"The Mayor of Bristolls Letter"
The Mayor of Bristolls Letter
Bristoll 8th. October 1698
Sir
Since mnie of 5 instant wee have a new examined John Bate a Copy of whose examination is inclosed + have thereupon apprehended Hulbert and for want of Suretyes have Committed him to Gaol although wee have only suspition on him and Bate says he can make nothing out more then hearsay from Field therefore depended on a Discovery in searching his house which has failed although has been wanting in order thereto the persons therein named Field and Smith are Fled from Iustice so that you must consult methods for their apprehension Field has lived at Chester supposed a Native of Staffordshire has gone by the names of Johnson and Smith of midle size and stature somewhat ruddy his own hair dark brown wearing a bobb Wigg 35 years of age and down lookt a most Excellent Workman at Engraving but a great Drinker the other person called Smith is very like him but somewhat Taller and bigger Bate suspects them to be gone for Oxford I am
Sir
your humble Servant
John Blackweel Mayor
102
Source
MINT 15/17/102, National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK8 Oct 1698, c. 187 words.