglects the whole duty naturally inherent in the place of Major. Captain Treherne, Captain of the watch, comes not at all to the main Guard. Captain Lieutenant Ballard, commanding the guards, draws off the guards from Bysters' Gate, in order to his disabling beforehand the murdering Piece. Lieutenant Cooper opens the great gate, lets down the chain, lets down the draw bridge, and gives the word, Now, or Never; with which the Enemy enters, with three or four and twenty hundred; accompanied with Captain Howorth, Sir john Bridges, and Captain Alderne: And yet the whole business still lay upon me: although, by this time, it is very well known what it cost the Parliament, and who received their monies.  
This is the truth: and I doubt not, but it will find credit with good men, and abundantly satisfy the generous and judicious spirits in order to my innocency, and deliver me from the false & foul charge of Treachery or Negligence. My conscience bearing witness with me, that I am guilty only of the unhappiness of it; which hath been, and is common to all men, of honour, of my profession,