A diary of the siege of Colchester by the forces under the command of Generall Fairfax

A DIARY of the Siege of COLCHESTER by the Forces under the Command of Generall FAIRFAX.

[illustration] depiction of the city of Colchester and environs

The SIEGE of COLCHESTER By the Lord Fairfax, As it was with the Line and Outworks 1648

[illustration] depiction of a compass rose with the cardinal points

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Fothergall's fort

Col Fother∣gall's Fort

[illustration] depiction of a horse guard

Horse Guard

[illustration] depiction of a foot guard

Foot Guard

[illustration] depiction of Fort Suffolk

Fort Suffolk

[illustration] depiction of Fort Rainsborough

Fort Rainsborough.

[illustration] depiction of Fort Bloyes

Fort Bloyes

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Fothergall's quarters

Col. Fothergall's quarters.

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Harvey's quarters

Col. Harvey's quarters

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Gourdon's horse quarters

Col. Gourdons Horse quarters

[illustration] depiction of a horse guard

Horse Guard

[illustration] depiction of a foot guard

Foot Guard

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Bloyes' quarters

Col. Bloyes his quarters

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Sir Thomas Barnadileons quarters

Col. Sir Tho. Barnadileons quarters

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Whaley's horse quarters

Col. Whaley's Horse quarters

[illustration] depiction of Fort Whaley, including Grinstead Church and a foot guard

Fort Whaley

Grinstead Church.

Foot Guard

[illustration] depiction of the derelict Hythe mill

Water Mill

[illustration] depiction of a horse guard

Horse Guard

[illustration] depiction of a water mill

Water Mill

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Scroops quarters of horse

Col. Scroops quarters of Horse

[illustration] depiction of Col. Ingolesby's quarters of foot

Col. Ingolesby's quarters of Foot

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Ewer's quarters of foot

Col. Ewers his quarters of Foot at first

[illustration] depiction of a horse guard

Horse Guard

[illustration] depiction of a horse guard

Horse Guard

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Ewer's military camp

Col Ewers Leagure

[illustration] depiction of the great broom heath

The great Broom Heath

[illustration] depiction of Fort Ingolesby

Fort Ingolesby

[illustration] depiction of the town's waterhouse

the Town Waterhouse

[illustration] depiction of Grinstead's burnt house

Grinstead house burnt

[illustration] depiction of Lucas' house

Lucas house

[illustration] depiction of St. John's Benedictine abbey

S. Iohns Abbey

[illustration] depiction of Trinity Church

Trinity Church

[illustration] depiction of the Castle

the Castle

[illustration] depiction of St. Peter's Church

S. Peters

[illustration] depiction of Maudline Chapel

Maud∣line Chap.

[illustration] depiction of St. Mary Magdalene's Hospital

S. Mary Magdalens

[illustration] depiction of the Hythe

Hithe

[illustration] depiction of the Grey Friars Franciscan priory

Black Fryars

[illustration] depiction of the Crutched Friars Roman Catholic friary

Crouchet Fryars

[illustration] depiction of Fort Needham

Fort Needham.

[illustration] depiction of Mr. Barrington's house

M.^r Barringtons House

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Fleetwood's horse quarters

Col. Fleetwoods Horse quarters

[illustration] depiction of Fort Essex

Fort Essex

[illustration] depiction of Fort Barkstead

Barkstead Fort

[illustration] depiction of Lexden headquarters

Lexden head quarters

[illustration] depiction of a foot guard

Foot Guard.

[illustration] depiction of a horse guard

Horse Guard.

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Cook's foot quarters

Col Cook's Foot quarters

[illustration] depiction of a cannonade

Traine of great Gunns

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Hunniwood's foot quarters

Col. Hunniwoods Foot quarters

[illustration] depiction of five companies of Colonel Barkstead's regiment quarters

5 Comp. of Col. Barksteads Reg^t. quarters

[illustration] depiction of the dragoons' guard and quarters

Dragoons Guard and quarters

[illustration] depiction of a horse guard

Horse Guard

[illustration] depiction of the General's quarter of horse

The Generalls quarter of Horse

[illustration] depiction of two of the Lieutenant General's horse troop

2 Troops of the Lieut. Generalls Horse

[illustration] depiction of four companies of the Lord Warwick's regiment

4 Comp. of the Lord of Warwick's Regiment

[illustration] depiction of Colonel Harlackenden's horse quarters

Col. Harlacken∣dens Horse quar∣ters

[illustration] depiction of the Colne River

Colne River

[illustration] depiction of Suffolk Road

Suffolk Road

[illustration] depiction of London Road

London Road

[illustration] depiction of Malden Road

Malden Road

[illustration] depiction of a road to the Hundreds

Road into the Hundreds

[illustration] depiction of Merrie Road

Merrie Road

[illustration] depiction of Cambridge Road

Cambridge Road

[illustration] depiction of East Street

East Street

[illustration] depiction of Maudline Street

maudline Street

• A. S. Martins
• B. S. Rumbals
• C. S. Tenant Chap.
• D. S. Nicholas
• E. Allhalows
• F. S. Iames
• G. S. Botolphs
• H. S. Gyles
• I. North Gate
• K. East Gate
• L. Botolphs Gate
• M. Shore Gate
• N. Head Gate
• O. High Street
• P. East Street
• Q. Botolph Street. &. S. Marys
• R. Wyer Street
• S. Cow Street
• T. Middleborow
• V. Bouchers
• W. More-elm Lane
• X. Trinity Lane
• Y. S. Martins Lane
• Z. Tenants Lane

Tuesday June 13. The Lord Fairfax engaged in the fields bef•••••• Colchester near S.^t Maries, the Lord Gorings Forces, together with the Forces under Com∣mand of the Lord Capell, and Sir Charl's Lucas, and beat them into the Town; Colonell S^t. William Leyton and between 4 and 500 of y^e Kings Forces were taken prisoners. (200 of them being of Colonell Farrs Regiment.) and in pursuit of the rest. Col. Barkestead, with his Regiment, entred the Suburbs as far as head-Gate, and entred y^e Gate, but being overpowered there, and out of the Church-yard, y^e Kings Forces Barracadoed the Gate. (leaving neer 500 men to our mercy:) yet notwithstanding those foot, and Col. Needhams fought many hours after in hopes to gain the Town at that place, but could not, the Kings Forces making good resistance; there were slain of the Kings Forces, Col. Sir William Campion. Col. Cooke, and divers Officers of qua∣lity, and about 80 private soldiers; Col. Panton. Capt Brunkerd. Clif∣ford, Wors op, and divers other Officers wounded. On General Fairfax's side Col. Needham. Capt. Lawrence of Horse. Capt. Cox of foot and neer 100 private souldiers and inferior Officers were slain: when we en∣ter'd the Suburbs, the Lord Goring was Summoned but returned an Answer not becoming a Gentleman: The Word of the Kings Forces at y^e Fight was Charles, the ground they fought upon. Maries: C……. Gods—our help.

The Forces under the Command of Generall Fairfax engaged in y^e Fight before Colchester, June 13. 1648 As also the names of the chief Comman∣ders and persons of Quality of the Lord Gorings Forces engaged at that Fight.

Generall Fairfaxes Forces engaged in that Fight.

Part of the Generalls Regiment of Horse, being 4 Troops, Commanded by Major Desbrough. Of Col. Whaleys Regiment, 6 Troops, Commanded by him∣self. Of Col. Fleetwoods, 5 Troops, Commanded by Major Coleman. Three Troops of Commissary Gen^l. Iretons, Commanded by Captain Cecill. Two Troops of Dragoons, Commanded by Captain Freeman and Captain Barrington.

Of Foot. Col. Barksteeds Regiment Commanded by himself, consisting of 10 Companies, about 800 men. Col. Need∣hams Regiment, lately the Tower Regiment, Com̄and∣ed by Col. Needham, being 7 Companies, and about 400 men. Part of Col. Inglesby's Regiment, of 4 Compa∣nies, Commanded by Capt. Grimes, 320 men.

Of the Essex Forces. Col. Harlackenden•• Regiment, of 4 Troops of horse, Commanded by Major Robert Sparrow; and Captain Turners Troop of Dragoons. Sir Thomas Hunniwoods Regiment of Foot. Col. Cooks Regiment of Foot, both which said Regiments consisted of Auxiliaries, and Trained bands.

The County Forces of Essex left to secure Chelmsford and Mansden, two considerable Passes, left more Forces should resort from London to the Lord Goring.

Colonel Henry Mildmaies Regiment of Horse, and two Troops of Dragoons. Part of Col. Carew Mild∣maies Regiment of Foot, Commanded by Major Bard.

The Suffolk Forces, who made good the Passes over the River at Nailand Stratford and Cadaway, lest the Enemy should escape towards Suffolk and Norfolk, were under the Command of Capt. Fisher, Captain Bradling, and Captain Sparrow, besides the assistance which Capt Ball, Capt. Cox, and the rest of the Sea Commanders gave to se∣cure the River.

The Suffolk Forces that came afterwards to help besiege this Town.

Colonel Gourdons Regiment of Horse.

Of Foot Regiments. Colonel Sir Thomas Barnadistons, Col. Fothergils, Col. Harveys, Col. Bloises.

Of the Army that came up after the Fight. Col. Scroop, with 3 Troops of horse of his Regiment

The Lord Gorings Forces engaged in that Fight.

Of Horse. Lord Gorings Regiment. Lord Capels Regiment. Sir William Comptons. Col. Slingsbies. Col. Sir Bernard Gascoignes. Colonel Hamonds. Colonel Culpeppers.

Of Foot. Sir Charles Lucas his Regim^t. Sir George Lisles Regiment. Colonel Tilleys Regim^t. Col. Tewk his Regiment. Col. Farrs Regiment. Colonel Gilburds Regiment. Col. Sir William Campions Regi∣ment, himself slain. Colonel Burds Regiment. Colonel Bowmans Regiment. Col. Chesters Regiment.

Colonels who had no Comm^d. of Regiments, yet assisting at that Fight.

Earl Louborough, Lord Hastings, Sir William Ley∣ton, Colonel, taken Prisoner, and wounded. Col. Sir Rich∣ard Hastings, Colonel Iohn Heath, Colonel Lee of Kent, Colonel Panton wounded, Colonel Cook slain. Colonel Sir Hugh Orelie, Quarter-master Gen. Col. William-Mexey, Col. Pitman, Col. Beal, Lieu. Col. Hatch slain, Major Jammot, Adjutant Gen. besides divers Lieu∣tenant Colonels and Majors who were assistants, but had no Commands.

Wednesday 14. Generall Fairfax perceiving the Lord Gorings For∣ces would not stand the field, resolved to sit down before the Town in or∣der to a Siege (but being too few to Storm it) having not then nor when he first engaged, 1500 old Foot, and but about 1500 Horse, and two Troops of Dragoons, (besides the 2 Regiments of the Trained Bands, un∣der Col Sir Thomas Hunniwood, and Col Cooke.) the Lord Gorings For∣ces at that time being about 6000 Horse & Foot in Town, and the Town and Suburbs larger in Compas than Oxford, and would require 5000 men to Besiege it; appointed Lexden in the road to London for the Head-Quar∣ter, where the greatest Body was to lie, to prevent more aid for coming from London to the Lord Goring, and kept strong Guards of Horse on Cambridge road on the other side the River, that they might not escape Northward to joyn with Sir Marmaduke Langdale, leaving no place open to them, but towards the Sea, where they could not go far; and the same day Our Generall sent a Party of Horse to secure Mersey Island, to prevent the Kings Ships from coming into the River to relieve the Town; the Besieged sent Col. Tuke with a strong Party an hour after,—but came too late.

Thursday 15. The Besiegeds Canon from the Royall Fort at S^t. Maries, plaid very hard killed severall of our men, as they did the day before; some, as they were raising the first Work called Fort Essex, others as they were stragling in the field.

Friday 16: Nothing of importance happened, but. 3 of Capt. Canons men killed with a Canon Bullet.

Saturday 17. A Trumpet sent in about the Exchange of prisoners, & this day the Besieged got provisions out of Tendering Hundred, which we could not prevent till y^e Suffolk Forces march'd to our assistance.

Sunday 18. We took 2 of their Frigots, the one with 10. the other with 11 Guns: & this day Col. Ewers came up with 6 Companies from Chep∣stow Castle: The Essex Foot under Sir Tho. Hunniwood & Col. Cooke en∣dured many Canon shot this day, and were very ready upon an Alarm.

Munday 19. The party of Horse sent from the Leaguer under Major-Sparrow & Capt Wallingford engaged the Kings Forces at Linton. (com¦ing to assist the Lord Goring.) where Major Muschampe & others of the Kings Forces were slain, & Master Reynolds, & others taken prisoners, the rest (about 500.) disperst. This day a Trumpet came from y^e L^d. Goring, prentending to desire a Treaty of Peace.

Tuesday 20. Answer returned, if a generall Peace was intended, that then it was proper for the Parlament to determine of that, and offered them in that answer Conditions, Viz. The Gentlemen & Officers to go be∣yond sea, and the Souldiers to go home, without prejudice.

Wednesday 21. The Besieged returned a scornfull answer, moving for a free-trade for the Townsmen.

Thursday 22. A small Party of the Besieged sallied out to view a new Work (afterwards called Col. Ewers Fort)—but were instantly beaten in by Musqueteers. Their Canon killed two men of ours. That day the Lord Goring sent a summons to the Suffolk Forces at Callaway-Bridge, Comm^dd. by Capt. Fisher, & Capt. Brandling, to joyn with him, which they refused Resolving still to adhere to the Parliament & Army.

Friday 23. The Guns began this day to play from our new Batte∣ry, which much annoyed the Besieged at North bridge. Our Generall sent a Reply concerning his former offer, offering the same Condi∣tions again to all in the Town, Except the L^d. Goring, L^d. Capell, and Sir Charles Lucas.

Saturday 24. One of the Besiegeds Canoneers was killed. This day the Suffolk Forces advanced out of their own County, & took up their Quarters upon Mile-end, over against the North-gate, be∣ing about 2500 Horse and Foot, leaving a guard at Cattaway, and Nayland, to secure those passes.

Sunday 25. Nothing of importance.

Munday 26. A party of Col. Barksteeds Foot (the Besieged hav∣ing drawn out near the Almes-house) beat them from y^e Hedges, and from their Court of Guard, fired the Guard-house, and brought away the hour-glass by which they stood Centry.

Tuesday 27. A Trumpeter went in with the Lady Campions Ser∣vant, with a Letter to her husband for she did not beleeve he was slain.

Wednesday 28. Chewed & Poysoned Bulletts taken from severall of the Besieged. Affidavit made by those Souldiers of y^e Besieged who brought them out of Colchester, that they were given out by the Lord Gorings speciall Command. These Examinations were sent to y^e Lord Goring, with this Message from Our Generall, That his men should expect no Quarter hereafter, if they used such Bullets. This day early in the morning the Besieged, with a party of Horse, very boldly attempted our Horse Guards near S^t. Maries, shot a Scout, but were instantly beaten back.

Thursday 29. They killed some Hors & Foot of ours with their great Canon as they shot against our men, at y^e making of Col. Barksteeds Fort, fired the House which was lately S^r. Har∣bottle Grimstons, & at night fired M^r. Barringtons house, a party of the Besiegeds Horse advanced over the Bridge at East∣gate, where Ambuscadoes being laid for them by our Dragoon's, Lieut. Col. Hatcher, & divers other Officers & Souldiers of the Besieged, upon their hasty advance were slain: none on our part.

Friday 30. Exchange offered for Sir Will. Massam, but refused.

Saturday July 1. Col. Whaley possest Grinsted Church.

Sunday 2. Strong Guards kept that night to prevent the Besiegeds escape Northward, we having notice of their intention.

Monday 3. & Tuesday 4. Little of moment happened, except a Porter; or Chamberlain coming from the Bell in Gratious-street stole into the Town, with Intelligence of the Earl of-Hollands rais∣ing an Army in & about London for their relief.

Wednesday 5. The Besieged sallied out with a strong party,—Commanded by Sir George Lisle, surprised our Guard at East∣bridge, and gained two Drakes, but advanceing to y^e Main Guard were routed by Col. Whaleys horse, Commanded by Major Swal∣low; 19 slain on the place, the Drakes recovered, and our former ground also; Lieut. Col. Weston, Lieut. Col. Weeks, and 80 & odd prisoners were taken, most of them sore cut for shooting poy∣soned bullets (20 of them died the next day) On our part, we had slain Lieut. Col. Shambrooke, and some others of Col. Needhams Regiment, who were engaged, Capt. Moody on our side wounded & taken prisoner, and one Lieutenant & Ensign, & 40 private Sol∣diers of ours taken prisoners also.

Friday 7. Col. Scroop sent from the Leaguer by our Generall, with a Regiment of Horse, to engage the Forces under y^e Duke of Buckingham and Earl of Holland: got into a body to raise y^e Siege.

Saturday 8. News of Col. Rossiters routing the Pontefract Forces at Willoughby field, where 3 Troops of the Army were engaged, & many of the men wounded; Colonel Generall Sir Philip Mounc∣ton, Major Generall Biron, & divers Officers of quality taken pri∣soners by Colonell Rossiter.

Sunday 9. News of the Earl of Holland, and Duke of Burck∣inghams being routed in Surrey, & of the Lord Villiers being slaue by Sir Michael Leversey, & Major Gibbons, who Commanded a party of Horse of the Army.

Monday 10. Several of the Besieged came away to us; new•• came this day of the taking of 600 Horse in Northumberland, & of Sir Francis Ratcliff, Col. Tempest, Col. Grey, & other pri∣soners, taken by Col. Lilburn.

Tuesday 11. We had a Gunner & a Matrosse shot, as they were battering S^t. Maries steeple. News came this day of y^e Earl of Hollands being taken prisoner by Col. Scroop; & Sir Gilbert Gerrard, & others of quality, & that Col. Dalbeer was slain, and their whole force dispersed at S. Needs in Huntington shire.

The 12 & 13. Little of moment happened, only M^r. Iohn Ash∣burnham offered in exchange for Sir William Massam, but not accepted; and this day the messenger who came to Our Generall with a Letter of the taking of Waymer Castle in Kent, took his oppertunity, and carried it into Colchester to the Lord Goring, and took up arms there.

Friday 14. The new Battery being raised against S^t. Iohns, from the Lord Lucas house, 2 pieces of Canon plaid thence, made a breach in the wall: The Souldiers entred, fell on imme∣diately, drove the Besieged out of the first Court-yard into the second, & thence into y^e Gatehouse, and the same day a— strong party of Horse & Foot fell upon the Hieth, & stormed the Church, & took all the Guard therein prisoners, being about 70. and that night we possest our selves of the Hieth, & a great part of the Suburbs, which much troubled y^e Besieged: the Suffolk Foot did well in this service

Saturday 15. The Gate-house being a place very considera∣ble, & mighty advantagious for us. Our Generall resolved to storm the same, though it had a strong work before it; where∣upon 6 Souldiers, for 3 shillings a piece, undertook to throw in Granadoes, and 20 men to carry Ladders for half a Crown a piece, & a Commanded party of Foot to storm, led on by Major Bescoe, which accordingly they did as soon as 8 peice of Canon had given fire upon the Besieged, and the Granadoes did great execution the Ladders were placed with much ad∣vantage, the Besieged much dismaied, forced to quit ther—works, & flie into the Gate-house, one Granadoe kindled their Magazin, and blew up many of the Besieged, the rest were taken prisoners, and slain; the prisoners confest they were above a hundred in the Gate-house & work, and few of them could escape, 13 at one place were pulled out the next day from under the Rubbish. This night the Besieged indea∣voured to escape with their horse, Commanded by Sir Ber∣nard Gascoign, and past the River between the North-bridge & middle Mill, and had the Miller for their Guide, but y^e Miller when he came int othe Closes, ran away, and the Pioneers after him, and our Centinels giving fire, the Besieged retreated; The Suburbs was Fired in 6 or 7 places, which burnt in a most-dreadfull manner all night long, that the Town might be seen almost as well by night as by day, so great was the flame. And on Sunday the 16. other Streets were set on fire, with design to consume the whole Suburbs, but by the industry of the Inhabitants & Souldiers it was prevented. This day our Generall had certain Intelligence. That an Army of Scots under Duke Hamilton, had invaded the Kingdom & joyned the Cavaliers under Langdale.

Sunday 16. Our Generall sent a Summons again to Surren∣der the Town: The Lord Goring, Lord Capell, & Sir Char∣les Lucas joyntly returned Answer (in writing) under their hands to our Generall. That if the Trumpeter came any more with such a Summons, they would hand him up. The Condi∣tions then offered to the Souldiers, was. Liberty, and Passes to go to their severall homes, submitting to the Authority of Parliament.

Munday 17. Again more houses were fired towards y^e North street, & other places. This day our Generall had certain News brought him of the Surrender of Pembrook Town & Castle, Langhorn, and Poyer submitting their lives to mercy.

Tuesday 18. Their Horse again attempted to break through towards the North, but were beaten in again.

Wednesday 19. Seventeen of the Besieged this day came —over to us, and their Horse were all drawn this day into the Castle-yard, & a certain number out of every Troop was chosen to be killed; and there were told in the Castle Baily, 700 horse belonging to the Souldiers.

Thursday 20. They killed their horses; one Butcher ran away rather than he would do it. The Besieged at night drew out their Horse at 12 of the clock, and afterwards at 2 of the clock in the morning to escape, but our men were in such readiness they durst not advance.

Friday 21. News came of Captain Batten's Revolt to the Revolted Ships, deserting the Parliament, and turning to the King.

Saturday 22. Severall Souldiers ran from the Besieged, much complaining of their Diet in horse-flesh, & a Trumpeter was this day sent in again to expedite y^e Exchange of Sir Will^m. Massam, for M^r. Ashburnham, but y^e Besieged refused it, as also to admit of y^e exchange of the rest of y^e Committee, though they had Gentlemen of very good rank offered for them (quality for quality) in exchange.

Sunday 23. The Besieged roasted a horse near the North-bridge to make the Souldiers merry at y^e entrance into such Diet; this day our Generall had Intelligence of Col. Lamberts engagement with the Scots, near Appleby: where above 100 Scots were slain. Col. Harrison & others on our part wounded.

Munday 24. Nothing of moment.

Tuesday 25. The Besieged had a hot Alarm round the Town about 12 at night, and a partie in the meane time fired the Middle Mill, with the loss of three men, and cut off a sluce, but the fire did not take, so the design proved ineffectuall at that time; at the same time we shot 20 Arrows, (with papers of advertisement offered) into the Town, to undeceive the Souldiers; acquainting them with what Conditions were offered them, and shall still be made good unto them, if they come out: which coming to some of their knowledge above 200 came out by that day 7. night.

Wednesday 26. Nothing of moment.

Thursday 27. A Troop of the Lord Capells sallied out, and took 3 or 4 men as they were working upon the Line, near S^t. Botolphs, and wounded one miserably, being a Country Souldier & but a spectator.

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 28. 29. & 30. Nothing of moment.

Munday 31. In the night about 20 of them with Spades, 6 only having Muskets, past the first Centinell as friends, saying, they were come to make an end of the work where they wrought the night be∣fore, but were fired upon at the second guard, had a Lieutenant slain, and retreated, and took a Serjeant with them prisoner.

Tuesday August 1. A Cornet, Quartermaster, Corporall, and one Trooper came away with their horses.

Wednesday 2. & Thursday the third, there came severall Soul∣diers from the Besieged, much complayning of their ill diet with horseflesh, and said it was attended with Gentlewomen in white-Gownes & black hoods (meaning Maggots,) so that they could not eat it, & that it had brought many of them to the flux.

Monday August 7. Nothing of moment hapned: this day it was resolved at a full Counsell of War, to proceed by way of Appro∣aches in order to a Storm.

Friday 11. Nothing of note. This night 30 houses were burnt.

Tuesday 15. Many men came over this day from the Besieged, & the poorer sort of people began to rise for want of bread.

Wednesday 16. They rise in great Numbers, and come to the Lord-Gorings Quarters, some bringing their Children starved to death, they crying out so long as Horseflesh, Dogs, and Cats were to be had, they did not complain. This day the Mayor of Colchester sent a Letter to the Gen. That the Inhabitants might come out, for that they had no provision, it being all seised by the Souldiers. Our Generall returned answer, He pittied their condition, but to grant that, was to make the Town hold out longer, and did not stand with his trust to permit it. This day we had the news of the killing & dispersing the Princes forces by some Horse and Foot of the Army, com∣manded by Col. Rich, near Deale; and also of the regaining of Tin∣mouth Castle by Sir Arthur Haselrigg.

Thursday 17. The Lord Goring, Lord Capell, and Sir Charles Lu∣cas, who before threatned to hang our Trumpeter if he came any more with a Message for a Party, desired Our Generall they might send to the Kings Forces, and if they had not relief within 20 days, they would then Treat. Answer was returned by Our Gen. that he hop'd in much less time than 20 days, to have the Town without Treaty. All things are preparing in Order to a storm.

Friday 18. No action but preparation for storm.

Saturday 19. The Besieged sent for a Treaty to surrender.

Sunday 20. The Generall returned an answer to their offer for a Treaty, That all Souldiers & Officers under the degree of a Captain, (excepting such as have deserted the Army since the 10 of May last) shall have Passes to go to their severall homes; and all Captaines, and Superior Officers, with Lords, and Gentlemen to mercie.

Munday 21. The Besieged turned out of the Town in the night, ma∣ny men, women, & children, but the next morning took them in a∣gain.

Tuesday 22. The Besieged sent out Major Sheffield one of the Com∣mittee that was prisoner in Colchester, that they would surrender upon honourable conditions, and desire to know the meaning of y^e word mercie. This day the news of routing the Scotsh army came, which we sent into the Town.