"Hark! the bells of Saint Michael's are sending forth a jovial peal!"
exclaimed Lancelot Kerridge, as he, Dick Harvey, and I were one day on
board his boat fishing for mackerel, about two miles off the sea-port
town of Lyme. "What they are saying I should mightily like to know, for
depend on't it's something of importance. Haul in the lines, Ben!" he
continued, addressing me; "and, Dick, put an oar out to windward. I'll
take the helm. We shall fetch the Cob by keeping our luff."
The wind was off shore, but as we were to the westward of the Cob, and
the tide was making in the same direction, we could easily fetch it.
The water was smooth, the sea blue and bright as the eyes of sweet
Cicely Kerridge, my friend Lancelot's young sister, while scarcely a
cloud dimmed the clear sky overhead.
Lyme, then containing but one thousand inhabitants, where my two
companions and I lived, is situated in Dorsetshire, near its western
border, on the northern shore of a wide bay, formed by the Bill of
Portland on the east and the Start Point on the west. Along the coast
are several other towns, of which Dartmouth, owing to its excellent
harbour, is the most considerable, besides numerous villages, including
Charmouth and Uplyme. A line of cliffs of no great height extends away
on either side of Lyme, which stands at the bottom of a valley; while
beyond it rise the green slopes of Colway and Uplyme, hills overlooking
the town.
On the eastern side was the house of my father, Captain Roger Bracewell.
He had commanded several of the trading ships of Master Humphrey Blake,
of Bridgwater, at one time a merchant of renown, and the father of
Captain Robert Blake, who had already made his name famous for his
gallant defence of Prior's Hill when Bristol was besieged by Prince
Rupert, until it was yielded in a dastardly fashion by Governor Fiennes.
My father retiring from the sea with a competency, having married late
in life, settled in Lyme, his native place. His house, which overlooked
the bay, was of the better sort, with curious gables, and a balcony
supported on strong wooden pillars in front, where he was wont to sit,
smoking his pipe, and enjoying a view of the ocean he still loved full
well, with the ships--their white canvas spread to the breeze--sailing
by in the distance, or approaching to take shelter in our roadstead.
There were a few other residences of the same character; but most of the
houses were built of soft stone, with thatched roofs, forming four
irregular narrow streets, with several narrower lanes of no very
dignified character. Still, we were fond of our little town, and had
reasons to be proud of it from the events I am about to describe.
My two friends and I spent much of our time on the water. Lancelot, my
senior by two years, was the son of the worshipful Master Kerridge,
Mayor of Lyme, and Dick's father was Mr Harvey, a man of considerable
wealth and influence in the neighbourhood, brother-in-law of Mr Ceely,
who had been made Governor of the town by the Parliament.
Our fathers were Puritans and staunch Parliamentarians. They had become
so in consequence of the faithlessness of the King, and the attempt of
Laud to introduce Popish rites and to enslave the consciences of
free-born Englishmen. Who, indeed, could have witnessed the clipping of
ears, the slitting of noses, the branding of temples, and burning of
tongues, to which the Archbishop resorted to crush Nonconformity--who
could have seen their friends imprisoned, placed in the pillory, and
even scourged through the streets, without feeling their hearts burn
with indignation and their whole souls rebel against tyranny so
outrageous?
"It is a wonder that any honest man could be found to support that
miscreant Laud," I remember hearing my father say. "He and his
faithless master are mainly answerable for the civil strife now
devastating, from north to south and east to west, our fair English
land."
But I must not trouble my readers with politics; my object is to narrate
the scenes I witnessed, or the events in which I took a part. I was too
young, indeed, at that time to think much about the matter, but yet I
was as enthusiastic a Roundhead as any of my fellow-townsmen. As we
approached the little harbour we passed through a large fleet of
traders, brought up in the roadstead for shelter, most of which,
belonging to London merchants, dared not therefore put into any port
held by the Cavaliers. Three or four had dropped their anchors while we
were out fishing. We hailed one of them, which had come in from the
westward, to ask the news.
"Bad news!" was the answer. "The Malignants have taken Exeter, and many
other places in the west country, and are now marching in great force on
London."
"I hope they won't come to Lyme on their way, for if they do, we shall
have but small chance of withstanding them," I observed to my companions
as we sailed on.
"I have but little fear on that score," replied Lancelot. "We'll fight
while a man remains on his legs, or a gun can be fired from our
batteries."
Lancelot's enthusiasm inspired me. The breeze freshened. We soon
rounded the Cob, when we pulled up among the small craft which crowded
the harbour, to a spot where Lancelot usually kept his boat. As soon as
we had moored her we sprang on shore, and hurried through the lower part
of the town, which was almost deserted.
We found the greater portion of the inhabitants collected at the
northern side; and I had scarcely time to ask a question of my father,
whom I joined, before we saw a body of troops approaching, led by an
officer on horseback. He was a strong-built man, of moderate height,
with a fair and florid complexion, and, contrary to the fashion general
among Puritans, his hair, in rich profusion, was seen escaping beneath
his broad-brimmed hat, while he wore large whiskers, but no beard--his
countenance unmistakably exhibiting firmness and determination. He
returned in a cordial manner the salutes of the principal townsmen, who
had gone out to meet him.
"Who is he?" I asked of my father.
"That, my son, is Colonel Blake. He has come with five hundred men of
Popham's regiment, to protect us from a large army of Malignants--twenty
thousand men, it is said--under Prince Maurice, cousin to the King. He
threatens to annihilate our little town; but though we shall have a hard
struggle to beat them back, God will protect the right."
The bells we had heard had been set ringing on the announcement of the
approach of Colonel Blake; and now, as he and his brave followers
entered the town, they pealed forth with redoubled energy.
While the men were sent to their quarters, he, accompanied by the
Governor and Mayor, and several officers, rode round the outskirts of
the town, to point out the spots where he judged it necessary that
batteries and entrenchments should be thrown up.
He was accompanied by a young nephew, also named Robert Blake, son of
his brother Samuel, who was killed some time before at Bridgwater, while
commanding a company in Colonel Popham's regiment. I afterwards became
well acquainted with young Robert Blake, as we were much drawn together
by the fondness for a sea life which we both possessed. His was rather
a passion than mere fondness--indeed, like his noble uncle, he was
enthusiastic in all his aspirations, and a more gallant, noble-minded
lad I never met.
That evening the newly arrived troops, as well as every man in the place
capable of labouring, set to work with pickaxes, spades, and barrows to
throw up embankments, to cut trenches, to erect batteries, to barricade
the roads, and to loophole all the outer walls of the houses and
gardens. Officers were in the meantime despatched by the Governor and
the Mayor to obtain volunteers from Charmouth, Uplyme, and other
villages; while foraging parties were sent out in all directions to
collect provisions, cattle, and fodder. Although, in addition to
Colonel Blake's five hundred regulars, scarcely more than three hundred
fighting men could be mustered in the town, there were no signs of
wavering; but high and low endeavoured to make amends for the paucity of
their numbers by their dauntless courage, their energy, and unceasing
toil; and even women and children were to be seen in all directions,
filling baskets with sods, and carrying materials to the labourers at
the earthworks.
Lancelot and I kept together, and did our best to be of use, though I
could not do much, being a little fellow; but I know that I worked away
as hard as my strength would allow me. Colonel Blake was everywhere,
superintending the operations and encouraging the men. Stopping near
where my friends and I were at work, he addressed the labourers.
"The haughty Cavaliers fancy that they can ride roughshod into your
little town, my lads," he said; "but I want you to show them that you
can fight for your hearths and homes as well as did my brave fellows at
Prior's Hill; and I do not fear that a traitor will be found within our
trenches to deliver up the place, while we have a cask of powder in our
magazines, or a musket to fire it. And even should our ammunition run
short, the Lord of Hosts being with us, we'll drive them back with pike
and sword."
"Rightly spoken, Colonel Blake," said my father, who had just then
reached the spot where the Colonel was standing. "I am an old man, and
had looked forward to ending my days in peace; but willingly will I
promise you that the enemy shall march over my dead body before they get
within our entrenchments. I served on board the ships of your honoured
father, when we had many a tough fight with corsairs, Spaniards,
Portingales, and Dutchmen; and I feel sure that I shall not draw my
sword in vain when his son commands. Maybe you may remember Richard
Bracewell?"
"Well indeed I do," answered Colonel Blake, putting out his hand and
warmly shaking that of my father. "And many a long yarn about your
adventures have I listened to with eager interest, while I longed to
sail over the wide ocean and to visit the strange countries you
described. Who is that youngster standing by you?" he then asked in a
kindly tone, looking down on me.
"My only boy, the son of my old age," answered my father. "Though young
now, he will, I trust, ere long grow big enough to fight for the civil
and religious liberties of our country, or to defend her from foreign
foes."
"Judging by his looks, and knowing whose son he is, I would gladly have
him with me when he is old enough, should heaven spare our lives; but at
present he is too young to be exposed to the dangers of war, and I would
advise you to keep him under lock and key when the fight is going on, or
he will be running where bullets and round shot are falling, and perhaps
his young life will be taken before he has had time to strike a blow for
the liberties of our country."
"I hope that I can do something now, sir," I said, not liking the
thoughts of being shut up. "I can fire a pistol if I cannot point an
arquebuse; and since morning I have carried a hundred baskets or more of
earth to the embankment."
"You speak bravely, my boy, and bravely you will act when the time
comes," said the Colonel, and forthwith he addressed himself to others
who came to receive his orders. Such was my first introduction to one
with whom I was destined to serve for many a year.
I well remember the spot where we were standing. On one side lay the
blue sea extending to the horizon, below us was the town with its
white-walled, straw-thatched buildings, the church with its spire to the
left, and before us were the green slopes of the hills sprinkled here
and there with clumps of trees, while on the more level spots were to be
seen corn-fields and orchards smiling in the rays of the setting sun.
Beyond the town was Colway House, a substantial mansion, once the
residence of the Cobham family; and about a mile from it, on the
opposite side of the valley, was a collection of buildings known as
Hayes Farm, both of which had been fortified, and occupied as outposts.
We had, we knew, not many days to prepare for the defence; and I am
proud to say that, scrap of a boy as I was, I worked as hard as many of
my elders. Late in the evening, when it was already dusk, my father
found me, with Lancelot and Dick, still at our self-imposed task.
"Come, boys," he said, "it is time for you to go home and get some
sleep. You must leave it to stronger men to labour during the night."
"Just let us carry a few more basketfuls, sir," answered Lancelot. "See
that gap; we have undertaken to fill it up, and, for what we can tell,
the enemy may be upon us before the morning."
"Well, well, lads, I like your spirit. I will not baulk you. Give me a
spade; I will try what I can do to expedite the work." And my revered
father, as soon as the spade had been handed to him, began digging away
with right goodwill, filling the baskets, which were carried up to the
embankment. He soon became so interested in the work that he was as
unwilling to knock off as we were.
"Run back and get a lantern. Its light will help us to finish our task
more quickly. Maybe the host of the `Three Tankards' will lend thee
one; or Master Harris who lives opposite; or, if you cannot get one
nearer, go home and bring our big lantern which hangs inside the hall
door. See that it is well trimmed, though."
"Ay, ay, father," I answered, and set off. Knowing every foot of the
way, I was not afraid of running, even though the gathering darkness
made it difficult to see objects at any distance beyond my nose.
At the first places where I called, all the lanterns had been put into
requisition, and so I had to run on until I reached our house. I found
my sister Audrey, and Margaret our maid, wondering why we were so long
absent. Supper was on the table, and the viands getting cold. On
hearing why I wanted the lantern, they both wished to come and help us,
Audrey declaring that she could carry a basket as well as either of us
boys.
"You must stop and take care of the house," I answered, feeling a little
jealous that a girl should fancy she could work as well as my companions
and I. "There are a good many strangers in the town, and it would not
do to leave the house empty. Margaret can trim the lantern, as she
knows how to do it better than I do. Be quick about it, for I must be
off again as fast as my legs can carry me."
"Take a crust of bread and a piece of cheese in the meantime, Master
Ben," said Margaret, as she took down the lantern, and examined the
wick.
"I have no time for eating; I am not hungry," I answered, and I watched
her impatiently, while she poured in some fresh oil. Taking the lantern
as soon as it was lighted, I hurried out, and, holding it before me, ran
on without fear of rushing against any one coming from an opposite
direction. I had got a short distance when I found myself in the midst
of a body of men, who were coming up from the harbour carrying loads on
their shoulder. They had, I discovered from the remarks which reached
me, just landed.
"Do you bring any news?" I inquired.
"Fine news, young sir," answered one of the men. "Prince Maurice has
been driven away from Plymouth, which he tried to take, but couldn't.
But, as maybe he will pay a visit to Lyme, we have brought you powder
and shot, and other munitions of war, and no doubt Colonel Blake will
make good use of them."
Having obtained all the information I could from the communicative
seaman, I hurried on with the satisfactory intelligence to the works,
where I found my father leaning on his spade, pretty well tired out by
his unusual exertions. The light of the lantern I brought, however,
enabled us to proceed, and he recommenced digging with as much energy as
before.
As we were running backwards and forwards, I could see numerous other
lights all along the line, within a few yards of each other, marking the
spots where the people were working.
It was nearly midnight before our task was concluded. Not one of us had
felt hungry or thirsty. My father then insisted on our returning home,
and on our way we left Lancelot and Dick at their respective homes.
We found Audrey and Margaret sitting up for us, both looking somewhat
pale, naturally supposing that if the finishing of the earthworks was so
important, immediate danger was to be apprehended. Supper over, we
knelt in prayer, which, on all occasions and under all circumstances,
was our wont. Then retiring to bed, I for one slept like a top. Next
day was like the previous one.
The news that Prince Maurice, at the head of a vast army, was marching
into Dorsetshire, spread through the town and incited every one to
renewed exertions. Volunteers, who came in from all sides, were being
drilled by Colonel Weir and other officers, most of them having to learn
not only the use of the pike and sword, but how to load and fire an
arquebuse or musket.
The soldiers and townsmen were still labouring away at the
fortifications, when one morning, as Lancelot, Dick, and I were employed
at the top of an embankment, my father helping us, we saw a horseman who
had been on outpost duty come galloping down the hill towards the town.
"The enemy are near at hand!" he exclaimed, as he rode up to where
Colonel Blake and Governor Ceely stood. "They will be here anon. I
could see them defiling along the road like a host of ants. I had to
ride hard to escape their advance guard."
On receiving this news, the colonel ordered the drums to beat to arms.
Parties were sent out to strengthen the two outposts, and the troops and
townsmen, with the volunteers, hastened to the lines.
"How many fighting men have we?" I asked of my father, as I watched the
defenders taking up their appointed positions.
"Colonel Blake brought five hundred men with him, and, maybe, with the
townsmen and volunteers from the neighbourhood, we shall muster
well-nigh another five hundred," he answered.
"A thousand men to withstand twenty thousand?" I asked in a doubtful
tone.
"Each man of the one thousand will count for twenty when fighting in a
just cause," he answered. "Colonel Blake thinks that we can not only
withstand, but drive back the Malignants, or he would not wantonly throw
away our lives."
We watched eagerly for some time, when at length horse and foot, gay
banners flying, cuirasses and helmets glittering in the bright sun,
appeared over the brow of the distant hills. On they came, until every
height was crowned, and we saw drawn up in battle array what appeared to
us an army sufficient at a single charge to overwhelm our slender
defences.
There they remained. We could see horsemen galloping to and fro on the
sides of the hills, but as yet not a shot had been fired.
Sentries were posted along our whole line, and the men were ordered to
sit down and take their dinners. I saw my father look graver than
usual.
"Ben," he said, "I have been consulting with Master Kerridge, and he
agrees with me that it would be wrong to allow you boys to expose your
lives. I promise you that if you can render service to the cause you
shall be employed; and you must all three give me your words that you
will remain where I place you, and not come forth until you are sent
for."
Very unwillingly Lancelot and Dick and I gave the promise exacted from
us, though we were more content when my father took us to the church,
and told us that we might remain in the tower, whence, as it overlooked
the greater portion of the lines, we could see through a narrow loophole
what was going forward.
He then returned to the post which he, with Martin Shobbrok, an old
follower of his in many a voyage, had undertaken to keep. He had
directed me, should the enemy get into the town, to run home and try to
protect my sister from insult, and our house from plunder. "Though I
may never return, my boy, should the Malignants force an entrance, yet
you, Ben, will, I trust, live to become a man, and serve our country
either on shore or afloat," he said in a grave tone, which showed,
however, no signs of fear. I often afterwards thought of his words, and
prayed that I might fulfil his expectations.
We had not long taken up our position in the tower before we saw the
Cavalier forces moving down the slopes of the hill. One party advanced
towards our outposts at Hayes Farm, and then attacked Colway House, at
which their great guns commenced a furious fire, wreaths of white smoke
filling the calm air. Presently the two little garrisons returned the
salute with right goodwill.
Then we caught sight of them rushing at full speed towards our lines;
and good reason they had to move fast, for, following them close, came
horse and foot in battle array, with trumpets sounding, drums beating,
lances in rest, pikes at the charge, and swords flashing in the bright
sunlight. The enemy halted, however, when still at a distance, and a
herald advanced, who blowing a blast on his trumpet summoned the town
instantly to surrender.
Colonel Blake, mounting on the ramparts, answered in a loud tone, which
reached our ears--
"Not while we have men to fight, or breastworks to defend the place.
Go, tell the Prince who sent you that such is our resolve."
Shaking his fist at the town, the herald wheeled round his horse and
galloped off.
But a short time elapsed before the trumpets sounded a general charge,
and the infantry rushed impetuously forward towards the lines, hurling
immense numbers of hand-grenades among the defenders, which, bursting as
they fell, filled the air with smoke and deafened our ears by their
explosions.
Not one of our brave fellows wavered, but fired rapidly in return among
the dense masses of the foe. The next instant we could see a large body
of cavalry riding furiously onward, expecting to gain an easy victory.
In vain the bravest attempted to ride over the earthworks, up to the
very muzzles of the muskets; but they were driven back by the heavy fire
poured into their ranks, and compelled to retreat up the valley, leaving
many dead and wounded behind.
We three boys could not refrain from giving way to a shout of joy,
believing that the battle was won; but we were grievously mistaken.
Again the serried ranks of foot advanced with fierce shouts, threatening
the destruction of our little garrison.