154 Composition for Estates in Wilts. 



No. II. Major- General Disbrcnve to Secretary Thurloe.^ 



"Sir, 



" I have given his highness a brief account of my proceedings here, where we 

 had a full appearance and a general resolution to carry on the work, Mr. Grove 

 only desiring time to consider of it, which can be no impediment to it. Each of 

 the Commissioners desire the printed instructions under Mr. Scobel's hand for 

 their indemnity, which I cannot but join with them, if it may be without pre- 

 judice. I have only added three more, John Dove, Richard Hill, and James 

 Hely. The persons in the inclosed paper^ are ordered to be summoned at a time 

 and place prefixed, where I shall endeavour to be. As often as you can, pray let 

 me hear from you, and what intelligence you have will be kindly accepted by 



" Your hearty friend and servant, 

 " Sarum, Deo. 8, 1655. JOHN DISBROWE." 



No. III. Major- General Dishrowe to the Protector. ^ 



" May it please your Highness. 



" I have in pursuance of your orders given notice to the Commissioners of 

 Wilts, and yesterday had a meeting with them, and made known your Highness's 

 instructions to them, where little else was done, by reason night came on. But 

 this morning we met again, and had a full appearance, save Mr. Grove, who 

 craved some time to consider of it. The others are very industrious and clear in 

 the work, only they desire your highness's favour in affording each of them a 

 paper of instructions, under Mr. Scobell's hand for their indemnity : and have 

 ordered the persons within mentioned to be summoned upon Monday, seven- 

 night, when I propose (if the Lord please) to be present. 



" I have alsoe dispatcht letters to the Commissioners of Dorsett, and intend to 

 be with them upon Wednesday next, in order to the setting that work on foot, 

 and from thence to return hither at the time appointed. Mr. Sheriff of Wilts 

 presents his service to your highness, and begs your nomination of Mr, Thomas 

 Grove who I adjudged very fit, and must also make it my request, he being 

 honest and able, tho' tender. I have no more at present to trouble your high- 

 ness with, save to sign myself as I am, 



" Your lordship's humble servant, 

 " Sarum, 8 Dec, 1655. JOHN DISBROWE." 



No. IV. Inclosed in the preceding. Mr. Thomas Grove to Major- 



General Bisbrowe. 



" My Lord, 



" Being very unfitt by reason of my present weakness and distemper of body 

 for any business, I shall humbly begg your honour's pardon for my not waiting 

 on you this morning, having a longing desire (if the Lord please) to be in my 

 owne house againe and not to be surprised with sickness in an iune. I must in- 

 geniously confess that had I been in a fitt capacity for business, I intended to 



1 Thurloe's State Papers, vol. 4, p. 300. 



2 Tliis paper is not printed with this letter. 



a Thurloe's State Papers, vol. 4. p. 300. 



