156 Composition for Estates in Wilts. 



this morning, and then I intend for Blandford, to attend the Dorsettshire gentle- 

 men and soe to Marlborough, where there are 20 more to be summoned. In my 

 last I gave Mr. Secretary a list of some names for Cornwall, Devon, Somersett, 

 and Dorsett to be sheriffs, and have presented your highness with three for 

 Wilts, the two former being of the last parliament, and signinge the requisition. 

 For Gloucester I must crave leave till I come upon the place, I am, 



" Your highness' s humble servant, 

 " Sarum, Dec. 18, 1655. JOH. DISBROWE." 



No. VI. Major-Oeneral Dishrowe to Secretary Thurloe.^ 



" Sib, 



" I have bin attending the work in Dorsetshire where there were 20 sum- 

 moned, amongst which is Sir John Strangeways, Sir Gerard Napper, and Sir 

 Hugh Windham ; one pleading his integrity, another his inuoceney, and the 

 third showed much frowardness and averseness ; but after I had dealt very 

 plainly and indeed roundly with them, they with the rest fairly submitted and 

 are contented to bear the additional tax, proportionable to their estates. I doubt 

 not but it will turn to a good account, though it is probable some will trouble 

 his highness with their applications, for in the country they are known too well, 

 and the commissioners are very imanimous and active in it, only some are of 

 opinion that by their present instruction they cannot rate any man for both to- 

 gether that hath not full £100 per ann. real, and £1500 personal estate, and 

 have drawn up a letter to the council craving a resolution therein, but the 

 account you gave (if past the council) will determine that, in making persons 

 that have either £50 per ann. real, or £500 personal, or with either sum together, 

 such an estate shall be lyable to this additional tax, and will not only yield a 

 considerable revenue to the publick, and rejoice the hearts of the well affected, 

 but be a means to break and prevent the designes of our enemys. 



" I came yesterday from Blandford to Sarum, and from thence this day hither, 

 where there are 24 summoned to attend upon Monday next. 



" I desire you to give order that William Fry of Yarty, and Edward Cheek 

 of Gabriells, Esq., may be added to the commissioners of the peace for Dorset- 

 shire. I have only tliis further to add, that Robert Hipsley, Esq., may be 

 sheriff of Wilts, in the room of Col. Dove, (if it be not too farr past,) which is 

 the desire of him who is 



" Your real friend and servant, 

 "Marlborough, Dec. 22, 1655. JOHN DISBROWE. 



" Pray present my service to his highness, and let him know that after this 

 meeting I shall give him a full account of my proceeding hitherto." 



Mr. Waylen in his "History of Marlborough" has published 

 some very interesting documents, as to the amount charged on 

 Charles the son of Lord Seymour, and the way in which he escaped 

 the payment of it.^ 



1 Thiu'loe's State Papers, vol. 4, p. 336. 

 * Wayleu's History of Marlborough, p. 237. 



