Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Lucy Hutchinson (1620–1681). Memoirs of Colonel Hutchinson. 1906.

Appendix XXII: Colonel Hutchinson’s Answer to the Summons to Surrender Nottingham, March 25, 1644

‘Immediately upon the advantage the Cavaliers had got by raising the siege (of Newark), they set a summons to the Governor of Nottingham, that he and those in the town and garrison of Nottingham should expect nothing but fire and sword, if he did not forthwith deliver up the Castle at Nottingham to the King. The valiant Governor (who can never be remembered but with much honour) returned this stout and brave answer:—

‘To Sir John Digby and the rest of the gentlemen at Newark.

‘“GENTLEMEN,—If the respect and care you express to this town and the country were directed the right way, it would be much happiness to both. As for your threats to this poor town, we have already had experience of your malicious endeavours to execute that mischief which you now threaten; but God restrained at that time both the rage of your cruel hearts, and the power of the devouring element, and I trust he will still do the same for us. I never engaged myself in this service with any respect to the success of other places. Though all the kingdom were quit by our forces, which I trust God will never permit, yet I would never forsake the trust and charge I have in my hand till the authority which honoured me with it shall command it from me. And if God suffer the place to perish I am resolved to perish with it. Being confident that God at length will vindicate me to be a maintainer, and not a ruiner of my country.

[From Britain’s Remembrancer, March 26–April 2, 1644.]