132 Records of the Rising in the West, A.D. 1655. 
to do the like; these 3 gentlemen are of Wiltshire and men of estates. One of 
Sir Edward Clarke’s sons was with them, he was to be major to Penruddock, 
the prisoners tell me that we killed him.* I have brought all the prisoners to 
Exon, and haye delivered them over to the High Sheriffe who has put them 
into the High Goal. Your Highness may be confident this party is totally 
broken, there is not 4 in a company got away ; the country surprise some of them 
hourly, the Mayor of South Molton being with me in the streets was shot in the 
body, but like to do well. 
I have 9 or 10 of my troop wounded. 
I remain 
Your Highness’ 
Exon Most obedient Servant, 
March 16th, 1654 (5). Unton Crook.” 
The next day Penruddock wrote the following letter to his wife :— 
“ My dear Heart, 
To tell you the story of my misfortunes were too large and would but 
add to your afflictions. All that I shall now tell you is that we were taken at 
South Molton in the farthest part of Devonshire. The best that I can make of 
this is that it was our fortune to fall into the hands of one Captain Unton Crooke, + 
a generous and valiant officer, one that I hope will show something the better, 
for that we did not basely desert our soldiers as others did. That which concerns 
you now is that you best give your help, and make what friends you can for me. 
My cousin Bowman, I know loves me; desire him as he tenders the life and 
fortune of his poor kinsman, that he would be active for me. The persons 
to whom you must address yourself are in the first place, his Highness my Lord 
Protector, to whom pray go yourself, and as many of your children as you think 
fit, and petition in my behalf. I am confidant my Lord Richard and Mr. 
Mayor will countenance you herein. I would have my cousin Bowman to go to 
my Lord Chief Justice Rolle, and Lady Nicholas,§ and desire them to appeare for 
me, and shew me such favour as they may judge me capable of in their esteem. 
Mr. Dove the High Sheriff, Mr. Ing,and I am confident the whole town of Sarum, 
will petition on our behalf. Pray leave nothing unassayed that may tend to 
our preservation. It you come to Exeter you will be snre to find me in the 
gaol, whither if you think fit you may bring your daughter Jane, and George,and 
Tom. I cannot have less than a hundred pound to assist me in my necessaries 
here. If I live, I hope I shall redeem what I have lost; If I die, I have made 
my will-—being but tenant for term of life my estate comes to your son and you. 
I have made over part for payment of my debts, and providing for my younger 
* This proved incorrect, he was afterwards arrested, 
+Crook was a son of Serjeant Unton Crook. He was a man of education and position and in the 
suite of Whitelocke when the latter went as ambassador to the Court of Sweden- 
tLord Richard Cromwell. Mr. Mayor of Hursley, Hants, was his father-in-law. 
3 The wife of Baron Nicholas. 
