Boscobel; Or, The Royal Oak

"Let the tents be pitched," said Charles. "The day's work is over. We can take our rest after our long march. Tomorrow we will enter the city in triumph." All happened precisely as Charles had foreseen. Not another shot was fired by the Republicans. The Royalists encamped quietly on the hill. But though no apprehensions were entertained of an attack, those within Fort Royal were kept on the alert throughout the night. Colonel James, however, had other designs. Convinced by what had happened that the fortifications were no longer tenable, he decided on abandoning them. With the whole of his men, he quitted the city secretly at dead of night, taking the mayor and the sheriff with him as prisoners. Crossing the bridge over the Severn, he rode off in the direction of Gloucester. The Royalists were aware of his retreat, but, in obedience to the king's injunctions, did not seek to interrupt him.