268 JOURNAL OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
defend the town no longer, burn it to ashes rather than the 
enemies of God and of His cause should possess it; which resolu- 
tion of theirs they confirmed by joining in a solemn vow and 
covenant for the defence of the town.” 
This vow and covenant, ordered to be taken by all in the town, 
ran thus: 
‘‘In the presence of Almighty God I vow and protest that I will to the 
utmost of my power faithfully maintain and defend the towns of Plymouth 
and Stonehouse, the fort and island, with all the outworks and fortifications 
to the same belonging, against all forces now raised against the said town, 
fort, and island, or any part thereof; or that shall be raised by any power or 
authority whatsoever, without the consent of both Houses of Parliament. 
Neither will I by any way or means whatsoever contrive or consent to the 
giving up of the said town and fortifications aforesaid, or any parcel of them, 
into the hands of any person or persons whatsoever, without the consent of 
both Houses of Parliament, or of such as are authorised thereunto by them. 
Neither will I raise or consent to the raising of any force or tumult, nor will 
I by any way or means give or yield to the giving of any advice, counsel, or 
intelligence to the prejudice of the said town and fortifications, either in 
whole or in part, but will with all faith fully discover to the Mayor of Ply- 
mouth, and to the Commander-in-Chief there, whatsoever design I shall know 
or hear of hurtful thereunto. Neither have I accepted any pardon or pro- 
tection, nor will I accept any protection from the enemy. And this vow or 
protestation I make without any equivocation or mental reservation whatso- 
ever, believing that I cannot be absolved from this my vow and protestation, 
and wishing no blessing from God on myself or my posterity if I do not 
sincerely and truly perform the same. So help me God.” 
An attempt was made when Stamford fell to retain a hold on 
the south of Cattewater by raising a fort upon Mount Batten, then 
called Haw Start (Point). Hitherto the garrison of Mount Stam- 
ford retreated, but as the townsfolk would not go to their aid, and 
they were wearied almost to death, they came back to Plymouth. 
Haw Start was then fortified by the Cavaliers. It takes its present 
name of Mount Batten from an officer who was subsequently con- 
cerned in raising the chief work there. On the same day that 
Mount Stamford was taken Lipson Work was assailed, but without 
success; and possibly this was but a feint. 
The townsfolk had a solemn day of humiliation, took their vow 
and covenant, and, in the spirit of the Cromwellian saying, ‘ Put 
your trust in Providence, and keep your powder dry,” proceeded 
to complete the rampart and ditch connecting the five great out- 
works, which were yet in a very unfinished state. Between the 
