The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England (Volume 4); Begun in the Year 1641

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1888. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... ix. 48.] neglect of the siege of Taunton. 51 upon Taunton, that he grew much more negligent in it than he 1645 had heen; suffered provisions in great quantities to be carried into the town through the midst of his men; neglected and discouraged his own foot so much that they ran away faster than they could be sent up to him; and gave himself wholly to license, insomuch that he many times was not seen abroad in three or four days together. Then came the news of the fatal blow at Naseby, which freed him from any fear of being drawn out of the west; yet he used no expedition to attempt any thing upon the enemy, who were exceedingly disheartened, but suffered his guards to be more negligently kept, insomuch that his quarters were often beaten up, even at daytime; whilst some principal officers of his army, as lieutenant general Porter and others, with his license, had several parleys 1 with the officers of the rebels, to the very great scandal of the rest, who knew not what iuterpretation to make of it, at a time that he used to mention the person of the King with great contempt, and avowed in all places a virulent dislike of the Prince's council. And after about six weeks lying about Taunton, the forces whereof he promised to confound (I mean those that marched to the relief) within few days, he was forced to retire, and suffer them to join with sir Thomas Fayrefax, who in the beginning of July marched towards those parts. 48. After the Prince came to Barstable, though he very seldom received any account from the lord Goring of what happened, he was informed by several persons of credit that general Goring was much discontented, and expressed a great sense of disrespect and unkindnesses that he had received, and therefore it was wished by them that some means might...