Letter to the Speaker of the House of Peers

TO THE Right Honorable my very good Lord, THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF PEERES, these present.

COmming before Lime Regis this day seven-night in the morning, I found the Town under a very straight and close si • ge. The proceedings of the Enemy and of the Towns defense till my coming will be offered to your Lordships knowledge by the enclosed, being a coppy of Colonel Weres journall to that time.

At my arrival in the bay, I found the Town in very great went of victuals and Ammunition, though for their necessary subsistence, Capt. Somerster Captain of the Mary Rose (whom I had formerly sent hither for their encouragement, together with Cap. Jordan Captain of the Expedition, Cap. Cock Captain of the May-Flower, and Cap. Jones Captain of the Anne and Ioyce ) had spared them out of his ships stores thirty five barrels of Powder, and a good quantity of Bisket and other provisions, besides some victuals delivered them out of Cap. Jordan and Cap. Jones. At my first coming I sent them on shore 38 barrels of Powder, and some proportion of match directed to them from the Committee for the West. I also contracted with a Sandwich man for nere 400 pound worth of corn, Malt, Butter, Cheese, &c. they not having left in the Town two days bread. The night before my coming the enemy had burnt near twenty Barkes belonging to the Town and some that were left they burnt the night following; the same night Cap. Pine was wounded and is since dead. On Satturday last I received a Letter from Captain Ceely the Governor, importing the necessities of the Town, and praying a supply out of the ships stores, without which they could not longer maintain the siege. I was fully informed of the gallantry of the defendants, the garrison consisting of about 1100 men, who though they wanted shoes, stockings, clothes and pay, and had been kept on the Line from the beginning of the siege without relief, yet were every of them resolved to hold out to the utmost point of time, and when all failed, to make way through the enemy with the Sword. There condition and courage had such operation on the Sea-men of my ship that they did unanimously consent to give them one fourth part of their next four months bread, and to abate it proportionably out of every days allowance, yet with hopes that the State would make it good again. They did also out of their own little abilities spare them divers pairs of boots, shoes, shockins, clothes, and some victuals, saved out of their former allowance.

On Monday last I called a Council of War aboard, and upon consultation with one of the Commanders sent from the Council of War in Lime, we resolved to spare them out of the ships twenty thousand weight of bread, besides the sea-men's seven thousand, a hogshed of Beefe, a hogshed of Porke, some shot, whereof part was sent on shore that day. The same day I received a Letter from the Commanders in Lime, desiring that some of the Sea-men might be sent to guard their Line, while others of their garrison sallied upon the enemy, and by our Council of War we resolved to spare them 300 men. But instead of giving a salley the Town received a storming that day from the enemy, at which time there were about 60. of the enemy, and but 8 of the Town slain, and a few wounded, amongst whom Col. Were was shot in the belly, (but not mortally) and Lieutenant Colonel Blake had a slight hurt in his foot. Three Captains were appointed to lead the forlorn hope, of which Captain Southerne (who had on the Lord Paulets own armor) was slain on the place, Captain Aston was taken prisoner, and brought aboard the James on Tuesday morning, and the third Captain escaped; the dead that then fell were left upon the place, the Enemy declaring that they would bury them and take in the Town together. By this Aston I received notice that the besiegers were about 2500. Horse and Foot, that Prince Maurice, the Lord Paulet and Sir John Barclay were in the leager.

The Garrison having by this success received encouragement, they resolved to prosecute their former intention of sallying on the Enemy; they being much tired out with continual duty, and the provisions spared out of the Ships, being not sufficient for many days supply the Soldiers spending about 1200 weight of Bread a day, and there being about 4000 Souls in the Town.

In pursuance therefore of the former resolution, I sent the 300 men on shore with safety one Tuesday night, half of them being sent before hand into some small vessels that lay near the Town. The same Tuesday I resolved before the time determined for sallying (which was to be communicated to us by a sign from Captain Davies Fort) to send all our Ship-boates (filled with men) as also the Expedition and the Warwick frigat to ply to and again on the East shore (there being several valleys at Charmouth Bridport, and other places within five or six miles of Lime, that gave an opportunity of landing) hoping that by giving an Alarm there, I might draw off from about the Town the Enemies horse, (which the Towns-men most feared) and hapily some of their Foot, whereby the besieged might gain the more advantage. Yesterday I accordingly sent out the Ships and Boats, and by an Alarm given, obtained that which was in our design, four or five Troops of horse, and some hundreds of foot giving a continual attendance upon motion of our Boats. The Enemy it seems was upon observation of our Boates, mistaken in our purposes, conceiving that our Boats had drawn off some of the Garrison, intending to land them on the East-shore, for the getting of provision into the Town, or for falling upon their Reire. Hereby supposing the Town to be weakened, they resolved upon another storming, which began yesterday about four of the clock near to the time agreed on for sallying; They made three assaults, and did twice make an orderly retreat. The third time they came on with as much bravery and resolution as could be in Soldiers, which was as gallantly receive by the Towns-men. The fight was continued with extreme violence from about 6 of the clock at night for two hours, there being a continued volley of great shot and small shot.

The issue was, their fell of the enemy (by computation of some that came this day aboard) 400. and of the Garrison there wa • shine and hurt only 6 or 7 men. The last night and this morning there is in the Town a more then ordinary silence. Thus have I represented to your Lordship the state of this Town, hoping that some speedy course will be taken for their relief. Their fidelity and courage god hath much honored, and it is pity the delayi • g of supply should hazard the least blunting of their resolution. There be men of very considerable reputation in the Town, who will be able (if freed from this siege) to serve the state, by raising a good body of men in these parts. If Lime be lost, it will have a very ill influence, the inclination of these parts depending on the success of that Town, which the Enemy values not so much for it self as for the men that are in it, who if at liberty, will quickly get a strength together, which the Country will be well disposed to close withal. It will be an act very worthy the Houses of Parliament to hasten towards them some Forces by Land, and some victuals and Ammunition by Sea; that such precious and distressed spirits may not become a prey to Famine, or to a cruel Enemy. So desiring your Lordship to communicate this to the House of Lord's together with a tender of my humble service I commend your Lordship, and all your councils to the blessing of Heaven resting.

A true and perfect Diurnall of all Passages since Colonel Weres coming to the Town of Lime Regis.

Febr. 21.

COlonell Were landed at Lime Regis.

Febr. 22

All his Forces, with the Garrison of the town, were drawn forth on Lime-hill, from whence a party was sent to Studcomb-house, and Axmouth, under the command of Captain Peyto, to secure those places.

Febr. 23

Colonel Were with his Officers and 300 foot advanced to Studcombe-house, with a resolution to have fallen upon Colleton, but was commanded back by the Governor of Lime, as by his Letters will appear.

March 3.

Captain Townsend drew out by command of the Council of War 100 Firelocks, and fell upon Bridport, where he surprised 130 horse, and met with his Colonel and Captain Pine at Chidwick hill, where they were with horse and foot to secure his retreat.

March 4

Several Messengers came out of Devonshire to inform that the Country was in Arms, and desired assistance from the Council of war at Lime, of horse and ammunition, which by a general consent was granted unto them, Major Butler being commander in chief, and some other Captains sent with him; they advanced to Hemiock, where they were set upon by Major Carre, who lost his life, and divers of his Soldiers.

March 5.6.

The enemy drew out of their Garrison of Arminster, and Colleton, Chard, Exon, Taunton, and Bridgewater, what forces they could to fall on Hemiock.

March 9

Colonel Ware to divert their besieging of Hemiock, fell upon Collington with 300 men, and took that Town, 300 Arms, 250 prisoners, all their Magazine, three Colours, 12 Drums, beside divers prisoners of note, and was advancing to the relief of Hemiock, but met with the ill news of his Officers being surprised before, which hindered his resolution and caused him to retreat to Studcombe-house again, where he continued till April 20. every day or night having an alarm or fight with the enemy; and was called three times to give assistance to the Town of Lime-Regis, and to have fallen upon a quarter of the enemys: Which was accordingly performed through tedious marches by him and his soldiers, though little use made of them when they came there, which was no small discouragement to the Soldiers.

April. 20.

Our Scouts discerned the enemy on Rode-hill, which in the evening advanced towards Uplyme-hill, and there stood all the night, only a party came down, beset Hay and Coly-house, in so much that our men were enforced to retreat unto the Town of Lime-Regis.

April. 21

The enemy approached within Pistol-shot of our Line, and played their great and small shot very hot, though but to little purpose. This day Colonel Ware commanded the major part of his officers and soldiers from Studcombe-house, whose passage proved very difficult and dangerous; a party of the enemies foot and horse skirmishing with them, it made their passage good without the loss of any, only some men wounded. This night the enemy raised a battery westward, which did much annoy us. From thence came many great shot, insomuch that Captain Marsh was beaten out of his Fort, and he himself afterwards slain. This evening we sent to Poole to acquaint them with our sad condition. This day Studcombe-house was taken, when we left it there was no want of anything, and thought it as tenable as the Town of Lime, and why Captain Peyto should surrender it upon such sleight terms is admired:

April. 23

We sallyed out, split one of their guns, killed to the number of 100. took 30. prisoners, one Lieutenant one Ensign. Here C. Bill • t was killed (an Enemy) Captain Wood Commander of the forlorn hope was wounded: We retreated with small loss, but were enforced to leave their guns behind us. This night a battery was raised in Coly meadow.

April. 24.25.26.

This day the enemy stormed with Ordnance, did little hurt; This day also two Dunkirk men of War looked on us; This day our ship was betrayed, wherein we lost prisoners of some worth. Very little powder by this time left; Some comfort by shipping.

April. 27

From Coly work came Granadoes into the Town which did little hurt: This night they raised another work on the East, which bear down Captain Novell's Fort, and did some hurt to the Town.

April. 28.

This morning the enemy offered to storm us but their soldiers had no mind to such sport, nevertheless they bestowed powder and shot freely on us, insomuch as their firing seemed a continual blaze, which was discovered by Captain Semaster and Captain Jones, then of Portland point, who made all possible speed to relieve us. The sight of these two ships begat new life in our almost tired soldiers; they supplied us with powder, match, and bullet, and other provisions which we much wanted. This day the enemies Ordnance played very hot.

April. 29.

These ships landed to serve us 100. men: The enemy seemed not at all to be daunted, but fired-very hot, and made their approach very near our line: They shot fire arrows, which did not hurt nor affright any.

April. 30.

This day with the bold Seamen and others we sallyed out once more, laid hold of their Ordnance, spoiled one, killed many of the enemy, and retreated with some loss. Major Harrington slain by one of our own men, yet the loss on the enemies part was so great, that the water which served the Town was turned into blood.

May 1.

They gave us a very thundering Alarm in the morning, and now they began to make their Fort royal against C. Davies Fort.

May 3.4.5

The Enemy lay very silent, but the weather tempestuous in so much that we doubted the safety of our shipping.

May 6

The Enemy lay very silent, but in the Evening stormed us very gallantly to the loss on their party of at least 100 men or more. In this storm they lost Col. Blewet, and as far as we can hear Col. Strangwates, four Captains, Cap. Paulet, Cap. Mollineux taken, the Enemy was silent the rest of the night

May 7

This day the Enemy sent to demand the body of Colonel Blewet and desired liberty to fetch off their dead, which was accordingly granted and put in execution, this took up most part of the day, so that there was scarce a stroke on either side till night, and the night proved very silent.

May 8

They drew their Army into two bodies, which kept us in perpetual Alarmes all the afternoon and the night. This day also came in C. Cock with his ship which afforded us some relief both with men and provision. This Evening C. Pawlet died with the wound that he received in storming.

May 9

This day proved as silent, as the weather, very quiet, only in the afternoon the Ordinance thundered on both sides, and our small shot ratled bravely.

May 10

This day the Enemy began to make their approaches very near our line in the Western part of the Town, but Lieurenant Col. Blake sent out a party in the night which made them remove further off.

May 11.

This morning came good relief, 300 men by shipping sent by Sir William Waller from Portsmouth, and now the Enemy spent their great shot very free upon all quarters especially upon the boats which landed any friends and upon C. Davies Fort, in so much that his Gunner and two other men were slain with a great shot, but the Captain (who hath behaved himself ever gallantly) not any of his Soldiers were anything at all daunted therewith.

May 12

This day the Enemy shot in many fire balls, which did no hurt at all. This day was C. Jones dispatched to Portsmouth with Letters to Sir William Waller and others to the Committee, This day the Enemy began two strong Batteries very near our line on the West, and two more we raised against them which did somewhat trouble them.

May 13

This day we played on their Batteries with our Ordnance very hot, did some mischief, small shot ratled on both sides, with little loss on our part.

May 14

This day the enemy was very silent: in the afternoon we sent out a party for discovery, which roused them: we found their quatters strongly manned: and about midnight another pattee was sent upon a contrary quarter, which did some execution upon them, and retreated without loss.

May 15

This day we received a Culvering cut from Captain Semaster which we planted in one of our new batteries.

May 16.

The enemy endeavored to make up their breaches by our Ordnance, but could not, being continually battered.

May 17

This day the Ordnance we thought drawn off, began to speak, which had not spoke in 3. days. This night they made a line in opposition to outs North-ward. These two days they played their Ordnance very thick upon the Cobb.

May 18

This day we sallyed out and entered their Fort royal, split their gunne, took 20. prisoners, beat them home to their grand Quarter, and returned with little loss. In the evening they plaid hot again upon the Cobb, and continued making up of their Trenches.

May 19

This day there was a testation of arms for the space of an hour, for the fetching off three which were lost in the fally. Our Ordnance slew many at their grand Quarter. This night proved very silent.

May 20

This morning the enemy came by Colonel Blake's quarter, & approached near the Cobb, insomuch that they took off a ships colors from her stern, and afterwards fetched two horses close to a partee that was sent out to rescue them.

May 21

This day the enemy intrenched themselves on the West part of the Town near the Seaside, shot many great shots into the Cobb. This night a half moon breast was raised against Captain G •… tch his Fort, and approached near th •… part of the line.

May 22

This day a partee of the enemies foot faced the Cobb, and after some few shots entered it, but were again beaten out of it by a partee of ours which issued out. Another partee at the same time issuing out, entered one of their works, but could not keep it, by reason of the evening approaching, retreated with small loss, only Captain Pyne (who hath ever behaved himself very well) was dangerously wounded. This evening proved very silent, by reason of their fetching out such things as were in the ships which they that evening had burnt.

May 23

This day the Earl of Warwick arrived here, which was a great encouragement to our soldiers. This evening the Governor and Lieutenant Colonel Blake were sent aboord to co •… with his Lordship.