HAving arrived at my journey● end to Taunton-Deane , under the command of Lieutenant Howard , with whom I am entertained Trumpeter to a Troop of Horse , the next day I intended ( my duty binding me thereunto ) to take my Horse and ride to Wells , to my Fathers : To which end I went to my Captaine , and told him my intent , withall desiring his licence for foure dayes ; who told me that he would goe along with me to Wells , for it was in great distresse , the Cavaliers having made it their randevouz , and used several-rigorous oppressions against those that did any way oppose them . Wherefore he immediately caused me to sound my Trumpet through Taunton-Deane ; a Corporall giving notice that it was his desire that all Gentlemen or others that were possest of any Horse , or Horsemans Armes , should instantly put themselves into a Posture of Defence , and repaire to him .

Which was speedily effected ; for within three houres there were with my Captaines owne Horses , and those that were sent in , neere an hundred and twenty . Which being put in order by Lieutenant Howard , we immediately marched towards Wells , where being arrived , wee found the Countrey all in Armes , and their Towne besieged on every fide . On the hill comming off Mendip from Bristow-ward , there was Sir Francis Popham , and Sir Edward Hungerford , with sixe thousand armed men , and two Peeces of Ordnance , which were mounted against the Bishops Palace .

Betweene Glastenbury and Wells there was Sir Edward Gainton , and Sir John Horner , with eight thousand men , or thereabouts .

On the hill on the East side between Skipton-Mallard and Wells , there was Master Pine , Master Cole , and Master Strowd , with three thousand more , and two Peeces which they had mounted to command any part of the town , where occasion should require .

The sight of our horse gave a little more life to them , they having very few horses , and the Cavaliers having at the least three hundred .

Wherefore Sir Edward Hungerford after a courteous welcome , entreated us to make good the passage from Wells , on the North-east of the Towne , which goes up to the Downes to meet with Skipton mallet Roade , which leads to Bristow , which was accordingly performed by us : the Army being in order , Sir Francis Popham caused some shots to be made from Mendip-Hill against the Bishops Pallace , which ( by reason of the strength thereof ) they had made their Quarters , it being a place of a considerable strength , and moted round about .

Neverthelesse the report of our Ordnance made the Cavaliers bestirre themselves , seeing themselves surrounded by the Country , and knowing the Towne was no place of strength or security either to oppose us , or to secure themselves from us , wherefore they made as if they intended to force a passage towards Glastenbury , which caused all our parties of Foot to presse up to secure those passages , which they seeing , with their utmost speed at a passage betweene the wood and us , trooped out upon us , fronting us boldly , which well they might , they being in number much greater , and more experienced men , both in Horsemanship , and use of Arms , our men being raw , untutored , and unexperienced both in the use of their Armes , and Horsemanship , our Foot likewise being so farre behind , by reason of the mistake , that it was impossible to reach them , besides our Ordnance which was planted on the Hill , lying so high , could not command them , they keeping just under the bottome of the said Hill , being sheltred by the Wood .

Neverthelesse , our Captaine ( neither esteeming their number , or weighing the danger that might happen by his attempting to intercept a Party so strong , and pusued by almost inevitable ruine , and perpetuall destruction ) gave command that wee should give Fire upon them , which was with unexpected alacrity , and undaunted courage performed : They did the like at us , but such their haste was , that they could not stay to see the execution , nor doe we know whether we did any against them , for it was not policie to pursue them , they having the greater number . Besides , had wee engaged our selves beyond the bounds or succour of our Forces , wee might have been cut off , and they had cause to laugh at our destruction .

The Towne being thus quit of them , wee drew our Forces in , where wee were entertained with great joy ; but they made for Bristow , being confident that they should have gained a party there , buty being arrived , they found the City up in Armes , and some in Ambush , who suffered to passe quietly without discovering of themselves : But at their back returne , being pursued by the Commanders of the City , they intercepted them , and gave them a broad side , putting them to a shrewd confusion .

Some Prisoners they have taken , but what they are , is not certaine : onely it is reported that Marquesse Hartford and the Lord Paulet are taken Prisoners : Others say , Sir Ralph Hopton ; but of this there is no cettainty : for those that escaped , they fled to my Lord Strange , who lay within ten miles with an Armie , in the Borders of Wales .

This day being the eighth of August , wee received severall Votes of both Houses of Parliament , with their Resolution , concerning the said Cavaleers , namely , that Sir Ralph Hopton , Master Thomas Smith , Sir Ferdinando Gorges , and Sir Francis Bodington , be forthwith sent for as Delinquents .

The Country stands generally for the King and Parliament : You would not imagine now confidently and willingly the Countrey take Armes . Although Sir Ralph Hopton be a Gentleman very well beloved in the whole Country , yet so highly are they incensed against him for this last action , that from Evercrutch his owne Tenants and Servants came against him and cry him downe now , more then ever they extolled him when the Knights of the Shire were chosen , my Lo : Paulet is hated of all men .

And Mr. Smith is pittied , he being seduced by the other great ones , and it is believed that if he could fairely retreate , he would be no longer of that faction .

It is reported for truth , that the City of Northhampton is taken by the Cavaliers , but by what means I cannot resolve you .

These are the chiefe of our proceedings , I make no question but you heare more then is true , at my next opportunity you shall heare from me , give this inclosed token to my wife .

Ordered that this be printed and published