There was small speech on the hill side, as the encounter was
watched, and the Ironsides forming on the other side, charged the
already broken troops before they had time to rally, and there was
nothing to be seen but an utter dispersion and scattering of men,
looking from that distance like ants when their nest has been broken
into.
It was only a skirmish, not to be heard of in history, but opening
the way for the besiegers to the walls of Bristol, and preventing any
of the supplies from reaching the garrison, or any of the intended
reinforcements, except some of the eager Cavaliers, who galloped on
thither, when they found it impossible to return and guard the bridge
for their companions.
The struggle was over around the bridge in less than two hours, but
no more of Lady Elmwood's harvest was gathered in that evening. The
people watched as if they could not tear themselves from the
contemplation of the successful bands gathering together in their
solid masses, and marching onwards in the direction of Bristol,
leaving, however, a strong guard at the bridge, over which piled
waggons and beasts of burthen continued to pass, captured no doubt
and prevented from relieving the city.
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