By J. Waylen. 389 
[This order Mr. John Strange, the Committee’s secretary, then forwards to 
Longford Castle, accompanied with the following letter, written on his own 
account, with a view to disarm any hostility as against himself personally for 
the performance of so unpleasant an office. ] 
“ Marlborough, 8th March, 1648. 
“GENTLEMEN. I am directed by the Committee here to send you this 
enclosed Order, which, if distasted by you, I shall crave your favour in not 
excepting against the sender, who is, 
“ Your humble servant, 
“JoHN STRANGE.” 
28th April. Upon the petition of Major Henry Wansey, who exhibited his 
certificates for services performed in Wiltshire, entitling him to £206, the Wilts 
Committee are earnestly recommended by the Committee of Lords and Commons 
to advance him £100 on account. 
8th May. Letters arrive from Mr. Lenthall, Speaker of the Commons’ House, 
warning the Committees sitting at Marlborough and at Longford Castle that 
tumultuous risings may be expected, and directing them to level all places of 
strength, or see them properly guarded. 
During the month of June orders arrive from London directing the imprison- 
ment of Sir George Penruddocke, William Fisher, Sir Walter Smith, Michael 
Tideombe, Richard Goddard of Sarum, Sir William Button, Richard Davy, 
William Kent, and Sir Thomas Windebank, unless they avert it by promptly 
paying the remainder of their several fines. 
William Yorke, of West Lavington, gent. His goods and estate were for a 
short time under restraint on suspicion of delinquency, but enfranchised in 
April, 1649. 
16th June. Mr. Gilmore, of Ramsbury, suspected of delinquency but desiring 
to sell his estate there, is to give security for answering its value if the evidence 
as to delinquency go against him. He has a month allowed to examine witnesses 
for his defence; and the Wilts Committee, who have already sequestered his 
lands, are to send the evidence to London. 
1649. 26th March. To the contractors for Bishops’ lands, the Council of 
State send this message.—-There is at Downton a large common called “ The 
Franchise,” parcel of the lands of the late Bishop of Winchester, five hundred 
acres of which are covered with trees fit for the navy. They have been over- 
valued; but you are to keep them till a navy-surveyor shall inspect them ; and 
- certify how far the preserving of the timber will prejudice the sale of the land. 
[The Raleighs, of Downton House, were severe sufferers for their allegiance to 
the Royalist cause. See their case in Walker’s Suffering Clergy. On the 
other hand their cousin, Carew Raleigh, as representing his father, the renowned 
Sir Walter, could hardly be other than anti-Stuart. Consequently, when the 
