Untitled letters from the Mayor of Bristol, dated 12 & 28 November 1698

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Bristoll 12 Novemb^r. 1698

Sir

^[1]

Having Information that Thomas Boddily mentioned in the Examination of John Bates was at the Bath tion Iustices here caused him to be there apprehended and sent the Information of Bates a Copy whereof is inclosed over to M^r. Mayor and the Alderman of Bath who have since Committed Boddily to {Iuel} Chester Gaol I hear by this dayes post from M^r. Gray that Adam Clempson one of the persons named in Bates former Examination to be a putter off of Counterfeit money is by Iustice Gray Committed to Gaol I wish you success in the prosecution + the rooting out this Nest of Rogues and am

Sir

your humble Servant

John Blackwell Mayor

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Bristoll 9ber 28 1698

Sir

^[2]

I have this day an account from M^r. Humfries the person that there seized Bates that when in London which he left the 10 instant he was informed by Henry Prewett late of the parish of Britton near this City now Servant to John Cox who keeps the living Tyger a Shew at that time by the Stocks Market London That Field the Engraver was come from Bristoll and used the house where that shew then was wherefore Humphrys went to that house to seek after Field but did not see him And left directions with one M^r. Libley keeping a Glass shop near the stocks market to enquire after him but has not heard any thing of him so that if you cause strict search to be made and examine Prewet you may in liklyhood apprehend Field from whom a very great discovery may be expected In case Prewet be backward in the matter you may remember him he told Humphries that Smith who went hence with Field supposed to be his brother was hanger for robbing on the highway and after Field was gone out of the house Humphries not knowing him Prewet told Humphries the man then gone forth was Field {sent} from Bristoll I am

Sir

your friend to serve you

Ino Blackwell Mayor