29 
houses thereabout. Many other fires they kindled, but they 
did not burne. They left kindled matches with gunpowder 
also in other places, intending nothing less than utterly to 
destroy the towne, but by God’s providence they whose hurt 
they chiefly intended, by God’s hand is much prevented. 
: . Your father’s house stands, but hath 
- oem Mr Roberts’, Mr Porter’s, and mine be safe, 
but are threatened to be pulled downe, and they pretend 
Prince Rupert’s warrant, but, however, its their envy that 
God’s overruling providence hath turned the mischief so 
much on the heads of those that might with their timely 
helpe have prevented this mischief. I am much grieved at 
the losse of your brother and many other friends, three 
being my honest worke men, whose lives I would I had 
redeemed with mine estate. The cavaliers have lost thirty 
men at least, of whom there be three or foure chief men, 
earles and lords, I believe you have heard them named the 
Earle of Denby, the Lord John Stewart, some say the Lord 
Digby. Thirty are said to be buried, and many carried 
away wounded. This did so much enrage them that they 
appeared more like devills then men, lamenting more their 
losse, than boasting of their gaine, which was much in 
goods and in money, its thought above two thousand pound, 
thirteene hundred being taken from Mr. Peake. Mr. 
Jennens lost much, the which men if they had parted with 
little before our fortification had been such as they could 
not have entred, which went on well for some time. So 
wishing you to have comfort in our God, who is able to 
turn the rage of men to His praise, and sweeten this bitter 
cup by some other comfort, I conclude and rest, yours to 
command, 
R.G. 
