This Day in History: 1649-03-10

On 10th March 1649, Thomas Margetts wrote to Parliamentarian Captain Adam Baynes in London from Pontefract: ‘ …I acquainted you by the last that we were upon treaty with the Castillians then, but 6 being excepted to be delivered to mercy, they refused to treat any further, since which time we threw some papers tied to stones over their walls, to put all the unexcepted persons upon a way to redeem themselves by delivering up the castle and the 6 prisoners within 14 days……..They pretend honour and conscience will not let them deliver up any: it will be murder they say…and the first precedent of that kind in England……but I think the business will be done, though indeed they are able, if resolute, to hold out a great while still….’