In the end they brought
up one piece of cannon, amusing themselves like schoolboys at a holiday,
in practising their harmless reports. The first shot struck the outer
wall, but it was found proof. Afterwards they aimed higher, intending to
beat down a pinnacle or turret, but this also passed without damage. The
last shot, which missed entirely, went over and beyond the buildings,
burrowing in a field on the other side.
When they had performed this mighty feat they sounded another parley,
having, as they supposed, mightily beat down the hearts of the besieged.
Colonel Rigby's chaplain then appeared at the gate with a letter that
Sir Thomas Fairfax had received from Lord Derby, who was now at Chester,
on his return from the Isle of Man. In this epistle he desired a free
and honourable passage for his lady and their children, if she so
pleased, being unwilling, as he said, to expose them to the uncertain
hazard of a long siege. His lordship knew not, by reason of his long
absence, either how his house was provided with ammunition and
sustenance, or in what condition it might be to withstand the attack. He
was desirous that the garrison alone should bear the brunt, and that a
defenceless woman and her children should be rescued from captivity.
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