Page:Works of Thomas Carlyle - Volume 06.djvu/426

392 ''parts, I met with an earnest desire from the Committee of this County to take upon me the charge here, for the reducing: of the Garrison of Pontefract. I received also commands from my Lord General to the same effect—I have had sight of a Letter to the House of Commons; wherein things are so represented, as if the Siege were at such a pass that the prize were already gained. In consideration whereof, I thought fit to let you know what the true state of this Garrison is; as also the condition of the country, that so you may not think demands for such things as would be necessary unreasonable.''

''My Lords, the Castle hath been victualled with Two-hundred and twenty or forty fat cattle, within these three weeks; and they have also gotten in, as I am credibly informed, salt enough for them and more. So that I apprehend they are victualled Sor a twelvemonth. The men within are resolved to endure to the utmost extremity; expecting no mercy, as indeed they deserve none. The place is very well known to be one of the strongest inland Garrisons in the Kingdom; well watered; situated upon a rock in every part of it, and therefore difficult to mine. The walls very thick and high, with strong towers; and if battered, very difficult of access, by reason of the depth and steepness of the graft. The County is exceedingly impoverished; not able to bear free-quarter; nor well able to furnish provisions, if we had moneys. The work is like to be long, if materials be not furnished answerable. I therefore think it my duty to represent unto you as followeth: viz.—''

''That moneys be provided for Three complete regiments of Foot, and Two of Horse;—“and indeed” that money be provided for all contingencies which are in view, too many to enumerate. That Five-hundred Barrels of powder, “and” Six good Battering-guns, with Three-hundred shot to each Gun, be speedily sent down to Hull :—we desire none may be sent less than demi-cannons. We desire also some match and bullet And if it may be, we should be glad that two or three of the biggest Mortar-picces with shells may likewise be sent.''

And although the desires of such proportions may seem costly,