Selected quad for the lemma: friend_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
friend_n	best_a	good_a	see_v	1,212	5	2.9648	3	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A76640	A true relation of a wicked plot intended and still on foot against the city of Glocester, to betray the same into the hands of the Cavaliers. Discovered by Captaine Backhouse who was wrought upon to have betrayed the same by the sollicitation of one Edward Stanford Esquire, a grand Papist but a lieut: colonell amongst the Cavaliers; and by himselfe set forth to give the Parliament and his Excellencie satisfaction and the better to vindicate his owne integrity. Together with severall letters from my Lord Digby and Sir William Vavasour to Capt. Backhouse concerning the said designe. 4. Maii. 1644. It is this day ordered by the committee of the House of Commons for printing, that this relation be printed by Edward Husbands. Jo. White.	Backhouse, Robert, d. 1645.; Digby, Kenelm, Sir, 1603-1665.; Vavasour, William, Sir, d. 1659.; England and Wales. Parliament. House of Commons. aut	1644 (1644)	Wing B265; Thomason E45_12; ESTC R2502	27,077	33

be_v a_o dis-service_n to_o you_o i_o have_v quite_o leave_v they_o unsatisfied_a with_o what_o i_o intend_v so_o that_o sir_n walter_n pie_n be_v go_v to_o oxford_n with_o a_o great_a complaint_n but_o that_o be_v nothing_o do_v it_o not_o prevent_v your_o motion_n so_o that_o now_o sir_n i_o must_v intteate_v you_o to_o follow_v what_o you_o first_o move_v that_o be_v you_o draw_v out_o of_o town_n your_o own_o troop_n or_o one_o more_o if_o you_o can_v a_o good_a distance_n from_o town_n you_o have_v the_o word_n may_v lead_v on_o the_o forlorn_a hope_n and_o your_o horse_n may_v bring_v up_o the_o rear_n the_o performance_n of_o this_o will_v confirm_v your_o friend_n in_o their_o good_a opinion_n of_o you_o and_o oblige_v i_o to_o express_v myself_o tewksbury_n 16._o jan._n 1643._o your_o humble_a servant_n will._n vavasour_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n a_o man_n of_o renown_n as_o fame_n will_v render_v he_o can_v smooth_o insinuate_v to_o promote_v so_o foul_a a_o treachery_n and_o will_v make_v i_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o hazard_v a_o chide_n by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o displeasure_n of_o many_o other_o gentleman_n of_o worth_n his_o very_a friend_n then_o that_o any_o soul_n shall_v be_v privy_a to_o so_o great_a a_o secret_a not_o imagine_v that_o i_o well_o know_v long_o before_o that_o not_o only_o the_o lord_n digby_n master_n stanford_n sir_n john_n winter_n master_n dutton_n and_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o war_n at_o tewksbury_n nay_o the_o whole_a court_n at_o oxford_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o design_n but_o also_o for_o so_o close_o do_v they_o carry_v this_o business_n which_o be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n to_o they_o that_o brittanicus_n have_v blazon_v i_o in_o print_n long_o since_o for_o a_o traitor_n and_o well_o he_o may_v have_v all_o that_o they_o have_v let_v fall_v and_o divulge_v be_v real_o true_a by_o which_o passage_n by_o the_o way_n let_v all_o false_a heart_a traitor_n who_o for_o base_a private_a end_n will_v fain_o be_v tamper_n with_o the_o enemy_n to_o betray_v their_o trust_n take_v heed_n what_o they_o do_v for_o they_o can_v keep_v secret_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o wise_a do_v they_o right_a as_o never_o to_o trust_v he_o in_o any_o office_n or_o place_n of_o charge_n for_o they_o who_o for_o any_o respect_n have_v be_v draw_v to_o infidelity_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n by_o they_o but_o to_o proceed_v the_o next_o day_n after_o the_o receipt_n of_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n letter_n with_o who_o now_o i_o must_v as_o with_o my_o lord_n digby_n keep_v correspondency_n i_o give_v he_o this_o answer_n sir_n i_o be_o sorry_a to_o hear_v that_o our_o intention_n shall_v be_v so_o frustrate_v especial_o since_o i_o have_v so_o far_o proceed_v in_o my_o own_o thought_n in_o the_o manage_n thereof_o and_o i_o will_v assure_v you_o i_o still_o find_v the_o governor_n so_o diligent_a in_o observe_v the_o garrison_n at_o tewksbury_n that_o he_o have_v give_v private_a command_n to_o the_o officer_n both_o of_o horse_n and_o foot_n to_o be_v instant_o ready_a upon_o notice_n give_v of_o your_o least_o advance_v this_o way_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o constant_o day_n and_o night_n keep_v good_a party_n of_o horse_n out_o as_o scout_n to_o bring_v he_o notice_n insomuch_o that_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o my_o troop_n and_o your_o force_n to_o join_v without_o discovery_n which_o how_o dangerous_a that_o may_v be_v unto_o we_o both_o i_o leave_v to_o you_o to_o judge_v especial_o when_o he_o and_o all_o his_o strength_n be_v at_o home_o do_v not_o his_o eye_n so_o much_o look_v upon_o your_o strength_n and_o the_o nearness_n of_o your_o quarter_n than_o will_v the_o proposition_n you_o now_o fall_v on_o be_v far_o easy_a effect_v and_o with_o much_o more_o safety_n for_o as_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o corfirme_v the_o good_a opinion_n my_o friend_n have_v of_o i_o in_o real_o perform_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v be_v confident_a that_o they_o will_v take_v care_n of_o i_o who_o thus_o often_o hazard_v my_o life_n and_o fortune_n for_o they_o so_o shall_v i_o be_v infinite_a loath_a to_o draw_v they_o on_o upon_o any_o design_n that_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o they_o the_o right_a lay_v of_o the_o business_n be_v the_o life_n thereof_o the_o miscarriage_n the_o utter_a destruction_n both_o of_o myself_o and_o many_o of_o they_o beside_o the_o utter_a loss_n of_o effect_v so_o good_a and_o so_o great_a a_o business_n wherein_o i_o protest_v i_o shall_v think_v myself_o happy_a to_o sacrifice_v my_o life_n to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o according_a to_o my_o desire_n one_o misfeazance_a in_o a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v never_o to_o be_v repair_v therefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n this_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v most_o necessary_a that_o the_o governor_n be_v draw_v out_o with_o a_o good_a party_n when_o the_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v i_o be_o sure_a this_o will_v be_v with_o more_o safety_n on_o your_o side_n especial_o if_o the_o alarm_n shall_v be_v sudden_o take_v this_o will_v searce_o be_v do_v unless_o w●_n force_v draw_v out_o of_o tewksbury_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a which_o they_o may_v do_v towards_o ledbury_n and_o be_v near_o enough_o to_o do_v the_o business_n and_o so_o enter_v on_o the_o best_a best_o for_o we_o i_o i_o ne_fw-fr side_n of_o the_o town_n as_o i_o have_v former_o write_v and_o then_o can_v i_o give_v he_o some_o private_a information_n that_o i_o have_v intelligence_n that_o berkley_n will_v tender_v though_o they_o remove_v not_o and_o so_o draw_v he_o out_o in_o who_o absence_n since_o my_o hand_n be_v still_o lame_a i_o must_v keep_v home_o and_o then_o shall_v have_v absolute_a command_n of_o the_o horse_n best_a for_o scout_n and_o shall_v be_v able_a with_o more_o facility_n and_o safety_n to_o do_v the_o business_n with_o as_o much_o speed_n as_o you_o please_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v thereof_o for_o shall_v not_o be_v out_o of_o care_n till_o i_o see_v it_o perfect_v and_o that_o my_o good_a friend_n the_o parliament_n i_o mean_v may_v have_v surth_a experience_n of_o my_o fidelity_n and_o that_o i_o may_v ever_o be_v 17._o jan._n 1643._o your_o servant_n r._n b._n postscript_n sir_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v infinite_a careful_a to_o who_o the_o business_n be_v impart_v and_o let_v i_o in_o charity_n before_o hand_n be-speak_a you_o that_o as_o little_a townsman_n blood_n may_v be_v spill_v in_o the_o entry_n as_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v better_o draw_v after_o where_o cause_n be_v this_o letter_n wrought_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o send_v it_o to_o draw_v they_o on_o at_o the_o west-gate_n and_o best_a gate_n for_o our_o advantage_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o of_o my_o reallitie_n to_o they_o upon_o receit_n whereof_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n send_v i_o this_o letter_n sir_n william_n vavasour_n second_v letter_n sir_n i_o have_v receive_v you_o and_o be_o very_o inclinable_a to_o your_o motion_n of_o draw_v towards_o ledbury_n a_o place_n more_o feazible_a for_o i_o to_o draw_v my_o man_n to_o than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v within_o the_o associate_v county_n the_o commissioner_n can_v pretend_v against_o it_o but_o we_o must_v have_v a_o little_a patience_n until_o the_o contribution_n money_n be_v bring_v in_o for_o my_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o mutiny_v and_o indeed_o will_v not_o march_v without_o money_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o possible_a conveniency_n send_v to_o you_o and_o give_v you_o a_o further_a account_n of_o it_o as_o also_o that_o i_o be_o sir_n 19_o jan._n 1643._o your_o most_o affectionate_a servant_n w._n va._n after_o the_o receipt_n of_o this_o letter_n i_o wait_v to_o hear_v from_o they_o till_o the_o four_o of_o feb._n at_o which_o time_n i_o receive_v these_o two_o letter_n follow_v master_n stanfords_n letter_n dear_a robin_n now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o try_v you_o and_o if_o you_o love_v yourself_o fail_v not_o in_o what_o you_o have_v promise_v for_o if_o you_o do_v believe_v it_o you_o be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o and_o if_o you_o intend_v real_o give_v i_o notice_n by_o this_o bearer_n of_o all_o particular_n concern_v your_o town_n in_o what_o condition_n it_o now_o stand_v and_o in_o so_o do_v you_o will_v prove_v yourself_o that_o which_o i_o ever_o wish_v you_o and_o regain_v i_o to_o be_v your_o friend_n as_o once_o i_o be_v real_a edward_n stanford_n sir_n william_n vavasour_n letter_n sir_n i_o be_o so_o confident_a of_o your_o real_a intention_n that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o follow_v your_o advice_n as_o far_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v sir_n william_n waller_n be_v grow_v so_o strong_a that_o we_o

the_o city_n of_o gloucester_n thereby_o occasion_v the_o draw_v down_o of_o force_n thither_o may_v give_v the_o parliament_n force_v in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o great_a freedom_n to_o execute_v their_o design_n with_o less_o opposition_n 6._o that_o fair_a promise_n may_v allay_v their_o fury_n to_o the_o country_n till_o our_o relief_n come_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o feed_v they_o with_o hard_a meat_n and_o till_o winter_n be_v pass_v that_o army_n be_v fit_a to_o march_v 7._o that_o they_o may_v in_o the_o end_n see_v the_o curse_a and_o shameful_a fruit_n of_o such_o wicked_a invention_n and_o their_o hopeless_a aim_n to_o prevail_v against_o a_o city_n united_n and_o attempt_v no_o more_o so_o evil_a 8._o that_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o world_n may_v know_v that_o the_o officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o the_o gar●ison_n of_o gloucester_n be_v not_o so_o perfidious_a as_o to_o betray_v their_o trust_n to_o dishonour_v themselves_o to_o all_o posterity_n for_o any_o reward_n whatsoever_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o upon_o consultation_n have_v with_o some_o other_o of_o the_o chief_a officer_n of_o the_o garrison_n who_o approve_v thereof_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o the_o business_n without_o impart_v any_o syllable_n of_o my_o mind_n to_o the_o messenger_n but_o by_o give_v of_o this_o answer_n to_o mr._n stanfords_n first_o letter_n sir_n i_o be_o bold_a to_o write_v free_o to_o you_o by_o this_o messenger_n at_o this_o time_n i_o perceive_v your_o desire_n and_o i_o will_v have_v you_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o do_v his_o majesty_n who_o i_o protest_v i_o honour_n with_o my_o soul_n all_o the_o real_a service_n i_o may_v but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o i_o must_v first_o propose_v to_o you_o and_o have_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o first_o swear_a secrecy_n to_o as_o many_o as_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o they_o must_v not_o be_v many_o second_o there_o must_v be_v a_o messenger_n between_o we_o that_o may_v pass_v to_o you_o and_o must_v not_o be_v suspect_v here_o which_o my_o friend_n will_v be_v if_o he_o shall_v come_v often_o and_o this_o messenger_n must_v know_v nothing_o of_o our_o intention_n for_o which_o purpose_n i_o have_v send_v one_o now_o under_o my_o friend_n protection_n to_o who_o you_o must_v procure_v a_o free_a pass_n under_o his_o majesty_n hand_n he_o be_v a_o fellow_n trusty_a to_o i_o and_o dwell_v in_o the_o suburb_n of_o the_o town_n whereby_o he_o may_v come_v home_o without_o suspicion_n let_v i_o hear_v from_o you_o now_o by_o he_o and_o where_o i_o may_v send_v to_o you_o again_o and_o once_o within_o 10._o or_o 12._o day_n you_o shall_v hear_v from_o i_o again_o before_o which_o time_n i_o shall_v consider_v more_o serious_o of_o the_o business_n and_o of_o some_o more_o particular_n then_o in_o so_o short_a time_n as_o the_o stay_n of_o this_o messenger_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o maturity_n sir_n you_o know_v my_o heart_n and_o be_v assure_v i_o be_o and_o will_v be_v sir_n your_o humble_a servant_n in_o all_o i_o may_v 20._o novem._n 1643._o rob_n backhouse_n postscript_n as_o for_o the_o reward_n you_o speak_v of_o you_o know_v my_o estate_n be_v not_o great_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v desire_v you_o as_o my_o approve_a friend_n to_o manage_v it_o so_o as_o that_o i_o may_v be_v assure_v not_o to_o play_v a_o after_o game_n poor_o this_o letter_n be_v show_v unto_o the_o governor_n and_o other_o officer_n privy_a to_o the_o business_n i_o send_v it_o away_o to_o mr._n stanford_n to_o worcester_n who_o return_v i_o this_o letter_n follow_v dated_n 27._o of_o novem._n 2._o letter_n good_a robin_n i_o receive_v much_o contentment_n in_o your_o private_a letter_n in_o the_o desire_n you_o express_v to_o serve_v the_o king_n which_o will_v give_v i_o mean_n of_o do_v you_o much_o good_a your_o two_o request_n shall_v be_v observe_v secrecy_n and_o settle_v a_o safe_a mean_n for_o our_o correspondency_n for_o the_o first_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o body_n acquaint_v with_o it_o but_o the_o best_a friend_n i_o have_v in_o the_o world_n my_o lord_n digby_n who_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a will_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v to_o you_o what_o ever_o you_o shall_v expect_v for_o your_o reward_n as_o when_o you_o shall_v descend_v to_o particular_n of_o the_o service_n you_o will_v do_v and_o what_o you_o desire_v you_o shall_v receive_v a_o engagement_n from_o his_o lordship_n own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o lose_v no_o time_n in_o propose_v for_o the_o mean_n of_o convey_v our_o secret_n do_v you_o appoint_v in_o your_o next_o letter_n by_o this_o bearer_n the_o convenient_a place_n for_o you_o and_o there_o i_o will_v have_v a_o trusty_a fellow_n lie_v leaguer_n to_o receive_v your_o letter_n and_o deliver_v you_o i_o and_o be_v you_o confident_a upon_o my_o word_n and_o faith_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o fail_v in_o what_o shall_v be_v promise_v you_o i_o will_v expect_v your_o answer_n at_o worcester_n on_o wednesday_n and_o lie_v there_o on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v a_o correspondence_n with_o you_o to_o this_o letter_n be_v by_o consent_n as_o former_o return_v this_o answer_n noble_a sir_n the_o reality_n i_o have_v ever_o find_v in_o you_o make_v i_o the_o more_o confident_o to_o rely_v upon_o you_o you_o write_v i_o of_o your_o only_a best_a friend_n that_o you_o will_v sole_o acquaint_v with_o our_o intention_n i_o conceive_v it_o must_v be_v impart_v to_o some_o more_o for_o you_o must_v devise_v and_o set_v the_o way_n among_o yourselves_o you_o know_v my_o command_n be_v of_o the_o horse_n by_o which_o mean_n i_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o introduce_v a_o force_n without_o any_o suspicion_n but_o whence_o such_o force_n shall_v come_v you_o must_v direct_v and_o the_o commander_n of_o such_o force_n must_v needs_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o do_v you_o but_o lay_v the_o plot_n and_o be_v private_a and_o if_o it_o take_v not_o one_o way_n ere_o long_o i_o question_v not_o but_o it_o will_v another_o but_o i_o do_v adventure_v my_o life_n if_o i_o shall_v be_v disclose_v therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o secrecy_n and_o when_o i_o hear_v from_o you_o again_o i_o shall_v return_v you_o a_o answer_n by_o this_o bearer_n which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v least_o suspect_v of_o any_o if_o he_o may_v but_o come_v free_o to_o you_o 29._o novemb_n sir_n your_o real_a servant_n 3_o letter_n the_o first_o of_o decemb._n that_o no_o time_n may_v be_v lose_v i_o receive_v from_o worcester_n this_o 3d._a letter_n from_o the_o same_o master_n stanford_n dear_a robin_n be_v confident_a i_o will_v be_v as_o secret_a as_o you_o can_v desire_v and_o the_o officer_n themselves_o shall_v not_o know_v the_o design_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o propound_v some_o particular_n which_o way_n you_o think_v most_o probable_a and_o leave_v we_o alone_o for_o the_o draw_v down_o of_o force_n i_o shall_v expect_v a_o sudden_a return_n of_o this_o bearer_n with_o some_o particular_n so_o in_o have_v i_o rest_v your_o assure_a love_a friend_n postscript_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o propose_v the_o way_n it_o be_v far_o easy_a for_o you_o to_o set_v it_o down_o then_o for_o we_o to_o imagine_v it_o and_o for_o your_o condition_n name_v they_o and_o i_o will_v undertake_v they_o shall_v be_v perform_v to_o this_o letter_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o confident_a and_o the_o better_a to_o accomplish_v our_o design_n this_o answer_n be_v give_v noble_a sir_n i_o have_v consider_v of_o your_o last_o by_o which_o you_o desire_v my_o conceit_n in_o proposal_n of_o particular_a proposition_n and_o of_o my_o reward_n to_o both_o which_o i_o shall_v thus_o propose_v unto_o you_o to_o present_v to_o more_o mature_a judgement_n 1_o whether_o i_o may_v not_o by_o draw_v out_o my_o troop_n in_o a_o evening_n as_o i_o can_v do_v at_o any_o time_n meet_v with_o your_o force_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o a_o moonshine_n night_n at_o the_o gate_n and_o so_o master_v the_o first_o guard_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v and_o not_o discern_v till_o too_o late_a my_o troop_n be_v above_o 60._o who_o may_v be_v all_o in_o the_o rear_n and_o at_o your_o mercy_n though_o i_o may_v myself_o lead_v in_o the_o force_n which_o can_v give_v the_o alarm_n in_o the_o night_n so_o soon_o as_o to_o prevent_v the_o design_n 2_o whether_o if_o i_o persuade_v the_o governor_n to_o draw_v out_o a_o strong_a party_n of_o foot_n and_o horse_n upon_o some_o design_n to_o lie_v out_o all_o night_n eight_o or_o ten_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o garrison_n as_o i_o know_v i_o can_v do_v and_o i_o myself_o stay_v at_o home_n in_o

such_o a_o confidence_n i_o will_v have_v in_o your_o word_n that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o i_o shall_v have_v receive_v your_o answer_n to_o this_o under_o your_o hand_n it_o shall_v be_v forthwith_o pay_v into_o what_o place_n soever_o you_o shall_v appoint_v or_o to_o what_o person_n as_o for_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o effect_v our_o design_n those_o you_o propose_v be_v very_o rational_a but_o the_o choice_n and_o disposition_n of_o that_o must_v be_v between_o you_o and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o execute_v it_o with_o who_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a you_o shall_v procure_v a_o meeting_n at_o some_o unsuspected_a place_n i_o do_v propose_v unto_o you_o your_o choice_n of_o several_a man_n and_o who_o of_o they_o you_o shall_v like_o best_a and_o think_v fit_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o place_n where_o his_o command_n be_v to_o he_o alone_o and_o no_o other_o business_n shall_v be_v impart_v whether_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n commander_n in_o chief_a of_o the_o force_n now_o ●n_v glocestershire_n or_o colonel_n mynne_n commander_n of_o a_o brigade_n of_o the_o english_a come_v out_o of_o jreland_n or_o colonel_n washington_n who_o be_v at_o evesham_n or_o last_o whether_o ●he_v governor_n of_o berkly_a castle_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o shall_v seed_n i_o a_o answer_n you_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n from_o he_o who_o hope_v you_o will_v so_o behave_v yourself_o as_o to_o make_v i_o your_o assure_a friend_n george_n digby_n oxford_n this_o 14_o of_o decemb._n 1643._o thus_o may_v the_o world_n see_v how_o ignoble_a this_o lord_n will_v engage_v his_o honour_n and_o per●on_n to_o insinuate_v into_o his_o majesty_n favour_n to_o ruin_v a_o kingdom_n to_o betray_v a_o city_n ●nd_v many_o thousand_o innocent_a soul_n into_o merciless_a hand_n and_o to_o make_v i_o a_o man_n ●e_v never_o see_v or_o he_o care_v not_o who_o the_o traitorous_a actor_n thereof_o well_o to_o this_o ●etter_n by_o consent_n as_o before_o be_v give_v this_o answer_n my_o honour_a lord_n i_o have_v receive_v your_o lordship_n and_o have_v consider_v thereof_o and_o your_o lordship_n direction_n suit_n with_o what_o i_o write_v unto_o master_n stanford_n in_o one_o of_o my_o late_a letter_n to_o he_o viz._n that_o the_o commander_n of_o such_o force_n as_o be_v to_o come_v in_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v privy_a to_o the_o design_n as_o touch_v the_o choice_n your_o lordship_n propose_v to_o i_o i_o conceive_v that_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n will_v be_v the_o fit_a man_n 1._o first_o because_o he_o be_v the_o near_a in_o his_o command_n unto_o the_o business_n colonel_n mynne_n be_v twenty_o mile_n off_o lie_v then_o at_o thornbury_n colonel_n washington_n the_o like_a than_o at_o evesham_n the_o governor_n of_o berkly_a fifteen_o and_o of_o a_o inconsiderable_a strength_n there_o but_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n force_n lie_v not_o above_o twelve_o mile_n distant_a then_o at_o ledbury_n and_o have_v strength_n enough_o of_o his_o own_o 2._o he_o may_v best_o come_v to_o the_o garrison_n undiscovered_a there_o be_v towards_o his_o quarter_n no_o suburb_n or_o house_n near_o to_o the_o town_n nor_o other_o out_o guard_v or_o small_a garrison_n in_o his_o way_n whereby_o to_o give_v any_o alarm_n if_o i_o hear_v by_o mr._n stanford_n from_o he_o when_o will_v be_v a_o fit_a time_n for_o he_o i_o shall_v upon_o a_o very_a few_o day_n notice_n comply_v with_o his_o expectation_n as_o mr._n stanford_n and_o i_o shall_v agree_v upon_o all_o circumstance_n with_o who_o i_o hope_v to_o speak_v ere_o long_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v your_o honour_n and_o rest_v 28_o decem._n 1643._o my_o lord_n your_o honour_n most_o humble_a servant_n r._n b._n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v send_v to_o mr._n stanford_n this_o answer_n to_o his_o letter_n sir_n since_o i_o receive_v your_o letter_n i_o have_v receive_v a_o wound_n by_o a_o shot_n in_o my_o hand_n which_o have_v so_o pester_v i_o that_o i_o can_v not_o write_v unto_o you_o soon_o i_o have_v write_v to_o the_o noble_a lord_n digby_n my_o opinion_n as_o by_o the_o enclose_v you_o may_v perceive_v sir_n i_o can_v sudden_o ride_v far_o but_o if_o you_o please_v to_o come_v either_o to_o ledbury_n or_o to_o sir_n john_n winter_n quarter_n you_o may_v then_o in_o any_o evening_n meet_v i_o in_o corslane_n the_o middle_a way_n between_o this_o garrison_n and_o ledbury_n where_o you_o and_o i_o may_v mere_a and_o the_o moon_n not_o know_v thereof_o if_o you_o so_o think_v fit_a and_o shall_v appoint_v a_o hour_n i_o shall_v not_o miss_v you_o a_o minute_n for_o into_o your_o hand_n i_o dare_v throw_v myself_o with_o freedom_n though_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o trust_v any_o other_o i_o know_v not_o either_o with_o my_o person_n or_o secret_a sir_n as_o for_o my_o satisfaction_n i_o be_o satisfy_v with_o my_o lord_n engagement_n for_o the_o main_a and_o i_o shall_v expect_v the_o three_o hundred_o pound_n promise_v in_o hand_n for_o the_o reason_n in_o my_o last_o letter_n express_v to_o be_v send_v i_o by_o this_o bearer_n with_o who_o you_o may_v in_o this_o case_n send_v a_o convoy_n of_o eight_o or_o ten_o good_a horse_n as_o far_o as_o corslane_n without_o any_o fear_n of_o we_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v safe_a 〈◊〉_d refer_v the_o business_n to_o your_o manage_n assure_v you_o confident_o that_o i_o be_o your_o most_o humble_a servant_n r._n b._n postscript_n sir_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v careful_a of_o these_o letter_n and_o as_o secret_a as_o the_o night_n or_o i_o must_v perish_v miserable_o these_o two_o letter_n be_v dispatch_v away_o to_o worcester_n they_o wrought_v according_a to_o our_o desire_n a_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o my_o reality_n to_o accomplish_v their_o wicked_a design_n whereupon_o january_n the_o second_o i_o receive_v this_o letter_n follow_v from_o master_n stanford_n the_o seven_o letter_n dear_o robin_n i_o be_o so_o desirous_a of_o your_o good_a which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o your_o promise_n that_o i_o be_o a_o little_a fearful_a of_o do_v any_o act_n till_o it_o have_v be_v debate_v twice_o or_o thrice_o between_o we_o lest_o it_o may_v hinder_v the_o good_a service_n you_o intend_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a you_o absolute_o resolve_v to_o perform_v and_o be_v assure_v this_o it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o oblige_v they_o you_o serve_v to_o gain_v so_o much_o for_o your_o own_o advantage_n as_o you_o may_v the_o king_n by_o go_v through_o with_o this_o business_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o a_o condition_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n able_a scarce_o to_o promise_v you_o so_o great_a reward_n as_o here_o you_o shall_v assure_o receive_v now_o dear_a robin_n i_o shall_v tell_v you_o my_o mind_n first_o concern_v the_o money_n i_o conceive_v it_o most_o unsafe_a and_o whole_o unnecessary_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v bring_v it_o safe_a without_o a_o convoy_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o way_n and_o how_o easy_a that_o may_v be_v discover_v i_o leave_v to_o you_o to_o judge_v second_o you_o can_v dispose_v of_o it_o to_o they_o you_o intend_v without_o discovery_n the_o business_n be_v sudden_o to_o be_v execute_v the_o money_n i_o have_v ready_a but_o i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o pay_v it_o to_o some_o friend_n of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o direction_n by_o way_n of_o return_n but_o for_o fifty_o or_o one_o hundred_o pound_n i_o think_v we_o may_v venture_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v you_o may_v pretend_v you_o be_v to_o send_v i_o a_o coach_n and_o horse_n for_o it_o three_o for_o my_o meeting_n you_o it_o will_v be_v unnecessary_a till_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n return_n from_o bristol_n with_o more_o force_n four_o that_o you_o must_v appoint_v some_o other_o place_n for_o our_o meeting_n in_o regard_n of_o sir_n john_n winter_n lie_v at_o newnham_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o he_o that_o will_v ever_o be_v your_o affectionate_a friend_n e.s._n 2_o jan._n 1643._o to_o this_o letter_n be_v give_v this_o answer_n dear_a sir_n i_o send_v on_o wednesday_n last_o to_o you_o but_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o messenger_n i_o fear_v his_o take_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v i_o pray_v your_o care_n for_o his_o enlargement_n you_o write_v i_o that_o you_o conceive_v it_o unnecessary_a as_o yet_o to_o meet_v i_o and_o the_o place_n unfit_a any_o place_n be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o but_o that_o place_n from_o ledbury_n be_v a_o indifferent_a place_n and_o free_a from_o suspicion_n either_o by_o day_n or_o by_o night_n that_o therefore_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o you_o when_o and_o where_o to_o meet_v i_o will_v bring_v no_o soul_n with_o i_o but_o ride_v without_o sword_n or_o pistol_n as_o to_o take_v the_o air_n let_v

write_v that_o answer_n shall_v be_v send_v by_o sir_n john_n assoon_o as_o he_o come_v home_o of_o which_o i_o have_v yet_o hear_v nothing_o by_o which_o we_o clear_o conceive_v the_o business_n to_o be_v desert_v by_o they_o now_o let_v the_o world_n judge_n whether_o these_o seduce_a enemy_n have_v not_o be_v fit_o serve_v in_o their_o own_o kind_n as_o they_o like_v this_o let_v they_o attempt_v to_o fasten_v their_o doctrine_n of_o fallere_fw-la fallentem_fw-la upon_o i_o again_o no_o let_v the_o deformity_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o rest_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o preach_v it_o who_o deem_v other_o like_o unto_o themselves_o but_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o neither_o hope_n of_o honour_n which_o be_v but_o a_o puff_n nor_o hope_v of_o gain_n which_o be_v uncertain_a when_o attain_v and_o sordid_a in_o such_o achievement_n nor_o the_o fawn_a of_o such_o friend_n who_o aim_v at_o their_o own_o end_n nor_o any_o other_o sinister_a unworthy_a end_n shall_v ever_o prevail_v with_o i_o to_o undertake_v any_o ignoble_a action_n much_o less_o any_o such_o action_n as_o this_o as_o to_o perjure_v myself_o with_o god_n have_v take_v several_a oath_n and_o protestation_n to_o the_o contrary_a no_o the_o ransom_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v of_o high_a value_n with_o i_o to_o betray_v my_o religion_n the_o most_o hopeful_a legacy_n i_o can_v leave_v to_o my_o posterity_n to_o betray_v my_o country_n with_o the_o law_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o arbitrary_a power_n or_o tyranny_n and_o instead_o thereof_o to_o procure_v a_o never-dying_a curse_n from_o all_o succeed_a generation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n to_o betray_v my_o trust_n so_o great_a a_o trust_n commit_v unto_o i_o by_o so_o great_a and_o worthy_a personage_n as_o the_o patron_n and_o by_o god_n blessing_n the_o preserver_n of_o three_o famous_a kingdom_n to_o deny_v my_o own_o hand_n which_o i_o solemn_o subscribe_v with_o other_o faithful_a commander_n in_o this_o garrison_n avow_v unto_o the_o herald_n send_v by_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n to_o maintain_v our_o fidelity_n to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o our_o blood_n to_o render_v myself_o unworthy_a of_o such_o unspeakable_a and_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o i_o among_o other_o receive_v in_o the_o late_a siege_n from_o the_o almighty_a hand_n of_o god_n thereby_o render_v myself_o not_o only_o unfit_a for_o future_a mercy_n but_o the_o most_o ingrateful_a wretch_n among_o man_n to_o sell_v myself_o to_o work_v so_o horrid_a wickedness_n to_o betray_v myself_o my_o wife_n and_o family_n my_o friend_n kindred_n and_o dear_a acquaintance_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o bloodthirsty_a cruel_a and_o numercifull_a people_n to_o make_v myself_o guilty_a not_o only_o of_o all_o the_o blood_n that_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v spill_v in_o the_o force_n and_o sack_n of_o so_o famous_a a_o city_n but_o of_o my_o own_o blood_n also_o for_o their_o wisdom_n have_v be_v more_o see_v if_o they_o have_v kill_v i_o to_o have_v save_v the_o two_o thousand_o pound_n they_o be_v engage_v for_o then_o either_o it_o or_o their_o honesty_n be_v in_o attempt_v to_o seduce_v i_o to_o make_v i_o their_o instrument_n in_o so_o foul_a a_o plot_n and_o to_o chronicle_v my_o name_n among_o the_o register_n of_o arch-traytor_n to_o all_o posterity_n no_o my_o prayer_n my_o heart_n and_o hand_n shall_v ever_o be_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n wherein_o if_o i_o sacrifice_v my_o life_n and_o for_o tune_n i_o doubt_v not_o of_o my_o reward_n with_o advantage_n and_o let_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n who_o great_a work_n be_v now_o in_o hand_n prosper_v his_o true_a and_o faithful_a servant_n his_o instrument_n in_o the_o further_a thereof_o but_o let_v his_o enemy_n perish_v and_o be_v confound_v in_o all_o such_o their_o treacherous_a design_n and_o let_v all_o those_o that_o wish_v well_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v with_o we_o at_o the_o benefit_n that_o have_v accrue_v unto_o the_o same_o by_o embrace_v of_o this_o business_n of_o which_o we_o be_v here_o right_a sensible_a and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n herein_o before_o express_v and_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v first_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v accept_v this_o be_v the_o whole_a truth_n the_o matter_n itself_o do_v sufficient_o vindicate_v my_o integrity_n who_o neither_o devise_v nor_o act_v any_o part_n without_o consent_n and_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o public_a service_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o action_n on_o my_o part_n so_o much_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o it_o be_v just_a upon_o they_o if_o they_o have_v all_o perish_v in_o the_o design_n they_o be_v condemn_v by_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o the_o law_n of_o like_a for_o like_v but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o like_a deceit_n may_v be_v retort_v upon_o they_o in_o this_o case_n by_o one_o who_o strive_v to_o maintain_v the_o repute_n of_o sincerity_n concern_v which_o let_v wise_a man_n judge_v first_o i_o never_o pass_v myself_o over_o to_o they_o by_o any_o oath_n or_o protestation_n which_o alone_o admit_v of_o no_o equivocation_n and_o without_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o trust_n than_o whatsoever_o i_o promise_v be_v make_v good_a but_o with_o a_o cross_a intention_n and_o to_o a_o contrary_a end_n upon_o which_o ground_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o may_v not_o feed_v they_o with_o vain_a hope_n when_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o the_o colour_n of_o a_o action_n i_o may_v lawful_o deceive_v the_o enemy_n into_o a_o snare_n so_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o i_o shall_v stand_v rectus_fw-la in_o curia_fw-la and_o if_o not_o commend_v yet_o at_o least_o acquit_v in_o the_o court_n of_o honour_n and_o whereas_o i_o have_v be_v traduce_v for_o a_o traitor_n as_o hold_v correspondence_n with_o the_o enemy_n beside_o that_o satisfaction_n which_o this_o relation_n can_v give_v i_o this_o declare_v myself_o i_o be_o assure_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n religion_n and_o liberty_n i_o be_o assure_v of_o the_o extreme_a necessity_n that_o put_v the_o state_n upon_o this_o forcible_a mean_n and_o way_n of_o resistance_n i_o be_o assure_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o war_n on_o our_o part_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o such_o thought_n be_v the_o strong_a assurance_n of_o fidelity_n if_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v lay_v open_a but_o because_o hypocrisy_n may_v be_v cover_v with_o a_o fair_a varnish_n there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o confidence_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n or_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o give_v you_o a_o clear_a testimony_n although_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v to_o what_o centre_n my_o thought_n incline_v and_o move_v yet_o all_o conclude_v that_o according_a to_o the_o 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