A Briefe and exact relation of the most materiall and remarkeable passages that hapned in the late well-formed (and as valiently defended) seige laid before the city of Glocester collected by John Dorney, Esquire, towne-clarke of the said city, who was there resident the whole siege and appled himselfe wholy to this businesse. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A36362 of text R5248 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing D1931). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 55 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 10 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A36362 Wing D1931 ESTC R5248 12138489 ocm 12138489 54821 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A36362) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 54821) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 92:10 or 239:E67, no 31) A Briefe and exact relation of the most materiall and remarkeable passages that hapned in the late well-formed (and as valiently defended) seige laid before the city of Glocester collected by John Dorney, Esquire, towne-clarke of the said city, who was there resident the whole siege and appled himselfe wholy to this businesse. Dorney, John, b. 1604 or 5. [2], 17 p. Printed for Thomas Vnderhill ..., London : 1643. "Published by authority, and entred into the Stationers Hall-Booke according to order" Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library. eng Gloucester (England) -- History -- Siege, 1643. A36362 R5248 (Wing D1931). civilwar no A briefe and exact relation of the most materiall and remarkeable passages that hapned in the late well-formed (and as valiently defended) s [no entry] 1643 9604 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 B The rate of 1 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 2006-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-01 Celeste Ng Sampled and proofread 2007-01 Celeste Ng Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A BRIEFE AND EXACT RELATION OF THE Most Materiall and Remarkeable Passages that hapned in the late well-formed ( and as valiently defended ) Seige laid before the City of GLOCESTER . Collected by John Dorney Esquire , Towne-clarke of the said City , who was there resident the whole Siege , and applied himselfe wholy to this businesse . Published by Authority , and entred into the Stationers Hall-Booke according to Order . LONDON , Printed for Thomas Vnderhill at the signe of the Bible in Wood-streete , M. DC . XLIII . A Briefe and exact Diurnall , Containing the most materiall and Remarkeable passages that happened in the late well formed Siege laid before the City of GLOUCESTER . AFter the unexpected surrender of Bristoll , the City of Gloucester was assaulted with severall Letters , Messages , and such verball solicitations , by divers in the Kings Army of no meane quality , thereby pretending our good , and expressions of their love and care of us , but really intending their own sinister ends and our destruction . Amongst the rest , there came a Letter on Friday , August 4. dated August 3. from a Captaine of a Troope of Horse in the Kings Army , to Mr. Alderman Pury , one of the Burgesses of the Parliament for this City , full of perswasive oratory for the yeelding up of this City , with great promises as heretofore of preferment , and braggs of the greatnesse of the Army that was then on their march coming against us , viz. All Prince Ruperts Forces , from Bristoll , with addition of 1500. armed Welch , and 2000 Club-men out of Wales , and Armes sufficient to arme them from Bristoll , 800 Foote with a Regimenent of Horse from Worcester , and 5000 Foote with a Brigado of Horse of the Queenes Forces from Oxford , and if he would send an answer , it must be by the Sunday-night following or not at all : But Mr. Alderman Pury ( whose fidelity is sufficiently known to be so firme to the Parliament , that it is not to be shaken by promises or threats ) thinking it not worthy of , so accordingly sent no answer . Saturday , August 5. We received intelligence , that about 2000 Horse from Bristoll were advanced within 10 mile of this City , whereupon severall messengers were dispatched to the Parliament . Sunday , August 6. Generall Garret faced this City with his Brigado of Horse in Tredworth-Field , and sent a Trumpeter to the Governour for 4 Horses of his formerly taken by a party of ours in Cotswold , for which he offered others in exchange for them , or any other satisfaction . In the After-noone , a small party of Horse and Foote commanded by Captaine Blunt , and assisted by Lieutenant Colonell Matthewes , Captaine White , Captaine Pury the younger , and Captaine Lieutenant Harcus issued forth of the North-gate , and at Wotton tooke about 10 Prisoners , and sending home the Foote , the said Captaines with the few Horse they had , went along to Vpton , St. Leonards , and thence to the foote of Painswickes-Hill , on the top of which they discovered a party of the enemies Horse , and so going round about by Matson , they retreated without the losse or hurt of any . This day we wrought hard in the amending and repairing of our Bulwarkes . Munday , August 7. Newes came to Captaine Pury the younger to Gloucester , That the enemy was plundering at Tuffleigh , about a mile and halfe from Gloucester , nowly assigned for his Quarters for the billeting of his Souldiers , who thereupon acquainted Captaine Evans therewith , resolving to take what men of theirs they could on the suddaine get to surprize the enemy ; But being come thither , assisted with Lieutenant Pierce , they understood that they were gone away with their plunder to Mr. Woods house at Brockthroppe , about a mile and a halfe further : They thereupon ( having not above 40 Foote , and some few of Captaine Backhouses horse ) left some few Foote to secure their retreat , and with the rest marched forward to meete with the enemy , skirmished with them , compelled them to take refuge in the house , killed one in the Orchard , and hurt or killed others in the house , and tooke one prisoner , and 7 Horses : But perceiving a party of Horse , that looked on on the hill all the while , to make towards them , they were forced to retreat without any losse , only one through his own indiscretion taken prisoner . As they were just at the Townes-end , they met with the Governour and a party of Musketteers coming to their rescue , newes being brought to Towne that they were in danger of being cut off . Tuesday , August 8. We understood that the King with all the Foote from Bristoll , and carriages were come to Berkeley , and that they intended to speed their march towards us . Wednesday , August 9. We had intelligence that provision was made for the entertainement of his Majesty at Princknedge , in the Lady Bridgemans house , about 3 miles off the City , and that the Foote and carriages would be there that night : we likewise received intelligence , that the Lord Chando's that day dined at Brockworth , at the Guises there , whereupon a party went out of the North-gate towards Barnewood , skirmished with the enemy , and did some execution upon them , and amongst the rest a little boy of Captaine Nelmes Company , having shot away all his Bullets , charged his musket with a pebble stone , and killed a Commander therewith , we retreated without any losse at all . Thursday , August 10. His Majesty with about 6000 Horse and Foote as we conceived , the Welch & Worcester Forces coming after , faced us in Tredworth Field , at the foote of Ribinhoods-hill , about a quarter of a mile off the Towne ; & about 2000 Horse more , faced us in Walham , within Canon-shot at randome of our workes . Towards the afternoone his Majesty sent a message by 2 Heraulds at Armes , whereof the one being Somerses Herald , read the message at the Talsey as followeth . Out of our tender compassion to our City of Glocester , and that it may net receive prejudice by our Army , which we cannot prevent , if we be compelled to assault it ; we are personally come before it to require the same , and are gratiously pleased to let all the inhabitants of and all other persons within that City , as well Souldiers as others know , that if they shall immediately submit themselves and deliver this City to us , we are contented freely and absolutely to pardon every one of them , without exception : And doe assure them in the word of a King , that they nor any of them shall receive the least damage or prejudice by our Army in their persons or estates : But that we will appoint such a Governour and a moderate Garison to reside there , as shall be both for the ease and security of that City , and that whole County . But if they shall neglect this offer of grace and favour , and compell us by the power of our Army to reduce that place ( which by the helpe of God , we doubt not , we shall easily and shortly be able to doe ) they must thanke themselves for all the calamities and miseries that must befall them . To this message we expect a cleere and positive answer within 2 houres after the publishing hereof , and by these presents doe give leave to any persons , safely to repaire to and returne from us , whom that City shall desire to imploy unto us in that businesse . And doe require all the Officers and Souldiers of our Army , quietly to suffer them to passe accordingly . The Herald mentioned the publishing of this message openly in the streete , but his Majesty by his message not requiring the same , the Governour would no wayes permit it . But the Heralds being withdrawne , after some debate in satisfying Mr. Major scruples touching his Oath of Majoralty , an answer was drawne , and unanimously agreed unto both by Citizens and Souldiers in these words following . We the Inhabitants , Magistrates , Officers and Souldiers within this Garrison of Gloucester , unto his Majesties gracious message , returne this humble answer . That we doe keepe this City according to our Oathes and Allegiance , to and for the use of his Majesty and his Royall posterity , and doe accordingly conceive our selves wholy bound to obey the commands of his Majesty , signified by both Houses of Parliament , and are resolved by Gods helpe to keepe this City accordingly . This answer was immediately sent to his Majesty , ( who was by that time come to Tredworth-Field , attended by Prince Charles , the Duke of Yorke , Prince Rupert , Lord Generall Ruthen , &c. ) by Serjeant Major Pudsey , and a Citizen who accordingly presented the same and so returned . Thereupon his Majesties Forces advanced forward into our suburbs , chiefely on the east-part into Barton-streete , where we killed a Commander from the East-gate : But the houses proved too hot for such inhabitants , for we had after the returne of our messengers , fired all our suburbs on the North-east and South parts , as being those that could and would have done us most harme : yet one Issolds house in Barton-streete ( by reason of a garden betwixt that and the next above ) tooke not fire , so that the enemy played from thence with Musket-shot against us , till we by 5 or 6 Canon-shot from the walles , forced them to quit that place , Our Canon likewise from the Pen upon the West-gate , discharged upon the body of Horse in Walham , and doing some small execution there , made them goe seeke better quarters . Our Women and Maides wrought all this after-noone in the little meade out of our workes in the very faces of those houses , in fetching in Turfe for the repairing of our workes : we were forced now through want of men for the guarding of the City it selfe ( we being not above 1400 at most ) to quit our out-guards of the Wine-yard , and the two Sconces we had formerly made at each corner of the Isle of Alney for the securing thereof and the River of Seaverne . Friday , August 11. Upon breake of day we discovered that the enemy had the night before begun their entrenchments in Gawdy Greene , on the South-part of the City , and about Issolds house on the East part , both within lesse then Musket-shot of our walles . They had likewise cut the Pipes that conveied our water from Robinhoods-hill to our Conduits , and diverted the course of water that drove our Corne-mills , so that we were forced to content our selves with Pumpe and Seaverne water , and to grind our Corne with Horse-mills . Their Pioneeres plied their workes in their trenches , the Musketteeres on both sides playing hard , we lost only a boy and a girle through their indiscretion gazing over the walles . The Welsh Forces under Sr. William Vavasor advanced to the Wine-yard , where after 2 houres solemnity , they with great valour tooke it , no body being there to make a shot against them . Yet upon their entry of the outward worke , when they saw another within , they according to their knowne prowesse , immediately ran out , yet taking heart againe , they at last to their eternall glory tooke it . Upon their drawing up on the side of the hill , our Demeculverin discharged from the Pen fell amongst them and did good execution ; we discovered them through our prospectives carrying away their dead or maimed , and afterwards divers gazing where the Bullet grazed that durst adventure so farre to kill her nowne Cozens and Countrymen . Among this crew had that treacherous Adams , once a Lieutenant Colonell under Sir William Waller , placed himselfe . They about 2 dayes afterwards leaving a sufficient guard at the Wine-yard and the Sconse by Maysemore , made a Bridge of Boats there , and joyned with the Forces that had now newly come from Worcester and quartered on the North west side of the City , at Longford and the Kingsholme , where they made their leagure in two fields there about , lesse then halfe a mile off us . The Lord Generall Ruthen had placed his leagure at some grounds behind Lanthony , within a quarter of a mile of the Towne , it being somewhat sheltered from our shot by a rising ground that lay betweene , yet our shot hapned sometime amongst them and did some execution . There their Lord Generall pitched his Tent , and Sir Jacob Ashley quartered at Mr. Woods house in Barton-streete : Captaine Lieutenant Harcus , assisted by Colonell Stevens Ensigne , at midnight issued forth of the South part , with a small party , beat the enemy from their trenches , and brought away many of their Shovels and Pickaxes . The same night the enemy making an approach in Barton-street , our Canon from the East-gate killed 6 of them , whereof one was a Lieutenant Colonell , and another a Captaine of the Queenes black Regiment under Colonell Blackwell , Sir Jacob Ashley was then shot in the arme . The enemy likewise advancing somewhat from Lanthony toward the Barbican , our guards there fired upon them and killed and wounded many of them , as we have received information by divers confessions . August 12. Saterday . In the forenoon a party commanded by Captaine Leivetenant Harcus sallied forth through a door we made for that purpose in a brick-house adjoyning to the towne wall on the South East part over against Rignall stile ( making a bridge of Ladders over the moat ) and fell into the enemies trenches in Gawdy Green , beat them out , gained some working tooles , Arms and Prisoners , and retreated without losse of any , onely two wounded . This was a hot skirmish for the space of halfe an houre . In the afternoon a party of about 150. Musketteers commanded by Captain Gray sallied forth over the works at the little Mead , and fell upon the enemies quarters at the Kingsholme , marched up to their Main-guard , there killed Captain Rumney , and about 8. or 9. common souldiers , took 5. prisoners , and divers Armes , burnt their Main-guard , and houses they quartered in , and retreated without the losse of any . These were the Worcester Forces with whom the Welsh had not yet joyned . The same afternoon after our retreat the enemie had planted two great Culverins of between 15. and 16. pound bullet at the East side out of Musket shot point blanke , with which they made some store of shot , intending to batter the Town-wall , but did no harm , although many fell into the Town . They then likewise began the making of a redoubt in a field neer Lanthony towards Severn , making a breast-work from it to Lanthony wall crosse the causey . And we perceiving by their Canon Baskets they placed in their Square redoubt in Gawdy Green that they intended a battery there , began the lining of our Towne wall from the South to the East gate , which we shortly after perfected ; That night the enemy shot severall great Granadoes out of their Morter pieces , they all brake , but did no harme ; we have since received intelligence from some that were the whole Leaguer in the Kings Army , that their biggest Morter-piece brake at the first discharging of it , they say the biggest in England . Sunday , August 13. The Enemy having planted three pieces of Ordnance on their battery at Gawdy Green of 15. and 23 lb. bullet weight , began to batter the wall and brick-house over against Rignall stile , killed one of our men ( no souldier ) in the said Brick-house , as he was peeping there , but did no other harm . This day we began the blocking up of the South port , making a damme of earth against the draw bridge , and a breast-work Canon proofe against the wall reaching from the draw bridge to the gate , and lining the houses on each side , and the Almes-house between the gate and draw-bridge with earth . Munday , August 14. We had some suspition and kind of intelligence that they were drawing Ordnance to the Kingshome ; And that it lay in some grounds undiscovered between the North gate and the Margarets ; wherupon a party of about 150. Musketteers commanded by Captaine Mallery sallied forth of the North port to surprize it , but not finding any , retreated , without losse , but killed four of the enemies , and took two prisoners , and fired some of their quarters at the Margarets . This day the enemy played with their Ordnance from Gawdy Green , and battered the Town wall on the South-side of the Fryers Orchard , but we quickly made up the breach with wool-sackes and Canon Baskets . By this time they had drawne their trench in Gawdy Green neer the meat at Rignall stile , where they made a kind of Mine to drain the moat , which much sunk the water of the moat between the South and East ports . Tuesday , 15. August . The enemy removed their tents and carriages to their Leaguer neer Lanthony . And in the afternoon valiant Iames Harcus , Captain Lievetenant to the Earl of Stamford was slaine in the Fryars Orchard , as he was too venterously looking what execution a Granado had done , which he then threw into the enemies trenches . Wednesday , 16. August . About 150. Musketteers commanded by Captain Crispe sallied forth at the North port , and fell upon the enemies trenches upon the East side of the Friars Orchard , killed above 100. men ( as is confessed by some of the enemies themselves ) wounded many , beat them out of their trenches , took some Spades , Shovels , and Arms , and retreated without the losse of any , only two wounded after an exceeding hot skirmish for the space of halfe an hour or more , the Canon and Muskets on both sides playing most furiously . Amongst others a Serjeant and Corporall of Captaine Nelmes Company were observed to behave themselves very bravely . The enemie began this day to intrench between Barton street and the Fryars Barne , within musket shot of the wals . And we imployed some time in lining of the house adjoyning to the North gate with earth , and in amending and strengthening the works about the Fryars Barne . Thursday , 17. August . The enemy shot divers Granadoes out of their battery in Gawdy Green into the Towne ; whereof about four fell upon some houses and brake into them , but ( by Gods providence ) did no harme , and one fell into the street neer the South gate , but a woman coming by with a payle of water , threw the water thereon , and extinguished the phuse thereof , so that it did not break , but was taken up whole : it weighed 60. pound weight . This night the enemy made divers alarmes about the City , and our Ordnance and Muskettiers plaid hard against them . They then likewise brought fagots and the like to the moate by the Fryars Orchard , but were beaten off by our musketteers from the wals . This day a printed paper conteyning the Kings Message and our Answer thereunto was sent out of the Kings Army , unto M. Alderman Pury , with a perswasive Letter for the surrendring up of the Citie the close of which printed paper runs thus , Let the world now judge if his Majestie could have sent a more gratious Message to his most loyall Subjects , and whether these desperate Rebels deserve any mercy , who after so many Offers do still refuse a pardon : but since their returning this rebellious answer they have set their own suburbs on fire ; which surely is not to keep the City either for King or Parliament . Printed at Oxford , &c. At the same time there was also sent unto him certain specious considerations and reasons subtilly composed , tending to satisfie Conscience in the delivering up of the Citie not withstanding the late Oath and Protestation , wherewith all the said Capt. Pury being not convinced , did not divulge the same till after the siege was raised . Friday , 18. August . The enemy played with their Ordnance at Gawdy Green upon the wall on the South side of the Fryars Orchard , but did small hurt thereunto . They having likewise ( after the conjunction of the Welsh with the Worcester Forces ) drawn 4. pieces of Ordnance to the Kingsholme , one whereof they planted against the Awnyate , and the sconces thereunto adjoyning . A partie of about 400. Muskettiers commanded by Major Pudsey , and Captain Gray assisted by Captain Faulkner , and Captain Massie , sallied forth of the North gate , being led by one Weaver , a stout fellow of Captain Pury the youngers Company as their guide , and having sent Lieutenant Pincocke with about 50 Musketteers over the workes at the little meade to give them an alarme , who advancing up to their Canon ( that made but one shot against them , ) in the mean while they got behind their Canon and brestwork there , and fell upon their maine-guard , killed divers of their Officers , and two Canoneers , with about 100 Common Souldiers mortally wounded , Captain Basset with divers others , took Lieutenant Tipper and about 4 others prisoners , nailed their Canon and retreated without other losse then 2 killed , and about 4 taken prisoners . Saturday , August 19. The enemy having planted 3 peeces of Ordinance at Gawdy greene as afore said , and now 3 more on the East side of the Fryars Orchard neare Rignall stile , within lesse then Pistoll-shot of the Town-wall , and 2 more in another Battery neare the East-gate . They began a most furious battery upon both sides of the corner of the wall next Rignall stile , making above 150 great shot thereupon , wherwith they shrewdly battered the wall , but our earth-workes stood firme ; by all this shot there was only a man and a maide hurt , and a Canon-bullet , its force being almost spent , running along the ground struck down a pigge , which our souldiers eat , and afterwards well jeered the enemy therewith . Upon this Battery of the wall we began a brestwork from the wall on the South side of the Fryars Orchard all along the middle of the said Orchard , and so making up all passages into the Towne between that and the East gate . This day ( as hath beene confessed by some of the Kings Army ) we killed three of their principall Canoneers . This day and the night following the enemy shot divers Granadoes into the Town , whereof one fell in at the top of M. Hathwayes house into his Chamber over his Kitchin , and thence obliquely descending through the end of the Chamber took that with it , and brake in his Court . One piece fell in the Kitchin Chimney , where three women were sitting by the fire , but by Gods blessing hurt neither of them . The rest did no other hurt then to houses , and that not much neither . We expected that the enemy would have fallen on this night , whereupon we beat up an Alarme with our Drummes round about the City . The enemy attempted to make a passage over the Moat at the place they had battered , but being descried by our Sentinels , they were beaten off with some losse by our musketteers . Sunday , 20. August . This morning that Rogue Hatton , one of our Canoneers , ran away to the enemie . The enemy followed hard their trench-work , and carrying of Fagots . And some of ours , whilst other went to Church , as at other times , to implore divine assistance , wrought likewise at our works within the City . Munday , August 21. Two severall parties were designed for the nailing of the enemies Canon . The one being about 200. Musketteers , commanded by Captaine Stevenson , and assisted by Captaine Moore , sallied forth at the North gate to have fallen upon their trenches at the East gate , but their guide foolishly mistaking the way , brought them round about to S. Iacob Ashleyes Quarters at the Barton , where about 40. Muskettiers encountred with five Colours of the enemy , and having slaine divers of them , and taken Lievetenant Anderson , and Lievetenant Trappes , prisoners , forced them to a retreat , then marching through the Barton Court , they faced and fired at eight Coulors more , and so retreated . In the retreat two troops of the enemies horse came upon the reere , but ensigne Matthewes facing about , charged them , and forcing them to retyre , made good our retreat . In this Skirmish were two killed , three hurt , and a Serjeant of Captain Nelmes taken prisoner ; This party was all of Colonell Stephens Regiment , and some few of Colonell Devereux men . The other was of the Lord Stamfords Regiment commanded by Captain Blunt assisted by Captain William White , who sallied forth by boat down Severne , and marched up to the enemies quarters at Severne street , beat the enemy out of their redoubt there , ( our Canon the mean while playing from the Barbican upon the houses there ) killed Serjeant Major Wels , Captain of the Watch , and some common souldiers , took one prisoner , and advanced up to the Turnepike at the upper end of Severn street . But the designe failing through the misguidance of the other party , they were called off , and by the help of our Ordnance from the Barbican made a fair retreat without losse of any , only two wounded . Wednesday August . 23. About 15. Musketeers sallied out of the North gate and gave the enemies an alarme and so retreated . This day the enemy received supply of prvision and ammunition by water from Bristoll . We employed our selves in lyning the Fryars Barne on the outside with earth for the preservation of our Canon there , & in strengthening of our brestworks there , conceiving the enemy had intended a Battery against it . In the evening , the enemy shot some few granadoes into the Town , which did no harme . And about 9 of the clock at night two of ours out of a Company ( all the other sallies being in like manner Commanded men out of both Regiments ) sallied out of the North-gate , and giving the enemy an allarme retreated . The enemy thereupon after our retreate spent good store of powder and shot against the wind . Thursday , August 24. This day there was a conference with Mr Bell of Sancthurst hurst , and Mr Hill of Tewxbury within the draw-bridge at the North gate , upon their desire thereof by a Letter sent that morning , intimating thereby that they had something to impart unto us for our good by word of mouth , which could not be done by Letter or otherwise . The effect of their speech was to perswade the yeelding up of the citie in regard of the great power & terrible threats of the enemy , and the small hopes , and in a manner impossibility of relief , withall adding the heavy burthens under which the countrey groaned , which they said were likely to prove heavier if we yeelded not . To this speech they received a resolute negative answer , and so departed . The enemy made divers shot this day with two piece of Ordance they had newly planted at Lanthony , but did little hurt , killed none . One bullet of about 20. pound weight came through a chamber of the Inne called the Crown , cā—rried a Boulster before it into the window , and there slept in it . This night came the only rain that happened during the whole siege , which much annoyed the enemy in their trenches . This night we discovered a fire upon Wain-loades hill , which gave us some encouragement , because we had appointed a man we had formerly sent out , if he heard of any relief , and could not come to tell us thereof , to make a fire there , which he now did accordingly . But the enemy not willing the countrey should take notice of it , or their souldiers be discouraged thereby , endevoured to perswade them , it was their Stratageme purposely made to deceive us , and to draw us out upon some Ambuscadoes they pretended to have layd . Fryday August 25. some few Musketteirs of ours this morning sallied forth of the North port , and gave the enemy an Alarm , who through the suddennesse of the Alarm , and hurly burly thereupon , had a Barrell of Powder blowne up In the afternoone their Ordnance playd from Gawdie Greene , and they likewise from thence shot many Granadoes , two fell into the South-gate-streete , whereof one mortally wounded a woman , but did no other harme ; some others fell upon severall houses in the Citie , and shrewdly battered them , but did no other hurt ; one fell-downe upon the enemies workes . They shot likewise great fire-balls , which did no harme . They also shot great stones out of their morter-pieces , which did little hurt , and killed none . In the evening and night following , they shot from their battery at Lanthony above twenty fiery melting hot Iron Bullets , some 18 pound , others 22 ; pound waight in the night wee perceived them flying in the ayre like a starre shooting , male of them fell into houses and stables where hay was but by Gods great providence did no hurt at all . One came through three houses , & fell into a chamber of Mr. Comelins the Apothecary , and being perceived , many payles of water were cast upon it to quench the same , but that little avayting , it was cast into a Cowle of water , where after a good space it cooled . This night ( it being suspected that false rumours of our being taken might be spread abroad to hinder our reliefe ) it was ordered that some lights should be set up on the Colledge-Tower , to give notice abroad of our holding our , the performance whereof was committed to the care of Captain Pury junior , who performed it accordingly . The enemy vexed there at levelled some shot at the Tower , one whereof came close by the said Captain Pury , as he was looking towards Lanthony , whence their fiery Bullets came , who for all that continued the burning of his linkes till the Moone was fully risen . Saturday August . 26 : The enemy wrought hard in filling up the moate ( at the place they had battered with fagotts and earth making a Gallery over the head of their trench , to save themselves tromour shot : at night they made some shot from their Battery at Gawdy Greene , upon the Town wall , on the Southside of the Fryars Orchard but did no harm , onely two or three hurt a little by the flying of the stones of the wall . Divers times during this siege some of our men would go forth ouer the works & fetch hay out of Walham , which to prevent the enemy this day , as often before , set some of the Cockes on fire , which some by reason of our shot , I beleeve , dearely repented . Sunday August 27. The enemy wrought hard in casting earth into the Moate , and making divers trenches 怈ā—Šć€‰ here . They also this day made about twenty great shot upon the house over the East gate . Munday August 28. Wee conceived that the enemy had sunke a mine under the East gate , whereupon we began to countermine in two severall places there , but finding springs we left off , conceiving the enemy would be forced to doe the like for the same reason . Tuesday August 29. We began to undermine on the East side of the Fryars Orchard , to make a place to put forth a piece of Ordnance at the bottome of the wall , to batter the flanke of the enemies Gallery , there we likewise made some great shot upon the enemies trenches at the East gate from the Fryers Barn . This night two Intelligencers we had sent forth on Saturday-night last , returned from Warwicke with newes of speedy reliefe from his Excellency and Sir William Waller . Wednesday August 30. Being the publique fast day , there were two Sermons preached at St. Nicholas , without any disturbance , onely a Musket . Bullet fell into the Church , but did no harme . This day wee turned out our Cattle to graze in the little meade , and so continued them afterwards , guarded by some Muskettiers , taking them in at night : wee made a bridge of ladders , and thereby put them in over the workes . This day and the day before , the enemy shot out of their Canon long loggetts of wood , which did no harme . Thursday August 31. Wee againe turned out most of our Cattle into the little meade , guarded by some few Muskettiers , the enemy fretting thereat , sent out some horse and straggling Muskettiers , upon whom wee did some small execution ; wee should have done more , durst the enemy have adventured against us , but they kept themselves still almost Musket shot at randome of us : At the Barbican three of the company of Sergeant Major Ferrer ( Major of the Towne , who for his indefatigable paines , and extraordinary care and faithfulnesse to us , hath exceedingly deserved of us and the whole Kingdome ) crept along Seavern-Bank , and gave the enemy an Alarm , holding them play almost an houre : upon the Alarm about an hundred of the enemies had gathered themselves under a wall at Lanthony , upon whom wee discharged a Demi-culvering , shot from the Barbican , which lighted in the midst of them , made the stones of the wall fly about their eares , and could not but doe good execution . Fryday September 1. About three a clock in the morning , a Sergeant and foure more of Captain Whites company , with one John Barnewood , of Captain Pury the elders Company ( who went forth in all the other salies with Granadoes ) crept forth of a hole made in the Dungeon at the East-gate , and came very softly to the mouth of the enemies mine there . The said Barnewood after he had taken aside the board that covered it , and a pretty while viewed them , fired and cast a Granadoe in amongst them , our foure Muskettiers playing at them as they ran out of it , and so retreated without harme . Wee killed foure and hurt others . This put the enemy into a great fright , they crying nothing but arme , arme , for a good while after . Saturday September 2. Our mine in the Fryars Orchard , was early this morning perfected and a Sacre placed there . Five out of a Company were drawne out upon the walles , and some Granadoes provided ready . About eight a clock in the morning we playd thence with our great Gunne upon their Gallery , our Muskettiers fending plenty of shot into their trenches , and cast divers Granadoes thereinto . The enemy played with their Ordnance upon the top of our wall , with which hitting one of our Blinds , they killed one of our men , as he was discharging his Musket against them . They played likewise with their Canon in Gawdy-Greene upon the South gate to little purpose . Wee battered their Gallery with our Bolt shot , but towards the evening the enemy had sunke a peice against the Port-hole of our mine , so that we were forced to withdraw our Sacre thence . About night they shot some Granadoes into the Towne , whereof one fell upon a Stable in the Eastgate-street , neer whereunto stood many horses , but hurt none of them . Our men skirmished this day with some straggling men in Walham , where they killed a Corporall that refused quarter . We discovered that the enemy for all the Springs went on with their mine at the East-gate , whereupon wee renewed our countermine there . The Welshmen at the Wineyard had likewise now at last gotten the heart to advance as far as the Towne Ham , where placing themselves in a ditch , they played upon our maides and workmen that were fetching turffes out of the little meade , but our great Gunne at the pen speaking some harsh language to them , frighted them away , bereaving some of their owne native language . Sunday September 3. In the forenoone the Congregation assembled at the Church to performe holy duties , but the Minister being informed of our great danger conceived at the East-gate , the enemy having planted store of Canon-baskets there , within lesle then halfe Musket-shot , intending a battery there , as we conceived , upon the springing of their mine , dismissed the Congregation without any Sermon . Whereupon we began the lining of the houses over the East-gate , and the making of a very strong Brestworke crosse the East-gate-streete , with a large trench before it , filled by some springs there , intending to raise it up to the eaves of the houses , and to plant some Canon there . Wee also this day finished the Sconce we began September 1. upon the Mount in the garden by the Fryars Orchard , where we could plant foure pieces of Canon , to scoure the Fryars Orchard , and all along the Eastgate . The enemy with some stragling horse and foote vapoured this day in the Walham , but durst not come within the reach of our Musquetiers , upon the retreate of the horse a peece of Ordnance from Captain Pury the elders Sconce , fired and fell in the midst of them , a white horse was seene to fall . In the afternoone a paper was shot upon an arrow into the Towne , the contents whereof was this ; These are to let you understand your god Waller hath forsaken you , and hath retired himselfe to the Tower of London , Essex is beaten like a dog , yeelde to the Kings mercie in time , otherwise , if we enter perforce , no quarter , for such obstinate traiterly rogues . From a well wisher . To which presently upon another arrow was returned this answer . Waller 's no God of ours , base rogues ye lie , Our God survives from all eternity ; Though Essex beaten be , as you doe say , Romes yoke we are resolv'd nere to obey : But for our cabages which ye have eaten , Be sure ere long ye shall be soundly beaten . Quarter we aske you none if we fall downe , King CHARLES will lose true subjects with the Towne . So saith your best friend , if you make timely use of him , Nicholas Cudgel you well . Munday , September 4. We perceived divers carts loden with sick and maimed Souldiers going from Lanthony to the water side at Sudmeade , where some boats attended to carry them to Bristol , The enemy had taken up all their horse about the Towne , so we had some hopes of their rasing the siege . This morning early our Miners had gotten as far as the outward part of the East-gate , where by the working of the enemies we perceived their mine to bee sunk a great deale lower then ours , so that we were above them , whereupon we set workemen upon the making of great borers with which wee intended to bore through our mine into theirs and so to drowne the enemies mine . We understood likewise that the enemy had by the direction of that Jesuitticall Doctor Chillingworth provided great store of engines after the manner of the Romane Testudines cum Pluteis with which they intended to have assaulted the parts of the City , bbtweene the South and West Gates . These engines ran upon cart wheeles with a blinde of plankes Musquet proofe , and holes for foure Musquetiers to play out of , placed upon the axeltree to defend the Musquetiers and those that thrust it forward , and carrying a bridge before it the wheeles were to fall into the ditch , and the end of the bridge to rest upon our Brest-workes , so making severall compleat bridges to enter the City . To prevent this we intended to have made another ditch out of our workes , so that the wheeles falling therein the bridge would have fallen to short of our Brestworkes into our wet moat , and so frustrated their intentions . After the rasing of the Seige , we tooke all these Engins , and brought them into the Towne . This night we discerned two Fires upon Waynload-Hill , made by two Messengers , we had the night before sent out to give us Intelligence if reliefe was comming : We answered them again with lights in the Colledge Tower . The enemie made about six great shot from Lanthony barn , whereof one of 25 l. bullet weight came through some houses into Master John Halfords kitchin , where his children were a little before , but did no hurt . We now perfected the lining of the houses over and by the East-gate . Tuesday September 5. was appointed for a publique fast to be kept within this Citty by such as might be spared from labour In the space betweene the sermons we discouered their carriages from Lanthony making vp Tredworth Feild and afterwards we perceived their foote and horse marching after , yet we were not assured of their raysing of their seige or that our releife was so nere at hand , till we perceived their rere guard to fire their Hutts and their men to be drawn out of their Trenches , which we perceiving , some of our men ventured foroth into their Trenches , and fired their Gallery and Canon Baskets . And presently after an honest countrey man came tunning into the Towne , and told us that his Excellencie had beaten P. Rupert about Stow , and that the rest of the Army rose to succour him . We therupon perceived that God had delivered us , and that we were now freed from the hands of those that had so long thirsted after our blood . To him therefore be the honour and glory , dmen . It was admirable to observe 1. The constancie of resolution in Citizens and Souldiers amidst so many temptations by reason of promises , threats , delay of succour , and want of intelligence even to the very end , although we had not in the whole town above 50 single barrels of powder at the beginning of the siege , and not above three or foure at the raising thereof . We kept two powder-mills going , and with them made three barrels a week . 2. The vigilant care and unwearied endeavours of our valiant Governor , and most worthy Serjeant Major , and the Officers and Souldiers of both Regiments , in keeping the guards day and night without any reliefe , and the courage and good successe they had in their many sallies against the enemy . 3. The cheerfull readinesse of yong and old of both sexes , as well of the better as inferiour sort of people by day and night , to labour in the further sortification of our Citie . Nay , our maids and others wrought daily without the works in the little Mead , in fetching in turfe in the very faces of our enemies . 4. The little hurt done by the enemy with their Cannon , Muskets and Mortar peeces , that sent so many terrible messengers amongst us All that we lost ( either taken or slain ) amounted not to the number of above 50. men , yet we killed of the enemy ( although they never durst venture an assault against us ) above a thousand men , as hath been confessed by some prisoners and renegadoes , and is generally confirmed by the voice of the whole countrey , that continually heard the muttering of their Souldiers at their return to their quarters , some say 1500. some more : we killed likewise most of their Canoniers , so that they were forced to send to Bristoll for more , five whereof the King valued before 500. men . 5. The libertie we had in this strait siege for holy duties , though wee were continually neecssitated to bodily labour , and that the siege was raised upon a day of solemne humiliation . 6. How opportunely his Excellencie came with reliefe unto us , through the great care of the Parliament and Citie of London , even then when the enemy thought themselves ready to devour us : for they had made many strong works and Batteries within lesse then pistoll shot of our walls , undermined our gate , and wrought themselves quite over our Moat , and provided their Engines and Bridges in readinesse . In all these they shewed and used extraordinary skill and industry . 7. The plenty and store of provision we had in the town of all sorts , so that we turned out even to the very last houre they staied before us , above 200 head of cattell over our workes to graze in the very noses of them , beside others we kept in the town upon hay . 8. How confident our enemies were of prevailing , and how often they vainly promised to themselves victory : yet though they conceived mischiefe , they brought forth a lie , their designes were blasted , and we contrary to their expectation delivered . Which gracious acts of divine providence do deeply engage us to praise the Lord of Hosts with our hearts , lips and lives , who hath gone out with our Hosts , whose eye hath watched over us , and whose strong hand was with us . He made us a Citie of refuge to others , and hath now been a refuge to us in the time of our distresse . What hath been done by us in our just defence against unlawfull violence , hath not proceeded from any disloyalty to our soveraigne Lord the King ( whom God preserve ) but out of our endevours to defend true Religion and Justice , the main pillars of the Kings Throne : And therefore we far lesse deserve to be stiled desperate rebels , then those that pretend themselves good subjects , and are nothing lesse , their practices wholly tending to the subversion of the Protestant Religion , and the destruction of the Common-wealth . Our cause wee commit to him that judgeth righteously , upon whom we only depend for our protection , and to whom we daily pray , that he would be reconciled to Prince and people , and reconcile each to other , that there may be no more shedding of innocent blood , nor bitter complaining heard in our streets . Laus Deo in aeternum . Since the siege September 12. we received intelligence , that there was some Ammunition come from Bristoll in a Bark to Newnam ( about ten miles from Glocester ) for Hereford ; wherupon we sent out a party of about 45 Foot , and a troop of Horse , to seize upon it for the use of our garrison , who according seized upon the same , being two tun of Match , and some store of wine , and such other Merchandize , and brought it in wains to Glocester . Sir Iohn Winter sent out some horse to prevent us , but they durst not come within a mile of us . The Names of the Superiour Officers of both Regiments that now lye in Garrison in the Citie of GLOCESTER . Henry Earle of Stamford , Colonel , Edward Massie , Lieutenant Colonel and Governour of Glocester . Constance Ferrer Major of the town . & Serjeant Major to this regiment . Henry Stephens , Colonel . Humph. Matthewes Lieutenant Colonel . Isaac Dobson , Serjeant Major . Captaines Edward Grey , Charles Blunt , Peter Crisp , Edward Cotton , William White , Robert Malery George Massie . Iohn Read , Captain Lieutenant . Captaines . William Singleton , Thomas Pury senior . Luke Nurse , Iohn Nelme , Iohn Evans , Thomas Pury , junior , Robert Stevenson , Capt. Lieutenant . There was likewise a broken Regiment of Dragoones of about 100 men under the Command of Col. Forbes , that upon the taking of Bristoll came from Berkley Castle hither . But the other two regiments do properly belong to this Garrison . EDWARD MASSIE , Governor , Anagram , Never miss a good Reward . He that doth stand so well upon his guard . I hope shall Never miss a good reward . The copie of the letter mentioned to be sent to Master Alderman Pury , Sept. 4. SIR , THe affection which I bear you in particular , and the Citie in generall ( and no sinister end I call God to record ) extorteth these lines from me : for should I be silent when the desolation of that place ( I so dearly affect and where I have bin so dearly beloved ) is at hand ; I coĢ„ceive the very stones of that Citie being ruined , will rise up against me for ingratitude : But if my advice be not taken , and misery befall both the place and its neighbourhood , the fault shal then rest on you and the now inhabitants , and my conscience cleared . You well know , or at least may have heard , that the Citie of Bristoll is taken , twelve ships at sea yeelded , two ships of Ammunition from Rochel newly come into the Harbour seized on , one ship with great Artillery and Ammunition coming from the Parliament for reliefe of that Citie , taken . And this I know , that there are great preparations made for the taking of your Citie : All Prince Ruperts forces from Bristoll , with addition of 1500. armed Welsh , and 2000 Club men out of Wales , and Arms sufficient for to arm them from Bristoll , 800. foot from Worcester , with a Regiment of Horse , 5000. Foot with a Brgade of Horse of the Queens from Oxon. But I much fear that this will hardly sink into the beliefe of some amongst you , yet when you shall hear of the particular Randevouzes , and your Town surrounded , nay , your Houses fired over your eares ; then , when it is too late , I much fear , will be the time of repentance . Wherefore I desire you , as you love God , and the good of your Citie for which you serve , and the which is committed to your charge and protection , to take into consideration your sad condition if the Citie be taken by force ( most of the Army being set against you very bitterly : ) And if it be not taken , in what condition of poverty and misery both your Citie and Countrey will fall into . Is not your provision of corn out of Herefordshire , your commerce ( wherein most of your livelihoods and being subsisted ) both up and down the River , taken quite away ? And if you will not consider your own good , yet in conscience think on your neighbours in the country , who have alwayes bin aiding & assisting to you for your protection , who must expect nothing but ruine , if by no other way , yet by the very lying of so mighty an Army amongst them ; and if they be ruined , whence can you expect future supplyes , and the very laying of a siege before your town , must necessarily produce a destruction to your corn and provision of cattell ; and who will be losers thereby but your selves , I know not : But this I further know , that your Ammunition is not over-much , your places of supply no where , your enemy continually at your doore , and able to retire to his own home at pleasure , and your friends farre , and utterly unable , or at least not capable to send you present reliefe . I know you to be a conscientious honest man , and one whose aimes ( as I have thought ) have tended to the publick good , and now is the greatest time and opportunity to demonstrate your affections by using some course for an accommodation between your Citie and his Majesty ( who now is here at Bristoll ) and from whom I dare boldly affirme by some great friends I have neer him at Court , I can procure any favour either for the Citie in generall , or your selfe in particular : and of this you may be confident ; but if once the forces come against it , you must expect no manner of mercie , but present ruine : wherefore if you intend any thing , let it be done with speed , and send to my quarter at Charvild , where you may send any one to me without suspition . I beseech you seriously to weigh these things in your breast , and to weigh them as coming from one that dearly loves you and your Citie . And God give you all grace to doe that which may most tend to your good , are the prayers of Your reall loving friend , FINIS .