all further negotiation impossible, as it inspired the Commons with the greatest distrust, and enabled the violent portion always to feign a doubt of the king’s word, and great fears as to the keeping of any terms which might be made, and so to act upon the timid and wavering.  The very day after the deputation had left, bearing the news to London of the king’s readiness to treat, and inspiring all there with hope of peace, Prince Rupert, taking advantage of a very thick mist, marched his cavalry to within half a mile of the town of Brentford before his advance was discovered, designing to surprise the train of artillery at Hammersmith and to push on and seize the Commons and the city.

The design might have been successful, for the exploits of Rupert’s horse at the battle of Edgehill had struck terror into the minds of the enemy.  In the town of Brentford, however, were lodged a regiment of foot, under Hollis, and these prepared manfully to resist.  Very valiantly the prince, followed by his horse, charged into the streets of Brentford, where the houses were barricaded by the foot soldiers, who shot boldly against them.  Many were killed, and for three hours the contest was resolutely maintained.  The streets had been barricaded, and Prince Rupert’s men fought at great disadvantage.  At length, as evening approached, and the main body of the Cavaliers came up, the Parliament men gave way, and were driven from the town.  Many were taken prisoners, and others driven into the river, the greater portion, however, making their way in boats safely down the stream.  The delay which their sturdy resistance had made saved the city.  Hampden was bringing his men across from Acton.  Essex had marched from Chelsea Fields to Turnham Green, and the road was now blocked.  After it was dark the Train-Bands advanced, and the Parliament regiments, reinforced by them, pushed on to Brentford again; the Royalists, finding that the place could not be held, fell back to the king’s quarters at Hounslow.

The chroniclers describe how wild a scene of confusion reigned in London that evening.  Proclamations were issued ordering all men to take up arms; shops were closed, the apprentice boys mustered in the ranks, and citizens poured out like one man to defend the town.  They encamped upon the road, and the next day great trains of provisions sent by the wives of the merchants and traders reached them, and as many came out to see the forces, the scene along the road resembled a great fair.

In this fight at Brentford Harry Furness was engaged.  The Royalists had anticipated no resistance here, not knowing that Hollis held the place, and Sir Henry did not think of ordering Harry to remain behind.  At the moment when it was found that Hollis was in force and the trumpets sounded the charge, the lad was riding in the rear of the troop, talking to one of the officers, and his father could take no step to prevent his joining.  Therefore, when the trumpets