Mr. PETRS REPORT from Bristoll; made to the House of Commons, from Sir Thomas Fairfax.
MR. Peters came on Munday last from the Army, being sent up by the Generall upon matters of great importance. Upon Tuesday morting he was called into the House of Commons, and there he spake to two particulars; viz. First the giving an Accompt of the Armies marching to Bristoll: And secondly, what they had done there, in order; to the taking of that Citie.
And for the former; There were m [...]ny inducements (after they had taken Sherburn and Romney) thither to go, rather then to the West: As, the intreatie of the [Page 2] people of So [...]erset, which were strong; the horrid crueltie of Prince Rupert, who began to burn all the Countrie behinde the Armie; the increasing of his forces, whereby he might with the help of the Malignant incensed Club-men of Dorsetshire, fall upon the Rear of the Armie: Besides, he might have spoiled most of our Summers work in these parts; and the Army feared to fall into some other former errors, by onely passing through the Country, to leave them in worse case then they found them. But by taking Bristoll (if God would giue that blessing) the Countrie would be cleered from them even to Exeter.
Moreover, Rupert was farre more considerable then Goring, and of more repute; and in the West they were very slow in their rising, though all meanes used; their own differences many, and if our Army had followed Goring, he had gone into Cornwall, where the whole Country had been helpfull to him, which they denied otherwise.
To all which may be added, that Bristoll could not be assaulted in a better time, they wanting all things for food. The Armie had lain there 1 [...]. dayes, and though the Plague were in the Town, and in every Village round about, not a souldier was tainted with it, nor above twenty men lost by all the salleys the enemie have made.
He also reported, that he conceived great hopes (through Gods blessing) for taking it, they being even readie for the storme at his departure; the Line of 5. or sixe miles compasse, and the militarie [...] no way able to defend so much ground; our Seamen by Portshead Fort out off, readie to help also.
[Page 3] The said Master Peters being the last week commanded to preach to the Clubmen of Sommers [...]t [...]hire, he met there on Merdiffe hill, and there about 4 or 5000. horse and foot appeared, when he preached twice on horse back, and the issue was a generall resolution to come into us, which the next day they did about 3000. he was perswaded though this was not an omnipotent Army, yet the Lord would owne it and blesse it, there being much diligence used for the taking away evils attending such multitudes, many people mourne and shed teares in their quarters where they part with our honest Souldiers; we very seldome heare the least complaint against any souldiers: doubtlesse God is with them.
Master Peters humble Petition from the Generall to the house was, that they would please to recruit the Army to the first intention of 21000 horse and foot, and he did hope the State would soon have a good account not onely of the West, but also of the Kingdome, notwithstanding the Kings last march, and our brethrens departure. He left also some intercepted letters, one blasphemous going to Oxford which is here inserted. When the iniquityes of the Ammorites are full, Gods people fall to Canaan, let us wait and see the Salvation of God, and pray hard for that Army, that is willing to do for you, to their utmost.
There are also some other papers, which Mr. Peters presented to the House that were intercepted; by some that came out of Bristoll, and elsewhere; Here followeth the Copies of two of those Letters; one from a a Collonel in Bristoll, to the Dutchesse of Buckingham, and the other from Prince Rupert, to the Clubmen.
A Copie of Collonel Crowches Letter, to the Dutchesse of Buckingham; intercepted as it was carrying out of Bristoll, by a Scout of Prince RUPERTS.
THe last Letter I writ to your Grace miscarried but the losse was but little, to you, seeing their was nothing at all in it worth your care, it was only to let you know that this unlucky siege, hath prevented Godson, and your most humble Servant, from the happy Journey they intended, and in earnest I think it will be all the mischief the enemie will do us, though by their staying here, they may continue their malice, yet if we have your good wishes, I am sure we can never miscary; and seriously, because without doubt there are above ten righteous persons in this Citty. ( Hereby you may see what the Cavaliers fight for; even for their Popish Mistresses: the receiving of whose blessings, they think themselves righteous in; to serve whom, they cast off both God and man. that is such that are wholly dedicated to your service. Pray wish us well, and I assure you Madam, let the number be never so great, there will be none amongst them, that is not at your devotion, then your Graces most humble and most obedie [...]t faithfull Servant,
[Page 5] Here followeth also a Copy of a letter sent from Prince RUPERT to the Club-men, before the siege was laid before Bristoll, or they quelled; wherein we may see how he then carried himselfe towards them.
BEing informed of your good inclinations for his Majesties service, and in order to your late humble addresse u [...]to him, I thought fit for me to acquaint you with such certain Intelligence which I received from good hands, and from persons of eminent credit, as like wise by Letters lately intercepted, wherein you are all concerned; least by the delusive lets and subtilties of the enemies, you may be diverted from those good resolu [...]ions which you have so freely exprest, and by their faire invitations involved in an irrecoverable ruine. The one is, that there is expresse comm [...]d [...]me from the Parliament to Generall Fairfax, by violence and force to suppresse you, if by faire meanes he cannot draw you from your Alegiance to adhere to him, but howsoever to seize upon the Ring-leaders, who shall and must be conceived to be utterly incapable of their pardon, and with these particuolar expressions, To destroy the seeds of sedition and rebellion sowen by those Hollises of Wil [...]s in Dorset, for presenting a Petition to have justice done, condemning injuries done by the Garrisons to Club-men, (least it inforced them to joyne with the Kings forces) which will be a great work, and of at great concern as the victory it selfe. Vpon these representaions I doubt not, but you will consider of your present condition, that you cannot disert his Majesties cause, without violence to conscience and honour, nor yet partake in their rebellion, but with inevitable ruine to your persons [...]d liberties, and that to be inforced upon you by those that now court you most, and that by superiour command. At which, I referre to your serious considerations, giving you assurance that I shall not be wanting, to doe all those good offices, that shall make me really appeare.
Gentlemen, We have presumed to break up this Letter, and are not discouraged by it, for our journey. We have speeded it unto you, and leave it to your considerations.
- George Ha [...]les.
- William Leigh.
- John Estmond.
Sir Thomas Fairfax having sent the last summons into Bristoll to Prince Rupert, on Sunday night September the 7 1645. he having all things in a readinesse to storme; and intending to fall on the next morning, received propositions from Rupert, that if he would permit him to march away with 10 peece of Ordnanc [...], Cullers flying, 20 Cariages Armes and Ammunition, bag and bagagge, and all the Souldiers and Bishops, and prebends, and Queristers, Gentlemen and others, with a safe Conduct, that then he would deliver us Bristoll, with all the forts and Castles, &c.
To this Sir Thomas Fairfax returned answer, that for the termes of honour, he would do what was fitting for his degree; that is to march away with 3 peece of Ordinance, Cullers, Armes, &c But for his other propositions viz. concerning the protection of the Bishops, &c. he desired to be excused.
Sir Thomas Fairfax was resolved if Rupert would not agree as Munday September the 8. that he would then storm, being resolved to admit of no delay.
Tuesday was the day nominated for the surrender of Bristoll, and Commissioners of both side were chosen.