284 JOURNAL OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
a special mark of favour on his town of Plymouth, and doth therefore 
require them to surrender up the town, assuring them, on the word of a 
king, that they shall enjoy all their wonted privileges, and have no other 
garrisons put upon them than what they had in the most peaceful times ; 
viz., in the fort and in the island; promising pardon to all townsmen and 
soldiers for what was past; entertaining such as shall be willing in his 
service; and requiring their speedy answer.” 
The answer was not very speedy; for the trumpeter did not 
come back until a drummer was sent after him, and then not until 
the next day, with a hint that if he came again he would be hung; 
but if not speedy, it was decided—“ No.” 
Lord Digby made a private appeal to Lord Robartes, who was 
appointed governor on the 11th September, offering him prefer- 
ment and honour on the King’s behalf if he would betray his 
trust. To this the same answer was returned. 
The next appeal was to arms. That same day, as Whitelock 
records, the Cavaliers made a desperate attack on the western line 
of defence by Stonehouse and Pennycomequick, but were repulsed 
with great loss; the sailors of the fleet then lying in Cattewater 
being especially notable for their gallantry.* According to Symonds, 
on the Saturday night ‘our souldjers gave the enemy strong 
alarmes, and cryd, ‘ Fall on,’ ‘ Fall on the enemy’ shott thousands 
of musket and many pieces of cannon as was the severall night 
before.” But this did no good; and in the morning, between six 
and seven, the armies of the King and Maurice marched away. 
Symonds records with evident chagrin that the “rogues (i.e. the 
Roundheads) followed the reare, commanded by Lord Northampton : 
little or no hurt, onely the basest of language.” This must have 
been even more aggravating than hard blows. To lose was bad 
enough ; but to be abused and ridiculed far worse. It is said to 
have been the King’s custom daily to demonstrate with his chief 
officers and guards at Mannamead. Daily was he received with a 
shotted salute from the guns at Maudlyn ; and the townsfolk with 
grim humour dubbed the site of these idle vauntings—“ Vapouring 
Hill.” After the King left, forty prisoners of quality were sent 
from Plymouth to London. 
When the close Siege was raised, a blockade was substituted, under 
the command. of Grenville, appointed general of the King’s forces 
- * Page 99; Whitelock puts the strength of the garrison at 4,000 foot and 
800 horse. 
