[260] See Thomas’s “Tinterne,” p. 78.
[261] Rowland Williams of Llangibby was distinguished by royal favour, both in the reign of Queen Elizabeth and that of her successor, and in proof thereof received the honour of knighthood. His grandson, the Sir Trevor Williams here mentioned, in consideration of his loyal attachment to the interests of King Charles, was created a baronet on the 14th of May, 1642.
[262] See Letter published by Mr. Thomas in his “Account of Raglan,” note 23.
[263] Stated by Rushworth, as only 1,500 men, while the garrison in the Castle amounted to 800 men.
[264] Of this document the following is a copy:—
“To our trusty and well-beloved Sir Thos. Glenham, Sir Thos. Tildesley, Col. H. Washington, Col. Tho. Blagge, Governors of our Cities and Towns of Oxford, Lichfield, Worcester, and Wallingford, and all other Commanders of any Towns, Castles, and Forts, in our Kingdome of England:—
“Charles R.
“Having resolved to comply with the desires of our Parliament in every thing which may be for the good of our subjects, and leave no means unessayed for removing all differences amongst us, therefore We have thought fit, the more to evidence the reality of our intentions of settling an happy and firm peace, to require you to quit those Towns, Castles, and Forts intrusted to you by us, and to disband all the Forces under your several commands.
“Newcastle, the 10th June, 1646.”
[265] The Marquess, like many other royalists, considered that the King was under restraint; and that it was his duty to disobey the royal orders for surrender. In fact, Charles himself had written to the Queen that he was in durance in the hands of the barbarous and perfidious Scots; and that she, his son, and all his faithful counsellors, were to regard every order from him, C. R., as forced or surreptitious. The Marquess, therefore, regarded the document with well-grounded suspicion, and took exception to his Majesty’s warrant, because, while it specified others, it did not name him or his Castle.—Hist. of Engl., Civ. and Milit. Transact. p. 356.