These were dangerous intruders, calculated to
produce great alarm and annoyance, as we shall find in the sequel. The
mortar was planted only about half a musket-shot from the walls,
south-west, on a rising ground, from whence the engineer commanded a
view of the whole buildings.

The work on which it stood was orbicular, with a rampart of two yards
and a half broad above the ditch. To lessen the destructive effects of
this dangerous piece of artillery, chosen men were set as guards with
wet hides and woollen coverlids to quench the flame, had the enemy been
skilful enough to accomplish their purpose; it being their general
opinion that to burn the house would be the most effectual means of
subduing and driving out the garrison. But finding their endeavours met
with no prosperous return, they bethought them to cast a show of
religion over these attempts at robbery and rapine, issuing out commands
to all men well affected towards their success, to co-operate with them
for the overthrow of the "Babylonish harlot," by which term some worthy
disciples of the visible church scrupled not to call the Lady of
Lathom.[45]

The following proclamation was sent forth from their headquarters at
Ormskirk:--

"To all ministers and parsons in Lancashire, well-wishers to our
successe against Lathom House, these:--

"Forasmuch as more than ordinary obstrucc'ons have from the
beginning of this p'sent service ag^t Lathom House interposed our
proceedings, and yet still remaine, which cannot otherwise be
removed, nor our successe furthered, but onely by devine
assistance: it is, therefore, our desires to the ministers and
other well-affected persons of this county of Lancaster, in publike
manner, as they shall please, to com'end our case to God, that as
wee are appoynted to the s^d employment, soe much tending to the
settleing of our p'sent peace in theise parts, soe the Almighty
would crowne our weake endeavours with speedy success in the said
designe.

(Signed)

"RALPH ASHTON.

"JOHN MOORE.

"ORMSKIRK, 5 Ap. 1644."

The four following days were, on their part, consumed in these unholy
exercises; but the garrison, tired with inaction, resolved to awaken
them, and turn their thoughts into a more profitable channel.

On Wednesday, the 10th of April, says the MS. journal, "about eleven
o'clock, Capt^n Farmer and Capt^n Mullineux Rattcliffe, Lieu^t