twelve miles the gallantry of those three faithfull Commanders Sir Thomas Fairfax Lieutenant Generall Crumwel and Major generall Skippon deserves to be ingraven on the bed role of fame and their names to be kept in perpetuall remembrance The fight continued three houers the prisoners taken first and last were in all 4000 with many thousands of Armes the Kings own Pistoll where with he a Against those that love his Weal charged his papers and cabinet of letters himselfe hardly escaping for the achievement of this great Victory the praise properly and primarily is due to God and next to the instruments of his glory A List of the Commanders taken by His Excellencie Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX at Nasby Fight Foure hundred Officers of meane Quality as Lievtenants Sergeants Corporalls c. Foure Colonels Many Majors Sixty Captains There were taken in the field Eight Peeces of Ordnance whereof two were Demicannon one whole Culverin the rest of the carriages bag and baggage great store of provision The Souldiers brought to the Generall about 40 Standards and colours he to reward them for the past and to encourage them for the future gave each man a liberall reward The Colours taken were these 1 A Lyon Rampant with a Crown 2 A Lyon Passant with a Crown 3 A Dragon and a Crown 4 A Percullis and a Crown 5 The duke of York's Standard and six other Colours foure of the Queens colours white and double crosses on each of them 209 Ensignes with staves Slain on both sides Of the enemie according to the neerest computation 5000 On the Generals part 150. On Munday June the 16 Sir Thomas Fairfax lay before Leicester and sent in a Summons to the Towne to require the Governour to surrender it to him for the use of the Parliament and putting it to them to consider how the King was routed and shewing them what use they might make of that Clemency with divers other very gallant expressions to the summons to advertise them how much better it was for them to surrender then to force him to take it by storming To this summons the Enemy sent a negative Answer positively this that they would not surrender it whereupon Sir Thomas Fairfax called a Councell of Warre to consult about the Storming of it which was soon concluded on that they should prepare all things in readinesse to round it the next day which was done with all expedition not losing any time So they fell presently to raising of Batteries and doing all things that were necessary for the storming thereof according as they had appointed and continued providing every thing that was requisite for the doing thereof to be in a readinesse to batter it the next day and sent into the Country thereabouts for such helpes as were necessary for the worke which went on with great speed both night and day so desirous wee are to have a speedy end of the worke that there may be an end of these warres if possible On Tuesday the 17th of June wee drew downe our Ordnance and playd with our Peeces against the Towne we stormed it playing with our Ordnance very hot on the Newarke side which we conceived was their greatest strength And in short time we made a breach in their workes which strucke such a terror into the hearts of the Enemy that the Governour sent to us to desire a Parley and offered to surrender upon very faire termes as upon capitulation should be agreed upon To this request Sir Thomas Fairfax being willing to save the spilling of innocent blood as much as may be he assented and promised speedily to send in Commissioners for the treaty and called a councel of War and it was agreed that Colonell Pickering and Colonell Reinsborough should goe into Leicester to treat with the governour about the surrendering the said Garison to Sir Thomas Fairfax And accordingly a safe conduct was desired for them which being sent they went to Capitulate with the Governour about the surrender thereof In the meane time Sir Thomas Fairfax was not idle nor did he lose any time but went on providing and furnishing himselfe with Pittars Carts Hay Granadoes Ladders and other things necessary for storming resolving to fall on at their returne in case that they should not agree not knowing how things might fall out during which time there was both great paynes and care taken by all in their places for the going on in the sayd worke The ARTICLES for the surrender of the Town and Garrison of Leicester to Sir Thomas Fairfax for the use and service of the Parliament agreed on June the 18th 1646. Between Collonel Pickering and Collonell Reinsborough 1 THat the Lord Loughborough shall have quarter granted him and have protection for his Person to be safely conveyed to the Garrison of Ashby de la Zouch 2 That all field Officers Collonels Lieutenant Collonels Serjeants Majors and Captains and Lieutenants of Horse but not of Foot shall march away with their owne particular single horse and armes with protections for their owne persons 3 That all the rest of the Officers shall be conveyed safely to the Garrison of Lichfield with Staves only and no other weapons in their hand 4 That all common Souldiers have quarter onely for their lives and be conveyed to Lichfield without any other weapons save onely staves in their hand 5 That before 10 of the clocke the said morning Iune the 18. the Governour of the Towne and the Lord Loughborough and all the rest of the Officers and Souldiers march out of the Garrison according to the agreement aforesaid 6 That Sir Thomas Fairfax be permitted to enter in at 10 of the clock the said Wednesday morning aforesaid with his Forces and take possession of the Garrison 7 That all the Peeces of Canon great and small now in the Garrison of Leicester be left to Sir Thomas Fairfax 8 That all the Armes and Ammunition now in Leicester be left to Sir Thomas Fairfax save onely what is agreed to for the Officers of Horse aforesaid 9 That all the Provisions Colours Bag and Baggage be also left to Sir Thomas Fairfax 10 That all the Horse save onely those excepted for the Officers aforesaid that are in the Garrison of Leicester be delivered up to Sir Thomas Fairfax for the service of the Parliament 11 That all the Officers and Souldiers have quarter for their lives 12 That all the Prisones of Warre that are in Leicester at the same time be released and set free to serve the Parliament With these Articles the Commissioners returned to Sir Thomas Fairfax certifying further how joyfull that poore Towne of Leicester was at the hearing of the said agreement and that they should be rid of the Cavaliers Thus you see the Lord doth wonderfully for us above the reach of mans wisdome Truth we cannot but much admire the goodnesse of Almighty God tous in doing so great things for us we cannot ascribe it to any but to the hand of God Almighty
happie Peace by opposing the enemies thereof and that I shall be ready so far as concerns me to further all lawfull and fit means to procure it but having seen the Petitions for the conveyance of which a Letter is desired I must professe my selfe not to be so well satisfied with some things contained in them as to concur to their delivering by any Act of mine In particular that a cessation is desired by Letters written by the King and Queen taken at the late battail of Nasby it evidently appears that contracts are already made for the bringing in of ten thousand French and six thousand Irish It is further desired that the Garrisons in these parts whereof there are Seaports should be delivered up to the Petitioners which to grant were for the Parliament to quit part of the Trust reposed in them by the Kingdom and considering those forreign preparations to run very great hazards to these parts to themselves and the whole Kingdom Thirdly it is propounded that liberty be given to all Souldiers to disband and return to their own homes if they desire An unreasonable request it which may with equall justice be desired by all parts of the Kingdom and so the Parliament made unable to mannage the war before peace be setled These considerations with some other yet to be debated will not allow me to grant this desire of the letter But as for that part of the Petition that declares the grievance of the Countrey by plunder and violence committed either by Garrisons or Armies I doe hereby promise and undertake for the Garrisons and Armies under the command of the Parliament that whatsoever disorders are committed by them upon complaint making known the offenders and the offence justice shall bee done and satisfaction given I also shall endeavour that the Parliaments Garrisons may be regulated according to any reasonable agreement with the County and without doubt the Parliament wil cause them to be slighted so soon as the condition of those parts and the publike good shall permit and that the Armie under my command shall be ordered as may be most for the good of these Counties and the whole Kingdom of which some reasonable testimony is already given in their quiet and orderly passage through these and other Countries without many of those complaints that usually follow Armies I further request that in publishing this my answer all assembling the people to publike Randevouze may be forborne that copies hereof may be dispersed to severall Parishes and that the County may be acquainted therewith THOMAS FAIRFAX Wisdome and Valour are two singular and extraordinary gifts of God and he that hath the one hath a greater gift then hee that hath the other I mean the gift of wisdome Ulysses words prevailed more with the Grecian Princes then Ajax Deeds but where both are injected there the man is incomparable and fit to undergo so great a Task as our famous Generall doth Who not onely by valour quelleth and pasheth to pieces the strength of the Enemy but also by his Prudence appeaseth and mitigateth the fury of some that spurs on by their own rashnesse after to do things inconvenient and destructive to themselves This I am constrained to say in reference to the moderate free and ingenious answer Sir Thomas sent the Club-men AFter the Dispatch of Master Hollis the Generall advanced and after some marches not without apposition came to long Sutton in Somersetshire where being arived a Councel of War was called to debate on this Quere whither to draw up before Langport or withdraw towards Sherborn or Evill when unlookt for the Enemy gave them the alarm under the command of Goring whereupon the Generall drew out of his forces of Foot Weldens Herberts Inglesbyes Fortescues Major Generall Russels Hamonds and Rainsboroughs Regiments all the Horse but three Regiments of Sir Robert Pie and Col. Sheffield were with Massie With these Forces they drew into the Field about ten of the clock in the morning the Enemy had the advantage both of the Hill and Wind the Generall commanded the Canon to play which did extraordinary execution after the Horse charged Major Bethel gave the onset his first charge routed them Goring routed but being over-powred he retreated to Major Disbrough who commanded the Generals Regiment and charging them again he so disordered them that they could never rally againe part of the Enemies got in a disordered manner into Langport the rest fled some into the Corn some into Woods for shelter in this fight the whole foot were taken or killed there were also taken those The Ordance they had Two Colonels of Horse Slingsby Hevingam Beirtridge Lievtenant Generall of the Ordnance Some other Lievtenants Colonels and Majors 1200 Prisoners And the gaining of this through the assistance of God lost the Generall but twenty men and whereas wee spake of erst the Petitions the Clubmen intended for the Kings Majesty and the Honourable Houses of Parliament wee will here insert it word for word as the Malignant spirit of the Authour contrived it To the Kings most Excellent Majesty and to the Right Honourable Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament at Westminster WE the Gentlemen Free-holders and others all Protestants The Club-mens Petition and peaceable Subjects of the County of Dorset Somerset and Wiltshire beholding with unexpressable grief of our souls the many terrible shakings of that well built State of England which our wise carefull fathers left unto us that their Generations after them under the blessing of God might keep it up for ever are most humble suitors to your sacred Majesty and the said Honourable Lords and Commons that our so long and so much tottering Kingdom may speedily be reposed upon her sinne foundation which we conceive to be the free and full conveening in Parliament of your Majesties Royall Person and all the Lords together with the Commons as well as all them which have heretofore been duly elected to this Parliament and do yet survive as others who ought to be selected thither made void by death your Majesties Royall Progenitors the Kings and Queenes of this Isle environed with their free and full multitude of Counsellours from all parts thereunto have ever been that Rock of safety whereon the good providence of God for so many yeers past hath established this Realm in despipht of all former tempests that have beaten against it therefore this the greatest of all that ever rose upon us or our Ancestors we cannot but with our inflamed devotions to superstition to God deprecate out of all mens hearts all thoughts of saving us rather upon some new made grhunds then that of the old one which God yet never suffered to fail us or of limiting our Refuge fine Sophistry to part of our Rock when our advantage and help must be the more when we had the whole to help you had reason to rejoyce that the ill or part of the whole departing the rest remayned
where at push of pike they continued long in disputation but at length God assisting them they beat their enemies from their Works who flying they entred with them the middle of the Towne where they endured a hotter skirmish with the horse then erst with the foot who charged them very resolutely insomuch that they were almost forted to forsake the Works again but that Colonel Hammond with a new party entred to their assistance rallyed anew the scattered party Major Stephens with his Forlorne hope comming up to second them charged the enemy againe and put them to flight the enemies horse making good their Retreat out of the Town towards the Bridge a place was very advantageous for them and occasioned their preservation the Bridge they went over lying so beyond the Towne as the Generals horse could not reach them but through the Town which by reason of straight passage through severall Baracadoes was very tedious by means whereof and of the continued straight lanes the enemy had to retreat by after they were over the River as also by the advantage of the night and by their perfect knowledge of the Countrey and Sir Thomas his souldiers utter ignorance therein they could do little or no execution upon the pursuit but parties sent out severall wayes did the best they could and took some prisoners There were taken in all about 600 common souldiers the enemies horse with the foot that were not taken or killed fled into Cornwall A List of the Prisoners taken Lievtenat Colonell Wood. Captain Prideaux Captain Cowley Captain Bowne Captain Minne Captain Mount Captain Bennet Captain Moulinâ— Captain Weeks Commissary Bovey Lievtenant Hoakie Lievtenant Kirton Lievtenant Morris Lievtenant Green Lievtenant Mason Lievtenant Gering Cornet Wels. Ensigne Fielding Ensigne Huggins Ensigne Williams Allen Mackmalen Serjeant Boswell Serjeant Trevor Serjeant Pewelly Serjeant Sheffield Generall of the Princes Lifeguard 68. Troops of the Lord Hoptons Life-guard Of Culpppers 7 Of Stukleys 3 Of Colonel Webs 2 Of Colonel Huntington 2 Of Colonel Slingsby 2 Of Colonel Hoptons 2 Of Colonel Hoopers 3 Lievtenant Cleulands 2 Of Colonel Crisps 1 Of Colonel Gettings 2 Lord Capels servants 5 Colonel Champeroons 1 Colonel Collins 8 Colonel Shelleys 9 Colonel Slaughters 3 Colonel Arundels 5 Colonel Trevamors 5 After the taking of Torrington the Generall having placed a strong Garison of souldiers in it whom he bound by an oath to keep for the use of the King and his Parliament hee advanced with his whole Army into Cornwall of whose proceedings read more in the next Chapter CHAP. V. Sir Thomas Fairfax with his Army ariveth in Cornwall hath divers Skirmishes with the enemy there the Lord Hopton having recruited himself committeth many out-rages The Cornish Petition to His Excellency who having surrounded the Lord Hopton summons him to yield on Honourable conditions Hoptons Answer FRom Torrington his Excellency advanced to Launceston where hee abode two days to refresh his wearied men and then advanced six miles further to Bodnam and sending out a forlorn hope they hapned to encounter with the enemies Scouts whom they tooke not one man escaping and being brought to the Generall confessed that they belonged to a Guard of 300 horse that kept on a passe within three miles of Bodnam whereupon the Generall gave order to advance neer that place who on their journey descryed where this body of the enemies horse stood who faced them for a while but when they saw them make up to them they retreated back to Bodnam Intelligence came now to the Generall that the two Companies of Dragoons that were sent towards Camelford the day before to gain the possession of an house to the intent that they being there might not fail of Intelligence whether or no the enemy intended to break through Eastward I say Intelligence came that these Dragoons were in danger of surprisall by a great body of the enemies horse who had watched their opportunity and got betweene them and their Rendevouz hereupon the Generall sent a thousand horse to relieve them but before they came the valiant Dragoons had repulsed and put the Enemy to flight and returned with the Horse aforesaid The next morning the Generall drew up his Army upon a Heath within two miles of Bodman and sent a party to discover whether the enemy were yet in the Town or not who brought word they had quit the Towne the night before both horse and Foot the Lord Hopton bringing up the Reare himself the people of Cornwall were generally possest with feare of Sir Thomas arrivall but when they saw his clement and faire carriage and that hee so ordered his Army that not the least outrage or villany was committed they changed their minds saying They found them Friends and not Enemies The Lord Hoptons souldiers after their quitting of Bodman committed many violent outrages and forced the Country before them plundering all of Ability to nothing so that now they began to be abhord and stink in the nostrils of the Cornish who now intended to break their yoake and free themselves from the Egyptian bondage they erst sustained they therefore unanimously agreed to put themselves under the protection of the Parliament and for them and their cause to live and die The Generall having received Bodman thought it fit in his journey to reduce mount Edgeombe and for that end sent a Summons to the Governour willing him to surrender the said Mount into his hands for the use of King and Parliament the Governour at that exceedinly straighmed for provisions gladly accepted his offer on this condion the Fort surrendred to disband his Regiment and depart to his own dwelling There were taken these Gentlemen whose names are here inserted who desired to be under the protection of the Parliament The Lord Mohan Sir John Trelâ—â—ny Sir Nicholas Lower Pierce Edgcombe Esquire William Scawer Esquire Master Corriton William Bond Esquire Richard Edgcombe Esquire Master Glanvile Esquire Major Nicholas Saul Captain William Bond Captain Bourne Alexander Lower Esquire M. Francis Saul Esquire Nathaniel Trevanion of Tregerthen Esquire Major William Trevisa of Crookdon Esquire John Batershy Esquire Richard Spur Esquire John Roe Esquire Master Rashly Master John Trevery Master Bagley Master Walter Hele. Lievtenant Col. Fortescue Major Warren Sir Richard Prideaux High-sheriff of the County Also M. Arrundell the Papist a man of meanes desires to be under the Parliaments protection I spake a little before of the intensions of the Cornishmen to submit themselves to the Parliament proffering to rise in arms for them and to serve under their Noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax now as a witnesse of their reall intentions they sent one Master Vivian and others with a Petition to the Generall the contents whereof were these To the right Honourable Sir Thomas Fairfax Captain Generll of the Forces raised by the High Court of Parliament under his command and other the renowmed Worthies of the Armie Right Honorable WE though not an acceptable number of a more
who is the Lord of Hoste And it is to be admired to see the cariage of our Generall and indeed all the Officers how lovingly wee agree how full of Courage all men are both Officers and Souldiers when we are in array what heavenly expressions there is from all 3 and our Generall doth carry himselfe in so excellent a manner that it rowsed up the Courage of all that see him and the like also did Major Skippon who by reason of his wound could not be herein the taking of Leicester but we hope that hee will recover for in all Designes by his wisdome and Valour his very name is a terrour to the Enemy A List of what was taken at LEICESTER 14 Pieces of Ordnance 30 Colours 2000 Armes 500 Horse 50 Barrels of Gun-powder And all their Ammunition and Provisions with bag and baggage After this his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax having refreshed his Army with some few dayes rest resolved for to relieve the Town of Taunton which was straitned and besieged by a part of the Royall Armie under the command of Goring the Generall advanced to Buminster twelve miles from Dorchester where he fell on there are of the enemie took prisoner a Lievtenant and divers others of Sir Robert Welches Troop another party the generall sent to get between Sherborn and Somerton and to fall on their Van which they accordingly did and took some prisoners the enemy flying broke down the bridges after them to hinder pursuit neverthelesse the Generall sent out parties after them to learn whether they intended and such was the love of his Souldiers to the distressed Townsmen of Taunton that they willingly without the least instigation marched 60 miles in five dayes the Enemie hearing of their approach raised their siege and departed from before the Town and Sir Thomas took possession thereof for the use of the King and his Parliament After this the Generall with his victorious Armie advanced towards Bridgewater intending the reducement thereof but for as much as he heard and thought the Town was so well stored with victuall as that they might be able to endure a long siege he resolved to storme it was unanimously agreed unto July 21 at two of the clock in the morning the Generals Regiment began the storme which they prosecuted with such vigour that they soon got on the top of the works and there displayed their colours gained the peeces that before plaid upon them and let down the bridge whereupon with a Company of horse entered that part of the Town and took 500 prisoners which he placed for the present in the Church and here let all men take notice and admire the good providence of God that though they fiercely stormed and were as resolutely repulsed for the space of an hower yet the Generall lost but twenty men the obstinate and malicious enemie were so far from relenting or pittying their own misery that with Granadoes they fired that part of the Town which was taken the fire so far prevailing that three houses were not left standing together the Generall enraged and withall grieved at this their villanie summoned them once more but they were such deep enemies to themselves and so hated their own welfare that they would not so much as hear the summons nor yet return any answer whereupon the Generall commanded to storme on this side the morrow morning that valiant and experienced Commander Collonel Massey The next morning by break of day they stormed that part and but that the tide was up had gained the Town now least that the guiltlesse should suffer with the nocent the Generall sent a Trumpet to the Governour willing him to let all women and children come forth of the Town which was accordingly done then began the great Guns and Morter-peeces those fatall Instruments of ruine to play against the Town and fired it in some places and the fire increased so that all was on a flame on a sodain this so astonished the Inhabitants that as amazed they ran up and down when one Elliot came running to the Generall and desired a parley this man was the chiefe occasion by whose wicked Oratory and perswasion the Townsmen became so obstinate the Generall returned answer that the last night he proffered to treat with the Governour and he refusing it was now But Justice to make him smart with the rod he had gathered and that he would admit of no Treaty yet if he would accept of mercie he should have it when sodainly all the Souldiers cryed out Mercie for the Bridgwater taken Lords sake so it was agreed on and quarter they had for their lives and the generall gave them liberty and exhorted them to quench the fire least the Town should be utterly ruinate this strong Town and stubborn people reduced to obedience the Generall resolveth for other Exploits CHAP. II. The Generall comming to Dorchester the Boors or Club-men of Dorsetshire and Wiltshire with their Leaders came unto him desiring a passe from him and that they might be allowed to dispatch some selected persons with Petitions to His Majesty and the Houses of Parliament the routing of Goring by Sir Thomas Fairfax Forces neer Langport in Somersetshire the Contents of the Club-mens Petition AFter the gaining of Bridgwater Sir Thomas after severall marches came to Dorchester where being arived there resorted unto him foure Agents from the Clubmen of Dorset and Wiltshire who as if the two strong parties already in Armes were not of ability ruinating â—hemselves to destroy this poor and more then miserable Kingdom Those fellows of Dorset and Wiltshire rose in Arms to make a third party of Newters their pretence was to defend themselves from being plundered or annyed by any â—ide either of the Kings or Parliaments they wore white ribands in their hats with PEACE and TRUTH interwoven they were Armed some with Muskets some with Forks and Staves and some with Clubs Their names b Clubmen originall or rather as c Britanicus one wittily and truly saith Knaves of Clubs to the generall Master Hollis the chiefe speaker declared his businesse which was to procure a passe from him for d These to the King Doctor Henry Gotch Mr. Tho Browall a Divine Iohn Saint Loe. Peter Hoskins Esquire M. Tho Young Attourney M. Robert Pawlet to the Parliament Mr. Melchisedeck woltham M. Rich Hook Divines Tho. Trenchard Rob Culliford â—squires George Hawles Rich. Newman Gentlemen persons selected to goe to the King and Parliament with Petitions After some debate the Generall returned this Answer Although the paper brought to me being not subscribed cannot challenge a return yet to clear my selfe from any aversnesse to the satisfaction of the Country who are pretended to be interessed in these Petitions I return this That my affections and the affections of this Armie are as much inclined to peace as any mens whatsoever and wee are obliged to prosecute this war for no end but for the establishment of a firme and
breach and some of the Towers as it may with reason induce you to surrender the place so it obligeth me in Honour to agree to no other conditions then quarter for your lives which I would be glad if you would accept that so the effusion of bloud which will inevitably follow upon a refusall might be prevented Sir It is against my nature to threaten or insult over your condition but I must tell you and I wish you may have an heart to believe it that if you refuse this my offer you and those with you must know I will heare of no terms for the future THOMAS FAIRFAX The malitious and wicked Governour hardned to his ruine would not vouchsafe to return an answer save with great and small shot that playd upon and wounded many of the Souldiers the Generall commanded for a storme the Souldiers resolutely fell on and placing their Ladders in a trice got over the Walls and Works which the desperate Enemy seeing snatcht down their Colours and with lamentable crys desired quarter which they had afforded them but not out of any zeal to save their lives but the Souldiers chose rather to cram their pockets with silver and gold of which there was store in the Castle rather then to sheath their swords in their Enemies bowels The Generall stayed there one day to settle things in order and after fortifying and mending the breaches placed another Garison of Souldiers to keep the Castle for the use of the King and Parliament A List of the Prisoners taken at Sherborn Castle Sir Lewis Dives Sir John Walcooth Col. Strangeways of Horse Col. Thornhill Lievtenant Colonell Strangeways of Horse Major Balton Cap. Hamon Cap. Bright Cap. Norris Cap. Hodinot Cap. Speed Cap. Strangeways of Horse Cap. Bond. Cap. Hoddar Cap. Brisco Lievtenant Jenings Lievtenant Mallet Lievtenant Tayler Lievtenant Rogers Lievten Townsend Lievtenant Joliffe of Horse Coronet Devonet Reformado Ensigne Gale Ensigne Hoyes Ensigne Harris Ensigne Toole Ensigne Collins Ensigne Mullins Ensigne Tod George Walker Provost Marshal Chyrurgions these M. Stuckey M. Payley M. Robinson Ministers Doct. Cockson M. Wild. M. Townsend M. Ford. Gentlemen these M. Chaffine M. Buckland M. Barns M. Brown M. Griesley M. Forsell M. Richlands M. Wiborn M. Huchins M. Carleton Three hundred forty foure common Souldiers The Generall having gained Sherborn Castle as aforesaid and about to advance news came that the Leaders of the Clubmen were met together at Shaftsbury to consult and give counsull how they might best thrive in their Designes whereupon the Generall sent a strong party of Horse commanded by Colonell Fleetwood to apprehend them who accordingly comming to Shaftsbury compassed the house where they were took every man of them and brought them to Sherborn where his Excellency yet abode their names I shall give yov ere I finish this Chapter this being the Lords Day On Munday morning the Generall received Intelligence that the Clubmen had appointed severall meetings which moved Sir Thomas to send Lievtenant Generall Cromwell with foure Regiments of horse to trace them and to spy out whether they intended who being on his march towards Shaftsbury they might descry flying Colours surrounded with a numerous company on the top of an exceeding high hill a Lievtenant was sent with a party of horse to know the reason of their unlawfull assembling whereupon their Leader one Newman descending the hill said that the reason of the meeting was to know where they had disposed those Gentlemen wete taken at Shaftsbury the Generall returned this Answer That he held it not fit to inform them of the reason what was done being done by authority but that they might know a reason of their surprizall those persons so met were the occasioners and stirrers up of Commotions and unlawfull Assemblies destructive to the peace and safety of the Kingdom Mr. Newman desired to go and inform the people of the Answer the Lievtenant Generall thought it convenient with a party of horse to accompany him where being come he had some conference with the seditious the substance that they did very ill to disturbe the peace of the County upon small or no ground and that whereas they pretended they armed themselves to save their goods themselves would occasion the losing of them by absenting themselves from their dwellings and hee further promised and protested unto them that justice should be done one any that had done them wrong as for their Leaders taken at Shaftsbury they were laid hold on and were to be kept in custody onely till they should cleer themselves of some accusations charged on them and then they might return again to them the Bores were all well satisfied and promising never to assemble again each man departed to his home AFter this matter so well handled the Lievtenant Generall with his party set forward to Hamilton still neere Strawton on this hill were assembled a numerous multitude of Clubmen having for their defence an old Roman work deeply trencht the Lievtenant Generall sent a Lievtenant with a party of horse to demand the cause of their meeting who was answered by the rude and barbarous onely with a dozen of shot whereupon the Lievtenant Generall sent once again to them requiring them to lay downe their arms or hee would fall upon them they refused his message with scorne thereupon order was given for the Generals Troop to fall on them who did so and were repulsed not without some losse and that by reason of the disadvantage and unaccessablenesse of the place the Clubmen shot as thick as hail from the bank and defended the passage very valiantly then the valiant Major Disbrough with his Troop adventured and with much difficulty got up the Hill and charging their Reare they began to run throwing down their arms in the pursuit sixty were slain two hundred wounded foure hundred of them taken and brought to Strawton and kept all night in the Church for the next morning the Generall commanded them to be brought forth and after examination the Lievtenant Generall advertized them to live peaceably was most conducing and available for them and wished them to live peaceably at home they saw the calamity that their Risings had brought upon them and moreover he gave them license to oppose any that should goe about to plunder or annoy them and so dismissed them each to his home The names of their Leaders and the principall Sticklers in this businesse were these Gentlemen Master Iohn Saints M. Richard Buckeridge M. William Smith M. Thomas Gervis M. Iohn Lovell M. Iohn Eastmond M. Francis Craddock M. Edward Davis M. Henry Haynard M. Lawrence Hyde M. Thomas Benet M. Iohn Pope M. Thomas Rosse M. Henry Gouge M. Iohn Every M. Iohn Carty M. Edward Boore M. Nicholas Bingham M. Thomas Rolph M. Robert Squire M. Richard Alborn M. Charles Symmes M. Francis Abbot M. Robert Gapit M. Thomas Marvell M. Robert Hollis M. Samuell Forward M. William Fireall M. Charles Studley M. Thomas Brooke M.
Iohn King M. Edmund Clarke M. Martin March M. Thomas Bun. M. William Saunders M. William Blunt M. Iohn May. M. Iohn Corbet M. Richard Craddock M. Iohn Pill M. Robert Fry M. William Ford. M. Matthew Marâ—in M. William Laining M. Henry Goodwin M. Rock M. Williams M. Hollis men chiefly noted for malignancy M. Young men chiefly noted for malignancy M. Ieloff men chiefly noted for malignancy CHAP. V. Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX gaineth the famous City of Bristoll the Articles of agreement between the Commissioners appointed on the behalfe of the Governour Prince Rupert and his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax for the surrendring of the City Ruperts Entertainment at Oxford THe victorious Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax being Sir Thomas layeth siege to Bristoll commanded by the Houses of Parliament to siege and God assisting take the City of Bristoll out of their Enemies hands the Generall to command obedience advanced with his numerous and couragious Army to Bristoll and what by valour and policy incroached each day neerer and neerer their out-works and in many places got within Pistoll shot and had many desperate and hot firings with the Enemy who often made divers furious but fruitlesse sallies to their own losse and disadvantage the strong Port called Portshead Point was taken by assault to the great discouragement and disheartning of the Enemy the Generall perceiving the potency of the Foe and the strength of the works and knowing to too well the pittilesse and implacable inclination of the Governour Prince Rupert to prevent the inevitable ruine that would else happen on both sides sent him this Summons which for the elegancie and excellencie thereof is worthy to be read by posterity which was this To his Highnesse Prince Rupert SIR For the service of the Parliament I have brought their Armie before the City of Bristol and doe summon you in their names to render it with all the Forts belonging to the same to their use Having used this plain language at the businesse Requires I wish it may be effectuall with you as it is satisfactory to my selfe that I a little expostulate with you about the same which I should not have used but in respect to such a person and such a ploce I take into consideration your Royall birth and relation to the Crown of England your honour courage and fidelity and the strength of that place which you may think your selfe bound and able to maintain Sir the Crown of England is and will be where it ought to be and we fight to maintain it there But the King misled ☞ by evill Counsellors or through a seduced heart hath left his Parliament and his people under God the best assurance of his Crown and family the maintaining of this Schisme is the ground of this unhappy war on your part and what sad effects it hath produced in all the three Kingdoms is visible to all men to maintain the rights of the Crowne and Kingdome jointly a principall part whereof is that the King in supreme Acts ☞ concerning the whole State is not to be advised by men of whom the law takes no notice but by his Parliament the great Councel of the Kingdom In whom as much as man is capable of he hears all his people as it were at once advising him in which multitude of Counsellors lie his safety and the peoples interest and to set him right in this hath been the constant and faithfull endeavour of the Parlioment Note and to bring those wicked Instruments to Justice that have misled him is a principal ground of our fighting Sir If God make this clear to you as he hath to us I doubt not but he will give you a heart to deliver this place notwithstanding all the other considerations of honour and courage because of their consistencie and use in the present businesse depends upon the right or wrongfulnesse of this that hath been said and if upon such conviction you shall surrender it and save the losse of bloud and hazard of spoyling such a City it would be an occasion glorious in it selfe and joyfull to us for the restoring of you to the indeared affection of the Parliament and people of England the truest assurance under God to your family But if this be hid from your eyes and through your wilfulnesse this so great so famous and ancient a City and so full of people be by your putting us to force the same exposed to ruine and the extremities of War which yet we shall in that case as much as possibly in us lies endeavour to prevent then I appeal to the righteous God to be Judge between you and us and to require the wrong and let all England judge whether the ruining of its Cities burning of its Towns and destroying its people be a good requitall from a person of your family which hath had the prayers tears and purses yea and the blouds of its Parliaments and people and if you look on either as now divided hath ever had that same party both in Parliaments and amongst the people most zealous for their assistance and restitution which you now appose and seek to destroy and whose constant griefe hath been their desires to serve your Family have been ever hindred and made fruitlesse by the same party about His Majesty whose Counsel you act and whose interest you pursue in this unnaturall War Your Highnesses humble Servant THOMAS FAIRFAX THe Prince having received this summons returned no Answer but desired he might have leave to send to His Majesty But Sir Thomas returned answer that he might not fulfil his desire in that point of sending to His Majesty and desired a speedy and positive answer but the Prince desirous to hold the Generall in suspense and to gain time hoping of reliefe from the King would not return an answer as was required but sent some Propositions to the Generall the most essentiall whereof were to have exception from sequestration Cathedrall men to continue the works to be demolished and no Garison hereafter by which the Generall perceiving his aversenesse and policie and having experience of his wonted wiles gave order to storme the Town the manner of storming was agreed on which was to be after this manner Colonel Welden with his Brigade Col Twooldbies Col Fortescues and Col Herberts Regiment whose posts were to make good Somersetshire side was ordered to storme in three places viz 200 men in the middle 200 men on each side as forlorne hopes to begin the storme twenty ladders to each place two men to carry each ladder and to have five shillings a piece two Serjeants that attend the service of the ladders to have twenty shillings a man each musketteir that follows the ladder to carry a faggot a Serjeant to command them and to have the same reward twelve files of men with fire armes and pikes to follow the ladders to each place where the storme is to be those to be commanded each by a Captain and
Sir being retured with my Army from the West where it pleased God to bestow a dry and bloudlesse Victory upon mee to the great peace and quiet of those parts and conceiving it my duty likewise to endevour the good of this County which by occasion of your Garison is necessarily obstructed I thought fit once more to send you a summons to deliver up to me the City of Exceter with the Castle Forts Armes and Amunition believing by this you are satisfied of the relief you expected of the Princes Army may equally be of any reliefe to come from any other place if your intelligence and knowledge were the same with ours there is nothing more induceth me hereunto then an unfained zeale to save any further bloudshed and as much as in mee lyes to preserve that City which hath already suffered deeply in these unnaturall distractions though I shall not boast of my number or strength yet I must needs tell you that I doubt not but the same power which hath formerly made difficult things easie will answer this and will quit mee from being counted the occasioner of those inconveniences and miseries that will necessarily ensue upon your refusall Sir I shall expect your speedy and positive Answer I rest your Servant Thomas Fairfax Sir Iohn Berkley upon receit of this Summons called a Councell of Warre who after long debate concluded that Commissioners should be chosen to treat whereof one part should be for the Gentry another for the Souldiery a third part for the Clergy and the fourth part for the inhabitants of the City the Commissioners nominated they sent their intentions to Sir Thomas he yielded thereto and appointed a place of meeting to be at Poultermore house three miles from Exceter the Commissioners on the behalfe of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax were these Lievtenant Generall Hamond Colonell Sir Hardresse Waller Colonell Lambert Colonell Harley Colonell Pry. Commissary Stane The Governour Sir John Berkley appointed these Sir Henry Berkley Sir George Carry Col. Will. Ashburnham Col. Godolphin Cap. Fitzgarret Master John Weres Mr. Robert Walker Mr. Thomas Knight Mr. Thomas Kendall Mr. Thomas Foord Sir John Berkley The day appointed the Commissioners met at the place aforesaid two for the Gentry two for the Soulderie two for the Clergie and two for the Inhabitants of the City and Sir Thomas his Commissioners aforenamed Articles were performed as agreed on and the City delivered unto His Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax there were found therein 30 Peeces of Ordnance 3 Murthering peeces 100 Barrels of powder 500 Muskets 100 Pikes 80 Tun of wine Sir John Berkley marched out of Exceter with 200 of the enemie towards Oxford which place he had nominated for his refuge Garison The Parliament knowing that the Princesse Heneretta Maria with her Governesse resided in this City gave the Generall notice shee should goe with a sufficient convoy with their plate money and goods wheresoever her Governesse pleased the King hearing hereof desired shee might be at Richmond which was assented to From Exceter Sir Thomas Fairfax was desired by the Houses of Parliament to advance for Oxford and to lay siege to it and God assisting to take it at that present his Majesty being in person there the reason he had no place of strength else to be in some Lords exempted from mercie in the propositions to be sent to the King for peace desired the King to passe with them out of Oxford ere the siege was planted Answer was returned by some other Lords that the King needed not to feare so sodain a siege yet but notwithstanding when they saw Sir Thomas in truth intended the siege all of them were desirous to have him gon peradventure hoping thereby to make the better conditions for themselves However the King left Oxford it was said by some hee went towards Wales and so for Ireland others for the North and so towards Montrosse but the House of Commons Apr. 9. received intelligence that the King in a private manner departed out of Oxford his beard shaven close and not after his wonted manner his own hair turned up and a periwig on his head of a black colour accompanied onely with three and one of them his Majesty wayted on after the manner of a Serving-man His bosom friend the Duke of Richmond the Earle of Lindsey the Kings Cup-bearer Sir William Fleetwood The Kings Standard-bearer and Knight Marshall Sir Edward Sydenham and Mr. Carew of the bed chamber came to Colonell Ramsborough and cast themselves on the mercie of the Parliament who ordered they should be committed as prisoners to Warwick Castle CHAP. III. Sir Thomas Fairfax receiveth Bostell Garison by composition likewise Oxford and Farrington the Articles agreed on for the surrender of each of them NOw gins the impetuous shock of War to abate its strength and fury and as the tyred Garisons yet untaken do faint and quail so gathers England spiret and new life thou that hast honoured those that honour thee and those that regarded thee not thou hall lightly esteemed what dull and Lethargick humour puzels our sense that yet wee fare as those Israelites who having vanquisht their foes fled from their own shadows why sing wee not Hymnes to the highest and out-joy joy it self knowing that what our forefathers durst not imagine our selves some yeers past despaired to attain is now accrued and God assisting like to continue to the incredible good of our posterity What spirit of diffention tyrannizeth over the minds of some that they instead of giving Thanks they have not been devoured by the All-devouring Sword murmur and repine that they are impedited from following after their Ignes fatuus which will lead them to the whirl-poole of decay and as if they envied their own happinesse Some instead of honouring and putting their hands under their feet to do them good who have under God been the savers of their lives and states I say instead of so doing some stick not to accuse those worthy and ever to be renowmed Patriots the House of Peers as desirous of Illegall and Tyrannicall power rail against their Sovereigne whom though he hath been led away to the hurt of his people by his and their enemies yet we hope that the spirit of disaffection abandoned hee may yet comply with his and their Countries lovers and put to his helping hand for the repairing of Sions breaches and make them stronger then before but all this time I shall but delay the Reader from more pleasing discourse Sir Thomas Fairfax having sent a Summons to the Governour of Bostoll Garison Sir William Campion Britanicus once tearmed him the brother of Campion the Jesuit whether or no is not materiall at first hee was some thing peremptory in his answer but by degrees he declined and began to talke of accommodation Commissioners on both sides were appointed to treat and to agree on Articles for the surrender of the Garison The Commissioners for Sir Thomas Fairfax were Quartermaster
to mayntain the Gospell of Christ and the liberty of the Subject as the most glorious body that is visible in England is the Parliament of England so who can think it so perfect who can hope to find it so strong to work for the honour peace and happinesse of England as when it consults in full peace of its Royall Head and with all the other good members thereof and with all ardency of our affections wee kneel unto your Majesties Kingly wisdome and to the wisdom of the said Honourable Lords and Commons that for the speedy Integration both in Head and members of this body which is the soule of Englands welfare your Parliament the King believes it not It may graciously please your Majesty and the said Honourable Lords and Commons to send they unto your Majesty and your Majesty to them your severall that is to say your Majesties and their Commissioners and to hasten them to meet to treat and agree as at Uxbridge of time and place when and where your Majesty shall be with your Houses of Lords and Commons both of them in the beautifull fulnesse of all the members wee most humbly beseeching that no place may be thought for this purpose like Gideons fleece a fine policy to draw away the members of Parliament from a place of security to a place where they may be subject to the tyranny and ore-swaying Power of the Royall Party either the onely spot p p Explain your meaning of England that shall be capable of the dew of heavenly blessing and that all the Land besides will be dry upon any Town or City God will give down his dew and for the security both of your Majesty and the honourable Houses in any place we shall lay down ourlives your deeds confute your words and that which is left of our estates to your Majesty for the houses to the houses for your Majesty and that we and the whole Realme may no longer want the benefit of those Laws which are well knowne to us by the undoubted seals of Kings Lords and Commons upon them and may not still starve and bleed our selves to death for such as could not yet passe the threefold test we humbly pray that the comfortable beams of justice which have been so long obscured and clouded may at length breake forth to the refreshment of this drooping Kingdome now grown weary and weak through long impunity of all sorts of sin and injury and that Judges and Officers may be authorized and secured in their administrations of Law and Right to all people if this hath not been your selves have occasioned it the two Houses of Parliament prostrates their lives and fortunes to to purchase you and all Counties this and that all field Armies may be dissolved all controversies for which they have been ☞ raised being laid down to be awakened and determined or to sleep and dye undecided in the free and full Parliament and that all unnecessary Garisons be slighted and such as shall be thought fit and necessary either by your Majestie or the said Honourable Lords and Commons to be continued to be trusted in some hands of those Counties wherein they are scited the Trustees to be equally named by your Majesty and the said Honourable Lords and Commons and no Trustee to deliver up his charge but by the joynt assent of Kings Lords and Commons untill wee may see that happy day q q Wil your infamous sedition and unlawfull rising produce it when the King Lords and Commons shall declare that there is no more use of such warishnesse between the King and his people and wee beseech your Majesties Princely clemency and the fatherly and fraternall love of the said Lords and Commons to all their equall and inferiour Countrimen for the sweet and necessary condiscention for all that have been in arms or otherwise assistant to this destructive war and to all that are imprisoned by any occasion of it and to all that absent themselves from their dwellings upon feare thereof you petitioned for justice ere-while recant you now may be permitted to returne home and all men to enjoy their Liberties and Properties and their wonted freedome of commerce through the whole Realme Lastly we humbly beseech your Majesties most tender heart and the feeling affections of the said Honourable Lords and Commons to their poore and bleeding Countrimen to take notice of the many importunate Agitants which have beaten us together in these our unusuall meetings not onely the worship a fair Cloak of God but the honour of your Majestie the native liberty and right of the Subject the wealth and strength of the whole Land and whatsoever is vertuous or laudable in it self but also our intolerable slavery under a most insolent Souldiery this is notoriously knowne as also the rest of the allegations to be false and suborn'd an universall poverty by endlesse contribution and plunder the cursed sacriledge the Idoll of the Commons the common Prayer Book taken away done unto holy places defacings and ruinings the grievous persecutions of grave and reverend Ministers the many bloudy tragicall inhumane rapes and murthers that have beene acted and more are threatned upon peaceable Subjects all sorts of wickednesse before every where impudent and shamelesse in a word whatsoever is dreadfull or miserable to us is still growing upon us under the reign of this Civill War by all these so many and so powerfull considerations wee have beene drawn together as we contest the searcher of all hearts not for sedition but the publick peace ha ha he and in order thereto together to meet in this our humble Petition to your Majesty and the said Honourable Lords and Commons and to put our selvâ—â— in a generall readinesse at the City of the County to pursue all robbers and murtherers one Thiefe attach another under whose continuall oppressions we could no longer endure We therefore humbly pray and beseech your Majesty and the said Honourable Lords and Commons and all our Superiours and fellow Subjects that we may be mercifully and favourably judged in these your seditious and abominable proceedings these our innocent intentions and according to our capacities and our wisest endeavours we continually pray to the God of peace and love that we may be revived and the whole Realme by a speedy and indissoluble union of the strength and saving health of England next under his heavenly Majesty your sacred Majesty the right honourable Lords and the honourable House of Commons in a full and free which cannot be but an happie Parliament Thus far the Author of this malevolent Petition which because I have already somwhat canvased and all wise men reading it wil easily behold the main end and scope of these club-mens Petitions and intentions without an interpreter I shall here cease to say more of it I return to my History CHAP. III. Sir Thomas Fairfax receiveth the Town of Bathe by composition A Narration of the Kings entertainment
at Huntington and of the carriage of his Armie there HIS Excellencie the Parliaments Generall intending the reducement of Bristol a Town of great concernment after some dayes easie march ariving neer Sherburn Castle blocked up Sherborn and resolving to use all the means of man not doubting of Gods assistance to put a period to the sad and to be bewailed civill war resolved to send one party to Sherborn to block it up at least til time and ability served to proceed more violently against it he therefore appointed Collonel Pickering a man right valiant and pious to prosecute the intention as aforesaid A Councel of War being called to consult what designe would be most advantagious most safe and speedy for the reducing of Bristol it was concluded that the taking of Bathe which would else be an obstacle was first most requisite and if not made a Garison yet it might serve for a strong Quarter and be much assistant to their Designe The Generall approved the advice and resolved to prosecute it and the next day with his whole Army advanced to Wels where being arived he heard news very much unexpected to wit that their trouble of besieging or danger of storming the Town of Bath would not be required for the Enemy had quitted the place and unconstrained the reasons these The Townsmen not willing to bear Armes nor yet to harbour Souldiers that came from Bristoll dreading infection the plague being then and had been before a long time there very hot and raging the souldiers they had of their own being too few to man the Works the Governour Sir Thomas Bridges resolved to quit it which thing hee had surely done had there not arived at that present an 100 men from Prince Rupert with orders willing him to stay and defend the Town Sir Themas upon probability of quitting it thought fit to spare his Foot an unnecessary march and sent two Regiments of Horse commanded by Col. Rich and two Troops of Dragoons with Col. Okey to take a view of the condition of the Town that he might do as occasion served They came neere the Towne and were opposed when they presently Summoned but the Summons slighted they resolve to enter by force the Dragoons encountring the Enemy on the Bridge prevailed against them and gained it and setting on fire the South west gate burnt it down which the Governour seeing was willing to surrender conditionally that hee and his Officers might have liberty armed to march to Bristoll which was granted them and they speedily departed leaving behind them many souldiers prisoners Twenty barrels of powder Three hundred arms A Tun of match Six Iron Peeces of Ordnance Col. Rich and Col. Okey having entred the Town sent the Generall notice of their prosperous proceedings and desired him to repair to them which hee accordingly did and comming to Bathe having bestowed some time in setling thereof and having placed a strong Garison returned back to Wels. About this time his Majesty being in a strait and doubting of the ability to engage with the Parliaments Forces whom he unworthily and caulesly brandeth with the names of Traytors and Rebels commeth as in Progresse into Huntingtonshire though in truth to levy force and to borrow or to take summes of money of which he was in much want and comming to Huntington a Town notorious for Malignancy and averinesse to Reformation The Major of Huntington and two Bailiffs of Godman-chester a Town neer adjacent as being wrapt and to congratulate the Kings arrivall taxed their Towns at ten and fifteen shillings a man some of them mean men poor housholders who were constrained to borrow the money and to work hard and fast withall to regain their impaired ability the Major and Bailiffs and forty three of his Brethren presented his Masty with a great sum of their extorted money who whether misdoubting their fidelity or some great ones about him spleening them or what other reason might be I know not but sure I am they were constrained as prisoners to passe in the conduct of the Army so soon as the King came Proclamation was made that no souldier upon pain of death should plunder which peradventure might be a watch-word to warn them thereto for no sooner was it proclaimed but souldiers fell to plundering on heaps carrying out of shops and houses whole loads of Goods and Wares and in some houses left nought to adorn them but barewalls the Townsmen were forced to billet some twenty some thirty in one house and to afford both horse and mans meat for twelve pence a day and to give all the World a true character of them they knockt off all the Irons from the Prisoners and Fellons in Huntington Goale many of them condemned for murther who all took up arms for the King and is this the mayntaining of the Laws so frequently protested and here let the Reader take notice that the Cavaliers and Royall party Fight neither for God nor for his Majesty as they pretend would they else deal so hardly and tyrannically with his Friends that favour his proceedings in all parts where they come as in perticular this Town of Huntington plundered by them without distinction or exception of any carrying with them many known Royallists as Prisoners for that they denied those sums of money which their unconscionable and uncharitable selves demanded so that it is or What the Cavaliers fight for may be apparant to all not wilfully blind that they fight to mayntain and uphold so long as they may their pleasure and rapine their debausht and luxurious living to which they are so accustomed and bewitcht that they are resolved with it their lives shall terminate but they have but a short time I trust now the wheels of the Chariots are taken off so that they march but slowly and in Despair against GOD. CHAP. IV. Sir Thomas Fairfax taketh the strong Castle of Sherborn a List of the Arms and Ammunition taken in the said Castle He fighteth with and discomfiteth the mutinous Clubmen taketh their chief Leaders A List of their names HOw hath the Lord assisted the Forces fighting for his Cause this memorable and never to be forgotten year Sir Thomas Fairfax resolving for the Reducement of Sherborn Castle Drew out his Officers and Souldiers in despight of the Enemy to their very walls and works and prepared to undermine battering Peeces arriving from Portsmouth which they wanted before a Battery was raysed and they began to play very fiercely before night had made a large breach in the Castle on the East part thereof after the breach so made the Generall out of his noble inclination to prevent the effusion of bloud sent another Summons to the Governour willing him to surrender or to expect the worst extremity the Summons this Sir I have been as willing to gratifie you as any man with honourable conditions having expressed so much Gallantry in defending your self but the advantage I now have by being possessed of the