In the first week of August ensuing, General Fairfax arrived from Bath to hasten the siege--which was in great forwardness both for works and approaches--and then sent in another summons[266] to the Marquess:--
V.--SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX TO THE MARQUESS OF WORCESTER.
“MY LORD,--Being come into these parts with such a strength as I may not doubt but, with the same good hand of Providence that hath hitherto blessed us, in short time to reduce the garrison of Raglan to the obedience of the Parliament, I have, in order thereto, thought good to send your lordship this summons, hereby requiring you to deliver up to me, for the Parliament’s use, the said garrison and Castle of Raglan; which, as it only obstructs the kingdom’s universal peace, the rendition may beget such terms, as by delay or vain hopes cannot hereafter be expected.--I remain, my Lord, your lordship’s most humble servant,
“Your lordship’s speedy answer to this summons is desired.”
VI.--THE MARQUESS OF WORCESTER TO SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX.
“SIR,--Although my infirmities might justly claim privilege in so sudden an answer; yet, because you desire it, and I am not willing to delay your time, to your letter of summons to deliver up my house, and the only house now in my possession to cover my head in, these are to let you know, that if you did understand the condition I am in, I daresay out of your judgment you will not think it a reasonable demand. I am loth to be the author of mine own ruin on both sides; and therefore desire leave to send to his Majesty to know his pleasure what he will have done with his garrison. As for my house, I presume he will command nothing; neither am I knowing how, either by law or conscience, I should be forced out of it. To these I desire your return, and rest your Excellency’s humble servant,
VII.--SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX TO THE MARQUESS OF WORCESTER.
“MY LORD,--Touching your sending to his Majesty, it is that which hath been denied to the most considerable garrisons of England, further than an account to his Majesty of the thing done upon the surrender; which I do else freely grant to your lordship. And for that distinction which your lordship is pleased to make, that _it is your house_, if it had not been formed into a _garrison_, I should not have troubled your lordship with a summons; and were it disgarrisoned, neither you nor your house should receive any disquiet from me, or any that belong unto me.