The yeare of jubile: or, Englands releasment, purchased by Gods immediate assistance, and powerfull aiding of her renowmed Parliament and the forces raised by them

THE YEARE OF JUBILE: The first Book.

CHAP. I. Sir Thomas Fairfax, Generall of the Forces raised by the Parliament of England, for the Defence of the true Religion, the safety of His Majesties Person, the Priviledge of Parliaments, and Liberty of the Sub∣ject, overthroweth and totally routeth the Royall Ar∣my at Knasby, in Northamptonshire, taketh in Leicester, relieveth the distressed Town of Taun∣ton, beleagured by the Kings Forces, and taketh the Town of Bridgwater; by a desperate storm.

IT was an excellent, and true saying of an Ancient and Pious Father, That the pleasing aspects, and allurements of prosperity, ruines more men then, then the frowns and storms of Adversity; Which Adage I pray the Almighty, prove not authen∣tick by us, and that having by Gods assistance, overthrowne;

and almost totally touted and subdued the common enemy we should at last jarr with our selves and give our enemies cause to rejoyce, that what they could not performe with all machina∣tions and strength wee should doe for them, and sheath our swords in our own bowels. I greatly feare the Almighty hath not yet done with us, and without doubt the enemies hand is deep in our daily distractions, whence else arise our hourely di∣sturbances, why else are blown abroad so many rumours—the contents whereof, are destructive to our proceedings, let us pray continually, and with fervency to God, to guide and strengthen the hearts of the Parliament, to aid and further their proceedings, and to bring to passe the work they intend, which will be for the advancement of his glory, the setling of his Truth, and the honour and welfare of his Majesty, would hee be pleased, with them to concur, in the meane time that the Faithfull may have cause to rejoyce, and the wicked and mali∣cious, either converted or confounded in heart, by reading and hearing the great works, that God hath wrought for his peo∣ple: and that but in the compasse of one yeare, I shall proceed to set down in order, the wonderfull victories, unparalleld At∣chievements, and unequald proceedings of the right valiant Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax, from Nasby fight, which was June 14, 1645, till late sitting down before Oxford, May the second, 1646.

BOth Armies being set in Battail array in a great field neet Nasby, both sides very strong and numerous and very ea∣ger of fight; in so much that they had not patience to play their Canon, but charged speedily, and with great Resolution.

The Generall of his Majesties Horse, that fatall Firebrand to this Isle, Prince Rupert commanded at least two thousand Horse more then Sir Thomas could make, the Dragoons gave the onset; flanking the right wing of the enemies horse, as they charged Sir Thomas his right Wing, the foot were commanded not to charge till they came within twelve paces of one ano∣ther, they having charged twice came to push of pike, the ene∣mies

foot gave back, and then the right wing, wherein Sir Thomas himselfe was charged, in the Flanke of the Blew Re∣giment, of the foot of the enemie, who fought resolutely, most of them slain, some few of them surrounded and taken, at this the horse and foot of the enemie gave back, and the Generall after one charge more became Master of the Infantry, and took three thousand prisoners, the enemies horse fled, while the King was heard to call after them, saying, Face about once more, and give one change more, and recover the day, but they would not harken to his exhortation, but like men feare dampt from hea∣ven fled apace, Lievtenant Generall Crumwell having them in pursuit twelve miles, the gallantry of those three faithfull Com∣manders, Sir Thomas Fairfax, Lieutenant Generall Crum∣wel, 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 priso∣ners taken first and last, were in all 4000, with many thousands of Armes, the Kings own Pistoll where with he a 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 bag∣gage, 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 Clemen∣cy, with divers other very gallant expressions to the summons, to advertise them how much better it was for them to surren∣der, then to force him to take it by storming.

To this summons the Enemy sent a negative Answer, posi∣tively this, that they would not surrender it; whereupon Sir Tho∣mas 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 Ord∣nance and playd with our Peeces against the Towne, we stor∣med 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 Ga∣rison 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 him∣selfe with Pittars, Carts, Hay, Granadoes. Ladders, and other things necessary for storming; resolving to fall on at their re∣turne, 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 Collo∣nels, 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 afore∣said, 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 Lei∣cester 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 Lei∣cester 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 Leice∣ster 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 joy∣full that poore Towne of Leicester was at the hea∣ring 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 as∣cribe it to any but to the hand of God Almighty, 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 Ge∣nerall 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 Lei∣cester, 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 re∣freshed his Army, with some few dayes rest, resolved for to re∣lieve 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 Dor∣chester, 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 in∣tended, 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 hea∣ring of their approach, raised their siege, and departed from be∣fore 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 advan∣ced 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 Com∣pany 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 resolute∣ly 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 Gra∣nadoes 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 re∣turn any answer, whereupon the Generall commanded to storme on this side, the morrow morning that valiant and ex∣perienced 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 wo∣men and children come forth of the Town, which was accor∣dingly 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 run∣ning 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 an∣swer, that the last night he proffered to treat with the Gover∣nour, 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 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 se∣lected persons with Petitions to His Majesty and the Houses of Parliament, the routing of Goring by Sir Thomas Fairfax Forces neer Langport in So∣mersetshire, the Contents of the Club-mens Peti∣tion.

AFter the gaining of Bridgwater, Sir Thomas after se∣verall marches, came to Dorchester, where being ari∣ved, 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 ••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 ••ide, either of the Kings or Parliaments, they wore white ri∣bands in their hats, with PEACE and TRUTH inter∣woven, they were Armed, some with Muskets, some with Forks and Staves, and some with Clubs: Their names, b ori∣ginall, or rather as c one wittily and truly saith Knaves of Clubs, to the generall Master Hollis, the chiefe speaker decla∣red his businesse, which was to procure a passe from him, for d persons selected to goe to the King and Parliament with Petitions, After some debate the Generall returned this An∣swer.

Although the paper brought to me, being not subscribed, cannot challenge a return, yet to clear my selfe from any avers∣nesse

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 establish∣ment of a firme and happie Peace, by opposing the enemies thereof, and that I shall be ready so far as concerns me, to fur∣ther 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 I∣rish.

It is further desired, that the Garrisons in these parts where∣of 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 Soul∣diers, to disband and return to their own homes, if they desire 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 grie∣vance of the Countrey by plunder and violence, committed ei∣ther by Garrisons or Armies, I doe hereby promise and under∣take, 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 regu∣lated according to any reasonable agreement with the County, and without doubt the Parliament wil cause them to be slight∣ed, 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 al∣ready 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 assem∣bling 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 incom∣parable, and fit to undergo so great a Task as our famous Ge∣nerall doth, Who not onely by valour quelleth and pasheth to pie∣ces the strength of the Enemy, but also by his Prudence, appeaseth and mitigateth the fury of some, that spurs on by their own rash∣nesse, after to do things inconvenient and destructive to them∣selves: This I am constrained to say, in reference, to the mode∣rate, free and ingenious answer Sir Thomas sent the Club-men.

AFter the Dispatch of Master Hollis, the Generall advan∣ced, and after some marches; not without apposition, came to long Sutton in Somersetshire, where being ari∣ved, 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 Gene∣rall 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 char∣ged Major Bethel, gave the onset, his first charge routed them, 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 ta∣ken 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 con∣trived 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 Pro∣testants and peaceable Subjects, of the County of Dor∣set, Somerset, and Wiltshire, beholding with unex∣pressable 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 Com∣mons, that our so long and so much tottering Kingdom, may speedily be reposed upon her sinne foundation, which we con∣ceive 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 du∣ly elected to this Parliament, and do yet survive, as others who ought to be selected thither made void by death, your Maje∣sties 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 in∣flamed 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 Sophi∣stry) 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 re∣mayned, 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 Ho∣nourable Lords and Commons, that for the speedy Integrati∣on, 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 Honoura∣ble Lords and Commons to send, they unto your Majesty, and your Majesty to them, your severall, that is to say, your Maje∣sties 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-sway∣ing Power of the Royall Party) either the onely spot p of Eng∣land, 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 Com∣mons, untill wee may see that happy day q 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 e∣quall and inferiour Countrimen, for the sweet and necessary condiscention for all that have been in arms, or otherwise assi∣stant 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 wor∣ship (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 blou∣dy, 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 Maje∣sty, and the said Honourable Lords and Commons, and to put our selv•••• 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 capaci∣ties, 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 ho∣nourable House of Commons, in a full and free, which cannot be, but an happie Parliament.

Thus far the Author of this malevolent Petition, which be∣cause I have already somwhat canvased, and all wise men read∣ing 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 entertain∣ment at Huntington, and of the carriage of his Ar∣mie there.

HIS Excellencie the Parliaments Generall, intending the reducement of Bristol, a Town of great concern∣ment, after some dayes easie march, ariving neer 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 Sher∣born, to block it up, at least til time and ability served to pro∣ceed more violently against it, he therefore appointed Collo∣nel 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 har∣bour 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, comman∣ded by Col. Rich and two Troops of Dragoons with Col. O∣key, 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 encoun∣tring 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, condi∣tionally, 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 com∣ming 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 Tray∣tors and Rebels, commeth as in Progresse into Huntington∣shire, though in truth to levy force, and to borrow or to take summes of money, of which he was in much want, and com∣ming 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 congra∣tulate 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 Ma∣sty with a great sum of their extorted money, who, whether misdoubting their fidelity, or some great ones about him splee∣ning 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 bil∣let 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 fre∣quently 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 Hun∣tington, plundered by them, without distinction or exception of any, carrying with them many known Royallists as Priso∣ners, for that they denied those sums of money, which their un∣conscionable and uncharitable selves demanded, so that it is, or 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 Sher∣born, 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 Soul∣diers, 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 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 re∣fusall; 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 Soul∣diers, the Generall commanded for a storme, the Souldiers re∣solutely 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 Ene∣mies 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 Colo∣nell 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, where∣upon the Generall sent a strong party of Horse, commanded by Colonell Fleetwood, to apprehend them, who accordingly com∣ming 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 morn∣ing 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 be∣ing on his march towards Shaftsbury, they might descry fly∣ing 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, where∣upon their Leader one Newman descending the hill, said, that the reason of the meeting was to know where they had dispo∣sed 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 occasio∣ners

and stirrers up of Commotions and unlawfull Assemblies destructive to the peace and safety of the Kingdom, Mr. New∣man 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 con∣ference 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 accu∣sations 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 Gene∣rall with his party set forward to Hamilton, still neere Strawton, on this hill were assembled a numerous multi∣tude 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 difficul∣ty 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 more∣over 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 Mar••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 Ci∣ty. Ruperts Entertainment at Oxford.

THe victorious Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax being 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 po∣tency of the Foe, and the strength of the works, and knowing to too well the pittilesse and implacable inclination of the Go∣vernour, 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 relati∣on to the Crown of England, your honour, courage, and fide∣lity, 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 mis∣led 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 peo∣ple, 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 endea∣vour of the Parlioment: Note, and to bring those wicked In∣struments 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, notwith∣standing, 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 re∣storing 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 wilful∣nesse, 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 Parlia∣ments 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 Fa∣mily, 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 re∣liefe from the King, would not return an answer as was requi∣red, but sent some Propositions to the Generall, the most es∣sentiall 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 Lievte∣nant, the Lievtenant to go before with five files, the Captain to second him with other seven files, the 200 men that are appoin∣ted to second the storm to furnish each party of them, 20 Pioners who are to march in their rear, the 200 men to be commanded each by a field Officer, and the Pioners each by a Serjeant. The manner of the storme being thus contrived, the Generall to in∣courage and animate the Souldiers, saw the Commissioners pay to each of them six shillings, which they accepted very thank∣fully. Tuesday, September 9, at twelve of the clock at night, all the Armie Horse and Foot surrounded the City to fall on, at two of the clock in the morning the storme began and for a while on both sides many fell, the one party striving with their utmost might to enter, and the other to repell them: Major Rainsborough's Brigade that stormed the P••iors Fort, by rea∣son of the unnecessiblenesse of the place spent neer three how∣ers in desperate sight, but at length maugre their enemies they wan it, and entering the fort cut in pieces the Souldiers, gi∣ving no Quarter to Major Price, and became Master of the Town, that Brigade under Collonel Welden fell on on Somer∣setshire side, but their ladders being set to the works proved too short and unserviceable, so they onely gave the enemie a sound

Alarme: The losse of men on Sir Thomas his part, was not in all above forty. Collonel Taylor wounded mortally, Captain Ireton sore wounded: Prince Rupert seeing this, with some force tooke the Castle for shelter, against which the Generall planted his Ordnance, intending to batter, when loe the Prince sent out for a parley, which the Generall accepted, and after some few howers these Articles were produced.

1 THat his Highnesse Prince Rupert, and all Noblemen, Commanders, Officers, Gentle∣men and Souldiers and all other persons whatsoever now residing in the City of Bristoll, the Castle and Forts thereof, shall march out of the said Ci∣ty, Castle and Forts, with Colours, Pikes and Drums, Bag and Baggage, the Prince his Highnesse, all Noble∣men, Gentlemen and Officers in Commission, with their Horse and Arms, and the servants with their horses and swords, and common souldiess, with their swords: the Prince his Life-guard of Horse, with their Horse and Arms, and two hundred and fifty Horse, to be disposed by the Prince, and his Life-guard of Fire-locks, with their Arms, and each of them one pound of Powder, and a proportion of bullet, and that none of the persons that are to march out on this Article, be plundered, searched or molested.

2 That such Officers and Souldiers, as shall be left sick or wounded, in the City, Castle, or Forts, and shall have liberty to stay till their recovery, and then to have safe conduct to go to his Majesty.

3 That the persons above-mentioned, who are to march away have a sufficient convoy provided for them, to any such Garison of the Kings as the Prince shall

name, not exceeding fifty miles from Bristoll, and shall have eight days allowed for their march thither, and shall have free Quarter allowed them by the way.

4 That all the Citizens of Bristoll, all Noblemen, Gentlemen, Clergy-men, and all other persons residing in the said City and Suburbs of the same, shall be saved from all plunder and violence.

5 That in consideration hereof the City of Bristoll, the Castle and all other Forts thereof without any sligh∣ting or defacing thereof, and that all the Arms, Ammu∣nition, and all other provisions of War, except what is before allowed, be delivered up to his Ezcellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, without any diminution or imbezel∣iuent: his Highnesse Prince Rupert then naming to what Army or Garison of the Kings he will march.

6 That sufficient Hostages be given to Sir Tho∣mas Fairfax, such as he shall approve who are to remain with him till the City be surrendred.

7 That upon the delivering of the Town sufficient Hostages be given for the performance of the Articles on both sides.

Signed by us the Commissioners, in the behalf of Prince Rupert,

John Min, William Tillyer, William Vavasor.

Signed by us the Commissioners in the behalf of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax;

Edward Mountague.

Thomas Rainsborough.

John Pickering.

Turn over all the volumes of Histories, reciting the Battails, besiegings, and gainings of Towns by storme, and see if it be•• recorded in any one place, that so strong a City, manned by so powerfull and numerous an enemie, hath been taken by as∣sault, with the losse of so few, and so small a number of men, as this famous City was: and what is more to be admired, the Prince and his Souldiers were provided within with all sorts of necessaries, accommodated also for the defensive, with forti∣fications of the best sort victuals in abundance, foure score or an hundred run of beer bread sufficient for an hundred thou∣sand men a day, and in a word, all things abling a people to hold out a long siege, but it was the Lord, the Lord God of Hosts, strong and above all, that strengthened the one party, and disheartned the other.

The Prince made choice of Oxford for his refuge Garison, where being arived, he was entertained with slow regreet, the King not vouchsafing to see him, and what was surely to him unlookt for, confined him to his chamber, and it was motioned by some Lords neer his Majesty, that he should be tryed and examined by a Counsell of War, why and upon what termes he so easily surrendred Bristol, some said, fear and timerousness of heart made him yeeld up, others judged that gold had cor∣rupted him, and that he plaid Legerdimain, receiving a sum of money to surrender the Town, but all concluded that through his proper default was occasioned that great and weighty losse, but the King, contrary to the minds and Counsell of his Lords, accepted him again to grace and favour.

The end of the first Book.

Notes

• a

  Against those that love his Weal.
• Bridgwater taken.
• b

  Clubmen.
• c

  Britanicus.
• d

  These to the King. Doctor Henry Gotch. Mr. Tho: Brow∣all a Divine. Iohn Saint Loe. Peter Hoskins, Esquire. M. Tho: Young Attourney. M. Robert Paw¦let to the Par∣liament. Mr. Melchise∣deck woltham. M. Rich: Hook, Divines. Tho. Trenchard Rob: Culliford, ••squires. George Hawles, Rich. Newman, Gentlemen.
• An unreasona∣ble request.
• Goring routed.
• The Club∣mens Petition
• p

  Explain your meaning.
• ☞
• q

  Wil your in∣famous sediti∣on, and un∣lawfull rising produce it.
• Sherburn Ca∣stle blocked up
• What the Ca∣valiers fight for.
• Sir Thomas layeth siege to Bristoll.
• ☞
• ☞
• Bristoll stor∣med.