182 



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



In the 642 volume of the King's Pamphlets, small quarto, is the 

 following petition in MSS. — a composition of some beauty, and 

 no little ingenuity, when we remember to whom it was addressed : — 



" The humble petition of y e late Risers in y e West condemned at Salisbury 

 and Exon. 



Sheweth, That having y e sentence of death passed upon us we cannot imagine 

 there should be any hope left us. But when we look upon your Highnesse as 

 our judge, and remember those honourable, pressing intercessions of your High- 

 nesse alwaies, for y e performing of articles wee then hope we may live by ours.* 



My Lord, He that knowes how to owe Love, knowes how to forgive, and a 

 victory by mercy is a double triumph charming both soule and Body by Piety 

 aud Honour to y e giving and performing any just obligation whatsoever that 

 shall be demanded of us. Wee dare not instruct, but wee humbly sett before 

 your Highnesses eyes, the Great Preserver of Mankind, Prince of Potentates, 

 his remarkable Providence over us, that neither at South Molton, nor any where 

 else; there lyes the satisfaction of any mans life upon us. May 2nd." 



Of those condemned for treason, viz., Lucas, Kensey, Deane, 

 Thorp, Lawrence, Fryer, and Mackes, the first was certainly ex- 

 ecuted, and his " fine estate " came under the ken of the Council 

 at Whitehall, In the Draft Order Book of the Council of State, 

 at the date May 30th, 1655, there is the following : — 



" Petition of Jehosephat Lucas brother of John Lucas lately executed for re- 

 bellion ; referred to a Committee &c. as being a mere matter of grace on the part 

 of the protector. 



The Committee are ordered to find"out what the estate of the said John Lucas 

 was really charged with at his death. "f 



In the newspapers there are the following notices : — 

 Perfect Proceedings, May 10th, 1655. 1 



" Tuesday, May 8th. This day came the news of the Execution of the 

 prisoners at Salisbury, there were 7 hanged, and Margery Gingell a witch 8 in 

 all, and Mr. John Lucas should have been executed with them, but it was sus- 

 pended by the Sheriffe for a time, while he came to make application to His 

 Highnes for him (if possible) to save his life. They were hanged about 4 o'clock 

 in the afternoon on Thursday last [May 3rd]." 



The Mercurius Politicks of the same date says 

 u at Sarum only 3 left to die — Lucas, Thorpe and Kensey. Lucas to be beheaded 

 and the others hanged. . . Lucas is reprieved for a while by the Sheriffe who 

 had come to London about him. Since then he is gone down to see execution 

 performed." 



* No doubt this refers to the articles claimed from Captain TJnton Crook, to which allusion has 

 already been made ; and on which more will have to be said. 



t State Papers, Domestic Interreg. 



1 E.P. Sua. tyo., 645. 



