They had all along
flattered themselves with the expectation that Prince Rupert's army was
too urgently required for the relief of York, to have caused them any
disturbance; and, with inward curses on the king for his humanity,
secret preparations were made for raising the siege.
Though ignorant of the cause, the garrison soon espied an unusual bustle
in the camp. They were evidently preparing for some exploit. One of the
spies brought intelligence that two squadrons had departed in the night,
and that Colonels Moore and Ashton were on their return to Manchester.
On Monday morning, the 27th of May, it was agreed that Captains Ogle and
Rawsthorne should make a sally. But they found the enemy had been
beforehand with them, leaving the camp in the utmost terror and
disorder. Intelligence now arrived that Prince Rupert had entered
Lancashire by way of Stockport, where the Parliament army, under
Colonels Duckenfield, Mainwaring, Buckley, and others, had suffered a
total route. The besiegers had commenced their retreat between twelve
and one o'clock the preceding night.
Thus ended the first siege of Lathom, after the place had been closely
beset four months; during which time the garrison lost but six
men,--four in the service, and two by negligence and over-daring.
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