THe City of Cheſter is a ſtrong Prize in it ſelfe, anciently ſuch by the high and broad Walls, with many Towers and Bulwarkes flankering the ſame, and ſince theſe troubles fortified by more than ordinary Mud-walls ſecuring the Suburbs: and to compleat the whole, the river Dee (in ſome meaſure Navigable) ſecures it on the Weſt and South, which ſwells ſo broad and high in the Tyde, that no forces by Land can reſtraine reliefe by Sea.

The ſcituation likewiſe makes it moſt advantagious to the poſſeſſors, it being the key of Ireland, and a tye to unite North-Wales to Lancaſhire by a ſmall neck of land in Cheſhire, five miles over, the Rivers on both ſides foardable.

This Citie ever ſince the beginning of theſe troubles (Perfideouſly ſurprized by the Commiſſioners of Array, in time of Truce) was kept for the King, eſteemed the maſter-piece of theſe parts of the Kingdome, and in ſome meaſure accordingly lookt upon by the Parliament, whence it came to paſſe that much time and Treaſure was expended by the prudent Commander Sir William Brereton for the reducing of it.

More then two yeares agone it was firſt attempted, but the worke not well mannaged (the Militia being then in its infancie) it proved abortive. The enemy perceiving what they might expect in time, endeavoured their utmoſt, by art and induſtrie to make it impregnable.

Sir William Brereton perceiving that worke too difficult, betooke himſelfe to another Deſigne, the reducing of Boſton Caſtle, a piece of ſuch annoyance and charge to the Country, that it will not bee impertinent to give a briefe account of the fortifying, loſing, and regaining of it, but the worke of this piece, and the City, did at all times ſo mutually interfare, that they muſt be twiſted in the hiſtorie.

At the beginning of theſe Warres, and many yeares before, this piece was no more than the Skelliton, or bare Anatomy of a Caſtle, Sir William Brereton prizing it by the ſcituation, cauſed the Breaches to be made up with mud-walls, the Well of the outer Ward to be clenſed, and a few roomes erected, the old Walls being the greateſt part of the fabrick; a Captaine or two being wearied out of the charge of ſuch a Priſon, it was committed to Captaine Steele, (a rough-heawn man, no Souldier) whoſe care was more to ſee it repaired, victualled, and to live quietly there, than the ſafe cuſtody of it. After it was well ſtored with proviſion, the Army out of Ireland, with the acceſſion of other Forces, under the command of Sir John Byron▪ drew into Cheſhire: Steele had as ſufficient notice of his danger, as we of his negligence: the enemie ſuddenly ſurprized the inner Ward, where was nothing but ſtones, and a good proſpect, he by his ſloath having loſt that part, out of cowardiſe gave up the other without delay: his reward was death, upon the ſentence of a Counſell of Warre, ours, the loſſe of the Countrie, and the ſhaking of the whole County for the regaining of it, which the enemy kept in poſſeſſion, about the ſpace of two yeares.

In December 1644. Sir William Brereton with the Forces of Cheſhire and Auxiliaries of the Counties of Lancaſter, Yorke, Darby, Stafford, Warwicks, and Mountgomerie, a very conſiderable Armie, deſigned the reducing of Cheſter and this Caſtle, began to beleaguer the Caſtle by fortifying Beſton houſe, halfe a mile from it, and by ſome guards of Horſe and Foot in adjacent places. The enemy from Holt Caſtle falling upon our Quarters, cauſed us to quarter a ſtrong party in Farne, by which we reſtrained the incurſions from that Caſtle. Then the enemy from Cheſter fell upon our Quarters at Aldford▪ which occaſioned us to bring the greateſt part of the Armie to ſtraiten Cheſter, in the moneth of February Chriſtleton being the head quarter (about a mile from Chester) was ſecured from Horſe by ſleight mud-walls, by this meanes the City was ſtraitned on this ſide the River: At this time (holding correſpondence with ſome in the towne) we attempted a ſurpriſall, but (for ought we can learne) were drawne on by a ſubtill wile of the enemy, yet brought off without loſſe by divine providence.

One memorable atcheivement fell out in thetime of this Leaguer; the enemy from Cheſter with a body of fifteen hundred Horſe and Foote, endeavoured the ſurpriſall of Chriſtleton, whiles they were at dinner, after notice of their approach by the centry on the ſteeple, in a quarter of an houres ſpace, Collonel Jones drew up the Horſe, and adjutant Louthiane ſeven hundred Foote, the enemy layd a ſtrong Ambuſcado of above three hundred Foote in the hedges, the Body of their Horſe advanced towards their Foote in a faire broade Lane nere Boughton, Collonel Iones with his owne Troop, and Major Sankey with his, charged through their Ambuſcado, which ſo terrified the Enemy that many of them caſt downe their Armes, then they routed their Horſe, againſt whom the City ſhut their Gates, leaſt by their retreat they ſhould looſe all their Foote, Adjutant Louthian divided his foote, and drew them into the feildes to fall on the Enemies foote on both ſides the lane, whom he utterly routed, chaſing them within Musket ſhot of their own Workes. Our Horſe being but few not ſeconded by the Reſerve, the Enemies Horſe many, and compelled by the Citizens to face about, we were neceſſitated to drive away what priſoners we could with ſafety, and whom we could not bring off we cut and ſlaſht miſerably, which cauſed many to ſupplicate themſelves priſoners, that they might eſcape wounds, many eſcaped from us down a ſteep Hill by the river, others got into boggy places. The ſucceſſe was good▪ we tooke Collonel Werden▪ Livetenant Collonel Vaine, ſixe Captaines, twenty more Officers by Commiſſion, one hundred and eighty other Officers and Souldiers, ſlew but few, wounded very many, to the great amazement of the Citizens, who vowed they would never come out againe, we loſt one on the ground, three died of their wounds, about twenty wounded, Major Sankey ſore wounded, but not dangerouſly, Collonel Jones ſlightly wounded, and Captain Blackwall taken priſoner.

On Eaſter Eave we blockt up the City on the Welch ſide alſo, for the ſpace of ſixe weckes, adjutant Louthiane, who quartered in Hawarden blockt up the Caſtle, drewe his Trenches within a ſtones caſt of it, and ſo farre advance the worke by undermining and battery, that in all probability▪ a few dayes had ſet us in poſſeſſion of it, others quartered in all the Townes and Houſes neerer Cheſter, to the repreſſing of markets, but not reſtraining of reliefe, for both ſides were in ſome meaſure open to intelligence, and ſome proviſion, ſpecially the Cheſhire ſide. Our hopes of ſucceſſe were great, but the time of mercy for ſo▪ high a favour was▪ not yet come; Our eyes were ſo fixt on the vaſt body of an army, being the creame and gallantry of all the adjacent Counties, that God would not eclypſe his owne glory, leſt it ſhould be ſaid man had done it. For upon the approach of Prince Maurice with a farre leſſe force, we quit that ſide of the river, leaving the City open to Wales, and upon Prince Ruperts advance towards him, with acceſſion of Force, we quit both the Leaguers, and having ſtrengthned the Garriſons, drew to the further ſide of Cheſhire, remoteſt from danger.

This proved fatall to the Country, for the enemy at Holte burnt Faune, Cheſter burnt Chriſtleton, haveing before upon our approach burnt great Boughton, they of Beſton Caſtle burnt Beſton hall, and Tilſton houſe, two goodly manſions, and required ſeventeene weekes arrears of the Country (which was payd) according to the time we had blockt up the Caſtle, in which time we loſt much blood, both in Wales and at Beſton, ſpent much Treaſure, and almoſt waſted the Country on both ſides the river.

The enemy encouraged hereby iſſued out of Cheſter with three hundred Foote and one hundred and twenty horſe (the deſigne not yet knowne to us) paſſed nere Tarvin, ſo through Barrow, and accidentally fell upon Captain Gleggs quarters at Helſeby, tooke him, all his Troope, and ſome Country men priſoners, marcht towards Beſton, intending to paſſe home by Holte: Upon intelligence, Tarvin ſent out, under the Command of Livetenant Collonel Venables two hundred horſe (moſt of which by ſpeciall providence hapned to be there at that time) and one hundred and ninty Foote, theſe haſted towards the enemy, whom they encountred in Eaton towne, reſcued Captain Glegg, all his men, the Country men, and ſome of his Horſe, ſlew ſeven, many eſcaped by counterfeting themſelves dead, tooke three Captains, many Officers two hundred and twenty Souldiers, and all their plunder, loſt not a man on the ground, but foure dyed of their wounds not long after.

After this Sir William Brereton, by an Ordinance, was called up to the Parliament; the tranſaction of the Civill affaires of the County, were committed to ſeaven Truſtees, and the Deputy Lievtenants, the Military to Collonel Jones and adjut. Louthiane, men of ſuch knowne worth, that they need no Character of honour from this penne.

Theſe two Souldiers layd the foundation to the worke according to their owne principles. Firſt they endeavoured to appeaſe the Souldiers who were deſperately mutinous, and the Horſe on their march to leave the County for want of pay, and becauſe of their deep arreares, this the Gentlemen performed by faire language, a months pay in hand (borrowed and out of their owne purſes) and by deep engagements for a conſtant monthly pay, then they put in execution the new Moddle, by which the ſouldiers were reduced to ſuch order that they paſt muſter every night upon the Parade, and all that came not dayly upon duty loſt their pay. The Country were as ſenſible of their owne happineſſe, that they payd to none, but thoſe that ſerved, and that all free quarter to the Foote was taken off.

Their firſt ſervice was for Leiceſterſhire, Collonel Jones went out with five hundred Horſe and Dragoones, adjutant Louthiane with a conſiderable body of Foote, as farre as Bakewell, the Horſe were Commanded to Darby to joyne with Sir John Gell, who ſo retarded the Forces under his Command that they came ſhort of the Battle at Nasby, to which ſervice they were deſigned, yet advancing afterwards to Leceſter, were very ſerviceable for the reducing of that Towne, till the worke was perfected.

The firſt deſigne upon their returne, was the ſiege of Beſton Caſtle, by their owne Forces onely: to make the worke ſure (which formerly proved abortive) they erected a ſtrong Fort within musket ſhot of the Caſtle, before the Gate, finiſht it in ſeaven dayes, built a convenient houſe in it, which they ſtoard with proviſion and ammunition, afterwards made a Counterskerfe, hereby all hope of releiſe to the Caſtle was utterly cut off, and they enabled to draw off the greateſt part of their Force, when called thereto, by an invading enemy (which fell out twice) or for the carrying on of any deſigne, by which meanes unexpectedly they ſurpriſed the Suburbes of Cheſter. God ſo farre ſmyl'd upon this enterpriſe, that in all the dangerous worke of the Fort, we loſt not a man, nor a drop of Blood, though perpetually a faire marke to a violent enemy.

This worke ſo farre advancr, their thoughts were upon Cheſter, though it ſeem'd a deſigne almoſt impoſſible in the judgement of man, for all viſible meanes was gone, the Commander in cheif to the Parliament all the Auxiliaries diſperſt to their owne Countries, and we a ſmall deſpiſed in conſiderable Force, not onely engaged in the Leaguer of Beſton, but hard put to it by the incurſions of Holte Caſtle (a bad neighbour) beſides other Forces out of Wales and Cheſter, daily infeſting ſome part of the County, but laying to heart the reproach caſt on us by ſome of our pretended friends, as if all our worke were to lye idle in the Leaguer, and conſidering it was all one with God to worke with many or few, we reſolved to ſtorme the Citie.

But whiles we were intent upon this, two rubbs fell in the way, the King with ſome force drew towards Namptwich intending for the North, which cauſed us to draw off the Foot, to ſecure the Garriſons from ſurprizall, and Collonell Iones with the Horſe, and a ſmall party of Foot undertooke the charge of Beſton. The King drawing off from thoſe parts inclined his courſe doubtfully, whether for Darby, or the lower parts of Cheſhire, intending to fall into the North, and ſo to joyne with Mountreſſe, which counterchanged our courſe, for Adjutant Louthiane with the Foot, and a ſmall partie of Horſe undertooke the Leaguer of Beſton, Collonel Iones with foure hundred Horſe and Dragoones went into the field, to ſave the Countrie (in the lower parts of Cheſhire) from ſpoile, to fall upon the reare of the enemy, and to fight if occaſion ſhould require, having an acceſſion of foot in the skirts of the Countie. In this expedition he was drawne by authoritie to a longer march than was intended, expecting to be engaged towards Doncaſter or Newarke, where the Scots and the adjacent Countries made up a very puiſſant Army. Upon his returne preparation was againe made for the intended enterprize upon the City, but was retarded a few weekes by want of pay for the Armie, and by the intelligence of the King drawing this way (being taken off his expedition for the North) which made us ſtand on our guard, that we might not loſe the ground we had gained at Beſton.

That cloude diſpelled, they fixt upon a day for this ſo great a worke, and that it might be done without noiſe, they made uſe only of their owne ſtrength, being about five hundred Horſe, two hundred Dragoones, and ſeaven hundred Foot, and they that were privie to the deſigne tooke an oath of ſecreſie.

On Friday September 19. we drew off the Leaguer at Beſton towards Cheſter, but out of the common rode, that we might make no noiſe in the Countrey, nor the beleaguer'd Caſtle give any ſignall of forces abroad: after a tedious march all night, wee ſtorm'd the Suburbs of the Citie by breake of day, were not diſcovered till we attempted the Work, the Sentinell ſhot at our men, askt if we had brought our deare brethren (meaning the Scots) with us, to take the Citie: Wee multiplyed not words, but fell to the worke, Captaine Gymbert was the firſt that entred, his Ladder being to ſhort, he lift up his man to the mount (neere the river ſide) from the top of it, his man drew him up by the hand, and then they cryde, a towne, a towne, immediately they cleared that Mount, ſlew Lievtenant Alderſey, the Captain e of the Watch, and put the reſt, about ſix men to flight, then others ſet too their Ladders, poſſeſt themſelves of all the Mounts on that ſide the Citie, and with the inſtruments wee brought with us, brake open the gates: then all the Horſe entred, with the remainder of the Foot, with loude ſhouts, which utterly daunted the enemie. The next worke was to take the Barrs, being the Fortification for the Forreſt ſtreet, which was effected ſpeedily, by entring at the back of ſome houſes, not farre from the gate, ſo we fell upon that guard in the reere, who fled in all haſt into the City, that while our men opened the gate into the Forreſt ſtreet, which we entred with a full body of Horſe and Foot, and ſome ſo cloſe perſu'd the Guard, that they were neere entring the City with them. Maſter Major very difficultly got into the City, but made ſuch haſte, that he left the Sword and Mace at his houſe in the Suburbs.

Thus poſſeſt of the out-workes, we ſet guards in all places, where the enemie might fall in upon us, poſted Letters to the Gent. over all the County, alſo to Lancaſhire, Salop, and Staffordſhire, ſignifying what God had done for us, deſiring their aſſiſtance to the perfecting of this worke, who neglecting all other engagements, haſted towards us, as if the worke had been their owne.

The enemies firſt worke was to fire the Suburbs, by their inſtruments lurking amongſt us, ſome of which we ſlew, they burnt Cow-lane, and St. Iohns lane: after that they burnt up all the ſtreet without the North gate, to deprive us of all quarter, though many hundred Families of their partie, and much proviſion were deſtroyed thereby.

The next day after the ſtorme, we brought in the Artillerie, prepared a batterie that night, fell upon the worke the next day, made a wide breach by the New gate, intending to ſtorme the City at night: before which Maſter Major was writ to, by way of adviſe to prepare the City to a ſummons (which was peremptorie) for the ſurrender of it, the Summons they would not reade, becauſe the forme in the direction pleaſed them not, the anſwer returned by the Major, was to his wife in the Suburbs, that ſhe might comfort her heart, for the King was within foure miles for their reliefe. About ſeven a clocke that night, we ſtormed the towne in three or foure places, ſome fought valiantly upon the tops of their Ladders, many of which proved too ſhort: Captaine Finch with his Fire-locks entred the breach, beat off the enemie, but he, his Lievtenant, and ſome others being wounded and carried off, they who were to ſecond them were diſcouraged: ſo the worke was ſuſpended for that time.

The City, apprehenſive of their owne danger, in that we followed the worke ſo cloſe, ſent to the King, who gave them aſſurance of reliefe, drawing towards them with all ſpeed, which cauſed us to ſend out ſome to ſeeke out Generall Pointz, and to haſten him to our reliefe, which was ſeaſonably effected, for he quartering at Whitchurch on Tueſday night, marched thence before midnight: about ſix a clocke next morning, advanc'd wirhin three miles of Chester, neere the Kings Armie, before they knew of one another. Poyntz was upon Hatton Heath, divided from the Enemy by a ſhort Lane, whom he charged with a Forlorne hope, was very active in his owne perſon, and many gallant Gentlemen with him, but being overpowred by the body of the Enemy, who were in a good poſture upon the open field, they put him to a retreat, though their loſſe was judged neere as great as his, but the wounding of Collonel Greaves, Collonel Bethel, and Captaine Cotton, gallant men, wrought no ſmall diſtraction amongſt them: both Armies continuing facing one another after the skirmiſh (a lane betwixt them) till about foure a clocke; by which time Collonel Jones was ſent from the Suburbs of Cheſter with five hundred Horſe, and as many Foot, commanded by Collonel John Boothe to the reliefe of Poyntz: the enemie in Cheſter perceiving that, ſent about one thouſand horſe and foot upon the reere of Collonell Iones, yet by two hundred Horſe, and as many Foot, ſent out of the Suburbs by Adjut. Louthaine, thoſe were repelled and driven another way, ſo Collonel Iones arrived ſafe to the field.

The Enemie in Cheſter perceiving ſo many gone out of the Suburbs, tooke the opportunitie to aſſault the Workes, endevouring to caſt out ſuch unwelcome neighbours, this they attempted in divers places, but were valiantly repulſed by Adjutant Louthaine, this was the ſecond worke of that day, wherein God appeared for us, making theſe the firſt fruits of a glorious enſuing victory.

When the Enemie perceived Generall Poyntz, and the Cheſhire Forces about to joyne, they quit their ground, drew into a body, and ſet themſelves in Batalia upon Rowton Moore, we mattialled our ſelves likewiſe and joyned Battell betweene foure and five a clocke, the greateſt burden lay upon the Cheſhire Horſe, becauſe they were freſh for ſervice, the reſt much wearied with an inceſſant march and long faſting; Collonel Jones encouraged his ſouldiers with ſuch language, that he drew teares from their eyes, and vowes from their mouths, that they would ſticke faſt to him, whether in life or death, which they faithfully performed: the reſt alſo buckled themſelves to the ſervice in hand, and to give both ſides their due, they performed the worke with as much valour and reſolution as could be expected from men: But God owning his owne cauſe, made the Parliament partie victorious, who ſlew them with a great ſlaughter on the ground, and chaſed them over all the Countrie.

Some of their ſcattred party united themſelves neere Cheſter, and made head againe; theſe were compoſed of thoſe, who following Collonel Iones in the reere, were driven toward bridge Trafford, and the eſcaped in the field, who were partly twiſted in the Parliaments Armie, whiles they purſued the victory, and part of them driven before us: opportunity ſerving, they ſeparated themſelves, drew into a body, fell upon our purſuing Army, who ſuſpected no danger, got ground of us, and put us to retreate, but more force comming up, we drave them under the Walls of the Suburbs, where the guards from the Walls made execution on them. The reverſion of theſe, and the reſt, were gleaned up over all the Countie, and in divers other Countries where they were ſcattered, ſo that God made it the moſt cleare and full victory of any Battell yet fought in the Kingdome, for we ſlew about three hundred men on the ground, many were drowned, attempting to ſwim the river, we tooke above 1000. priſoners, beſides what daily were gleaned up by countrie men and women, yea, by knowne Cavaliers. We tooke moſt of the Horſe, to the great repleniſhing of the County, and our Troopes: amongſt other conſiderable men, the Earle of Litchfield was ſlaine. Wee loſt not 30. men on the ground, the chiefeſt of thoſe, Captaine Culme and Capt. Crant, and ſome few died of their wounds afterwards, the chiefe of them were, Collonel Prince, and Captain Cotton, men much lamented.

After this, neceſſitie required ſome refreſhing for Generall Poynts his Army, he intended his quarters neere to the City that night, and the next day to compaſſe it on the other ſide the river, not only to diſtreſſe the City, but to encompaſſe the King in it, or purſue his leane reverſion, if eſcaped thence. But two men of ſeeming quality (yet not diſcovered) told him as meſſengers from the Cheſhire Gentlemen, that he was to take up his quarters at Northwich, by which plot they tyred his Armie, and tooke him off his intended enterprize.

The next Sabbath in the morning Sept. 27. Generall Poyntz with his own Army, and the acceſſion of 1000. Lancaſhire and Cheſhire foote, and 500. Cheſhire horſe, paſſed over the river to the Welch ſide: the King was then at Denbigh, to whom Prince Maurice, with Sir Iacob Aſhley joyned themſelves, to reinforce the broken Army, or bring the King off: But having a ſignall by fire from a ſteeple in Cheſter, of our paſſing over the River, the King, Prince Maurice, and that ſmall force they had, fled by night to Chirke Caſtle; We quartered that night neere Cheſter, on Munday night at Wrexham, endeavouring to informe our ſelves of the Kings motion, and to follow him as opportunitie might ſerve. Upon Wedneſday Octob. 1. the intelligence was, that the King marched towards Hereford, thereupon Generall Poyntz that day marcht after him from Wrexham to Eleſmere, and Collonel Iones towards Cheſter, to make good the Leaguer there.

To haſten the worke of reducing the City, we ſent a Convoy for the great Guns at Stafford and Salop, by them to force a ſpeedy entrie, before the King could reinforce himſelfe to returne, Powder and Ball was altogether wanting for ſo great a ſervice, but the Gentlemen of the County were ſo forward for the worke, that they engaged themſelves for foure hundred pounds, by which we were furniſhed with Ammunition from Warrington: but ſuch jugling there was to prevent the ball, and retard the Guns, and by ſubtill agents, that cannot endure the work ſhould proſper in the hands of theſe inſtruments (who affect the cauſe, as they fancie the Leader) that we loſt above a weeke for the effecting of this great Deſigne. Upon Munday Octob. 5. the City was ſo ſtrictly begirt on both ſides the River, that none could paſſe in or out for the guards, of which Sir Iohn Byron the Governour complained in his Letters to the Archbiſh. of Yorke, and his brother, ſent to them at Conway, but intercepted by us that day, the Powder and Ball being come, we fixt a batterie on Tueſday night, on the Northſide towards the River, and made a breaſt-worke for Muskettiers on the Welch ſide, which clear'd a good part of the wall on the inſide. On Wedneſday we battered the Bulwarke next the North gate, even with the Wall; On Thurſday the wall it ſelfe, cloſe by the Goblen Tower, which proved ſo thicke, and the Ball ſo brittle, that not much more than the battlements was beaten downe: whiles the beſieged endeavoured to make up the breach by packs, feather-beds, &c. and to lyne the Wall all along; Our Cannon on the Welch ſide made great execution, ſwords, armes, leggs, whole bodies were ſeene to flye in the ayte, cart loads of bodies drawne off, and the Horſe in the reare driving up men and women to make up the breach. That night, a little before Sun-ſett we ſtorm'd the City upon the new breach, the old breach neere the new gate, and by ſcaling betwixt the Eaſt gate, and the Fenix tower: the ſtorme was very hot for neere two houres together, ſome of ours carried it very ſtoutly, fighting in the breach, and on the tops of the ladders, had they been ſutably ſeconded, the Town in all probability had been ours that night: In concluſion, we made good our retreate in the darke: we loſt 27 men on the ground, of thoſe, no Officers, but a Serjeant and a Corporall, about 60. wounded, amongſt them Lievtenant-Collonell Venables, and Captaine Maſſy, brother to the renowned Maſſie of Gloceſter, but neither of them dangerouſly: the report from within the City is, that their loſſe was more than ours, amongſt others, Sir William Manwaring was ſlaine, an unlucky Knight, to fall the firſt time he came into the field, and a wall betwixt him and danger.

Upon Saturday Octob. 18▪ the bridge of Boats (a very vſefull piece, uniting the Forces on both ſides the River) was finiſhed: the one end fixt within the Workes, the other guarded with a Fort, whence the line was intended to intrench the Citie on the Welch ſide, to prevent all reliefe. The Munday after, we had a deſigne upon Holt, in regard of the Enemie drawne thither, reported to be 700. which indangered the reliefe of Beſton, and the beating up of our quarters. Thereupon Collonel Iones fellſuddenly upon Holt, with above 1000. horſe and foot, who fell ſo unexpected on the Enemie, that had the Forlorne hope obſerved the command, to keep within Musket ſhot of the Body, in all probabilitie, wee had entred the Caſtle, before they had drawne up the Bridges; There we had a ſharpe skirmiſh with about 140 horſe, and the Caſtle foot, (for that was all the ſtrength that Fame had made 700.) upon whom we fell with ſuch violence, that we beat them into the Caſtle ditch, made great execution on them in the fall, ſlew one Major, and many other ſouldiers, wounded very many▪ took Lievtenant Coll. Byron, the Lord Byrons Brother, five more, and ſome good horſes: our loſſe was two men ſlain three wounded, not mortally, others ſleightly wounded: fourteene of our Forlorne hope taken, whoſe neglect of commands rendred them priſoners. By this atchievement, we quite brake that Body, ſecured the Leaguer at Beſton, and our own quarters.

Neere about that time Major Sankey with a party of horſe fell upon Hawarden towne, which would not contribute to the Leaguer, layd an Ambuſcado within piſtoll ſhot of the Caſtle, drew the reſt about to the other end of the Towne, at the alarme given, the liſted Souldiers in the Towne and ſome others beſides, haſted to the Caſtle, the ambuſcado ſlew ſome, tooke 12. priſoners, fetcht off 42. head of Cattle, 50. ſheepe of the Governours▪ 14. Horſe, and a Beare, which roared upon the man that layd hold on him for a calfe, none of ours either loſt, or wounded, thenceforth the Town contributed, and we reſtored the Cattle, this became a good preſident to the Welch, who above 20. miles off, follow their example.

Upon Friday, and ſome dayes after our Cannon played on the enemies mills, ſpoyled 3. of them, and battered the water Tower, by which water was conveighed into the whole City. At this time we had ſure intelligence of the enemies advance towards us, whereupon the Commanders ſpeeded Letters to all the adjacent parts to haſten all the releife poſſible, that we might be enabled to make good the Leaguer, and give Battle to the enemy in the field, that ſo we might looſe no ground.

Hitherto the military affaires of this County were under the charge of Col. Iones & adju. Louthiane, who diſcharged that truſt in al their undertakings, with as much prudence, reſolution and gallantry, as could be expreſſed from men, whoſe endevours God ſtill crowned with happy ſucceſſe, and the worke in their hands ſo farre advanc' • , that Cheſter, unleſſe relieved with an army, muſt neceſſarily yeeld up themſelves, and Beſton Caſtle gaſping for every thing neceſſary but aire and water.

Upon Saturday October the twenty five Sir William Brereton came to Namptwich, appointed by the Parliament to Command in cheife, to whom the Commanders from the Leaguer ſignifyed the enemies deſigne, and the preparation already made to entertaine them. Sir William approving of that courſe, ſeconded their Letters, to draw in the Auxiliaries, who were very forward of themſelves to promote this great deſigne, in which they were all ſo much concerned.

By this time the enemy in Wales were reported to be potent, to the great encouragement of the beleaguerd City and Caſtle. Sir William Brereton, however ſummon'd the Caſtle hopeing their low condition might incline them to a Parlie, but they being confident of help at hand, by ſignalls from the City, and adjacent Caſtles, ſent backe the Drumme in a moſt ſcornfull and reproachfull manner. Then Sir William ſent away Collonel Jones with fourteene hundred Horſe and Dragoones, and adjutant Louthiane with one thouſand Foote, to ſeeke and diſſipute the enemy reported to be about three thouſand at Denbigh. October the twenty nine we marc't to Moulde, the next day to Ruthen, and November the firſt to Denbigh, where the enemy being about one and twenty hundred Pedees making up the number ſtayd for us, not knowing we were ſo many, we intended for Denbigh greene, a faire peice of ground for a Battle, they intercepted our courſe, at a place called Whitechurch, a mile from Denbigh, where our Forlorne hope was engaged, and fought couragiouſly, till the Body came up, after which, though we got ground, yet could not the Horſe paſſe through that ſtrait lane, before which the enemy was marſhald in a body, therefore a competent part being left to keepe that ground, the reſt marcht in a compaſſe nere foure miles, to forme the Batalia upon Denbigh greene, or if the enemy would not there fight, to compaſſe them on both ſides, which they perceiving, fell upon the party left to keepe that paſſe, ours beate them off and got into open ground which caus'd them to flye to the Caſtle hill for ſhelter, there they rallied, and came downe againe, our Foote with the Warwicke and Darby Horſe diſperſt them againe▪ drave them from under the Walls of the Caſtle, and put them to a totall rout, whom the Horſe purſued 8. miles, till the night forct them home, it is conjectured that we ſlew about 100. on the ground tooke above 300. many of which we loſt in haſte to get ſeaſonably to the campe, and becauſe we ſaw they were not worth the keeping. Sir William Vaughan their Commander eſcapt by a timely flight, advertiſing the Towneſmen to provide for themſelves, who thereupon tooke Sanctuary in the Caſtle, burnt a great part of the Towne, and attempted the fireing of the whole, we tooke above 800. Horſe, loſt not a man on the field, or but one, and not 20 wounded.

The Munday after this bleſſed atcheivement, we returned to the Leaguer at Cheſter, about 30. advancing, before the army came up in ſight of the City, and wandring upon a vexatious mariſh ground, gave occaſion to the enemy to thinke we were routed, whereupon, after a great ſhout given in the City, all the Horſe and ſome Foote ſallied out upon our quarters next the Bridge, which cauſed a very ſharpe Skirmige of long continuance, in concluſion, we drave them in with ſome loſſe on our ſide, which warnd us, not to be ſecure upon a victory, nor to neglect our guards. The maine buſineſſe of the Leaguer thenceforth was, to finiſh the Trenches on the Welchſide the City, that went ſlowly on for want of mony, which occaſioned the enemy out of the Towne to take their advantages to fall upon our Guards, which put us to almoſt daily Skirmiſhing, and ſome loſſe.

Upon Friday November 14. after 18. weekes Seige the beleagured Caſtle of Beſton was brought to ſuch extremities for want of proviſion, that their ſtout hearts came downe to beate a Parly, Sir William Brereton appointed Collonel Croxton the Governour of Namptwich to Treate with them, who tooke to his aſſiſtance Livetenant Collonel Coote, they delivered up the Caſtle the next Lords day upon theſe conditions: To march out every man armed, Colors flying, Drummes beating, Matches light, a proportion of powder and ball, all their proper goods to be carryed with them, which laded two waines, a Convoy to guard them to Flint Caſtle, as many as pleaſed to live quietly at their owne homes, and ſo farre truſted, that no hoſtage was left to ſecure the returne of the Convoy, they were brought ſo low that they had eaten their catts, and had not proviſion for that night, High conditions for a moſt bloody, inſolent Country-waſteing enemy, and them brought to ſuch a ſtarved condition. Their march being on the Sabbath, occaſioned the breach of that holy reſt to many in the Country, who attended their firſt opportunity to enquire after their plundered goods, ſtoard up in that Cage of violence, and denne of theives.

The next Wedneſday after Sir William Brereton ſummoned the City in hope that their wants within, and loſſe of Beſton, might incline them to a Parly, after full deliberation on the ſummons, they returned an high ſcornefull, and contempteous anſwer, playing upon, and jeering at the moſt perſwaſive a rguments uſed for the ſurrender of the City: that taking no better effect, he ſent to them once more by their owne Trumpet, that ſince they deſpiſed ſuch favour tendred, their blood muſt reſt on their owne heads.

On Tueſday night November 9. about midnight, the enemy in the City had a great deſigne to fire our bridge of boates, and to cut off the Leaguer guards on the Welch-ſide to the effecting thereof, they ſent 2. Boats carryed downe with the Tyde, laden with Tallow, Pitch, and other combuſtible mater, with a frame of wood on the top of them, on which were fixt double charged Carbines, and other ſhorter peeces, to make execution on them that ſought to quench the fire; the one of theſe fired hard by the Bridge they intended to burne, made no execution on it, or on any perſon, but was ſeaſed on by our men, and the fire quencht, the other fired in the mid way, betwixt their Bridge and ours, conſumed it ſelf, without hurt to any. To put us to the greater diſtraction, they ſallyed out Horſe and Foote at the ſame time upon the Guards nere the Bridge, and they of Holt Caſtle alarum'd our quarters at Pulford, thinking thereby to worke ſuch diſtraction, that one Guard might not relieve an other, if their deſigne ſhould take, but this attempt proved deſtructive to themſelves, for after an hot diſpute, we beate them in, wounded many, ſlew 12. by the confeſſion of their owne party, which put them to great diſtractions within the City, when that which promiſed releife, proved their loſſe. In all that ſervice we loſt not a man, nor a drop of blood that we know of.

December 4. a great packet of Letters was intercepted by our guards, ſent out of the City by a fit agent, ſignifying to their owne party their low condition with deſire of releife. The maine buſineſſe was lockt up in Characters, and they had the key, the report of their condition was referred to the Meſſenger, who choſe rather to runne all hazards, than confeſſe and diſcover his Meſſage. Being ſent priſoner for Tarvin behind one of our men, he tooke the opportunity to diſmount himſelfe on the new bridge, leapt into the water, in hope to eſcape into the City by ſwyming, but ſunke in the mid way, and was drowned; whom, though he eſcaped Martiall juſtice, vengeance would not ſuffer to live.

Now came in the happy tydings of the ſurrender of Latham, upon very honourable conditions, to Collonel Iohn Booth, who thereupon tendred the further aſſiſtance of Lancaſhire, for the ſervice of this Leaguer, which tender was as opportune, as curteous, for this peice being ſo conſiderable, the enemy commanded by Sir William Vaughan drew into a poſture nere Bridgenorth for the releife of it: they advanc't into Shropſhire with about 2000. Horſe and Foote, fell upon Rockadine Church, where the Parliament had a ſmall Garriſon, which beate them off with loſſe, this cauſed Sir William Brereton to prepare ſeaſonably to breake that deſigne, to the carryng on of which, Lancaſhire ſupplyed us with 13. Troopes, and 300. Foote. Upon the Sabbath day December 21. we drew off all we could ſpare from the Leaguer, and marcht that day to Whitchurch the army joyn'd was about 1500. Horſe and 1500. Foote, there we ſtayd till Friday, which was a little reſpiration to this waſted County, and ſo farre wrought upon the enemy, that we heard no more of them, then a retreat towards Kiddermuſter. In that time the enemy iſſued out of Cheſter and made an eſcape with 18. Horſe, and the Lord Saint Paul, the way was open for their paſſage, becauſe no Trenches were cut on the Welch-ſide to interrupt them in their march, yet the Guard tooke Livetenant Collonel Needeham, and 3. more. Upon Friday, Dec. 26. the violence of the Spring tide was ſuch, that carrying up a great waight of Ice, it brake the new Bridge made of Boats; the beleagured were much incouraged hereby, made uſe of the preſent opportunity for ſome relief, before we could repair that broken piece. On Saturday night the Enemy in Wales with about 150 horſe of the L. Byrons and others joyned with his, marcht beſide our guards into the City, with ſome ſmall relief of Wheat, Oatmeal, Pyes, and Moneys for the Welch Souldiers, which was collected for them towards Conway. The next morning, with the aſſiſtance of Cheſter horſe, and about 600 foot, they forced their paſſage through the guards to Hawarden caſtle, with the loſſe of a Cornet, a Corporal, and one common Souldier taken by the guard.

Col: Iones perceiving the danger might enſue to the Leaguer on the Welch ſide by this unhappy accident of the Bridge broken, haſted that day over the Foard with 600 horſe, 100 Dragoons, and appointed 100 foot to march after him, to diſſipate that party, which was preparing relief for the City, and to eaſe theſe oppreſſed parts of the burthen of free quarter; that night we quartered at Mould, then coaſted about the countrey neer Ridley, Denbigh and Ruthén, and returned to the Leaguer upon Saturday: In all the march we found the country well-affected to us, not wanting in courteous entertainment, rejoycing in our ſucceſſe, contributing freely to the relief of the Leaguer, tendring their aſſiſtance as opportunity might ſerve, for reducing of the country: A people rather to be pitied for their ignorance (whoſe Leaders have taught them to erre) then ſpoiled for their malignity.

Col: Iones with the Cheſhire and Darbyſhire horſe, upon their return took up their Leaguer quarters cloſe by Hawarden caſtle, and Col: Maſſey with about 400 foot in Hawarden town, which (though the ſervice was dangerous, and requiring much duty) proved very advantagious for the Intercepting of all relief that might come from thoſe parts of Wales to the City: The Enemy perceiving our poſture, utterly deſpaired of ſending relief by land, and applyed themſelves to attempt that deſign by water, for the effecting whereof they fraught a Veſſel with a good quantity of Wheat, Bacon, Beefe, and ſuch like proviſion, not doubting but the Wind, Tide and their Oars, might ſecure them to paſſe our Boats, when the ſwelling River made the courſe paſſable beſides the Channel: To the preventing of which, nothing was left unattempted that might conduce to the guarding of the River.

The beleaguered ſeeing their deſperate condition, ſome from within the City aſſured us, that they were mindefull to parlye, and that upon Summons they would▪undoubtedly deliver it up, ſuch care there was to preſerve the City from plunder, and to ſave the lives of many in a ſtarving condition, that not ſtanding upon a Punctillio of honour, where there was a probability of reducing a peice of ſuch conſequence, it was agreed by a Councell of Warre, that the City once more ſhould be ſummoned.

The Summons was this.

This ſummons was dated the ſeventh and ſent away the eighth by a Trumpet, whom they admitted to the Bridge, and no further, received the ſummons and returned this anſwer.

They defered the anſwer till Munday Ianuary 12. which cauſed Sir William Brereton to ſend to them againe, requiring an anſwer of the ſummons.

Whiles our Trumpet went with that Meſſage, their Drumme brought in this anſwer, ſo much expected.

To which anſwer Sir William Brereton thus reolyed.

To this no anſwer was returned the next day, which rendred the Treaty as broken off, and occaſioned us to endeavour the further blocking up of all paſſages for releife of the City. Upon Wedneſday Ianuary. 14. a party of Horſe and Foote were ſent to quarter in Holte, thereby that Caſtle was blockt up, which was accuſtomed to range abroad dayly into Cheſhire, to the great prejudice of that waſted County, which alſo proved a poſterne, by which ſome ſmall releife many nights was ſent into the City. The charge of this worke was undertaken by Generall Mytton, who came ſo unexpected upon the Towne that he tooke 32. Horſes, and 3. perſons Priſoners: but the next day, being overſecure in their quarters, about 14. were ſurpriſed by the enemy, out of the Caſtle. This blocking up of the two neighbour Caſtles rendred to the enemy their condition deſperate of any conſiderable releife, unleſſe by a potent army.

The enemy perceiving their pretences ſlighted, and pincht with their owne neceſſities, applyed themſelves to ſeeke for a parle, by this Letter ſent to Sir William Brereton.

To which Sir William Brereton returned this anſwer.

The day after (notwithſtanding) this Letter was ſent into the City.

To which Letter this anſwer was returned.

Upon Munday about noone, they ſent a long Letter without the propoſitions expected, the contents whereof was, to excuſe their not ſending in of propoſitions for want of time fully to deliberate upon things of ſo great importance. Alſo they nominated 12. men for Commiſſioners, conſiſting of the Gentry, Souldiery, Citizens, and Clergy, becauſe all theſe had their ſhare in the treaty, deſiring Sir William alſo to nominate perſons of that number and quality on his part, and to deſigne a place where they might treat. Sir William tooke it not well, that they ſent not the propoſitions, as was expected, and approved not of ſo great a number of Commiſſioners; therefore he required their propoſitions ſpeedily, or to expect no further treaty, the next day they ſent againe ſignifying, their propoſitions were ready, but they would not ſend them by Drumme or Trumpet, but by Commiſſioners, which they deſired might be agreed upon, the place deſigned, and their perſons protected. Anſwer was made to the Lord Byron, that if they ſent propoſitions into the Suburbes, by two perſons of their choice, they ſhould have ſafe conduct. Accordingly they ſent 36. propoſitions upon Thurſday Ianuary 22. by Sir Edmund Verney and Major Thropp, which were ſo extreame high, that they were ridiculous, not fit to burden the Preſſe, or to reade, otherwiſe than to make ſport. Sir William then tendred to them his owne propoſitions, which they utterly refuſed to take, becauſe they had no ſuch Commiſſion.

Hereupon Sir William cauſed divers papers to be diſperſed upon the walls that night, which the Centries tooke in from our Souldiers, in which he ſignified their unreaſonable Demands in their propoſitions, and that they refuſed to take with them his propoſitions in which he ſought their good, and preſervation of the City, not doubting but this would worke a mutiny, and force them to a parlye in a more humble way.

Their extremities cauſed them to pretend a deſire to continue the parlie, whiles new hopes of releife by late intelligence quickned their droopeing ſpirits to more than ordinary acclamations. For, upon Friday January 23. they reported to our Guards their great confidence of releife by an army out of Ireland, already landed, and others to be aſſiſtant to them in Wales, for joy whereof they ſhot off their Guns, and gave a great ſhout upon the Walls, and within the City, which they doubted not would prove effectuall to animate the gaſping Citizens, and to worke on us to allow them better conditions.

But to cleare all on our part, Gen. Mytton with 800. Horſe and 200. Foote and Dragoones. Ianuary 25. marched into VVales, quartered that night in Ruthen, endeavouring to finde out and diſipate that body of the enemy, what ever it might prove, under the command of the Lord Saint Paul. Collonel Iones the day after ſent a party towards Ruthland Caſtle, hoping thereby to incloſe the enemy, or interrupt them in the way, if they attempted the releife of Cheſter, whiles ſo great a party of ours was abroad in the Country. The enemy not appearing, the party ſent out by Collonel Iones made a ſpeedy returne with a booty of Horſe taken from the enemy, who had ſecured them in Ruthland, and good ſtoare of Catle, for reſtitution of which the Country there payd their arreares of contribution for the Leaguer. But Gen. Mytton continued in Ruthen, having great hopes of the Caſtle, deſtitute of the Governour, Ammunition and fuell.

This while the Citizens were more ſenſible of their deſperate condition, then the Commanders, reſolved to feede no longer upon lyes, which had brought them a long time to feede upon horeſſleſh ſo they forced the Commiſſioners to treate with us, and to make the beſt concluſion they could but however to conclude, Upon Friday January 30. their 12. Commiſſioners were admitted into the forreſt ſtreete, which ſent the ſame number of able men to joyne with them they continued late that night in debating the propoſitions but the worke drew not towards a period. Our Commiſſioners agreed, that unleſſe they came the next day by 12. a clocke and ended by 6. the treaty ſhould ceaſe: they deſired to deferre it till Munday, which would not be admitted, ſo they all met upon Saturday, continued the treaty all night, and all the next day. Our Commiſſioners held them ſo cloſe to it, that they yeelded to very hard conditions, which becauſe they will be publique, and larger then will ſute to this ſhort narration, ſhall not burden this paper.

Betwixt ten and eleven at night they poſſeſt us of the royall Fort, wee having firſt ſent Col. Bowyer, and Col. Maſſie, hoſtages to Hawarden Caſtle, to ſecure them of our fidelitie in making good the Conditions on our part: upon Tueſday we were poſſeſt of the Citie and Caſtle, by which the Almighty (who ever-own'd our undertakings) finiſht the great worke of reducing this afflicted County, almoſt ſpent under the inceſſant travell of a three yeares warre. Our hopes are, that this reſpiration to us, will be the firſt fruites of mercy to Northwales, carrying with it a ſtrong influence, for the reducing of the many Caſtles, ſuch bad neighbours to us, and deſtructive to that Country, which now ſeeme as rype figgs that fall into the mouth of the eater.