the_o oppress_a man_n outcry_n or_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o john_n hedworth_n of_o harraton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o durham_n esq_n the_o 13_o sept._n 1651._o unto_o the_o honourable_a sir_n henry_n vane_n the_o elder_a a_o member_n of_o the_o honourable_a parliament_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n william_n vane_n his_o son_n lieut._n col._n paul_n hobson_n and_o john_n middleton_n esq_n member_n of_o the_o com._n of_o the_o militia_n of_o the_o county_n of_o durham_n by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n honourable_a &_o worthy_a gentleman_n the_o great_a lord_n jehovah_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n in_o scripture_n be_v style_v a_o god_n of_o compassion_n and_o of_o truth_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o hearer_n of_o the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o oppress_v who_o in_o scripture_n have_v full_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o angry_a and_o severe_a judge_n and_o punisher_n of_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n yea_o and_o of_o those_o that_o shut_v their_o ear_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o the_o mournful_a pitiful_a and_o just_a complaint_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o distress_a and_o he_o by_o his_o special_a providence_n have_v put_v power_n authority_n &_o magistracy_n into_o your_o hand_n be_v member_n of_o that_o committee_n that_o have_v the_o chief_a command_n of_o this_o county_n under_o the_o parliament_n the_o supreme_a at_o your_o beck_n and_o therefore_o by_o he_o in_o scripture_n be_v style_v god_n upon_o earth_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v like_o he_o not_o only_o in_o tender_a compassion_n and_o mercy_n but_o also_o in_o truth_n and_o justice_n and_o hearer_n of_o the_o sigh_n groan_n and_o mournful_a lamentation_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o oppress_v in_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o which_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o cry_v out_o unto_o you_o and_o acquaint_v you_o that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n and_o heir_n of_o a_o decease_a knight_n sir_n john_n hedworth_n who_o be_v lord_n owner_n or_o proprietor_n of_o the_o land_n of_o harraton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o durham_n and_o all_o the_o coal_n mine_n thereof_o or_o thereunto_o belong_v and_o leave_v they_o unto_o i_o by_o a_o ancient_a and_o unblemished_a entail_n as_o strong_a as_o the_o law_n of_o england_n my_o undoubted_a birthright_n can_v make_v any_o as_o his_o elder_a son_n and_o heir_n and_o be_v by_o his_o decease_n leave_v young_a in_o year_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o support_n of_o powerful_a friend_n and_o ally_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o every_o devour_a wolf_n or_o greedy_a great_a man_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o covetous_a eye_n to_o that_o inheritance_n that_o my_o forefather_n strong_o and_o legal_o entail_v upon_o my_o father_n and_o myself_o and_o it_o be_v my_o unhappy_a fate_n to_o live_v in_o the_o age_n wherein_o sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n become_v governor_n of_o new_a castle_n a_o man_n of_o a_o high_a and_o covetous_a spirit_n the_o whole_a county_n of_o durham_n be_v as_o by_o his_o constant_a action_n he_o declare_v too_o little_a in_o revenue_n to_o satisfy_v or_o content_v his_o greedy_a appetite_n and_o a_o man_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o his_o own_o perverse_a will_n and_o sword_n who_o cast_v more_o than_o a_o ahab'_v eye_n upon_o my_o poor_a vineyard_n at_o harraton_n abhor_v to_o be_v so_o righteous_a unto_o i_o as_o wicked_a ahab_n desire_v and_o proffer_v to_o be_v to_o poor_a naboth_n who_o proffer_v he_o for_o his_o vineyard_n the_o worth_n of_o it_o in_o money_n or_o a_o better_a for_o it_o but_o sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n find_v my_o land_n and_o coal_n mine_n at_o harraton_n be_v profitable_a and_o pleasant_a and_o lay_v commodious_a for_o he_o to_o add_v to_o his_o new_o comb_a by_o great_a estate_n yet_o though_o he_o be_v inferior_a in_o power_n to_o ahab_n a_o king_n will_v be_v more_o unrighteous_a in_o practice_n to_o i_o than_o he_o be_v to_o poor_a naboth_n and_o therefore_o will_v take_v from_o i_o my_o colyery_n and_o land_n yea_o and_o my_o cattle_n too_o and_o that_o without_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o proffer_v i_o as_o good_a for_o they_o in_o exchange_n or_o the_o worth_n of_o they_o in_o money_n or_o so_o much_o as_o one_o penny_n for_o they_o in_o consideration_n yea_o or_o that_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o set_v up_o &_o legal_o produce_v the_o least_o shadow_n or_o pretence_n of_o title_n against_o i_o more_o than_o his_o will_n pleasure_n and_o sword_n yea_o and_o to_o aggravate_v his_o covetousness_n and_o tyranny_n exercise_v to_o the_o height_n against_o i_o he_o will_v not_o only_o take_v my_o inheritance_n good_n &_o cattle_n from_o i_o for_o nothing_o by_o his_o will_n but_o he_o will_v do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v leave_v destitute_a for_o ever_o hereafter_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o friend_n to_o recover_v it_o &_o therefore_o he_o will_v total_o destroy_v and_o crush_v to_o piece_n not_o only_o in_o estate_n but_o also_o in_o good_a name_n which_o to_o a_o honest_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o much_o sweet_a ointment_n my_o father_n in_o law_n m._n george_n grey_n and_o my_o old_a friend_n m._n george_n lilburn_n thereby_o for_o ever_o hope_v to_o deter_v any_o man_n of_o power_n or_o interest_n in_o the_o least_o to_o meddle_v with_o i_o to_o help_v to_o ease_v or_o redress_v i_o and_o all_o this_o do_v unto_o i_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o righteous_a and_o just_a god_n be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n in_o power_n and_o majesty_n to_o destroy_v king_n and_o prince_n and_o the_o great_a of_o their_o follower_n for_o tyranny_n injustice_n and_o oppression_n yea_o and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n his_o master_n have_v raise_v and_o maintain_v a_o bloody_a and_o costly_a war_n declare_o to_o defend_v the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o they_o themselves_o execute_v severe_a justice_n for_o secret_a transgression_n do_v in_o hole_n and_o corner_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n witness_v my_o lord_n howard_n bribery_n and_o that_o sir_n arthur_n have_v oppress_v i_o and_o take_v from_o i_o and_o my_o tenant_n my_o estate_n be_v evident_a 1._o as_o to_o my_o coal_n mine_n the_o profit_n of_o which_o he_o and_o he_o under_o commissioner_n in_o their_o certificate_n print_v in_o lieutenant_n colonel_n john_n lilburn_n letter_n to_o four_o of_o the_o commissioner_n at_o haberdasher_n hall_n date_v the_o 30_o of_o july_n 1651._o pag._n 11._o line_n 3_o &_o 4_o have_v value_v it_o at_o fifteen_o pound_n a_o day_n in_o clear_a profit_n which_o by_o the_o year_n at_o that_o rate_n reckon_v 365_o day_n to_o the_o year_n amount_v to_o full_a 5475_o l._n per_fw-la a_o the_o high_a injustice_n and_o tyranny_n in_o his_o take_n away_o of_o which_o and_o still_o with_o a_o high_a and_o strong_a hand_n as_o unjust_o detain_v of_o it_o be_v so_o full_o set_v out_o &_o prove_v in_o authentic_a record_n in_o the_o forementioned_a print_v epistle_n especial_o in_o my_o tenant_n m._n josiah_n primate_fw-la petition_n to_o the_o parliament_n deliver_v at_o their_o door_n in_o print_n to_o their_o member_n upon_o the_o 22_o of_o july_n 1651._o and_o record_v there_o pag._n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o that_o i_o need_v now_o say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o but_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o say_a epistle_n one_o of_o which_o i_o make_v bold_a herewith_o humble_o to_o present_v unto_o you_o all_o for_o your_o serious_a and_o careful_a perusal_n 2._o he_o and_z his_o under_o commissioner_n have_v as_o arbitrary_o and_o tyrannical_o take_v away_o from_o i_o almost_o three_o hundred_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la of_o my_o land_n of_o inheritance_n at_o harraton_n and_o have_v let_v both_o collieery_a and_o land_n to_o colonel_n hacker_n lieutenant_n colonel_n mayor_n major_a tolhurst_n or_o other_o of_o his_o officer_n and_o soldier_n of_o which_o land_n i_o be_v be_v neither_o papist_n nor_o delinquent_n in_o legal_a and_o quiet_a possession_n for_o about_o three_o year_n together_o before_o they_o pretend_v to_o sequester_v it_o from_o i_o and_o although_o i_o have_v a_o order_n date_v the_o 12_o of_o july_n 1650._o record_v in_o the_o 29_o page_n of_o the_o foresay_a epistle_n that_o require_v that_o in_o case_n i_o be_v in_o actual_a possession_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o sequester_v my_o say_a land_n and_o be_v no_o papist_n nor_o delinquent_n that_o then_o i_o shall_v be_v restore_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o durham_n to_o the_o possession_n take_v from_o i_o giving_z security_n to_o be_v responsible_a for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o estate_n in_o case_n it_o shall_v not_o prove_v i_o and_o although_o there_o be_v never_o any_o
pretence_n of_o my_o be_v either_o papist_n or_o delinquent_n lay_v unto_o my_o charge_n and_o although_o i_o have_v full_o prove_v by_o authentic_a witness_n viz._n m._n john_n clifton_n of_o gateshead_n and_o m._n thomas_n petty_a of_o durham_n record_v in_o the_o say_a epistle_n pag._n 28._o that_o i_o be_v in_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o the_o say_a land_n at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v sequester_v yet_o will_v not_o sir_n arthur_n suffer_v the_o commissioner_n of_o sequestration_n of_o durham_n to_o obey_v the_o say_a order_n or_o do_v i_o any_o manner_n of_o justice_n or_o right_n but_o instead_o thereof_o have_v command_v one_o of_o they_o viz._n col._n francis_n wren_n to_o go_v to_o the_o judge_n of_o assize_n and_o command_v they_o from_o he_o to_o suffer_v i_o to_o have_v no_o benefit_n nor_o privilege_n of_o the_o law_n of_o england_n my_o grand_a and_o undoubted_a inheritance_n and_o birthright_n 3._o sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n and_o his_o say_v under_o commissioner_n who_o be_v sole_o at_o his_o beck_n and_o command_n and_o dare_v do_v nothing_o against_o his_o will_n and_o direction_n have_v most_o illegal_o arbitrary_o and_o tyrannical_o rob_v and_o take_v from_o i_o almost_o sixty_o head_n of_o my_o cattle_n some_o of_o which_o be_v well_o worth_a seven_o or_o eight_o pound_n a_o piece_n i_o have_v be_v bid_v for_o ten_o ox_n then_o of_o that_o number_n seven_o pound_n a_o piece_n ready_a money_n and_o six_o more_o of_o they_o be_v stot_n for_o some_o of_o which_o i_o be_v bid_v five_o pound_n a_o piece_n and_o these_o they_o take_v from_o i_o be_v my_o own_o proper_a good_n and_o no_o manselse_n in_o the_o world_n neither_o direct_o nor_o indirect_o and_o my_o absolute_a propriety_n in_o they_o all_o i_o have_v full_o prove_v by_o legal_a testimony_n copy_n of_o who_o deposition_n be_v record_v in_o the_o foresay_a epistle_n pag._n 33_o 34_o 35._o the_o height_n of_o who_o injustice_n to_o i_o in_o the_o two_o last_o particular_n of_o my_o land_n and_o cattle_n i_o can_v to_o your_o honour_n better_o set_v forth_o then_o be_v already_o do_v in_o my_o print_a petition_n deliver_v to_o the_o parliament_n upon_o july_n 23._o 1651._o and_o record_v in_o the_o foresay_a epistle_n pag._n 31_o 32_o 33._o to_o which_o i_o humble_o refer_v you_o all_o which_o cattle_n i_o value_v at_o three_o hundred_o pound_n it_o be_v true_a they_o pretend_v they_o be_v my_o father_n grey_n which_o if_o they_o be_v as_o in_o the_o least_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o almost_o twelve_o month_n before_o yet_o he_o be_v neither_o papist_n or_o delinquent_n but_o be_v and_o have_v be_v a_o zealous_a active_a well_o affect_v parliamenteer_v and_o a_o committee_n man_n for_o divers_a year_n together_o unspotted_a and_o unblemished_a as_o be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o you_o all_o four_o but_o far_o they_o say_v my_o father_n grey_n ought_v one_o john_n jackson_n a_o delinquent_n money_n who_o have_v not_o pay_v his_o composition_n what_o be_v that_o to_o i_o but_o fullier_n to_o answer_v that_o i_o say_v my_o father_n grey_n aver_v he_o owe_v he_o never_o a_o penny_n nor_o never_o buy_v nor_o sell_v with_o he_o in_o his_o life_n for_o two_o penny_n nor_o never_o take_v no_o land_n of_o he_o nor_o coal_n pit_n nor_o no_o such_o like_a thing_n but_o its_o true_a he_o confess_v he_o take_v land_n of_o his_o brother_n william_n jackson_n who_o have_v a_o legal_a right_n to_o let_v it_o for_o the_o payment_n of_o his_o portion_n and_o his_o sister_n who_o have_v a_o decree_n in_o chancery_n in_o 1639_o to_o authorise_v he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o county_n of_o durham_n to_o enable_v he_o so_o to_o do_v which_o order_n be_v procure_v and_o obtain_v by_o the_o special_a desire_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o say_v john_n jackson_n when_o his_o land_n be_v under_o sequestration_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o have_v the_o say_a sir_n arthur_n hesilrigg_n and_o his_o obedient_a creature_n by_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n take_v the_o say_a land_n from_o the_o say_v william_n jackson_n who_o be_v neither_o papist_n nor_o delinquent_n and_o his_o sister_n and_o confer_v it_o upon_o the_o say_a delinquent_n john_n jackson_n who_o have_v no_o present_a right_n to_o it_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v yet_o alive_a be_v ready_a to_o famish_v and_o starve_v through_o poverty_n and_o want_n but_o may_v it_o please_v your_o honour_n admit_v the_o say_v cattle_n that_o i_o aver_v be_v i_o have_v be_v my_o father_n grey_n and_o admit_v the_o say_v john_n jackson_n the_o delinquent_n have_v pretend_v my_o father_n have_v owe_v he_o money_n yet_o upon_o what_o ground_n of_o reason_n or_o law_n have_v the_o commissioner_n at_o durham_n to_o believe_v the_o say_a jackson_n a_o delinquent_n bare_a averment_n before_o my_o father_n in_o law_n who_o be_v no_o delinquent_n but_o every_o way_n a_o honest_a man_n but_o i_o far_o answer_v john_n jackson_n the_o delinquent_n have_v compound_v and_o actual_o get_v off_o his_o sequestration_n about_o a_o year_n before_o the_o take_v away_o my_o cattle_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la and_o if_o any_o man_n owe_v he_o money_n his_o just_a and_o regular_a way_n be_v to_o go_v to_o law_n for_o it_o and_o there_o recover_v it_o as_o other_o english_a people_n do_v and_o not_o for_o sir_n arthur_n and_o his_o commissioner_n to_o be_v their_o own_o carver_n to_o make_v that_o a_o pretence_n to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v those_o who_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n so_o to_o do_v unto_o under_o pretence_n they_o owe_v a_o compound_v delinquent_n money_n which_o if_o they_o do_v yet_o have_v sir_n arthur_n and_o his_o commissioner_n neither_o by_o law_n nor_o ordinance_n any_o power_n at_o all_o to_o drive_v their_o good_n half_o starve_v they_o and_o then_o sell_v they_o at_o most_o for_o half_a the_o price_n of_o their_o first_o worth_n and_o do_v with_o the_o money_n what_o they_o please_v as_o with_o i_o in_o my_o present_a case_n they_o do_v nay_o although_o the_o say_v john_n jackson_n have_v not_o pay_v in_o all_o his_o composition_n yet_o neither_o by_o law_n nor_o ordinance_n they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o seize_v and_o sell_v the_o good_n of_o those_o that_o real_o owe_v he_o money_n much_o less_o of_o those_o that_o he_o only_o pretend_v owe_v he_o money_n much_o less_o can_v they_o seize_v and_o sell_v the_o good_n of_o those_o that_o he_o never_o pretend_v owe_v he_o a_o penny_n which_o be_v my_o case_n for_o their_o regular_a and_o legal_a course_n in_o case_n of_o his_o wilful_a or_o negligent_a non-paiment_n of_o his_o fine_a have_v be_v to_o have_v re-sequestred_n his_o land_n again_o but_o this_o high_a piece_n of_o injustice_n as_o well_o to_o my_o father_n grey_n as_o myself_o he_o assure_v i_o he_o will_v particular_o and_o full_o anatomize_v in_o print_n and_o therefore_o to_o he_o i_o now_o leave_v this_o and_o all_o the_o other_o and_o many_o oppression_n and_o wrong_n by_o sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n which_o i_o believe_v the_o world_n will_v short_o see_v in_o print_n by_o he_o in_o their_o colour_n 4._o i_o beseech_v you_o observe_v here_o be_v to_o i_o out_o of_o my_o colliery_a lose_a 40_o s._n a_o week_n and_o 10_o l._n at_o christmas_n and_o 10_o l._n at_o easter_n for_o two_o year_n amount_n to_o 248_o l._n beside_o lose_v out_o of_o my_o land_n at_o 300_o l_o per_fw-la annum_fw-la or_o thereabouts_o for_o 1¾_n of_o a_o year_n come_v to_o 575_o l._n lose_v by_o my_o say_a cattle_n 300_o l._n all_o three_o of_o which_o put_v together_o come_v to_o 1123_o l_o beside_o in_o several_a posting_n and_o other_o journey_n to_o london_n charge_n stay_v there_o fee_n to_o lawyer_n and_o solicitor_n with_o clerk_n fee_n for_o order_n etc._n etc._n charge_n for_o witness_n several_a time_n to_o london_n and_o durham_n and_o many_o other_o incident_a charge_n depend_v upon_o my_o almost_o two_o year_n trouble_n above_o 300_o l._n for_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o it_o one_o journey_n to_o london_n and_o charge_n there_o cost_v i_o above_o three_o score_n pound_n beside_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o time_n for_o the_o say_v almost_o two_o year_n and_o improvement_n of_o my_o stock_n and_o land_n with_o the_o denial_n of_o i_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o law_n and_o thereby_o with_o other_o ingredient_n the_o loss_n unto_o i_o of_o many_o opportunity_n i_o have_v have_v to_o regain_a and_o possess_v several_a large_a parcel_n of_o my_o inheritance_n at_o sunderland_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o make_v i_o poor_a and_o low_a and_o force_v i_o
the_o mean_a messenger_n in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o engage_v to_o he_o to_o leave_v all_o his_o business_n in_o the_o north_n and_o to_o come_v post_n to_o the_o house_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a book_n with_o his_o life_n and_o far_o tell_v the_o speaker_n that_o see_v in_o ordinary_a way_n he_o and_o his_o friend_n can_v get_v no_o justice_n against_o sir_n arthur_n he_o intend_v to_o go_v to_o the_o general_n to_o scotland_n and_o as_o sir_n arthur_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o army_n be_v a_o colonel_n of_o a_o regiment_n and_o governor_n of_o a_o garrison_n under_o the_o general_n power_n he_o be_v resolve_v at_o a_o council_n of_o war_n to_o article_n against_o he_o and_o he_o be_v confident_a they_o will_v hear_v he_o and_o do_v he_o right_o the_o first_o part_n of_o which_o he_o tell_v i_o he_o acquaint_v the_o lord_n grey_n of_o growby_n with_o and_o earnest_o beg_v of_o he_o in_o case_n the_o say_a book_n be_v question_v at_o the_o council_n of_o state_n that_o he_o will_v answer_v for_o he_o as_o he_o have_v entreat_v the_o speaker_n to_o do_v in_o the_o parliament_n and_o he_o far_o tell_v i_o that_o before_o he_o take_v horse_n at_o london_n he_o go_v to_o haberdasher_n hall_n and_o give_v and_o cause_v his_o book_n to_o be_v give_v away_o in_o the_o very_a face_n of_o the_o commissioner_n there_o and_o their_o officer_n and_o that_o when_o he_o take_v his_o journey_n he_o bring_v many_o of_o the_o say_a book_n along_o with_o he_o and_o at_o all_o or_o most_o place_n where_o he_o come_v give_v away_o the_o say_a book_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o his_o own_o and_o have_v but_o one_o leave_v at_o york_n at_o the_o post_n master_v there_o m._n pearson_n sir_n arthur_n hesilrigs_fw-mi clerk_n or_o secretary_n come_v into_o his_o room_n about_o twelve_o a_o clock_n at_o night_n and_o he_o pull_v one_o of_o the_o say_a book_n out_o of_o his_o pocket_n and_o to_o m._n pearson_n face_n own_v it_o for_o he_o and_o read_v he_o some_o of_o the_o smart_a passage_n in_o it_o and_o tell_v he_o he_o have_v but_o one_o of_o many_o of_o they_o leave_v or_o else_o he_o will_v have_v give_v it_o he_o to_o give_v to_o sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n but_o be_v he_o have_v but_o one_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o keep_v it_o till_o the_o morning_n and_o give_v it_o to_o his_o noble_a and_o honour_a friend_n m._n luke_n robinson_n the_o parliament_n man_n and_o do_v so_o and_o entreat_v he_o serious_o to_o read_v it_o all_o over_o and_o as_o his_o book_n to_o show_v it_o if_o he_o please_v to_o baron_n thorp_n then_o in_o person_n at_o his_o inn_n and_o also_o he_o far_o tell_v i_o that_o at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o county_n of_o durham_n he_o wait_v upon_o the_o general_n at_o his_o quarter_n at_o branspeth_n on_o purpose_n about_o it_o have_v left_a order_n at_o london_n to_o send_v several_a of_o they_o to_o the_o general_n and_o the_o chief_a officer_n of_o the_o army_n into_o scotland_n which_o arrive_v safe_a in_o their_o hand_n at_o scotland_n but_o the_o general_n be_v very_o busy_a and_o ready_a to_o march_v from_o branspeth_n he_o can_v have_v no_o time_n to_o speak_v with_o he_o about_o it_o but_o inquire_v after_o it_o of_o some_o of_o his_o principal_a officer_n who_o tell_v he_o the_o general_n have_v see_v it_o and_o as_o they_o think_v have_v read_v it_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v some_o discourse_n betwixt_o he_o and_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a officer_n about_o it_o some_o in_o the_o army_n apprehend_v the_o thing_n lay_v to_o sir_n arthur_n charge_n to_o be_v very_o foul_a and_o base_a press_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fair_a hear_n of_o it_o at_o a_o council_n of_o war_n which_o be_v promise_v after_o their_o great_a business_n be_v over_o at_o which_o tiding_n the_o lieut._n col._n be_v very_o glad_a and_o engage_v upon_o his_o life_n to_o make_v his_o say_a book_n good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v have_v get_v a_o new_a recruit_v he_o give_v some_o of_o they_o away_o as_o his_o book_n upon_o the_o very_a place_n to_o some_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o army_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o lieu._n col._n tell_v i_o since_o his_o come_n from_o london_n his_o letter_n tell_v he_o he_o be_v post_v up_o public_o as_o he_o believe_v by_o some_o of_o sir_n arthur_n agent_n on_o purpose_n to_o disgrace_v he_o for_o run_v away_o for_o print_v the_o say_a book_n which_o he_o dare_v not_o own_o and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v bring_v he_o in_o he_o shall_v have_v 700_o l._n for_o his_o pain_n and_o by_o other_o as_o he_o believe_v of_o the_o same_o agent_n he_o be_v public_o in_o london_n post_v up_o for_o run_v away_o to_o the_o king_n of_o scotland_n with_o 500_o horse_n and_o if_o any_o can_v bring_v he_o in_o they_o be_v proffer_v 500_o l._n for_o their_o pain_n but_o full_o understand_v by_o the_o say_v lieu._n col._n how_o my_o business_n be_v above_o and_o how_o little_a hope_n there_o be_v to_o get_v any_o speedy_a remedy_n there_o &_o fear_v the_o length_n of_o time_n of_o get_v a_o hear_n in_o the_o army_n will_v be_v too_o long_o for_o my_o press_a necessity_n to_o stay_v they_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n take_v all_o that_o ever_o i_o have_v in_o the_o world_n from_o i_o and_o allow_v i_o not_o one_o penny_n to_o live_v on_o out_o of_o my_o estate_n so_o that_o if_o i_o have_v not_o some_o true_a friend_n to_o help_v i_o ay_o my_o wife_n and_o small_a child_n for_o any_o thing_n they_o afford_v i_o may_v either_o starve_v or_o beg_v and_o beside_o they_o suffer_v my_o house_n to_o be_v so_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v down_o upon_o the_o ground_n and_o force_v i_o to_o hire_v my_o own_o ground_n of_o they_o to_o put_v in_o some_o cow_n to_o give_v a_o little_a milk_n to_o feed_v my_o poor_a young_a babe_n and_o my_o mother_n and_o her_o daughter_n be_v in_o the_o like_a case_n they_o have_v not_o for_o almost_o two_o year_n receive_v 30_o l._n from_o they_o to_o buy_v they_o bread_n although_o my_o mother_n title_n have_v be_v the_o chief_a that_o sometime_o they_o have_v set_v up_o to_o sequester_v the_o most_o of_o it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o her_o recusancy_n and_o therefore_o whether_o she_o have_v a_o title_n or_o not_o yet_o they_o sequester_v it_o upon_o that_o pretence_n they_o ought_v by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n to_o allow_v she_o the_o three_o out_o of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v like_o greedy_a cormorant_n that_o will_v swallow_v all_o i_o say_v consider_v and_o weigh_v all_o my_o necessity_n and_o ponder_v in_o my_o own_o self_n and_o take_v council_n what_o i_o have_v best_a to_o do_v i_o do_v in_o the_o five_o place_n upon_o the_o 23_o of_o august_n 1651._o with_o some_o friend_n go_v to_o james_n liddel_n their_o steward_n and_o demand_v of_o he_o the_o immediate_a payment_n of_o some_o rent_n reserve_v to_o i_o upon_o the_o colliery_a the_o which_o he_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o pay_v i_o make_v a_o formal_a reentry_n upon_o my_o colliery_a as_o by_o law_n i_o may_v upon_o which_o a_o company_n of_o man_n come_v violent_o upon_o i_o that_o call_v themselves_o soldier_n and_o act_n upon_o my_o ground_n like_o savage_a bear_n and_o wolf_n or_o thief_n and_o robber_n and_o will_v produce_v unto_o i_o no_o write_a order_n or_o warrant_n to_o give_v i_o a_o rational_a ground_n to_o judge_v from_o whence_o they_o come_v or_o who_o they_o be_v upon_o which_o i_o the_o second_o day_n of_o this_o september_n 1651._o repair_v to_o durham_n to_o the_o commissioner_n sit_v there_o and_o they_o disclaim_v they_o and_o avow_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o till_o i_o tell_v they_o but_o yet_o will_v grant_v i_o no_o warrant_n to_o take_v they_o away_o only_o they_o promise_v i_o to_o speak_v with_o major_a tolhurst_n about_o they_o who_o it_o seem_v be_v their_o commander_n as_o well_o as_o his_o soldier_n whereupon_o the_o next_o day_n i_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o the_o constable_n at_o harraton_n and_o other_o of_o my_o neighbour_n charge_v they_o at_o their_o peril_n upon_o my_o ground_n to_o harbour_v they_o no_o more_o nor_o join_v with_o they_o any_o long_a to_o rob_v and_o steal_v from_o i_o my_o coal_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o own_o danger_n i_o cause_v the_o say_a letter_n to_o be_v print_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o several_a copy_n of_o which_o i_o make_v bold_a herewith_o to_o present_v unto_o you_o for_o your_o serious_a perusal_n but_o divers_a of_o my_o say_a neighbour_n persist_v still_o in_o their_o evil_a deal_n with_o i_o
i_o have_v send_v to_o london_n for_o process_n for_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v tardy_a as_o well_o keel_n man_n as_o other_o and_o doubt_v not_o of_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n at_o law_n against_o they_o all_o without_o interruption_n from_o the_o committee_n of_o indemnity_n where_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v sorry_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v i_o shall_v not_o get_v my_o complaint_n hear_v against_o sir_n arthur_n till_o he_o or_o some_o of_o his_o agent_n be_v force_v by_o i_o to_o turn_v complaint_n but_o process_n be_v in_o my_o own_o understanding_n too_o short_a weapon_n to_o reach_v soldier_n withal_o in_o the_o six_o place_n upon_o the_o four_o of_o this_o present_a september_n i_o go_v to_o gateshead_n accompany_v with_o my_o father_n in_o law_n m._n george_n grey_n richard_n lilburn_n esq_n lieu._n col._n john_n lilburn_n his_o son_n and_o my_o brother_n m._n ralph_n grey_n on_o purpose_n to_o speak_v with_o sir_n arthur_n about_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o he_o be_v busy_a with_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v speak_v with_o we_o all_o save_v lieu._n col._n john_n lilburn_n go_v to_o major_a tolhurst_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o passage_n at_o harraton_n and_o demand_v of_o he_o the_o say_v reserve_v rend_v of_o forty_o shilling_n per_fw-la week_n which_o he_o refuse_v to_o pay_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o a_o verbal_a command_n of_o his_o own_o which_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o button_n nor_o can_v be_v no_o security_n to_o the_o soldier_n he_o have_v send_v the_o say_a soldier_n to_o keep_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o say_v colliery_a add_v he_o be_v betrust_v by_o col._n hacker_n lieutenant_n col._n mayor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentleman_n that_o have_v take_v it_o to_o keep_v it_o and_o he_o will_v keep_v it_o so_o receive_v no_o satisfaction_n at_o new_a castle_n and_o clear_o find_v major_a tolhurst_n dare_v not_o give_v unto_o the_o soldier_n a_o write_a warrant_n or_o order_n to_o be_v their_o secuirty_a rule_n and_o guide_v in_o the_o seven_o place_n i_o desire_v my_o father_n grey_n and_o some_o other_o friend_n to_o hasten_v to_o sunderland_n to_o disperse_v my_o say_a letter_n there_o and_o again_o to_o warn_v all_o the_o keel_n man_n at_o their_o peril_n to_o fetch_v none_o of_o my_o coal_n nor_o none_o of_o the_o ship_n master_n to_o buy_v any_o of_o they_o and_o myself_o with_o lieu._n col._n john_n lilburn_n ride_v away_o to_o m._n timothy_n whittingham_n be_v a_o justice_n of_o peace_n and_o read_v he_o the_o say_a letter_n and_o full_o acquaint_v he_o that_o a_o company_n of_o rogue_n who_o call_v themselves_o soldier_n be_v come_v upon_o my_o ground_n but_o can_v produce_v no_o commission_n from_o any_o body_n that_o send_v they_o nor_o the_o commissioner_n at_o durham_n nor_o major_a tolhurst_n will_v not_o under_o their_o hand_n own_o they_o and_o they_o like_o bloody_a rogue_n beat_v and_o have_v almost_o kill_v some_o of_o the_o people_n who_o they_o force_v to_o load_v away_o my_o coal_n to_o the_o water_n side_n and_o some_o of_o the_o say_a soldier_n with_o their_o own_o hand_n load_v my_o coal_n into_o keel_n and_o carry_v or_o send_v they_o away_o and_o thereby_o felonious_o rob_v and_o steal_v from_o i_o my_o real_a and_o proper_a good_n for_o which_o as_o he_o be_v a_o justice_n of_o peace_n forthwith_o we_o desire_v his_o warrant_n as_o felon_n to_o bring_v they_o before_o he_o which_o we_o very_o much_o press_v upon_o he_o as_o his_o duty_n by_o his_o oath_n and_o the_o law_n of_o england_n to_o grant_v but_o he_o refuse_v and_o desire_a time_n to_o consider_v of_o it_o and_o speak_v with_o sir_n arthur_n about_o it_o upon_o which_o lieu._n col._n lilburn_n desire_v he_o to_o tell_v sir_n arthur_n from_o he_o if_o he_o and_o those_o under_o he_o be_v afraid_a and_o ashamed_a to_o give_v the_o soldier_n at_o harraton_n under_o their_o hand_n a_o write_a commission_n or_o order_n to_o act_v by_o and_o that_o m._n whitingham_n refuse_v to_o grant_v his_o warrant_n to_o bring_v they_o before_o he_o upon_o our_o complaint_n we_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a nor_o ashamed_a to_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v to_o expel_v force_n with_o a_o strong_a force_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o pretend_a soldier_n be_v knock_v on_o the_o head_n in_o the_o scuffle_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v from_o the_o law_n of_o england_n they_o have_v their_o mend_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n but_o if_o he_o will_v send_v his_o write_a order_n for_o the_o soldier_n warrant_v and_o let_v we_o copy_v it_o out_o we_o will_v not_o at_o all_o trouble_n or_o molest_v the_o soldier_n any_o more_o and_o so_o we_o be_v content_a that_o he_o shall_v take_v till_o monday_n at_o night_n to_o talk_v with_o sir_n arthur_n about_o it_o and_o we_o be_v both_o at_o durham_n upon_o tuesday_n last_o be_v the_o nine_o of_o this_o present_a september_n m._n whitinghams_n man_n bring_v to_o our_o inn_n a_o seal_a letter_n the_o copy_n of_o which_o thus_o follow_v for_o his_o very_a good_a friend_n lieutenant_n colonel_n john_n lilburn_n these_o kind_a sir_n upon_o my_o more_o serious_a thought_n and_o strict_a perusal_n of_o the_o print_a letter_n you_o leave_v with_o i_o upon_o friday_n last_o i_o plain_o see_v a_o matter_n of_o title_n and_o a_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la in_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o state_n now_o in_o possession_n and_o m._n john_n hedworth_n of_o which_o thing_n you_o well_o know_v the_o law_n be_v the_o proper_a judge_n and_o can_v and_o must_v decide_v it_o and_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n no_o way_n concern_v in_o the_o business_n yet_o sir_n i_o be_o so_o tender_a and_o careful_a of_o your_o safety_n and_o my_o own_o duty_n that_o if_o either_o yourself_o or_o m._n hedworth_n be_v afraid_a of_o life_n or_o know_v any_o man_n lie_v in_o wait_n to_o rob_v you_o or_o either_o of_o you_o or_o if_o any_o felony_n be_v commit_v or_o robbery_n do_v upon_o your_o person_n or_o person_n upon_o legal_a information_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o serve_v you_o and_o grant_v my_o warrant_n also_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n either_o by_o entry_n or_o detainer_n i_o shall_v not_o in_o the_o least_o be_v want_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o public_a to_o join_v with_o another_o in_o commission_n with_o myself_o to_o view_v and_o remove_v as_o occasion_n shall_v offer_v in_o brief_a this_o be_v all_o but_o that_o i_o be_o sir_n your_o most_o affectionate_a friend_n to_o serve_v you_o timothy_n whitingham_n holmside_n the_o 9_o sept._n 1651._o now_o most_o honour_a gentleman_n i_o pray_v serious_o observe_v m._n whitinghams_n letter_n who_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o man_n according_a to_o that_o which_o god_n in_o scripture_n require_v every_o magistrate_n to_o be_v viz_o a_o man_n of_o courage_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v he_o will_v scarce_o have_v write_v this_o answer_n to_o our_o legal_a demand_n but_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v as_o spare_v of_o he_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o my_o business_n will_v permit_v i_o but_o yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o think_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v the_o proper_a judge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o soldier_n in_o the_o least_o much_o less_o those_o that_o only_o pretend_v themselves_o soldier_n and_o i_o beseech_v you_o observe_v that_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o law_n felony_n and_o robbery_n may_v be_v as_o well_o commit_v upon_o my_o good_n take_v out_o of_o my_o house_n or_o ground_n as_o from_o my_o immediate_a &_o proper_a person_n and_o so_o much_o we_o positive_o we_o lay_v unto_o the_o charge_n of_o those_o sturdy_a rogue_n that_o pretend_v themselves_o soldier_n upon_o my_o ground_n who_o have_v no_o formal_a nor_o legal_a commission_n to_o authorise_v they_o in_o the_o least_o to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o upon_o our_o so_o serious_a lay_v felony_n to_o their_o charge_n and_o offer_v by_o the_o law_n to_o make_v it_o good_a he_o ought_v by_o the_o law_n without_o any_o more_o dispute_n to_o have_v grant_v we_o his_o warrant_n at_o least_o to_o have_v bring_v they_o before_o he_o to_o have_v examine_v they_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v either_o have_v know_v some_o that_o judicial_o and_o formal_o will_v have_v own_v they_o or_o have_v have_v some_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o these_o be_v the_o man_n major_a tolhurst_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n send_v or_o else_o have_v clap_v they_o in_o that_o place_n that_o will_v have_v keep_v they_o safe_a till_o they_o be_v full_o fit_a for_o the_o gallow_n their_o deserve_a portion_n but_o most_o noble_a gentleman_n by_o all_o the_o fore-recided_n deal_v with_o i_o you_o
may_v clear_o see_v i_o be_o make_v the_o most_o miserable_a spectacle_n and_o object_n in_o england_n be_v rob_v by_o sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n etc._n etc._n by_o his_o will_n and_o power_n of_o my_o land_n colliery_a good_n and_o cattle_n and_o damn_v up_o that_o i_o can_v have_v justice_n no_o where_o to_o obtain_v a_o little_a of_o my_o own_o to_o buy_v i_o bread_n to_o keep_v i_o my_o wife_n and_o young_a and_o tender_a infant_n alive_a nay_o that_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o i_o be_o express_o by_o sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o myself_o and_o my_o brother_n m_o george_n and_o m._n richard_n grey_n and_o many_o other_o absolute_o command_v to_o be_v rob_v and_o deprive_v before_o i_o have_v commit_v any_o crime_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o english_a man_n by_o be_v debar_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o law_n against_o any_o of_o those_o that_o detain_v other_o part_n of_o my_o inheritance_n from_o i_o than_o now_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o state_n in_o the_o detention_n of_o which_o the_o state_n get_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o wherefore_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n and_o if_o any_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n justice_n or_o mercy_n be_v in_o you_o pity_n commissionate_a and_o help_v to_o relieve_v i_o a_o most_o distress_a and_o cruel_o oppress_v young_a gentleman_n that_o with_o grand_a oppression_n and_o unparrelleld_a cruelty_n be_v like_a to_o be_v destroy_v by_o sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n even_o in_o england_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o parliament_n thereof_o have_v many_o army_n in_o the_o field_n to_o fight_v for_o the_o law_n liberty_n and_o property_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o be_v man_n nay_o man_n of_o honour_n conscience_n or_o common_a honesty_n or_o as_o ever_o you_o come_v from_o the_o bowel_n of_o woman_n o_o help_n help_v help_v i_o and_o my_o perish_a family_n in_o my_o transcendent_a and_o great_a distress_n and_o put_v forth_o some_o of_o that_o power_n betru_v to_o you_o by_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n as_o you_o be_v member_n of_o the_o chief_a power_n in_o this_o county_n viz._n commander_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o the_o force_n and_o militia_n there_o and_o send_v forth_o your_o warrant_n and_o soldier_n to_o command_v before_o you_o these_o thief_n and_o robber_n now_o upon_o my_o ground_n that_o call_v themselves_o soldier_n and_o so_o be_v within_o your_o jurisdiction_n be_v under_o your_o immediate_a command_n and_o compel_v they_o by_o your_o power_n either_o to_o produce_v before_o you_o a_o formal_a and_o write_a warrant_n to_o justify_v they_o in_o what_o they_o have_v already_o do_v or_o in_o default_n thereof_o to_o send_v they_o to_o the_o goal_n as_o rogue_n thief_n and_o robber_n and_o as_o one_o of_o you_o be_v a_o parliament_n man_n and_o as_o either_o the_o spirit_n of_o honour_n or_o a_o english_a man_n dwell_v in_o you_o send_v i_o beseech_v you_o this_o my_o complaint_n to_o the_o parliament_n and_o earnest_o entreat_v they_o in_o my_o behalf_n to_o read_v my_o forementioned_a petition_n depend_v before_o they_o and_o do_v i_o right_o against_o all_o the_o cruel_a oppression_n of_o their_o own_o member_n sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n who_o be_v the_o great_a dishonour_n unto_o they_o by_o his_o oppression_n and_o tyranny_n in_o all_o this_o nation_n and_o as_o another_o of_o you_o have_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o army_n in_o a_o place_n of_o eminency_n there_o and_o as_o either_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o soldier_n or_o a_o man_n of_o magnanimity_n dwell_v within_o you_o send_v this_o my_o mournful_a complaint_n lamentation_n and_o outcry_a to_o his_o excellency_n the_o lord_n general_n cromwell_n and_o the_o honourable_a officer_n of_o his_o army_n and_o entreat_v of_o they_o in_o my_o behalf_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o my_o great_a oppression_n by_o the_o member_n of_o their_o own_o army_n viz._n sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n his_o col._n hacker_n his_o lieu._n col._n mayor_n his_o major_a tolhurst_n his_o lieu._n bruine_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o officer_n that_o have_v unjust_o oppress_v i_o and_o help_v to_o rob_v i_o of_o my_o estate_n and_o also_o i_o pray_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o dishonour_n sir_n arthur_n hesilrig_n have_v do_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o affront_n he_o have_v put_v upon_o he_o by_o his_o turn_n honest_a firm_a and_o fast_a man_n to_o he_o and_o the_o commonwealth_n out_o of_o place_n of_o authority_n in_o this_o county_n and_z his_o placing_z in_o as_o governor_n thereof_o not_o only_o newter_n but_o know_v delinquent_n yea_o and_o particular_o his_o make_n col._n francis_n wren_n the_o only_a man_n under_o he_o as_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o rule_v this_o whole_a county_n after_o his_o excellency_n have_v cashier_v he_o in_o scotland_n for_o his_o unworthiness_n and_o baseness_n and_o for_o your_o noble_a favour_n manifest_v unto_o i_o in_o the_o thing_n desire_v of_o you_o in_o this_o the_o day_n of_o my_o great_a distress_n and_o calamity_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o much_o oblige_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o my_o friend_n who_o name_n as_o witness_n be_v hereunto_o subscribe_v to_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v engage_v to_o remain_v gentleman_n your_o great_o distress_a friend_n and_o most_o humble_a servant_n hearty_o to_o serve_v you_o and_o this_o commonwealth_n john_n hedworth_n witness_v george_n grey_n john_n lilburn_n ralph_n rookby_n ralph_n grace_n roger_n harper_n from_o my_o own_o house_n at_o harraton_n this_o 13_o of_o sept._n 1651._o finis_fw-la