Local Documents, Berwick, by Mr John Scott. 95 



to Berwick as to a common receptacle of malign ants, thinking thereby to 

 escape his justice, as though your town were a place of privelege, exemcion, 

 or imunity above the king's prerogative and beyond his law. Wee are sorrie 

 you want information and advise, which we hope upon mature consideration 

 you will reflect upon. Willing you not to persist in your mistakes making 

 one error good with another. Hitherto, gentlemen, of generall, now to the 

 particulars. In our Generall Musters when we appoint the officers of the law 

 to bring us men for the king's service. Answer is made to us. They are 

 fled to Berwick. Likewise when we send to treat with others according to 

 his Ma'te service and commission. Answer is made to us still. They are 

 gone to Barwick. Here is Barwicke made a Bandevouze of all men that are 

 disobedient to the king and law, if these men be suffered to persist in this 

 way. Treason, Murders, Felonie and all crymes that wounds the king's 

 honour and the law shall escape unquestioned and unpunished, so as they 

 have Barwicke to fly to. 



" What are the encouragements and encitements that draws this confluence 

 to this towne ? The Traitorous Bebellious and Seditious sermons that ai e 

 preached among you. Some in your church, others in private conventiclis 

 (so expressly against law) with great applause and connivance. What 

 greater Treason can be expressed than the alienation of the hearts of the 

 king's good subjects from him and depraveing his government, thereby 

 rendring him odious to his loyall subjects, and studying as much as in them 

 lyeth to foment, and give fire to this unnaturall warr that is kindled in the 

 bowells of the kingdom threatening the utter desolation, at least, the blotting 

 out the glory of this famous monarchie in letters of blood. By this, gentle- 

 men, you see our zeal moved with commiseration to your misguided proceed- 

 ings have drawn these lynes from us, that you thereby may have a sense and 

 feeling what you may suffer if you continue therein. 



Wee hope you will render us our desires, being so honourable and just and 

 not give us cause to seek you in another way. Hereby you shall shew your- 

 selves good Christians and loyall subjects. 



In confidence whereof wee are, 



Your loving friends and countrymen, 



Wooler, March 16th, 164f. Gilbert Swinhoe. 



John Clavering. 

 Charles Brandling. Rober.t Clavering. 



Thos. Graye. James Swinhoe." 



Directed thus, "for the Maior, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of Berwick-on- 

 Tweed." 



" Coppie of the Answer to the l're above written here follqweth : — 

 Worthie Sirs, 



Wee received your l're from the gentlemen employed by you for the 

 delivery thereof to us, whereby wee observe you lay a great aspercion upon 

 this town, and in harbouring of such persons as fly into it, some for refuge 

 and safetie and of purpose to escape his Ma'te justice, and to hinder his Ma'te 

 present service, and that this town was a receptacle of all malignants, and a 

 rendevouze of all sorts of men were kept here, and that the encouragements 



