THE SEVERALL Examinations and Confessions OF The Treacherous Conspiratours AGAINST The Citie of BRISTOLL.
Together with the judgement of Death by the Councell of War upon Robert Yeomans, late Sheriffe of the said City, chief actor in the said Conspiracy.
Also a Message from the Earl of Forth, Lord Lieutenant Generall of His Majesties Forces, in the behalf of the said Conspirators, to Colonell Fines, Governour and Commander in chief, and the rest of the Councell of War in BRISTOLL.
With the Answer of the said Col. Fines and the Councell of War in the said City to the said Message.
It is this day Ordered by the House of Commons, That the Examination of Robert Yeomans, and the rest of the Examinations sent up from the Governour of Bristoll, together with the Sentence of the Councell of War, and the Letters, be forthwith Printed.
LONDON: Printed for Edward Husbands, and are to be sold at his Shop in the Middle Temple, May 25. MDCXLIII.
Robert Yeomans 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, untill being in company with some of the Commanders of Colonell Essex Forces, many of them declared themselves to be for the King, and that whensoever any of the Kings 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 Marshall that commanded the Serjeant Majors Company, Lieutenant Cheyney that commanded the Lieutenant Colonells Company, and Lieutenant Moore which commanded a Company of a Captain which was in London: When I perceived so many of the Commanders, and many of this Citie that way affected, and I beleeving that Cause to be the justest, so as I were sure that the King himself was acquainted with the proceedings, and not done by others unknown to him, or he seduced by them, those Commanders and my self, 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 Citie, and how the Citizens stood affected: Whereupon we sent George Teage to Oxford together with Cowling, who went and spake 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 businesse, as, Teage reported to us at his return, when we met all together at the Rose-Tavern, with many thanks sent by His Majestie to us all, but especially to those Commanders, perswading 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, [Page 3]untill the coming of his Forces thither, which should be ere long, and that he would reward, and prefer them; whereupon Doctour Marks spake with Hilsdon and Marshall to my knowledge, whether he did with the rest I know not, but I know that Teage, Cowly, 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 vve meeting but a day before the coming of the Kings Army, they complained of the want of money to give their Souldiers, without which they could not cause them to do what they would have them to do: whereupon they importuned me to lend them fourty 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 Moore 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 Downe to Prince Rupert to enter: and then I and my Company should come to the main Guard, and there with Moore 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 Moore both) and for the better effecting all without any blood-shed, it was agreed that all our Souldiers, 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 Souldiers 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 signe, such as Prince Rupert should direct, vvhich 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, vvhich I beleeve vvas his full intent, the rather for that I hear there came a Proclamation to that effect; but before the businesse came to be effected on that Tuesday in the evening, I had intimation from Hilsdon and Moore, that the businesse vvas discovered, and that I should send avvay the men that vvere there, vvhich I vvas about to do, but before I could effect it, Captain Buck came and seized us. Novv all [Page 4]the blame is laid on me, vvhereas after the Commission vvas brought to me, I stirred not till those Commanders declared themselves as aforesaid, and vvhen I perceived them so to declare themselves, and did, and do beleeve that most of Colonell Essex Commanders and Souldiers vvere that way minded, I feared lest if the Tovvn should be delivered up or taken, and I lie still as it vvere despising or neglecting the Kings Commission, that then I should much suffer; and indeed I vvas then of opinion by the perswasions of others, that that party had the justest Cause, vvhich made me to do that I did, vvhich vvas but little, I being ignorant in those courses, onely 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 justnesse 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 persvvaded also that vvhat vvas done, vvould not be esteemed so hainous, as novv I finde by the proceedings against me.
The Judgement upon ROBERT YEOMANS.
ƲPon due consideration of the Articles exhibited on the eighth day of May, by Clement Walker Esquire, Advocate to this Councell of War against Robert Yeomans, and others the late Conspirators in this City, and upon due hearing of the Answers and Defence of the said Robert to the severall Articles, and also upon Examinations and Proofs before them taken upon Oath, It is unanimously adjudged by this Court, That the said Robert Yeomans is guilty of Traiterous Intelligence, and Correspondencie with the Enemy, and of a Traiterous and wicked Conspiracie to betray this Town into the hands of the Enemie; And thereupon this Court doth adjudge, and passe sentence of Death upon him as a Traitour and Conspiratour, and accordingly doth Order, That the said Robert Yeomans 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.
The Examination of George Teage, taken upon Oath before the Counsell of War, held at Bristoll the 27 of April 1643.
THis Examinate saith, That about six weeks ago Robert Yeomans 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 Bristoll for his Majesties 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 Yeomans said, That his intent was to seize upon this Citie for the King, and to let in the Kings Forces; This Examinate further saith, That within three or four dayes after Colonell Fiennes came into Bristoll, having some occasion to go to Oxford, he went thither in company wich Cowly a Practitioner in Physick under Master Bennet, upon the way Cowly discovered to this Examinate, That he was sent to Oxford by Robert Yeomans, M. John Throupe and John Bowcher the Merchant, son of Nath, Bowcher, to invite the Kings Forces to subdue Bristoll, saying, That the King had a great party in Bristoll ready to joyn with them when they came; the said Cowly further said, That he would addresse 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 Scholer, son to M. Togood Minister in Bristoll. 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 Bristoll man, well affected to the Kings service; whereupon they told him they would presently have come for Bristoll, but that they were to go upon another Designe, but they would come to Bristoll shortly; he saith, he saw there Walter Cowly, and Robert Doule.
He saith, That Thomas Hilman said (about a fortnight before the Kings Forces came before this Town) that he would be upon the Kings side; Moreover he saith, That he was divers times at the Tavern in company with Robert and William Yeomans, 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 Kings Forces.
Captain Jeremy Bucks Information upon Oath, before the Counsell of War, the 21 of April 1643.
ON the seventh of March I was sent from Colonell Fiennes and the Counsell of War in Bristoll, about ten of the clock at night, to the house of M. Robert Yeomans, 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. Muskettiers from the Bridge and went thither, and the first knock or suddenly after, M. Yeomans came to the door, and desired to know my businesse; I answered, It was to speak with the man of the house; He again desired to know my businesse, 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 Muskettiers, who before stood silent, and called for something to break up the door, Yeomans then said, he would open it, but used many delayes; at length, I being urgent, he opened a little wide gate, and I entred and took him prisoner, and demanded of him, How he could be so inhumane as to indeavour 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 Yeomans, and one Master Arundel a Merchant, with divers others, Masters of Ships and Sailors, with others; whom I found very desperate, one of them brake 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 Yeomans and Master Arundel, and some few more, I think but two, had before quietly yeelded themselves prisoners; at length one of the rest yeelded, but would hardly be disarmed, disturbing my Muskettiers, 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 Yeomans of it, who was below under a Guard, and he came up with me, and he with his bother William [Page 7]Yeomans, and Master Arundel, and one or two more went with me to their company, who were in the second pair of stairs, and there perswaded them to yeeld 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 Yeomans, William Yeomans, M. Arundel, and others, vowed their meeting was onely 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 Souldiers had searched, I took a Souldier and went up my self with him, and there found eight men neer together in by corners, and a little Barrell of Gunpowder in a Loft close by: In all I took about three and twenty men in the said Robert Yeomans house, some of which formerly mentioned in the stayres, that opposed were so desperate before they yeelded, that I was inforced to send for twenty Muskettiers from the main Guard, which were first appointed to go along with me; I do beleeve that many escaped out of the top of the house. And this is the effect and sum of all that I can testifie:
The testimonie of Moses Longman and Robert Hawkesworth, taken upon Oath before a Counsell of War held at Bristoll, May 8. 1643.
Who saith, That Captain Jeremy Bucks Information is all true: And further saith, That they saw in Robert Yeomans house that night, a Thunderbusse, some Petternels, and Carrabynes, and Clubs, and Swords.
The 1 Examination of George Boucher taken by Clement walker Esquire tenth March 1643.
TO the 1 Interrogatory this Examinate sayth that himselfe framed an oath in these words I doe voluntarily protest before Almighty God that I will to the utmost of my power and with my life and fortunes defend and mayntayn the rights and Priviledges of my dreade Soveraigne Lord King Charles his Crowne and dignity against all force and forces that are or shall be raysed against his Majestie without his owne consent assent and command he sayth he tooke this Protestation on Friday was seavennight and administred it to one Thomas Barrett a Cutler John Nickins a trunk maker Ephraim Goody a Gold-smith all now in durance and to divers others whom he remembreth not, he sayth hee gave a coppy to Edmond Daker, a plummer who tooke, it and is likewise in hold, he sayth that by the rights and Priviledges of the King his Crowne and dignity he meant the Lawes of the Land, hee sayth also he gave white inkle to many men for distinction sake and had an intent to surprize the guarde at Froome-gate and let in the Cavalliers who should have fallen in upon the ringing of St. Iohns and St. Michaels Bell and then this examinate with his party (whereof about 20 hee had in his house) were to fall upon the backes of the said guarde, he sayth he had many consultations about this businesse with Robert and William Yeamans Mr. Arundell and Mr. Teague he sayth he knew 8 dayes before they came of the Cavalliers coming, and that their said consultations tended to this purpose, how they might with most safety let in the Cavalliers. whereupon they concluded that Robert Yeamans with his Company should fall upon the mayn Guard and seize the ordinance there and scowre the streets with them he saith Robert Yeamans company consisted of his brother William Yeamans Mr. Arundell and divers others.
This examinante farther sayth that Mr. Milward had a party; but hee knowes not who they weare. He sayth that Io. Collins came to him upon Tuesday night 7 March to ioyne with him in letting in the Cavaliers and beleiveth he knew the plott, before hand, hee denyeth that Ancient Darker who then lay in his house, was privie to the businesse to his Knowledge this examinant further sayth that upon munday 6 March Robert Yeomans sent a youth about 15 or 16 yeares old (being his apprentice to this examinant to give him notice that Prince Rupert would be before this towne 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 betweene 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 seuenth of March for letting in the Kings forces at Froome-Gate & desired Blackborough that some of the Actors in that designe might haue leaue to passe through the saide Blackboroughs Garden towards Froome-Gate.
An other examination of George Bourcher taken upon Oath before the Councell of warre the 27 of Aprill 1643.
WHo affirmeth all his former examination & further sayth that C: T. Cole did some 8 dayes before P. R. comeing before this Citty tell this examinant as they were walking upon S. Austins Backe that Pr. R. would shortly come to this towne and for his more comodious comming into this Citty he the said Capt. Cole. would frame a bridge of lighters over the key for passing of horse and foote.
Hee further sayth that hee heard Mr. Robert Yeomans to say that hee had made some of the mayne guarde, and that it is likely they were to be distinguished by their cloths or else that they had some other marke or tape given them:
Another examination of George Bourcher taken upon 3 May 1643.
VVHo sayth that upon tuesday 7 March last about 9 of the clocke 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 freind us in letting in Pr. Rupert. to which purpose this examinant and his company was to come in the reare of the said round and [Page 8]fall in with them upon the Guard at Froome-gate, but further hee sayth hee doth not remember who brought the said Message but sayth the messenger told him that hee which ridde the second round was to be knowne by wearing a scarlet gippo or coate.
The examination of Iohn Bourcher sonne of George Bourcher taken upon Oath before the councell of warre 28 of Aprill 1643.
VVHo saith that he hath seene the draught of a Protestation penned by his said father to this effect viz. that with their lives and estates they should mayntayne the Kings prerogative and dignityes. Hee beleiveth that many did take it. He further sayth the designe 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 souldiers prisoners that were at the said gate and lett in Pr. R. and his forces, who should have notice given him when to fall on by the ringing of St. Michaells bel: by the appoyntment of Mr. Milward he sayth 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 goe to Mr. Brents to looke for Milwarde there, because Milward had promised George Bourcher to fetch the keyes from him or from the sexton, Hee sayth that Robert Yeomans and his company were to surprize the mayne Guarde, and they were to seize the ordinance in both places, hee sayth that Tho. Milward and his company were to come downe upon the out side of Froome-gate and joyne with George Bourcher after hee had possessed the said gate, Hee sayeth hee heard young Cowley say about 5 or 6 weekes before Pr. R. marched towards Bristoll. That Robert Yeomans sent him to Oxon to invite Pr. R. and his forces to Bristoll saying it would be an easy matter to give them entrance into the citty because they had a great party there already hee sayth the said Cowley was suddaynely sent backe from Oxon to Bristoll with an answer but what the answer was this exam▪ knoweth not; but say h that hee hath heard by the relation of George Teague the said answer was to this effect, that the King had then another designe on foote and as soone as that was over bee would send his forces for Bristoll. He further sayth that long before Cowleys said Ioureny to Oxon namely be for Christide last. Tho. Milwarde went to Oxon by whose appoyntment his examinant knoweth not.
And he believeth that Milward brought a Commission from the King to [Page 9] Robert Yeomans, for that he heard Iohn Throop, and Iohn Bowtcher Merchant at Oxon say, that Milward must have a great care to carry that safe to Bristoll, 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 Bristoll a famous City, if the said Forces were let in. He saith, he heard one of the Company at his Fathers house, the seventh of March last say, seeing Ancient Parkers Colours lye 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 untill 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, hee believeth that M. Throop or Robert Yeomans gave his father notice of the particular time when Prince Rupert would be before this Town, hee saith, he saw a Prentice boy of Robert Yeomans 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 Bristoll, except Colonell Finnes, in case the Forces were admitted, Prince Rupert was to proclaim it after his entrance into the City, and should have bin proclaimed before Prince Ruperts entrance, but that it was doubted it would much discover the plott.
The second Examination of Edw. Hunt, taken upon Oath before the Councell of War, 3 May 1645.
VVHo saith, that Robert Yeomans said unto the company in the room where this Examinant was in Robert Yeomans house, and in his hearing. That they were resolved to surprize the main Guard, to open the gates of the City, and let in the Kings 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 Designe, and that hee 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.
The examination of Master Robert Yeomans, taken upon Oath before the Counsell of War, 28 Aprill, 1643.
WHo being demanded whether he knew of any Message sent to Oxford to invite the Kings forces to come to this Town.
He saith, that about a fortnight or three weeks before Prince Rupert came before this Towne, Doctor Marks came hither from Oxford, and told this Examinant that the King gave thanks to all his loyall Subjects that were of his party in this City, and wished them to keep themselves private, untill hee 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 Kings Forces hither.
He answereth, that hee 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 hee answered hee should be ready to serve his Majesty to his power upon any occasion, and that hee 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 againe the Saterday before Prince Rupert came hither, and brought word from the King, that his Forces were comming 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 Souldier 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 [Page 11]to do, but formerly it might easily have bin done, because the Garrison was but weak and the Guards carelesly 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 spake 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 hee did not know of severall 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 Imployment that M. Weeks had in this businesse.
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 designe to surprize 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 Colonell Essex, or Souldiers of the Garrison that were acquainted with this businesse.
He answereth, that he knew none.
This Examinant being further asked whether hee did not know of any designe, to set some part of the Town on fire.
He answereth, that he knows none.
The Examination of Iohn Pestor, taken upon oath before the Counsell of War held at Bristoll, 12 April 1643.
THis Examinant being asked what he knew concerning a Commission granted uno M. Robert Yeomans, answereth, that a little before Colonell [Page 12] Essex came into this Towne, Master Robert Yeomans told him, that hee understood, hee the said Robert Yeomans had a Commission from His Majesty to make more Captaines, and desired this Examinant to be one of those Captains which he consented unto, M. Robert Yeomans having told him that the effect of his Commission was for the mayntenance of the true Protestant Religion established in the Church of England, the Kings Prerogative and safety of His person, Priviledges of Parliament, and the liberty and propriety of the Subject, and the defence of die City, against all forces, without the joynt consent of the Major, Aldermen and common Councell, amongst whom there was some difference at that time concerning the admission of any Forces: And he further saith, that not long after Colonell Essex comming into the City, the said Robert Yeomans meeting him in the street, said, that he could have wished he had received his Commission sooner, that he might have prevented their comming in, or to that purpose.
Hee being asked whether hee were not at Richard Luckets House one Tuesday night the seventh of March, he answered, that hee 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 whilest they sate at the same Luckets house, there was discourse amongst them concerning meeting at Saint Michaels Church, and to go from thence unto M. Robert Yeomans 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 intreated to go unto M. Robert Yeomans. And he further saith, about two or three days before, meeting with M. Robert Yeomons, the said Robert Yeomans told him that the Kings Forces were marching towards Bristoll, 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 Yeomans gave him some Tape, and told him that if he did weare it in his Hat and his Brest, it would be security unto him, whensoever the Kings Forces came into Bristoll, for that it would be their own Colours: This Examinant further saith, that when the said Robert Yeomans gave him the Yape, hee 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.
The Examination of Nath. Street Tiler, taken upon Oath before the Councell of War, 21 Aprill 1643.
WHo saith, that William Yeomans brought this Examinant upon Tuesday the seventh of March last, into the House of his brother Robert Yeomans, where he was brought into a large Chamber, where he found divers men. Where he heard one Harry Russell aske what those men should do who had no Arms, to which he heard Robert Yeomans, say, Clubs.
Patrick Earle of Forth, Lord Etterick, and Lord Lievtenant of all his Majesties Forces.
I Having bin informed, that lately at a Court, or Councell of Wat, you have condemned to death, Robert Yeomans late Sheriff of the City of Bristoll, who hath his Majesties Commission for raising a Regiment for his service, William Yeomans his Brother, George Boucher, and Edward Dacres, all for expressing their Loyalty to His Majesty and endeavouring his Service, according to their Alleageance, and that you intend to proceed speedily against divers others in the like manner: Do therefore signifie unto you, that I intend 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.
Nath. Fiennes Governour, and the Councell of War in the City of BRISTOLL.
HAving received a Writing from your Lordship, wherein it is declared, That upon information of our late proceedings against Robert Yeomans, William Yeomans, and others, you intend 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 mortall man, can put them into the same condition; for whether they live or die, they will alwayes be accounted true and honest men, faithfull to their King and Country, and such as in a fair and open way have alwayes 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 Yeomans had made use of his Commission in an open way, be should be put into no worse condition then others in the like kinde had been: But the Law of Nature amongst all men, and the Law of Arms amongst all Souldiers, maketh a difference between open Enemies, and secret Spies and Conspirators: And if you shall not make the like distinction, we do signifie unto you, That we shall not onely 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 inhumane, 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 Pye, Sir William Crafts, Colonell Conneysby, and divers others taken in open Rebellion, and actuall War against the King and Kingdom, whom we have here in custody, must expect no favour or mercy. And by Gods blessing upon our just Cause, we have pawns enough for our friends 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.