It consisted of two separate forces, under the command of Essex and Waller.

Presently the town was besieged, and although the walls were very strong, the attacking force was so numerous that resistance appeared to be hopeless.

On the night of the 3d of June the king left the city secretly, attended only by two or three personal friends, and passed safely between the two armies.

These, instead of acting in unison, in which case the besieging lines would have been complete, and the king unable to leave the place, were kept apart by the dissensions of their generals.

A council of war took place, and Essex determined to march to the west.