A true RELATION of a wicked PLOT Intended and still on foot against the City. OF GLOCESTER, To betray the same into the hands of the CAVALIERS. Discovered by Captaine Backhouse who was wrought upon to have betrayed the same by the Sollicitation of one Edward Stanford Esquire, a grand Papist but a Lieut: Colonell amongst the Cavaliers; and by himselfe set forth to give the PARLIAMENT and his Excellencie satisfaction, and the better to vindicate his owne Integrity. Together with severall Letters from my Lord Digby, and Sir William Vavasour to Capt. Backhouse concerning the said Designe.
It is this day Ordered by the Committee of the House of Commons for Printing, that this Relation be Printed by Edward Husbands.
London, Printed for Ed. Husbands. May 7. 1644.
A true Relation of a wicked Plot intended, and still on foot against the City of Glocester, to betray the same into the hands of the Cavaliers, &c.
VVEre the Intentions of our Enemies, or the grounds of their practice yet questionable, Nay were not their cause already brought to a self-conviction, the manage of their designes, and their constant proceedings are enough to convince the world, or amaze it. Doubtlesse destruction, misery, and desolation must needs be the end of those pathes of fury, malice, treachery, and deliberate cruelty; the whole series of the Complotment is like it self; and the Enemies of God, and the King, having desperate and horrid intendments, have resolved upon proportionable meanes: For wicked purposes and mischievous counsells can never take effect without the height of iniquity first resolved upon, and if either shame or conscience hath the power to check such an undertaker, he mistaking his principles must needs fall off, or fail in the enterprize. But that cause which is grounded upon truth and righteousnesse prospers by the same truth. Besides, a just and an honourable action doth abhor the use of such meanes, and a minde truely great and noble will not blemish the bravenesse of his end, and doth rather chuse to be vanquisht, then to gaine an inglorious Victory. But malicious guilty persons being conscious of the vilenesse of their ends upon which they are desperately engaged, have not onely hardned their hearts, and steeled their faces against the imputation of the extract of Villany, but oftentimes burst out into unnecessary wickednesse, almost to the preventing of their own purposes, by rendring themselves odious to the people, the strength of their Malignity scarce permitting them to be true to their own ends.
Thus the condition of the War on their part, forces them upon the wayes of deceit, and violence; the injustice of their cause makes it a bootlesse labour to stand upon honorable at chievements, and their owne violent malice oft times prevents the occasion, and out runnes necessity. Had we to deale with an honourable Enemie, the grand interest we have in the publique cause, could not forbid us to love their personall vertues to imbrace their goodnesse.
'Tis base and ignoble to derogate from the worth of an Enemy, as none but Rogues would have rayled at Hanniball even in Rome: But that party dayly [Page 4]adds to the necessity of their just confusion, when their implacable malice shall urge them to transgresse that common right, which open hostility preserves inviolable.
There is a kinde of deceit, that is commendable; but to conspire against thine adversary with a bosome friend of his, is a part of detestable treacherie, practised by none but such that seek to triumph rather in revenge than glory. For 'tis a point of common justice which every one demands, to be secure among his own, and 'tis the greatest tyranny to inforce them either to accuse or betray. For by this meanes faith and truth is quite lost, and all inte course between man and man made voyde. Therefore brave men are content to submit when over matched by power or skill; but if betrayed, their hearts can never comply, but carry revenge to their grave. So impatient are we of delusion. Now let themselves judge whether in this case they have not offended against that prime law of nature, Quod tibi steri non vis alteri ne feceris. And let them know there have been some so Noble as to scorn their tender of treason.
Let this represent to the view of the world the vilenesse of their actions, and in particular the wickednesse of that Plot which is discovered in this Relation, that all men may detest their courses; that Neuters may be roused into zeal against them, and their own Novices who are not yet desperately hardned may shrink at the horror of these things, and fall back while there is a possibility of returning.
The Plot runs thus:
The 19. day of Novemb. last, Master Stanford sent unto me (in whom he conceived he had much interest) by the hands of a good friend of mine, this Letter as followeth.
GOod Robin, It is not unknown to you that once I loved you, and therefore I send this to advise you, whilst it is in your power to make use of it, and take my word I am confident as yet you may not onely have your pardon, but raise your self a greater fortune, than the condition of those you serve are able to afford you. This you may gaine by the delivery, you may guesse my meaning of what place, which is not hard for you to do. You know the old saying, Fallere fallentem non est fraus, this is the advise of him that when you shall desist the cause, will ever be,
This Letter being reade by me, and conferring with the Messenger (my friend) who told me, that if I would undertake the same businesse, I should have 5000. l. for my reward: Instantly I went unto the faithfull and worthy Governour, and shewed it unto him, and told him from whom it came, by whom, and what reward [Page 5]was proposed, and withall declared my dislike thereof. Whereupon the governor considering thereof, advised to imbrace the businesse, and practice the doctrine propounded in the Letter of fallere fallentem &c. and that for these reasons.
1. That the Net which they would lay for us, might be a snare unto themselves.
2. That other Plots and Treacheries against the City might not be contrived, so long as they had a fair probability of prevayling by this.
3. That the Country adjacent to the City (which was by the Malignant Gentry of the Country and other evill counsellors) decreed (upon a Petition by them preferred unto His Majesty) to utter desolation, ruine and depopulation, might by this meanes be preserved, and spared by the enemie in hopes to enjoy the benefit and assistance thereof themselves.
4. That this Plot and expectation of the Enemy might be procrastinated, and led a long at least till the Country had vented in the Market their spare Provisions of corn and cattell which they then had, and for the doing whereof the time was then at hand.
5. That such their hopes of obtaining the City of Gloucester, thereby occasioning the drawing down of Forces thither, might give the Parliament Forces in other parts of the Kingdome, the greater freedome to execute their designes with lesse opposition.
6. That fair promises might allay their fury to the country, till our relief came that we were able to feede them with harder meat, and till winter were past that Armies were fit to march.
7. That they might in the end see the cursed and shamefull fruit of such wicked inventions, and their hopelesse aime to prevaile against a Citie United, and attempt no more so evill.
8. That the Enemy and the world may know that the Officers and Souldiers in the gar [...]ison of Gloucester are not so perfidious as to betray their trust to dishonour themselves to all posterity for any reward whatsoever.
For these and the like reasons and upon consultation had with some other of the chief Officers of the garrison, who approved thereof, I applyed my self to the businesse, without imparting any syllable of my minde to the Messenger, but by giving of this answer to Mr. Stanfords first Letter.
I Am bold to write freely to you by this Messenger at this time, I perceive your desire, And I would have you know, that I shall be ready to doe his Majestie (whom I protest I honour with my soule) all the reall service I may. But there are two things that I must first propose to you, and have a grant of them. First, sworn secrecy to as many as shall be acquainted with it, (and they must not be many.) [Page 6]Secondly, there must be a Messenger between us that may passe to you, and must not be suspected here, (which my friend would be if he should come often) and this Messenger must know nothing of our intentions, for which purpose I have sent one now (under my friends protection) to whom you must procure a free passe under His Majesties hand, he is a fellow trusty to me, and dwells in the suburbs of the Town whereby he may come home without suspicion; let me heare from you now by him, and where I may send to you again, and once within 10. or 12. dayes you shall heare from me again; before which time I shall consider more seriously of the businesse, and of some more particulars then in so short time as the stay of this Messenger can be brought to any maturity. Sir, you know my heart, and be assured, I am and will be, Sir, your humble servant in all I may,
Postscript.20. Novem. 1643. Rob: Backhouse.
As for the reward you speak of, you know my estate is not great, and therefore I shall desire you as my approved friend to manage it so, as that I may be assured not to play an after game poorly.
This Letter being shewed unto the governor, and other Officers privy to the businesse, I sent it away to Mr. Stanford to Worcester, who returned me this Letter following. Dated, 27. of Novem.
2. Letter.
GOOD Robin, I received much contentment in your private Letter, in the desire you expresse to serve the King, which will give me meanes of doing you much good: Your two requests shall be observed, Secrecy, and settling a safe meanes for our correspondency. For the first, there shall be no body acquainted with it, but the best friend I have in the world, my Lord Digby, who you may be sure, will be able to performe to you what ever you shall expect for your reward: As when you shall descend to particulars of the service you will do, and what you desire, you shall receive an ingagement from his Lordships owne hands; And therefore I pray you lose no time in proposing, for the meanes of conveying our secrets do you appoint in your next Letter by this bearer the convenientest place for you, and there I will have a trusty fellow lie Leager to receive your Letters, and deliver you mine; and be you confident upon my word, and faith, that you shall not faile in what shall be promised you: I will expect your answer at Worcester, on Wednesday, and lie there on purpose to keepe a correspondence with you.
To this Letter was, by consent, as formerly, returned this Ansvver.
THe reality I have ever found in you, makes me the more confidently to rely upon you. You writ me of your only best friend, that you will solely acquaint [Page 7]with our intentions; I conceive it must be imparted to some more; for you must devise and set the way amongst your selves, you know my command is of the horse; by which meanes I may the more easily introduce a force without any suspicion, but whence such force shall come, you must direct, and the Commanders of such forces must needs be acquainted with it. Doe you but lay the plot, and be private, and if it take not one way, ere long I question not but it will another; but I doe adventure my life if I should be disclosed, therefore I desire all secrecie. And when I heare from you againe, I shall returne you an answer by this bearer, which I thinke will be least suspected of any if he may but come freely to you.
3 Letter. The first of Decemb. that no time might be lost, I received from Worcester this 3d. Letter from the same Master Stanford.
DEare Robin, be confident I will be as secret as you can desire, and the Officers themselves shall not know the designe. Now I shall desire you to propound some particulars which way you think most probable, and leave us alone for the drawing downe of forces; I shall expect a sudden returne of this bearer with some particulars: so in hast I rest
I shall desire you to propose the way, it being farre easier for you to set it downe, then for us to imagine it; and for your conditions, name them, and I will undertake they shall be performed.
To this Letter, to make them the more confident, and the better to accomplish our designes, this answer was given.
I Have considered of your last; by which you desire my conceit in proposall of particular Propositions, and of my reward, to both which I shall thus propose unto you to present to more mature judgements.
1 Whether I may not by drawing out my Troope in an evening (as I can doe at any time) meet with your forces, and bring them in upon a sudden in a Moone-shine night at the Gate, and so master the first Guard, which may easily be done, and not discerned till too late, my Troope being above 60. who may be all in the reare and at your mercy, though I might my selfe lead in the force, which cannot give the Alarum in the night so soone as to prevent the designe.
2 Whether if I perswade the Governour to draw out a strong party of foot and horse, upon some designe to lye out all night, eight or ten miles distant from the [Page 8]Garrison, (as I know I can doe) and I my selfe stay at home, in whose absence you may safely advance in the evening to the Towne side, when I can come out to you, and so bring you in under colour of our owne forces.
3 Whether if I find out a place slenderly guarded, and somewhat easie to come in at, I may not draw off the Centries upon some pretence (as I can doe) being known to them all, and there direct your entrance.
4 Whether if I send for Hay, and give you notice of the very time of its comming in; which must be in the night, I may not after the Carts bring in some men as Carters, who may have Snaphance Musquets in the Carts, and some Dragoones to fall in, in the very Reare of the Carts, who may master the first Guards, and possesse the Ordnance there, and so let in both horse, and foote, who with such Ordnance may march through all the streets in towne.
These severall waies I propose for the present, but I conceive that those who have been versed in the taking of Townes, or are better read in surprisalls of Garrisons may make more choise of Propositions; any of which if I apprehend it feazible, I shall gladly undertake or render my reason of dislike if I conceive it not so. But Sir, I must once more conjure you by all the bonds of ancient affection that ever were between us, and as you desire the progresse of the designe, that you be carefull to whom you impart this great secret; for if it should be known or suspected in me, I shall be utterly ruined, and undone. This very Letter adventures my necke, as for my reward I am right sensible of how great concernment the businesse is unto your side; and albeit you know it is utterly against my spirit to indent before hand for my reward, especially with so gallant and noble Personages, yet the straites for mony that of late I have been put unto, having as yet received no pay at all for my selfe from those I serve, and the condition of my estate and charge considered bids me a little looke to that: I was told of 5000. l. that should be given me, I shall onely expect 2000. l. to be secured, two or three hundred whereof I shall desire you as my friend to procure me in hand as soon as may be, that thereby I may be enabled to beare up my Port and credit, especially amongst all the common souldiers and under officers of the Garrison, to whom I must be open handed to ingage affection, that they may readily open when I call at any time. Secondly to engage mine owne Troope, and to bind such unto me with a silver cord as I shall find fittest for my purpose. And thirdly plentifully to reward intercoursers between me and you, or me and such others as you shall appoint, who may execute my command upon a sudden with all celerity and fidelity. These things I shall thus leave unto your consideration and mannage, but assuredly know that I shall be, sir, your servant with all fidelity I may,
If you take care that the Messenger passe but safe to Tewkesbury, you may send any thing by him very safely, and I hope ere long you and I may meet to discourse it when all the world shall not know.
This Letter being sent, gave Mr. Stanford such hopes of prevailing in his designe that it went to Oxford, as afterwards appeared, but in the interim I received this Letter from him.
4th. Letter.
ON Friday let this Messenger come to Worcester, and by him you shall receive backe an answer of your particulars. But by him I would have you send me word which way you would have the monies conveyed to you, and I doubt not but shortly to see you a very happy man. As for the summe you require, Bultie [A Manour neere Gloucester of his] shall make it good, but you may take my word, for I promise you, I will see it paid in ready money.
I doubt not but the Parliament will in time make this Gentleman to make good his promise in this Letter; on the 15th. of Decemb. I sent this Letter following.
I Have sent this Messenger according to your desire, and shall expect to heare from you by him. And whereas you desire to know how to convey any money to me, this bearer is as true as steele, and if he come but secure to Tewksbury, there is no danger on this side; he may bring any summe in Gold with ease and safety Thus in haste for present I take leave and rest, Sir: Your reall servant with child till I can handsomely see you.
To this Letter I expected a full answer, and of my former, but that was not fully ripened at Oxford, but he returned me this answer by my messenger.
5th. Letter.
DEare Robin, if you will make your selfe a fortune, performe really what you have promised, for others may hereafter on the same conditions be glad t [...] make good your offers; this I doe not speake that I doubt you in any thing but you know there is no love without some jealousie; as for our meeting I will no [...] faile, for I am confident you have no plot on me: But I cannot appoint it till [...] see this bearer again, which without fail must be on Tuesday next, and then I my se [...] will march neerer your quarters, for I doe long to have businesse finished, that w [...] may, as we were once, be fellow subjects merry together, and by his returne you shall receive a full fatisfaction according to your own desires, which I will be confident are as honest as once I found them.
Friday 10. of the clocke.
To this Letter no answer was returned, but I sent my Messenger to Worcester according to his desire, by whom I received these two Letters.
6th. Let [...]
DEare Robin: this inclosed I am very confident will be very satisfactory to you, and let me tell you if you prove but reall in what you have promised, you cannot propose to your selfe a greater happinesse, then I am confident you may purchase, by really performing of what you have promised. On Sunday I shall desire to have an answer of this inclosed, that I may as soone as it is possible effect a meeting, for beleeve me it is equally wished by him that covets to be
L. Digbyes Letter.The inclosed Letter was;
you having so farre declared your desires to serve his Majesty unto my very good friend Mr. Stanford, I thinke it fit you should now receive some more authenticke assurance of his Majesties gracious acceptance thereof, then perhaps you will thinke his bare ingagement to be; therefore I doe here solemnly ingage any word unto you, both as a Minister of State, and as a Gentleman, that if you shall perform faithfully what you promise there you shall punctually receive immediatly after, such a pardon as your selfe shall desire, and the summe of two thousand bounds. As for the 300. l. which you desire in present, such a confidence I will have in your word, that as soone as ever I shall have received your answer to this under your hand, It shall be forthwith payed into what place soever you shall appoint, or to what person. As for the particular waies of effecting our designe, those you propose are very rationall, but the choise and disposition of that must be between you, and those who are to execute it, with whom if it were possible you should procure a meeting at some unsuspected place; I doe propose unto you your choise of severall men, and whom of them you shall like best, and thinke fittest by reason of the place where his command is to him alone, and no other businesse shall be imparted, whether Sir William Vavasour commander in chiefe of the forces now [...]n Glocestershire, or Colonell Mynne commander of a Brigade of the English come out of Jreland, or Colonell Washington, who is at Evesham; or lastly whether [...]he Governour of Berkly Castle; as soone as you shall sead me an answer, you shall receive satisfaction from him, who hopes you will so behave your selfe, as to make me,
Thus may the world see how ignoble this Lord will ingage his honour and per [...]on, to insinuate into his Majesties favour to ruine a Kingdome, to betray a City, [...]nd many thousand innocent soules into mercilesse hands, and to make me (a man [...]e never saw, or he cares not whom) the trayterous actor thereof; well, to this [...]etter, by consent, as before, was given this answer.
I Have received your Lordships, and have considered thereof; And your Lordships directions suits with what I wrote unto Master Stanford in one of my late Letters to him, (viz.) That the Commander of such Forces as are to come in, must of necessity be privie to the Designe. As touching the choice your Lordship proposeth to me, I conceive that Sir William Vavasour will be the fittest man.
1. First, because he is the neerest in his command unto the businesse, Colonell Mynne is twenty miles off (lying then at Thornbury) Colonell Washington, the like (then at Evesham) the Governour of Berkly fifteen, and of an inconsiderable strength there, but Sir William Vavasours forces lye not above twelve miles distant (then at Ledbury) and hath strength enough of his own.
2. He may best come to the Garrison undiscovered, there being towards his Quarters no Suburbs or houses neer to the Town, nor other out guards or smaller Garrisons in his way, whereby to give any Alarum. If I hear by Mr. Stanford from him, when will be a fit time for him, I shall upon a very few dayes notice, comply with his expectation, as Mr. Stanford and I shall agree upon all circumstances, with whom I hope to speak ere long. Thus much I thought fit to acquaint your Honour, and rest
At the same time was sent to Mr. Stanford, this answer to his Letter.
SInce I received your Letter, I have received a wound, by a shot in my hand, which hath so pestered me, that I could not write unto you sooner, I have written to the noble Lord Digby my opinion, as by the inclosed you may perceive. Sir, I cannot suddenly ride far, but if you please to come either to Ledbury, or to Sir Iohn Winters Quarters, you may then in any evening meet me in Corslane, the middle way between this Garrison and Ledbury, where you and I may meer, and the Moon not know thereof, if you so think fit, and shall appoint an hour, I shall not misse you a minute, for into your hands I dare throw my self with freedom though I shall be loath to trust any other I know not, either with my person or secret. Sir, as for my satisfaction, I am satisfied with my Lords ingagement for the main, and I shall expect the three hundred pounds promised in hand (for the Reasons in my last Letter expressed) to be sent me by this Bearer, with whom you may in [Page 12]this case send a Convoy of eight or ten good horses as far as Corslane without any fear of us, and then it will be sure to be safe [...] refer the busines to your manage, assuring you confidently that I am your most humble servant.
Sir, I beseech you be carefull of these Letters, and as secret as the night, or I must perish miserably.
These two Letters being dispatcht away to Worcester, they wrought according to our desires, a belief and hopes of my reallity to accomplish their wicked Designe.
Whereupon, Ianuary the second, I received this Letter following from Master Stanford.
The seventh Letter.
DEar Robin, I am so desirous of your good, which is onely to be effected by your promises, that I am a little fearfull of doing any act, till it have been debated, twice or thrice between us, least it may hinder the good service you intend; And I am confident you absolutely resolve to perform, and be assured this, it is not in your power to oblige them you serve, to gain so much for your own advantage as you may the King, by going through with this businesse, nor are they in a condition, thanks be to God, able scarse to promise you so great rewards as here you shall assuredly receive. Now, dear Robin, I shall tell you my minde, First, concerning the Moneys, I conceive it most unsafe, and wholly unnecessary, for it is impossible he should bring it safe without a Convoy, the greatest part of the way, and how easie that may be discovered, I leave to you to judge.
Secondly, you cannot dispose of it to them you intended without discovery, the businesse being suddenly to be executed; the Moneys I have ready, but I think it fitter to pay it to some friend of yours, according to your directions, by way of return, but for fifty or one hundred pounds, I think we may venture it; And if it be taken, you may pretend you are to send me a Coach and Horses for it.
Thirdly, for my meeting you, it will be unnecessary, till Sir William Vavasour return from Bristoll with more forces.
Fourthly, that you must appoint some other place for our meeting, in regard of Sir John Winters lying at Newnham.
This is the opinion of him that will ever be your affectionate friend,
To this Letter was given this answer.
I Sent on Wednesday last to you, but heare is nothing of the Messenger, I fear his taking, which if it should be, I pray your care for his inlargement.
You writ me, that you conceive it unnecessary as yet to meet mee, and the place unfit; any place is indifferent to me; but that place from Ledbury is an indifferent place, and free from suspicion, either by day or by night, that therefore I shall leave to you when and where to meete; I will bring no soule with me, but ride without sword or Pistoll as to take the ayre, let your care be to preserve me from any of your Scouts, for I must ride from any two, or more that I shall see, but I shall be glad to see you; as for the three hundred pounds, you writ me word you have it. Sir, I must tell you, that since this businesse hath been working in my head (which I have pretty well perfected now) I have been inforced to take up money at a hard hand to doe the things I intended. And it is impossible that you can imagine the sundry waies that I have layed in my head, and partly put in action to further and prepare mine owne secret intentions. And truely Sir, I must tell you, the money is so necessary to me, that n [...]x [...] unto my fidelity, promise, and ingagement to my Lord Digby, and your selfe, it is the chiefe moving wheele; and if there be the least jealousie of my fidelity, I shall desire you (as my truest friend in the world) to let me know, and then I shall crave onely favour to have all papers burnt, my counsells kept, liberty to bewaile mine owne unhappinesse, and that I may serve them and you in some other businesse of lesser trust, wherein mine integrity may more appeare with lesse suspition. If the summe I desire in hand, be thought too great an adventure, I would have you consider mine adventure, the least line of any of my Letters being sufficient to have me hanged; and this I have and must commit into severall mens bosomes whom I never saw, but build my faith upon your judgement and integrity, without any jealousie or feare, which I should not doe, were you not Master Stanford: for that which you write of the danger in the passage, how easie a matter will it be for you to command a dozen honest men to ride a long almost to Tewksbury to guard a little money, that you may pretend you are sending to pay to save the forfeiture of a morgage. And if you appoint but the day, how easie is it to me to send my Troope to Tewksbury to meete a little money, which is to be paid unto me upon a bond. [Page 14]Ile stand to the hazard on our side, and I know you may secure it on yours. Well, I leave the businesse to your consideration, but for my self. I am devoted to your service, whilst I am,
About the 7. Ian. Master Stanford sent me a Message by the friend who brought the first Letter to me, by word of mouth, to meete him in Corselane the day following, where accordingly we met; my Lieutenant scouting behind me the while, to prevent my own surprisall; where I received 200. l. of him, and his promise to discharge me of a bond of 50. l. wherein I was formerly bound to one Font a great Papist, and a very friend of his. At which time the Plot was layed by him Sir Will. Vavasour and others, who were then lately come to Tewksbury; That I should endeavour to draw the Governour out of the Garrison with a very stong party, towards Berkley, with assurance that the Castle should be rendred, which Master Stanford told me should really be, so that the gaining of Glocester, might be the more facile, in whose absence I must undertake to get the Gate opened, and the Word delivered to them; which Plot when I heard it proposed, I much approved, but withall I advised that the Forces might suddenly be drawn off from Tewksbury, assuring him that whilst they lay there, I should not be able to draw out the Governour, which he promised should be done, assoone as he spake with Sir William Vavasour. This Plot if it had beene thus prosecuted by them, had been by Gods mercy of great gaine to us. For we thereupon resolved to have sent a Garrison into Berkley Castle, and with silent Forces from Presbury Garrison to have possessed Tewksbury, and by speedy retreating to have made that good also. But it so fell out, that they fell off and deserted their owne Plot, as will appeare by the sequell. But one thing was remarkable, that at this meeting, Master Stanford never so much as moved me to any asseveration of fidelity to him, but desired me to send unto him within two dayes, which I did as followeth.
I Have sent according to my promise, but the Governour is so intent and serious in wayring upon the Forces at Tewksbury, that until they be removed, it will be vaine to move him to draw out any other way, but when they are Marcht a day or two I am confident, that I shall perswade his march to Berkley, especially if he may have any assarance of their rendring the Castle (which you told me would be) and which will occasion him to stay a day or two to settle the same, who otherwise (out of his care of Gloucester) is [Page 15]apt, and wont to make speedy retreats when he is abroad. Sir, if you come to Newnham towards Saturday or Sunday, Sir Iohn Winter may send you in a man to me to appoint when I may meete you in Huntloys wood, or on the hill beyond Huntley, after you have conferred with him, whose secresie I shall desire you much to engage, and then I shall agree more fully with you on all Circumstances; Sir, I beseech you know and rest assured that I am,
To which Letter I received this answer.
DEARE Robin, the reason why you have stayed so long for an answer is this; Sir William Vavasor sent to the Governour of Berkley Castle to draw out his whole Garrison, which he refusing to do without the Kings or Princes speciall Command; We shall now flye to one of your former propositions, being confident you will not faile to make good any one of them, which was that you would at any time draw out your own Troop with one more which shall be put in the Reare of our horse, and your self to leade our Forlorne hope into the Town, which if you will do, send but this Messenger with a note to Sir William Vavasour what day you will meete him, and I will not faile to be there, this you must be sure to do on Wednesday next, for the businesse will admit of no delay.
With this Letter I received a Letter from Sir William Vavasouras followeth.
Sir William Vavasours first Letter.
SIr, I was so confident of your reallity in endeavouring to performe what you have undertaken, that I immediately sent Orders to Berkley Castle to the Governor, who wil not obey my orders so fully as to draw out the whole Garrison without his Majesties speciall Orders, a great part he will, but would have a Reason; I have drawn great part of the foote towards Parshoe, and endeavoured to have marched with the residue, and all the horse. But Sir Walter Pie, and some other Commissioners were so opposite to it, that unlesse they might know, and approve of my designe, they would not consent to it, which I thought might be a dis-service to you; I have quite left them unsatisfied with what I intended, so that Sir Walter Pye is gone to Oxford with a great complaint, but that is nothing, did it not prevent your Motion; So that now, Sir, I must intteate you to follow [Page 16]what you first moved, that is, you draw out of Town your own Troop, or one more if you can, a good distance from Town, you having the Word may lead on the Forlorne hope, and your horse may bring up the Reare; the performance of this will confirme your friends in their good opinions of you, and oblige me to expresse my self,
Thus you see how Sir William Vavasour, a man of renown, as Fame would render him, can smoothly insinuate to promote so foule a treachery, and would make me beleeve that he will rather hazard a chiding by the King, and the displeasure of many other Gentlemen of worth, his very friends, then that any soule should be privy to so great a secret. Not imagining that I well knew long before, that not onely the Lord Digby, Master Stanford, Sir Iohn Winter, Master Dutton, and the whole Counsell of War at Tewksbury: Nay the whole Court at Oxford were acquainted with the designe, but also (for so closely did they carry this businesse, which was of so great consequence to them) that Brittanicus hath blazoned me in Print long since for a Traitor, and well he might, had all that they have let fall and divulged beene really true. By which passages, by the way, let all false hearted traytors, who for base private ends would faine be tampering with the Enemie to betray their trusts, take heede what they do; for they cannot keepe secrets. And yet they are so wise (do them right) as never to trust him in any Office or place of charge for them, who for any respect hath been drawn to infidelity and breach of trust by them: But to proceede, the next day after the receipt of Sir William Vavasours Letter, with whom now I must as with my Lord Digby, keep correspondency; I gave him this answer.
I Am sorry to heare that our Intentions should be so frustrated, especially since I had so far proceeded in mine own thoughts in the mannage thereof. And Ile assure you, I still finde the Governour so diligent in observing the Garrison at Tewksbury, that he hath given private commands to the Officers both of horse and foote, to be instantly ready upon notice given of your least advance this way, for which purpose he constantly day and night keepes good parties of Horse out as Scouts to bring him notice; Insomuch [Page 17]that I feare it will be impossible for my Troop, and your Forces to joyn without discovery; which how dangerous that may be unto us both, I leave to you to judge especially when he and all his strength be at home: did not his eyes so much look upon your strength, and the neerenesse of your quarters, then would the proposition you now fal on be far easier effected and with much more safety. For as I shall be glad to corfirme the good opinion my friends have of me, in really performing what I have undertaken, being confident that they will take care of me, who thus often hazard my life and fortune for them, so shall I be infinite loath to draw them on upon any designe that may prove prejudiciall to them, the right laying of the businesse is the life thereof, the miscarriage the utter destruction both of my self and many of them, besides the utter losse of effecting so good, and so great a businesse; wherein I protest I shall thinke my self happy to sacrifice my life to accomplish the same according to my desires. One mis-feazance in a businesse of this nature is never to be repaired. Therefore upon the whole matter this is my Opinion, that it will be most necessary that the Governour be drawn out with a good partie when the businesse is to be done, I am sure this will be with more safety on your side, especially if the Allarm should be suddenly taken; This will searce be done unlesse w [...] Forces draw out of Tewksbury for the reason aforesaid, which they may do towards Ledbury, and be neere enough to do the businesse, and so enter on the best [best for us I me ne] side of the Town, as I have formerly written, and then could I give him some private information that I have intelligence that Berkley will tender (though they remove not) and so draw him out in whose absence (since my hand is still lame) I must keepe home, and then shall have absolute Command of the Horse, best for Scouts, and shall be able with more, facility and safety to do the businesse with as much speed as you please. I desire you to consider thereof, for) shall not be out of care till I see it perfected, and that my good friends [the Parliament I meane] may have surther experience of my fidelity, and that I may ever be,
Sir, I beseech you be infinite carefull to whom the businesse be imparted, and let me in charity before hand be-speak you, that as little Towns-mens blood may be spilt in the entrie as may be, it will [Page 18]be better drawn after where cause is.
This Letter wrought the end for which we sent it to draw them on at the West-gate, and best gate for our advantage, and to perswade them of my reallitie to them.
Upon receite whereof, Sir William Vavasour sent me this Letter.
Sir William Vavasours second Letter.
I Have Received yours, and am very inclinable to your motion of drawing towards Ledbury, a place more feazible for me to draw my men to, then any other, it being within the associated Counties; the Commissioners cannot pretend against it; but we must have a little patience untill the contribution monies are brought in, for my men are very apt to mutinie, and indeede will not march without money. I shall with all possible conveniencie send to you, and give you a further account of it, as also that I am, Sir,
After the receipt of this Letter, I waited to heare from them till the fourth of Feb. at which time J received these two Letters follow.
Master Stanfords Letter.
DEAR Robin, now we are come to try you, and if you love your self faile not in what you have promised, for if you do, beleeve it, you are ruined for ever. And if you intend really, give me notice by this bearer of all particulars concerning your Town, in what condition it now stands, and in so doing you will prove your self that which I ever wished you, and regaine me to be.
Sir William Vavasours Letter.
SIr, I am so confident of your reall intentions, that I am willing to follow your advice as far as in me lyeth. Sir William Waller is grown so strong, that we must attempt something out of hand, if you will order it so that I may have the Port on the Weish opened to me; I having the Word, will come with so considerable a force, that I will venture to make it good against all Massies Forces, they not taking the Allarum. [Page 19]Friday or Sunday next will be a convenient time, my men are faine to march into the Country for subsistance.
Upon the receipt of these letters, the next newes we heard was, that Colonell Mynne and S. Leger with the Irish Forces marcht to Paynswicke for subsistance, but indeed to plunder the Country; to prevent which our Governour drew out a party of horse and foote, where there was a skirmish, and some losse on both sides, the next day after which, the Country of Whitestone hundred rose into a great body, and the Enemie hearing thereof, retreated that very day towards Tewkesbury againe. This by the way, but to these two Letters I sent this answer by approbation as before, unto Master Stanford and Sir William Vavafour. 5. Feb. 1643.
SIr: you writ unto me for the state of this Garrison, which I shall render you as neere as I can. First, the Governour lyes at the house where I dwelt, and one Captain with him; before whose doore are two Drakes, and a Centry day and night, the great Gunnes left by my Lord Generall the Earle of Essex, are at the maine Guard neere the Crosse before the Bell doore, being three in number, and there are severall other small cutts about the Crosse, in which maine Guard there are or should be every night, about one hundred men, some Citizens of the Trained Bands, and some selected men out of every Company. Thus for the heart of the Tewne. Now for the Ports, the Governour is making of three Sconces, one before the East Gate, another before the North Gate, and the third at the Fryers Orchard, where the Batterie was made at the time of the Siege; all of very great strength, but they are none of them as yet finished: there are at these Ports severall Gunnes (viz.) at the North Gate two, at the inward North Gate three, at the East Gate one, and sometimes two, at the South Gate two, to which Gate also the maine Guard is very neere; but it is usuall with the Governour to remove the Gunnes often from one place to another. There are also other Gunnes upon the workes about the Towne, and at the Key, where also the Frigot lyes with a Guard in her; as for the West Gate, there is also one Gunne, a Demyculvering, but no Cannoneer that watcheth her as I could ever find, and as yet no Draw-bridge, but at all the other Gates there are Drawbridges finished, and we are now making Draw-bridges for the West Gate, and Overs-Bridge, which I beleeve will not be finished [Page 20]yet this ten or twelve daies, the Guards are generally carelesse, and many run from their duty to drinking, much discontent being amongst both Officers and Souldiers for want of pay; and indeed the Guards are very weake in comparison of what they have beene, and must needs be 10, as long as we keepe so many out Garrisons, as Presbury, Boddington, Huntley, W [...]bary, Arlingham, Frampton, Essington, Froster, Horsley, and Lipp [...]t; all which Garrisons being now kept, have drawne out a great number of the souldiers out of this. As for Provisions and Ammunition, I have not beene in the Granery since the Siege, but to deale truely with you, I verily beleeve the Garrison is fitted for sixe moneths; for, the Corne of Master Guyse, Master Dobbs, sir Henry Spillar, sir Ralph Dutton, and others whom we call malignants, was brought in, indeed by my self; and since the Country hath brought much Corne into private houses. I know two men who have laid in two thousand bushells here, and the Governour made a strict Proclamation, that all the Citizens should make provision for six moneths, many of whom have done so, and they make Powder and Match every weeke as much or more then they spend. Thus have I given you a short and true relation of the condition of this Garrison, as neere as I can for the present thinke on, and shall be ready to srtissie you in any other thing you shall desire by the next, beseeching you to continue secresie above all things, and not to conceive any jealousie in his performance, who shall not think himselfe happy till he see his ingagement really accomplisht and discharged, and who hath hitherto throwed himselfe into your hands, and resolves to rely on you in time to come both for his life and fortune.
With this Letter I sent one also to Sir William Vavasour, as followeth.
I shall apply my selfe unto your time with all diligence, I have given Master Stanford an accompt of the state and condition of our Garrison. By the time proposed in your Letter I hope the water [Page 21]will be downe, which will much advantage your advance neere the Towne; I shall not desire to defer it longer then the time pitcht on. As for your owne occasions, so for the making of Drawbridges in your passage, which I would not have to be any impediment thereto; For when they are made, Guards will be set at them, which may give the Allarum before the Gate can be opened. Consule together for your owne safeties and mine; onely be private, and for the opening of the Gate, and the word, leave it to me, and rest assured that I shall be
These two Letters answered the end for which they were intended, to beget beleefe of my fidelity to them, to make them the more consident to come on (which indeed was our chiefest care) and to answer their desire of knowing the condition of our Garrison, which notwithstanding it was done as you perceive, yet so as without prejudice to our selves, the least boy that comes into our Towne, being in most of the relations able to satisfie as much. Thus let the enemies to Religion, to the Lawes and Liberties of this famous Kingdome, and to the Priviledges thereof, be still deluded, but let Gods just and righteous cause ever prosper.
That these Letters were well taken by the enemy, appeares by Master Stanford next Letter as followeth.
DEare Robin I thanke thee for thy constancy, and doubt not of your perseverance in doing his Majesty acceptable service. Sir William Vavasour bid me tell you that he cannot be ready ou Friday, or Saturday, in regard his forces are not yet marcht hither, but are on their way, where they must hault two or three dayes till monies come in, however upon Sunday or Munday we shall not faile to be within a dayes march of Glocester. And you must be sure to send the same messenger to us who may easily finde us out. On Sunday faile not of this, for I long to see you. On Sunday without faile we shall be at Ledbury, and expect your man.
MY man who brought this Letter told me of Master Stanfords desire to a handsome Gelding that I had, whereupon to make him the more confident, and to perswade them to come on, I sent him that Gelding with this Letter, the next day after that Arch-traitor Captaine Davis had betrayed the small Garrisons of Wesbury, and Huntley unto the Cavaliers.
Sir, I congratulate your good successe yesterday at Wesbury and Huntley, and doubt not ere long to see this County in a good and peaceable condition. I observe businesses prosper best where least bloud is spilt. My man told me of your desire to my Gelding, I have sent him with cheerefulnes, wishing him better for you, though it need not if he be well used. And I referre my Coach and Horses for you also; against the time I shall observe your direction by the returne of my man, and rest ever,
I received no Answer to this Letter from Master Stanford, but thankes for my Gelding, and directions to my man to come from Worcester, where he then was, to sir Willam Vavasour to Tewksbury, from whom I received this Letter, dated 10th Feb.
SIr: I will be in the Forrest side on Tuesday next, where I will be either at Newent or thereabouts; if you direct your servant to me, or to sir Iohn Winter, for whose secresie I will answer to you, and observe any directions you will send me, if you cannot conveniently meet me, which I must desire,
On Tuesday following, according to the direction of sir William Vavasours Letters I sent this Letter, to master Stanford.
IN the whole progresse of the businesse, I have not been put unto it as now to fulfill your expectation in sending to you my man, who was last with you, was so affrighted, being knowne by your Scouts when he came last from you, that he dares goe no more, how to get another willing and faithfull I know not But hearing the Governout say he must send to sir William Vavasour about prisoners, and his Trumpet being sicke, I tooke advantage thereof to send mine, and have sent this to you under pretence of exchanging a Trooper of mine in Oxford, one Henry Hullins; I received a Letter from sir William [Page 23]Vavasour by my man, but none from you and have sent according to his desire. If you march to Newent as he wrote, it cannot be better, for from thence may you march to Upleaden, and by Rudford, and give no Alarum to Churcham, and send but a Troop to possesse Overs-bridge, hat intelligence come not, and then may you passe cleerly undiscovered, so as you be there before the Centries or the Guard at that bridge be set, neither of which are done before about nine of the clock at any time. I every night as Commander of all the horse of late, have sent out Scoutes, some towards Tewksbury, and some towards Huntley, and the Forrest, and can have the keyes at my command to let them out, which hath occasioned me to think on this way, if you like it, that I may provide Scouts out of mine owne Troope to goe towards the Forrest, that night you appoint, who shall not be ready till the busines be done. But I can take the keyes of the West-gate and goe downe thither, pretending to stay for their comming, and set the Gnard, which as I wrot is very slender usually, to drinke in an Ale-house till they come in, which time you may advance, and finde no living soule but my selfe at the Gate, or if one or two should be there, they shall be drunk, and you may pretend, as I shall also affirme, that you are our owne men from Churcham, where there is a small Guard of horse and foote, and which if you disturbe not, will continue there yet a while; I would gladly meete sir William Vavasour, but I am very fearefull of notice being taken of me; and if I should meete him, I know not him, nor he me, which may prove prejudiciall to either of us, if you desire to be sarisfied in any thing, I thinke I could meet you in the old place without any notice, and I dare adventure on my knowledge of you at an escaping distance. For the Word, when we meete I will shew you a place, where (after it is given) you shall finde it in a Parchment faire written. This I think will be very feazible; but I shall be ready, as you shall prescribe, to doe any thing in the power of
Let my Trumpeter know nothing but of the exchange, but wish him to deliver any thing you send to me, to mine owne hand, which I know he will be carefull in.
With this Letter my Trumpeter was stayed by Colonell Paget, from Tuesday 13. Feb. till Thursday, upon pretence that he came too late into his Garrison. On Thursday morning I sent to Newent to Mr. Stanford this Letter.
SIr: I wrote a Letter to you by my Trumpeter, who went to Tewksbury on Tuesday, I perceive he is there stayed, which puts me in feare; I would desire you suddenly to send for him, and I shall meete you at [Page 24]what house you shall appoint in the old place, the more speed you make n [...]w the better, as before the Draw bridges be up, so for our waiting on you, which as yet we doe not, scarce knowing that any force confiderable is come to Newent; the st [...]ller you lye the more secure shall we be. The Plot I prescribe in my Letter, runs more and more feazible in my head, I could last night have done it gallantly, I doubt not of as faire an opportunity to expresse my selfe indeed,
This Plot I prescribed aswell to secure mine owne person within the Gates, as to render it probable unto them, which it seemes they could not dislike, for that very day they sent backe my Messenger from Newent to me againe with this Letter.
DEARE Robin, the time is now so far spent, that it is impossible for me to meet you, this night being resolved for the businesse, so that you must not f [...]ile this night to draw off all your Guards from the Bridge, that we may come secure to the Gate, and not have any Centries to hinder us, and withall you must be sure to let me heare from you this night by six of the clock, as for our strength we are now fifteene hundred foot and horse, if you can come your self with your Troop, pretending to beate up a horse quarter, it would be very satisfactory to Sir William Vavasour; you must be there by 8. of the clock, but this we shall not presse, if you think it inconvenient, howsoever you must send the Word, being assured you will do your best to advance this design,
Immediatly assoone as I had received this letter I went to the Governour, and a consultation we had, whether to let them come that night according to their appointment, or to put it off. But we being provided for them, it was agreed upon that night, I therefore presently sent this letter to Master Stanford.
SIR, I shall waite with diligence to open the Gate, which ile warrant you shall be done, so as you come by 9. of the clock, or within half an houre after, the Word I have sent, which occasions the later sending of this bearer, it is, Bristoll: Be sure to come strong enough, and remember to come up by the Bare land, which is a safer way to surprize the Maine Guard, then to come up the main streete: some in your company cannot but know the way, I rest in hope.
Presently after the sending away of which Messenger, the Gates being shut round the Garrison, and carefull Sentinels set. The Governour called a Counsell of War, acquainted all the Officers with the Plot, gave order that all as well Citizens as Souldiers should continue that night in Armes, drew three peeces of Ordnance to the West-gate, and a strong guard of Musquetiers well provided with Granadoes and Amunition, and placed foure stout men in a Boat under Overs bridge, who lay under the Arch private, with directions that upon fireing the first Gun they should but cut a Gablerope, which being done, the bridge would have fallen in, whereby (by Gods mercy) of necessity they must all have been killed, drowned, or taken, there being no possible meanes in humane reason of a mans escape, in this posture, preparation, and expectation, we continued all that night watching diligently, but privately, for a happy time to have delivered our selves, and the whole Kingdome from the future mischiefe of such subtill insinuating, and bloodthirsty Enemies. But Gods time was not then come; For albeit they did advance with their whole body, both of Horse and Foot; yet when they came to Lassington Hill within a mile of the Towne, it was faire day, whereby they having lost their time by their owne slownesse of march, they durst not come on, but instantly retreated to Newent, as appeares by this Letter which I received from Master Stanford, on the morrow after, being Friday.
your Messenger came so late, that we could not possibly effect the designe; yet our confidence of your best assistance made us attempt it; but it being day before wee could possibly come, wee must once againe desire the like readinesse from you on Saterday, or Sunday at the farthest, and then we shall not faile to be in a readinesse; it was ten of the clock before he came. I shall desire your answer either to day or to morrow at the farthest.
THe receipt of this Letter made us beleeve that the Enemy had then received no information that their designe was destroyed and made knowne, and so much the rather for that we kept the Gates so close shut, the next day after being Friday, that we suffered no man to passe the Ports upon any businesse whatsoever, which made us willing to see if wee could salve the businesse by another Letter, and to give them incouragement to come on againe. Whereupon this Letter was written, and sent the next day to Mr. Stanford with this Note inclosed.
The note.Sir take heed what you do, the Allarum is taken by the intelligence of two [Page 26]country-men, who brought in word to the Governour of your advance this way. The Guards are strengthened, and much puzle here is at present, whereof I wish you to take notice from
The Letter. SIr I am glad you came not the last night, I hope some good fate was in it, I was never so at my wits end, and yet for my hanging durst make no shew of it. Whilst I was writing to you, and devising to send the Messenger cleanly out at the Gate, which I was faine to act in mine own person: The Governour received information by two country-men that you were marching this way, and that some of your souldiers should give out, that the West-gate was to be opened to them by some very neare unto him. Whereupon there was an Allarum, and one great Gun drawne to the West-gate, and the Guard there made strong; much muttering was who should be the man to let you in; some gave out that I was distrusted, others that it was some Townesman. In the beginning of these buzzings I came to the Governour, who told me of his intelligence. That you were marching for Glaucester, upon hopes of being let in. I saw how things were, and seeing a preparation for an Allarum, the Commanders all sent for, a new Word instantly given, and a resolution speedily to be in Armes; bethought my selfe on the sudden what to do to cleare my selfe of suspition with the Commanders: For as for the souldiers and peoples tattle I regarded it not; thus therefore I declared my selfe. Gentlemen, you have received some intelligence (as it seemes) of the Enemies advance this night, and here is muttering about the streets of some plot to let them in, and I am suspected to have some hand in it, how clearely, and without exception I have hitherto carried my self both towards you, and the businesse, I appeale unto your selves to judge, and for the businesse, I came now to tell you, that I have received intelligence from a friend of mine in the country, that the Enemy meanes certainly to be here this night, and therefore I advise you by all meanes to be in readinesse, and know this from me, that they have some promise from some Citizens to have the Gate opened, and to make the diversion from my selfe so much the more cleare, I told them of two men whom I much suspected, (and of whom I knew they had no good opinion) but advised them as to be carefull this night in their Armes so to set some spies over these mens carriages, and as soone as an apparant charge could be proved against them, which I did not doubt would suddenly be, I would bring them to a Counsell of Warre, and in the meane time endevour to search out the businesse, and perfect the charge against them. This so tooke with them, that they all gave applause to what I had said, desired me to take more speciall notice towards those two men: And the Governour [Page 27]gave-testimony (I having done him some personall office of acceptable service) of his beliefe of my fidelity, to which all the rest of the Commanders assented also.
This being done, every man was repairing to his Armes, wherein I was not backward my selfe to give command to the Horse to be in readinesse, and to encourage the Souldiers; But still at the. Governours elbow. But I should have told you that as soone as I saw these things thus running, I instantly went home, and gave my man Ned this inclosed Note, and I walked as far as Overs Bridge with him waiting on me, to hearken whether we could heare any noise, where (by my directions) he slipt from me, and though I could not get him to undertake to find you out (being so used the last time he came from you, as I wrote unto you) yet he lay in a ground beyond the Wynnyard till two of the clock waiting your comming, and afterward lay in a Barne till morning. But I must confesse that I collected by your Letter, that it would be impossible for you to come from Newent in due time upon so short warning, which made my care especially after midnight a great deale the lesse. Yet I had resolved to have given you notice of the Allarum being taken if I had discerned your Advance, which I could have done my selfe (being tyed to speciall place of Command) by riding into a private back place, and discharging my Pistoll for you to take notice of, and let that be your signe if I should be driven to a strait in time to come. Well, about twelve or one of the clocke we went all to bed, the Guard at that Gate a little stronger than ordinary, and all was quiet, and I am yet in like favour and esteeme as before, with Officers by mine expressions, and with Souldiers by giving them money: and Ale: And for the meane Citizen, let him mutter what he will it matters not. The great Gun is drawne off the Gate to the Governours doore, and another that was drawne that way, is drawne back to the maine Guard. We had intelligence yesterday morning, about ten of the clock, that you were retreated to Newent, and setling a Garrison there in quiet, and we are in our old security againe. The Vote going still that there was some plot, and I being (as I said) set to find it out, for the more colourable effecting whereof also, I procured the Gates to be strictly watcht yesterday by an Officer at each Gate, searce suffering any to passe out, to see if wee could take the intercourser betweene you and the Plotters, which course I would have also got continued for two or three dayes longer, were it not for the Market to day, which will handsomely occasion the forbearance.
Sir you write unto me for this night or Sunday, my opinion is cleare, that if you lye still at Newent, not giving us Allarums till Sunday after dinner, and then advance your Foot to be here by nine of the clock, being a time that people passe not so much with intelligence as in the week-dayes: And if you [Page 28]send but a Troope of Horse to Overs Bridge, in the very shutting of the evening, to prevent notice you may do it (Ile be bold to say) as easie as may be; but that must be your first work, if you think fit to send a trusty secret man, who is a souldier, or, but rationall to me, I shall shew him all the conveniences of the passages, the place where for you to draw up undiscovered, where to place your reserve to retreat unto, if occasion should be, where to find the Word, and what hinderances and obsticles are possible to be in the way. If he come to day upon a sack of oates, as from Rudford, to me along with this bearer, Ile warrant his safe returne upon my life: Consider well your time and houre, and let me know, and Ile not faile to do the utmost in the power of your Servant (though a little scard.)
To this Letter I received this Answer from Master STANFORD,the seventeenth of February 1643.
DEare Robin, Sir William Vavasour hath this morning received a Command to draw great part of his Forces on the other side of the water, but he doubts not, but to return about the middle of the next week with a greater Force, and hopes by that time you will prepare all things: In the interim he desireth you to hold correspondence with Sir John Winter, whom you may trust, who will be constantly at Lidney.
According to the contents of this Letter, Sir William Vavasour did draw off the greatest part of his Forces from Newent to meet our Convoy comming from Warwicke, but for his purpose of returning, we beleeved not that, but rather to keep faire correspondence with me, that their mischievous and frivolous designe might not appeare unto the world to their disparagement. Yet it is observable, that Sir John Winter, a knowne Papist, and who is reported to have laid downe his Armes with other Papists, is now appointed to keep correspondency with me: Thus would they make the world to think that Papists shal not beare Armes for the King to maintain the Protestant Religion, and yet they shall or will be acting something more mischievous, and destructive to the peace of the Kingdome, than the fury of their personall Armes can effect: I pray God deliver his sacred Majesty from such assistance. But to conclude, wee not yet (by what wee received from them) certainly knowing whether they were yet sensible of their owne folly, and shame.
This one Letter more was sent to Master STANFORD, Febr. 22. or in his absence to Sir JOHN WINTER.
SIR, According to your directions I have sent unto you againe, tendering mine own readinesse, really to do you service, but withall complaining of your infinite opennesse in the carriage of the businesse, it being in the mouths of most of all your souldiers, from whom it hath by sundry intelligencers been spread here amongst both Town and Country. I have heard such things as have made my eares glow, and had I not used all possible meanes to satisfie the Officers of my fidelity to them, and that reports have rendered them various and uncertain, I had suffered ere now. Well, the strangest relations are but nine dayes wonder. I shall suffer this to weare it selfe off, by suffering the relators and their hearers to rest uncertain, unsatisfied; and doubt not in due time to manifest unto you and the world, that my heart is right in despite of all crosse reports or jealousies; only thus much let me begge at your hands, if ever you meane to accomplish the designe of a surprisall, to be more private in your expressions, more politique in relating to your souldiers truly your own Marches, more constant in your resolutions and prefixions, and more sudden in your actions. If the imparting of so great a secret into sundry hands be not dangerous; if acquainting your common souldiers with the true end of your March be not too open; if sundry appointments, and failings of those times may not beget suspition of your agents; and whether surprisals ought not to be sudden and unlookt for, I leave to you to judge. Thus much by way of caution I thought fit to write, desiring you to consider of it: But know assuredly, that for mine own part, I shall be ready, when you shall appoint, to performe really what I have undertaken, and to manifest unto you that I am
This Letter written as a lure to draw you downe againe, was delivered to M. Stanford, who sent the Messenger to Sir John Winter with it, giving himself no answer at all to it; Sir John Winter was at Bristol, but his Lady wrote that answer should be sent by Sir John assoone as he came home, of which I have yet heard nothing, by which we clearely conceive the businesse to be deserted by them.
Now let the world judge whether these seducing Enemies have not been fitly served in their own kind, as they like this, let them attempt to fasten their doctrine of fallere fallentem upon me again. No let the deformity of that doctrine, and the fruits thereof rest in the brests of those that preach it, who deeme others like unto themselves. But let the world know, that neither hope of honour which is but a puffe, nor hope of gain which is uncertain when attained, and sordid in such atchievement, nor the fawning of such friends who aime at their own ends, nor any other sinister unworthy end shall ever prevaile [Page 30]with me to undertake any ignoble action, much lesse any such action as this; As to perjure my selfe with God having taken severall oathes, and protestations to the contrary; No the ransome of a soule is of higher value with me to betray my Religion the most hopefull Legacy I can leave to my posterity, to betray my Countrey with the Lawes, Liberties, and Priviledges thereof, into the hands of Arbitrary power or Tyranny, and insteed thereof to procure a never-dying curse from all succeeding generations in this Kingdome to betray my trust, so great a trust committed unto me by so great and worthy personages as the Patrons, and by Gods blessing the preservers of three famous Kingdomes, to deny mine owne hand which I solemnely subscribed, with other faithfull Commanders in this Garison, avowing unto the Herauld sent by His Sacred Majesty, to maintaine our fidelities to the last drop of our bloods, to render my selfe unworthy of such unspeakable and wonderfull deliverance which I (amongst others) received in the late Siege from the Almighty hand of God, thereby rendring my selfe not onely unfit for future mercies, but the most ingratefull wretch amongst men, to sell my selfe to worke so horrid wickednesse, to betray my selfe my wife and family, my friends, kindred, and deare acquaintance, into the hands of blood-thirsty cruell, and numercifull people, to make my selfe guilty not onely of all the blood that must needs have beene spilt in the forcing and sacking of so famous a City, but of mine owne blood also; for their wisedome had beene more seene if they had killed me to have saved the two thousand pound they were engaged for, then either it, or their honesty, was in attempting to seduce me, to make me their instrument in so foule a Plot, and to Chronicle my name amongst the Register of Arch-Traytors to all posterity, Noe, my prayer, my heart, and hand shall ever be for the maintenance of so just a cause, wherein if I sacrifice my life and for tune, I doubt not of my reward with advantage. And let the great God of heaven whose great worke is now in hand, prosper his true and faithfull servants, His instruments in the furthering thereof, but let His enemies perish, and be confounded in all such their treacherous designes, And let all those that wish well unto the state of this Kingdome be glad, and rejoyce with us at the benefit that hath accrewed unto the same by embracing of this businesse (of which we are here right sensible) and that for the reasons herein before expressed, and upon which it was first thought fit to be accepted.
This is the whole truth.
The matter it selfe doth sufficiently vindicate mine integrity who neither devised nor acted any part without consent and for the advantage of the publique service. And for the honour of the Action on my part so much is unquestionable, that it were just upon them if they had all perished in the designe; they were condemned by their owne Doctrine, and the law of like [Page 31]for like. But the question is whether the like deceipt might be retorted upon them in this case by one who strives to maintaine the repute of sincerity; concerning which let wise men judge. First, I never passed my selfe over to them by any oath or protestation, which alone admits of no equivocation, and without which they could have no sufficient ground of trust, then whatsoever I promised was made good, but with a crosse intention, and to a contrary end, upon which grounds I see no reason why I might not feed them with vaine hopes, when all acknowledge that by the colour of an action I may lawfully deceive the enemie into a snare. So that I am confident, that I shall stand rectus in curia, and if not commended, yet at least acquitted in the Court of honour. And whereas I have beene traduced for a Traytor as holding correspondence with the enemy, besides that satisfaction which this relation can give, I this declare my selfe. I am assured of the justice of the cause, Religion, and Liberty, I am assured of the extreame necessitie, that puts the State upon this forcible meanes and wayes of resistance; I am assured of the lawfulnesse of the warre on our part, by the Law of God, by the law of nature, and by the lawes of this Kingdome. And such thoughts are the strongest assurance of fidelity if the secrets of the heart could be laid open. But because Hypocrisie may be covered with a faire varnish, there being no sufficient ground of confidence in the consciences of men, or the goodnesse of their natures. To give you a cleare testimony; although no man can tell to what Center my thoughts incline, and move; yet all conclude, that according to the principles of nature, I must necessarily be true to my selfe, and worke out my own welfare, according to mine owne judgement and knowledge. And this judgement is so cleare against all conspiracies of this nature, that I shall never be wrought thereunto, except it were possible for me wittingly and willingly to contrive my owne destruction; for at the least such an enterprise represents it selfe full of difficulties, and every way perilous, and if I can accomplish it, I lose my selfe; for if I might hereby purchase a Kingdome it will never get me honour. And I know it is the practise of the enemy to recompence the Traytor with some titular reward, but no trust; Besides this discovery hath put me into a condition beyond the possibility of a relapse. And had not my fidelity and fore-knowne constancy put me on, I might have reserved for my selfe a faire retreate in the time to come; but having engaged my selfe by a manifest declaration, I must now needs goe through or be quite ruined.
Robert Backhouse.
The Committee of the House of Commons for the Garison of Gloster doe thinke fit that this Booke be printed, 3. May. 1644.