May 29.
This day, by a Messenger which came from the Leagure before
Dunkirke its certified, that the Besiegers beginning to make their Approaches
on Tuesday last, had already made such progress before he
came away, that they were got as far as to the Counterscarp being not
much distant from the Walls of the Towne, so that its not doubted
but in a little time more they will be able to give a good Account of
the Place. There are great Numbers of the French Gentry come down
thither to serve their Prince in the present occasion, so that the Leagure
is become very numerous: so great a siege hath not for some
yeers been known; and were the Spaniard in a condition to give disurbance,
enough might be spared to encounter him, and yet sufficient
to make good the design against the Towne.
Tower of London. May 25.
More of the Conspirators are daily discovered in and about this
City. This day two persons, by name William Wyvel and Francis
Widdrington Gent. were brought in hither Prisoners, by Warrant
from his Highness and the privy Council for High Treason, and holding
Correspondence with Charls Stuart.
May, 29
These persons following being apprehended last night about 12 a
clock, as they were met together in the Rose Taverne in Cursitors Alley
by Chancerie lane, Viz. William Houghton, Thomas Armstrong Son of Sir
Thomas, Elias Goodwin, Thomas Porter, James Bridgman, and Charls
Gerrard Gent. were in the morning carried to Whitehall, and afterwards
committed hither by warrant from his Highness upon suspicion
at high Treason.
At the Scissions, in the Old-Bayley, May 26. 1658.
Six men received judgment to die at the common place of execution, as
namely, Robert Taylor, Daniel Payne, Edward Prat, William Middleton, William
Saintgeorge, Robert Parris; all for Felony and Burglary, the five last of which
were all of one company, and had committed several Felonies and Burglaries
together, they were impeached by one Wimble who was of their own fellow
ship and gave evidence against them upon their Trialls.
William Tabor, a most notorious Thief, both for the high-way and also for
house-breaking was indicted for several Burglaries and also for being one of the
three that murthered Major Parsons the other two being formerly hanged for
the same fact; he refused to plead not withstanding much means was used by
Ministers and other yet he was obstinate to all argumens, whereupon he received
judgment to be prest, which accordingly was executed upon him in
some severer manner then usually hath been. I were men and two women
were branded in the hand.