where they pleased, and especially of drawing to an head the disaffected Clubmen of Somerset, Wilts, and Dorset, when once our backs were towards them: these considerations, together with “the hope of” taking so important a place, so advantageous for the opening of trade to London,—did sway the balance, and beget that conclusion.
When we came within four miles of the City, we had a new debate, Whether we should endeavour to block it up, or make a regular siege? The latter being overruled, Colonel Welden with his brigade marched to Pile Hill, on the South side of the City, being within musket-shot thereof:—where in a few days they made a good quarter, overlooking the City. Upon our advance, the enemy fired Bedminster, Clifton, and some other villages lying near to the City; and would have fired more, if our unexpected coming had not hindered. The General caused some Horse and Dragoons under Commissary-General Ireton, to advance over Avon, to keep-in the enemy on the North side Of the Town, till the foot could come up: and after a day, the General, with Colonel Montague’s and Colonel Rainsborough’s Brigades, marched over at Kensham to Stapleton, where he quartered that night. The next day, Colonel Montague, having this post assigned with his brigade, To secure all between the Rivers Froom and Avon; he came up to Lawford’s Gate,[1] within musket-shot thereof. Colonel Rainsborough’s post was near to Durdham Down, whereof the Dragoons and three regiments of Horse made good a post upon the Down, between him and the River Avon, on his right hand. And from Colonel Rainsborough’s quarters to Froom River, on his left, a part of Colonel Birch’s, and “the whole of” General Skippon’s regiment were to maintain that post.
These posts thus settled, our Horse were forced to be upon exceeding great duty; to stand-by the Foot, lest the Foot, being so weak in all their posts, might receive an affront. And truly herein we were very happy, that we should receive so little loss by sallies; considering the paucity of our men to make
- ↑ One of the Bristol Gates.
