THE Distressed Case Of the People called QUAKERS In the CITY of BRISTOL, AND Their inhuman Usage for their Religious Peaceable Assemblies nakedly Related, and Credibly Certified from the said City, by Persons that were Eye and Ear Witnesses of matters of Fact. HUMBLY PRESENTED To the tender Consideration of AUTHORITY, and of all True Protestant Subjects. Published for prevention of weapons, though not by the Sufferers themselves, but by other Hands, from a real commiseration of their distressed condition. LONDON, Printed for Benjamin clerk in George-yard in Lombard-street Bookseller, 1682. A Particular Relation of the hard Usage of the People called Quakers in the City of Bristol. WE the King's Protestant Subjects on the behalf of ourselves and the rest of our Friends, reproachfully called Quakers, Inhabitants of the City of Bristol, now under severe treats and daily threats of Ruin to us and our innocent Families, for our difference in the Peaceable exercise of our Christian Religion and Duty towards God, Do testify that herein our Peace of Conscience is concein'd; and 'tis for this very Cause we undergo these undeserved Severities and destructive Hardships, whatever our Adversarles pretend to the contrary, whose pretences are various. One while they pretend a Riot against our peaceable Meetings; another while a different manner of Religious Exercise; another while because some gave their Voices in the late Elections, &c. how unwarrantable such pretence and revenge is, we leave to all judicious English-men to judge. The account of our Grievances followeth, viz. On the Fourteenth of December last, Captain Arnedale, Walter Watkins Marshal, John Helliar Attorney, John Tilly, with some other Constables of the Ward, and a large Rabble of rude Boys, came to our Meeting-house at the Parish called St. James Parish, under pretence to levy a Fine of 5. l. they said was imposed on the said House for not sending a man in Arms at the late Must●r, did there seize on the Seats, Forms, Stools and Chairs, breaking many of them to pieces; and having thus broken them, and made them worth little, like persons before-hand combined to make spoil, would smile and say, This is worth but little, we must take more; so encouraging the Boys to breast the Glass Windows, and tear down the Galleries and Wainscots, and other things sixed to the Free-hold; breaking into a small enclosure or Cellar, and making waste and Spoil of the Goods of the Inhabitant thereof; the pieces of these Ruins, they gave much away; some they haled away by Draw-men( which we call Halliers) the rest committed to the Fire: And not yet contented, went up Stairs into the Tenement of Elizabeth Batho Widow, And threw down thence into the Meeting-room some of her household Goods, of which a Bed was by the particular order of Ralph Olive junior, commanded to the Fire, but saved from burning by the Intercession of one present beholding the Spoil. ☞ The 20th of the said Month, Alderman Olive, with the aforesaid Officers, attended with the Rabble of rude Boys, came again to the same House, and fell to knocking and tearing of the Posts and shores of theruinated Galleries, the Alderman proceeding up to the dwelling house, demanded the door to be opened, or he would break it open; it being opened unto him, he called the Boys, and they began a second rifling of the Widows Tenement, throwing down Chairs and other Emplements of the House, which being broken, the Rabble carried away as their Spoil; they also unhanged the Outward Doors, and sent them to Newgate, and so left them open. The 27th of the said Month, our Friends being there met, standing together for want of Conveniency of Sitting, John Knight sheriff, John Hellier and other Officers, together with the rabble of Rude Boyes, came and Dispersed the Meeting, taking their Names as they put them forth; After which their being little remaining to Spoil in the Meeting-Room, they proceeded to the Widows Dwelling-House, where they broken down her closerts and Cupboards, and Wainscoats, and Partition of two Rooms, and much of the Glass-Windows of the Tenement, unhanging divers Casements with Glass, which together with the Goods belonging to the House, as Fire-Dogs, Ironbacks, Tableboards, Forms, and Window-leaves and Chamber-doors, &c. They threw down through a great Window about 20 Foot down into the Meeting-Room, which they carrid away as their Spoil. Walter Watkins the Marshal gave away at his pleasure one of the Widows Beds. The 30th day they made, further Spoil there, and so ☜ beat down the Partitions and Windows, that the poor Widow who before had taken could by Lodging therein, also lame by reason of the Ruins, going with her Crutch; being entitled to the House by a Lease granted to her Husband, appointed John Woodard to Inhabit therein to keep Possession, and she removed. On New-years-day at our Meeting-house in Temple-street, the said Sheriff with other Officers, and the rabble of Rude Boyes, came there without pretence of any Warrant, they made Spoil there in like Manner. On the 3d of this Instant called January, they came again to the Meeting in James Parish; after they had Dispersed it as before, they fell upon the remains of the Partitions, making a great Fire therewith; and in the Conclusion they did forcibly turn out John Woodard, ☜ saying, They did seize the House for the King: Thus after they had Affrighted and Vexed the Widow out, they also forced out the second Occupier, without any Colour of Law, and with Boards and stays fastened up the Doors, leaving some Watchmen to hold the House from us, who go in and out by a Ladder which with a Rope they let in and out at a Window for that purpose. The 8th of this Instant Sheriff Knight, John Helliar, John Tilly, and other their Assistance, came to our Meeting in Templ-street, where they Dispersed the Meeting; after which the Boyes began their second Spoil there, breaking and tearing the remains of the Windows Galleries, &c. In doing which they were so outrageous, that Affrighted, and grieved several of the Sober Neighbours who were Spectators, one particularly, a Woman of good Account in the Parish, and that frequents public Worship, did so ill resent those Riotous Actions, that she wept exceedingly, and in the bitterness of her Spirit cried out! Leave Off, leave off, these doings will bring Gods Plagues upon us; which she repeated in much Agony. ☞ Thus far the Spoil upon our Meeting-Houses, which with what the Widow hath Suffered, cannot reasonably be computed to less than 150 l. Damage. On which we further make Note, that our Meeting-house in James Parish, was not only never before Assessed, nor of valu liable by the Law to find a man in Arms, not being in value 20 l. per Annum; and our Meeting-House in Temple-street of far less value, and never by them pretended to be Assessed: And that in the Meeting in James Parish there was triple the Value of five Pounds in movable Goods that they needed not for the Distress break or destroy * 'Twas a gross and unwarrantable act, See the Stat ' 15 Car. 2. c. 4. Sect. 5. which is for Distress, and not to make riots upon Houses, &c. the fixed Freehold: They have Committed several of our Friends to Bridwell, taking them in the Street after the Meeting, whilst they have been waiting for their Relations to go home with them. And further, which is grievous to us, our Goal of Newgate being little, and a Nauctious Stinking place, nor fit for a Prison in such a City, where men of traffic are frequently put; as divers of our Friends late there Imprisoned, who usually pay to the Kings Customs many Hundred Pounds yearly. On the 8th Instant divers of our Friends were Committed to Bridwell as aforesaid, eight of them were then brought to Alderman Olive's House before the said Alderman and Sir Robert Yeomans, who Committed them to Newgate; they acquainted the Justices that there was not Accommodation in the Goal, the Keeper coming in soon after to receive his Prisoners, was questioned thereon, who confirmed the same, saying, They had not a Room, nor a spare Bed, nor Lodgings for one man more. However they were notwithstanding Committed there, and Eleven more also from Bridwell sent after them ☞ the same night, so that the small Room being almost full of Beds, they go in by turns, some sitting up whilst others lie three in a Bed. Besides Committing us thus from our Meetings, as Breakers of the Peace, they have Beat some of our Friends with their Staves, taking of their Hats and throwing them away, treading them underfoot; the Rude Boyes which they call their Assistance using uncivil Behaviour to the Women, and rudely tearing their clothes, encouraged to throw down the Ruins and Stools the Meeting was fully Dispersed, particularly one encouraged by a Constable, threw a small Stool, which chanced to hit one of their own, but they refused to know it was one of their own Party that threw it, and have presented the Meeting for, a Riot, hoping to cast the same upon the Meeting. They have taken within five days above 100 l. worth of Goods from seven of our Friends single Fines for themselves, and for them whom they pretend to be poor, that cannot pay for themselves, and proceed with their Convictions for Warrants for many hundred Pounds more. They ☜ Prosecute 50. of our Friends on the Statutes made against Popish Recusants, and threaten us( knowing us not free to take any Oath) with the tendering of the Oath of Allegiance, to ruin us by a Praemunire. Misery attends many poor Pamilies in this City, which our Friends have employed, as Weavers and other ☜ Workers in Silk and Wool, and most other Handicraft Trades, which by reason we are thus laid open to Spoil, cannot hold out to continue them at Work; so that many of them are already in Want, and sorely grieved with the terrible sense of their ruin. Although we have been otherwise represented, we are and ever hope to be found walking as true Christians, and the Kings Peaceable Protestant Subjects, and we know our hearts Wishing well both to the Kings Person and Government, which we have confidence to appear before God and Men; Praying that we may under his Government enjoy a Peaceable and quiet Life in all Godliness and Honesty, and may not be left to unreasonable men to destroy us. From Bristol the 12th day of the 11 Month called Jan. 1681. The Original precedent Account was Signed by 21 Persons. Postscript. BEsides the foregoing Relation, these Accounts are since given from Bristol in the Month called January 1681. One Dated the 14th Instant faith, that Erasmus Dole had Goods taken from him to the Value of Twenty Pounds; and not only so, but the Oath of Allegiance tendered him in Court, which was a surprise to him * Note, That he had an Appeal for his Goods taken; then to be tried but this prevented. to Ensnare him, and bring him into further Sufferings, only sometime of Respite was granted him to consider of it; but he threatened to be further Prosecuted thereon. Also that Hannah Marshal, Ibid. being at Prayer when the Persecutors came into the Meeting, some others were Fined Twenty Pounds for her; which it s conceived the Act against Conventicles doth not Warrant. Another dated the 23 Instant, Concerning their being so many Thronged in Newgate, saith, viz. If it were the Summer it may be very dangerous, to be so Thronged in this close and Noisome place, especially two Rooms which are filled with Beds, Seven in one, and Nine in the other, and in some Beds three in a Bed; and our poor Friends are gotten up into Cock-Losts, and way made for some Lights that they might see to Work: If they sand more in they must provide another Prison, else we must complain, &c. John Moon is Committed upon the Oxford Act, being taken from the Meeting, Ibid. though we conceive that Act was never intended against the Quakers. Griffith Jones Merchant, an Honest Peaceable man, and Inhabitant in Southwank near London, Ibid. coming about his Lawful Occasions to Bristol, was likewise taken at the Meeting, and the Oath of Allegiance tendered to him, and he Committed to Prison for Refusal, the Bishop was present, and Forwarded the Tender of the Oath. Yesterday John Helliar the attorney and his Company were very Rude, Ibid. Tearing several Womens scarves, and biding the Boyes Tear them. Another Account dated the 10th day of the said 11th Month 1681. Informs, That on the 29th of the same, there were 28 of our Friends more carried to Prison; Ten whereof to Newgate, and 18 to Bridwell. Several whereof were Women, as Katherine Evas, Joan Hely, Elizabeth Hartford, Marg. Thomas with several more. Newgate being then so full that they must have more Prison-room, or else they'l stifle one another. And that Thomas Robertson had the said Oath Tendered to him by the Bishop, &c. And for Conscience sake to Christ, refusing to Swear it, was Committed to Prison. 1st. Several of the Officers have signified to our Friends, that these Sufferings were for joining with Presbyterians in Election of Parliament men. 2dly. Also another Person of the Artillery-Company told one of our Friends, That their rage was not so much against us, as against the Presbyterians. And that if Mr. pen or Mr. Whitehead would undertake for the Quakers ceasing as to Election of Parliament men, there would be no further Persecution of them. 3dly. Let it be observed that as to the manner of their Imprisonment, a great number of the said Persons called Quakers in the City of Bristol, now Prisoners, word apprehended at their Peaceable Meetings, and directly forced thence to Prison by the Officers and their Assistants, and after sometime detaining in Prison, they were had before the Mayor and some of the Justices, and Committed to Prison, on pretence of being at an Unlawful Assembly, and breaking of his Majesties Peace; when there was nothing of either Precedent Intention to break the Peace, or do any unlawful Act, nor any injurious force or violence acted by them, much less proved against them, nor any the least formidable Posture that could be legally interpnted to be Interrorem Populi, or Vi & Armis. But only that they did not presently depart at one of the Sheriffs or Constables bare command or Proclamation, without producing any Legal Warrant; for Law or Statute we find not to Warrant such Proclamation( at their wills and pleasures) to persons in a Peaceable Posture, and then to make their not submitting thereunto presently a Riot. Whereas it is an evil Fact of Violence, Vid. Dalt. Shep. Lam. Co●. &c. Force and Injury done to others( not the number abstractly) makes a Riot: But our Peaceable Religious Meetings are nothing of this Nature. There's no Fact intended or done by them of the Nature and Species of Riot, there's nothing done Interrorem. * Th●●e Persons met to do an Unlawful Act, and that with Force, i● a riot: But even the Conventicle Act Allow; four to meet besides the Family: Therefore the Fact met abour, is not Riotous, 'tis of another Species. There is no more consistency between Punishing our Peaceable Meetings, both for a riot and for a Religious Exercise, than it can be Truth to say they were Fighting, or in a Hot Fray, whilst on their Knees at Prayer to God. Thus absurdly do these men Charge and punish us. Therefore these Officers Proclamation against the Persons Peaceably met to make their Meeting a Riot or breach of the public Peace, appear, Arbitrary and Illegal, and their manner of Imprisonments thereupon without any Judicial Examination or Warrant from any Justice of Peace, we presume are Irregular and Unwarrantable. We would fain know by what Law or Stature they thus proceed: At what an easy rate can they make riots, &c. 4ly. Take one Instance amongst the many Abuses and Rudeness acted against( and done to) the said People at their Meetings, One Maid was( as Account is given) sent by John Hilliar to Bridewell( as a Rioter) on occasion of giving a Rude Boy a Box on the Ear for his Shameful Incivility towards her, in his attempting to pull up her Coats: Presently she must be cried out against for a Riot, for thus defending her Modesty, and sent to Bridewell too. But 'twas well the Justices had more Discretion and Justice than to admit farther Process against her on that score. Only they should not suffer such gross Abuses and Debauched Carriages in those Rude Persecutors to go unpunished: Why are not such Rude Persons as Tear Womens scarves and attempt to pull up their Coats sent to Bridewell? Oh! shane, shane, that ever such Sordid Abuses are suffered, or in the least Connived at; especially amongst Professors of Christianity! A farther Brief and Impartial Relation of the Heads of the Persecution of the People called Quakers in the City of Bristol, from the 6th. 12th. Month called Feb. 1681 / 2 unto the 19th first Month called March 1681 / 2 Given in several Accounts, by Persons of Credit in the City of Bristol. Bristol the 6th. of the 12th. Month called Feb. 1681 / 2 JOhn Helliar with several other Constables and wonted Rude rabble of Boyes, came to the Meeting at the place called the Friars; where after Scoffing, Jeering and Abusing many in an extraordinary manner, he took an Ancient man Robert Gerrish, and brought him among the Women, and bid him Preach, calling him Pope and Friar, and the Women Whores, violently driving them out; asked the Women, whether they would let their Old Friar go to Prison, and thrusting him among them, bid him Kiss the Women before he went, and so took him to Bridewell. John Tilly threw down an ancient Woman, which hurt her much, so as she was forced to be lead home between two; bidding the Boyes Tear the Hoods and scarves. John Helliar took off an Innocent Boyes Hat, and threw it away, after he had struck him with his Hand, and pulled him up almost from the Ground by the Hair of his Head. The Mother of the Child grieved thereat, speaking to him, he pulled her Hat off and threw it one way, and her Cloak another, and Tore her scarf. He took hold of another Young Woman, and Pinched her Arm, and after that Ketch'd hold of her scarf, endeavoured to Tear it; and Wrenched her Hand, as if he would break it off. John Helliar Struggled very much with a Young Woman to Kiss her; and they sent several to Bridewell at their Wills and Pleasures, and afterwards at Night Released them. The 12th of the 12th Month called Feb. 1681 / 2. AT a Meeting in Temple-street, a Company of Rude Boyes coming before the Officers, Threw Dirt upon the Womens clothes and Necks, and a Dirty mat in at the Window upon their Heads. Afterwards came Sheriff Knight, John Tilly, Thomas Luggs, Robert Blenkarn Register of the Bishops Court, Edward Brand, William Higgins, &c. At this Meeting Margaret Thomas, an ancient Woman, went to Sheriff Knight( he endeavouring to clear himself of Abuses) and put him in mind of some Violent Abusive Action he had used to her, which he did not deny.[ Also the Sheriff Knight at a Meeting the 18 Decemb. Abused an ancient Man, Cananuel briton, Aged above 60 Years, Struck him often with his Cane, and also Threw up his Heels, and Bruised him much by the Fall on his Back, afterwards he sent him to Newgate and publicly Boasted the next day of this Violent Behaviour to the poor Peeble Old man.] Also many other Shameful Abuses frequently done by Rude Boyes and others in his Presence without Discouragement, though not immediately committed by him. The 12th of the 12th Month called Feb. THe same day in the Afternoon our Friends met again before the Door of their Meeting-House in James Parish, to which resorted John Helliar, John Tilly, Thomas lug, Edward Brand, Walter Watkins Marshal, and John Patrick gardener, and Edward Summers Butcher, upon Proclamation made, John Helliar began his Scoffing about the Wooden God, which was a Block our Friends used to sit on, and about the Old Friar, as he called an ancient man Robert Gerrish, the subject of his Laughter. And pitched upon ten men, and put them into the Meeting House, and then dispersed the Women, driving them as though he was driving Cattle, crying P'throw; and being asked whether he made Beasts of them, he replied, That we were worse than Beasts, for Beasts will be driven, but you will not. Three Women were put into the Meeting Room to the men, and one of them was Elizabeth Jaques, who sitting quietly on a Form, John Patrick came to her and endeavoured to put her away violently, but she resting or staying her self against the Door, he pulled off her Neckcloth and her Cloak, and Pinched her by the Arm till it was Sore, and pulled her away, into the Meeting, where they Locked Friends for a time, and then Discharged all save one, ( viz.) Thomas hays, first taking their Names; and the said Thomas hays they sent to Bridewell to the other Friends, who were all dismissed in the Evening, on promise of Appearance next Morning, which they did; and then were Discharged upon Bonds of Appearance from Day to Day, whensoever the Mayor should require them: And the reason wherefore they were not Committed as other, for refusing finding Sureties for good Behaviour( much urged and endeavoured by Sir Robert Yeamans, Sheriff Knight and Helliar) was the Dissatisfaction of the Mayor concerning the Prison, which he particularly exclaimed against, as an Unlawful Prison, and unfit for men to be put in, being full already, and that it was presented at Sessions, and that he would Commit no more till they had another Prison; and further that he was not well satisfied concerning the ground of such Commitment, and therefore would forbear till the Town clerk should return. Witnesses to the Passages at this Meeting, Robert Summers. Thomas Bayly. Bridget Snead. Elizabeth Vickris. Thomas hays. Mary North. Margaret Hale. Elizabeth Jaques. To Sir Thomas Earl Mayor, and the rest of the Justices of the City of Bristol. WE here present unto you the Complaint of many Oppressed Prisoners in this your Goal of Newgate, for what Cause is not unknown unto you, concerning the grievous Streights for Lodgings, being most of us Thronged in two Rooms, the one filled with Nine Beds, the other about Thirteen Foot Square with Seven Beds; sometimes there have been Three, sometimes Four in a Bed, whilst others sate up: The Sense whereof, together with the necessities for want of convenient Room for Work that our poor Friends are driven to with the fullness and Closeness of the Goal in General: which by reason of its Unhealthiness hath been divers times Presented by the Grand Jury: And there being now above Fourscore Prisoners, puts us upon renewing our Modest Complaint unto you; and yet at the same time acknowledging your Compassion in granting an Order of Sessions for the Enlargement of the Goal, which we might reasonably have expected would have speedily ensued; but contrary thereto; notwithstanding all our endeavours with the Keeper, to the satisfaction of Sheriff Lane; we cannot as yet obtain what you have thought fit to grant us: So unless you are pleased to see your said Order of Sessions effected( which is what we hereby desire of you) we are like to have our Healths and Lives exposed, for want of Reasonable accommodation, who are From Newgate Prison the 14. of the 12 Month 1681. where several of us are much Indisposed and Injured in our Health. Your Christian Friends. Henry James. John hernia. Richard Reighly. Hugh Bickham. John Russe. Edward Jones. Edward dowel. John Heal. William Diddicott. John Sumption. Joseph Wilcox. John Philbridge. Joseph Paskall. Thomas Arnoll. John Rennet. George Bennet. Thomas Willis. Thomas Window. James Gayner. Richard Snead. Edward Erbery. Richard Vickris. John Moon. James Wall. John barns. Jesse Noble. Arthur Russel. John Watts. Philip Russel. Clement Oliver. Joseph Bennet. John Bulgin. Paul Moon. William tailor. John Simmons. William Brigg. Robert ●ux. Miles David. John Cowling. Thomas Robertson. Thomas Dixon. Nicholas tailor. WE whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, do severally testify and declare, that on the Fifteenth day of this Instant Month of February, in the Four and Thirtieth year of the Reign of our sovereign Lord King Charles the Second over England, &c. Anno Domini 1681. The Annexed Complaint or Petition was delivered in at the Tolzey of the City of Bristol, and publicly red by Order of Sir Thomas Earl Knight Mayor of the said City, Sir Robert can Knight and baronet, John Lawford Esq;, John Hicks Esq; Aldermen, &c. of His Majesties Justices of the Peace, of and for the said City and County. Which said Sir Thomas Earl Mayor, and the said other Justices then present, did in the said Court of Tolzey, openly declare their Dissatisfaction concerning the said Goal, esteeming it as an unfit and an Unhealthy Prison, and of dangerous consequence to the Lives of His Majesties Subjects: And did then not only declare their Willingness to have the same Enlarged, but also require their late Order of Sessions touching the same Goal, to be put in Execution; which Richard Lane Esq; one of the Sheriffs of the said City declared his Readiness to yield obedience to, being of the same judgement and Opinion with the said Justices: But was rejected and refused by Sheriff Knight who is the only Obstructer. Witness our Hands this 15th. of February 1681. John Blisset. William Weaver. Henry Weaver. Andrew Wyke, Jun. Bichard Ridley. Anthony Reece. The 15th. of the 12th Month 1681 / 2. THe Certificate of Friends concerning the Goal, delivered by Mary Wall, and Bridget Snead, with Intimation of the Mayor's and Sir Robert Cann's desire of a better Prison. The Mayor was Dissatisfied with Convictions made, wherein they made all Poor but Four or Five. When as those whose Fines were laid upon others were as sufficient in Estate. The Mayor is Offended at Sheriff Knight and John Helliar, because he cannot get the Convictions of them though demanded. And he would have all Convictions made above-board, and not in Ale-houses and Taverns. The Mayor also drew up a Protest against signing of that unequal Conviction, and protested against the Goal, as altogether unfit for such men to be put in: And Sir Robert can said, If he had a Dog that he Loved, he would not put him in Newgate; and Sheriff Knight should not Un-Mayor the Mayor, nor Un-Alderman him, but keep his place: And the Mayor further said, He would Commit no more till there was a better Goal. The 18th. of the 12th. Month Feb. 1681 / 2. AGain the difference between the Mayor and Sheriff Knight: The Mayor demands the Convictions, the Sheriff refuses to give them; the Mayor caused an Order of Court to be entred of the Demand and Refusal. The Mayor said, He would have no more Convictions made in private; And shewed the Abuse of those of late: And if any would Appeal thereon, they should have free Liberty: And said, He would have the Goods Distrained brought into a public Ware-house, and no more in a By hole in Cock-lane: He would have an Account of the going of the Goods; and that it might be Sold to its value, and have an Account of the Money. They begin to Threaten the Mayor, he shall not be Parliament-man. But we think that the Mayor's Justice and Legal Endeavours in these things will be more to his Security before the King and a Parliament, than Sheriff Knights Proceedings. The 25th. of the 12th. Month Feb. 1681 / 2. Gives Account of Distresses of several of our Friends Goods Distrained. YEsterday after the Meeting, John Helliar, John Tilly, Edward Watkins the Marshal, and others, cames to Richard Snead's House to take Distresses for two Warrants, the one Ten Pound, the other Seven Pound Ten Shillings, for which they took of Goods to the value of Twenty Four Pounds. From Edward Martindale for a Fine of Six Pound Thirteen Shillings, to the value of Thirteen Pound; from Richard Vickris for a Fine of about Seven Pound, Goods to the value of Eighteen Pound. The 27th of the 12th Month Feb. 1681 / 2. RElating the Imprisoning of forty Friends more in Newgate, who sat up all the first Night( except five) in the kitchen and the parlour, some lying upon the Boards, some under the Table where the great Dog used to lie; and some resting their Heads upon the Foot frame of the Table to get a little Rest. The next night they got in mats, and spread them over the Thorowfair-Room, and some in Hammacks over them; so that they lay on Heaps, and in the day time they put up their mats to make Room for the Passengers. The Prison is like the Exchange at full time. The number of Friends here, is now Eighty Six, besides Felons, Debtors, and the Keeper and his Family. We see nothing but our Destruction is aimed at, and our Lives are hazarded, and the City endangered with Infection. In another Account bearing the same Date is Intimated. OUr Meetings were this day both Disturbed: To the Morning Meeting came Joh. Helliar, Ralph olive Jun. John Tilly, Tho. lug, Joh. Patrick,— Hoar, Nicholas Stanfast Apothecary, William Higgins, Edward Watkins Marshal, with two or three of the Mayors and Sheriffs Officers, and began to take Names. John Helliar said, come all ye Tinkers, cobblers, Weavers, Pinmakers, tailors, Rabscallions and Totterdemallions, that I may take your Names. Barbary Blacdon was Committed by John Helliar to Bridewell, for refusing to give her Name to them that knew it: They sent Twelve to Bridewell for continuing Meeting in the Street. In the Afternoon, together with the aforesaid Officers came Captain Arundel, Nathaniel Powel, Robert Blinkhom, Thomas Dyer, George Hartwell: and sent Thirty of the men to Bridewell: Two were dismissed in the Evening, the other forty Committed by Alderman olive and sent to Newgate about Ten at Night. These forty were sent for the next day to Sessions, and from thence remanded to Prison, for not engaging to Traverse the Indictment, which was so great a Charge( for many of them being Poor) to bear. A Bill of Indictment was found against Erasmus Dole on the Statute of praemunire. The woeful Cry of many Poor and Oppressed Prisoners in the Nasty Goal of Newgate in Bristol; and against the Hard-heartedness, Oppression and Cruelty of the gaoler; once more Presented to Sir Thomas Earl Mayor, and the rest of the Justices of this City. THe said Prisoners do hereby declare the Truth of their Case as followeth: After the said Prison was sufficiently filled with above Fourscore Prisoners of all sorts, besides the gaoler and his Family, whereof being between forty and Fifty of us the People called Quakers, for no other Cause but Serving and Worshipping the Lord our God, who were most of us thronged together in two Rooms filled with Beds, viz. Nine in one, and Seven in the other, many poor men being thus straightened, desired admittance into Traytors Ward, being that apartment of the Prison, that hath been anciently appropriated as free to the Kings Prisoners, and never till of late( as we know of) viz.( since the present Gaolers time) denied to the People called Quakers, when desired; and though there were not above Seven or Eight Debtors Lodged in that Room, which is large; yet could not the Kings Prisoners be admitted, the gaoler suffering the said Dobtors to keep them out, on purpose( as we conceive) to make a Prey of a parcel of Poor Handicrafts men, who have nothing to maintain them and their Families, but their daily Labour, at that poor rate they are now, by means of their Imprisonment reduced to; for want of Conveniency of Room for work. The consideration hereof nothing moving the gaoler to Compassion, but rather beholding us as a People designed for destruction, managed himself as one resolved to have no small part of the Prey, while it was going; for he continued our Friends thus straight, refusing them any better accommodation, unless they would promise him 6 d. per Night, to Lodge in the great Room, or Twenty One Shilling per Week for the Room; and bring their own Beds in, and Lodge there; though the said Room hath for this long time been supplied with no more then sometimes Three and sometimes Four Debtors. And this is the spare Room the gaoler hath so much talked of, to oppose our Complaint, and these are the terms which he promised before you, upon our last Application, should be Reasonable, which we submit to your Judgements; believing his Exacting such Rates, is utterly contrary to a lato Statute Law in the Twenty second and Twenty third of this King; and consequently besides your Authority for regulating such Abuses. But besides all this, they being very Poor men that were thus concerned, could not engage in so great a Charge, which in a little time would increase to such a Sum, as they were never like to be of Ability to pay, and the consequence if they should be Discharged of their present Imprisonment, would be to make themselves Prisoners for Debt so long as they Lived. Notwithstanding the Goal was thus Thronged: Last First Day of the Week, being the Twenty sixth past, forty men more of the said People, were taken from their Meetings; where they were Peaceably Assembled to Worship God; their Meetings made a Riot, and they sent to Bridewell, and thence Committed to Newgate, being near about the Tenth Hour of the Night, before the greatest part of them were brought in; which considered, together with the fullness of the Goal before, it will not be difficult to imagine, how destitute they were of Accommodation for Rest; most being forced to Sit up in the kitchen and Parlour all Night; the next day the said forty men were sent for to Sessions, and there Indicted for breach of the Peace; and though they were there ready to Answer the Law without any further Charge, they were notwithstanding Re-committed to Newgate again, for want of giving Security to Traverse the Indictment, which necessary engageth them in so great a Charge, that the most of them being very poor men are not able to undergo. When they were thus recommitted, they thought of the best Conveniencies they could for Rest( most of them having sate up the Night before) and that was to sand for as many Bed-Mats, Ruggs and Blankets as they should need, and spread them on the Ground in the kitchen and Parlour to lye on; but the gaoler and his Wife were so hard-hearted, that they would not suffer the poor men to have the benefit of the kitchen at Night, to lye down in, after they were gone to bed themselves, but shut the Door and kept them out; neither would they procure room for them in Traitors Ward, tho' there were not above 8 Debtors there, and room to spare; nor would admit their bringing their Mars into the great Room to lie there, unless they would promise to give them 6 d. per Night each; whose Condition is most of them so mean, that they are not able to be at that Charge, for the Reasons before mentioned; and being now altogether destitute of a conveniency for their Employments, whereby they maintain themselves and Families. They being thus exposed to the Parlour and Hall, which is very open and could, they are reduced to a necessity to spread their Mats there, which they have done these two Nights, all over the Rooms, some lying under the Tables, and some upon the Tables, and some a-thwart the Room, with their Heads upon the Frame of the Table, for to procure a little Rest if possible. It is not without regret that we are necessitated to discover this Cruelty, to the great scandal and reproach of this great City, that ever such hard-heartedness should be found therein, in any towards their Innocent and conscientious Neighbours, and which so manifestly tends to the destruction of the Lives of so many of the Kings peaceable minded Subjects, and great danger to the Health of this City in general, which we recommend to your serious consideration for Relief; that if we must be prisoners, you would appoint us a place large enough, and fit for us; and therein you will oblige your Christian and suffering Friends, Newgate the 1st. of the First Month, 1681 / 2 Signed on behalf of all our Friends concerned by us Richard Vickris, Richard Snead, James Wall, junior Edward Erbery, John moon. The 5th of the 1st Month called March, 1681 / 2. AT this Morning Meeting Sheriff Knight, John Tilly, Thomas lug, Ralph olive, Junior, Thomas Turner with a Company of Boys dispersed the Meeting. Ralph olive was heard to say, Set the Boyes upon them: of which there are two Witnesses. In the Afternoon of the same day, at the Meeting called the friars, came J. Helliar, Captain Arundel, 〈◇〉 Hoares, a Constable, John Tilly, Thomas lug, R. olive, R. Blinkhom, with a Company of Boys, John Helliar with four Constables, behaved themselves very rude in Words and Actions, pushing and thrusting our Friends, casting some of their Hats away. An ancient Woman Susanna York was thrown down by one of them all along upon the Ground. Mary Hooper a young Woman was roughly handled by Helliar and Tilly: had her Scarf torn off her back between them; by their shaking, thirsting and flinging her against other Friends, she hath been much out of order since.— Hoares violently haled one Mary page., Wife of Fra. page., out of the Meeting to the endangering her life, she being big with Child. J. Helliar called our Women Friends, Whores, Bitches, Jades, Carrions— After they had driven Friends out before them with their Staves, they provoked the Boyes to mischief, thirsting them against the Women; encouraged the Boyes to take Dirt and throw at them, saying, Hereas brave Dirt, take it up and throw it upon them. J. Helliar also bid the Boves tear their scarves, and shew'd the Boyes how they should do it, by taking one Womans Scarf and endeavouring to tear it; but the Boyes, though thus excited, were restrained at that time. As they were going along, John Helliar called them ugly Whores; took off an ancient Womans Hat( to wit, Elizabeth Long) and threw it away; the second time he threw it into the Water, calling her old damned Bitch. Note, These matters of Fact were Certified by divers persons of Credit being Spectators, whose names are at present omitted to prevent John Helliar and his Company from instigating the Boys to tear their Clothes, and throw Dirt upon them, on the occasion of this Account. The 11th of the First Month called March, 1681 / 2 MAny hardships the Keeper as well as the Sheriff, and other Officers, do put upon us, during our Confinement here. Three Friends have been too apprehensive dangerously Ill. Application has been made for them, but no favour could be had, no, not to go to their homes a little for Life or Health, unless a compliance be with that which will hurt our Consciences. One Friends Wife was delivered of a Child, he sought to the Keeper to go but an hour or two to see her, yet could not be admitted. Another Friend's Father lay at the point of Death; he sought to go and see him, but was denied: His Father died that night; next day we sought for his Son to go to his Burial with a Keeper, and pay him for the same, but by no means could it be obtained: but other Prisoners( as Debtors, &c.) may have this privilege. We cannot get sight of the Informations or Convictions, though we have done our endeavours by two Friends and two Lawyers; the Records are not in Court, but be with Helliar, Sheriff, Knight, and others their Agents, as we are Answered. It's very hard to get a Copy of the Warrants by which the Distresses are taken. The 19th of the First Month called March, 1681 / 2. AT the Meeting at Temple-street, where came Alderman Grabb, Captain Arundel, John Helliar, John Tilly, Jasper Casse, Walter Watkins, John Patrick, John Hoare, Ralph olive, with a Company of Rude Boyes, as is usual, they fell to take Names, and turned our Friends out. They standing in the Streets, they went to have them away by force. An ancient Man Thomas Lofty, not going so soon as they would have him, John Helliar delivered ☞ him to the Boyes to have him to Bridewell, who abused him exceedingly, throwing him down three or four times in the Dirt: On occasion of Thomas Lofty's refusing to go along with the Boyes, John Helliar told him, they were the King's Officers. In the Afternoon of the same day at the Meeting at the friars( so called) came most of the aforesaid Officers, with a rude Company of Boyes, took Friends Names and turned them out, behaving themselves rude and abusive: John Helliar in particular called the Women Friends Whores, and secured four or five in the Meeting-house, before they turned the rest out. Dorcas Dole, Wife of John Dole( which they first secured because the Boyes said she preached before they came) after she had been in the Meeting-house sometime, she went to Prayer, at which they went into her, letting her alone till she had done, only behaved themselves scoffingly, and now and then made a great noise. Captain Arundel at his coming forth, speaking false and unseemly words about her Praying: John Dole her Husband reproved him, at which the said Captain was so exceedingly enraged that he took his Hat off, and threw it away, threatened to beat him, and said, He would strike his Teeth down his Throat, and that he would have his Heart out; ☜ with many other wicked and abusive Expressions. Soon after John Helliar struck at him with his Cane in great fury; but two Women, viz. Alice, wife of Thomas Kill, and Anne, the wife of David James interposing, received the stroke, one whereof liting on the face of Alice Kill, did her much harm. The said John Helliar did thrust his Cane at the Throat of the said John Dole, and at one of his Thrusts touched his Throat, the hurt whereof he avoided by retiring backward. John Helliar also took off his Hat again, and threw it away, and since he hath not seen it, but is lost for ought he knows. At this Meeting some Women, in particular Elizabeth Long, and Elizabeth Taylon were very roughly treated, thrust and pinched on their Arms by John Patrick. And as our Friends waited in the outward Court, where they had been brought by the Officers, and standing to see what became of the rest of their Friends. The Boyes behaved themselves very Rude and Abusive to the Women, thrusting them one against another, and punching them in their backs with their Fists; Thomas lug Constable, standing by, was well pleased with this work, and said, That this was tough work; and more of this work would make them weary of Coming there: And when he was complained to about it, said, It was nothing to what they should know, and this was but a beginning. The said Thomas lug set the Boyes on also to abuse Friends, asking them, Why they let the Dirt lye in the Street; upon which several Boyes took up Dirt and threw at Friends, pushing and abusing them exceedingly. The afore-mentioned Dorcas Dole was sent to Bridewell, where, with the other two Friends that were sent in the Morning, they were continued without Mittimus all Night, and next day being commanded before the Magistrates, Dismissed, finding no cause to Commit them. The value of Goods taken by Distress, with Money, exceeding the Fines, the 9 of the 12 Month called January, 1681 / 2.   l. s. d. Abel Kelly, For a Fine of 10 l. 15 s. had taken away to the value of 13 00 0 From the said Abel at another time in Money 10 00 0 Tho. Gould●y, For a Fine of 7 l. 8 s. 4 d. in Goods which cost 12 16 0 T. Jordan, For a Fine of 5 l. for himself and others 13 18 6 T. Callowhill, Fora Fine of 8 l. 5 s. the value of 12 15 0 R. March, For a Fine of 10 l. 5 s. the value of 22 05 0 R. Snead, For a Fine of 9 l. 10 s. the value of 17 00 0 R. Snead, At another time for 17 l. 10 s. 24 00 0 R. Erberry, For a Fine of 5 l. 10 s. the value of 15 00 0 J. Love, For a Fine of 7 l. 10 s. the first cost and value of Goods 11 00 0 C. Harford, For 7 l. 5 s. the value of 10 00 0 C. Jones, For 7 l. 15 s. the value of 18 00 0 E. Martindale, For 6 l. 13 s. the value of 13 00 0 R. Vickris, For 7 l. to the value of 18 00 0   210 14 6 These are part of the Distresses, besides the great Damage they bave done upon two Houses and Tenements adjoining to one of them, by their excessive Spoil made thereupon. The 22d. of the 1st. Month 1681 / 2. SHeriff knights Complices Glory and Insult highly in his pretended Encouragement( since his being Kinghted) Threaten us( particularly John Tilly, and of late Thomas olive) that we shall have a Troop of Horse and a Company of Foot, down here to break the Meetings. The 29th. of the 1st. Month 1682. OUr Friends coming up from the Meeting near Newgate, met the said Sheriff; he told our Women Friends( for his first Salute) That next time they were at Meeting, he would lay them Fast, and sand them to their Husbands to Goal. Thus threatening them, he said, He had Authority, and that they should know. As he was going into the Prison, they manifested themselves willing to enter also; but he told them, They should not, until they came by Authority, Meaning to be sent thither also. He was told that a Friend of ours was Speaking or Praying in Prison, upon which he threatened to Fine the gaoler Twenty Pound, and said, He would have all the Quakers Confined to their own Rooms. Our Friends who are Indicted, sent to get a Copy of one of their Indictments, but the Town clerk refused them a Copy. To Sir Thomas Earl Mayor, and the rest of the Justices of the City of Bristol. WE whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, Prisoners in your Goal of Newgate, for the Discharge of our Consciences towards God; do spread before you our Lawful Magistrates, by whom we are here Committed, our Just Complaints of some late Injuries, and Acts of Violence most Illegally and Arbitrarily( as we conceive) Committed against us, as followeth. Yesterday in the Afternoon, we being Peaceably Met and Assembled together in your Prison of Newgate; for no other end but to Serve and Worship our. God that made us, according to our bound duty; Acts the 15, 25.22. Tim. 1, 2.8, Heb. 10 25. the Doctrine of Christ Jesus, the example and practise of the Apostles and primitive Christrans; and whilst we were upon this Serious and Godly occasion, all together in bue Room by ourselves, and no other person present with us. Sheriff Knight, John Helliar, edmond Brand, George Helliar, and Isaac Dennis the Keeper, came into our said Room, called the Chapel-Chamber, entirely belonging to many of us who Lodged therein; and contrary to the known Law, which allows as many( and four more) than be of one household and Family, so to meet together to Worship God without Disturbance: The said Sheriff Knight, and John Helliar, Edmimd Brand, and the Keeper soon after they entred( refusing to admit any Apology or defence for our so Meeting) Began in a Rude and Violent manner to Pull, Hale and Thrust us out of our said Room, pushing one upon another: In which Action Sheriff Knight and John Helliar were so Furious, that the Sheriff protested, If we would not depart, he would put Irons upon us, and John Helliar pulled off Edward Erbery's Hat and threw it away, and made several Offers to punch the joint of his Cane in his Face, altogether unbecoming the Office of a Constable. The Sheriff commanded the Reeper to take Roger Hollard and Ironhim, and put him in the Pit; on which the said Roger Hollard was immediately had down into the Westhouse; the place where the Condemned felons used to be kept; Note. and there he was detained for several Hours, it being a very Noisome place. Then John barns speaking some words to them concerning their Rude and Unchristian Proceedings, John Helliar came and took him by the Arm, saying, Is not this Fellow sit to be Ironed; moreover he said, The Gallows is fit for you: Thus they went on with their Abuses, both in Words and Actions, until they had put most of us out of the Room, behaving themselves like men whose F●ces were set against every Appearance of Good. The Reason of this our Complaint to you is, The ☜ Jealousy we have, that the Design of these Actions are leveled against our Lives, through the Impatience of some, that this Close and Noisome Goal doth not dispatch us soon enough; which we are the more confirmed in, for that these Abuses and Injuries are manifestly against all Law; now though we are not Conscious to ourselves to have done any thing worthy of these Bonds: Yet if so be, the Crimes laid to our Charge be supposed worthy of the Gallows, as John Helliar's words Import, Let us have o●en trial and judgement according to Law, and not be thus Clandestinly and Arbitrarily abused in Prison. And for as much as we are Confined to this place by your Authority, and that though the Sheriffs be entrusted with the Safe keeping the Prison; yet the Law gives you Power to regulate the Disorders and Abuses Acted in this your Goal: We hope you will Interpose betwixt us and such Injuries as these, for the future; in so doing you will maintain the Honour of the Government of this great City; and by doing Justice Answer the Witness of God in all Consciences, which is the desire of your Christian and Suffering Friends. Newgate the 1st. of the 2d. Month, 1681 / 2. This was Signed by above Seventy of the said Prisoners. POSTSCIPT. Newgate the 3d. of the 2d. Month 1682. THe above Complaint was intended to have been delivered in according to its date, since which the cause of our Complaint is greatly enlarged, and what we then had a Jealousy of ( viz.) A Design in some against our Lives is now ☞ made more manifest. For Yesterday some of us being by the Order of the Sheriff separated from the rest of our Friends, who were in the Chapel-Chamber; we sate down in the Common-Hall to wait upon the Lord, which is a public Room, and free for the Prisoners: In which place the Sheriff law most of us gathered together last Sixth-day, when he turned us our of the Chapel-Chamber, and shewed no dislike thereat. In the Afternoon, whilst we were met together, came in Sheriff Knight, Edmond Brand, Robert Blenkarn. The Sheriff demanded what we did there out of our own Rooms, who was Answered, that this was a free Room for the Prisoners as aforesaid. He begun quickly to be in great wrath, and because we did not immediately disperse, he threatened to draw upon us, having a Sword by his side. First he laid hold of Allen Hallmark, Note. for speaking a few sober words to Friends, and in great Fury, such as we never saw him in before, pulled him off his Seat, and Haled him to the Stairs head, and Violently threw him Headlong backward down the Hall Stairs, as though he had designed to have Killed him, manifestly to the great hazard of his Life, with which through Gods great Providence he escaped, by Liting on another towards the bottom of the Stairs, cased him so that he received not much harm: And when The Sheriff had thus used him, he charged the gaoler to put him down into the Westhouse, Note. which is a Dungeon-like place, which accordingly was done, and there kept all Night. The next( with the like Violence) he seized on was Erasmus Dole, Whom he handled very roughly, and had like to have thrown him all along, his Head narrowly Escaping the Wall. Then he pulled out Richard Vickris and Richard Snead, whom he laid hold of with the like Violence, especially the former, whom he pulled off the Table where he Sate, over a Form, and threw him forcibly down on the Floor, and went on pulling out others. After some time John Helliar, John Tilly, &c. came in. John Helliar soon began to act his part in these Abuses, Note. Bidding some of his Company to Beat Miles David's Teeth out: Whereupon no one Answering his Will, He made several offers to punch the point of his Cane in his Face. Then one of the Debtors Informed the Sheriff that John Moon was the Preacher: Whereupon the Sheriff said, He would put him in a Close place, where he should not Preach to any of them; then John Helliar cried, Iron him, Iron him, James Wall taking notice to Edmond Brund of the Sheriffs threatening to draw upon us, which said Brand denied, and laid to the Sheriff, hark Sir, they say you threatened to draw upon them. The Sheriff replied, He did,— and talked much of his Orders. Now we entreat you to take these things into your Consideration, and hear this Cry of Injustice: Suffer us nor to be thus inhumanly Abused in the Prison, which is under your Jurisdiction; for if these things be Suffered, We can expect no other, but that the Lives of some of us, will be made a Sacrifice to the Arbitrary Passion and Rage of the ☜ aforesaid Sheriff and his Assistants. WE whose Names are hereunto subscribed, having daily heard of the renewed Complaints of the People called Quakers to Sir Thomas Earl mayor, and the rest of His Majesties Justices of Peace of this City, about the Noysomness and fullness of the Goal of Newgate in the said City, tending to the suffocating and endangering of their Lives, for want of convenient room for Lodging and Air: And being desirous to inquire into, and view the said Goal, we were willing to accompany Richard Lane Esq; one of the Sheriffs for this City and County, to view the same. And upon strict Examination of the whole condition thereof, we find that the said Goal is very noisome in General; and voided of out-let for Air, and therefore unfit to contain so great a number of Prisoners, as we now find therein, being One hundred twenty and five close Prisoners, besides the Keeper and his Family; Eighty five whereof, are the People called Quakers; who are, through the smallness of the Goal, unreasonably thronged together, filling all the Rooms in the Goal, sit for Lodging( except where the Felons are) with Four, Five, Six, Seven and Nine Beds in a Room, besides divers very little Corners filled with three in a Bed. And notwithstanding all this, we find that many of these People are necessitated to lye on the Ground, in the open Rooms, where no Bedsteads are to be placed; and spreading their Mats on the Ground, they lye at that miserable rate, that it was a grief to us to behold, viz. some a-thwart the Room, some under the Table, being a Kennel where the Doggs were wont to lye; some upon the Table, and some in Hamocks over the Table, which necessary endangers their lives. And as the weather increases in Heat, it may occasion Infectious Distempers, to the endangering the Health, not only of the said Prisoners, but also of the many Inhabitants of this great City. The truth of which we shall be ready to certify upon Oath, if occasion shall be. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our Names this Third Day of March, in the Four and Thirtieth year of the Reign of our sovereign Lord Charles, by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Annoque Dom. 1681. Simon hurl, William Weaver, John Blissett, Richard Codrington, John Dudlestone, John Cossly, Michael Pope, Joseph Finch, Thomas Saunders Civitas BRISTOL. WE whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, being publicly known Physicians and Inhabitants of the said City, having heard of the frequent Complaints of the People called Quakers to the Magistrates of this City Concerning the straightness and wearisomeness of the Goal of Newgate, into which great numbers of the said People have been and are thronged together in a miserable manner, and we resenting their condition with compassion? and considering of what dangerous consequence such their close Confinement may be of, were moved( upon a full Examination of the Truth thereof) to certify that the said Goal is very full and noisome; and that the said Prisoners are destitute of Room for rest, which hath a ready tendency( as the Season increases in heat) to the destroying and suffocating of them; and in all likelihood to breed infectious Distempers, to the endangering of the Lives not only of the said Prisoners, but of the many Inhabitants of this great and populous City: Witness our Hands this Five and Twentieth day of March, Anno Regni. Regis Caroli Secundi nunc Angliae, &c. Tricessimo Quarto, Anno Dom. 1682. John Griffith, William Turgis, J. chancy, T. Bourne. Dorcas Doles abuse by Ralph olive. How I was abused by Ralph olive and his Company, viz. Edm. summers, and a Dirty Boy called Pugg, that he called about him the 2d day of the 2d Month, 1682. being the First day of the Week( commonly called Sunday.) AFter my Name was took, and I put out of the Meeting, some Friends had been speaking together, who that was that Thomas lug threatened to be revenged of, if it cost him an Hundred Pounds and a Friend asking me, who it was he spoken of; I said he meant of my Husband, telling of him, that he took a false Oath: so Ralph olive came up to us and called me liar, and said the Oath was true: I told him he spoken false, and he haled me away in a great rage, and said, That I had charged him, that he was the man that had took the false Oath, which I did nor; for I knew him not; but I knew that Thomas lug and John Tilly by Name, had sworn F— He haled me very hard and hastily along, faster than I could well go, yet I did not deny to go with him till I came to the end of Broad Mead. I seeing him in such a rage for that as I did not say; I asked him where he was going with me, he said, to Bridewell; but I not knowing he was any Officer, and not being Committed by the Sheriff, who was at the Meeting, I refused to go with him till I had seen the Mayor or a Justice of Peace. Then he called Company to assist him, and one pulled by one Arm, and another by another; and they pulled me as if they would have pulled me in pieces; and punched me in the Back, and dragged me along part of the way, and used me very badly when they had brought me to Bridewell, they said, They thought they did God good Service if they threw me over the Bridge into the Water; and so lifted me up, and made offer to do it. Hannah Jordan, Eltzabeth Dowel, and Elizabeth Harford offered to Bail me, but he refused, and said, He had as much power to put me there as the Mayor. Dorcas Dole. The 8th. of the 2d. Month 1682. THe Sheriff Knight talks of his Orders and Authority, when he is about such abusive and inhuman work. He continues the Friend down in the West-House( called the Pit for condemned Felons) day and night, not suffering him the benefit allowed the Felons who come up by day. The Sheriff refusing to deliver him thence unless he will ask him forgiveness, to whom he did not the lest wrong either in word or action. The words he spoken to Friends( at which the Sheriff was thus wrath) were only thus, viz. Friends, keep your Places. The Sheriff to Extenuate his Guilt, falsely Represents the matter, as though the Friend Resisted him; and that he supposed he would have Collared him, though he did not so much as stretch forth a hand, only stood pretty stiff, being unwilling to be haled away.[ And what had the Sheriff to do to hale and abuse Prisoners when they are Peaceable in Goal: What other than a cruel Imperious and Arbitrary Act was it?] The 10th of the Second Month called April, 1682. YEsterday Morning the Sheriff and Constables sent six Friends more to Newgate, and in the Evening they were sent for before Alderman olive, the Sheriff and Edm. Brand, and were Committed by the Alderman, on pretence of a Breach of the Peace, when no such thing in reality could be proved against them. The 15th of the Second Month, 1682. THE Repeated Severities, or( more properly called) Insolent abuses of our Sheriff Knight— It's observable by most, That the obtaining an Order to Reverse the Precedent, for enlargement of the Goal, hath greatly heightened him, in so much that he is grown the more imperious upon it. And in a Language more suitable to a Justice of Peace than a Sheriff, menacing us also with his Power, and how he will dispose of us( as he Towers upon it.) The Sufferings of our Friends are increased, the number of the Prisoners daily augmented; and some or other of them always Sick and Indisposed: so that if a speedy ease do not come by the discharge of some next Sessions, in all probability 'twill be a very sickly Prison, and endanger the lives of many of the Prisoners.— Sheriff knights zeal, in endeavouring so eagerly to stop the First Order, and Procure a Second, demonstrates the design he had to straighten the Prisoners. And his behaviour since, makes it apparent, how slightly he valves the Lives of his Neighbours. Besides the former Complaints from Bristol, these are added: The 15th of the 2d. Nonth, 1682. 1. THat Report made by Sir John Knight Sheriff, and mentioned in the Observator, of Four hundred of the King's Friends being in Prison in Newgate at Bristol, in the time of the late Wars, is known to be a notorious Untruth. Sir R. C. and others being told of it, do explode it as a very great falsehood, for One hundred and forty were the most; and they were detained there but one night for want of Accommodation; which night they sate up Drinking, and the next day were removed into several Houses in the City, that were Marshal's, and some into the Castle. This we have from one that was a Prisoner with them the same time and on the same Account. 2. Memorandum by the way, That our Complaints of the straightness and wearisomeness of the Goal is also confirmed by the mayor and Aldermen of Bristol in their Report, dated March 20. 1681 / 2;. in submission to the late Order of Council for the Enlargement of the Goal; whereby the contrary Allegations and pretences of Sir John knights Sheriff, are apparently refuted. 3. That April 16. the said Sheriff and John Helliar, &c. sent ten Women to Bridewell, using several of them hardly; the Sheriff himself violently punching and thrusting along a tender Woman with Child, and then haling her forcibly by the hands faster than she was well able to go, and sent her to Bridewell. And instead of receiving her gentle persuasion to forbear his roughness, he farther threatened the Woman, that in a fortnights time he would make them Squeek; having nothing to allege against them, but unjustly pretended that he knew not but they were met to Plot or Contrive to break open Prison, to get their Husbands out. 4. That so many more Prisoners are sent to Newgate, that now remains Eighty five straitly confined, and ten or more of them weak and sick. 5. That the Goaler's Cruelty was such, that he would not then suffer the poor men to work upon the Leads, they wanting Conveniency within the Prison, by reason of the Crowd. After the Sheriff threatening to make the Women Squeek in a fortnights time? and his course and rugged behaviour towards some of them, as before. It was very remarkable in the City of Bristol, and notoriously evident how the Persecuting Officers and Informers behaved themselves at their designed Feast and Rude Convention in our Meeting-Room the day abovesaid, with their company of fiddlers( being the day and time that our Friends used to Meet there, without the door, since shut out of their Meeting-Room.) And what encouragement these lewd Irreligious Persons had then by the Sheriff's coming to disturb the Meeting, whilst they were Drinking and making themselves Merry in the Meeting Room; who at his coming threw open the Meeting-house door, caused the fiddlers to Play on their Fidles, pretending they Meant to be Merry, and came there to Dance,( no doubt this was a Fruit of their Riotous excessive and frequent Spoil made upon their Neighbours.) And they attempted to lay hold on several Young Women Soberly met( in the Fear of God) without door: Who being Modest and timorous of being abused by such a Lewd Company, held fast by the ancient Women. Upon which two of the said Young Women, and those Women who Rescued them, with others for reproving the Lewdness of that Company, sent to Bridewell( for sometime.) The manner of one Woman Friends Reproof, was then in this wise, viz. Sheriff Knight, I see that though we cannot be suffered to serve God, these( meaning the Rude Drunken Crew and their fiddlers) shall be suffered to serve the Devil: Our Peaceable Meetings you seek to make Riots, but here ye yourselves are Rioting and reveling to a great Excess:( this was Pertinent and weighty.) We shall say theless at present of this days designed Abuse and Wickedness, which the Lord( no doubt Providentially did make manifest, and in a great measure Restrain: But the notorious gross Appearance, and ill face thereof, among that Irreligious Rude Company( who spent much of that day in Drinking and Ranting at our Meeting house) was so much taken notice of, and famed in and about the City of Bristol, as that it will not easily be extenuated by the Guilty, much less forgotten by others.— This Account with other aggravating Circumstances relating thereto, divers persons of Credit, who were Spectators, can Attest, and no doubt will be ready to evince the Verity thereof as occasion shall require, and a meet opportunity admit. Besides, much might be said of the Unwarrantable Besetment, Entry and Search these Lewd Informers( i.e. Summers, Tilley, Patrick, Casse, lug and olive, after the Drinking 'bout) made the same day upon the Dwelling-House of a Friend in this City, to the Affrightment of three small Children in their Parents Absence, and their false pretension for that Illegal and suspicious Act: But for Brevities sake, we may at present desist as to this Point. Bristol the 22d. of the 2d Month 1682. Newgate. Loving Friend, WE are here about 85. God hath been very good to us, and we well content; though we are a great Family in Prison, both we and Friends abroad exceedingly exercised by the Cruelty of those that Prosecure us. Yesterday and to day great havoc hath been made on Friends Goods, for Fines for Meeting the 1st. of the 11th. Month 1681. viz.   l. s. d. For a Fine of 8 l. odd Money, Goods taken from Charles Harford to the value of— 18 00 00 For a Fine of 10 l. odd Money, Goods taken from John Love to the value of— 20 00 00 For a Fine of 8 l. odd Money, Goods taken from Thomas Mozley to the value of— 13 00 00 For a Fine of 8 l. odd Money, Goods taken from Charles Jones Sen. to the value of— 13 00 00 For a Fine of 10 l. odd Money, Goods taken from Charles Jones Jun. to the value of— 18 00 00 For a Fine of 6 l. odd Money, Goods taken from Mich. Jones to the value of— 22 00 00 For a Fine of 10 l. odd Money, Goods taken from John Jones to the value of— 24 00 00 For a Fine of 10 l. odd Money T. Looket's Box broken open, and in ready Money Taken— 10 08 00 For a Fine of 10 l. odd Money, Richard Years Counter broken, and in ready Money taken— 10 14 00 For a Fine of 10 s. Goods taken from William Dawson to the value of— 04 00 00 They got into Richard Marshes House, and made sad havoc; a more full Account whereof may be given. They took Goods from others of our Friends, of which we have no Account yet; nor is this Account so full as we intend— We may have more to mention of this kind, in that we hear they intend to go to it again— They having Warrants for 400 l.— Quarter-Sessions is to be next third day of the Week, by which they pretend to effect it as we hear. The Bishop is come, and all things seem preparing to ruinated us, but our hope is in the Lord, and we commend our Cause to him alone.— All Dear Friends Pray for us, that we may be kept Faithful to the end. These Distresses are taken for a Meeting, whereat was no Preaching or Praying that they pretend to; nor was any then, that we can call to mind. Bristol the 29th. of the 2d. Month called April, 1682. An Account of the manner of Proceedings at the late Sessions for the City and County of Brstol, which begun the 25th of the 2d. Month 1682. THe first day of the Sessions was spent in settling the Court, calling over Names of such as were out on recognisance and such like Bonds, and preparing business. The second day some Appeals and other Business of the Professors came on; amid which Erasmus Dole was called forth, and was prevailed upon( in the Declaration of Allegiance contained in the Oath) to say after the clerk, missing some words which he did not like, and saying others in their place, as, I Declare, instead of, I Swear; which the Court being willing to dispense with, suffered him to go on. In the mean time the gaoler held his Hand to the Book; and when he had said all, put it to his Mouth; a That seems to be a force put upon the Prisoner by the gaoler, and not the Prisoners Voluntary Act, nor an Act of Court; for 'twas not a Judicial Act, no more than the holding his Hand on the Book needful: If the Court was so moderate( as it seems they were) as to accept his taking the Declaration of Allegiance( merely as such) instead of Swearing. For if the gaoler meant to make his putting the Book to his Mouth, go for an Oath, 'tis very probable that was not Erasmus his meaning in making and taking the Declaration only, and saying I declare, instead of I Swear. Which when done with the gaolers imposed Ceremony of the Book: If Erasmus had told the Court in this wise. viz. Under favour I have now taken the Declaration of allegiance contained in the Oath; and I do sincerely mean as I have declared, and hope in God to perform it; and I accept it as your Moderation and Favour, that you were pleased to dispense with the Swearing part and those words in it that make it an Oath, and instead thereof to accept of my Honest, and Naked Declaration in the Case, without Swearing. Only I desire that the gaolers Imposition and Force put upon me about the Book may not be taken as my Act, nor as if I Swore, or intended to Swear, thereby( for God knows I did not) 'twas his Act and meaning not mine; a force put upon me cannot make me Swear from my Heart, when I intended to Swearing at all, but only to declare from my Heart as I have done, &c. This had taken off and prevented the occasion since taken. But it had been Erasmus his clearest way at first to have Craved leave of the Court to have given his Declaration freely, without those Impositions of the gaoler, relaring to the Book, and to have insisted upon it, that his naked meaning and sense might have been more free and obvious to the Court. At which the Court made a great Pshaw. For as the Oath was Reading, the Bishop( as it was apprehended to salue the Objection made against his saying, I declare, instead of, I Swear) told the Court, That altered it not from being an Oath b The Bishop and Erasmus( it seems) were not both of one Opinion in that point; for though Erasmus scrupled to Swear allegiance, yet not to declare and perform his allegiance to the King. . This done, they gloried, as having obtained a Conquest; but Commended and encouraged him. The News of this we expect next Week to the Nation in the Grand Jury Presentment for this City; wherein, if I mistake not, they lay down the good Succ●ss of their Endeavours with him, to be an encouragement for the Procedure with others. Also the second day of the Sessions in the Morning, our Friends that were out upon Bonds, were discharged of those Bonds, and some gave new Bonds to Answer the next Sessions, and so were dismissed. In the Afternoon all the Prisoners except the Old ones, and John Moon,( who is Committed for six Months absolute) were called forth, and many( if not most) called to the Bar, and acquainted with the reason of their Committment, and were told of their being Indicted; and to some their Indictments were red, some pleaded Not Guilty, and others refused to pled, till they had a Copy of the Indictment. This done the Favour of the Court was offered to all on Submission; some were over persuaded, and so Fined 6 d. and immediately Discharged without Fees c It's probable these Poor oppressed Prisoners had a better Confidence in the Justice and Moderation of the Court, than in the Justice of a Jury of Sheriff knights returning and Impanelling: Or in a Jury made up of Artillery-men. . One of the Prisoners being designed by his Adversaries to be put in the Front, was called in, and they would have had him( as was pretended) To submit to the Kings Grace and the Favour of the Court. He paused a while, and then told them, that he spake for himself to this Effect, viz. That if it were a Case of Meum and Tuum, he thought he might do it without any Damage, but the Cause was the Lords, and not his, and his Conscience was concerned therein, and therefore could not submit to it, but hoped the Lord would support him under what he should suffer to attend therefrom. The rest then present were asked the Question, and denying Submission, in the sense( as 'twas supposed) they intended, were put by, and some few, that so far complied, were discharged; and the rest of us sent back to Prison. But before they dismissed us, they promised to bring some of us on to a trial. The sixth day following, the Morning before we were called, they went to trial on one Indictment, for about twelve of our Friends, some in and some out of Prison. We retained Council, and had it pleaded closely. At last the Council perceiving the Temper of the Jury, Demurred to the Evidence, which Demurrer was allowed: This was for a Meeting out of the House. We endeavoured hard to enter a Demurrer again to the Evidence upon another Indictment, for a Meeting in the Houses, but the townclerk would not allow of it, neither would he allow us a Special Verdict. Eleven of the Prisoners were concerned in this Indictment, and cast by means of a Prejudiced Jury; and there was no having a better: For though our Council Insisted upon Sheriff Lane's returning the Jury, because Sheriff Knight was chief Evidence against us; yet that could not be obtained: But the Under-Sheriff Tho. Osield was required to do it, which he did of most Artillery-men( to our Disadvantage;) And so our Liberties were betrayed. Notwithstanding they appeared so Unstable for this occasion, Providence so ordered it, that they brought in a Verdict at first delivered by the Fore-man, after this manner, viz. Guilty of being at an Meeting in a House in Temple-street, and not departing on Proclamation. One of them being questioned by the townclerk. What was his Reason for his Dissent from his Brethren?( though no Dissent appeared.) The said person replied: He had understood or known for some years, that we the People called Quakers, had met upon a Religious Account in that House, and had understood that we used sometimes to have Silent Meetings for Worship, and he believed this so. When this Verdict was brought, the Prisoners said, it was a Special Verdict, and that it was the Truth of the matter, and all that was proved against us, and desired to have it Recorded: But the townclerk over-ruled all, and sent them in again: Who after a considerable time being Absent, they returned, and brought us in Guilty of the Indictment. And then the Court Fined us, one 5 l. one 40 s. another 40 s. and some 10 s. and some 5 s. a man. We insisted upon our Innocency, and refused to pay it, and were sent with the rest of our Friends to Prison. In the Afternoon the Prisoners were called again, and those that were Fined, were brought to the Court also, which was unexpected. One of them who came last into the Court; the Court called for him to the Bar, and told him: That the Court did discharge him, and that the King was very Gracious and Merciful. The Prisoner did not show himself ungrateful, but said, That he was concluded by Law; and if they would discharge him, he should take it kindly; he professed nothing but sincerity to God in his Actions, and to walk Inoffensively towards God and Man, as much as lay in his Power: And hoped they would have also Discharged the rest that were Fined; but they did not, only proceeded to Convict and Fine others, and so sent them to Prison again. This Morning the Mayor sent for all again, except those that were Fined, and Discharged them on Promise of their Appearance next Sessions; so there remains at present about Seventeen of our Prisoners on Account of Meetings, besides John Moon and Thomas Robertson.— Thus though a large Account is given of Proceedings, yet not without Omission of some considerable Passages relating to the trials at present— 'Tis expected Sir John Knight Sheriff, will go on with the same work again, according to his late wonted Courses, if the Lord restrain not. Since the fore-going Relation, this is come to hand from Erasmus Dole, Bristol the 29th. of the 2d. Month, 1682. To Sir Thomas Earl Mayor, and the rest of the Justices of this City. BEing Yesterday when before you, at the Sessions in some measure prevented of what I had to offer to the Court, thought good by this to present it you. 1st. To aclowledge your tender regard and condescension unto me, for so I took it, as to accept of my unseigned Declaration of my allegiance to the King; which by these I intend no ways to Extenuate, but confirm: And truly desire the Lord may be His Preserver, Guider and Director to the end of his days, which the Lord cause to be many and Blessed in this the Land of my Nativity. And forasmuch as many various and false Reports hath been spread abroad about this City and elsewhere, which hath tended to the Reproach of myself, and my Friends the People called Quakers, touching my said Declaration, which you were then pleased to except of, as if it had been an Oath, contrary to my expectations, and beyond whatever I intended it; all you are my Witnesses, I had fully given my Testimony that I could not Swear at all, but was always ready to aclowledge my Allegiance as fully as then I did; and then had, as now I have a Testimony against Swearing in myself; and hope as I have, shall rather choose to suffer than break Christs Commands, who saith, Swear not at all; wishing unto you all Everlasting Happiness in the way of Righteous: Can in Truth Subscribe myself your well meaning Neighbour. Erasmus Dole. Now Serious Reader, Observe how this Confirms the precedent Account of Erasmus Dole's meaning against Swearing. THE END.