13:2 



Records of the Rising in the West, A.I). 1655. 



to do the like ; these 3 gentlemen are of Wiltshire and men of estates. One of! 

 Sir Edward Clarke's sons was with them, he was to be major to Penruddoek, , 

 the prisoners tell me that we killed him.* I have brought all the prisoners to 

 Exon, and have delivered them over to the High Sheriffe who has put them 

 into the High Goal. Your Highness may be confident this party is totally 

 broken, there is not 4 in a company got away ; the country surprise some of them I 

 hourly, the Mayor of South Molton being with me in the streets was shot in the 

 body, but like to do well. 



I have 9 or 10 of my troop wounded. 



I remain 



Your Highness' 



Exon Most obedient Servant, 



March 16th, 1654 (5). Unton Ceooke." 



The next day Penruddoek wrote the following" letter to his wife : — 

 " My dear Heart, 



To tell you the story of my misfortunes were too large and would but 

 add to your afflictions. All that I shall now tell you is that we were taken at 

 South Molton in the farthest part of Devonshire. The best that I can make of 

 this is that it was our fortune to fall into the hands of one Captain Unton Crooke,f 

 a generous and valiant officer, one that I hope will show something the better, 

 for that we did not basely desert our soldiers as others did. That which concerns 

 you now is that you best give your help, and make what friends you can for me. 

 My cousin Bowman, I know loves me ; desire him as he tenders the life and 

 fortune of his poor kinsman, that he would be active for me. The persons 

 to whom you must address yourself are in the first place, his Highness my Lord 

 Protector, to whom pray go yourself, and as many of your children as you think 

 fit, and petition in my behalf. I am confidant my Lord Richard 3 and Mr. 

 Mayor will countenance you herein. I would have my cousin Bowman to go to 

 my Lord Chief Justice Rolle, and Lady Nicholas, § and desire them to appeare for 

 me, and shew me such favour as they may judge me capable of in their esteem. 

 Mr. Dove the High Sheriff, Mr. Ing,and I am confident the whole town of Sarum, 

 will petition on our behalf. Pray leave nothing unassayed that may tend to 

 our preservation, It you come to Exeter you will be snre to find me in the 

 gaol, whither if you think fit you may bring your daughter Jane, -and Greorge,and 

 Tom. I cannot have less than a hundred pound to assist me in my necessaries 

 here. If I live, I hope I shall redeem what I have lost ; If I die, I have made 

 my will — being but tenant for term of life my estate comes to your son and you. 

 I have made over part for payment of my debts, and providing for my younger 



* This proved incorrect, he was afterwards arrested, 



+ Crook was a son of Serjeant Unton Crook. He was a man of education and position and in the 

 suite of Whitelocke when the latter went as ambassador to the Court of Sweden* 



t Lord Richard Cromwell. Mr. Mayor of Hursley, Hants, was his father-in-law. 



I The wife of Baron Nicholas. 



