A brief account of some of the late and present sufferings of the people called Quakers for meeting together to worship God in spirit and truth, being prosecuted by the statute of the 22th Car. 2. Cap. I., entituled, An act to prevent & supress seditious conventicles, by the prosecution of which act many families have had their estates wholly wasted and ruined, contrary to the law of God, the antient laws of the kingdom, and to nature itself : together with a particular account of such of the above said people who have dyed prisoners, from the year 1660 to 1880, I. for meeting together to worship God, &c., II. for refusing for conscience sake to swear in any case, III. for not going to the parish church, and not paying to the repair of the same, and not paying offering money, small tythes, &c. : humbly presented to the King, Lords & Commons in Parliament assembled.

Cheshire.

THere being a Peaceable Meeting, at the Meeting House of William Gandy the 24th of the 4th Moneth, 1677. One Sr. Peter Leicester, called a Justice, came there, (Informer himself) and being accompanied with divers Souldiers, lighted off their Horses, and some with their drawn Swords, pusht those that were out of the Doors into the House, and clapt to both Doors, and set Guards upon them, giving very Uncivil and Scornful Language; and the Justice took a List of two Hu••dred Names, and upwards, and in a few dayes Convicted and Fined all, viz. Margaret Fox and Thoma•• Dockery 20 l. a piece for Preaching, which they levyed upon others of the Meeting then present; pretending, that they were Strangers, and fled; though it is well known they have Estates of their own: And T. D. told them, he had an Estate, and where it lay; and said, He had rather suffer himself, than that it should be laid upon others for his supposed offence. He also levyed 20 l. upon several of the Meeting, for the House; although he said, He knew the Owner, which is contrary to the Act: For the Owner of the House ought himself to be Fined, ex∣cept in the Case of Poverty; which could be no Reason in this Case.

Further, this Sr. Peter Leicester's Injustice was mani∣fested, in threatning the Constables, That if they did not execute his Warrants to the utmost, he would bind them to the good Behaviour, and such like Expressions; bidding them sell a Cow for 5 s. rather then fail, and take enough for

themselves: And when the Constables told him, the Persons were poor, and had not whereon to make Di∣stress, he laid six or seven Fines upon one Person that was judged able, besides their own Fine; and this did not satisfie neither, for he said, The Act was made to short, and that he would have had it made, that they should go to Prison for want of payment, and there lie till they rotted, except they would pay the Fines. And being thus oppres∣sed, several appealed at the Sessions: for which Sr. Pe∣ter Leicester, to be revenged on them, pressed to have the O••th of Allegiance tendred to t••em at the Bar, and he stirred up the rest of the Justices to joyn with him against them, except Sr. Thomas Manwaring, who open∣ly refused to joyn in judgment against the Appealants, for that he said, the Record was not right; never∣theless, the Jury being Persons chosen for the purpose, brought the Appealants in Guilty: The said Peter Lei∣cester having issued out his Warrants, and for that one Meeting, took away Goods and Cattle to the value of above two Hundred Pounds; a particular Account of which may be produced, if required.

There being a peaceable Meeting at the House of De∣borah Bushell of Alvandly the 9th day of the 3d Moneth, 1678. Ralph Rutter and Robert Harper, two of the baser sort of Men, and John Davis, Priest of the Parish, joyn∣ing with them, informed Sr. Phillip Egerton, called Ju∣stice thereof, who fined several Persons upon their Information, and issued out his Warrants to make Di∣stress, viz.

Elizabeth Ashbrooke of Frodsham, Widdow, and one that hath six Fatherless Children, fined for her self, the Preacher, and for two of her Children, though one of them was

not fifteen Years of Age, the sum of seventeen Pound and seven Shillings; for which Fine the said Justice di∣rected his Warrants to the Constables of Frodsham, but more especially to Ralph Rutter, the Informer, and to Richard Dobson and Lawre••ce Billington, Bailiffs, in North∣with; which Bailiffs went to her House, and with a Bar of Iron forcibly broke down her Cow-House Door, and took from her five Cows, worth seventeen Pounds, one of which was returned.

John Cheshire of Overton, for being at the same Meeting, and at a Meeting at Newton, the 17th day of the 9th Moneth, 1678. was fined 4 l. for which they distrained his Corn, Hay, a Cart and Wheels, in all to the value of 9 l. and upwards.

Mary Trafford for being at the same Meeting, and also at a Meeting at Helsby, the 12th of the 3d Moneth, 1678. had a Cart and Wheeels taken from her, worth 50 s. and upwards: She asked the Officers, who sent them to take away her Goods; they answered, Parson Davis sent them, whose Mare they also brought to draw the Wheels away.

John Brown for being at the Meeting at Newton, was fined 8 l. for the Preacher, and 5 s. for himself, had four Cows, and two young Beasts taken from him, worth 15 l. which Rutter the Informer sold to John Smith and John Tue, two other Informers, for 9 l.

John Hodgskin for being at Helsby-Meeting, in the 3d Moneth, 1678. was fined 4 l. for the Preacher, and 10 s. for himself; and for being at another Meeting was fined 15 s. for himself and his Wife; for which Fines he had taken from him by the aforesaid Bailiffs, by Warrant from the same Justice, four Cows, worth 13 l.

The said John Hodgskin having a Kinsman that had nine Cows taken away for being at a Meeting, and being proffered to Sale, because J. Hodgskin related to a Butcher that they were distrained Goods upon the Act against Meeting, Rutter the Informer in a great Rage went to Sr. Phillip Egerton, and got a Warrant, and threw the said J. Hodgskin into the Common Goal, where he re∣mained a Prisoner untill the next Sessions.

Richard Orme for being at the Meeting at Deborah Bu∣shells, had Leather taken from him worth 12 s. for a Fine of 5 s.

Jane Lownes, for the same cause had taken Goods worth 12 s. for a Fine of 5 s.

Richard Ashbrook and Peter Hatton of Frodsham, for be∣ing at the Meeting at Newton the 17th of the 9th moneth, 1678. fined 1 l. 15 s. and had taken from them Goods worth 6 l.

Richard Sarrat for being at a Meeting at Helsby, find 8 l. for the Preacher, and 5 s. for himself, and for be∣ing at the Meeting at Deborah Bushells, fined 10 s. for which Fines the aforesaid Bailiffs took five Cows from him worth 16 l. the 7th of the 9th moneth▪ 1678.

Deborah Bushell, at whose House the Meeting was, the said Justice Egerton find her 20 l. 5 s. for her self and her Son, for having the Meeting in her House.

Thomas Titley of Helsby, for having the Meeting in his House fined 20 l. for which Rutter the Informer, George Whitly a Souldier of the Trainbands, and Arthur Broder Constable, went into his Pasture Ground, and drove up nine Cows, worth 27 l. to the Gate, which being lockt, Rutter the Informer, with a Hatchet forcibly broke the Chain; and though he pretended he had an Order so to do, yet would shew none, but drove away the Beasts to the

Market at Chester, where the Constable was not wil∣ling to sell them under the value of 27 l. but because he did not sell them, Rutter threatned him, and made him leave them till next Market day, and then the Constable not selling them, returned them Home again; but on the 12••h of the 9th Moneth, the Bailiffs, R. Dobson, and one L. Billington, by Warrant from the said Justice Eger∣ton, took the same nine Cows, worth 27 l. and sold five of them for 14 l. and one for 1 l. and the Informer had two himself, and the Priest one.

And when these Cattel were put to Sale, Rutter the Informer and Davis the Priest being present, viewing the Cattle and promoting the Sale, one Randol Malin spoke to the Priest to this effect, viz. John Davis, wilt thou take upon thee to be a Preacher of Righteousness, and put men upon taking away and selling their honest Neighbours Goods? Dost thou believe this will cause an adding to thy Church daily, such as shall be saved? At these words the Priest fell into a Passion, calling him, Pitiful Rogue, threatning, he would take a course with him; and said, he could find in his heart to break his Pate: And because he spoke to the Butcher▪ to whom the Cattel were offered to Sale, he got a Warrant for him also, who was then present with the aforesaid J. Hodgskings, and commit∣ted him to the common Goal.

The said Randol Malin having some Liberty to go Home to his Family, was on the 17th of the 9th moneth, 1678. at a Meeting in Newton, and for speaking a few words in Prayer to God was fined 20 l. 5 s. for which the said Justice Egreton granted a Warrant to make Distress up∣on him, and Billington the Bum Bailiff went into his House, and said, In the Kings Name, he would have the Furnace-Pan, and all the rest of the G••ods in the House; and

went out and distrained upon the Corn, and the Hay also.

On the 3d day of the 10th moneth, 1678. for the Fine of 20 l. charged on Thomas Titley, as af••resaid, the Bailiffs took from him Goods to the value of 7 l. and up∣wards, the nine Cows they said being not sufficient to discharge the Fine imposed on him; and in a few dayes after they came and strained one Cart and Wheels worth 50 s. to carry the Goods away with.

Arthur Wilcoxon of Manley, for being at the Meeting at Helsby the 12th of the 3d Moneth, 1678. was fined for part of the Preachers Fine, and for himself 8 l. 5 s. for which they took from him two Naggs and one Mare, which after they had kept some time, and could not sell them, were returned Home again, for which the Of∣ficers were sadly threatned by the Justice, to be fined, for neglecting their Duty, as he said.

The chief Instrument in prosecuting the aforesaid Persons, was the aforesaid John Davis, Priest of Fro••sham, who when others refused to buy the Goods, would take the Spoil into his own hands, threatning, He would break the Quakers, or they should break him; and that they should never meet quietly, for he would persue them, or cause them to be persued, whilst he had Breath in his Body.

Arthur Wilcoxon of Manley fined 8 l. 10 s. but being not at H••me when the Bailiffs went with a Warrant from Justice Egerton to distrain, the Constables would have had them not to make distress, and they would pay the Justice, thinking thereby to save what they could of Arthur's Goods, which the four Bailiffs would not con∣sent to, except the Constable would pay them 12 d. a piece, and promise to pay the Fines to Rutter the In∣former, and not to the Justice, which the Constable re∣fused

to do; so they tooke one Nagg, one Mare and three Beasts, worth 11 l. and delivered them to the said Ralph Rutter the Informer, who sold three Beasts, viz. one Cow and two Heisers for 2 l. 10 s.

Richard Sarrat, for being at a peaceable Meeting at Newton the 17th of the 9••h moneth, 1678. fined 8 l. 15 s. for the House, the Preacher and himself, by the afore∣said Justice, for which Fines Thomas Jones and George Bennet of Chester, Bum Bailiffs, took two Horses and a Mare from him, worth 16 l.

Thomas Stretch of Overton, for being at a Meeting had two Pots taken from him, valued at 1 l.

Richard Orme of Frodsham, Shoe-maker, for being at a Meeting at Newton, the 20th day of the 10th Moneth, 1678. fined 20 s. by Philip Egerton, called a Justice, and had Goods taken from him, worth 26 s.

Richard Orme aforesaid for being at a Meeting, the 22d day of the 11th Moneth, 1678. at the same place, was fined by the said Philip Egerton 9 l. for the Preacher, notwithstanding the Person that spoke was able to pay the Fine, if it had been laid on him; and for this Fine of 9 l. Lawrence Billington and Richard Dobson, two Bum-Bailiffs, without any Officer, forcibly broke open R. Ormes Shop-Door, and took away in Shop Goods, and other Goods, to the value of 8 l. 15 s.

Richard Greg of Barrow, for being at a Meeting at New∣ton, the 11th Moneth, 1678. was fined 8 l. by the said Philip Egerton, for which Ralph Rutter the Informer, and Lawrence Billington, took a Cow out of the said Richard Gregs Pen; but said, she was ten Pound too light, and therefore went to the Past••re Ground, and took a Mare and six Reerlings, all worth 13 l. This was done with∣out making any demand, or shewing any Warrant, or

any of the House having any Knowledge what was done, till informed by Neighbours that heard and saw them; and they were gone a Mile and a half with the Cattle, before they were overtaken, and then refused to shew their Warrant; the next Morning the Informer sold the Cattle at Fr••dsham, boasting he had a quick Mar∣ket: and though they were worth above 13 l. and a Mare they had taken from Richard Sarrat, worth 4 l. they sold all for 4 l. 5 s. as the Man that bought them related.

Arthur Willcoxon of Manley, for being at the Meetings at Newton aforesaid, was fined 27 l. 10 s. for himself and the House, for which Fine Philip Egerton aforesaid, granted a Warrant to the aforesaid Ralph Rutter and John Tue, two Informers, and Lawrence Billington, Bailiff, Persons of no Estate, but live upon the Spoil of others, ☞who sell the Goods they take at what price they please, and taking what, and as much as they please, never ac∣counting for any over-plus; and the said Justice Egerton telling them, He would justifie them, if they sold Cat∣tle for Twelve Pence a piece: And for the Fines afore∣said, they distrained fifteen Cows and a Bull, one Yoke of Oxen, and a Nag and a Mare, better worth than 70 l. but the Neighbours were greatly disgusted to see the Cattle drove away, and a Woman and several Children stopt the Cattle, and endeavoured to stop them; at which the Informer being inraged, cryed out, Kill them; and Billington the Bailiff, with his Pike-Staff, ript a young Girls Lip in a cruel manner, that it bled extream∣ly; and People cryed out, Shame of them. And the In∣formers seeing the Constable present, informed the said Justice Egerton against him and the rest, and the Justice bound him over to his good Behaviour, and said, He should not only pay the Fines, but be fined himself at

the Sessions for his neglect, in not assisting the Informers to Strain: The Constable being terrified at the Justices threats, was forced to pay the Fines, and take the Cat∣tle in lieu thereof.

The said Arthur Wilcoxon had taken from him before, for the said Fines a Nag, a Mare, and two Heifers, worth 11 l. which were sold by the Informers for 4 l. 10 s.

Thomas Peckoe of Stanthorne, for having a Peaceable Meeting in his House, the 12th day of the 12th moneth, 1678. was informed against by William Torkington and John Hussey, Informers, to Peter Venables, Justice, who gran••ed them a Warrant to distrain; and the afore∣said Informers, accompanied with William Kensey, Con∣stable, came to Thomas Peckoes's House the 13th of the 1st Moneth, 1679. but his Cattle was seized by his Landlord before; however, they distrained, and would have taken away one Mare and three Calves, had not the Landlord hapned to be there present, and prevented them for carrying them away for that time; but the Informers being not willing t•• go away empty-handed, searched the Cow-House, and finding a Mare, which the Wife of Alexander Laurence had ••id upon to the Meeting that Day, (he being a Pris••ner for Conscienti∣ously refusing to Swear) they took the Mare, refusing upon demand, to sh••w any W••rrant for their so doing, but said, they had her, and would keep her. About two dayes after, the same Informers and Const••ble went again to Thomas Peckoe, and to••k the Mare and two Calves away, and searched every Room in the House for Cheese; but took no more away at that time, the Con∣stable being moderate.

On the 13th day of the 1st Moneth afo••esaid, the same

Informers and Constable went to Thomas Vernons of Stanthorn, and the Gate being Lockt, the Informer hea∣ved down the Gate, and without making any demand for any Fine; but hearing the Gate break down, the Girle went forth and found them driving away three Cows, worth 12 l. and two young Beasts, worth 4 l. for a Fine of 10 s. But the Constable and Neighbours seeing their Unreasonableness, passed their Words for the Fine, and took the Cattle into their Custody.

James Cleaton fined for himself and his Wife being at the Meeting, 1 l. for which Fine the Informers afore∣said went to his House, and broke down his Door, took five Cows and three Heifers, worth 26 l. but they restored the Cattle, all but one, upon the Constable passing his Word, that the other should be forth com∣ing.

The same Informers took from Roger Dickes of Occleston, for a Fine of 15 s. one Mare of his, and another of his Sons, worth 6 l. which they sold for 1 l.

Upon the Oath of the same Informers, that there was a strange Preacher that preached at the Meeting at Thomas Peckoes, the 12th day of the 12th Moneth; And though indeed there was no Preacher nor Preaching; yet the aforesaid Justice fined William Woodcock 5 l. Tho∣mas Bookly 5 l. Samuel Burrou••hs 5 l. and Ralph Plumly 5 l. though he was not at the Meeting, nor had not been for three Years before at any Quakers Meeting. The In∣formers coming to Thomas Bookly to make Distress, find∣ing the Cow-House Door fast went away, but meeting with Sr. Jessery Shackerly, he asked them, Whether they had Strained to the purpose? and bid them to their Du∣ty, or he would Fine them; they told him the Door was fast; he bid them break it open and he would stand

by them, which they did: But what distress they then made, for the aforesaid Fines, no Account is as yet returned up.

Cornwall.

AT Loveday Hamblyes House, in the Parish of Austill, there being a Meeting the 1st day of the 2d moneth, 1677. for which she was fined 20 l. for the House, by Joseph Saul, Justice (so called) and on the 3d day of the 7th moneth, 1677. John Hodge, Francis Opie, Tri∣stram Carlian, with John Arthur, Matthew Bond and Henry Young, took away from the said Loveday Hambly two H••rses, three Bullocks, twenty three Sheep and one Lamb, all worth 16 l.

For part of a Fine of 20 l. laid upon a Preacher, which the Warrant saith was fled, and for 10 s. for Ambross Grosse of Luxillian, Goods were taken from him well worth 10 l.

For a Fine of 10 s. upon John Trefry and his Wife, for the same Meeting, and for part of the Preachers Fine, were Goods taken from the said John Trefry worth 4 l.

For a Fine of 5 s. upon Peter Godfrey for being at the said Meeting, and for part of the Preachers Fine, and for the Poverty of others, was Goods taken from him worth 3 l.

For a Fine of 5 s. upon Philip Ellot, for being at the said Meeting, and Part of the Preachers Fine, and for the pretended Poverty of others, had Goods taken from him to the value of 4 l.

For a Fine of 10 s. imposed upon Joseph Growdon and his Wife, for the said Meeting, and for the pretend∣ed Offences and Poverty of others, had Goods taken from him by Ralph Jenkin, John Hodge and John Hicks worth 5 l. 11 s. 9 d.

For a Fine of 5 s. upon Anne the Wife of Thomas Salt∣house, for being at the said Mee••ing, was taken by Tristram Corlian, Francis Opie and Edward Baker, Goods worth 1 l. 3 s.

For a Fine of 5 s. upon John Hayes of Fewy, for being at the said Meeting, he had Goods taken worth 1 l.

For a Fine of 10 s. upon John Ellott and his Wife, for being at the said Meeting, and for the pretended Poverty of others, Goods were taken from him worth 2 l.

For a Fine of 5 s. upon Joseph Ellott, for being at the said meeting, and for the pretended Poverty of others, Goods were taken from him worth 1 l. 10 s.

Mary Samble of Enedor, a poor Widdow, for being at the said Meeting was fined 5 s. and for that and the pretended Poverty of others, had Goods taken away to the value of 1 l. 10 s.

The 8th day of the 2d Moneth, 1677. being the First day of the Week, Justice Saul come to the Meeting at Tregongeeves with Constables, and several others, where finding serveral Persons peaceably assembled, took their Names, and fined Loveday Hambly 20 l. Thomas Salthouse for speaking in the said Meeting was fined 20 l. and Anne his Wife 5 s. for part of which Fines of 20 l. and 5 s. on the 9th day of the 5th moneth, 1678. John Hex, Edward Baker and Samuel Julian seized on an Acre of Hay of the said Thomas Salthouse's, when it was ready for carrying, which was sold to Anne Came, Widdow, for 13 s. though the Hay was worth 2 l.

Joseph Growden for being at the said M••eting a••d for refusing to tell the Names of others, he being then Over∣seer of the Poor, was fined 5 l. and for himself and his Wife 10 s. and for the pretended Poverty of others had Goods taken from him, for the same Meeting, worth 9 l.

The 12th of the 8th Moneth, 1680.

There being a peaceable M••eting at Wynor the 12th day of the 7th mon••th, 1••8••. there came two Informers, viz. Thom••s Lander and J••hn Treble of Wynor aforesaid, and with them a Clerk, t•• one William Sil••y, called a Just••ce, who took the Names of such as were assembled, and had them b••fore the said Justice, who fined several and grant••d a Warrant for to distr••in their Goods; and the next Morning the Informer, and Humphry Guy Con∣stable, took from John Peter a Cow, which was all he had to give his Children Milk; which Cow they sold for 3 l. though it was worth 4 l.

Sampson Cosgrave had for the same Meeting a M••re taken from him worth 10 l. which they sold for 5 l.

Nicholas Emett had distrained for the same Meeting one Table, one Creek, one Kettle, besides some Pewter, also, they took from under his Wife a Chair she sate in by the Fire, having been in a weak condition for near half a year, and not having another Chair to sit on.

Henry Williams had a Mow of Wheat seized, which was sold for 20 s. though it was worth 5 l.

Thomas Hicks, Constable, and one of the Informers came to the House of Anne Hendor, a poor Widdow, to leavy her Fine, but finding the Door fast, and no body at home, they lay close, and watched their opportunity when she opened the Door, and thrust in upon her, and took away two Beds with Boulsters, Pillows and Cover∣lets,

Blankets, Sheets, and some Pewter, taking all away, leaving her no Bed to lie on, but the Boards, nor any thing to cover her from the Cold.

This is but a hint of what hath been of late in this County; their Sufferings formerly upon the Act against Coventicles, having been very much to the loss of many Hundred of Pounds.

Darbyshire.

FOr a peaceable Meeting at Whittenton, the 17th of the 12th Moneth, 1677. at the House of Francis Davenport, several Persons were fined by Franc••s Bur••on called Justice, John Naylor and Richard Lindly Informers; for which Fines these several Per••ons had Goods taken from them as followeth;

Godfrey Beard, Goods to the value of 1 l. Francis Da∣venport, Goods to the value of 8 l. 10 s. William Storr, Goods to the value of 7 s. 6 d. Anthony Allen, Goods worth 9 s. Thomas Burbeck, Goods worth 11 s. 6 d. Susanna Frith, Goods worth 10 s.

For a Meeting at Tupton, the 29th of the 7th Moneth, 1678. several Persons were fined by Thomas Gladwin, cal∣led a Justice, John Stoppart and Gilbert Linker Informers, and had Goods and Cattle taken to the value as fol∣loweth;

John Allon of Tibshelfe had taken Goods worth 5 l. 5 s. Thomas Fowke of Holmgate fined 10 s. for himself and his

Wife, and 5 l. for an unknown Preacher; had for the said Fines the most p••rt of his Goods distrained; a Sale of which Goods b••i••g proclaimed at two Markets, and none being willing to buy them, the Officers acquainted the Justice therewith, and desired to know what they should do; he told them, If th••y did not raise the Fines, he would Fine them fi••e Pound a piece: Whereupon they had a Cow to Market the second time, but could not sell her, wherefore the Justice still threatned to Fine them; so that John Marryot the Constable was constrain∣ed to sell the Goods at a low rate, viz. for 3 l. to stop the said Justices Mouth, which he did by paying the Mo∣ney to him. Matthew Hopkinson, Junior, fined 5 s. for being at the said Meeting, and 5 l. for an unknown Preacher, had two Cows taken from him, which being had to the Market, would not sell, and therefore were returned to him, but had some Money stopt that was owing to him for the said Fine.

Some others were fined for the same Meeting, some of which being not yet levyed, a further Account cannot be given.

Durham.

FOr peaceably Assembling to Worship God at St••ck∣ton and Norton, in the Year 1678. these P••r∣sons following were fined and distrained, by Warrant from George Morland of Wineyard and ••ames Pennyman of Ornsby in Cleaveland in Yorkshire, called Justices; upon Cer∣tificate from the said Morland, who first Convicted them. The Informers, William Wake and Richard Halliman, both of

Thorpe Fewlers: The Goods taken by William Adamson Constable, Overseer a••d Warden; Thomas Hodgson, Warden, Ralph Tindal Overseer, all of Stockton; Tho∣m••s Austin, spec••al Bail••ff John Manuel, Thomaes Thomp∣son Constables, Robert W••lson Constable, and others in their several places, by virtue of the Warrants from the Justices aforesaid, and for the Fines imposed for the Meeting Houses, and for Richard Watsons Preaching; although Richard Watson, so soon as he understood War∣rants were granted against others in his Name, did in the presence of many Witnesses offer unto the said George Morland, That if he would call in such Warrants, and give them out against him, he would sufficiently make appear that he had Goods and Chattels within the Township of Norton, liable to be taken by his Warrants, to the value of one Hundred Pounds, and upwards: But the said Morland (except he would pay the Money) refused to call in the said Warrants.

The 9th of the 9th Moneth, 1678. Taken as followeth, in Goods and Cattle, to the val••e of

From	L.	S.	D.
Simon Townsend,	00	10	00
Robert Pattison,	13	00	00
John Blackeston,	04	00	00
Thomas Chipchase,	04	00	00
Christopher Crosby 5 Cows,	22	00	00
James Peacock,	05	10	00
William Harrison,	06	10	00
Cuthbert Hunter,	07	00	00
Christopher Crosby,	04	00	00
James Peacock,	05	00	00
William Foster,	03	00	00

Money paid upon appeal by Edward Fleatham of Yarme in the County of York, Merchant, 20 l. 15 s. Twenty Pounds of which the said Edward Fleaetham was charged with, for a Fine for the Meeting-House at Stockton; he being Convicted in his absence, and with∣out summons to appear, neither being fined for the Po∣verty of any other, nor being the sole Owner of the said House himself, but joynt-Tenant with others, one of whom was also present at the said Meeting; and al∣though the Judge and several of the Justices of the Ses∣sions, unto whom he appealed, did confess it was con∣trary to Law that any man should be Convict without hearing, or summons to appear; yet nevertheless Judg∣ment was given against him.

From	L.	S.	D
Benjamin Lindly,	00	10	00
John Langstaff of Howlish near Auckland,	10	05	00

Ten Pounds whereof was part of a forty Pound Fine for Richard Watson's Preaching and Teaching; although Richard Watson did make appear he did but only Pray.

From	L.	D.	S.
William Smith,	12	00	00
James Peacok,	04	10	00
Robert Herron,	05	00	00
Zachary Herron,	06	00	00
Cuthbert Hunter,	06	10	00
William Harrison,	09	00	00
Richard Watson,	05	00	00
Thomas Chipchase,	02	00	00
Richard Watson,	10	00	00
William Smith,	01	05	06

From	L.	S.	D.
Giles Calvert,	00	05	00
Elinor Wheldon,	00	17	00
Daniel Toes,	00	06	00
William Jeckell,	02	06	08
William Laurence,	00	08	00
Robert Hartburn,	01	09	00
John Ushaw,	00	10	00
William Smith,	02	00	00
James Peacock,	04	10	00
Robert Corney,	02	07	06

All the aforesaid Sufferers were convicted in their absence, without any Summons to appear to make an∣swer for themselves before the Face of their Accusers, upon whose Information, whether true or false, they have suffered; and for the most part are ignorant of what Sum or Sums they were charged with, for whose Offence or Offences, (when committed) or what the Offence or Offences were, for which their Goods have been taken; the Officers usually refusing to shew their Warrants, the Justice forbidding them; And the Ju∣stice himself confessed, in the presence of many Wit∣nesses, That he commanded them not to shew their Warrants.

Distresses upon several belonging to Darlington-Meeting, by Warrant from the said G. Morland, Thomas Ga∣thorn and Robert Fowel, Informers.

From	L.	S.	D.
Edward Fisher,	00	10	00
Joshuah Middleton,	00	10	00
Margaret Crawforth,	00	05	00
Michael Collin,	00	05	00
Robert Truman,	00	06	03

From	L.	S.	D.
Edward Fisher,	05	10	00
Cuthbert Tompson,	00	11	06
John Truman,	00	05	00
John Shaw,	00	09	00
Robert Truman,	14	13	00
Thomas Nickson,	00	07	00
Laurence Appleby,	00	06	06
William Dobson,	00	05	00
Michael Collins,	02	10	00
Frances Confitt,	00	08	00

These Ten prosecuted on the Information of William Wake of Thorpe Fewlers, Farmer, and Richard Halliman of the same, Labourer, Informers, by the same Justices Warrant.

Frances Confitt, from whom they took a Kettle worth eight Shillings, is a poor Widdow of near Eighty Years of Age, whom the Officers turned out of her House, after the eight Hour at Night, and kept her out of her Bed in violent Frosty Weather, threatning her in such manner, that she was out of hope of Enjoying her House, though she had a Lease of it: And said, They had order for what they did from Justice Morland.

Cuthbert Goldsborrough Blacksmith, Watchman with John Foster, Constable of Darlington, at the eleaventh or twelfth Hour in the Night, called to the said Widdow to open her Door, and let them in to look for Jesuits; and she being a single Woman, and none in the House but her self, told them, she durst not; for she feared they were Drunk, and would abuse her: Whereupon they got Stones, and as it was judged, after an Hours knocking and bouncing, they broke the Lock, and burst open the Door, and sorely affrighted the poor antient

Woman; and the Neighbours that heard their Threat∣nings, their Children were sorely affrighted with the noise they made in breaking open the Door.

William Hodshon of Cockerton, near Darlington, Yeaman, fined for being at two Meetings, 15 s. and his Son fined for being at one Meeting 5 s. And notwithstanding it hath been made appear to the said Justice Morland by se∣veral Witnesses, that the said William Hodshon was not at the first Meeting, for which he was fined 5 s. and therefore was not liable to be fined 10 s. for the second Meeting, because in strictness it could not be accounted more then the first time; however, there was taken from him a Heifer, worth 3 l. 15 s. And when the Constable went to pay in the Money, he treated with George Morland to abate the 15 s. Because, said he, our Neighbours know that William Hodshon, was not at the first Meeting; and for his Son Thomas, we know he was then sick of an Ague, and is still; And I have driven a Heifer, but cannot get her sold, for no Body will buy her. To which George Morland answered, He may take his Remedy against the Informers; and here is a Man that will buy the Heifer; meaning William Wake, one of the Informers, saying to him, Lay down the twenty Shillings, and take thou the Hei∣fer. But the Constable answered, He shall not have her. So the Constable was forced to pay the twenty Shil∣lings for the whole Fines.

1680.

By Information made by Richard Keenlyside Skinner, George Thompson Blacksmith▪ George Stubbs Cooper, John Proud Shoemak••r, and several Informations by Cuthbert Shadforth and George Joblin Shoemakers, all of Durham, Warrants were granted forth by John Moorland, Ralph Davison, John Sudbury Dean, Dennis Greenvill Arch-Dea∣con,

Isaac Bassire, Cuthbert Hutchison Mayor, for a Mee∣ting the 27th of the 12th moneth, 1679.

Robert Fisher of Durham, Fuller, had taken from him, for a Fine for the Meeting being at his House, and other single Fines, two Mares, six Oxen and three Kine, worth 32 l.

Martin Nicholson, Grocer, had taken from him at se∣veral times, for several Fines, Goods out of his Shop worth 76 l.

Robert Hethrington, Shoemaker, had taken from him, (for Fines amounting to 3 l. 5 s.) Goods, viz. Shoes and Boots worth 4 l.

William Heighington, Shoemaker, had taken from him, for a Fine of 10 s. Goods wor••h 10 s. 6 d. and Charges of an Appeal, in the recovering of his Goods, taken for his Fathers Fine, and another 10 s. Fine for himself, amounts to 4 l. 10 s. 6 d.

Robert Wallas, Shoemaker, had taken from him seve∣ral times, all the Goods of any value in his Shop, he being but lately set up, for several Fines, worth 7 l. 6 s. 6 d.

William Hickson of Shinkley near Durham, Farmer, for a Fine of about 4 l. had taken from him two Oxen worth 7 l..

Richard Hall of Rhamside fined 5 l. 5 s. and his Houshold Goods seized on to the value of 10 l. which his Father would not suffer to be taken away, but paid the Fine of 5 l. 5 s.

Richard Hopper of Wellsprings near Durham, had taken from him at several times, for several Fines, two Cows, Pewter, Bedding, and other Houshold Goods, worth 16 l.

James Hall of Monck Hasledon, had taken from him, for a Fine of 10 l. 5 s. for being at a Meeting in Durham, five Kine worth 17 l.

George Hall of Stockton, for being at the same Mee∣ting had taken from him three Cows and a Steer, worth 12 l.

By Information made unto Robert Eden of West Auckland, and Cuthbert Caire of Eller Auckland by John Ande and James Dickson, Constables of Market Auckland, and Warrants granted by them unto the said Informers, for several Meetings, Goods were taken from Friends at Auck∣land, as followeth.

Zachariah Murthwaite, Shoemaker, had taken from him, for Fines of 15 s. six pair of Shoes, worth 17 s.

William Spencely, Dyer, had taken from him, for se∣veral Fines, Pewter and four Cows, 15 l. 10 s.

Anthony Hodgshon, Farmer, had taken from him, for several Fines amounting to about 5 l. three Cows, one of which came back into his Ground, 9 l.

Edward Tonstall had taken from him, for the Meeting being at his House, one Horse, one Cow, twelve Pewter dishes, and other Pewter, twelve Rushy Leather Chairs and one Chest of Drawers, worth 18 l. 10 s.

John Trotter, Tanner, had taken from him, for se∣veral Fines amounting to about 5 l. one Hide and two Cows, worth 7 l. 6 s.

James Trotter, Dyer, had taken from him, for seve∣ral Fines amounting to about 5 l. two Cows worth 7 l.

Note, These with several Fines not yet leavyed, and the Informers giving out to distrain again, for some of the same Fines already leavyed, with their selling of the Sufferers Goods in private, much under their real worth, not bringing them to the open Market within their Liberties, with insulting

Language, which they suffer from them, their threatning to break Locks, their summoning some of them to appear before them at their Houses to give an Account of their Debts, as if they were Justices of the Peace; their several false Oathes in their Informations. All which may be made appear, if desi∣red: And some have been stript so bare, they have not left them a Cow to give the Children Milk.

The value of the Loss of our Goods and Cattle for Meeting.

	L.	S.
From the Year 1670. to 1676. amounts to	730	19
In the Year 1677. the Loss amounts to	120	00
In 1678.	208	16
In this Year	239	15
Total	1299	11

• ...Ralph Nicholson
• ...Martin Nicholson
• ...Emanuel Grice
• ...John Heighington
• ...William Heighington
• ...Robert Wallas
• ...Robert Hethrington
• ...Edward Tonstall
• ...Richard Hopper.

Devonshire.

Burrough of Plymouth, the 5th of the 2d Moneth, 1677.

UPon Information given to the Mayor, Andrew Hors∣man, by a Souldier of the Garrison, came the said Mayor and three Justices more, and three Constables,

and they forcibly dispersed the Meeting, and fined one Richard Samble, who was then speaking, twenty Pounds.

The next Meeting after being the 7th day of the Moneth, and the first day of the Week, we were ga∣thering together in our Meeting-house; upon further Information of two Souldiers of the Garrison to ••he Mayor, he with two Justices more came to the Meeting, and when they had taken our Names, the said Mayor and Justices with violence haled us forth the Meeting-house into the Street, and then set a Guard upon the Door to keep us out; and the said Richard Samble being there again (whom before, as above, they had fined 20 l.) they took him away with a Guard, and so kept him till Evening, and convicted him, and fined him again 40 l. for speaking. So, from the 7th of the 2d moneth, to the 30th of the 7th moneth following, we were kept out in the Street, out of our Meeting-house three times a Week, and then that day we had a peaceable Meeting within the H••use, and it was the first day of the May∣ralty of William Tomes; but afterwards the said Mayor kept us out of the Meeting-house, and we met in the open Street, as before, three times a Week, enduring the Extremity of the Cold, and Bitterness of the Storms all the Winter, as well as the Heat of the Summer, re∣ceiving much Abuse of the Rabble and Rude Multitude that gathered about us; and sometimes the Officers and Souldiers of the Garrison throwing Squibs of Fire, & hot burning Coles from the Hearth out of a Window upon us, and Glasses of Beer, Wine, and nasty filthy Excre∣ments, with Punshings and Railings, which were too te∣dious to relate

The 30th of the 10th Moneth being the first day of

the Week, we being met in the Street, the aforesaid Richard Samble being at the said Meeting, and being on his Knees at Prayer, John Martyn called a Justice, co∣ming by, the said Martyn came amongst us, and haled the said Richard Samble from his Knees, calling him Rogue; and saying, Are you come again? and took him and committed him to a Guard, and then in the Evening he and the Mayor convicted him, and the next day laid a Fine upon four of us that was at the said Meeting, for Forty Pounds, for the said Richard Samble's Fine, to each of us Ten Pounds a piece, yet kept the said Richard Samble one whole night and part of a day in Prison, and then released him. At another time, one declaring in the Street, came a Souldier and beat him with great Violence. And thus with great Disturbance we kept our Meetings in the Street, from the 5••h of the 2d moneth, 1677. to the 1st of the 3d moneth, 1678. being more than twelve Moneths.

M••ny Warrants were given forth for Distresses upon some of us, but the Constables being moderate, little of Distress was taken, only from Robert Cary, there the Constables forced into his Shop, and took from him in Goods, in Sugar and Strong Waters, by Computation to to the value of Twenty Four Pounds, and carried it away, and the said Officers sold it at a publick Survay in the Street, and it was sold for four Pound thirteen Shil∣lings; but two moderate men, his Neighbours bought it, in kindness to the said Robert Cary, without his know∣ledge; and after they had taken out from the Sugar so much as they had paid out for the said Goods, did return all the rest again to the said Robert Cary; but in all this time we had very little of Distresses taken from us be∣sides this. This very bri••fly is the substance of our Suffer∣ings,

but the whole manner, if it written, would contain several Sheets. The Truth of which is testified in the behalf of the rest of the Sufferers, by

Arthur Cotten.

1678.

Cullumpton-Meeting.

THe 25th of the 12th moneth, 1676. came Anthony Salter, Informer, to our Meeting, who went from the said Meeting, and Informed the Justices of the said Meeting, namely, William Walrond and Samuel Sain∣thill, who gave forth their Warrants for Distre••s, upon such who were at the said Meeting, as followeth.

The 11th day of the 2d moneth, 1677. came Thomas Axe, John Mudford, William Fowler, Robert Coleman, Wil∣liam Richards (Constables) Anthony Salter, Informer and Warden, and Thomas Barron, Warden, to the House of Thomas Stampro, who being not at h••me, they un∣locked the Door of his House (the Key being in the door) went into his House, and took from him, for a Fine of 15 s. 2 l. 10 s.

The same Officers came to the House of Grinvell Yeo, and for 5 s. took 14 s.

The same Officers came to the House of Abel Downe, and for 1 l. took 1 l. 10 s.

The same Officers came to the House of Robert Ellicott, and for 1 l. 10 s. took 3 l.

The same Officers came to the House of Thom••s Fry, and for 3 l. took 4 l.

The same Offi••ers came to the House of Richard Old, and for 5 s. took 10 s.

The same Offic••rs came to the House of Richard Seach, and for 1 l. took 2 l.

The 24th of ••he said moneth came George Rutson Con∣stable,

William Hellmon and VVilliam Hill, Wardens of Kentish Beere, to the House of Anthony Henson, and for 5 s. took 15 s.

• Alexander Richards Witnesses.
• Thomas Fry Witnesses.
• Robert Elicott Witnesses.
• Grinvell Yeo Witnesses.

The 19th of the 6th Moneth, 1677.

For a Meeting at Cullumpton, the 25th of the 12th Moneth, 1676.

Robert Gudridge of Helcomb Regis fined for the House 20 s. for two others 10 s. and for himself 5 s. for which he had taken from him seven Sheep, worth 35 s. by Kerslake Constable, and others▪ by Warrant from William Walrond and Samuel Sainthill, Justices.

Robert Guddridge for being at another Meeting at Cul∣lumpton the 7th of the 1st Moneth, 1676. was fined for the House or Preacher 10 l. and for himself 10 s. And by Warrant from Samuel Sain••hill aforesaid, had distrained and taken fro•• him seven Bullocks, three of them sold, worth 13 l. 1•• s. and four returned again.

Joseph Paule of the same place, for being at the same Meeting, fined 20 s. for himself and others; had di∣strained by the same Justices Warrant, and by the same Officers executed, Goods worth 18 s. 6 d.

George Smith of the same, fined 10 s. for being at the same Meeting; had distrained by the same Officers, by the same Justices Warrant, one pair of Worsted Combs worth 5 s.

John Richardson of Bradniuch and his Wife for being at two Meetings at Cullumpton, and one at Bradniuch, fined 1 l. 5 s. for which, by Warrant from that aforesaid Justice, he had distrained and taken from him Goods

worth 33 s. 6 d. taken by Richard Coggan, Michael Nex and William Bendel Constables, and others.

Robert Pottle of the same, for being at two Meetings at Cullumpton aforesaid, and one at Bradniuch, was fined for himself, Wife and Son, 4 l. 5 s. and by the same Justices Warrant, and the same Officers had distrained and taken from him five Pewter Platters worth 10 s. the Officers not finding Goods sufficient to answer their Ends.

Kingsbridge, the 21st of the 8th Moneth, 1677.

Upon the Information of Paucars Cooke, Sexton of Dodbrooke, William Cooke his Son, and James Matthews, all of Dodbrooke, to John Beare, and one Kelland, called Justices, that there was a Meeting at Woodhouses in the said Parish, several were fined by the said Justices, who also granted Warrants to make Distress as followeth.

William Hingstone of Kingsbridge, fined 20 l.

John Brooking of the same 1 l.

Michael Lee of Bridge-Town near Totnes 1 l.

The 13th day of the 9th Moneth, 1677. the Of∣ficers, viz. Michael Martin, John Bunker, Robert Bull, Anthony Putt, John Dyning, Constables; Thomas Two, Thomas Teede and Thomas Adams, Overseers for the Poor, distrained, viz. of

Michael Lee to the value of 1 l. 9 s.

Samuel Jarvis had taken, the 29th of the same Moneth, by Jonas Holdish, Goods to the value of 7 s. 6 d.

Samuel Jarvis had taken to the value of 13 s. 10 d.

William Hingstone had taken by the Officers of Kings∣bridge, in Timber, and a whole Reek of Wood, whi••h eight Men were from nine in the Morning till five at

Night, throwing out of his Court over a Neighbours Wall, in all to the value of 35 l. 15 s.

Cullumpton, the 23d of the 4th Moneth, 1679.

William Leach of the same place fined for being at a Meeting there the 7th day of the 1st Moneth, 1678. 3 l. for which the Officers having a Warrant to make di∣stress, viz. Hugh Hole, Robert Westcombe, John James, Constables, and others, took from the said William Leach, Brass and Pewter to the value of 4 l. 9 s.

Dorsetshire.

FOr a Meeting in Bridport in the said County, the 8th of the 8th Moneth, 1680. several Persons, called Quakers were fined, Thomas Bagg of Bridport 9 l. 10 s. Daniel Taylor of the same 9 l. 15 s. Humphry Sprague of the same 8 l. upon the Oath of Thomas Nossiter a Lawyer, and William Bond a Bum-Bailiff, two Informers, by Joseph Bishopp, and Tho∣mas Ellis, two called Justices, and are Bailiffs of Brid∣port, who also granted Warrants to make Distress of their Goods; and one Robert Ironside Constable of Brid∣port executed the said Warrants, and took from Hum••∣phry Sprague of Bridport two Brass Pots, two Caldrons, one Posnet Skillet, one Warming-Pan, one Pewter Dish, to the value of about 3 l.

James Jacobs had taken from him a piece of Sole Lea∣ther, one Shoe, and his Working Tools.

Thomas Bagg had taken from him eight pieces of White Linnen, some of it Ossingbrigs, some broad

Dutch Dowlass, and broad Hamborrough Cloth, two pieces and a half of Woolen Cloth, worth Sixteen or Seventeen Pounds.

Daniel Taylor had taken from him for the same Mee∣ting five pieces of White Ossingbriggs, and three pieces of Woolen Cloth, worth about Eleavn or Twelve Pound; the Constable threatning he had not enough, but must come again and again. William Smith of King∣comb in the said County, for being at the aforesaid Mee∣ting was fined 9 l. 10 s. for his own, and the pretended Poverty or Offences of others; in order to leavy which Fine, the Bailiffs of Bridport aforesaid, sent a Certificate to two Justices, living near the said William Smith, who granted a Warrant to make distress; but the Warrant being directed to a wrong Constable, he would not ex∣ecute it, and the Justices that granted it being gone to London before the Warrant was Executed, Thomas Nos∣siter the Lawyer, and one of the Informers aforesaid, knew not how to come by his Prey, altered the Warrant himself, directing it to the right Constable; and when he had so done, orders the Constable to meet him at William Smiths House, where, when he came and found the Door shut got a Smith's Sledge and broke it open, (though the Constable was against it) & took away a parcel of Bodice Tick, Stockens, Cloth and Searge, to the value of about 9 l. Though the said William Smith is but a mean Man, and hath a Wife and several small Children.

For a Meeting in Bridport, the 13th of the 9th Moneth, 1680.

Daniel Taylor of Bridport, for a Fine of 9 l. 10 s. for being at the said Meeting, the 19th of the 9th Moneth, had taken from him one piece of gray Cloth twenty

two Yards, and seventy eight Yards of Gray Searge in five pieces, most of them being cut, worth in all 11 l. 17 s.

Thomas Bagg of Bridport the same time, for a Fine of 7 l. 10 s. for being at the same Meeting, had taken one piece of good brown Ossingbriggs, fifteen Yards of broad White Callice, one half piece Black Worsted Baratine, and part of four pieces more of sad-coloured Worsted Baratine, being about sixty six Yards of Bara∣tine, in all worth 8 l. 10 s. Taken by Robert Ironside, Constable, by Warrant from Thomas Ellis and Joseph Bi∣shop Bailiff, and Justices for the Town of Bridport.

Gloucestershire.

AT a Meeting of the People of God at Frenchay, the 13th day of the 4th Moneth, 1677. one John Me∣rideth, called a Justice, fell upon William Bennet and beat him sorely, and also beat William Wade: And the 20th day of the same Moneth, at the same place, in the High Way near the Meeting-House he found John Silcock, and he took him by the Hair of the Head, and pluckt him into the Meeting-House Yard, and then drew his naked Knife, and said, He would m••rk him; but his own Clark and others stepped in and prevented him, otherwise it was verily thought he would have done the said Silcock some great Mischief. The 23d of the same Moneth, coming to the same place, he demanded of George Peace what his Name was; and because he gave not his Name suddainly, the said Justice drew his Kife upon him; but one of his Servants restrained him from his

wicked purpose. The 27th day of the same Moneth, at the same place, the said John Merideth took John Bawn and pulled him by the Hair of the Head, and after that finding him in the High-Way the same day, he fell upon him and beat him after a very Cruel and Barbarous man∣ner.

And the said Justice Merideth did beat John Fryer and Joseph Glover, two Officers, because they refused to pull and hale People, as he would have them; Several others were also sorely beaten by him; and he broke five Glass Windows with his Staff, not leaving so much as one whole Quarrel, and caused the Benches and Fourms to be cut in pieces.

John Boy of Luckington, for three several Fines for be∣ing at Meetings, had Goods taken from him worth 11 l. by Warrant from Gabriel Low, called Justice: And the Officers, when they seized upon the Sufferers Goods, belonging to Bodmanton Meeting, did say, They were charged by the said Gabriel Low to take all they could find, and that which was not worth a carrying away, they should burn it, or break it to pieces; insomuch that Thomas Hol∣brow, an old Blind man and his Wife, and several other poor People had not a Bed left them, but their Lodging was on Straw for several Weeks; and the Blind man and his Wife had lain above eleaven Moneths on Straw, when the Account was sent up; and when Clothes were lent them by their Friends to keep them warm in the cold Season, the Officers took part of them away; And this Cruelty and Spoil did not suffice, but the poor Blind man, and one Henry Ashby of Hawksbury Upton, were Indicted for not going to the publick Worship, and by a Sessions process were apprehended and carryed to the Goal.

Goods and Cattle taken for Meeting to worship God at French∣hay, by Warrant from the said John Meredith, under a pretence of Breach of the late Act against Conventicles.

1. From Thomas Hill, eight Cows worth 30 l.

2. One Yoke of Oxen from him, worth 10 l.

3. Two Heifers of his Childrens (his own Cattle being all taken) to the value of 7 l.

4. One Waggon and one Wane worth 11 l.

5. Twelve load of Barley worth 25 l.

From Richard Tiper the worth of 5 l. 11 s.

For Meetings at Olveston, several Persons were Fined, and Distresses were made by Warrant from Francis Fane, called Justice, for the last Year, and this Year, being 1678. as followeth.

Walter Sommers had four Cows taken from him worth 20 l.

Francis Puinell four Bullocks and six Cows worth 34 l.

Thomas Wyther four Cows worth 16 l.

Richard Adams one Horse worth 8 l.

William Peasly two Cows worth 8 l.

William Culliford one Mare and Colt worth 10 l.

John Pocker two Cows worth 8 l.

Samuel Thurston two Horses worth 8 l.

Edward Hill, one Horse, four Yearlings, two Calves and eight Sheep, worth 14 l.

John West two fat Cows worth 10 l. 10 s.

Jonathan Russell five Beasts worth 20 l.

John Hollister Goods sold for 3 l.

John Orchards Goods sold for 2 l.

Nathaniel Thurston had Corn distrained; but the Of∣ficers not finding Sale at a reasonable value, and seeing the Severity of the Justices in Fining others who had not sold the Distresses, were constrained for fear to lay down the Fine, viz. 10 l.

John Edmunds had also Corn distrained, and the Of∣ficers for the aforesaid Reason did the like, and laid down 10 l.

These several Officers following were fined, under a pretence of neglecting their Duty; when in reality the occasion was, because they brought not to the Justices the Fines imposed; though they did alledge, and could prove, that they had made Leavies, and the Goods remained in their Custodies for want of Sale,

Officers Names that were Fi∣ned.	L.	S.	D.
John Seager fined	05	00	00
Thomas Stephens fined	00	05	00
Robert Hancock fined	02	00	00
William Richards fined	02	00	00
William Hollister fined	02	00	00
John Hancock fined	05	00	00

An Account of further Distresses for Meeting in Olveston by VVarant from the same Justice, 1678.

From	L.	S.	D.
Joseph Comings,	16	00	00
John Cooksey,	01	16	00
William Pichard,	07	00	00

From	L.	S.	D.
Edward Parker,	03	00	00
Samuel Th••rston,	02	04	00
Philip Mansell,	02	00	00
Richard Adams,	09	00	00
William VValkins,	06	00	00
VVilliam Rogers,	12	00	00
Maurice Smith,	14	00	00
Christopher Young, seven Cows taken worth	25	00	00
William Smith,	15	00	00
Thomas Sturge, taken from him in Cattle worth	18	00	00
Jonathan Russell,	10	00	00
VValter Summers,	09	00	00
Thomas Perryman,	05	00	00
Edward VVyther,	05	00	00
John Griming,	10	00	00
Edward Budding,	05	00	00
Joseph Sturge, in Cattle	05	00	00

Herefordshire.

THere being a peaceable Meeting at Hereford the 19th of the 3d Moneth, 1678. one VVilliam Russell went to Thomas Matthews, the Mayor, and informed against them, who fined James Ext••n of Burghill, and John Barber of Hereford City, twenty Pounds a piece (as Owners of the Meeting-House) for a second default, for which Fine James Exton had taken from him out of the Market one Horse and Pad, and other Furniture,

worth 5 l. 10 s. and John Barber had taken from him to the value of 5 l. by John Iones, one of the Mayors Serjants. Iohn Carver then fined, and had taken from him Goods worth 4 s. Robert VVoodliff fined, and had taken from him Goods worth 15 s. 6 d.

Leicestershire.

UPon the 22d day of the 4th moneth, 1679. there being a Meeting to wait upon and worship God at the House of Edward Erbye of Broughton; John Smith of Remson in the County of Nottingham, an old Informer, who had been the Ruin of many Families in that Coun∣ty, and finding his Prey began to fail there, he comes in∣to Leicestershire, and in the Meeting aforesaid finding the Persons assembled (being about sixteen in number) sit silent, he used some uncivil words to provoke them to speak, that so he might Swear there was a Preacher; but not prevailing, he went out and fetcht in his Com∣panion Thomas Simkin of Thornton (a Person not long since in the Goal for Fellony) John Heele, Constable, being present, gave the Informers the Names of all he knew, and the rest they took before one Justice Cole, who shewed great Injustice in endeavouring to fine for a Spea∣ker or Preacher, when there was no Preacher there, but that failing, he fined Edward Erbye, the man of the House, 20 l. notwithstanding he was a Prisoner at that time for Conscience sake (being committed to Prison several moneths before, with John Swaun, junior, of little Peatling, and one Thomas Pittsoe for refusing to Swear, which Imprisonment of theirs was occasioned by the In∣stigation

of William Cotton, Priest of Broughton aforesaid. The Informer came with the Officers, and broke open the House of the said Edward Erbye, and took away all his Houshold Goods that were worth taking, to the value of much more than the Fine, and sold them to Thomas Cotton, the Priests eldest Son; not leaving Edward Erbyes Wife, (who was an antient weakly Woman) so much as a Bed to lie on.

At another Meeting the 29th day of the same moneth, at the Widdow Townsends at Broughton, there came John Smith, Informer aforesaid, who finding several Persons sitting Silent, Informed the aforesaid Justice Cole there∣of, who immediately directed his Warrant to the Of∣cers of the said Parish who, for 8 l. Fine imposed upon the Widdow Townsend, took away all her house∣hold Goods, except one hanging Press and one Bedsteed, which Goods were valued at 23 l. they also took away the Daughters Wearing Cloathes and Apparel for the Mothers Fine.

Sarah Hilton of Sapcott, an antient poor Widdow, and her two Daughters, and Alice Griffin of the same Town, were all fined 3 l. for being at the Meeting at Broughton aforesaid; and the said Sarah Hilton had Goods taken from her to the value of between four and five Pounds, by Warrant from the said Justice Cole. J••hn Smith Informer.

Richard Bayly of Broughton Fined for being at a Meeting, by the said William Cole, 7 l. 10 s. for which John Heele Constable, took from him seven Heifers, worth 12 l.

William Brookes fined 10 s. for which they took Goods worth 19 s.

James Parker of Dunton, riding by when they were car∣rying out Edward Erbyes Goods, for refusing to assist the Officers, was fined 5 l.

Nicholas Pawley of Whetstone, for being at a Meeting at Broughton the 6th day of the 5th moneth, 1679. was h••d before William Cole aforesaid, with eleaven or twelve P••rsons more, by the said John Smith Informer, who t••ld the Justice he had brought them from a Meeting at Broughton: Nicholas Pawley said, there was never a word sp••ken; the Informer said, That was True. Well (said William Cole) then you save 20 l. for a Preacher; but you must pay 5 s. a piece for hearing; and proceeded to Fine Nicholas Pawley 10 l. 5 s. The next Morning the In∣former came to Whetstone, and threatned the Officers to have them fined, if they did not distrain; and Nicholas Pawley having but one Cow, the Constable took her and sold her to a Butcher for 20 s. and aft••rwards broke open his Barn door, and set men to thresh out all his Corn, though he had nothing but what he got by his Labour; the Corn and Pease they thresht, they sold for 10 l. so the whole they took was 11 l.

William Allen of Whetstone, in the same Year, through the Information of the same Informer, by the said William Cole fined 10 l. 5 s. which a Kinsman, no Quaker, paid.

Thom••s Shenton of Cosbey, fined for himself and his Wife 5 l. 10 s. for being at the Meeting at Broughton, and by Warrant from the aforesaid William Cole, the Of∣ficers distrained and took from him two Cows and five Ewes and L••mbs, which the Constable Francis Saunt could not sell presently; wherefore William Cole fined him 5 l. for a Neglect in the Execution of his Office, which he was fain to pay; and then William Cole gr••nted a Warrant to other Officers, who broke open T. Shenton's Doors and took all the Goods in his House and about his Ground; but his Neighbours being grieved to see all

his Goods like to be made Havock of, paid the Fine, and took part of the Goods for their satisfaction.

The 16th day of the 9th moneth, 1679. John Evatt of Castle Dumington, in the said County, having a peace∣able Meeting at his House, was Informed against by John Smith, and one Whittle, to Thomas Lord Beamsunt, Robert Lord Ferrers and Henry Kendall, called Justices, who issued forth Warrants for Distresses as followeth.

John Evatt, for a Fine of 10 l. 5 s. was distrained by Michael Pim, Constable, and two other Officers; and because the Goods were but of a mean value, Thomas, called Lord Beamount commanded the Officers to sell them, if it were but for the thirtieth part of t••e worth of them; so they sold all his Goods they distrain∣ed for 7 s.

William Howett for being at the said Meeting fined 5 s. for himself, and 10 l. for the Poverty of John Evatt, and had his Goods distrained, and part sold. And four Officers, viz. John Bradshaw, called Church-Warden, Henry Pim Overseer, John Gettly Thirdburrough, and Michael Pim Constable, were fined 5 l. a piece, for neg∣lect of their Offices; but they proving the Informers had given false Information against them, with much cost and trouble got their Fine•• remitted.

Thomas Glover fined 5 s. which his Son paid.

William Marshall of Wimswould, for having two peace∣able Meetings at his House, one being the 14th day of the 10th moneth, 1679. and the other on the 15th day of the 12th moneth, 1679. through the Information of John Smith was fined 20 l. by Justice Pochen, and had a Cow taken from him worth 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. which was sold to the said John Smith Informer, for 1 l. 6 s. 8 d.

John Fox of Wimswould, through the Information of the said John Smith, was fined by the said Justice Pochen Twenty Pounds for being at the same Meetings, for the Poverty of the above-named William Marshall, and 15 s. for himself; for which Fines he had taken from him Goods to the value of 23 l. 15 s. his House being broken open to take the said Goods; and the said John Smith bought most of the said Goods for 7 l. so they said they must come again and distrain for more, to make up the Sum; and in the 7th moneth, 1680. they did come a∣gain, and distrained for more, & took from him two Brass Pans, and one Brass Pot, for the same Fines, worth 30 s.

Elizabeth Shepheard was fined 5 s. for being at one of the said Meetings, and had a Hog taken from her, worth 10 s.

William Waite was fined 5 s. for the first, and 10 s. for the second Meeting, for his Wife's being there.

Edward Belton was fined 5 s. for his Wife being at one of the said Meetings. It is supposed the Money was paid, they being no Quakers.

Note, Some of the Officers being unwilling to make the Distresses, the Informer got Warrants against them, to two chief Constables, who made Distress of the Officers Goods, so that they were forced to pay above Twenty Pounds to have their Goods again; and afterwards the said Smith, the In∣former caused them to be sent to Goal, and to be bound over to the next Sessions to execute their Warrants.

The 28th day of the 1st moneth, 1680. John Smith Informer, came into the House of John Evans of Wigston, when the Meeting was breaking up, and several Persons were gone out of the house, and neither any Preaching

nor Teaching, nevertheless William Cole fined him 20 l. and the Officers made a Distress of his Cows, and sold three of them.

The same John Evans for being at a peaceable Meeting at Kinghton the 4th day of the 2d mone••h, 1680. was fined by the said William Cole 30 s.

And for having a Meeting at his own House the 11th day of the 2d moneth, 1680. Henry Beamount, Justice, fined him 5 l. notwithstanding there was no Informa∣tion of any Preaching or Teaching in any of the three Meetings. And on the 1st day of the 3d moneth, 1680. the Officers came and made distress of five Beasts and two Swine, and at Leicester sold two of the Beasts, and the two Swine; and on the 5th day they took twenty five Sheep out of his Fold, and the 6th day they sold them; and on the 18th day of the 3d moneth, 168••. the Officers came again, and took away two of his best Horses, and fetched Hay out of his Yard.

The same John Evans, for being at a Meeting at Kinghton the 30th day of the 3d moneth, 1680. was fined for himself 10 s. for his Wife and his Sons 20 s. and for being at a Meeting the 13th of the 4th moneth, 1680. was fined 20 s. and for the Poverty of others he was find 3 l. 10 s. for which Fines they took away from him two Cows worth 3 l.

Francis Broughton of Wigston and his Wife, for being at some of the Meetings were fined, and they took away from him a Pigg worth 8 s.

Samuel Pauley for the same Offence (so called) was fined, and they took from him a Pot and a Pan worth 20 s. they also seized of a Table & Coffer, for a Fine of 5 s.

Anne Mould of Wigston was fined 25 s. for being at three of these Meetings; her Husband not being a Quaker paid it.

John Vittall and Richard Chamberlaine of Killby for be∣ing at a peaceable Meeting at the House of John Evans of Wigston the 28th of the 1st moneth, 1680. were fined 20 s. by the said William Cole, through the Information of John Smith the Informer; and also for being at a Meeting at Kinghton the 4th day of the 2d moneth, 1680. at the House of Anne Wells; they were fined by the same William Cole 4 l. John Smith the Informer.

And also for being at a Meeting at the house of Iohn Evans in Wigston the 11th day of the 2d moneth, 1680. Iohn Smith the Informer had them, the said Iohn Vittall and Richard Chamberlain before Henry Beamount aforesaid, who fined them 17 l. 10 s.

And for the said Fines the Officers took away from Rich••rd Chamberlaine seven Beasts worth 12 l.

And for the Fines aforesaid the Officers took away from Iohn Vittall five Beasts and a three year old Colt; worth 14 l. Notwithstanding William Paybody the Con∣stable, and the other Officers took these Goods as Iohn Vittalls, they cannot be proved to be his, his Mother and he living together, and what they have is joyntly together.

Samuel Wilson of Leicester for being at a Meeting at the House of Anne Wells in Kinghton, on the 30th day of the 3d moneth, 1680. was fined for himself 5 s. and for his Daughter 5 s. and for the Poverty of several other Per∣sons he was fined 6 l. more. For the Fines aforesaid Th••m••s Graunt, the Constable of Braunston Gate, took from him one Mare, two Cows and one yearling Heifer, worth about 11 l. by Warrant from the same William Cole, by the Information of the same John Smith.

John Penford of Branston Gate near Leicester, being in Kin••hton Town Street with some Friends, the 13th day

of the 4th moneth, 1680. the same Informer, I••hn Smith, with his man, came, who to••k him, the said Iohn Penford, with several others to Justice Beamounts, he being not at home left them; afterwards he went to the afore∣named William Cole, who fined him, for him••elf 5 s. and for the pretended Poverty of nine more fined him 4 l. 10 s. more, and granted his Warrant to Thomas Graunt, Constable of Branston Gate, who distrained three of his Cows, to the value of Ten Pounds; but he putting in Appeal, cast the Informer at the next Qu••rter-Sessions.

Samuel Wilson of Leicester, for being at the same Me••-was fined 20 s. for himself and his Wife, and had taken from him a Horse loaden with Malt, to the value of 5 l. but a Neighbour of his paid the Fine; and Thomas Graunt Constable took 2 s. 6 d. for distraining: This was done by Warrant from the same William Cole.

Godfry Smith of Burton for being at a peaceable M••eting on the 11th day of the 5th moneth, 1680. at the House of William Marshall, junior, was Sworn against by Iohn Smith the Informer, and Edward Rickett his man (for be∣ing at an Assembly under pretence of Exercise of Reli∣gion, in other manner than according to the Litur••y of the Church of England) before Christopher Pack, called Justice, who granted a Warrant against him to leavy the sum of 10 l. 5 s. by distress and sale of his Goods, viz. 10 s. for himself and Wife, and 9 l. 15 s. f••r an un∣known Person (whom the Informers Swore took up••n him to Preach or Teach) Thomas Norris, Constable of Burton, took from him seven Beasts worth 20 l.

Note, Th••re was but three men at that M••eting, b••sides the Informers and Officers; and n••n•• of th••m t••••k up••n him

to Preach or Teach. So because the Informers Swore falsly, he appealed to the Sessions; but the Jury did not agree of their Verdict, although there was much striving and threatning to fine Two Hundred Pounds, to make the Jury to bring in their Verdict for the Informers.

John Fox of Wimswould was fined for being at the same Meeting 10 l. 10 s. One pound for him and his Wife, and 9 l. 10 s. for the unknown Preacher, though there was no Preaching nor Teaching, and but three men in the Meeting besides Informers and Officers.

William Marshall, Senior, for being at a Meeting Fined 21 l. One pound for himself and his Wife, and 20 l. for the House, though he neither owned it, nor dwelt in it, but because William Marshall, Junior, was not at Home, they caused the Fine to be laid upon his Father.

Elizabeth Shepheard for being at a Meeting was fined 10 s. for her self, and 5 s. for her Daughter Bridgets be∣ing there.

Elizabeth Freeman of Leicester, Widdow, that comes amongst us, was prosecuted on the Statute of 20 l. a moneth, and for Non-payment of it, was committed to Prison by the Town-Session at Leicester, on the 27th day of the 7th moneth, 1680.

Elizabeth Wale of Leicester, Widdow, for being in the Town Street at Kinghton the 8th day of the 6th moneth, 1680. there being no Speaking, was fined 10 s. by Thom••s Stavely, called Justice, through the Informa∣tion of John Smith the Informer, the Officers distrained of her Pewter and Brass to the value of 2 l. 5 s. A Neighbour paid the Fine and redeemed the Goods.

At the same time Samuel Hefferd was fined for the same Meeting 10 s. Not yet distrained.

John Evans of Wigston for being in the Street at Knigh∣ton the same day, there being no Speaking, was fined for himself and others 3 l. his Cart was distrained, the value 3 l. 15 s. Justice Stave••y, so called, granted the Warrant; the Informers were John Smith of Remson, and his man.

Note, The Informer at this Meeting, in the Street, did endeavour to Ride over some Friends, made ano∣thers Nose bleed, bit another by the Arm; pushed and haled about several, who did not in the least oppose him.

Margaret Townsend of Broughton, Widdow, for having a peaceable Meeting at her house, the 22d day of the 6th Moneth, 1680. was fined 20 s. by William Cole, called Justice, and had Goods taken from her to the value of 40 s. and upwards; Iohn Smith of Remson the In∣former.

Richard Bailiffe for being at the same Meeting was fined 20 s. by the same William Cole, and had Goods ta∣ken from him to the value of 30 s. and upwards.

Edward Erbye for his Wife fined 10 s. by the same Wil∣liam Cole, and had a load of Hay taken out of his Barn by the Officers.

This same Edward Erbye, of the Parish of Broughton, was through the Instigation of William Cotton, the Pri••st of Broughton, committed to Prison with Iohn Swaun, Junior, of Little Pealting, and one Thomas Pittstow, al∣most two Years since, and still remain Prisoners, only be∣cause they for Conscience sake could not Swear.

William Brookes of the same Parish, for his Wife being at the same Meeting, was fined 10 s. and had Goods t••∣ken from him to the value of 25 s. by Warrant from W. Cole; Iohn Smith the Informer.

Note, that these four above-named, had their Goods spoiled, some Moneths before, only for peace••bly meeting together to wait upon God.

William Tilley for the same Meeting fined 5 s. his Kinsman, no Quaker, paid it.

Thomas Pole for being at the same Meeting, was fined by Warrant from William Cole; the Officers Richard Winfield, Ralph Winfield, Robert Tyler and William Coye, came the 4th of the 8th Moneth 1680. about the ninth or tenth Hour in the Night, and took away his Bed∣dings, and his other Goods, to the value of 7 l. They went so near, as to take Childrens Cradles, Dishes and Spoons, even to old Hose and Shoes, he being a poor Man; also took a Child out of the Bed, and laid it upon the bare Floor, and took the Bed away.

Rich••rd Read of Syleby for being at the same Meeting was fined 10 l. 10 s. by the same William Cole, through the Information of the same Iohn Smith and his man, the Informers; and upon the 30th day of the 7th Moneth, 1680. the Constables and other Officers, be∣ing threatned much by the Informer, and the Justice both, to be fined for not doing their Office, they then broke open his Doors, and took his Houshold-Goods, Bedding and Loomes, and other Goods, to the value of 10 l. they took all, insomuch that they left him neither Bedding nor a Chair to sit in; so that he and his Family were forced to seek their Loding in the Town.

John Ward, Junior, of Kinghton, for being at the same Meeting at Broughton, was fined by the same William Cole, called Justice 10 l. and upwards; the Officers distrain∣ed his Goods (b••ing his C••pper and working Tools) to the value of 20 l. and upwards.

And John Ward, Senior, of Laire, for being at the same Meeting was fined 10 l. 5 s. his Cattle were di∣strained; but he being no Quaker, a Neighbour paid his Fine and redeemed the Goods; and he paid his Sons Fine. John Smith and his man Edward Ricket, Infor∣mers.

The 4th of the 2d Moneth, 1680.

Anne Wells, Widdow, for having a Meeting at her House was fined 20 l. by William Cole, who had taken from her seven Cows, seven Swine, two Mares, worth 26 l. 10 s.

The 30th of the 3d Moneth, 1680.

The said Anne Wells, Widdow, was fined for a Mee∣ting at her House the sum of 20 l. and had taken away two Mares, three Heifers, one Cow and Calf, seven Quarter of Mault, and six Strike of Wheat, worth 23 l. their being no Preaching or Teaching at either of the Meetings.

S••me Remarkable Notes of the great Cruelty in this County, executed under pretence of Prosecuting the said Act against Conventicles.

IN the 4th Moneth in the Year, 1675. there being a peaceable Assembly to worship God at Long ••laxton, William Guy of the same Town, Constable, and about six Red Coat Souldiers, with others, their Assistants, who kept the Persons assembled in the House, aforesaid, afterwards carryed them to Melton to R. Lister, W. Hartopp & G. Villers, Justices for that County, where not suffering

them to make their just defence; upon Information of the Constable and Red Coats, were four of them sent to Prison, after which the Priest, Constable and Soul∣diers continued to attend the Meeting Weekly, where they not only Convicted and made Distresses, to the spoiling of many of all they had, not leaving a Cow to give Children Milk, taking their very Bed Clothes, wearing Clothes: But that which agravates their Se∣verity and Cruelty, several Women have been dragged in the Streets by the Necks, till they have near stifled them; some have had their Clothes rent and torn off their Heads and Backs; one Woman that nursed her Child, so beat and bruised on her Breast, that it festered and broke, and she endured many Weeks of sore misery and torture with it; a poor Widdow Woman (who had six Children) dragged by the Neck till the Skin came off; an Aged Women of seventy five Years of Age violently thrown down upon the Gound, by the Constable; The Men sorely beaten, drawn and dragged out of the Meeting, some by the Heels, some by the Hair of the Head; some so bruised that they have not been ca∣pable to follow their Harvest labour; some Whipt over the Face till Blood followed; some trod upon till Blood gusht out of their Mouth and Nose.

Several of the People of God, called Quakers, being met together at the House of John Penford at Kirby Mukloe to consider of the Necessities of some Poor a••ongst them, and of a supply for them, John Dixon Priest of the Parish informed against them, by Letter to Wenlock Stanly of Branston, who speedily sent three of his Ser∣vants to inspect into the Meeting; and though they found they were only met to consider of the Necessities of the Poor, and looked into the Book they had before

them, in which they did enter their Charitable distri∣butions; yet several were fined by one called Lord Beamount, and one Justice Roberts: John Penford fined 20 l. for his House, and 10 l. for the Preacher, when there was never a one there; seeing these irregular do∣ings, John Penford and Richard Woodland were resolved to appeal: but the Court possitively denyed their Ap∣peal, except they would first take the Oath of Allegi∣ance and Supremacy; and they shewed further In∣justice, in that when they had denyed them a hearing of the matter, they gave trebble damage against them.

Lincolnshire.

THe 30th day of the 1st moneth, 1678. by force of a Warrant from Christopher Ne∣vell of Harmstone, to leavy 20 l. of the Goods of Thomas Robinson of Brant Broughton in the said County, for being at a Meeting at Beckingham the 24th day of the 1st moneth, 1677/8. Thomas Kelsey, Constable of Brant Broughton, and one Thomas Robinson, Overseer for the Poor, took from Thomas Robinson aforesaid four fat Bul∣locks worth—

L.	S.
34	10

VVilliam Stillingfleet (a Coroner, and Brother to John Stillingfleet, Priest of Beckingham) and Thomas Burketts Parish-Clerk, Informers.

The Fifth Day of the Second Moneth, 1678. by Force of another Warrant from Sir Christopher

Nevell aforesaid, to leavy 40 l. of the Goods of the said Thomas Robinson, for being at ano∣ther Meeting at Beckingham the 31th day of the 1st moneth, 1678. the aforesaid Thomas Kelsey Constable, John Langworth Warden, and Thomas Robinson Overseer, took from him 18 of his best young Sheep, one pair of Steers, and four Drought Bullocks from the Plough, all worth—

L.	S.
44	11

The four fat Bullocks were sold by Thomas Kelsey the Constable, to one John Capp, a Butcher of Caterup, for 27 l. 10 s. who hearing how they were taken, was touched in Conscience, and gave up his Bargain: Then all the ten Bullocks were driven to Grantham, but could not be sold; thence to Sleaford, where one Parker bought the four Fat ones for 27 l. (but afterwards know∣ing they were Cattle taken away by the Act) he threw up his Bargain also; thence the whole ten were driven to Lincoln, where no Body would buy them. Then Kelsey the Constable drove them all to Sir Christopher Ne∣vell, by whose Warrants they had been taken, who kept them about Fourteen dayes, but not coveting his Neighbours Goods, and having done his endeavour to execute the Law, and being satisfied that the same Goods, or the like value should be at any time upon the Land, he restored the Bullocks to the right Owner. But the eighteen Sheep worth about 14 l. were sold privately out of the Market, to a poor man of Grantham for about 10 l. 7 s.

Lancashire.

1679.

FOr a Meeting in Bickerstaff in the said County, seve∣veral Persons were fined by John Entwisle, Peter Andrews of Ormskirk, and VVilliam Moss Bailiff of the same, Informers, and Goods were distrained as fol∣loweth.

The 3d Moneth, 1679.

Roger Horsnep of Aughton, Husbandman, for 5 s. Fine, had Goods taken worth 8 s.

Richard Beesly of Aughton, Mason, for 5 s. Fine, Goods taken from him worth 8 s.

Richard Cubban, at whose House the Meeting was, fined 20 l.

John Bispham of Bickerstaff fined as Preacher, and War∣rants are out to make Distress; but as yet no account given of any Distress, but is daily expected.

The 31th of the 1st Moneth, 1679.

There being a peaceable Meeting in the Burrough of Macklefield in the County of Chester, Thomas Row Mayor, Henry Barber and Thomas Rode, Justices of the said Bur∣rough, came to the Meeting, and took the Names of some of the Persons assembled; and the Meeting conti∣nuing, in a short time they came again, and took what notice they pleased and went away; and the 20th day of the 3d moneth following did Convict and Fine James Harrison of Bolton in the County of Lancaster, Shoemaker, 20 l. for the first Offence, so called, but pretending the

said Iames Harrison was a stranger, laid that Fine upon Henry Burges, and one Hugh Butler; and for the second Offence, finding them still together at their second co∣ming, they fined Iames Harrison 40 l. which Conviction and F••ne they certified to Iohn Hartley, Justice near Man∣chester, in the County of Lancaster, who sent his Warrant to the Constables of Bolton, to leavy for the said Fine; upon the Warrant, the Officers of Bolton took away from the said Iames Harrison Goods to the value of about 4 l. not leaving so much as a Skillet to boyl the Chil∣drens Milk in; but before they could take any more Goods, some Persons appealed on his behalf to the Quarter-Sessions, who judged the second Conviction unlawfull, and that it was but one Meeting; where∣upon Request was made to the Justices, that his Goods might be returned to him again; but to this day they are not re••urned.

The 9th of the 9th Moneth, 1679.

There being then a peaceable Meeting at the House of Iames H••rrison aforesaid, Thomas Townley and Daniel He∣mingway of Bolton, Constables, came to the said Meeting, accompanied with several other Persons, and finding Iames Harrison speaking, pluckt him down, and haled him away, and took the Names of as many as they pleased. For speaking at this Meeting Iames Harrison was fined 20 l. by Thomas Leaver of Bolton, and VVilliam Holme of Kersley, Justices, and by their Warrant distress was m••de upon Iames Harrison as followeth.

Officers that distrained were Daniel H••mingway, Iohn Cronke and Alexander Bradshaw, who broke down his Chamber door, and took away several Hides and pieces of Leather, to the value of 9 l. one Fustian End, 13 s.

a Weigh-Beam, 1 l. 6 s. In all taken Goods worth Eleaven Pounds.

☞Note, At the Meeting for Conviction of the Persons assembled at Bol••on, as aforesaid, the Justices, their Men, the Informers, and Witnesses, and the Train they had about them, eat and drunk in one Afternoon above 2 l. 10 s. which the Constables engaged to pay James Holland, Inn-keeper, for: There was one Thomas Russell, senior, a Sub-Bailiff so Drunk at that time, that he was found in the Street, wallowing in his Vomit, about three a Clock in the Morning, and since is suddainly Dead.

Phineas Pemberton for a Fine of 10 s. for himself and his Wife being at the said Meeting, had taken from him one Cow, one Saddle and Bridle, and forty pound of Candles, worth 4 l. 15 s. 4 d.

☞Note, The Cow pined, and would neither ear nor drink, and dryed up her Milk in one Weeks time, so that they turn∣ed her out, and she went home again.

Remarkable Instances of Injustice and Cruelty, acted by Informers and others, in their prosecution of divers Persons in this County, by the Act made against seditious Conventicles.

THe 30th day of the 6th Moneth, 1671. a peace∣able Meeting being at the House of James Smith∣son of Beercliff, and there in Silence waiting upon the the Lord, John Parker of Extwisle (called Esquire) and

others, took the Names of the Persons assembled, among whom was one John Moore, a Man that had been then Blind eight or nine Years, having lost his sight in Ser∣vice under this Captain Parker, the Informer: Parker askt him, What he did there? but Moore was silent ••ill he asked the third time, and then he said, I am here to worship the Living God; and said no more: Then Captain Parker bid them set down John Moore for a Speaker, and ac∣cordingly gave Information to Laurence Rawsthorn, cal∣led Justice, who imposed Fines, and issued out Warrants thereupon, which were executed.

Al••xander Nowell, called a Justice, who fined several for meeting, &c. after Distress was made, and the Goods sold; when the Officers paid him the Money, they asked him for the Third part for the Poor; but he an∣swered, That he was poor enough himself (as some of the Officers said) nor is it unlikely that he said so; for when the Officers brought him some wearing Apparel (which they had taken from a poor Day-Labourer) the said Nowell took the poor man's Breeches, and searching the Pockets found therein one Shilling four Pence, which he took to himself, but gave the Officers the Clothes again to sell.

In the 5th Moneth, 1670. there having been a quiet Meeting at the House of Henry Birtwisle in Rossendale, and being peaceably departed thence, were met upon the Way, above a quarter of a Mile from the House, by James Heapgrave of Rossendale, Edmund Mills Bailiff, Henry Nuttill and Thomas Bridge Souldiers, who took their Names, and went to Henry Birtwisles House, where they found but two Women besides the Family: Not∣withstanding Edmund Mills informed that there was a Meeting, and three Persons Swore to it; although two

of the Witnesses saw no Meeting there, and the third was not within two Miles of the place all that Day: Yet upon this Information and Evidence, Laurence Rowsthorne, Joshua Ratcliffe and Thomas Bradnell, gave out Warrants to distrain for 20 l. Fine for the House; hereupon the Sufferers went to the Justices, and complaining, desired a Copy of the Information; but it was denyed them, as was also their Appeal, for some time, viz. till the third Quarter-Sessions after, at which time they had a hearing at Preston before Edward Rigby of Preston, and others the Justices, where the said Edward Rigby, in open Sessions declared, That though the Witnesses could not prove it a Meeting, yet the Quakers had Meetings; and if they saw them coming from a House, which was suspected to have Meetings, it should be a Meeting. Whereupon the Of∣ficers went on to make their Spoil, and took as much Goods away as were worth 36 l. 10 s. 4 d. for that Meeting.

Nottinghamshire.

The 9th of the 3d Moneth, 1679.

WIlliam Hudson of Little Gringley, for having a peaceable Meeting at his House, 1677. was fi∣ned 20 l. and had Goods taken to the value of 22 l.

Jarvis Harrison of Rampton for the same, was fined 10 l. 5 s. and they took away Cattle to the value of the Fine, or upwards; distrained by Warrant from John Millington, Justice; the Officers Names are Robert Bax∣ter, Edward Southworth, Thomas Hill, Thomas Redmall,

Matthew Richardson, Gilbert Sampson; Informers, John Smith, Obadiah Autory and Edward Horner.

William Watson of Farnsfield, for being at a peaceable Meeting in the House of Ralph Bateman in the same Town, was fined, and the Officers seized and sold what Goods he had.

Ralph Bateman for the same was fined 20 l. and the Of∣ficers seized of his Houshold-stuff, B••ef, Cheese, and Barrils of Beer, to the value of 12 l. and one of the Of∣ficers bought the Victuals and Beer of the rest in pity, to leave them for his Relief.

Edward Aslin and his Wife for the same was fined 6 l. and had all his Goods taken and sold by the Officers, va∣lued to be worth about 14 l. Distrained by Warrant from Penniston Whaley; the Officers Names are Robert Brown, William Stacy, Edward Brown, Thomas Swindin, John Cooper, John Hering, John More, &c. The Infor∣mers, John Smith and Thomas Sharp.

1678.

Robert Bradshaw of Oxton for being at a peaceable Meeting, was fined 20 l. and the Officers seized of his Goods, and locked up his Barn Doors, and sold all for 40 l. but the Officers not giving the men that bought them security to their liking for the enjoyment of them, the Money is yet unpaid, and the Person that suffered is departed this Life; Robert Thoroton who granted the Warrant, being dead also: The Officers Names, Robert Smith, Thomas Watson, Thomas Bladerick; Informers, John Smith, Obadiah Autory.

1678.

Samuel Marriot for being at a peaceable Meeting, at

the House of Edward Aslin in Edingley, was fined 5 l. 10 s. and they took his Cart from him.

John Ouldham of Calverton for the same, was fined 25 l. and the Officers sold all that ever he had for 8 l. and gave the Informer the Money.

Thomas Worth of Oxton for the same, was fined 10 s. for himself, and 5 l. for the Poverty of the Preacher; for which Fine the Officers locked up his House Door, and sold his Bees in the Garden, and other things, to the value of 30 s. But what they will do with his Houshold Goods, is not yet known.

John Barr for the same, was fined 10 l. 10 s. and the Officer not knowing his own Goods, by reason of some Partnership, took his Hat, and did no more; distrained by Warrant from George Nevill of Thorney; the Officers Names, John Cooper, Simeon Carrington, Thomas Gramer, William Martin, &c. the Informers, John Smith, Obadiah Autory.

George Graves of Blith having several Warrants gran∣ted out against him, by Doctor Thoroton, for being at several peaceable Meetings; the said George found him∣self grieved, and entred his Appeals according to Law; but Robert Thoroton would not try them, although he promised the said George that they should be tryed, and that he should have Justice when he entred them, but drove him off from Session to Session, until at last he told him, they were out of date, and so distributed the Money according to his own pleasure, to the manifest wrong of the said George Graves, who never had on•• Penny of his Monies again, although the Sum was very considerable that he deposited, before he could be allowed to have his Appeal tryed.

Remark••ble Instances of Injustice of some called Ju∣stices, and Informers in this County.

UNder pretence of prosecuting the Act against Con∣venticles, Penniston Whaley, called a Justice, Col∣grae••e a Bum-Bailiff, and one Walker, both Informers, have Ruined many poor Families in this County, having taken or caused to be taken from several Persons about Seven Hundred Pounds, never returning any Record of Conviction (as is reported) into the Sessions, except forced by Persons appealing. John Gooderick and VVil∣liam Hudson of Little Grengly appealing to the Sessions, John Gooderick deposited 40 l. and VVilliam Hudson 30 l. into P. Whaley's hands, until the Determination at the Sessions; which said Appeal being Tryed at the Sessions at East Retford, before the Earl of Ogle, Sir William Peir∣p••int and Sir William Hickman, Justices, and others, where a Virdict was brought in open Court for the Appealants, and an Order of the Sessions was directed to the said P. VVhaley, for the Re-payment of the Money, viz. 40 l. to J. Gooderick, which as yet he hath not done, al••hough he was much importuned thereunto by J. Gooderick in his Life-time, and by Margaret his Wid∣dow since his Death; which 40 l. the Widdow and Fatherless yet wants. VVilliam Hudson received, with much ado, 10 l. of his 30 l. but the other 20 l. still re∣mains Unpaid him, although he hath often desir••d the said Penniston VVhaley to pay the same.

And this Penniston VVhaley in his Charge at the Sessi••ns at Nottingham the 11th of the 11th moneth, 1670. speaking chiefly concerning the Quakers, as he called

them, encouraged the People to prosecute them without pity, and bid them harden their Hearts against them; and speaking of the Laws made in Queen Elizabeth's time, viz. that in the 35th year, &c. said, It was not made against the Papists; for (said he) the Church of Rome is a true Church, as well as any other Church: And these Quakers are Erroneous and Seditious Persons; and there∣fore prest the People much to prosecute them without pity. And when an Appeal was tendred to him upon the late Act, and Justice desired, he denyed the Appeal, and said to the Per••on complaining, You shall have Justice, but no Mercy: And indeed none he shewed, where it lay in his Power.

Norfolk.

AT a peaceable Meeting the 1st day of the 7th Moneth, 1678. in the City of Norwich, Thomas Murford being in Prayer, there came in Paul Hartley, Constable and Informer, with two young Lads, Clarks to Attourney Brereton, who swore before Francis Bacon Recorder of Norwich, that Thomas Murford was Teach∣ing and Preaching, (notwithstanding the said Informer found him on his Knees at Prayer) whereupon a Warrant issued out to leavy 20 l. upon his Goods and Chattels; and Thomas Elvin Constable, Joseph Brookes, Thomas Wortley and Henry Toller, Parish Officers, entred forci∣ably his House, Thomas himself not being at home, and took away four pieces of Broad-Cloth, containing eighty Yards, to the value of above 20 l. and twelve pieces of Linnen Cloth, containing 320 Ells, which cost

above 17 l. in all near the value of 40 l. When Thomas came home, he made his Appeal to the Quarter-Ses∣sions, but the Recorder being Judge, having a Pr••ju∣dice against the Quakers, (so called) and having a Jury for his purpose, carryed the Case against the Appea∣lant, and from the Court committed Thomas to Prison; and Thomas asking wherfore he was sent to Prison; the Recorder answered, He should know that afterwards, and was kept a close Prisoner eighteen Weeks.

Anthony Allexander for the same Meeting, fined for the House 10 l. And on the 13th day of the 11th Moneth, 1678. Samuel Stennet and Anthony Baggish, Con∣stables, Richard Brown and one Cardner, Overseers, by a Warrant signed by the aforesaid Recorder, took from the said Anthony Allexander Goods to the value of 16 l.

Sufferers at Fakenham upon the late Act.

For a peaceable Meeting at the House of Joseph Har∣rison, Butcher, (against which William Watt, the old Informer, Swore that it was on Sunday, the 14th day of July, 1678.) by Warrant from John Hillyard a Priest and Justice, several Persons were fined, viz. Joseph Harrison 20 l. for the House, for which Fine they made distr••ss upon his Beef, Tallow and Hides, which they sold, Beef worth two Pence a pound, and good Tallow worth thr••e Pence a pound, for little more than a half Penny a pound: They took in all to the value of above 20 l. and counted that would not suffice to pay the Fine.

Edmund Peckover for being at the same Meeting, fined 5 s. for himself, and 5 s. f••r his Wife; and the Officers said, they must have 5 s. more of him for their Son

Walter, though he was not mentioned in the Warrant, nevertheless, for 15 s. Fines, they took from him five pieces of Demity; and for a Fine of 33 s. they took Goods worth 7 l. And for a Fine of 10 s. for a former Meeting, by the said Justice Hylliards. Warrant, they took from the said Edmund Peckover a piece Holland worth 3 l. 8 s. 3 d.

Note, Edmund Peckover was this Year chosen Overseer for the Poor; and though he being Antient, and could not see well: Yet the Poors Book being left in his Shop, he told them, he was willing to do any Good he could, and to be helpful amongst his Neighbours; but not long after he was in this Office, he was required to sell the Beef taken from Joseph Harrison, which he was not at all willing to be concerne•• in; and when he was askt to go help sell it, he told them, He was Lame, and could not sell his own Goods: Though this was all he said, yet two bold Women, to wit Wat the Informers Wife, and one Howmans Wife, one of which Persons was a bold Strumpet, and had been twice Whipt for Theft: Yet upon these two Persons Swearing before the said Justice Hylliard, (That when Edmund Peckover was required to go help sell the Beef, he refused; saying, He would not sell Stolen Goods) he granted a Warrant to bring him before him; and when he came before him, threatned him to bind him over to answer it at the Assizes, and to Fine him 5 l. besides; But (said he) being you are an Old man, I will not bind you to appear at the Assizes: And I will remit this your neglect in execu∣ting your Office as an Overseer, provided you will promise to leavy the next Warrant. To which Edmund Peckover replyed, I cannot do my Neighbour that Injury. Then said the Justice, I must Fine you five

Pound. And so he did, and gave out a Warrant to make distress on hia Goods; and since, Thomas Bretland and Robert Sheldrake Wardens, Francis Page Constable, for the said five Pound Fine, took from the said Edmund Peckover Shop Goods, worth 24 l. 3 s. 6 d.

Remarkable Notes in this County of the Cruelty and Injustice of Magistrates and Informers, in the Prosecution of the aforesaid Act.

WIlliam Watt grand Informer, Swore before Chri∣stopher Beddingfeild, Justice, that there was a Meeting at Joseph Harrisons on Sunday the 26th of No∣vember, in 1674. Upon which a Warrant was granted for to distrain; when as it may be observed, this War∣rant was grounded upon a false Oath; for there was no Sunday the 26th of November in that Year, as was made appear by some of the Persons fined; however, right or wrong, the said Justice encouraged the Informers and Officers to proceed in the Prosecution, and to make Di∣stresses, and to execute the Warrants to the utmost, and he would justifie them in it: And Joseph Harrison being fined 20 l. upon the said false Warrant, and ha∣ving lost most of what he had before, some of the Offi∣cers, in pity to him and his Family, were loath to med∣dle, but one Hill a Constable, said, Right or wrong he would make distress; and at two several t••mes took as much Beef off Joseph's Stall as was worth 27 s.

And further, the said Joseph Harrison being greatly Impoverished through the Losses sustained on the said Act, the Officers seeing the Justice still encourage the Informers, some of them complained, and said, What

would you have us do? We have taken what we can; We have been at Joseph Harriso••s House and there is little in the House but the Bed, that he and his Wife and six Children lies on. The Justice rep••y••d, I care not; if he has but a Bed, take it; ta••e all he hath in his Possession, and watch at his Gate when his Horse goes to Water, and take it; and if any Man lays any Meat on his Stall, take it, let it be who••e it will. The Offic••rs also told him, They had been at Francis Landers, to d••strain for his Wives Fine, and there was little left in the House but the Bed she lay S••ck on, being more like to Dye then Live: And indeed she did Dye that Night towards the Morning. He said, He ca∣red not; Take the Bed from under her. The Officers be∣ing thus forced on by this Justice, took Joseph Harrisons Bed, and all that belonged to it, his Horse and Hay, in all to the value of 8 l. And afterwards, he and his Wife and Children were fain to lie on Straw, though in the Winter time.

And now Mary, the Wife of Francis Lander, being dead and buried, and Wickedness and Cruelty being thus encouraged, one Thomas Bretland, and Elizabeth his Wife, caused their Servant, and one Robert Bloome, to take up her Body again, which they did in a very In∣humane manner, breaking the Coffen, if not the Body, insomuch that they borrowed a Line to tye it together, and brought it upon a Pole, and so set the Corps in the Market-place, near Edmund Peckovers Shop Door, to the great amazement and trouble of many People who beheld it, she having lain some time in the Ground be∣fore: So that it appears these People were neither wil∣ling to let the poor Woman lie quiet in her sick Bed nor in her Grave; she being threatned to have her Bed taken from under her while living, and thus torn

out of her Grave, when dead: O, Horrible Im∣piety!

In the same Year, some of the People of God being assembled at the House of Robert Last, of Great Ellingham, some Informers being at a distance from the House, where the Meeting was, saw some going to the House, and coming from the House, whereupon, several Weeks, if not some Moneths after, divers of the said People were Convicted of being at an unlawful Assem∣bly, by Justice Fisher and Justice Pots; Fisher asserting, That it was sufficient proof to Convict them, if they were but seen to go to the place where they used to meet; and Robert Last was fined 20 l. for the House, and several others fined 20 l. for one Robert Smith Preaching there, though he did not speak above five Words; for which Words speaking, Francis Dix had his Barn of Corn seized.

Robert Tillet of Old Buckenham, a very weak Consum∣tive Man, being not like long to continue, was desirous to see as many of his Friends as he could, before his depar∣ture; whereupon several in Christian Love went to visit him, and there being about fourteen Persons at most, there came in two Informers into the House, upon whose Information, it was by the Justice, reputed to be a seditious Conventicle, and Robert Tillet (the poor sick man) was thereupon fined 20 l. for having the said Meeting in his House, for which the Officers distrained and carryed away six Cows; and because Robert Smith spake five or six Words, he was reputed the Preacher: For which several others then present, were fined 20 l. more, and had their Goods and Cattle distrained to an∣swer the said Fine.

Further, the great Spoil, upon some, and Ruin that hath been brought upon others, upon the Prosecution of this Act in divers other places in this County, as at Tivitshal, Thetford, Cockly Clay, Norwich, &c would be a great Book of it self, if all were inserted: And there∣fore for Brevity sake, shall only insert one more Instance, and then conclude this County.

William Barber of Gissing for having a peaceable Mee∣ting at his House, was informed against by John Gibbs, Priest of the Parish, who turned Informer, and pro∣cured a Warrant from Peter Glean, called a Justice, to make seizure, and went with the Officers himself to leavy the 20 l. Fine upon William Barbers Goods; and for the 20 l. the Priest and Officers took four Cows, two Swine, a Cart, Plough and Harrows, and Twenty Pounds worth of Hay, in all to the value of 50 l. And though the Priest had got all this, it did not satisfie him, till he had got William into the Goal, and within a few dayes after, the said Priest sent him to Norwich Castle upon a Significavit for 9 s. which he said was due to him for Tythes, where he was kept close Prisoner near three Years.

Sussex.

THere being a peaceable Meeting at Shoreham at the house of Joan Apse the 10th of the 5th moneth, 1677. upon the Information of Samuel Turner and Wil∣liam Harris, Bailiffs, Informers to Henry Goreing, senior

and Henry Goreing, junior, John Alford and Edward Blaker, Justices, That there was a Meeting at John Jefferyes in Sh••reham; which was a Mistake, for it was at Joan Apses aforesaid: However, several Persons were fined, and Distress••s taken as followeth.

Iohn Martin fined 10 l. 5 s. for himself and the Prea∣cher, for which he had Shop-Goods taken by Richard Taylor, Constable, to the value of 13 l. 16 s. 4 d. as they cost; but this did not satisfie this unreasonable Con∣stable, but about a Week after he came again to Iohn Martin's Shop, and rifled and took some pieces of Silk, to the value of 4 l. 2 s. as they cost, which makes the Sum before 17 l. 18 s. 4 d.

Richard Newman of Wiston fined for being at the same Meeting, and for the Preacher 2 l. 15 s. for which Fine the said Constable took a Heifer worth 3 l.

W. Parker of Stening fined for the same Meeting, and for the Preacher 2 l. 15 s. for which Fine the said Constable took away as many Sheep & Lambs as were worth 2 l. 15 s.

Henry Vaggar for being at the said Meeting fined for himself and the Preachers 2 l. 15 s. for which Fine the said Constable, with other Assistance, took from him a Cow worth 3 l.

Iacob Knowles fined 5 s. and Goods were taken from him to the same value, or more.

Suffolk.

FOr meeting peaceably to worship God, several Per∣sons have been fined, and their Goods and Chattles distrained in and about Bayton, about the 5th moneth, 1677. by Warrent from Justice Burwell of Rougham, and

Justice Bright of Pakenham; Thomas Bally of Bayton, a Cripple, and William Sladman a Bailiff, Informers.

Iohn Hayward, Wheelright of Bayton, had taken from him, to the worth of, in Cart boot, 11 l.

More taken from him in House Goods, 4 l.

More taken from him in Timber, 14 l.

Edmund Bally of Bayton had taken from him 12 l.

More taken from him for a Fine of 5 l. all the Goods in his House, viz. Chairs, Stools, Brewing Tubs and Fur∣nace; and they pluckt down a little House, built up to work in, and carried away the Timber of it to the Crip∣ples, the Informer, who burnt it.

The said Edmund Bally had also a Mare taken from him, which he had sold; and the Person that owned her was advised by Counsellor Clark of Bury, to take Witness with him, and demand his Mare, and if they refused to deliver her, he might take her where he found her; and finding her in Pasture, where the Constable and Informer had put her, took her Home; but Justice Burwell sent out his Warrant to apprehend the Owner of the Mare, who being brought before him, threatned him with the Goal for Fellony, or Stealing the Mare; and so affrighted the poor man, that he got him and another with him to be bound to himself to pay him 5 l. and 20 s. into his hand; and for this the said Justice Arrested the Surety and made it cost them both 9 l.

And within this eight Moneths the said Edmund Bally hath been distrained five times, his Goods been all taken both within doors and without, being left to lie on Straw; and yet the Cripple is not quiet, but came not long since in the Night, being armed with Pistols, and broke open Edmund's door, threatning to destroy him; and though he for his Cruelty and Wickedness hath been

checkt by the Neighbours and some Magistrates, yet receiving encouragment from the said Justice Burwell, he still persists in his Rage and Folly.

More Goods taken by Warrant from the same Justice, in the same Year.

John Bally of Bayton had taken from him Goods worth 2 l. 8 s.

Thomas Lucas a poor man, having four small Chil∣dren, had a Cart taken from him worth 2 l.

Several Persons visiting a poor sick Widdow, that had lain on her sick Bed and Blind divers years; it was made a Conventicle, and they were fined, and Warrants issued out by the aforesaid Justice to make Distress on their Goods, as followeth, viz.

On Iohn Bally, taken Barley (for 5 l. Fine) worth 8 l.

Iohn Haywood had taken from him, for visiting the said Widdow, for a Fine of 5 l. all the Good he had.

Thomas Lucas for the same cause had Goods taken from him worth 1 l.

For a Meeting at Bayton the 2d of the 12th Moneth in same Year, these Persons following were fined and distrained by the same Justices Warrant.

Iohn Ransum of Felsum, for a Fine of 40 s. had taken from him two Todds of Hay.

Widdow Adkin had taken from her a Hog and a Cup∣bord, for 15 s. Fine, worth 1 l. 15 s.

Thomas Judy had two Cows taken worth 7 l.

Thomas Woods had two Cows taken, 7 l. 10 s.

Thomas Judy fined 35 s. for a Meeting at Bayton, had a Feather-Bed and Rug taken worth 4 l.

George Gibson had a Mare taken worth 4 l. 10 s.

Sufferings for a Meeting at Woodbridge.

Iohn Rallet for declaring the Truth at a Meeting at Woodbridge the 17th of the 9th moneth, 1678. was by William Porter, Duncon Burgin, Iohn Parker and others, Officers of Woodbridge, by Warrant from William Batty, (a Priest and Justice, a great Persecutor) taken out of the said Meeting and carried before Thomas Bacon of Wood∣bridge, Justice, who had committed him to Prison, but that two Neighbours being present, offered of their own accords, to be bound for his Appearance at the next Ses∣sions; but this the Justice thought not sufficient Punish∣ment, but fines him 20 l. for Preaching, which Fine, and a Fine of 20 l. on the House, he imposed on several others that were at the said Meeting, without having any of them before him, legally to convict them, and took Goods as followeth.

Joseph Fuller had seized a Haystack and a Horse, worth 12 l.

John Smith had Goods taken to the value of 3 l. 10 s.

Robert Cullington had a Mare taken worth 5 l. and a Haystack and Woodstack taken from him worth 11 l.

Peter Cross of Woodbridge had taken in Cloth worth 3 l. 13 s.

Richard Woods Goods worth 3 l.

John Laurence Goods seized to the value of 3 l. 10 s.

John Bennet of Woodbridge had his Gate broken open by Bailiffs, at the command of Parson Batty, without the Constables order, and had Goods taken from him to the value of 10 l. 12 s.

At a Meeting the 5th of the 11th Moneth, 1678. several Persons following were fined by the said Justice Bacon, and had their Goods and Chattles seized, as fol••oweth.

Peter Cross of Woodbridge had taken Cloth to the value of 6 l. 1 s.

William Bedford of the same had taken Cloth worth 2 l. 19 s.

John Nathan of the same had Goods taken worth 4 l.

Clement Carter of the same, Goods worth 2 l. 10 s.

Thomas Lynd of Melton had Hay seized to the value of 2 l. 10 s.* 1.1

William Skinner seized on to the value 3 l.

Edmund Broome, Priest, was the chief Instrument in stirring up this Persecution, who imployed one John Geston a poor Alms-man, to be Informer, who dared do no other but please the Priest, who had power to put in or out Alms-folks into the Alms house, at his pleasure.

Somersetshire.

THere being a peaceable Meeting at Glastonbury the 25th day of the 10th moneth, 1678. several Per∣sons were fined for the same by John Bayly Doctor of Laws, and called a Justice; and for the Fines he issued out Warrants to make Distress, and Sale of their Goods, as followeth.

Officers that Distrained.

• Robert Plumton, Constable.
• Richard Aplin, junior, and Wardens.
• John Provice, junior, Wardens.
• Edward Bolton and Overseers of the Poor.
• John Hodges, Overseers of the Poor.

Nathaniel Bryan living in the liberty of Doulting, fined for himself 5 s. and 4 l. towards the Preacher and Mee∣ting-house, had distrained and taken from him by the sa••d Offi••ers, four Heifers worth 9 l. 2 s. 10 d. seized the 6th day of the 11th moneth, 1678.

Jon••s Nicholls of the same place, for being at the same Meeting fined also 4 l. 5 s. had taken from him by the aforesaid Officers Goods worth about 5 l. 15 s.

Abraham Clothier for being at the same Meeting fined 4 l. 5 s. had distrained and taken from him fourscore Yards of Woolen Cloth.

Thomas Heath of Doulting fined 3 l. 5 s. for the same Meeting, had taken from him one Cow worth about 4 l.

Thomas Dickinson of Pilton fined 3 l. 5 s. for being at the same Meeting, but could not come at any of his Goods to make Distress. Several others were fined 5 s. a piece, but were Poor, and the Officers forbore distraining on them.

Peter Goole of Marke for being at the same Meeting at Glaston fined 5 s. for himself, and 40 s. towards a Fine laid upon Jasper Batt, for which Stephen Crocker, Con∣stable of Bemston, Edward Duckett of Marke, Tything-man, and other Officers, by the aforesaid Justice Bayly's

Warrant, took from the said Peter Goole one Heifer worth 3 l.

Richard Goole for being at the same Meeting was fined for himself and the Preacher 2 l. 5 s. and had for the said Fine one Heifer taken from him by the aforesaid Officers.

William Harris of Marke aforesaid, fined 5 s. had a Crock taken from him worth 14 s.

John Clark of Grenton fined for the said Meeting 3 l. 5 s.

Robert Clark of Grenton fined 3 l. 5 s. for being at the said Meeting. But as yet no account is given of what Distresses are made upon them.

Remarkable Notes in the County of Sommerset a∣foresaid, of the Cruelty and Injustice of several Magistrates and others.

SEveral Persons being at the Burial of one Samuel Clothier, the 29th day of the 6th Moneth, 1670. at Alford, one Robert Hunt, called a Justice, made it a Conventicle, and fined some of them; though nothing was spoke at the Grave, but all silent and quiet.

Thirty two Persons were fined for being at the Bu∣rial of Philip Tyler of Walton, 1675. for which they had taken from them in Cows, Corn, and other Goods, to the value of 82 l. and upwards, by Warrant from Fran∣cis Paulet, Justice, who when none else would buy the distrained Cattle, he sent men to buy them for him∣self.

One Margery Osmond, who was not at the Burial, & yet was fined by F. Paulet; went to him to know the Names

of them that had Sworn against her, and desired Justice of him; he said, It was a mistake; by which it did af∣terwards appear, he was willing to excuse the Infor∣mers, howbeit, he then read in a Book, in the hear∣ing of several Persons, in which Bayner and Wythey were recorded Informers against the said Assembly at the Bu∣rial, and said withal, that she should Prosecute them for Perjury at the next Sessions, and that the Record at the Sessions should be evidence against them, or to that effect: Bu•• he was not so good as his Word; for at the Sessions Witnesses were present, to testifie that she was not at the said Burial; but Francis Paulet (in favour to those Informers) left Wythey's Name out of the Re∣cord, and put in anothers Name who was not present, and also left out her Name: So there could be no proceed∣ings against the Informers for their Perjury, albeit he had issued out his Warrant to leavy the Fine imposed on her.

Further, the said Justice Paulet fined several Persons 24 l. for an unknown Preacher; yet sent a Certificate to the Mayor of Bridgwater, to distrain 20 l. on the Goods of John Anderdon, for Preaching at the Burial that day: So he would have 44 l. in all (Note, That is 24 l. more then the Rigor of the Law allows of, admitting it had been a Conventicle) for the Preacher known, and one unknown; when in Truth, there was none spoke but John Anderdon, that Christianly exhorted the People to consider their later end: And when Mary Tayler, the Widdow of the deceased, (who was fined 4 l. for being at her Husbands Burial, and had Goods taken for it) spoke mildly to him, to shew him his Injustice; he told her, It did not become Women to go to their H••bands Burials. Witnesses,

• ...John Cluff,
• ...Henry Clothier,
• ... George Taylor.

Worcestershire.

JOhn Watts of Draitwich, in the said County, having two of his Friends at Supper with him, viz. John Cartwright and John Stanley: Because John Cartwright gave Thanks before Meat, was informed against to Bai∣liff Stainer and Bailiff Berrot, who made it a Conventicle, and for the same committed John Cartwright and John Stanley to Prison: And further, fined John Watts for the said Meeting 20 l. for which Fine the Officers seized upon his Team: and three more they fined (although they were not in the Room, but in a Room by) viz. John Tylar, Richard Woodward, Thomas Hayward, and for their Fines, they had Goods taken from them to the value of 20 s. by Warrant from the same Bailiffs, Stainer and Berrot; Stainer being not long after found dead with a fall from his Horse. This was done soon after the Act against seditious Conventicles came forth, in the Year 1670. In which Year, for assembling peaceably to worship God in this County, many Persons had great Spoil and Havock made upon their Goods and Chattels, as well as in other Counties; all which for Brevity sake is omitted, only the aforesaid piece of notorious Injustice could not be passed by.

Bromsgrove, the 29th of the 9th Moneth, 1679.

There being a Person buried in the Grave-Yard in Bromsgrove aforesaid, and Robert Hill of the same place being present at the said Burial, and speaking a few

Words to the People, by way of Exhortation to Repen∣tance and Amendment of Life, Thomas Willmot, Parson of Bromsgrove, and his Man Thomas, and Matthew Cart∣wright a Baker, informed the Justice thereof, and it was judged to be a Conventicle, and Robert Hill was fined 20 l. and a Warrant was issued forth from Leonard Simp∣son, a Justice, dated the 29th of the 9th Moneth, 1679. to distrain fo•• the said Fine; and Thomas Elkins of Bell∣broughton, in the said County; Constable, distrained and took from the said Robert Hill a Waggon worth 5 l. 10 s. which they sold for 3 l. 2 s. And Houshold-Goods they took, which Goods with the Waggon were worth in all above 20 l.

Westmerland.

FOr a peaceable Meeting to worship God at Bownasse, in the Parish of Windermere, the 15th day of the 7th Moneth, 1678. several Persons were fined by Daniel Fleeming and Christopher Phillipson, two called Justices, and Warrants were issued out to distrain the Goods and Chattels of these Persons following; which Warrants were executed by John Birket of Trontbeckbridge, and John Birket of Limesit Constable, and other Officers.

Thomas Williamson had taken from him two Cows, one Steere, twenty nine Sheep; and on another day four Heifers, and one Cow more, all worth 28 l. sold for 21 l. 8 d. This was for preaching Truth and Righte∣ousness, which is against all Sedition, Plotting and con∣triving Insurrection.

William Rawes fined 20 l. 5 s. had Cattle and Goods taken from him worth 23 l. sold for 15 l. 14 s.

Isaac Dixon and George Dixon fined 10 s. had Goods taken worth 18 s. About a Week after, the Officers went again to George Dixons, and though he was not at home, they demanded 10 l. for two Strangers being at the Meeting, for which at that time they took twelve fat Sheep worth 4 l. 10 s.

Christopher Dixon had taken to the value of 12 s.

George Williamson Goods worth 10 s.

Richard Braithwait fined for himself, his Wife and two Strangers, had taken to the value of 6 l. 19 s.

William Wilcosoun had taken 4 l. 15 s.

Martin Sewert had Goods taken to the value of 6 s. 8 d.

Miles Sawrey had Goods taken to the value of 7 s.

Thomas Grave of Hugill had taken the worth of 12 s.

John Tompson of Creeke being at a Meeting at Bownasse aforesaid, seeing Boys and People rude, (who threw a Dog into the Meeting) he only exhorted the People (in Love) to Soberness and Moderation, for which he was Fined 20 l. for Preaching; One of the Justices thinking it too hard, would have mittigated the Fine; but the other said, it was Preaching, and it could not be passed by: For which Fine, the Officers took Cattle from him to the value of 22 l. which were sold for 19 l. 5 s.

Peter Bateman and Miles his Son had taken to the value of 10 s.

Taken from Richard Crudeson, Goods worth 7 s.

From George Tompson 12 s.

Richard Birket 5 s.

Robert Tomson Goods worth 18 s.

Thomas Braithwait had taken Goods worth 1 l. 13 s.

William Garnet had taken Goods worth 13 s.

John Parson Goods worth 7 s.

At a Meeting the 13th day of the 8th Moneth, 1678. at the House of Edward Cragg of Attouthwait in Heversham Parish, Edward Wilson, called Justice, sent several In∣formers, upon whose Evidence he and another Justice Convicted several Persons, (without being brought be∣fore them) and gave out Warrants to make Distress, as followeth.

Joseph Gregg fined 10 s. for himself and his Wife, had Pewter and Brass taken from him worth more then the Fine; yet it did not satisfie the Officers nor Justice, who bid them take all they could see, and thereupon they took more from him, a young Cow worth 3 l. 10 s. sold for 2 l. 12 s. 1 d. And returned no Overplus.

Officers that distrained for this Meeting, were Richard Cornthwait Constable, Richard Cook Warden, and Gabriel Croft Overseer.

William Walker fined 5 s. for which the same Officers took from him a Mare worth 4 l. 5 s. sold for 3 l. 6 s. and returned no Overplus.

Edward Cragg had taken to the value of 2 l. 16 s.

Simon Tompson had taken Goods worth 12 s.

George Wharton had taken Goods worth 18 s.

Dorothy Lorrimer had taken Goods worth 10 s.

Thomas Hugginson had taken the worth of 9 s. 10 d.

Richard Thompson of Preston had taken from him a young Heifer worth 1 l. 5 s.

Arthur Borrough fined 5 s. for which the same Officers took from him a Horse worth 3 l. 6 s. 8 d.

Hugh Cornthwait fined 5 s. had taken a Heifer worth 2 l. 16 s. and nothing returned.

Thomas Camm of Camsgill in Preston-Patrick, for decla∣ring the Truth at the aforesaid Meeting, was fined 20 l. but Thomas Sell the Constable, & Richard Cragg Wa••den, being moderate Officers, were unwilling to make di∣stress, until threatned and frightned thereto by Edward Wilson aforesaid, whereupon they took two young Oxen, one Steere and one Heifer, worth 11 l. 10 s. And on the 28th day of the 10th Moneth, 1678. took more, one Cow, one Steere, and three young Heifers, worth 11 l. In all 22 l. 10 s. sold for 15 l. 8 d.

And when the Officers complained to the aforesaid Justice Wilson, That they could not sell some of the Cat∣tle; he charged them to sell them, whatever they got for them, and fetch more until they had enough; and bid them have them from Market to Market, and be sure to offer them cheap enough, and some or other would buy them; and threatned them, if they did not sell them, and make up the sum, he would make them make it up themselves.

On the 18th day of the 2d Moneth, 1679. the afore∣said Thomas Sill Constable, and Richard Cragg Warden, and Geo••ge Hatton Overseer, came again to Thomas Camm for 5 l. 4 s. 4 d. more, which they pretended was wan∣ting of his Fine of 20 l. 5 s. and went into his Ground and took twenty five Ewes snd twenty five Lambs, some of which were none of his own, however they drove them away, taking no notice of that Plea, and sold them with much ado (People being shie in medling with them, when they understood upon what account they were taken away) for 4 l. 5 s. although they were really worth 7 l. 10 s.

The 26th day of the same Moneth, the same Officers

came again to Thomas Camms, and took five of his best Weathers worth 1 l. 10 s. which they sold for 19 s. 6 d.

The 23d of the 2d Moneth, 1679. John Waller Con∣stable, Martin Moore Warden, and John Hatton Overseer, took from John Hudson, for a Fine of 10 s. for himself and his Wife being at the said Meeting, one Cow worth 3 l. 5 s. which they sold for 3 l.

Robert Waller fined for the same Meeting 5 s. had a Cow taken from him by the same Officers worth 3 l. 12 s. which they sold for 3 l.

About the middle of the 2d Moneth Th••mas Preston Constable, William Parke Warden, John Moore Overseer, for a Fine of 5 s. imposed on Richard Atkinson, for be∣ing at the said Meeting, took from him three Cows worth 10 l. 10 s. and sold them for 7 l. 6 s. 8 d. to a Neighbour of Richards, who sent the best home, and sold the other two for 7 l. 5 s.

John Preston for a Fine of 5 s. for being at the same Meeting, had aoken from him by the same Officers, one young Steere worth 2 l. 10 s. which they sold for 1 l. and returned no Overplus.

Yorkshire.

An Account of the Sufferings of the People cal∣led Quakers for Meetings in Cleaveland North- Riding since the 3d Moneth, 1677. until the 11th of the 2d Moneth, 1678.

BY a Warrant issued forth from the said Edward Trot∣ter of Skelton, called Justice, the 6th of the 3d moneth, 1677. against Tobias Hoope of the same, for 20 l. 10 s. for suffering a Meeting at his House, and himself and Wife being there; the said Tobias Hoope had Goods taken from him worth 23 l. and more, and sold by the Constable and Overseers in Kirbymoreside and Stocksley for 16 l. 9 s.

Likewise Joshua Hoope for himself and Wife being at the said Meeting was fined 10 s. being no Quaker, the Monies paid.

Philip Scurth of Hinderwill for declaring at the said Meeting was fined 20 l. and the Moneys leavyed and paid.

Cuthbert Broderick of Rowsby, for another Friend cal∣led Robert Robinson declaring at the said Meeting, and himself being there, was fined 10 l. 5 s. the Penalty paid and leavyed.

John Pennit of Guisbrougle fined for the said Declara∣tion 5 l.

William Jow••y of Scugdaile near Guisbrougle aforesaid, for the like, 5 l. and for himself and Wife being present, 10 s. All which were leavied for.

John Proud of Moresone for John Robinson fined 5 l. and for himself 5 s. and had two Oxen distrained worth 8 l.

George Robinson of Lazinby for the Preacher fined 5 l. and his self and Son being there 10 s. and had Goods taken from him and sold worth 8 l.

George Wright of the same Town, for the like, fined 5 l. 5 s. and two Oxen sold worth 8 l. and more.

John Jackson of Lazinby aforesaid, for the Preacher fined 5 l. and his self being there 5 s. The Penalty paid and leavyed.

VVilliam Atkinson of Moresone was fined, and had lea∣vyed on him 5 s.

John Chapman of Stangab, the like, 5 s.

John Pennet aforesaid, VVilliam Stamper, Edward Hunter, James Burkilt, William Radcliff, John Reedhead of Guisbrougle were in like manner fined 5 s. a piece by Edward Trotter, and all these abovesaid for one Meeting the 6th of the 3d moneth, 1677.

The Reader may take notice, That the Minister (so called) of Skelton, whose Name is Thornton, is reported, and indeed may be well supposed to have been urgent with the Church-Warden (as they term him) of the same, about the said Information, who with other three poor Labouring-men of that Town were Informers; their Names James Linas, Richard Westland, George Smith and James Hawman.

For a Meeting at Skugdaile the 19th of the 6th moneth last past, Goods were taken as followeth, by Warrant from James Bennyman (called Justice) of Ormsby in the the said Riding, upon the Information of Samuel Cros∣thwaite of Lofthouse, and William Nelson of Skelton.

William Jowey of Skugdaile, senior, for s••ffering (as they recorded it) a Meeting at his House (though he was absent) was fined 20 l. and had his Goods di∣strained on.

William Stamper, Edward Hunter, Ralph Hunter, John Reedhead and his Wife, and Elizabeth Jackson, all of Guis∣brougle, for being at the said Mating fined 5 s. a piece.

Tobi is Hoope of Skelton aforesaid (for himself, and for William Flunders of Ormsby) fined 10 s.

Robert Cooke of Upleatham for himself and Christopher Flunders of Ormsby aforesaid, fined 10 s.

William Barker of Wilton for himself and Mark Lisle of Kukleatham, fined 10 s.

George Robinson of Lazinby, aforesaid, for himself and Robert Corney Master of a Vessel, then riding in Tease, fined 10 s.

Likewise, by Warrants from Constable Bradshaw (cal∣led Justice) living at Nunthrorpe, upon the Information of Samuel Crosthwait and William Nelson aforesaid, for a Meeting at Skugdaile the 22d of the said 6th moneth, Gilbert Natson of Broughton, Thomas Masterman of Nun∣thorp, Elizabeth Robinson of Lazinby, George Wright of the same, and John Robinson of the same (although he was not there) were all fined 5 s. a piece, and William Stamper of Guisbroug••e, and Edward Hunter of the same, were fined 10 s. a piece for the second Conviction, there being others at the said Meeting, whose Names they knew not, as appears by their false Swearing against Iohn Robinson, being labouring with his Work-folks in the Field all that day, as he made appear before them and the Justice by four Witnesses, before the Fine could be taken o••f.

The said Informers did inform upon Oath the said

Justice Bradshaw, that John Proud of Moresone the 25th of the 9th moneth last past, had a Meeting at his House, though they found none but some Neighbours met to consider of providing a House for a poor Widdow, and some Maintenance, whose Husband was lately dead, and left her two Children, and the Landlord had seized of all her Estate; and they likewise Swore, That Thomas Porvit's Wife of Liverton, and Robert Tuplady's Wife and Daughter of the same, were there assembled, which said three Persons were not there; and those they found there were eating and drinking. But Appeal was made to the Sessions, and the said John Proud and other Persons cleared.

Notes of the Injustice of Informers and Magistrates in this County of York.

MAry Todd a poor Widdow, for having a Meeting at her house one Francis Driffield, called a Justice, sent a Warrant to bring her before him, but she being Aged, was not able to ride nor go on foot so far; then he gave order to distrain 20 l. 5 s. on her Goods: The Informers told him, Her Goods were not worth so much Well (said he) take all she hath; which they performed as near as they could, not leaving her a Bed to lie on, taking her very Clothes, though she was but a poor Widdow, Aged, and in Debt.

Wllliam Thornaby the Younger, and John Allison both of Richmond, grand Informers, searching for a Meeting at a Widdows House, where they found three Persons visiting the Widdows Daughter, who lay very weak,

not likely to live; and whilst they were searching, there came in two other Persons accidentally, one of which was a Kinswoman, and no Quaker, as was after∣wards proved; nevertheless Thornaby set down their Names, and went to James Metcalfe, called a Justice, who fined the Persons, and granted a Warrant to di∣strain; but the Sufferers appealing, the most moderate Justices judged this hard measure and illegal, and ordered the Money to be returned.

This is only noted to shew the Wickedness of these Informers and Justice, and what a Prey they would have made upon Innocent People, if they had not been prevented.

A further Account from the County of Somerset. For a Meeting at Glastonbury, the 12th Moneth, 1679.

TAken from John Clothier of East Lidford on the 22th of the 7th moneth, 1679. by Edward Chapman the elder, and Edward C••apman the younger, and Thomas Lynterne, two fatting Oxen worth near 15 l. and since sold; For a fine (as its said) of 10 l. 10 s. up∣on a pretended Conviction made before Bishop Mew, or John Baylie hi•• Chancellor.

Taken from Henry Gundry of Streat, by Warrant of D••stress from John Baylie the Bishops Chancellor, two young Oxen worth about 7 l. for a fine of 3 l. 5 s. laid upon his Wife for being at a Mee∣ting at Glastonbury, Henry Gundry himself being a Prisoner. See the Injustice and Ignorance of the man, how he acts contrary to Law and Justice, to lay a Fine of 3 l. 5 s. upon a man's Wife for being at a Meeting, and leavied upon her Husbands Goods, and he not at the Meeting, when the utmost for her being there could have been but 5 s. or 10 s. to be leavied upon her Husbands Goods.

Taken from William Hulett of Streat, for a Meeting at Glaston∣bury, two Pots worth near 1 l. 10 s.

Thomas Dickerson of Pilton fined 5 l. for Jasper Batt and Eli∣zabeth Olliffe for a Meeting in the House of Vincent Boldy in Gla∣stonbury (as charged) and 10 s. for himself, for the second Offence, by Warrant granted from Peter Mew, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and John Baylie his Chancellor and Brother-in-Law; and several other Fines laid, and Warrants issued out, but no certain Account thereof yet given.

BREWTEN.

Taken from John Martin of Brewten on the 9th day of the 12th moneth, 1679. by Warrant from Maurice Berkly, called Lord Fitz Harding, and Francis Paulett of Wells, for a Meeting at Thomas Whitheads in Brewten, a Horse worth about 3 l. for a fine of 2 l. 5 s. laid on the said John Martin's Wife; the Horse was taken by Edward Chicke and Henry Albin, Wardens, and Thomas Patter, Constab••e, and sold, which since is rid about by Jane Berkly the said Justices Daughter.

For a Meeting at Gregory Stoak in the 5th moneth, 1680.

John Cuffe of Aishill fined 10 l. and odd Money, and his Goods seized to a considerable value, by Warrant from Henry Walrond, a Justice of Peace, so called, who hath made much spoil upon Friends, even to his own undoing, as many think.

John Pinny fined 10 l. and odd Money, and seizure made upon his Goods by Warrant from Henry Walrond.

Francis Scott of Hambridge fined 10 l. and odd Money, and Warrant issued for leavying the same, from the said Henry Walrond.

John Coate of Kingsbury fined 10 l. and odd Money, and War∣rant issued to leavy the same upon his Goods and Chattles from the said Henry Walrond; and several other Fines laid and Warrants issued by the said Walrond, but no certain account thereof yet given.

September, 1680.

Robert Abbott an Inn-keeper in the Town of Ivelchester, fined 40 l. and by Warrant of Distress from the said Henry Walrond lea∣vyed on his Goods and Chattles by Robert Morris and Giles Bale, for two Meetings (as the said Walrond alledgeth) at one and the same hour, and in one and the same house, the one of men and the other of women, they being several of them the said Robert Abbotts Guests, and lodged in his House, and did meet to confer about Pro∣visio•• for the Poor, Fatherless and Widdows, which they account a Christian Duty and a good Work, and were never questioned for such Meetings before this time; and now most sober People do judge, That its done only for Gain and Advantage by the said Captain Walr••nd, and the Broomes, his assistants and adherents, who have made much spoil upon the Country, and out of Envy to the said Robert Abbott, because he would not vote for such Persons as he and many others thought not fit to be chosen to sit in Parliament; and as its reported part of the said 40 l. distributed to several Persons of Ivelchester, who are not th•• Poor, but paid as a Gratuity or Reward for their Service, in voting against the present Members of Parliament for that Town.

Mention being made before, pag. 73. that the Widdow Tyler was fined 4 l. for being at her Husbands burial, it may be noted, she had two Cows taken from her for the said fine, worth 9 l.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Note, These two ar•• only seized, the Officers being moderate the goods are not taken away.