THE SEVERAL Examinations and Confessions OF The Treacherous Conspirators AGAINST The City of BRISTOL. Together with the judgement of Death by the Council of War upon Robert yeoman's, late Sheriff of the said City, chief actor in the said Conspiracy. Also a Message from the Earl of Forth, Lord Lieutenant General of His Majesty's Forces, in the behalf of the said Conspirators, to Colonel Fines, Governor and Commander in chief, and the rest of the Council of War in BRISTOL. With the Answer of the said Col. Fines and the Council of War in the said City to the said Message. Die Lunae 22ᵒ Maii 1643. It is this day Ordered by the House of Commons, That the Examination of Robert yeoman's, and the rest of the Examinations sent up from the Governor of Bristol, together with the Sentence of the Council of War, and the Letters, be forthwith Printed. H. Elsing Cler. Parl. D. Com. LONDON: Printed for Edward Husbands, and are to be sold at his Shop in the Middle Temple, May 25. MDCXLIII. Robert Yeoman's Confession. AFter I had the Commission from the King, which was promised by John Thruppe and John Bowcher, unknown to me, and brought by Millard, as I have before declared, I did nothing in it, but laid it by me, until being in company with some of the Commanders of Colonel Essex Forces, many of them declared themselves to be for the King, and that whensoever any of the King's Forces came, they would deliver them the Town, and the rather for that they perceived that there were a great many of the Town that would take their parts, by whose help they doubted not but easily to do it; those that so declared themselves to me, were Captain Hilsdon, Lieutenant Martial that commanded the Sergeant Major's Company, Lieutenant Cheyney that commanded the Lieutenant Colonels Company, and Lieutenant Moor which commanded a Company of a Captain which was in London: When I perceived so many of the Commanders, and many of this City that way affected, and I believing that Cause to be the justest, so as I were sure that the King himself was acquainted with the proceed, and not done by others unknown to him, or he seduced by them, those Commanders and myself, and others had conference together, and we received a Message from the King, That we should send some able man to him, to inform him of the true state of the City, and how the Citizens stood affected: Whereupon we sent George Teage to Oxford together with Cowling, who went and spoke with the King himself, and acquainted him with the estate of the City, and all things here; he gave the King such content therein, that he lent him his own Horse to ride to Prince Rupert to acquaint him with the business, as, Teage reported to us at his return, when we met all together at the Rose-Tavern, with many thanks sent by His Majesty to us all, but especially to those Commanders, persuading them to persist, and they should be well rewarded; Cowling brought the like Message, Doctor Marks also brought the like Message, and was willed by the King to speak with those Commanders themselves, and to tell them, That they should be private, until the coming of his Forces thither, which should be ere long, and that he would reward, and prefer them; whereupon Doctor Marks spoke with Hilsdon and Martial to my knowledge, whether he did with the rest I know not, but I know that Teage, Cow, and Captain Cockram did speak with them themselves, Cockram himself being sent to them and us from the King, and return their and our Answer to the King. Afterwards those Commanders and we meeting but a day before the coming of the King's Army, they complained of the want of money to give their Soldiers, without which they could not cause them to do what they would have them to do: whereupon they importuned me to lend them forty pound (viz.) ten pound apiece, faithfully promising to repay it me, and upon their importunity I did lend it, and then it was agreed that some of us should have company provided to aid them, and that at the second Round (Hilsdon and Moor being of the grand Court of Guard) Hilsdon was to go the second Round, and then he and those with him coming to the Guard at Fromegate, as friends should have seized them, and George Bowcher and his Company should come and open the gate, and keep it open, and send to the Down to Prince Rupert to enter: and then I and my Company should come to the main Guard, and there with Moor and his associates secure the main Court of Guard in peaceable manner (he being of the Guard, and we expecting no resistance, being so assured by Hilsdon and Moor both) and for the better effecting all without any bloodshed, it was agreed that all our Soldiers, and those that were made acquainted by the said Commanders, and those without also should every one wear a piece of White Tape, to the end that the Soldiers might be distinguished, that Pr. Rupert might know that they were his friends, and not doubt that he were betrayed at his entrance, for it was appointed by the King that we should have some such sign, such as Prince Rupert should direct, which was so by him directed. The King had also assured us, and given charge to Prince Rupert, that no violence should be used to any, which I believe was his full intent, the rather for that I hear there came a Proclamation to that effect; but before the business came to be effected on that Tuesday in the evening, I had intimation from Hilsdon and Moor, that the business was discovered, and that I should send away the men that were there, which I was about to do, but before I could effect it, Captain Buck came and seized us. Now all the blame is laid on me, whereas after the Commission was brought to me, I stirred not till those Commanders declared themselves as aforesaid, and when I perceived them so to declare themselves, and did, and do believe that most of Colonel Essex Commanders and Soldiers were that way minded, I feared lest if the Town should be delivered up or taken, and I lie still as it were despising or neglecting the King's Commission, that then I should much suffer; and indeed I was then of opinion by the persuasions of others, that that party had the justest Cause, which made me to do that I did, which was but little, I being ignorant in those courses, only following the directions of those Commanders. And because we vowed each to other secrecy, and I not till now throughly convinced in my conscience of the justness of the Parliaments Cause, by reason of my restraint from speaking with my friends, by whom I should, and now am throughly satisfied and convinced in my judgement therein, I have forborn to discover, other men being persuaded also that what was done, would not be esteemed so heinous, as now I find by the proceed against me. The Judgement upon ROBERT yeoman's. Upon due consideration of the Articles exhibited on the eighth day of May, by Clement Walker Esquire, Advocate to this Council of War against Robert yeoman's, and others the late Conspirators in this City, and upon due hearing of the Answers and Defence of the said Robert to the several Articles, and also upon Examinations and Proofs before them taken upon Oath, It is unanimously adjudged by this Court, That the said Robert yeoman's is guilty of Traitorous Intelligence, and Correspondency with the Enemy, and of a Traitorous and wicked Conspiracy to betray this Town into the hands of the Enemy; And thereupon this Court doth adjudge, and pass sentence of Death upon him as a Traitor and conspirator, and accordingly doth Order, That the said Robert yeoman's shall be returned to the place of his former Imprisonment, and from thence be brought before the main Court of Guard, and there to be hanged by the neck till he die. Nath. Fiennes. Rich. Cole. Wal. White. James Ford. John Clifton. John Chamneys. Tho. Hippesley. Martin Husbands. Tho. Raulins. Rich. Hippesly. Tho. Eyre. Tho. Goodere. James Heane. Tho. Wallis. William Bowell. Robert Baugh. The Examination of George Teage, taken upon Oath before the Counsel of War, held at Bristol the 27 of April 1643. THis Examinate saith, That about six weeks ago Robert yeoman's invited this Examinate so drink with him, and then acquainted him that he had a Commission from the King to raise a Regiment of Foot in Bristol for his Majesty's service, telling this Examinate, That if he would take part with the King, he would make him one of his Captains; this Examinate replying, That he was willing to serve the King, the said yeoman's said, That his intent was to seize upon this City for the King, and to let in the King's Forces; This Examinate further saith, That within three or four days after Colonel Fiennes came into Bristol, having some occasion to go to Oxford, he went thither in company which Cow a Practitioner in Physic under Master Bennet, upon the way Cow discovered to this Examinate, That he was sent to Oxford by Robert yeoman's, M. John Throupe and John Bowcher the Merchant, son of Nath, Bowcher, to invite the King's Forces to subdue Bristol, saying, That the King had a great party in Bristol ready to join with them when they came; the said Cow further said, That he would address himself to Captain Veale; he saith he had communication about the state of this City, and what party the King had in it, with one Togood a Scholar, son to M. Togood Minister in Bristol. He saith, That being in company with some Gentlemen Oxford (whose names he hath forgot) the said young Togood told them, this Examinate was a Bristol man, well affected to the King's service; whereupon they told him they would presently have come for Bristol, but that they were to go upon another Design, but they would come to Bristol shortly; he saith, he saw there Walter Cow, and Robert Doule. He saith, That Thomas Hilman said (about a fortnight before the King's Forces came before this Town) that he would be upon the King's side; Moreover he saith, That he was divers times at the Tavern in company with Robert and William yeoman's, M. Throupt, M. Green the Lawyer, John Bowcher Merchant, and others, where they had ordinarily communication, with how many men to seize upon the Guard, and open a gate to the King's Forces. George Teage. Captain Jeremy Bucks Information upon Oath, before the Counsel of War, the 21 of April 1643. ON the seventh of March I was sent from Colonel Fiennes and the Counsel of War in Bristol, about ten of the clock at night, to the house of M. Robert yeoman's, there to apprehend him and the Conspirators, who as they said, they were informed they were to destroy the Guards, and so to give entrance unto Prince Rupert and his Forces then against the Town: I took 20. Musketeers from the Bridge and went thither, and the first knock or suddenly after, M. yeoman's came to the door, and desired to know my business; I answered, It was to speak with the man of the house; He again desired to know my business, I answered again, He should know when I came in; He then said, The Taptow had beaten, and therefore I would not after that time of night enter his house; I told him, I would enter, and then called up the Musketeers, who before stood silent, and called for something to break up the door, yeoman's then said, he would open it, but used many delays; at length, I being urgent, he opened a little wide gate, and I entered and took him prisoner, and demanded of him, How he could be so inhuman as to endeavour the destroying his own Town; He answered me with vows and deep execrations, That there was no men in his house, and that he was innocent of any such intention; but after I had secured him, upon searching some upper Rooms in his house, I found his brother William yeoman's, and one Master Arundel a Merchant, with divers others, Masters of Ships and Sailors, with others; whom I found very desperate, one of them broke a Sword striking at me, and they swore they would not be tied neck and heels together; I promised they should not, but would use them kindly and fairly as prisoners: Master William yeoman's and Master Arundel, and some few more, I think but two, had before quietly yielded themselves prisoners; at length one of the rest yielded, but would hardly be disarmed, disturbing my Musketeers, the rest of the company pressing to go down that second pair of stairs, to second him as I conceive, whom with my Sword I kept off, and after I had a little pacified them, I acquainted Master Robert yeoman's of it, who was below under a Guard, and he came up with me, and he with his bother William yeoman's, and Master Arundel, and one or two more went with me to their company, who were in the second pair of stairs, and there persuaded them to yield themselves prisoners and submit, when as before all my threats could not prevail, for they said, They did not care or fear, to lose their lives, M. Robert yeoman's, William yeoman's, M. Arundel, and others, vowed their meeting was only to save his house from Plundering by our Garrison, and likewise that they were but eight, ten, or twelve men in all, but at the top of the house, after the Soldiers had searched, I took a Soldier and went up myself with him, and there found eight men near together in by corners, and a little Barrel of Gunpowder in a Loft close by: In all I took about three and twenty men in the said Robert yeoman's house, some of which formerly mentioned in the stairs, that opposed were so desperate before they yielded, that I was enforced to send for twenty Musketeers from the main Guard, which were first appointed to go along with me; I do believe that many escaped out of the top of the house. And this is the effect and sum of all that I can testify: Witness my hand Jeremy Buck. The testimony of Moses Longman and Robert Hawkesworth, taken upon Oath before a Counsel of War held at Bristol, May 8. 1643. Who saith, That Captain Jeremy Bucks Information is all true: And further saith, That they saw in Robert yeoman's house that night, a Thunderbusse, some Petternels, and Carrabynes, and Clubs, and Swords. Robert Hawkesworth. Moses Longman. The 1 Examination of George Boucher taken by Clement walker Esquire tenth March 1643. TO the 1 Interrogatory this Examinate saith that himself framed an oath in these words I do voluntarily protest before Almighty God that I will to the utmost of my power and with my life and fortunes defend and maintain the rights and Privileges of my dread Sovereign Lord King Charles his Crown and dignity against all force and forces that are or shall be raised against his Majesty without his own consent assent and command he saith he took this Protestation on Friday was seven-night and administered it to one Thomas Barrett a Cutler John Nickins a trunk maker Ephraim Goody a Goldsmith all now in durance and to divers others whom he remembreth not, he saith he gave a copy to Edmond Daker, a plumber who took, it and is likewise in hold, he saith that by the rights and Privileges of the King his Crown and dignity he meant the Laws of the Land, he saith also he gave white inkle to many men for distinction sake and had an intent to surprise the guard at Froome-gate and let in the Cavaliers who should have fallen in upon the ringing of St. john's and St. Michael's Bell and then this examinate with his party (whereof about 20 he had in his house) were to fall upon the backs of the said guard, he saith he had many consultations about this business with Robert and William Yeamans Mr. Arundel and Mr. Teague he saith he knew 8 days before they came of the Cavaliers coming, and that their said consultations tended to this purpose, how they might with most safety let in the Cavaliers. whereupon they concluded that Robert Yeamans with his Company should fall upon the main Guard and seize the ordinance there and scour the streets with them he saith Robert Yeamans company consisted of his brother William Yeamans Mr. Arundel and divers others. George Boucher. This examinante farther saith that Mr. Milward had a party; but he knows not who they wear. He saith that Io. Collins came to him upon Tuesday night 7 March to join with him in letting in the Cavaliers and beleiveth he knew the plot, before hand, he denyeth that Ancient Darker who then lay in his house, was privy to the business to his Knowledge this examinant further saith that upon monday 6 March Robert yeoman's sent a youth about 15 or 16 years old (being his apprentice to this examinant to give him notice that Prince Rupert would be before this town the next night being Teusday willing him to give warning to M. Milward and in his absence to M. Brent to ring Saint Michaellts bell for a warning. He further faith that he acquainted Robert Blackborough that there was a difference between the King and his Parliament, in which they were all like to suffer and there was some service to be done upon Teusday night the seventh of March for letting in the King's forces at Froome-Gate & desired Blackborough that some of the Actors in that design might have leave to pass through the said Blackboroughs Garden towards Froome-Gate. George Bourcher. An other examination of George Bourcher taken upon Oath before the Council of war the 27 of April 1643. WHo affirmeth all his former examination & further saith that C: T. Cole did some 8 days before P. R. coming before this City tell this examinant as they were walking upon S. Augustine's Back that Pr. R. would shortly come to this town and for his more comodious coming into this City he the said Capt. Cole. would frame a bridge of lighters over the key for passing of horse and foot. He further saith that he heard Mr. Robert yeoman's to say that he had made some of the main guard, and that it is likely they were to be distinguished by their or else that they had some other mark or tape given them: George Bourcher Another examination of George Bourcher taken upon 3 May 1643. Who saith that upon tuesday 7 March last about 9 of the clock at night R. Yeom. sent a messenger to this examinant who told him that there was way made with the party that was to ride the second round to be friend us in letting in Pr. Rupert. to which purpose this examinant and his company was to come in the rear of the said round and fall in with them upon the Guard at Froome-gate, but further he saith he doth not remember who brought the said Message but saith the messenger told him that he which rid the second round was to be known by wearing a scarlet gippo or coat. George Boutcher The examination of john Bourcher son of George Bourcher taken upon Oath before the council of war 28 of April 1643. Who saith that he hath seen the draught of a Protestation penned by his said father to this effect viz. that with their lives and estates they should maintain the King's prerogative and dignities. He beleiveth that many did take it. He further saith the design or conspiracy was, that upon tuesday the 7 March last his father with his company should issue forth about midnight and seize upon the Guard at Froome-gate and take the soldier's prisoners that were at the said gate and in Pr. R. and his forces, who should have notice given him when to fall on by the ringing of St. Michaells' bell: by the appointment of Mr. Milward he saith that His father sent a boy to Mr. Milward to take order for ringing the said bell, and if Milward were not at home, the boy was to go to Mr. brent's to look for Milwarde there, because Milward had promised George Bourcher to fetch the keys from him or from the sexton, He saith that Robert yeoman's and his company were to surprise the main Guard, and they were to seize the ordinance in both places, he saith that Tho. Milward and his company were to come down upon the out side of Froome-gate and join with George Bourcher after he had possessed the said gate, He sayeth he heard young Cowley say about 5 or 6 weeks before Pr. R. marched towards Bristol. That Robert yeoman's sent him to Oxon to invite Pr. R. and his forces to Bristol saying it would be an easy matter to give them entrance into the city because they had a great party there already he saith the said Cowley was suddenly sent bacl from Oxon to Bristol with an answer but what the answer was this exam▪ knoweth not; but say h that he hath heard by the relation of George Teague the said answer was to this effect, that the King had then another design on foot and as soon as that was over be would send his forces for Bristol. He further saith that long before Cowleys said joureny to Oxon namely be for Christide last. Tho. Milwarde went to Oxon by whose appointment his examinant knoweth not. And he believeth that Milward brought a Commission from the King to Robert yeoman's, for that he heard john Throop, and john Bowtcher Merchant at Oxon say, that Milward must have a great care to carry that safe to Bristol, this Examinant believeth the particular that was spoken of was the said Commission, He saith, that he heard it spoken at Oxon usually, that the King should say he would make Bristol a famous City, if the said Forces were let in. He saith, he heard one of the Company at his Father's house, the seventh of March last say, seeing Ancient Parker's Colours lie in the Room, that if he might have leave, he would carry forth those Colours that night. He saith, he heard his Father say that they should not go forth until the 2d. Round was past▪ & that he that did lead the second Round would be known by a Scarlet Gippo: and that he thought he would be for them, he believeth that M. Throop or Robert yeoman's gave his father notice of the particular time when Prince Rupert would be before this Town, he saith, he saw a Apprentice boy of Robert yeoman's with his Father that day, but knoweth not who gave notice of his approach to Robert Yeamans, he saith, he heard at Oxon, and hath since seen a Printed Proclamation purporting a pardon to all that were in Bristol, except Colonel Fins, in case the Forces were admitted, Prince Rupert was to proclaim it after his entrance into the City, and should have been proclaimed before Prince rupert's entrance, but that it was doubted it would much discover the plot. Io. Boucher. The second Examination of Edw. Hunt, taken upon Oath before the Council of War, 3 May 1645. Who saith, that Robert yeoman's said unto the company in the room where this Examinant was in Robert yeoman's house, and in his hearing. That they were resolved to surprise the main Guard, to open the gates of the City, and let in the King's Forces with Prince Rupert, and that if they prevailed, they should see great men, who would reward them, & make them for ever, saying further you are the men that I must trust to & that they should have Arms to accomplish the Design, and that he hoped to disarm the main Guard, and furnish them with their Arms, he kept the door of his house locked, and would suffer no man to go forth. E. H. The examination of Master Robert yeoman's, taken upon Oath before the Counsel of War, 28 April, 1643. WHo being demanded whether he knew of any Message sent to Oxford to invite the King's forces to come to this Town. He saith, that about a fortnight or three weeks before Prince Rupert came before this Town, Doctor Marks came hither from Oxford, and told this Examinant that the King gave thanks to all his loyal Subjects that were of his party in this City, and wished them to keep themselves private, until he had occasion to send his Forces to this City, and then they should have timely notice thereof. And being further demanded whether this Message of Doctor Marks did not arise from some Message formerly sent from hence, to invite the King's Forces hither. He answereth, that he doth believe, there was, but being asked whether he knew of any one that did send any such Message. He answereth, that he knows none. And being further asked, whether he knew of any one that was acquainted with any such Message. He answereth, that he believeth, that divers were acquainted with it, but he desireth to be excused for nominating any particular. And being asked what answer was returned to that Message brought from the King by Doctor Marks. He saith, that he answered he should be ready to serve his Majesty to his power upon any occasion, and that he doth verily believe divers others did know of the same Message, as namely, Io. Throop and Io. Bowtcher, and others. He further saith, that Doctor Marks came again the Saturday before Prince Rupert came hither, and brought word from the King, that his Forces were coming this way, and therefore desired that they would be ready here to observe such Commands and Directions as they should have from Prince Rupert, or words to this effect: and hereupon Prince Rupert sent one Cockaram a Soldier to know whether we could secure him of a Port if he came here, to which he saith, that he answered, that now it was impossible to do, but formerly it might easily have been done, because the Garrison was but weak and the Guards carelessly kept, or to this effect. This Examinant being demanded further why he and his brother provided such a Company of men that night in his house. He answereth that he doth not remember that he spoke to his Brother to bring any company to his house that night, but saith, that the Company which was at his house, came out of love to him, to assist him, if need were, if his House should be in danger to be plundered. This Examinant being further demanded, whether he did not know of several meetings and consultations, touching the letting in of Prince Rupert and his Forces, before they came to this Town. He answereth, that he was at divers meetings and consultations with his Friends, but he doth not remember any such discourse. This Examinant being further demanded whether he knew of any Message or Employment that M. Weeks had in this business. He answereth, he knows none. This Examinant being further demanded what Company of any Quality was in his House that night. He answereth, that that he knows of none but those that were taken and apprehended in his House. This Examinate being further asked whether he did not know of some design to surprise the main Guards that night. He answereth, that he knew none. He being further asked whether he did not know of some of the Officers of Colonel Essex, or Soldiers of the Garrison that were acquainted with this business. He answereth, that he knew none. This Examinant being further asked whether he did not know of any design, to set some part of the Town on fire. He answereth, that he knows none. Robert yeoman's. The Examination of john Pestor, taken upon oath before the Counsel of War held at Bristol, 12 April 1643. THis Examinant being asked what he knew concerning a Commission granted uno M. Robert yeoman's, answereth, that a little before Colonel Essex came into this Town, Master Robert yeoman's told him, that he understood, he the said Robert yeoman's had a Commission from His Majesty to make more Captains, and desired this Examinant to be one of those Captains which he consented unto, M. Robert yeoman's having told him that the effect of his Commission was for the maintenance of the true Protestant Religion established in the Church of England, the King's Prerogative and safety of His person, Privileges of Parliament, and the liberty and propriety of the Subject, and the defence of die City, against all forces, without the joint consent of the Major, Aldermen and common Council, amongst whom there was some difference at that time concerning the admission of any Forces: And he further saith, that not long after Colonel Essex coming into the City, the said Robert yeoman's meeting him in the street, said, that he could have wished he had received his Commission sooner, that he might have prevented their coming in, or to that purpose. He being asked whether he were not at Richard Luckets House one Tuesday night the seventh of March, he answered, that he was there, betwixt eight and nine of the clock, and that he was sent for thither by Tho: Steephens, and Matthew Steephens, and Richard Lucket was the Messenger, and this Examinant saith, that whilst they sat at the same Luckets house, there was discourse amongst them concerning meeting at Saint Michael's Church, and to go from thence unto M. Robert yeoman's house, to assist him (as he believeth) to seize the Guards, for that they had discourse that the Guards were so weak, that it might easily be done, and that they were entreated to go unto M. Robert yeoman's. And he further saith, about two or three days before, meeting with M. Robert Yeomons, the said Robert yeoman's told him that the King's Forces were marching towards Bristol, and that he would let them in if he could, and wished that all others would be as willing and forward as he was so to do; whereunto this Examinant seemed willing, but saith, that about ten days before, the said M. Robert yeoman's gave him some Tape, and told him that if he did wear it in his Hat and his Breast, it would be security unto him, whensoever the King's Forces came into Bristol, for that it would be their own Colours: This Examinant further saith, that when the said Robert yeoman's gave him the Yape, he gave him also the word which was (Charles) which word, the rest which he met at Rich, Luckets house had before him as they acknowledged to him. John Pester. The Examination of Nath. Street Tiler, taken upon Oath before the Council of War, 21 April 1643. WHo saith, that William yeoman's brought this Examinant upon Tuesday the seventh of March last, into the House of his brother Robert yeoman's, where he was brought into a large Chamber, where he found divers men. Where he heard one Harry Russell ask what those men should do who had no Arms, to which he heard Robert yeoman's, say, Clubs. Nath: Street. Patrick Earl of Forth, Lord Etterick, and Lord Lieutenant of all his Majesty's Forces. I Having been informed, that lately at a Court, or Council of Wat, you have condemned to death, Robert yeoman's late Sheriff of the City of Bristol, who hath his Majesty's Commission for raising a Regiment for his service, William yeoman's his Brother, George Boucher, and Edward Dacres, all for expressing their Loyalty to His Majesty and endeavouring his Service, according to their Allegiance, and that you intent to proceed speedily against divers others in the like manner: Do therefore signify unto you, that I intent speedily to put M. George, M. Stevens, Captain Huntly, and ohers taken in Rebellion against his Majesty at Cirewester into the same condition: Do further advertise you, that if you offer by that unjust judgement to execute any of them, you have so condemned, that those now in custody here especially M. George, M. Stevens, and Captain Huntly must expect no favour or mercy. Given under my hand at Oxford, this 16 of May, 1643. Forth. To the Commander in Chief, and the Council of War in the City of Bristol. Nath. Fiennes Governor, and the Council of War in the City of BRISTOL. HAving received a Writing from your Lordship, wherein it is declared, That upon information of our late proceed against Robert yeoman's, William yeoman's, and others, you intent speedily to put Master George, M. Stevens, Captain Huntly, and others, into the same condition. We are well assured, That neither your Lordship, nor any mortal man, can put them into the same condition; for whether they live or die, they will always be accounted true and honest men, faithful to their King and Country, and such as in a fair and open way have always prosecuted that Cause, which in their judgement, guided by the judgement of the highest Court, they held the justest: Whereas, the Conspirators of this City must both in life and death carry perpetually with them the brand of Treachery and Conspiracy. And if Robert yeoman's had made use of his Commission in an open way, be should be put into no worse condition than others in the like kind had been: But the Law of Nature amongst all men, and the Law of Arms amongst all Soldiers, maketh a difference between open Enemies, and secret Spies and Conspirators: And if you shall not make the like distinction, we do signify unto you, That we shall not only proceed to the execution of the persons already condemned, but also of divers others of the Conspirators, unto whom we had some thoughts of extending mercy: And do further advertise you, That if by any inhuman, and unsouldier-like sentence you shall proceed to the execution of the persons by you named, or any other of our friends in your custody, that have been taken in a fair and open way of War; then Sir Walter Pie, Sir William Crafts, Colonel Conneysby, and divers others taken in open Rebellion, and actual War against the King and Kingdom, whom we have here in custody, must expect no favour or mercy. And by God's blessing upon our just Cause, we have pawns enough for our friend's security, without taking in any that have gotten out of our reach and power; although divers of yours, of no mean quality and condition, have been freely released by us. Given under our hands this 18 day of May. 1643. NATHANIEL FIENNES, President. CLEMENT WALKER, etc. To Patrick Earl of Forth, Lord Lieutenat-generall. FINIS.