A LETTER SENT TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD DIGBY, FROM SIR BARNABAS Scudamore GOVERNOR OF HEREFORD, Concerning the late siege of the city OF HEREFORD. OXFORD, Printed by Leonard Lichfield, Printer to the university. 1645. MY LORD, A Numerous and Active Army closely besieging us hath rendered me, and those engaged with me, (in regard of perpetual duty, without relief of Guards for five weeks together) incapable of presenting your Lordship with an exact Relation thereof; I can therefore hint it only for a better Mercury. The Officers, Gentry, (whereof I shall send a List) Clergy, Citizens, and Common soldiers, behaved themselves all gallantly upon their duty, many eminently; to particularize each, would be too great a trespass on your Lordships more weighty affairs. Briefly believe me (my Lord) the walls of their valiant breasts were all strongly lined with Courage and Loyalty. On the 30th of July, I sent out a Party of 20 Horse over wyebridge, who discovering their forlorn-hope of Horse, charged them into their main Body; and retreated in very little disorder, and with loss only of one Trooper, (taken Prisoner) some of the Scots falling. Immediately after this, their whole Body of Horse faced us, about ten of the Clock in the morning within the reach of our Cannon, and were welcomed with our mettle; good execution being done upon them, their Foot as yet undiscovered. About half an hour after, I caused a strong Party of Foot (seconded with Horse) to line the hedges, who galled them in their passage to the Fords, after whose handsome retreat, I began to ensafe the Ports, which I did that night. In the morning, appeared their Body of Foot, and we found ourselves surrounded. I enjoined the Bells silence, lest their ringing, which was an alarm to awaken our devotion, might Chime them together to the execution of their malice. For the same reason, I stopped our Clocks, and hereby though I prevented their telling tales, to the advantage of the Enemy, I myself lost the punctual observation of many particulars, which therefore I must more confusedly represent unto your Lordship. Before they attempted any thing against the town, they invited us to a Surrendry, and this they did by a double Summons, one from Leven, directed to me; the other from the Committee of both kingdoms (attending upon the affairs of the Army) sent to the Major and Corporation: but we complied so well in our Resolutions, that our positive Answer served for both Parties, which was returned by me to their general. This not giving that satisfaction they desired, they began to approach upon the first of August, but very slowly and modestly; as yet intending more the security of their own persons, than the ruin of ours: but all their Art could not protect them from our small and great shot which fell upon them. Besides this, our men galled them handsomely at their several Sallies, over Wyebridge, once beat them up to their main guard, and at another demolished one side of St Martin's Steeple; which would have much annoyed us at the Bridge and palace; this was performed with the hurt only of two men, but with loss of great store of the enemy's men. When they saw how difficult the Service would prove, before they could compass their designs by force, they made use of another Engine which was flattery. The Major and Aldermen are courted to yield the town by an Epistle, subscribed by six of the Country Gentlemen, very compassionate and suasory: but upon our refusal to stoop to this lure, they were much incensed that they had been so long disappointed, and having all this while continued their line of Communication, they raised their Batteries, commencing at Wyebridge, from whence they received the greatest damage, but instead of revenging that loss upon us, they multiplied their own, by the death of their much lamented Major general Crafford, and some others that fell with him. This provoked them to play hot upon the Gate for two days together, and battered it so much, (being the weakest) that it was rendered useless, yet our men stopped it up with Wooll-sacks and Timber, and for our greater assurance of eluding their attempt, we broke an Arch, and raised a very strong work behind it. The Enemy frustrate of his hopes here, raiseth two several Batteries, one at the friars, the other on the other side of Weigh River, and from both these, plays his Ordinance against the corner of the wall by Weigh side, but we repair and line our walls faster than they can batter them, whereupon they desist. About the 11th of August, we discover a Mine at Frein-gate, and employ workmen to countermine them. When we had stopped the progress of that Mine on one side of the Gate, they carried it on the other; which we also defeated by making a Sally-port: and issuing forth did break it open and fire it. About the 13th, they raise Batteries round about the Town, and make a Bridge over Wye River. The 14th, Doctor Scudamore is sent by them to desire admittance for three Country Gentlemen, who pretended in their Letters to import something of consequence to the good of the City and County, free leave of ingress and egress was allowed them, but being admitted, their suggestions were found to us so frivolous and impertinent, that they were dismisd, not without some disrelish and neglect: and the said Doctor, after they were past the Port, coming back from his company, was unfortunately slain by a shot from the Enemy. About the 16th, they discover the face of their Battery against Frein-gate, with five several gun-ports, from hence they played four Cannon jointly at our walls, and made a breach, which was instantly made up; they do the like on the other side with the like success. The 17th, a notable Sally was made at St Owen's Church with great execution, and divers Prisoners taken with the loss only of one man, at which time little boys strived, which should first carry Torches and Faggots to fire their works, which was performed to some purpose, and so it was at the same Sally-port once before, though with a fewer number, and therefore with less execution. And I may not forget to acquaint your Lordship with those other four Sallies, made by us at the Castle to good effect, and what emulation there was between the soldier and Citizens, which should be most engaged in them: Now their loss of Prisoners, slaughter of men, and dishonour of being beaten out of their works, which they found ready to flame about their ears if they returned presently into them, had so kindled their indignation, that presently they raised Batteries against Saint Owen's Church, and played fiercely at it, but to little purpose, which they so easily perceived, that from the 20. unto the 27. there was a great calm on all sides, we as willing to provide ourselves, and preserve our ammunition for a storm, as they could be industrious or malicious to bring it upon us: yet I cannot say either side was Idle; for they plied their Mine at Saint owen's, and prepared for Scaling, we countermined, employed our boys by day and night to steal out and fire their Works; securing their retreat under the protection of our Musquetiers upon the wall, and what our fire could not perfect, though it burned far, and suffocated some of their Miners, our water did, breaking in upon them and drowning that which the fire had not consumed, and this saved us the pains of pursuing a mine, which we had sunk on purpose to reader theirs in that place ineffectual. The 29th, Leven (a merciful general) assays the town again by his last offer of honourable conditions to surrender, but he found us still unrelenting, the terror of his Cannon, making no impression at all upon our Spirits, though the bullets discharged from them, had done so much against our walls: this (though some of their chief Commanders were remiss and cool at the debate and some contradictory) drives their greatest spirits into a passionate resolution of storming. And to that purpose August 31th, and September. 1. they prepare Ladders, hurdles, and other accommodations for the advancing their design, and securing their persons in the attempt, and played very hot with their Cannon upon Bysters' gate, and the half moon next Saint Owen's gate, intending the morrow after to fall on, presuming as they boasted, that after they had rung us this passing peal, they should presently force the Garrison to give up her loyal Ghost, but the same night His Majesty advancing from Worcester, gave them a very hot alarum, and drawing a little nearer to us, like the sun to the Meridian, this Scottish mist began to disperse, and the next morning vanished out of sight. My Lord, I should give your Lordship an account of the valour of our common soldiers and townsmen, that would hazard themselves at the making up of breaches (to the astonishment of the enemy, till their Cannon played between their legs, and even the Women (such was their gallantry) ventured where the musket bullets did so, and I should acquaint your Honour, what frequent alarms we gave them by fire-balls, lights upon our Steeple, by Dogs, Cats, and outworn Horses, having light Matches tied about them; and turned out upon their works, whereby we put the enemy in such distraction, that sometimes they charged one another; this recreation we had in the midst of our besiedging: and one morning, instead of beating reveille, we had a cry of Hounds, in pursuit after the train of a Fox about the Walls of the city, so little were we dismayed at the threats or attempts of them. I may not forget one remarkable piece of Divine Providence, that God sent us singular men of all professions, very useful, and necessary for us in this distress, and so accidentally to us, as if they had on purpose been let down from Heaven, to serve our present and emergent occasions: as ●●ilfull Miners, excellent Cannoneers, (one whereof spent but one shot in vain throughout the whole siege) an expert Carpenter, the only man in all the Country to make Mills, without whom we had been much disfurnished of a means to make Powder, (after our Powder-mill was burnt) or grind Corner that providence that brought these to us, at last drove our Enemies from us, after the destruction of four or five Mines, which since appears to be their number, the expense of 300 Cannon shot, besides other Ammunition spent with Muskets, the loss by their own confession of 1200, and as the Country says 2000 men, we in all not losing about 21 by all Casualties whatsoever. Thus craving your lordship's pardon for my prolixity, I take leave and rest Your lordship's most humble servant, BER. SCUDAMORE. For the governor of the City of Hereford. SIR, Our appearance before you in this posture, is for no other end, but the settling of truth with Peace in England, without the least desire to shed the blood of any Subject in it, our by-past actions may be a sufficient evidence hereof; Therefore is to summoned and require you to deliver up that City unto me to be kept for the use of His Majesty and the Parliament of England: whereunto, if shall be so wise and happy to condescend, you may have Conditions honourable and safe, but if otherwise worse council shall so far prevail with you, as to contemn this offer, I am persuaded all the World, and you also, will acquit me of the manifold inconveniences which will undoubtedly ensue upon your refusal. Consider hardly of your own Condition, and of these now under your charge, whose blood will be laid upon your account, and return an Answer within three hours after the receipt of this, unto me. So sent at the Leaguer before Hereford, this last day of July, about ten of the Clock in the forenoon. LEVEN. For the Major, Aldermen, and Commons of the City of Hereford, these. Gentlemen, We the Commissioners appointed by the Parliament of England, to reside in the Scots Army, foreseeing the great Miseries and Calamities that are likely to ensue to this City of Hereford, in case the Summons sent by his Excellency the Earl of Leven, shall be refused by the governor; Have thought good to give you timely advice to use your uttermost endeavours, that a positive and satisfactory Answer may be returned thereunto, lest that by a wilful delay or refusal, you bring utter ruin and destruction, not only to yourselves, but to all that are with you, which will not lie in the power of any to prevent. From the Leaguer before Hereford, July 31. 1645. Your Loving friends, John Corbett. Edward Baynton. William Pulfrey. Humphrey Salwey. My Lord, I Am not to give up the King's Garrison upon any Summons or Letter, neither shall it be in the power of the Major or other to condescend to any such Proposition made unto him; I was set in here by the King's Command, and shall not quit it but by special order from His Majesty or the Prince. And with this resolution I shall persist in Hereford, this last of July, 1645. B. SCUDAMORE. May it please your Honour, We whose names are subscribed, having a great desire for the good of city and County, and seeing the present great distress that is like to ensue both to city and County, have thought fit to present these to your honour's consideration, and to give you to understand, That if it please your Honour to admit us with safe Conduct into and out of the city, to impart some matters unto your Honour, which we hope may be conducible for the good of city and county, we will with your honour's approbation, address and present ourselves unto your honour: and so humbly desiring your honours speedy answer with our respects we rest At your honour's Command, Herbert Westfalling. Roger Hereford. James Newton. From the General's Quarters 14. August 1645. To the Honourable the Governor of the city and County of Hereford, these present. For the Right worshipful the Major and Aldermen, and the Citizens of Hereford, these. Right worshipful and loving friends, Our earnest desire to prevent the effusion of much Christian blood, which must unavoidably be spilled, if the City should be forcibly entered, and the consideration that a number of Religious and Innocent Persons are likely to suffer with the rest, whose blood, if spilled through your obstinacy, will be required at your hands, hath caused us to beg that favour from his Excellency and the honourable Commissioners of both kingdoms, that these our advice & desires might be sent unto you, hoping that our nearness in blood to many, our familiarity and friendship with most, some of us being known even unto all, may obtain Credit with you, at least with as many, who love either themselves, their Families, or tender the glory of that great God whom they pretend to serve; That you would seriously consider the heavy burden which at this time by reason of so great an Army lies upon the adjacent County, to the great prejudice of divers of your near friends, and some of your own Familios, which at last, if your obstinacy continue, will fall heaviest upon your own selves: That you would not too long be flattered with the conceit, that Conditions may be had any time: That you would not give credit to those who by false suggestions keep you to their obedience, and make you the unhappy Instruments to effect their hellish designs, tending both to your own and the kingdom's destruction▪ But that whilst Mercy may be shown to you, you would embrace it, whilst future subsistence is remaining for yourselves and the Country, you would submit yourselves and City to the obedience of the King and Parliament: and in so doing, you shall preserve your Lives and Goods from the rage of the devouring Sword, your Country from approaching Famine, and be assured you have no Enemies here, longer than you are enemies to yourselves and the commonwealth; your inability to hold out against so Puissant an Army, we well know, and if you will credit us, (who have, and must live amongst you) relief you can have none. We are so much the more earnest with you, by how much the more (if obstinately you withstand the Patriots of your Country) we know your Condition desperate, we have done our duty as friends to you; God grant it work so far upon your hearts, as that you may be friends to yourselves, and for your guidance, you shall have the daily prayers of Your loving friends, Ed: Harley. Tho: seaborn. Franc: Pomber. Io: Herring. Io: Style▪ Eusbare Hardwike. For the governor of Hereford. SIR, BY a former address, I made known unto you the constant desires and resolutions of this Army to shun the effusion of blood, and to preserve Cities and Families from desolation; And for that end did invite you to a peaceable Surrender of that City for the use of His Majesty and the Parliament of England, upon Conditions honourable and safe, whereby they might enjoy the fruits of a settled Peace, which other Garrisons that have been in the like Condition now do: whereunto upon grounds best known unto yourself, you thought it not then fitting to condescend; nevertheless, that I may convince you of the Realities of your desires and resolutions before mentioned, and of your own guiltiness of all the bloodshed misery and desolation, which your obstinacy may draw upon the Persons, Families, and Estates of that People who are now under your charge, I have hereby once more resolved to renew my former offer, expecting your Answer against to morrow morning by six of the clock, assuring you, that if the opportunity be not laid hold of, but rejected, the like will not be offered unto you, by Your friend LEVEN. Leaguer, 28. August. 5 a Clock in the afternoon. To the Right Honourable the Earl of Leven, general of the Scottish Forces. My Lord, FOr your favourable proffer to the Inhabitants of this City, I shall return their thanks and resolution, that they intend to suffer with me, and I shall not suffer alone, for the effusion of blood, I am sorry to think of it, that two united Nations should so much differ, having paid once well for Scotland's friendship. My Lord, I am resolved to endure all Mines and storms which shall be made against this place, and doubt not by God's assistance to render His Majesty a good account of it, the which by my endeavours, I shall maintain to the last, and remain Your lordship's Servant, B. SCUDAMORE. 29. Aug. 1645. FINIS.