Page:The histories of Launceston and Dunheved, in the county of Cornwall.djvu/289

 CIVIL WAR. 259 grieved at their proceedings, and that Mr. Selden (who was a man that had more learning than a thousand round- headed Pyms) had observed to an acquaintance that there was no good to be done in the House of Commons." One Henry Wills [a burgess] reported this conversation, and on the 1 6th June made an affidavit concerning it before Nicholas Gennes, the mayor, and Leonard Treise. The affidavit was transmitted to the House of Lords, and on the 23rd June Estcott was ordered to be brought before them. On the nth July he_ petitioned the House to inquire into the matter, stating that he had come 200 miles to answer a false charge of speaking scandalous words against the Parliament. Their lordships, having heard the parties, directed poor Mr. Estcott to stand in the pillory both in Cheapside and at Westminster, and afterwards to be lodged in Newgate. He stood in the pillory as ordered, and was then taken to Newgate, where he lay until the 19th October, 1642, when he again petitioned the Lords. In this petition he states that he has undergone part of their lordships' sentence, and is still in Newgate, where the sickness had been very hot for more than nine months, whereby his health had been impaired, and his estate con- sumed by excessive fees. He then prays to be restored to liberty, or let out on bail. Ten days later their lordships were pleased to grant his request — "in regard the plague is in Newgate, and he aged and sick" — stipulating, however, that he should render himself within three days after re- ceiving notice from the House. In the borough records under date 7th September, 1646, we find the entry (Lat.): " Philip Peare is elected and sworn alderman of the borough aforesaid, in the place of John Estcott, gentleman, lately deceased!' The constable Stokes continues : 2nd July, 1642. Sending a booke y l came from the King 2d. 12 /lu^ust, 1642. A vvarant from the High Constable for a s 2