A FULL DECLARATION OF ALL PARTICULARS Concerning the March of the Forces under Colonel Fiennes to Bristol, and their carriage upon their enemy's approach.  
AS ALSO A Relation of the late bloody abominable conspiracy against the City of Bristol, as appeareth by the Examinations of the parties, disovering their Plot and Intention.  
Together with sundry Letters Annexed.  
With the certain Information, touching the death of WILL: KENDAL a Trooper of Colonel Essex, who was shot by the said Colonel.  
From a Noble hand.  
April, 18. London: Printed for R.D. 1643.   

A more full DECLARATION Of all particulars, concerning the March of the Forces under Col. Fiennes to Bristol, & their carriage upon their enemy's approach.  
Right Honourable,  
I know Colonel Fiennes (our Governors) modesty to be such, that I presume he hath altogether omitted the relation of divers passages, and been sparing in specifying others, lest he should be thought the publisher of his own praises, or else to affect them, the which he no way doth; but such have been his pains, care; industry, vigilancy in this expedition, that I think myself bound in conscience to make a full Narration of all his proceed since the beginning of our March, that you, and the Honourable Committee, may not only know it, but that he, and all under his Command; may have their deserved praises, and that infamy, and reproach, may fall to their lots, who have deserved it. Let your Honour therefore Deign to know, that on Sunday the fifth of February last. Orders were sent, by his Excellence to the said Colonel Fiennes, his brother Captain Ihn Fiennes, Captain Walter Longs Lieutenant, Captain Alban Cox and myself; to march the next day, to heartily bridge with our Troops, where we were to meet with Captain Mason and his Dragoneers, and there were we all to receive further Orders from the said Colonel; and accordingly we all met there, but as Captain Cox and I marched from Wargrove thither wards, by Twyford with our Troops the enemy appeared, on the other side of the River in a vaporing manner, and told us, that they had provided for us, entertainment upon the way as we should go to our Rendezvous, whereunto answer was made, that they were known to be more talkative, then active in honourable ways, and therefore they should not make us to digress one step out of our way, and so continued our march (although we heard the drums beat, and the trumpets sound) near unto the way we were to march, till we arrived at the said bridge, where we found the Colonel his brother, and Captain Longs Lieutenant, with their troops in battalia; expecting to be charged by the enemies, who were not fare from thence, and we all stayed there at least an hour for Captain Mason, who bringing with him his Lieutenant, and some 25. Dragoniers, resigned them over to him & so we sent away our quarter-Masters to Basing-stoke, to take up quarter for us there, and whither we marched after them: but after their arrival there, they were told by the Constables, that 400. of the enemy's Forces had appeared but one hour before, within a mile of the Town, yet notwithstanding they took up quarters for us there; and when Colonel Fiennes and I had viewed the advenues to the Town, and made choice of a court of guard, we entered thereinto with our Troops; but heard no more of the enemy that night, nor the next day, as we marched towards Andever, but there we heard that some of their Forces were about Malborough, so that the Colonel, and I took the same care and pains there for our security, that we had done before, and barrocaded up most of the ways, as we found them at Easingstoke, and from Andever we marched the next morning towards the Devices and as we passed over Way-hill our scouts discovered some of the enemy's scouts, whereupon we made an Alarm and sent after them, so that two of them were taken the others saved themselves by flight but those that were taken, proved to be known Malignants of the Country, and would confess nothing, so that they were released leaving their horses and furniture behind them, and thereupon we continued our march, and arrived at the Devices late, where we found a great disorder in that garrison, by reason of the officers overmuch indulgency towards the soldiers, and the soldier's insolency and incivility towards them: who were exceeding disobedient and mutinous pretending want of pay to be the cause of it, but our Troops somewhat awed them, from the hour of our arrival, and encouraged the Officers to speak of action: and the next day being Tueseday occasion was offered for it, report being brought thither that the Cavaliers were entered into Ma'msbury, yet was the question put at the Counsel of war, whether we should go thither to beat them out therehence, or to Salisbury, to disperse a crew of Malignants, that were there assembled to assist the High Sheriff; but after much debate although Colonel Fiennes, would have had us, to march towards Ma'msbury, yet by the importunity of Sir Edward Hungerford it was ordered, that we should march to Salisbury on Friday night with 500 of his foot, and our party of horse, but on Friday morning, he sent one Stevens of the Devices to the Major of the city to advertise him of our intention, and to know if he would facilitate our entrance there, or no whereunto he made no answer himself; although at the delivery of the message he had promised so to do: but intimation was made to the said Stevens to get him gone from thence or else some injury might befall him, whereupon he le●t the town and went, as if he had had no intention to return towards the Devices, so that we heard not of him, till ●a●●r●ay ten of the clock, that we were within four miles of the city, and then and not before knowing of this message and the Majors proceed, it was determined that we should enter the city by divers ways, the which was accordingly performed, but by means of this advertisement, the Sheriff, and other Malignants were fled, so that we had nothing to actuate but to get money and horses and to disarm the citizens. But Sir Edward was so indulgent towards them (though Malignants) that we took therehence but very few horses and arms and but 500 li. in money, and then being much importuned by some honest men of Bristol, to go thither, with our Forces, (seeing just cause for it,) and our Colonel having received two Orders from his Excellence to go thither, it was ordered that it should be so, the which being known to Sir Edward, he entreated us and Lieutenant Colonel White also; that we would then pass by the Devices, whereunto our Colonel consented, and forthwith we left Salisbury, to march thither-wards where we arrived late at night but of our 500 foot 200 thereof disbanded in Salisbury, or by the way bacl to the Devices, and the other 300 quartered by the way, but the next morning being a very foul and snowy morning news was brought to us at the Devices that the enemy was before Shipnam, whither we marched with all expedition, although we had no foot to march thither with us; but we found no enemy there, so that we entered the Town and quartered there all night, and the next morning we drew our forces into a field between the Town and Malmsbury, where we stood in battalia two hours, but no enemy appearing, we marched therehence towards the Pathe, where we arrived that night, and found 200 commanded men of Colonel Essex his Regiment, who suffered us to enter the City, and to quarter there, without any opposition, yet did the chief commander of them testified the next day by some insolent words and carriage, that our forces were not welcome thither: but we that were bend to do our best service to the state and City of Bristol, marched thitherwards, where we were welcomed by Colonel Essex, Colonel Popham and divers other gentlemen and citizens, but being settled there, we soon perceived that the then Governor Colonel Essex was much disinherited by the best affected of the City, and that those that were then suspected to be Malignants (and now approved Conspirators) were his most intimate friends and continual or frequent associates, the which incited all well Wishers to Zion, and their Country, to believe what had been said of him by those that persuaded us thither; and our now Governor Colonel Fiennes to labour to prevent his evil designs, and that he might the better do it, he persuaded Colonel Essex and the Committee that was then here to call in all the Citizens arms, whereunto he yielded; as also that no man should take them bacl again, but such as would take a Protestation to this effect. That they should to the uttermost of their power with their lives and fortunes defend this city against all forces that should come against it, raised without consent of Parliament, and that they should discover all plots that should be laid to ensnare and entrap the Forces sent hither for the defence of it by the Parliament. I know you have had a copy of it, and therefore I will not stay upon it, but when these arms were brought into Guildhall by the Captains of Colonel Pophams' regiment and Colonel hungerford's, and that they were there placed, whereas the Major had always kept the key thereof before▪ Colonel Essex now would keep it himself, and as is now apparent to no other end, but that good men should not have their arms bacl again; and that none should be armed but such as he should approve of, and what were they, as he declared unto me himself (but Clubbers, and now convicted conspirators) the which he then termed honest men, but as for Bridge-men (alias Roundheads) as infamous creatures term them, he protested that they should have no arms bacl, and as for Captain Birch Captain of the Volunteers, he said he was a coward and should have no command, and to show that he was an enemy to him committed him, upon so slight an occasion that he was easily persuaded by our Colonel to release him the next morning, so that by these means the bad grew to be most insolent and our good and honest men much dejected, so that they thought of nothing more, then of leaving the city, and of carrying away their goods, supposing it to be betrayed by the said Colonel Essex, These were the sad complaints, and more than murmur of the good citizens and gentlemen of these parts, so that it was now time, to think of some courses, to prevent these inconveniences, and so did Colonel Fiennes, who communicated unto me, an Order that he had received from his Exellence, whereby he was enjoined, to send Colonel Essex to Windsor or the Parliament; in case he saw cause for it, and having given me reasons to see, and know that there was cause so to do, he asked me whether I would assist him in the execution thereof or no; the which seeing cause for, I promised to do: and promised likewise, that all under my command should serve him in it, to the uttermost of their powers, so that then we consulted of the place and time for it, and after deliberation, intended to have seized his person on Saturday the 25. of Feb. on which he was to have a coursing day, but the day proving very wet, he went not, but on Monday the 27. he was invited to a feast by one Captain Hil, whither he went, his house being a mile from this city, whither the Colonel and I went with a party of horse, and then, and there as he was feasting and revelling with divers Gentlemen and Ladies after his accustomed manner, we acquainted him with his Excellency's Order, whereunto he promised to obey, and to departed therehence forthwith with a party that we left there to convoye him to Berkely-Castle; but the Governor Colonel Fiennes returning to settle all in good order at Bristol commanded me to stay with him till his departure: but he being gone, he began to stand on terms and to say that he would go to his Excellence the straightest way for Windsor, and entreated me to move the Colonel that he might do so, whereupon I returned hither and acquainted Colonel Fiennes with it, who told me that Prince Rupert was about Basing-stoke, or Hertly-bridge so that the surest and safest way would be to go by Gloucester: I acquainted Colonel Essex with so much that night, and intimated unto him, and to the Captain's Lieutenant, that convoyed him to Windsor, that their safest course would be to march that night, to Berkly-castle, yet would he not march, although he was much urged thereunto by the said Captain, but went to bed, and would not march the next day till ten of the clock; that I appeared with a strong party of horse near to Captain Hills house, wherewithal I convoyed him half the way to Berkly-castle but it happened out well that Colonel Fiennes returned the night before to Bristol as he did otherwise all might have been in combustion, by the insolency of an Ensign of Colonel Essex his Regiment, who hurt a horse of Captain Longs Troop to enter into the castle, and there offered a great affront to Lieutenant Colonel White whose company was then upon the relieving of of that whereof he was Ensign, both by striking the said Lieutenant Colonel as also by commanding his men to give fire on the other company, but Colonel Fiennes hearing of it, hasted thither with a party of horse and so the tumult was appeased and the insolent Ensign imprisoned, but these proceed infinitely enraged our Malignant souldlers and citizens, so that they forthwith sent to call Prince Rupert to their assistance the which incited our now Governor to look about him and to proclaim that those that would take the aforesaid Protestation should have their Arms bacl again, and those that would not, should see theirs disposed of to those that would; and that for the defence of the city, so that we suddenly armed of well affected men some five hundred of the citizens the which were put into five companies, and the works of the Town had more done unto them in four days than they had done unto them in six weeks before: But whilst these things were in agitation Captain john Fiennes and a company of Dragoneers were sent by our Colonel to Gloucester with much ammunition and some money by means whereof the citizens had a new life put into them, and Captain Cox his Troop, and other Forces were sent into Sommersetshiere, whereby all the Malignants were chased there hence: but whilst these our Forces were absent, we on Sunday the fift of this said March, that Prince Robert was at Salisbury with an Army of five thousand men marching this way, some said more, but for certain there came and presented themselves before this City. On Wednesday the eight of this month, at least four thousand Horse and Foot, but with very few carriages, some of his Forces appeared the evening before on Durdon Down, so that we all stood upon our Guards, but at ten at night, we had intelligence that the Malignants of the City had meetings in several Houses thereof, namely at one Yeoman's house, whereupon our Captain Buck with some foot, and I with a party of Horse were sent thither, where we found 24. Persons that stood upon their guards at the said Captain's entrance thereinto; but when they saw my party, and said that I had sent for a canon to batter the House, they yielded and laying down their Arms, I conveyed them all to the Castle, but as I went thither with them, one of them told me, that if I would have compassion of him, he would impart unto me some things of importance, whereupon I told him I would, and bid him relate what be had to say, and if it were of consequence, be should find favour, and hereupon he told me that divers of their party were assembled at one Butchers near Fromegate that night, and would do mischief, if they were not prevented▪ so that I went thither in all haste, having delivered up my first Prisoners. But as approached near to the said house, I saw some of Captain Goodiers soldiers, breaking open the door, and why? because they of the house would hang out no Lights upon this Alarm, who entering thereinto we found at least 60. men well armed, whereof we could take that night but fix, by means of a back Door, through the, which as also through a river they escaped, but I have taken many of them since, and what these men should have done, you may see by the Narration that I herewithal send unto you, and who are the principal conspirators; you shall likewise know by the List, that you shall likewise receive therewithal; but we have discovered that there were at least 2000 confederates thereunto, and you shall know more of their names very suddenly, but many of them are of the parishes, near adjacent to this City, but when I had convoyed those that were in Butcher's house, likewise to the Prison I was commanded by my Colonel to send a party, of horse and Dragoneers, to give an Alarm to some of the Prince's Forces that were quartered near unto Captain HILLS house, the which I did about four of the clock in the morning the party consisting of twenty Horse, and like number of Dragoneers, who went near to the said House, and seeing a fire near thereunto, the Commander thereof sent some six of them, who went near unto the said fire, and gave fire upon them that Were about it, who defended not themselves, but run away to their rendezvous at Dordon Down, where their body of Horse appeared: then Wednesday morning by seven of the clock, in fight of our Fort made on Brandon Hill, where our Governor then was, and caused three shot to be made at them, whereby as is reported some eminent men were slain, but sure we are that one white Horse was there killed, and thereupon the whole body wheeled about, and marchd away, whereof I being advertised, with the colonels consent, sent some small parties after them, whereof one being but of four Troops, encountered with seven of the Enemies, and those men of quality, but they fled after the first Pistol discharged by our men but yet not so fast, but that two of them were constrained to swim to save their lives, and to leave their Horses, Pistols, and rich Coats behind them, with the Horse's Coats, and Pistols of two others that saved themselves in woods, so that of 7. but three went off, but if we may give credit to the Trumpeter that came hither the Thursday following to demand two dead bodies, we must say that two of them were killed, one of them a Weston, and an other whose name it is thought he had order to conceal: but whilst we were thus in some danger and distress, we implored often the assistance of Sir William Waller, but his engagements were such that he came not hither till Monday night the 13th. of this month, and stayed here till Sunday the 19th. and then marching out of the City, the Counsel of War having ordered at the entreaty of the Citizens, that I should stay here with the Governor for the defence of City, yet did he then order when I was very sick of an Ague, that part of my Troop should convey to Berckeley Castle those Officers of Colonel Essex his Regiment, who had refused to march with him out of the City, and that the rest of my Troop should follow him to the , so that I should have been left alone, and unable to do Service, yet I knowing that I am not to contest with higher Powers, acquainted my Troops with his Orders, they obeyed the first, and declared that they would sooner lay down their Arms, then be commanded by any other than myself; First because I drawn them into the Service, and next because I have furnished them often with money and other necessaries, when I could not have it from the State, I found that their refusal to leave me was not much offensive to my olonell, but I perceived that it pleased very well the Major, Aliermen, and Citizens, who sent after Sir William to entreat him to leave my Troop with me, for the better defence of their City, by many of the chiefest of them, who carried with them a Petition subscribed by hundreds of them for that purpose, and with them I sent my Coronet who was at the taking of Malmesbury, whereof I will write nothing; since I am certain that it shall be specified unto you by a better pen, but then Sir William was so full of business, that he could make no answer to the said Petition, but commanded that I should send unto him to Gloucester, whether I sent my Lieutenant on Saturday last, who was then at the taking of the Welsh, but of this as of Malmesbury; but he brings me word, that my Troop may not stay here with me, the which I am glad of, that I may have the Honour to continue in so good a City, as now it is likely to become, and with so good a Colonel, who tells me that I shall be his Major, so his Excellence will thereunto consent, howsoever I desire to to be, where I may do best service to God, my King, and Country, yet that I may so do. I most humbly entreat that I may have my Troop always with me, since I can do nothing without it, and since it is none of the worst of the Army, I desire to keep, and to have it put into some Regiment, where it may firmly stand, and not be at every one's disposal. More I have not to say at this present, but that our Governor continues to fortify this place, and to secure the Country's adjacent with as much care and industry as can be required, and that I shall manifest myself to be a faithful Soldier and  
Your Honour's most obedient and humble Servant, Hercules Languish. From Bristol the last of March, 1643.   

A Short Relation of the late bloody, abominable Conspiracy, against this City of Bristol, as appeareth by the Examination of the Parties. Together with sundry Letters annexed.  
A Malignant and traitorous party within this City, having long endeavoured to bring in the Forces of the Enemy, into this Town; They hoped they had gotten an opportunity to effect their designs; on Tuesday last at night being the 7th. of March, when by their invitation, Prince Rupert having drawn a great party of Horse, and Dragoneers, with some Foot, to Durdam Down, within one mile of the City; the Enemy before that night▪ these treacherous and bloody persons within that Town, had framed a party to fall upon the backs of their Guards; and to surprise them: and cut them off, and to let in the Enemy; whereupon the ringing of two Bells, viz. St. john's and St. Nicholas, were to set upon the Town without as the Conspirators were to fall upon the Guards within the ringing of these two Bells, being a common sign both to them without and within the Town, for the better effecting of this treacherous and wicked conspiracy the Chief heads thereof had that night assembled together in their houses those of their Confederacy, with divers Sailors and Halliers; with all sorts of Arms, Muskets, Pistols, Swords Clubs, and barrels of old nails to charge the Ordinance withal; after they had surprised them; and these several Companies under their several Leaders were to have fallen upon the several Courts of Guard. Mr. Robert yeoman's, who is the head of the Conspiracy; and pretends that he had a Commission from his Majesty, for what he hath done (being to fall upon the main Guard, and Mr. George Butcher with his company was to have fallen upon the guard at Froomgate, and to have opened it to have had the Enemy to enter by; others no doubt had their parts to play; and that better to distinguish themselves, from those that were destined to destruction; those of their party had a word which was Charles) and certain marks of white Tape tied upon their breasts before, and upon their Hats behind, and such as were to be spared within doors had certain marks set upon the inside of their doors, for the rest, if we may believe the speeches of an Officer: amongst the Enemy's Forces one of them was heard to say, that Prince Rupert had commanded to give no quarter to man, woman, nor child; that had not their marks upon their persons or houses; and that at the same time, that they were to fall into the Town; the Sailors were to set the Town on fire in divers places, which as is conceived was Captain ●oonew●rk, but God of his mercy delivered us from this dangerous and devilish Conspiracy; by some notice that we had given us of their meeting at Yeomons' house; about an hour or two before the plot should have been put in execution; which was to have been upon the ringing of the Bells, about one or two of the clock in the morning; having secured Mr. Robert Yeomons and his Company, and after Mr. Boutcher and his Company; the neck of the plot being broken within the Town, the Enemy without (whose designs as it should seem depended much upon it;) having shown themselves before the Town, departed the next morning after; and so God put a hook in their nostrils and commanded them back again; for which great mercy in delivering us from a dangerous invasion from the Enemy from without, and a damnable p●o● & conspiracy of some traitorous Inhabitants within the City; both this Town and the whole Kingdom, so far as it is concerned in the preservation of this City, have great cause to give thanks to Almighty God, unto whom alone the praise is due.  
THis is a short Narration of the late detestable, and bloody Plot against this City whereof I doubt not but more hereafter will appear; the matter being yet under examination, only one writings which was found in Robert Yeomon's house, I thought fit to add as followeth.  
ALL Inhabitants of Bridge-high-Street, and Corne-Street, keep within your Doors upon pains of your Lives. All other Inhabitants of this City, that stand for the King, the Protestant Religion, and the Liberty of the City, let them forthwith appear at the High-Crosse with such Armour, as they have for the Defence of their Wives and Children; and follow their Leaders for the same defence.  
THere was also a Protestation taken amongst them to this effect, viz. that they were to oppose all Forces whatsoever that were or should be among them; or that should come in without consent of the King.  

The Names of the chief Confederates in the late Conspiracy against this City of BRISTOL.  
ROuland Searchfield, Merchant.  
john Waldon, Horn-maker.  
Mr. Brent, Minister.  
George Boucher, Merchant.  
john Boucher.  
Francis Belcher, Soap-boiler.  
Thomas Barret, Cutler.  
Thomas Browne.  
Philemon Barrow.  
john Cosbie.  
Robert Taylor.  
Cap. Bound Rich.  
Edward Bound.  
john Nickins, Trunk maker.  
Toby Goodyar.  
john Williams, Hatter in Broad-Street.  
The two Haynes, William and john Halliars in Halliar Lane, both Sons to Widow Haynes.  
The two Tristrams, bothers, John a Chandler, and William.  
Richard Howell.  
Ephraim Goodyar.  
Richard yeoman's Grasiar.  
William yeoman's. Merchant.  
Robert yeoman's. Merchant.  
John Broadway, Vintner.  
Mr. Milward of St. Michael's.  
Mr. Brooks of St. Michael's.  
William Deane.  
Edward James, a Rope-maker.  
George Tetge.  
Richard Lacket, a Cook.  
john Taylor, Merchant.  
john Taylor, Rope-maker.  
Edmund Arundel, Merchant.  
Edmund Dacres, Plumber.  
john Dimmock, Carpenter.  
john Throupe.  
Dr. Marks.  
john Pestor.  
Mr. Thomas Bursell.  
john Collins.  
Robert Blackborrough.  
Robert Browne of Clifton.  
Laurence Browne.  
Thomas Heyman, Merchant in St. Augustine's.  
john Carey, Cooper.  
Capt. Doughtie.  
Capt. Coale.  
William Colston.  
Edward Capell.  
Richard Grigson.  
john Godman.  
john Swetman.  
William Etans.  
John Boucher, Son of Nathaniel Boucher, Merchant.  
Walton Cugly.  
Nathaniel Dowles.  
Thomas Hilman.  
Mr. Greene, Lawyer, Steward of Bristol.  
james Sterry,  
Griffin Batten.  
Nathaniel Street.  
William Pope.  
john Peverell.  
Cornelius Broadway.  
Samuel Warin.  
Henry Russell.  
Thomas Martin.  
Edward Hungerford.  
james Abbotte.  
Edward Hunt.  
William Oubler.  
joseph Browne.  
Edmund Lewes.  
Henry Priest.  
William Cox of Long-Ashton.  
john Tilly Mercer.  
john Council.  
john Rowden.  
Edward Taylor.  
William Ioane●  
Thomas Radding.  
james Thomas.  
Nathaniel Blanch.   
Besides these mentioned of certain knowledge, there are at least 2000 in the City, suburbs, and Country adjacent, that were Confederates in the forenamed Conspiracy. As for the Relation of what should have been acted, when, and how, it is already sent at large, to the Houses of Parliament, by Colonel Fi●nnes, therefore I shall here omit that, as at this time unnessary.  
But it will be necessary here to annex the reasons that caused Colonel Fiennes to put in execution the order given him by my L. General to send up Colonel Essex from Bristol, not as an accusation against Colonel Essex in this place (let that be followed by those to whom it appertains) but by way of vindication of Col. Fiennes, that he hath done nothing herein but what the trust reposed in him, and the safety of that important place did require of him; and that the rather because by Col. Essex his own speech, giving out as it it is reported in the town) that he hath cleared himself, and is to return to his government again; it gins so far to reflect upon C. Fiennes, as if he had done him injury. & there had been no plot at all, but a plot to put himself into the Governors' place: the Malignants here in Town taking up this, and spreading it, and adding strength to it by Col. Essex his own speeches, and carriages, it will be a great injustice to him who hath done his duty, and therein no inconsiderable services, to be requited with calumny: there shall here therefore be laid down a true Relation of the grounds and reasons first in a Letter written by Col. Fens: then the examinations taken both concerning the kill of the Trooper, and the invitation of Prince Rupert to come to Bristol, with a Letter of Sir Edward hungerford's about it: And to all this, agreeth a passage that fell out between Capt. Freeman and an Officer of Prince rupert's at Andover, where Captain Freeman was constrained to counterfeit himself to be of Prince rupert's party, and after they had drunk Prince Robert's health, after Capt. Freeman demanded of the other why they did not go to Gloucester? the Officer answered that the Roundheads had made that place too strong; but they had an easier design and of fare greater consequence which was Bristol; for said he there we have a sure party, there is not the turning of a hand there, but Prince Robert hath intelligence of it: Cap. Freeman demanding what party they had there? the Officer answered him the Governor, Tom. Essex; for saith he he gives Prince Robert intelligence of all things; there might be added also the relation of the Apothecary.  

My Lord,  
IF your Lordship had been an eye witness (as some have been) how little time I have had to eat, or drink, or sleep, or to write, speak, or think of any thing but what was necessary for our present preservation, your Lordship would not have thought, that I had been altogether so much to blame, in being so short in the sending of particulars concerning Colonel Essex, and the late Plot, and yet I am sure (if it miscarried not) I sent a Letter long enough, and full enough of particulars concerning Colonel Essex, and which I think were sufficient to satisfy any man, that it was necessary he should be removed from hence before the Town could be put in any possibility of security, although he had not been touched in the point of his Fidelity: such was his excessive prodigality and profuseness in feasting gaming, and drinking, whilst his soldiers were fasting and perishing for hunger; and such was his carelessness of the safety of the Town, that he never went about to strengthen the Town by any works without, till two or three days before I came. nor to confirm it within by disarming and suppressing the Malignants, but rather on the otherside being himself familiar, and intimate with the chief Malignants, and siding with them against the good party, and that in so high a degree that even after I came to the Town, he imprisoned Captain Birche (who is and always was the most active man in the Town for the Parliament) and swore that neither he nor any of his men, nor any of the Bridge men (who are known to be the honestest men in the Town, and who only appeared in their Arms for us, when Prince Rupert came before the Town) should have any Arms or any command in the City, and this I can testify myself, for he swore it deeply in my presence: and after he swore he would commit Lieutenant Colonel White and so by degrees began to make approaches upon me, swearing that I should have nothing to do there, whereby I perceived, I washed a Blackamoor white, if I went about to do any thing for the reclaiming of him, or the putting of the City in a posture of safety whilst he was there, and I saw evidently ●hat either I must send him away, or that all the good people in the Town would leave it, and devert both it and me; he had a little before framed a Protestation, which should be a test of malignant & ill affected persons, which was such, as many of the best affected would not take lest they should be thereby obliged to to keep out any other Parliament Forces that might come in, and to thrust out those that were already in it, and on the other side was taken by known Malignants (and as I think by some of the chief Conspirators in this late plot) and they did ●fter make that use of it, that they were thereby tied to suffer no Forces in the Town but such as were by the consent of the King and Parliament, because they had protested to oppose all Forces that should make any attempt upon the Town without the consent of the King and Parliament, as they concluded all the Parliament Forces did without the King's consent. These and many other particulars which are notorious to all the World, I wrote at large, his being here I found inconsistent with the good and safety of this City and though there were no apparent proof of his falsehood, which I never affirmed, yet there were shrewd grounds of jealousy, as may appear by the Depositions: whereof I have sent your Lordship a Copy, together with this Letter, and for that barbarous and bloody act of killing an honest man in his Troop, there is no honest man in this Town but abhorreth the memory of it, and I have sent up the evidence against him, under the hand of six or seven of those that were eye, and ear witnesses, of what was done and said, which was only this, that being five or six months behind of their pay▪ or a very long time, they coming with their Captain some twenty of them, to desire him to take some course for it, when this man had said only these words, (Noble Governor, give me leave to speak a word or two to you) he immediately shot him through the head▪ and both the Sheriffs and the Coroner having been hitherto hindered to make and enquiry concerning it, since Colonel Essex his removal desired me that they might examine witnesses concerning it, and have a verdict about it, alleging that they were likely to be deeply fined for not doing it, that I told them I must acquaint my Lord General first with it, because it may somewhat entrench upon his power by Martial law, and besides if it should be done immediately upon Colonel Essex his removal, it might appear to have something of spleen in it, and that I did not carry matters so farrely in his absence: for my part so my Lord General and the World be satisfied that I had good reason to send him away from hence according to his direction, I would not have things prosecuted too hard against him, although I am very much deceived, if many a Governor of a Town hath not been called to an account, in point of his fidelity upon weaker grounds than those that I have sent, nay it were sufficient to question his fidelity, that in so long time that he hath been here, when he knew that the Town without any works. and with so slender a Company as he had in it (being so malignant as for a great part of it, it was) could not be kept, if any considerable Force should come against it, made no provision at all to have the Town better fortified without, and better furnished with a Garrison within, but spent his time in drinking and feasting, and so he would have done till the Enemy had come to the Gates, and whether then he would have let them in upon this ground, that it was not probable, that such a Town should be kept with such a Force; I have cause to fear by what I have heard from the Fountain in case he had stayed here till the Enemy came before the Town; and that it was the expectation of the Enemy, and the Resolution of Colonel Essex, although he reserved himself from declaring his mind till the Enemy had been at the Gates; for as to that which Colonel Essex spoke off, as the only course he intended to take (which was to go out▪ and meet the Enemy out of the Town it was agreed by all his own Officers when the Enemy was approaching that could not be done for unless we would have left the Town wh●ly unguarded & unto itself (which in the condition it then was, and still is in great part, was to leave it to the Enemy) we could not draw out 200. men to meet them, and what then would Colonel Essex have drawn out to meet them, before I brought in six Companies of Sir Edward hungerford's Regiment into the Town.  
First I had it from divers good hands, and amongst the rest from a Knight of good quality that be heard his Son in Law who is on the other side, say tha● he saw a Letter of Colonel Essex which was sent to the Malignants in Sommers●shie●e and particularly from Mr. Coventrie to his wife, to assure them of Colonel Essex, and that in that Letter there was a clause to this purpose. Let men dispute of me what they will by God I am for the King.  
Secondly, he was familiar and intimate with some of the chief Conspirators in this late Plot, as Robert ●eomons, Duk. We●kes who presently upon Colonel Essex his removal, road to Neford to bring Prince rupert's forces against this Town and was heard to say as he went through Si●encester to the Governor of that place, that this City was worth the taking.  
Thirdly, his Captain Lieutenant of his own Company was a chief mah in this plot, and Prince Rupert in his addresses to him, and some of Bristol makes that as one of the grounds of his coming hither to revenge the Affront done to Colonel Essex, and his Ensign hath also been suspected to incline that way, by his discourse, and by his kindred and Friends; and one of servants that very night, that his Colonel was removed from hence drunk a health to Prince Rupert upon his knees, and forced others to do so likewise.   

The Examination of William Walker of Thorneborough, Soldier under Capt: Seymore in the fight at Cirencester.  
HE saith, that one Dr. Hiskins being Chaplain to Prince Rupert coming to a Church in Oxon, where this William Walker was a wounded Prisoner, and understanding by his fellows that he was son to a wealthy man; The Chaplain told him, while he entreated for pity (being almost dead with his wound, cold and hunger) that he should come forth the morrow; when accordingly he came, and fetched him out of prison, and inquired of him, where his father lived, writing a letter in his name to his Father for 40 l. for his ransom, after he had carried to his Father in the Country this letter, at his coming again to Oxon, in the Chamber where this William Walker was standing by the fire, one Mon●sier Mattanne, Prince rupert's Gentleman came to this Dr. ask him what news in the Country. I hear that Tom Essex will let Prince Maurice have no wine at Cirenceste●; no, saith the Dr. no answered the monsieur but it is not his fault, but those in the City, that will not let it come forth far saith he there is a letter from Tom Essex to Prince Rupert, I saw it, 〈◊〉 him, 〈◊〉 keep the Castle for him, as long as his life lasts and will never shoot a sho● against him: after which he presently took the Dr. into the window whispering, and then went out, and whispered in the ●ext Room a while, and came in again and parted. The Dr. bringing this man Walker down to receive his Ransom.  
So it is, WILLIAM WALKER.   

The Examination of Guido Syllcockes the 27. of Febr.  
HE saith, that one William Walker, that is now at Thorneborough, and was taken at Cirencester told him, that when he was at Oxford, he saw a Letter in the hand of one of Prince rupert's Gentlemen, signed Thomas Essex, wherein he promised, that if Prince Rupert pleased to come to Bristol, he would not shoot a shot against him, but would spend his life for him; and that for the Castle he had possessed himself of it, and he should be sure to have no hurt from thence; or to this effect.  
GuY. SYLCOCKE. Jun.   

THat I was informed at Cirencester by one Courdeene who is Groom of the Chamber unto Prince Maurice, that his Prince did daily receive Letters from Essex, and they were sure of the Town of Bristol at the first summons by his means, and most of the Cavaliers confirmed in their language his opinion  
That I heard the Prince say at the Table, that if the Parliament would find Essex money, he could tell how to spend it, and cheat them too: and drank to him, and said, he hoped he would not stay their Sack that came from Bristol, meaning from Essex.  
That in the hands of the Prince his Secretary, I saw Letters about to be Sealed to be directed to Essex.  
That from divers of his Officers, I have heard word, of a mutiny intended by Essex to which effect they had gotten some of the best Citizens to side with them, such as they thought Malignant; but to inquire the secret truth I durst not, because they did distrust me, but in the Company of those Townsmen I once was, and heard how Traitorously they stood affected; but I know not their Names.  
I am willing to be deposed upon the premises, not out of any envy, that  
I own him, but to protect the lives of the then half betrayed soldiers.  
WILLIAM APSELEY.   

Sir,  
I understand by some of Chippenham, who were upon Tuesday night with Colon●● Lunsford at Malmsbury, That news being then brought unto him of Colonel Essex his removal from Bristol, he struck his breast, and seemed to be much troubled thereat, so were all the rest of the Cavaliers thou present. These of Chippenham do likewise inform me that they conceive there are not 200 soldiers at Malmssbury not 500 at Cirencester (but of this I shall be better informed before night.) And that most of the 〈◊〉 hath been collected in Wilts and there abouts, being (a the said Chippenham-men are informed) near upon 6000 l. remaineth yet there in 〈◊〉. A good booty in my opinion to invite some of our Forces thither, and Captain Lewes a meet man to bring on the Foot: But you must then needs spare a troop of horse, which with those horse I have) ought to guard the Avenues there towards Cirencester, if you have any inten●●●● to assist me in this design, then to keep it as private as possibly may be. I hear nothing for certainty of Prince Ruperes Army more than yesterday you were as ●●●●●ed withal. I rest,  
Bath this second of March, 1642. Your humble servant. Thomas Hungerford.   

To the Honourable Colonel NATHANIEL FJENNES, Governor of the Army, of the City of Bristol. The Certain Information of Richard Kent, John Vernon, and john Smith, late Troopers to Colonel Thomas Essex, touching the Death of William Kendal, one of their fellow Troopers, (viz.)  
THAT whereas the said William Kendal did on the 25th. of january last at night, come unto several men of the said Troop, desiring them to go with him the next morning to their Captain, and with him to go to their Colonel, to lay open their grievances as to a father (having no intent to demand their pay, but to acquaint him that they were forced for want of ready money, to pay 6 d. for that, which other men (having ready money) paid but 4 d for, And they being quartered in such houses, where was none (but very bad) hay and provender for their horses, they having no money could not in conscience remove their Horses to better, until they had discharged the house where they were, and they having not money, were constrained to buy their Oats at the Inns, which cost them more by six pence in a Bushel, than they could have bought better for in the Market (there being due unto each of them at that time, 4. l. 15. s. And they having a very considerable Precedent, therefore (viz.) that formerly at Worcester, about ten or twelve of the same Troop, (then under the Command of Colonel Sands) having lost thei● Horses in that fight (whereof the said William Kendal was one) their Colonel giving Order they should have but half their pay, they then (as now) in all humility, repaired to the Lord General the Earl of Essex, and having admittance to his chamber door sent in their grievances, and presently received a gracious Answer, having their wrongs speedily redressed) And upon the 24. of january last in the morning, the said William Kendal and about twenty or more of the said Troopers, thinking that by the expressions of grief of so many, it would have caused the mote pity and speedy redress from their Captain and Colonel) presently went to their Captain, and meeting with him just at the door of his lodging, thinking to have opened their grief unto him as formerly they had done, he prevented them by telling of them, he had not then received any money for them, but was going to the Governors to see for some, bidding them presently to follow him, and make their case known unto the Governor, whereupon they followed him in an orderly manner, as Soldiers with their Swords only by their sides; and coming to the Governors, they went into the house after their Captain, where some stayed in a little Parlour, and some in the entry, quietly waiting till the Governor was stirring; and having waited there about a quarter of an hour, the Governor came down unto them, without his doublet on, having a fire lock Pistol in his hand with the cock down, and as it afterwads appeared, it was charged with a Bullet ready spanned and primed, and coming to one of the Troopers, he spoke to him after this manner (viz.) Sirrah is your Horse ready, whereunto he replied, yes and please your Honour, than said the Governor, sirrah go and fetch him, taking the Trooper by the Arm, and thrusting of him out of the Parlour door, speaking the like words, & doing the like action to two or three more of them, they making the like answer as before. And the said then Governor Thom: Essex spoke in like manner to the said William Kendal deceased, and after some short pause (not one word more passing between them, he shot the said William Kendal into his head with his said Pistol, whereupon he immediately fell down dead in the place, as Samuel Car●● Thomas Coset, William Sedwell, William Smith, the said Richard Rent, john Colstacke, james Polle, and Benjamin Parnell who were eye witnesses thereunto, can and will testify. All which they knowing to be true, have thought fit to certify under their hands this fourth day of March. 1642.  
And they do further certify, that the said William Kendal, after the said Colonel Essex had bid him make ready his Horse, desired his Honour to hear him speak two or three words unto him, for which cause only and for no other, the said Colonel Essex immediately shot him with his Pistol as before, which the eye witnesss before named can testify at large.  


Richard Kent.  
john Cowlstock.  
William Siddell.  
Benjamin Parnell.  
Thomas Coset.  
James Polle.     

THese things considered, if a Town of that consequence had here 〈◊〉 the loss whereof would have drawn with it the loss of all the we●● part of England, besides the dangerous consequences to this Kingdom at this time from Ireland, let any impartial man judge whether Colonel Fiennes seeing and observing upon the place what he did, and being advertised of all these particulars, would not in the opinion of the world, have lain under the censure of being ● a Knave or a Fool, if to prevent it he had not executed the command be 〈◊〉 ●ed from my Lord General.   
FINIS.