Dire was the hissing and confusion, as the hydra heads of the multitudinous government were laid together.

Heads of colleges, presidents of chambers, militia-chieftains; magistrates, ward-masters, deans of fishmongers, of tailors, gardeners, butchers, all met together pell-mell; and there was no predominant authority.

This was not a convenient working machinery for a city threatened with a siege by the first captain of the age.

Moreover there was a deficiency of regular troops: The burgher-militia were well trained and courageous, but not distinguished for their docility.

There was also a regiment of English under Colonel Morgan, a soldier of great experience, and much respected; but, as Stephen Le Sieur said, "this force, unless seconded with more, was but a breakfast for the enemy." Unfortunately, too, the insubordination, which was so ripe in the city, seemed to affect these auxiliaries.