Page:The histories of Launceston and Dunheved, in the county of Cornwall.djvu/309

CIVIL WAR— CROMWELL. 277 Fairfax seems to have detained some prisoners in Launceston, although he acted mercifully with those who were Cornishmen. That he also left some sick soldiers here is certain ; for, on the 2nd March, 1645-6, the Mayor paid for a shroud " for a shouldeer w ch died at Jone Riders," and gave " to the prissoners w ch weere at Nicholas Gynns, in breade and flesh 10s." Again, on the 4th, the Mayor paid for " dowies for a souldeer w ch died at W m Hamblyes, and for a shrowde for a shouldeer w ch was found dead bye the Northgate." On the same day he expended is. 4d. in "2 peare of treases fech by M r Bennett to drawe awaye the g* gowne " [gun]. This great gun has become famous in story. In a letter which Fairfax wrote while at Chudleigh, on the 2nd February, 1645-6, a few days before his visit to Launceston, he tells the Speaker of the House of Commons that " there is now but one iron gun in Launceston, which is an iron piece planted between the Prince's quarters and Guildhall." The Mr. Bennett who fetched [or sent for] the traces, was probably Mr. Robert Bennett of Hexworthy, in Lawhitton, who was a staunch supporter of Cromwell, and of whom more will be said hereafter. Fairfax's letter is further interesting, in that it mentions incidents which had attended the Prince on his departure from Launceston in the latter part of January, 1645-6. He says that a great store of bread, baked by the Prince's baker in the town, had been sent westward ; that on one day six or seven ploughs (which we assume to mean wains, or carts), were drawn out of Launceston, their lading being muskets, pikes, ammunition, powdered beef, and cheese; about 50 horse laden with powder, match, and bullets, and lead, which they had taken off from the Castle, " so that it is all unleaded." Then he says that on the next night 50 more horse, laden with bacon, pork, and such like, had been sent the same way, and 50 soldiers had run away out of one