506 
After the capture of Bath by Fairfax in July 1645, the Citizens 
rapidly had occasion to regret the change of masters. Early in 
1646, the Army was at variance with the Parliament, and through- 
out the country the Soldiers lived at “free quarters.” The 
M. B. records February gth 1646, that ‘‘a peticon shall bee 
pfferred to ye Houses of Parliam* for releefe of Free quarter. 
Agreed that Mr. Burford and Mr. John Pearce shall goe to 
London with the Peticon abovesayd.” 
This Petition does not seem to have been presented, but letters 
written by the then Mayor give graphic pictures of the state of 
affairs. I quote from one of these, “our houses are emptied of 
all useful furniture, and much broken and disfigured, our poor 
suffer for want of victuals and rich we have none. Warrants are 
come to raise horse but we have none left.” ‘We have now 
400 (soldiers) in the town, and many more expected. God protect 
us from pillage.” 
Pearce was twice Chamberlain, and on September 25th 1648, 
was elected an Alderman. 
In 1651, Pearce being then Mayor the Chamberlain notes :— 
“Ttm pd Mr. Mayor Mr. Biggs and 
Mr. Parker expenses at Ivilchester 0o2— 17 — 10” 
(Biggs and Parker made the same journey ten years later under 
less pleasant conditions, see H. Cn.) 
In 1652 “Item of Mr..John Pearce for a 
Tenem* and garden neare Monckes 
Mill (evidently his residence) co — ol — oo 
Itm paid Christopher Brewer for 
carreinge ye Charter to London by 
Mr. Pearces order (when Mayor) co — 02 — 06 
Do. do. for bringeinge ye Charter 
from London by Mr. Pearces order oo — 05 — 06” 
The M. B. records on October 25th 1652, ‘“‘ Who-shall be 
employed on ye behalf of ye Corporason of this Citty to sollicit 
