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 wâ—_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
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 â—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 â—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 perâ—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 â—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 â—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 â—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
your_o care_n be_v to_o preserve_v i_o from_o any_o of_o your_o scout_n for_o i_o must_v ride_v from_o any_o two_o or_o more_o that_o i_o shall_v see_v but_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v you_o as_o for_o the_o three_o hundred_o pound_n you_o write_v i_o word_n you_o have_v it_o sir_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o since_o this_o business_n have_v be_v work_v in_o my_o head_n which_o i_o have_v pretty_a well_o perfect_v now_o i_o have_v be_v enforce_v to_o take_v up_o money_n at_o a_o hard_a hand_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n i_o intend_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o you_o can_v imagine_v the_o sundry_a way_n that_o i_o have_v lay_v in_o my_o head_n and_o partly_o put_v in_o action_n to_o further_o and_o prepare_v my_o own_o secret_a intention_n and_o true_o sir_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o money_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o i_o that_o nâ—xâ—_n unto_o my_o fidelity_n promise_n and_o engagement_n to_o my_o lord_n digby_n and_o yourself_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a move_a wheel_n and_o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o jealousy_n of_o my_o fidelity_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o as_o my_o true_a friend_n in_o the_o world_n to_o let_v i_o know_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v crave_v only_a favour_n to_o have_v all_o paper_n burn_v my_o counsel_n keep_v liberty_n to_o bewail_v my_o own_o unhappiness_n and_o that_o i_o may_v serve_v they_o and_o you_o in_o some_o other_o business_n of_o lesser_a trust_n wherein_o my_o integrity_n may_v more_o appear_v with_o less_o suspicion_n if_o the_o sum_n i_o desire_v in_o hand_n be_v think_v too_o great_a a_o adventure_n i_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v my_o adventure_n the_o least_o line_n of_o any_o of_o my_o letter_n be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v i_o hang_v and_o this_o i_o have_v and_o must_v commit_v into_o several_a man_n bosom_n who_o i_o never_o see_v but_o build_v my_o faith_n upon_o your_o judgement_n and_o integrity_n without_o any_o jealousy_n or_o fear_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o do_v be_v you_o not_o master_n stanford_n for_o that_o which_o you_o write_v of_o the_o danger_n in_o the_o passage_n how_o easy_a a_o matter_n will_v it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o command_v a_o dozen_o honest_a man_n to_o ride_v a_o long_a almost_o to_o tewksbury_n to_o guard_v a_o little_a money_n that_o you_o may_v pretend_v you_o be_v send_v to_o pay_v to_o save_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o a_o mortgage_n and_o if_o you_o appoint_v but_o the_o day_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o i_o to_o send_v my_o troop_n to_o tewksbury_n to_o meet_v a_o little_a money_n which_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v unto_o i_o upon_o a_o bond_n i_o will_v stand_v to_o the_o hazard_n on_o our_o side_n and_o i_o know_v you_o may_v secure_v it_o on_o you_o well_o i_o leave_v the_o business_n to_o your_o consideration_n but_o for_o myself_o i_o be_o devote_v to_o your_o service_n whilst_o i_o be_o r._n b._n 3._o jan._n 1643._o about_o the_o 7._o jan._n master_n stanford_n send_v i_o a_o message_n by_o the_o friend_n who_o bring_v the_o first_o letter_n to_o i_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n to_o meet_v he_o in_o corselane_n the_o day_n follow_v where_o according_o we_o meet_v my_o lieutenant_n scout_v behind_o i_o the_o while_n to_o prevent_v my_o own_o surprisal_n where_o i_o receive_v 200._o l._n of_o he_o and_o his_o promise_n to_o discharge_v i_o of_o a_o bond_n of_o 50._o l._n wherein_o i_o be_v former_o bind_v to_o one_o font_n a_o great_a papist_n and_o a_o very_a friend_n of_o he_o at_o which_o time_n the_o plot_n be_v lay_v by_o he_o sir_n will._n vavasour_n and_o other_o who_o be_v then_o late_o come_v to_o tewksbury_n that_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v the_o governor_n out_o of_o the_o garrison_n with_o a_o very_o sting_v party_n towards_o berkley_n with_o assurance_n that_o the_o castle_n shall_v be_v render_v which_o master_n stanford_n tell_v i_o shall_v real_o be_v so_o that_o the_o gain_n of_o gloucester_n may_v be_v the_o more_o facile_a in_o who_o absence_n i_o must_v undertake_v to_o get_v the_o gate_n open_v and_o the_o word_n deliver_v to_o they_o which_o plot_n when_o i_o hear_v it_o propose_v i_o much_o approve_v but_o withal_o i_o advise_v that_o the_o force_n may_v sudden_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o tewksbury_n assure_v he_o that_o whilst_o they_o lie_v there_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o draw_v out_o the_o governor_n which_o he_o promise_v shall_v be_v do_v assoon_o as_o he_o speak_v with_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n this_o plot_n if_o it_o have_v be_v thus_o prosecute_v by_o they_o have_v be_v by_o god_n mercy_n of_o great_a gain_n to_o we_o for_o we_o thereupon_o resolve_v to_o have_v send_v a_o garrison_n into_o berkley_n castle_n and_o with_o silent_a force_n from_o presbury_n garrison_n to_o have_v possess_v tewksbury_n and_o by_o speedy_a retreat_v to_o have_v make_v that_o good_a also_o but_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o desert_v their_o own_o plot_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v remarkable_a that_o at_o this_o meeting_n master_n stanford_n never_o so_o much_o as_o move_v i_o to_o any_o asseveration_n of_o fidelity_n to_o he_o but_o desire_v i_o to_o send_v unto_o he_o within_o two_o day_n which_o i_o do_v as_o follow_v sir_n i_o have_v send_v according_a to_o my_o promise_n but_o the_o governor_n be_v so_o intent_n and_o serious_a in_o wayr_v upon_o the_o force_n at_o tewksbury_n that_o until_o they_o be_v remove_v it_o will_v be_v vain_a to_o move_v he_o to_o draw_v out_o any_o other_o way_n but_o when_o they_o be_v march_v a_o day_n or_o two_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o i_o shall_v persuade_v his_o march_n to_o berkley_n especial_o if_o he_o may_v have_v any_o assarance_n of_o their_o render_v the_o castle_n which_o you_o tell_v i_o will_v be_v and_o which_o will_v occasion_v he_o to_o stay_v a_o day_n or_o two_o to_o settle_v the_o same_o who_o otherwise_o out_o of_o his_o care_n of_o gloucester_n be_v apt_a and_o wont_a to_o make_v speedy_a retreat_n when_o he_o be_v abroad_o sir_n if_o you_o come_v to_o newnham_n towards_o saturday_n or_o sunday_n sir_n john_n winter_n may_v send_v you_o in_o a_o man_n to_o i_o to_o appoint_v when_o i_o may_v meet_v you_o in_o huntloys_n wood_n or_o on_o the_o hill_n beyond_o huntley_n after_o you_o have_v confer_v with_o he_o who_o secrecy_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o much_o to_o engage_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v agree_v more_o full_o with_o you_o on_o all_o circumstance_n sir_n i_o beseech_v you_o know_v and_o rest_v assure_v that_o i_o be_o your_o most_o humble_a servant_n in_o much_o care_n till_o etc._n etc._n 11._o jan._n 1643._o to_o which_o letter_n i_o receive_v this_o answer_n dear_a robin_n the_o reason_n why_o you_o have_v stay_v so_o long_o for_o a_o answer_n be_v this_o sir_n william_n vavasor_n send_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o berkley_n castle_n to_o draw_v out_o his_o whole_a garrison_n which_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v without_o the_o king_n or_o prince_n special_a command_n we_o shall_v now_o fly_v to_o one_o of_o your_o former_a proposition_n be_v confident_a you_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v good_a any_o one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v that_o you_o will_v at_o any_o time_n draw_v out_o your_o own_o troop_n with_o one_o more_o which_o shall_v be_v put_v in_o the_o rear_n of_o our_o horse_n and_o yourself_o to_o lead_v our_o forlorn_a hope_n into_o the_o town_n which_o if_o you_o will_v do_v send_v but_o this_o messenger_n with_o a_o note_n to_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n what_o day_n you_o will_v meet_v he_o and_o i_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v there_o this_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v on_o wednesday_n next_o for_o the_o business_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o delay_n you_o e._n s._n 16._o jan._n with_o this_o letter_n i_o receive_v a_o letter_n from_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n as_o follow_v sir_n william_n vavasour_n first_o letter_n sir_n i_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o your_o reality_n in_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v what_o you_o have_v undertake_v that_o i_o immediate_o send_v order_n to_o berkley_n castle_n to_o the_o governor_n who_o will_v not_o obey_v my_o order_n so_o full_o as_o to_o draw_v out_o the_o whole_a garrison_n without_o his_o majesty_n special_a order_n a_o great_a part_n he_o will_v but_o will_v have_v a_o reason_n i_o have_v draw_v great_a part_n of_o the_o foot_n towards_o parshoe_n and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v march_v with_o the_o residue_n and_o all_o the_o horse_n but_o sir_n walter_n pie_n and_o some_o other_o commissioner_n be_v so_o opposite_a to_o it_o that_o unless_o they_o may_v know_v and_o approve_v of_o my_o design_n they_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o it_o which_o i_o think_v may_v
must_v attempt_v something_o out_o of_o hand_n if_o you_o will_v order_v it_o so_o that_o i_o may_v have_v the_o port_n on_o the_o weish_n open_v to_o i_o i_o have_v the_o word_n will_v come_v with_o so_o considerable_a a_o force_n that_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o make_v it_o good_a against_o all_o massy_n force_n they_o not_o take_v the_o alarm_n friday_n or_o sunday_n next_o will_v be_v a_o convenient_a time_n my_o man_n be_v fain_o to_o march_v into_o the_o country_n for_o subsistence_n w._n vavasour_n upon_o the_o receipt_n of_o these_o letter_n the_o next_o news_n we_o hear_v be_v that_o colonel_n mynne_n and_o s._n leger_n with_o the_o irish_a force_n march_v to_o paynswicke_n for_o subsistence_n but_o indeed_o to_o plunder_v the_o country_n to_o prevent_v which_o our_o governor_n draw_v out_o a_o party_n of_o horse_n and_o foot_n where_o there_o be_v a_o skirmish_n and_o some_o loss_n on_o both_o side_n the_o next_o day_n after_o which_o the_o country_n of_o whitestone_n hundred_o rose_n into_o a_o great_a body_n and_o the_o enemy_n hear_v thereof_o retreat_v that_o very_a day_n towards_o tewksbury_n again_o this_o by_o the_o way_n but_o to_o these_o two_o letter_n i_o send_v this_o answer_n by_o approbation_n as_o before_o unto_o master_n stanford_n and_o sir_n william_n vavafour_n 5._o feb._n 1643._o sir_n you_o write_v unto_o i_o for_o the_o state_n of_o this_o garrison_n which_o i_o shall_v render_v you_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v first_o the_o governor_n lie_v at_o the_o house_n where_o i_o dwell_v and_o one_o captain_n with_o he_o before_o who_o door_n be_v two_o drake_n and_o a_o sentry_n day_n and_o night_n the_o great_a gun_n leave_v by_o my_o lord_n general_n the_o earl_n of_o essex_n be_v at_o the_o main_a guard_n near_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o bell_n door_n be_v three_o in_o number_n and_o there_o be_v several_a other_o small_a cut_v about_o the_o cross_n in_o which_o main_a guard_n there_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v every_o night_n about_o one_o hundred_o man_n some_o citizen_n of_o the_o train_v band_n and_o some_o select_a man_n out_o of_o every_o company_n thus_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o tewne_a now_o for_o the_o port_n the_o governor_n be_v make_v of_o three_o sconce_n one_o before_o the_o east_n gate_n another_o before_o the_o north_n gate_n and_o the_o three_o at_o the_o friar_n orchard_n where_o the_o battery_n be_v make_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o siege_n all_o of_o very_o great_a strength_n but_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o as_o yet_o finish_v there_o be_v at_o these_o port_n several_a gun_n viz._n at_o the_o north_n gate_n two_o at_o the_o inward_a north_n gate_n three_o at_o the_o east_n gate_n one_o and_o sometime_o two_o at_o the_o south_n gate_n two_o to_o which_o gate_n also_o the_o main_a guard_n be_v very_o near_o but_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o governor_n to_o remove_v the_o gun_n often_o from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o there_o be_v also_o other_o gun_n upon_o the_o work_n about_o the_o town_n and_o at_o the_o key_n where_o also_o the_o frigate_n lie_v with_o a_o guard_n in_o she_o as_o for_o the_o west_n gate_n there_o be_v also_o one_o gun_n a_o demy-culvering_a but_o no_o cannoneer_n that_o watch_v she_o as_o i_o can_v ever_o find_v and_o as_o yet_o no_o draw-bridge_n but_o at_o all_o the_o other_o gate_n there_o be_v draw-bridge_n finish_v and_o we_o be_v now_o make_v draw-bridge_n for_o the_o west_n gate_n and_o overs-bridge_n which_o i_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v finish_v yet_o this_o ten_o or_o twelve_o day_n the_o guard_n be_v general_o careless_a and_o many_o run_v from_o their_o duty_n to_o drink_v much_o discontent_n be_v among_o both_o officer_n and_o soldier_n for_o want_n of_o pay_n and_o indeed_o the_o guard_n be_v very_o weak_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o have_v be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v 10_o as_o long_o as_o we_o keep_v so_o many_o out_o garrison_n as_o presbury_n boddington_n huntley_n wâ—â—bary_n arlingham_n frampton_n essington_n froster_n horsley_n and_o lippâ—â—t_o all_o which_o garrison_n be_v now_o keep_v have_v draw_v out_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o soldier_n out_o of_o this_o as_o for_o provision_n and_o ammunition_n i_o have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o granery_n since_o the_o siege_n but_o to_o deal_v true_o with_o you_o i_o very_o believe_v the_o garrison_n be_v fit_v for_o six_o month_n for_o the_o corn_n of_o master_n guyse_n master_n dobbs_n sir_n henry_n spillar_n sir_n ralph_n dutton_n and_o other_o who_o we_o call_v malignant_n be_v bring_v in_o indeed_o by_o myself_o and_o since_o the_o country_n have_v bring_v much_o corn_n into_o private_a house_n i_o know_v two_o man_n who_o have_v lay_v in_o two_o thousand_o bushel_n here_o and_o the_o governor_n make_v a_o strict_a proclamation_n that_o all_o the_o citizen_n shall_v make_v provision_n for_o six_o month_n many_o of_o who_o have_v do_v so_o and_o they_o make_v powder_n and_o match_v every_o week_n as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o they_o spend_v thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o short_a and_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o garrison_n as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v for_o the_o present_n think_v on_o and_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o srtissie_a you_o in_o any_o other_o thing_n you_o shall_v desire_v by_o the_o next_o beseech_v you_o to_o continue_v secrecy_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o conceive_v any_o jealousy_n in_o his_o performance_n who_o shall_v not_o think_v himself_o happy_a till_o he_o see_v his_o engagement_n real_o accomplish_v and_o discharge_v and_o who_o have_v hitherto_o throw_v himself_o into_o your_o hand_n and_o resolve_v to_o rely_v on_o you_o in_o time_n to_o come_v both_o for_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n 5._o feb._n 1643._o sir_n ever_o your_o many_o way_n oblige_v servant_n r._n b._n with_o this_o letter_n i_o send_v one_o also_o to_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n as_o follow_v noble_a sir_n i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o unto_o your_o time_n with_o all_o diligence_n i_o have_v give_v master_n stanford_n a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o garrison_n by_o the_o time_n propose_v in_o your_o letter_n i_o hope_v the_o water_n will_v be_v down_o which_o will_v much_o advantage_n your_o advance_n near_o the_o town_n i_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o defer_v it_o long_o than_o the_o time_n pitch_v on_o as_o for_o your_o own_o occasion_n so_o for_o the_o make_n of_o draw-bridge_n in_o your_o passage_n which_o i_o will_v not_o have_v to_o be_v any_o impediment_n thereto_o for_o when_o they_o be_v make_v guard_n will_v be_v set_v at_o they_o which_o may_v give_v the_o alarm_n before_o the_o gate_n can_v be_v open_v consul_n together_o for_o your_o own_o safety_n and_o i_o only_o be_v private_a and_o for_o the_o open_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o the_o word_n leave_v it_o to_o i_o and_o rest_v assure_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v sir_n your_o servant_n r._n b._n these_o two_o letter_n answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o beget_v belief_n of_o my_o fidelity_n to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o confident_a to_o come_v on_o which_o indeed_o be_v our_o chief_a care_n and_o to_o answer_v their_o desire_n of_o know_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o garrison_n which_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v do_v as_o you_o perceive_v yet_o so_o as_o without_o prejudice_n to_o ourselves_o the_o least_o boy_n that_o come_v into_o our_o town_n be_v in_o most_o of_o the_o relation_n able_a to_o satisfy_v as_o much_o thus_o let_v the_o enemy_n to_o religion_n to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o famous_a kingdom_n and_o to_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o be_v still_o delude_v but_o let_v god_n just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n ever_o prosper_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v well_o take_v by_o the_o enemy_n appear_v by_o master_n stanford_n next_o letter_n as_o follow_v dear_a robin_n i_o thank_v thou_o for_o thy_o constancy_n and_o doubt_v not_o of_o your_o perseverance_n in_o do_v his_o majesty_n acceptable_a service_n sir_n william_n vavasour_n bid_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o can_v be_v ready_a ou_fw-fr friday_n or_o saturday_n in_o regard_n his_o force_n be_v not_o yet_o march_v hither_o but_o be_v on_o their_o way_n where_o they_o must_v halt_a two_o or_o three_o day_n till_o money_n come_v in_o however_o upon_o sunday_n or_o monday_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v within_o a_o day_n march_v of_o gloucester_n and_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o send_v the_o same_o messenger_n to_o we_o who_o may_v easy_o find_v we_o out_o on_o sunday_n fail_v not_o of_o this_o for_o i_o long_o to_o see_v you_o on_o sunday_n without_o fail_n we_o shall_v be_v at_o ledbury_n and_o expect_v your_o man_n you_o e._n s._n 6_o feb._n my_o man_n who_o
bring_v this_o letter_n tell_v i_o of_o master_n stanfords_n desire_n to_o a_o handsome_a gelding_n that_o i_o have_v whereupon_o to_o make_v he_o the_o more_o confident_a and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o come_v on_o i_o send_v he_o that_o gelding_n with_o this_o letter_n the_o next_o day_n after_o that_o arch-traitor_n captain_n davis_n have_v betray_v the_o small_a garrison_n of_o wesbury_n and_o huntley_n unto_o the_o cavalier_n sir_n i_o congratulate_v your_o good_a success_n yesterday_o at_o wesbury_n and_o huntley_n and_o doubt_v not_o ere_o long_o to_o see_v this_o county_n in_o a_o good_a and_o peaceable_a condition_n i_o observe_v business_n prosper_v best_a where_o least_o blood_n be_v spill_v my_o man_n tell_v i_o of_o your_o desire_n to_o my_o gelding_n i_o have_v send_v he_o with_o cheerfulness_n wish_v he_o better_a for_o you_o though_o it_o need_v not_o if_o he_o be_v well_o use_v and_o i_o refer_v my_o coach_n and_o horse_n for_o you_o also_o against_o the_o time_n i_o shall_v observe_v your_o direction_n by_o the_o return_n of_o my_o man_n and_o rest_v ever_o sir_n your_o most_o humble_a servant_n in_o great_a care_n as_o yet_o r._n b._n i_o receive_v no_o answer_n to_o this_o letter_n from_o master_n stanford_n but_o thanks_n for_o my_o gelding_n and_o direction_n to_o my_o man_n to_o come_v from_o worcester_n where_o he_o than_o be_v to_o sir_n willam_n vavasour_n to_o tewksbury_n from_o who_o i_o receive_v this_o letter_n date_v 10_o feb._n sir_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o forest_n side_n on_o tuesday_n next_o where_o i_o will_v be_v either_o at_o newent_n or_o thereabouts_o if_o you_o direct_v your_o servant_n to_o i_o or_o to_o sir_n john_n winter_n for_o who_o secrecy_n i_o will_v answer_v to_o you_o and_o observe_v any_o direction_n you_o will_v send_v i_o if_o you_o can_v convenient_o meet_v i_o which_o i_o must_v desire_v you_o william_n vavasour_n on_o tuesday_n follow_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n letter_n i_o send_v this_o letter_n to_o master_n stanford_n sir_n in_o the_o whole_a progress_n of_o the_o business_n i_o have_v not_o be_v put_v unto_o it_o as_o now_o to_o fulfil_v your_o expectation_n in_o send_v to_o you_o my_o man_n who_o be_v last_o with_o you_o be_v so_o affright_v be_v know_v by_o your_o scout_n when_o he_o come_v last_o from_o you_o that_o he_o dare_v go_v no_o more_o how_o to_o get_v another_o willing_a and_o faithful_a i_o know_v not_o but_o hear_v the_o governout_n say_v he_o must_v send_v to_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n about_o prisoner_n and_o his_o trumpet_n be_v sick_a i_o take_v advantage_n thereof_o to_o send_v i_o and_o have_v send_v this_o to_o you_o under_o pretence_n of_o exchange_v a_o trooper_n of_o i_o in_o oxford_n one_o henry_n hullins_n i_o receive_v a_o letter_n from_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n by_o my_o man_n but_o none_o from_o you_o and_o have_v send_v according_a to_o his_o desire_n if_o you_o march_v to_o newent_n as_o he_o write_v it_o can_v be_v better_a for_o from_o thence_o may_v you_o march_v to_o upleaden_a and_o by_o rudford_n and_o give_v no_o alarm_n to_o churcham_n and_o send_v but_o a_o troop_n to_o possess_v overs-bridge_n hat_n intelligence_n come_v not_o and_o then_o may_v you_o pass_v clear_o undiscovered_a so_o as_o you_o be_v there_o before_o the_o sentry_n or_o the_o guard_n at_o that_o bridge_n be_v set_v neither_o of_o which_o be_v do_v before_o about_o nine_o of_o the_o clock_n at_o any_o time_n i_o every_o night_n as_o commander_n of_o all_o the_o horse_n of_o late_a have_v send_v out_o scout_n some_o towards_o tewksbury_n and_o some_o towards_o huntley_n and_o the_o forest_n and_o can_v have_v the_o key_n at_o my_o command_n to_o let_v they_o out_o which_o have_v occasion_v i_o to_o think_v on_o this_o way_n if_o you_o like_v it_o that_o i_o may_v provide_v scout_n out_o of_o my_o own_o troop_n to_o go_v towards_o the_o forest_n that_o night_n you_o appoint_v who_o shall_v not_o be_v ready_a till_o the_o business_n be_v do_v but_o i_o can_v take_v the_o key_n of_o the_o west-gate_n and_o go_v down_o thither_o pretend_v to_o stay_v for_o their_o come_n and_o set_v the_o gnard_n which_o as_o i_o write_v be_v very_o slender_a usual_o to_o drink_v in_o a_o alehouse_n till_o they_o come_v in_o which_o time_n you_o may_v advance_v and_o find_v no_o live_a soul_n but_o myself_o at_o the_o gate_n or_o if_o one_o or_o two_o shall_v be_v there_o they_o shall_v be_v drink_v and_o you_o may_v pretend_v as_o i_o shall_v also_o affirm_v that_o you_o be_v our_o own_o man_n from_o churcham_n where_o there_o be_v a_o small_a guard_n of_o horse_n and_o foot_n and_o which_o if_o you_o disturb_v not_o will_v continue_v there_o yet_o a_o while_n i_o will_v glad_o meet_v sir_n william_n vavasour_n but_o i_o be_o very_o fearful_a of_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o i_o and_o if_o i_o shall_v meet_v he_o i_o know_v not_o he_o nor_o he_o i_o which_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o either_o of_o we_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v sarisfy_v in_o any_o thing_n i_o think_v i_o can_v meet_v you_o in_o the_o old_a place_n without_o any_o notice_n and_o i_o dare_v adventure_n on_o my_o knowledge_n of_o you_o at_o a_o escape_v distance_n for_o the_o word_n when_o we_o meet_v i_o will_v show_v you_o a_o place_n where_o after_o it_o be_v give_v you_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o a_o parchment_n fair_a write_v this_o i_o think_v will_v be_v very_o feazible_a but_o i_o shall_v be_v ready_a as_o you_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o power_n of_o 13._o feb._n 1643._o your_o most_o humble_a servant_n r._n b._n let_v my_o trumpeter_n know_v nothing_o but_o of_o the_o exchange_n but_o wish_v he_o to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n you_o send_v to_o i_o to_o my_o own_o hand_n which_o i_o know_v he_o will_v be_v careful_a in_o with_o this_o letter_n my_o trumpeter_n be_v stay_v by_o colonel_n paget_n from_o tuesday_n 13._o feb._n till_o thursday_n upon_o pretence_n that_o he_o come_v too_o late_o into_o his_o garrison_n on_o thursday_n morning_n i_o send_v to_o newent_n to_o mr._n stanford_n this_o letter_n sir_n i_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o you_o by_o my_o trumpeter_n who_o go_v to_o tewksbury_n on_o tuesday_n i_o perceive_v he_o be_v there_o stay_v which_o put_v i_o in_o fear_n i_o will_v desire_v you_o sudden_o to_o send_v for_o he_o and_o i_o shall_v meet_v you_o at_o what_o house_n you_o shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o old_a place_n the_o more_o speed_n you_o make_v nâ—w_o the_o better_a as_o before_o the_o draw_v bridge_n be_v up_o so_o for_o our_o wait_v on_o you_o which_o as_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o scarce_o know_v that_o any_o force_n considerable_a be_v come_v to_o newent_n the_o stâ—ller_n you_o lie_v the_o more_o secure_a shall_v we_o be_v the_o plot_n i_o prescribe_v in_o my_o letter_n run_v more_o and_o more_o feazible_a in_o my_o head_n i_o can_v last_o night_n have_v do_v it_o gallant_o i_o doubt_v not_o of_o as_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n to_o express_v myself_o indeed_o your_o real_a servant_n r._n b._n this_o plot_n i_o prescribe_v aswell_o to_o secure_v my_o own_o person_n within_o the_o gate_n as_o to_o render_v it_o probable_a unto_o they_o which_o it_o seem_v they_o can_v not_o dislike_v for_o that_o very_a day_n they_o send_v back_o my_o messenger_n from_o newent_n to_o i_o again_o with_o this_o letter_n dear_a robin_n the_o time_n be_v now_o so_o far_o spend_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o meet_v you_o this_o night_n be_v resolve_v for_o the_o business_n so_o that_o you_o must_v not_o fâ—ile_v this_o night_n to_o draw_v off_o all_o your_o guard_n from_o the_o bridge_n that_o we_o may_v come_v secure_a to_o the_o gate_n and_o not_o have_v any_o sentry_n to_o hinder_v we_o and_o withal_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o let_v i_o hear_v from_o you_o this_o night_n by_o six_o of_o the_o clock_n as_o for_o our_o strength_n we_o be_v now_o fifteen_o hundred_o foot_n and_o horse_n if_o you_o can_v come_v yourself_o with_o your_o troop_n pretend_v to_o beat_v up_o a_o horse_n quarter_n it_o will_v be_v very_o satisfactory_a to_o sir_n william_n vavasour_n you_o must_v be_v there_o by_o 8._o of_o the_o clock_n but_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o press_v if_o you_o think_v it_o inconvenient_a howsoever_o you_o must_v send_v the_o word_n be_v assure_v you_o will_v do_v your_o best_a to_o advance_v this_o design_n e._n s._n immediate_o assoon_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v this_o letter_n i_o go_v to_o the_o governor_n and_o a_o consultation_n we_o have_v whether_o to_o let_v they_o come_v that_o night_n according_a to_o their_o appointment_n or_o to_o put_v it_o off_o but_o we_o
be_v provide_v for_o they_o it_o be_v agree_v upon_o that_o night_n i_o therefore_o present_o send_v this_o letter_n to_o master_n stanford_n sir_n i_o shall_v wait_v with_o diligence_n to_o open_v the_o gate_n which_o i_o will_v warrant_v you_o shall_v be_v do_v so_o as_o you_o come_v by_o 9_o of_o the_o clock_n or_o within_o half_a a_o hour_n after_o the_o word_n i_o have_v send_v which_o occasion_n the_o late_a send_v of_o this_o bearer_n it_o be_v bristol_n be_v sure_a to_o come_v strong_a enough_o and_o remember_v to_o come_v up_o by_o the_o bare_a land_n which_o be_v a_o safe_a way_n to_o surprise_v the_o main_a guard_n then_o to_o come_v up_o the_o main_a street_n some_o in_o your_o company_n can_v but_o know_v the_o way_n i_o rest_v in_o hope_n 15._o feb._n 1643._o your_o servant_n r._n b._n present_o after_o the_o send_v away_o of_o which_o messenger_n the_o gate_n be_v shut_v round_o the_o garrison_n and_o careful_a sentinel_n set_v the_o governor_n call_v a_o counsel_n of_o war_n acquaint_v all_o the_o officer_n with_o the_o plot_n give_v order_n that_o all_o as_o well_o citizen_n as_o soldier_n shall_v continue_v that_o night_n in_o arm_n draw_v three_o piece_n of_o ordnance_n to_o the_o west-gate_n and_o a_o strong_a guard_n of_o musquetier_n well_o provide_v with_o granade_n and_o ammunition_n and_o place_v four_o stout_a man_n in_o a_o boat_n under_o overs_n bridge_n who_o lie_v under_o the_o arch_a private_a with_o direction_n that_o upon_o fire_v the_o first_o gun_n they_o shall_v but_o cut_v a_o gable-rope_n which_o be_v do_v the_o bridge_n will_v have_v fall_v in_o whereby_o by_o god_n mercy_n of_o necessity_n they_o must_v all_o have_v be_v kill_v drown_v or_o take_v there_o be_v no_o possible_a mean_n in_o humane_a reason_n of_o a_o man_n escape_n in_o this_o posture_n preparation_n and_o expectation_n we_o continue_v all_o that_o night_n watch_v diligent_o but_o private_o for_o a_o happy_a time_n to_o have_v deliver_v ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n from_o the_o future_a mischief_n of_o such_o subtle_a insinuate_n and_o bloodthirsty_a enemy_n but_o god_n time_n be_v not_o then_o come_v for_o albeit_o they_o do_v advance_v with_o their_o whole_a body_n both_o of_o horse_n and_o foot_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o lassington_n hill_n within_o a_o mile_n of_o the_o town_n it_o be_v fair_a day_n whereby_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o time_n by_o their_o own_o slowness_n of_o march_n they_o dare_v not_o come_v on_o but_o instant_o retreat_v to_o newent_n as_o appear_v by_o this_o letter_n which_o i_o receive_v from_o master_n stanford_n on_o the_o morrow_n after_o be_v friday_n the_o sixteenth_o of_o february_n 1643._o dear_a robin_n your_o messenger_n come_v so_o late_o that_o we_o can_v not_o possible_o effect_v the_o design_n yet_o our_o confidence_n of_o your_o best_a assistance_n make_v we_o attempt_v it_o but_o it_o be_v day_n before_o we_o can_v possible_o come_v we_o must_v once_o again_o desire_v the_o like_a readiness_n from_o you_o on_o saturday_n or_o sunday_n at_o the_o far_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n it_o be_v ten_o of_o the_o clock_n before_o he_o come_v i_o shall_v desire_v your_o answer_n either_o to_o day_n or_o to_o morrow_n at_o the_o far_a you_o e._n s._n the_o receipt_n of_o this_o letter_n make_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o enemy_n have_v then_o receive_v no_o information_n that_o their_o design_n be_v destroy_v and_o make_v know_v and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o for_o that_o we_o keep_v the_o gate_n so_o close_o shut_v the_o next_o day_n after_o be_v friday_n that_o we_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o pass_v the_o port_n upon_o any_o business_n whatsoever_o which_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o see_v if_o we_o can_v salve_v the_o business_n by_o another_o letter_n and_o to_o give_v they_o encouragement_n to_o come_v on_o again_o whereupon_o this_o letter_n be_v write_v and_o send_v the_o next_o day_n to_o mr._n stanford_n with_o 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