APPENDIX. In a fallow field, at Naseby, in Northamptonshire, on the 14th. of June 1645, was fought the fatal battle that, decided, for ever, the great struggle. The King's infantry were entirely dispersed. His whole train of artillery; all his baggage; and the cabinet, in which were deposited his most secret papers, fell into the hands of his enemies. He fled into Wales; and his generals endeavoured to retrieve their losses in the allegiance of the western counties. In December, the Prince of Wales assembled his father's troops, with the Cornish Militia, to the number of about 8000 men, on the east side of the Exe. This army was commanded by Lord Hopton. Fairfax, General of the Parliament-army, obliged him to pass the Tamer, and retire into Cornwall. At that time the Prince came to Truro; and, after a stay of some days, he went to Pendennis Castle. Hearing that his army was retiring from Bodmin and the enemy in furious pursuit, at 10 o'clock at night, on the 2d of March, 1646, he embarked for Scilly. Lord Hopton made Truro his head-quarters; but found himself extremely embarrassed, as the people of the county, who before were devoted to the King, from existing circumstances, changed their minds, and offered themselves to Fairfax, to block up the passes, and prevent the King's forces from escaping. APPENDIX. The Parliament-army was encamped in some fields, on the east of Truro, which have, ever since, retained the name of " the Camp-fields." Such was Hopton's situation, when a trumpet arrived from Fairfax, with a letter, containing terms of capitulation. This the cavalry accepted and were disbanded; but his Lordship sent the ammunition and infantry to Pendennis Castle, and ST. MICHAEL'S MOUNT. From the latter place he, with the first fair wind, set sail for Scilly. About that time the Duke of Hamilton, who afterwards acted a distinguished part for the King, was a prisoner in Pendennis Castle. His Majesty's warrant, for his removal to the MOUNT, was sent to Sir Francis Basset the governor, who next morning went and took him under his charge. * The Earl of Clarendon calls him Sir Arthur. "Sir Francis Basset of Tyhiddy, Knight, was Sheriff of Cornwall....Charles I. He was governor of the MOUNT, which was his own inheritance."-" John Basset, Esq. his son and heir was imprisoned by the usurping powers, and was forced, (to purchase bis liberty,) to part with the Mount to John St. Aubin, Esq."" in whose possession it now resteth." Carew's Survey of Cornwall. By LORD DE DUNSTANVILLE, pp. 374, 377. Among the portraits at Tehidy-Park, is that of Sir Francis Basset, V. Admiral of Cornwall-whole length in black, with the sea and shipping in the back-ground, by Vandyke. The following is the superscription of one of his letters to his Lady. "To my dearist ffriende Mrs. Basett at the Mount,this speede.- In the letter thus directed, he says : -"fat oxen and cows " Salt, my Love" (Communicated by Mr. Polwhele.) at the Mount, though I know not how I shall come thither! God preserve and bless yon, sweate Love!" APPENDIX. The fortifications at the MOUNT had been increased till the works were considered as impregnable and almost inaccessible. In April, however, the Duke advised a surrender; else, it could have held out for many months. Colonel Hammond, the Parliament-officer employed on this occasion, permitted the governor and garrison to go to Scilly. He found in the castle 100 barrels of powder; 500 muskets; 100 pikes; 30 pieces of cannon; 3 murthering pieces; 80 tons of wine, and abundance of every kind of provisions This was the last military transaction that occurred on this venerable eminence; an eminence which, whether considered in a natural, ecclesiastical, historical, or military point of view, is, perhaps, one of the most remarkable places in the British Empire. Finis. J. Heard, Printer, No. 30, Boscawen-street, Truro. |