Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,772, John Brister, Conn.

Page 1

(3-1776)
Service Conn. Brister, John Lilly Number: W20.772 B.L. Wt. 5461 100. Pvt. Issued May 26, 1790. No papers
CONTENTS

Page 2

Connecticut 4th
Lilly Brister

Canterbury in the State of Ct
who was a _ in the _ commanded
by Captain _ of the _ commanded
by Conn. in the 
widow of John Brister [illegible] late a Private with the Revolution.

Inscribed on the Roll of Ct
at the rate of 80 Dollars 0 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.

Certificate of Pension filed the 31 day of Jan 1837 and [illegible]
[illegible]

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 $440.00
Semi-ani. allowance ending 4 March $40.00

Act 4 July '36
3d Sect 36
{Revolutionary Claim,}

Recorded by W.L. Addison Clerk
Book A. Vol. A. Page 70

[illegible] 2 1846
Let G.S. White.
do to same,February 25. 1847.

Page 3

Connecticut Rolls.
1,258
John Brister, Private. Connecticut Line In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War. 
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 13th of April 1818. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 of June 1818, and sent to Augustus Pettibone, Esq. Norfolk, Connecticut. 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1818. 
4 months 22/30.  $37.86

Revolutionary claim, 
Act 18th March, 1818 

May 77 till close of War
Continued [illegible]

Page 4

John Britter was Married to Lilley Scott December 23: 1774
Brother Scott was Married Aprill the 21: 1774

Page 5

[italic] The 
London
[italic] Prodigal.
125
The trouble in this World that Children bring, My Vow's in Heav'n in Earth to live alone, Husbands, howfoever good, I will have none.
[italic] Oli.
Why then, chil live a Batchelor too, Che zet not a vig by a Wife, if a Wife zet not a vig By me: Come, fhall's go to Dinner?
[italic] Fath. 
[ink drop obscures beginning of first word] orrow I crave your Companies in 
[italics] Mark.lane:
To Night we'll frolick in Mr. 
[italics] Civet's 
Houfe, And to each Health drink down a full Caroufe
[italics] Exeunt omnes.
[black and white image of a floral arrangement]
F 3

Page 6

[illegible] In the State of Connecticut December 5th, 1801
I hereby Consitute and Approve Noah A Phelps to being Free and Lawfull Attorney and Receive my Bounty Right of Land to which I am Entitled by Serving in the Army of the United States During the War and able to Receive the Right Belonging to Pharaoh Hazari for the Same Service to which I am Entitled by having lawfull Heir [illegible]
[signature Pharaoh Hazari] [signature John Brister] [illegible] signature

John Brister Warrant Officer
[illegible] May 26 1790 Number Warrant 5461

Page 7

District of Connecticut ss. Canterbury
On this 5th day of November Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty six personally appeared before me Andrew T Judson, Judge of this United States, for the District of Connecticut, Lilly Brister, a resident of said town of Canterbury, in said District, aged Eighty one years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain New benefit of the  provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836; that she is the widow of John Brister who was a soldier, in the army of the revolution, and as she vividly believes in the Connecticut Army; But in what company or Regiment she cannot now positively say. But she does say that her said husband served during the  whole war - that he was at Cambridge in 1775, that he was, as she now recollects, at the capture of Burgoin, and his taking of Lord Cornwallis.

My said husband was a pensioner until he died, and for proof of his services, I refer to the evidence he produced, and also to the rolls in the War Office.

She further declares that she was married to the said John Brister on the 23rd day of December 1774, at the town of Bolton in the State of Connecticut by one Thomas Pitkins Esquire, a Justice of the Peace.

She had no certificate of her marriage, and known of no record of it except what was made and extend in a Book which belonged to my husband called the "London Prodigal" which I have in and from have preserved and from which I have caused to be carefully cut from page 113 to 140 inclusive - the intermediate pages being irregular containing the entry record of my marriage, and that is the only entry or  record within my knowledge.

I have [illegible] the [illegible] to the hereto annexed.

She further declares that her said husband John Brister died on the 7th day of March A.D 1824 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period and will more fully appear by [illegible] to the proof hereto annexed.

Lilly Brister
X
Mark

Page 8

The within declaration, of Lilly Brister, sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year above mentioned
Attest. Andrew T. Judson Judge of the United States for the District of Connecticut. 

I Theodore Brister, of Canterbury, in the County of Windham. aged 46 years, testify and say that I am the son of Lilly Brister who is now here present; she is now the widow of John Brister who died in Hartford in said state on the 7th day of March 1824, and the said Lilley hath ever remained the widow of the said John since his death, and is now his widow and she lives in my family. My father and mother had nine children. I was the fourth child. I lived with them untill I was 25 years old, and since then I have lived by myself, and my mother now lives with me. Nov. 5th. 1836. Theodore Brister. 

State of Connecticut, Windham County, p. Canterbury November 5th 1836. Personally appeared Theodore Brister, signed of the foregoing affidavit, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. I further certifity that the said Theodore is known to me to be a credible witness. [illegible] Andrew T. Judson Judge of the United States for the Dis. of Con.

Page 9

I John Brister of Winchester in the county of Litchfield and state of Connecticut depose and declair that on the first day of May 1777 I entered the service of my country in the revolutionary war as a soldier against the common enemy I inlisted into the Compnay of Capt Abner Prior and Col Philip B Bradly regiment in the conneticut line A part of the time Capt Morris commanded the company capt prior being advanced to majr my inlistmant was for during hte war and I served faithfully from the time I inlisted to the close of the war in 1783 - I think in about three years after I entered the service Col Bradleys regiment and Col Swith Regiment were united and Col Swift kept the command and Col Bradley lef the service my discharge under the hand of Gen Washington [illegible] [illegible] this my affidavit will more fully substantiat the [illegible] of my inlistment and service I further depos and say I am a man of [illegible] and Eighty years of age and intirely [illegible] of greatly stand in need of the assistance of my country for support John Brister X his mark

Page 10

State of Conneticut Litchfield County [illegible] April 13th day of 1818 Personally approved John Brister signer of the aforesaid affidavitt and made solomn oath to the truth of the same before me
Augustus Pettibone Chief Judge of Litchfield county court

State of Conneticut Litchfield County [illegible] I Augustus Pettibone Esq Chief Judge of the county court for Litchfield count which is a court of record do certify the aforesaid affidavit and that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Brister was a soldier in the revolutionary war against the common enemy in the Connecticut line on the continental Establishment for more than nine months that he is poor and needy and [illegible] of property and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and hand the seal of the said court to be affixed as of this 13th day of April Anno Domini 1818
Augustus Pettibone Chief Judge

Corect
Augustus Pettibone Esq Norfolk Con

Page 11

District of Connecticut ss, County of Litchfield, County Court.
On this 5 day of July 1820 personally appeared in open Court, being a court of RECORD for said county in said district, having the power to fine and imprison
Phinehas Minor of Litchfield in the county aforesaid and a conservator of the person and affects of John Brister of Winchester in Litcheidl County aforesaid (he the [illegible] having been legally appointed such conservator) and [illegible] that accourding to his best knowledge and belief that he the [illegible] [illegible] inlisted on the first day of May 1777 in to the revolutionary army under Capt. Abner Prior in the regiment commanded by Col Phillip Burr Bradley of the Coneticut line for a time and that afterwads he was transfered to the Regiment commanded by Col. Heman Smith and that he continued in the service [illegible] the close of the war and that his original application bears date the 13th dy of April 1818 and that he has a certificate for a pension No 1258

Page 12

The foregoing was disclosed & certified on the 6th day of July 1820 before the county court [illegible] at Litchfield in and for the county of Litchfield and the [illegible] county court having inquired by the testimony of witness do find that the said John Brister has so far lost the use of his mental faculties and that his infirmity is such that he is incapable of appearing before said court and taking an oath and that the said Phinehas Miner is the conservator of this said Brister
Certified by Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

Page 13

[typed]
[crossed out] Sworn to and [/crossed out] declared on the [handwritten] 5th [/handwritten] day of [handwritten] July [/handwritten] A.D. 1820 
before [handwritten] Jail Court

[handwritten] Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

[typed]
I, Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the County Court, in the county of Litchfield, and State if Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing [handwritten] Declaration [/handwritten] and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the court ; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is [handwritten] twenty [/handwritten] dollars and [handwritten] 75 [/handwritten] cents. 

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this [handwritten] 17th [/handwritten] day [handwritten] of July [/handwritten] 1820

[crossed out] Clerk of the County Court for the County of Litchfield.

[handwritten]
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

Page 14

December 19, 1939.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/ady John Brister W.20772 [20,772]
Mr. Eugene Bouton 53 Warren Street Bloomfield, New Jersey
Dear Sir: Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Eph Potter of Vermont in your effort to obtain the names of the parents of an Ephraim B. Potter, who married Sarah Bristol of Vermont and lived in Jefferson County, New York, and was supposed to have been killed by the Indians in 1816, also, information in regard to John Brister, the Revolutionary War pensioner of Litchfield County, Connecticut, in 1818, to determine whether or not he were John Bristol, the father-in-law of Ephraim B. Potter. There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of an Eph or Ephraim Potter described by you, nor is that name shown in the claim for pension of John Brister, W.20772. John Brister, the pensioner cited by you,was a colored man. In order to identify the record of the John Bristol in whom you are interested as much as possible the the following data is essential: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow. Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller Executive Assistant to the Administrator

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1914 Mch 11 Mrs. R. D. Bristol that soldier was 80 years old at date of application of pension &c.
1939 Dec 19 Eugene Bouton adv. name Eph Potter not in [illegible] etc. Sec let in negt [illegible] ADY

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No 2.772
Lilly Brister
P wid of John Brister Priv Rev. war
Act July 4th /36
Index: Vol [illegible], Page 90
[Arrangement of 1870]

Page 16

John Brister Connt pri. 8$p.mo. act 1818
when last pd?    [illegible] 
Jany 26.'37

To the day of his death. v12 March 2d 1824.
Third Aux(d) office
Jany 26. 1837
A Slyde

Page 17

        BY HIS EXCELLENCY
GEORGE WASHINGTON, ESQ;
General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America

THESE are to CERTIFY that the Bearer hereof
[John Brister, soldier (written in script)]
in the [Second Connect'l (written in script)] Regiment, having faithful-ly served the United States [from May 1777 to June 1783(written in script)] and being inlisted for the War only, is
hereby DISCHARGED from the American Army.

     GIVEN at HEAD - QUARTERS the [8th June '83
(written in script)]
    (Signature)  GWashington
By HIS EXCELLENCY'S
  Command,
(Signature) JTrumbull ? (Remainder illegible)

REGISTERED in the Books
of the Regiment, (Signature) G Custiss Adjutant,

THE above [John Brister (in script)]
has been honored with the BADGE of MERIT for [Six (in script)] Years faithful Service
(signature) H. Swift. C?

Page 18

HEAD-QUARTERS, June 8th 1783. THE within CERTIFICATE shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be confidered as being on Furlough. GEORGE WASHINGTON. John Brister Furlough Warrant No. 5461 Issued May 28 1790

Page 19

The London Prodigal. 113
Art. Not I, not a word, now do I smell Knavery: In every Purse Flowerdale takes, he is half: And gives me this to keep Counsel, not a word I. 
Fath. Why God a Mercy.
Fran. Sister, look here, I have a new Dutch Maid, And she speaks so fine, it would do your Heart good.
Civ. How do you like her, Sister?
Del. I like your Maid well.
Civ. Well, dear Sister, will you draw near, and give directions for Supper, Guests will be here presently.
Del. Yes, Brother, lead the way, I'll follow you.
[Exeunt all but Delia and Luce.
Hark you, Dutch Frow, a word.
Luce. Vat is your vill wit me?
Del. Sister Luce, 'tis not your broken Language, Nor this fame [same] Habit can disguise your Face From I that know you; pray tell me, what means this?
Luce. Sister, I see you know me, yet be secret; This borrow'd Shape that I have ta'en upon me, Is but to keep my self a space] unknown Both from my Father and my nearest Friends; Untill I see how time will bring to pass. The desperate Course of Master Flowerdale.
Del. O he is worse than bad, I prithee leave him, And let not once thy Heart to think on him.
Luce. Do not persuade me once to such a Thought, Imagine yet, that he is worse than nought; Yet one good time may all that Ill undo, That all his former Life did run into. Therefore, kind Sister, do not disclose my Estate, If e'er his Heart doth turn, 'tis ne'er too late.
Del. Well, seeing no Counsel can remove your Mind, I'll not disclose you, that are wilful blind.
Luce. Delia, I thank you. I now must please her Eyes, My Sister Frances, neither fair nor wise.
[Exeunt. Enter Flowerdale Sol us.
Flow On goes he that knows no end of his Journey, I have pass'd the very utmost bounds of Shifting, I have no Course now but to hang my self; I have liv'd since yesterday two a Clock, of a
Spice

Page 20

114 The London Prodigal
Spice cake I had at a Burial: And for Drink, I got it at an Ale-house among Porters, such as Will bear out a Man. if he have no Mony indeed; I mean out of their Companies, for they are Men Of good Carriage. Who comes here? The two Cony catchers. that won all my Mony of me. I'll try if they'll lend me any.
Enter Dick and Ralph.
What Mr. Richard. how do you? 
How dost thou Ralph? By Gad, Gentlemen, the World Grows bare with me, will you do as much as lend Me an Angel between you both. you know you Won a hundred of me the other Day.
Ralph. How, an Angel? Gad damn us if we lost not every Penny within an Hour after thou wert gone.
Flow. I prethee lend me so much as will pay for my Supper; I'll pay you again, as I am a Gentleman.
Ralph. l'Faith, we have not a farthing, not a mite, I wonder at it, Mr. Flowerdale,
You will so carelessly undo your self, Why you will lose more Mony in an Hour, Than any Honest Man spends in a Year, For Shame betake you to some honest Trade, And live not thus like a Vagabond.
[Exeunt. Flow.
A Vagabond indeed, more Villains you: They gave me Counsel that first cozen'd me, Those Devils first brought me to this I am, And being thus, the first that do me wrong. Well, yet I have one Friend left in store. Not far from hence there dwells a Cockatrice, One that I first put in a Sattin Gown, And not a Tooth that dwells within her Head, But stands me at the least in twenty Pound: Her will I visit now my Coyn is gone, And as I take it here dwells the Gentlewoman. What ho, is Mistress Apricock within?
Entet Ruffian
Ruf. What sawcy Rafeal is that which knocks so bold? O. is it you, old Spend-thrift? are you here? One that is turned Cozener about the Town: My

Page 21

[italics]The 
London
[italics] Prodigal.
115
My Miftrefs [Mistress] faw [saw] you, and fends [sends] this Word by me, Either be packing quickly from the Door, Or you fhall [shall] have fuch [such] a Greeting fent [sent] you ftraight, [straight,] As you will little like on, you had beft [best] be gone.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [Exit,
[italics] Flow.
Why fo, [so,] this is as it fhould [should] be, being poor, Thus art thou ferv'd [serv'd] by a vile painted Whore. Well, fince [since] thy damned Crew do fo [so] abufe [abuse] thee, I'll try of honeft [honest] Men, how they will ufe [ufe] me. 
 [italics] Enter an ancient Citizen.
Sir, I befeech [beseech] you to take Compaffion [Compassion] of a Man; One whofe [whose] Fortunes have been better than at this Inftant [Instant] they feem [seem] to be: but if I might crave of you fome [some] little Portion, as would bring me to my Friends, I would reft [rest] thankful, until I had requited fo [so] great a Courtefie. [Courtesie.] 
[italics] Cit. 
Fie, fie, young Man, this Courfe [Course] is very bad, Too many fuch [such]have we about this City; Yet for I have not feen [seen] you in this fort, Nor noted you to be a common Beggar, Hold, there's an Angel to bear your Charges Down, go to your Friends, do not on this depend, Such bad Beginnings oft have worfer [worser] Ends.
[italics, opening brackets included in text] [Exit Cit.
[italics] Flow.
Worfer [Worser] ends: Nay, if it fall out No worfe [worse] than in old Angels I care not,  Nay, now I have had fuch [such] a fortunate Beginning. By the Mafs [Mass] here comes another.
[italics] Enter a Citizen's Wife with a Torch before her.
God blefs [bless] you, fair Miftrefs. [Mistress.] Now would it pleafe [please] you, Gentlewoman, to look into the Wants of a poor Gentlemen, a younger Brother, I doubt not but God will treble reftore [restore] it back again, one that never before this time demanded Penny, Half-penny, nor Farthing.
[italics] Cit. Wife.
Stay,
[italics] Alexander, 
now by my Troth a very proper Man, and 'tis great Pity; hold, my Friend, there's all the Mony I have about me, a couple Shillings, and God blefs [bless] thee.
[italics] Flow.
Now God thank you, fweet [sweet] Lady; if you have any Friend, or Garden-houfe [Garden-house,] where you may imploy a poor

Page 22

116 
[italics] The
London
[italics] Prodigal
poor Gentleman as your Friend, I am yours to command in all secret Service.
[italics] Cit. Wife.
I thank you good Friend, I prithee let me see that again I gave thee, there is one of them a brass Shilling, give me them, and here is half a Crown in Gold.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [He gives it her.
Now out upon thee Rascal: secret Service! what dost thou make of me? It were a good Deed to have thee whipt: Now I have my Money again, I'll see thee hang'd before I give thee a Penny. Secret Service? on, good 
[italics] Alexander
[italics opening bracket included in text] [Extuent
Ambo.
[italics] Flow. 
This is villainous luck, I perceive Dishonesty Will not thrive; here comes more, God forgive me, Sir
[italics] Arthur:
God save you, Mr.
[italics] Oliver. 
[italics] Oli.
Been you there, zirrah, come will you taken your selves to your Tools, Coystrel?
[italics] Flow.
Nay, Mr.
[italics] Olivers,
I'll not fight with you, Alas, Sir, you know it was not my doing, It was only a Plot to get Sir
[italics] Lancelot's 
Daughter:
By Gad, I never meant you harm.
[italics] Oli.
And whore is the Gentlewoman thy Wife, Mezel? Whore is she, Zirrah, ha?
[italics] Flow.
By my troth, Mr.
[italics] Oliver,
sick, very sick; And Gad is my Judge, I know not what means to make for her, good Gentlewoman.
[italics] Oli.
Tell me true, is the sick; tell me true itch' vise thee.
[italics] Flow.
Yes faith, I tell you true: Mr.
[italics] Oliver,
if you would do me the small kindness, but to lend me forty Shillings; So Gad help me, I will pay you so soon as my Ability shall make me able, as I am a Gentleman.
[italics] Oli.
Well thou zaift thy Wife is zick; hold, there's vorty Shillings, give it to thy Wife, look thou give it her, or I shall zo veze thee, thou wert not zo vezed this seven year, look to it.
[italics] Arth.
 I'faith, Mr.
[italics] Oliver,
it is in vain To give to him that never thinks of her.
[italics] Oli.
Well, would ehe could yvind it.
[italics] Flow.
I tell you true, Sir
[italics] Arthur,
as I am a Gentleman.
[italics] Oli.

Page 23

[italics] The
London
[italics] Prodigal.
117
[italics] Oli. 
Well, farewell zirrah; come, Sir 
[italics] Arthur.
[italics, opening bracket is included in text here] [Exeunt
Ambo,
[italics] Flow. 
By the Lord, this is excellent. Five golden Angels come past in an Hour. If this Trade hold, I'll never seek a new. Welcome, sweet Gold, and Beggary adieu.
[italics] Enter Uncle and Father.
[italics] Unc.
See, 
[italics] Kefter, 
if you can find the House.
[italics] Flow.
Who's here, my Uncle, and my Man 
[italics] Kefter?
By the Mass 'tis they. How do you Uncle, how dost thou, 
[italics] Kefter?
By my troth, Uncle, you must needs lend Me some money, the poor Gentlewoman My Wife, so God help me, is very sick. I was robbed of the hundred Angels You gave me, they are gone. 
[italics] Unc. 
Ay, they are gone indeed, come,
[italics] Kefter, 
away.
[italics] Flow. 
Nay, Uncle, do you hear, good Uncle?
[italics] Unc. 
Out Hypocrite, I will not hear thee speak, Come, leave him, 
[italics] Kefter.
[italics] Flow. Kefter,
honest
[italics] Kefter. 
[italics]Fath.
Sir, I have nought to say to you, Open the Door to my Kin, thou had'st best Lock't fast, for there's a false Knave without.
[italics] Flow.
You are an old lying Rascal, So you are.
[italics, opening bracket is included in the text] [Exeunt
Ambo.
[italics] Enter
Luce
[italics] Luce. Vat is the matter, Vat be you, Yonker?
[italics] Flow.
By my troth, Sweet Heart, a poor Gentleman that would desire of you, if it stand with your liking, the bounty of your Purse. 
[italics] Enter young
Flowerdale's 
[italics] Father.
[italics] Luce. 
O here God, so young an Armine.
[italics] Flow. 
Armine, Sweet Heart, I know not what you mean by that, but I am almost a Beggar.
[italics] Luce.

Page 24

118 
[italics] The
London
[italics] Prodigal.
[italics] Luce. 
Are you not a married Man, vere been your Vife? Here is all I have, take dis.
[italics] Flow. 
What Gold, young Frow? this is brave.
[italics] Fath.
If he have any Grace, He'll now repeat.
[italics]Luce.
Why speak you not, vere be your Vife?
[italics] Flow.
Dead, dead, she's dead, 'tis she hath undone me: Spent me all I had, and kept Rascals under my Nose to brave me.
[italics] Luce.
Did you use her vell?
[italics] Flow.
Use her, there's never a Gentlewoman in 
[italics] England 
could be better used than I did her; I could but Coach her; her Diet stood me in forty pound a Month, but she is dead, and in her Grave my Cares are buried.
[italics] Luce.
Indeed dat vas not icone.
[italics] Fath. 
He is turned more Devil than he was before.
[italics] Flow.
Thou dost belong to Master 
[italics] Civet
here, dost thou not?
[italics] Luce.
Yes, me do.
[italics] Flow.
Why there's it, there's not a handful of Plate But belongs to me. God's my judge: If I had such a Wench as thou art, There's never a Man in 
[italics] England
would make more Of her, than I would do, so she had any Stock.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [ They call within.
O why 
[italics] Tanikan.
[italics] Luce.
Stay, one doth call, I shall come by and by again.
[italics] Flow. By this Hand this 
[italics] Dutch
Wench is in love with me, Were it not admirable to make her steal All
[italics] Civet's 
Plate, and run away.
[italics] Fath.
'Twere beastly. O Master 
[italics] Flowerdale,
Have you no fear of God, nor Conscience; What do you mean, by this vile course you take?
[italics] Flow. 
What do I mean? why, to live, that I mean. 
[italics] Fath.
To live in this sort, fie upon the course, Your Life doth show, you are a very Coward. 
[italics] Flow.
A Coward, I pray in what?
[italics] Fath. 
Why you will borrow Six - pence of a Boy.
[italics] Flow.

Page 25

[italics] The 
London
[italics] Prodigal.
119
[italics] Flow.
'Snails, is there such a Cowardice in that? I dare borrow it of a Man, ay, and of the tallest Man in 
[italics] England,
if he will lend it me: Let me borrow it how I can, and let them come by it how they dare. And it is well known, I might ride out a hundred times if I would, so I might.
[italics] Fath. 
It {obscured by ink blot] was not want of Will, but Cowardice, There is none that lends to you, but know they gain: And what is that but only stealth in you?
[italics] Delia
might hang ye now, did not her Heart Take pity of you for her Sister's sake. Go get you hence, lest lingering here you stay, You fall into their Hand you look not for.
[italics] Flow.
I'll tarry here, 'till the 
[italics] Dutch
Frow comes, If all the Devils in Hell were here.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [ Exit Father.
[italics]Enter Sir
Lancelot,
[italics] Mr.
Weathercock,
[italics] and 
Artichoak.
[italics] Lanc. 
Where is the Door? are we not past it, 
[italics] Artichoak?
[italics] Art.
By the Mass here's one. I'll ask him: Do you hear, Sir? What are you so proud? do you hear, which is the way to Mr
[italics] Civet's 
House? what, will you not speak? O me, this is filching 
[italics] Flowerdale.
[italics] Lanc.
 O wonderful, is this lewd Villain here? O you cheating Rogue, you Cut - purse, Cony - catcher; What Ditch, you Villain, is my Daughter's Grave? A cozening Rascal, that must make a Will, Take on him that strict Habit, very that: When he should turn to Angel, a dying Grace, I'll Father - in - Law you, Sir, I'll make a Will: Speak, Villain, where's my Daughter? Poisoned, I warrant you, or knocked a the Head: And to abuse good Master
[italics] Weathercock,
with His forged Will, and Master
[italics] Weathercock,
To make my grounded Resolution, Then to abuse the 
[italics] Devonshire
Gentleman: Go away with him to Prison.
[italics] Flow. 
Wherefore to Prison? Sir, I will not go.
[italics] Enter

Page 26

120
[italics] The 
London
[italics] Prodigal
[italics] Enter Master
Civet,
[italics] his Wife,
Oliver,
[italics] Sir
Arthur,
[italics] young
Flowerdale
[italics] 's Father, Uncle, and 
Delia.
[italics] Lanc.
O here's his Uncle: Welcome Gentlemen, welcome all: Such a Cozener, Gentlemen, a Murderer too, For any thing I know, my Daughter is missing, Hath been looked for, cannot be found, a vi[obscured by ink blot] upon thee.
[italics] Unc.
He is my Kinsman, although his Life be vile, Therefore, in God's Name, do with him what you will. 
[italics] Lanc.
Marry to Prison.
[italics] Flow. 
Wherefore to Prison, snick - up? I owe you nothing.
[italics] Lanc.
Bring forth my Daughter then, away with him.
[italics] Flow.
Go seek your Daughter, what do lay at my Charge?
[italics] Lanc.
Suspicion of Murder, go, away with him.
[italics] Flow.
Murder your Dogs, I murder your Daughter! Come Uncle, I know you'll Bail me.
[italics] Unc.
Not I, were there no more, Than I the Jailor, thou the Prisoner.
Lanc. Go away with him.
[italics] Enter
Luce
[italics] like a Frow.
[italics] Luce.
O my Life, where will you ha de Man? Vat ha de Yonker done!
[italics] Weath.
Woman, he hath killed his Wife, 
[italics] Luce.
His Wife, dat is not good, dat is not seen.
[italics] Lanc. 
Hang not upon him, Huswife, if you do I'll lay you by him.
[italics] Luce.
Have me no, and or way do you leave him, He tell me dat he love me heartily.
[italics] Fran.
Lead away my Maid to Prison! why 
[italics] Tom,
will you suffer that?
[italics] Civ.
No, by your leave, Father, she is no Vagrant: She is my Wife's Chamber - maid, and as true as the Skin between any Man's Brows here.
[italics] Lanc.
Go to, you're both Fools: Son
[italics] Civet,
of my Life this is a Plot, Some straggling Counterfeit profer'd to you: No

Page 27

[italics] The 
London
[italics] Prodigal.
121
No doubt to rob you of your Plate and Jewels: I'll have you led away to Prison, Trull.
[italics] Luce.
I am no Trull. neither Outlandish Frow, Nor he, nor I shall to the Prison go: Know you me now? nay, never stand amazed. Father I know I have offended you. And though[obscured by ink blot]at Duty wills me bend my Knees To you in Duty and Obedience; Yet this ways do I turn, and to him yield My Love, my Duty, and my Humbleness.
[italics] Lanc.
Bastard in Nature, kneel to such a Slave?
[italics] Luce.
O Master
[italics] Flowerdale,
if too much Grief Have not stopped up the Organs of your Voice, then speak to her that is thy faithful Wife, Or doth Contempt of me this tie thy Tongue? Turn not away, I an no
[italics] Æthiope,
No wanton
[italics] Creffid, 
Nor a changing
[italics] Hellen:
But rather one made wretched by thy Loss. What turn'st thou still from me? O then I guess thee wofull'st among hapless Men. 
[italics] Flow.
I am indeed, Wife, wonder among Wives! Thy Chastity and Virtue hath infused Another Soul in me, red with Defame. For in my blushing Cheeks is seen my Shame.
[italics] Lanc.
Out Hypocrite, I charge thee trust him not.
[italics] Luce.
Not trust him? - by the hopes of after Bliss, I know no Sorrow can be compared to his.
[italics] Lanc.
Well, since thou wert ordained to Beggary, Follow thy Fortune, I defy thee.
[italics] Oli.
Ywood che were so well ydoffed as was ever white Cloth in tocking Mill, an che ha not made me weep.
[italics] Fath. 
If he hath any Grace he'll now repent.
[italics] Arth. 
It moves my Heart.
[italics] Weath.
By my troth I must weep, I cannot choose. 
[italics] Unc. 
None but a Beast would such a Maid misuse.
[italics] Flow.
Content they self, I hope to win his Favour, And to redeem my Reputation lost: And, Gentlemen, believe me, I beseech you, VOL. VIII. F

Page 28

98
[italics] The 
London
[italics] Prodigal.
I hope your Eyes shall behold such Change, As shall deceive you Expectation.
[italics] Oli.
I would che were split now, but che believe him.
[italics] Lanc.
How, believe him!
[italics] Weath.
By the Matkins, I do.
[italics] Lanc. 
What do you think that e'er he will have Grace?
[italics] Weath. 
By my Faith it will go hard.
[italics] Oli.
Well, che vor ye he is chang'd; and Mr.
[italics] Flowerdale
in hope you been so, hold there's vorty pound toward your zetting up; what be not ashamed, vang it Man, vang it, be a good Husband, loven to your Wife: And you shall not want for vorty more, I che vor thee.
[italics] Arth. 
My means are little, but if you'll follow me, I will Instruct you in my ablest Power: But to your Wife I give this Diamond, And prove true Diamond fair in all your Life.
[italics] Flow.
Thanks, good Sir 
[italics] Arthur:
Mr. 
[italics] Oliver,
You being my Enemy, and grown so kind, Binds me in all endeavour to restore.
[italics] Oli.
What, restore me no restorings, Man, I have vorty Pound more here, vang it: Zouth chil devie
[italics] London
else: What, do not think me A Mezel or a Scoundrel, to throw away my Mony? che have an hundred Pound more to pace of any good Spotation: I hope your under and your Uncle will vollow my zamplas.
[italics] Unc.
You have guest right of me, if he leave off this course of Life, he shall be mine Heir.
[italics] Lanc.
But he shall never get a Groat of me; A Cozener, a Deceiver, one that kill'd his painful Father, honest Gentleman, That pass'd the fearful danger of the Sea, To get him living, and maintain him brave,
[italics] Weath. 
What, hath he kill'd his Father?
[italics] Lanc.
Ay, Sir, with conceit of his vile Courses.
[italics] Fath.
Sir, you are misinform'd.
[italics] Lanc.
Why, thou old Knave, thou told'st me so thy self.
[italics] Fath.
I wrong'd him then: And toward my Master's Stock, There's twenty Nobles for to make amends,
[italics] Flow.

Page 29

[italics] The 
London 
[italics] Prodigal.
[italics] The 
London 
[italics] Prodigal.
99
[italics] Flow.
No,
[italics] Kefter,
I have troubled thee, and wrong'd thee What thou in love gives, I in love restore.
[opening bracket included in text] [more,
[italics] Fran.
Ha, ha Sister, there you plaid bo - peep with us: 
[italics] Tom. 
what shall I give her toward Houshold? Sister 
[italics] Delia, 
shall I give her my Fan?
[italics] Del. You were best ask your Husband.
[italics] Fran. [text obscured by ink blot]
I, 
[italics] Tom?
[italics] Civ.
Ay, do, 
[italics] Frank,
I'll buy thee a new one, with a longer handle.
[italics] Fran. 
A ruffet one,
[italics] Tom.
[italics] Civ. 
Ay with ruffet Feathers.
[italics] Fran.
Here, Sister, there's my Fan toward Houshold, to keep you warm.
[italics] Luce.
I thank you, Sister.
[italics] Weath.
Why this is well, and toward fair 
[italics] Luce
's Stock, here's forty Shillings: And forty good Shillings more, I'll give her, marry. Come Sir
[italics] Lancelot,
I must have you Friends.
[italics] Lanc.
Not I, all this is Counterfeit, He will consume it, were it a Million.
[italics] Fath.
Sir, what is your Daughter's Dower worth?
[italics] Lanc.
Had she been married to an honest Man, It had been better than a thousand Pound.
[italics] Fath. 
Pay it him, and I'll give you my Bond, To make her Joynture better worth than three.
[italics] Lanc.
Your Bond, Sir! why, what are you?
[italics] Fath.
One whose word in 
[italics] London,
tho' I say it, Will pass there for as much as yours.
[italics] Lanc.
Wert not thou late that Unthrift's Serving - man?
[italics] Fath.
Look on me better, now my Scar is off: Ne'er muse Man, at this Metamorphfie.
[italics] Lanc.
Master
[italics] Flowerdale!
[italics] Flow.
My Father! O I shame to look on him. Pardon, dear Father, the Follies that are past.
[italics] Fath.
Son, Son, I do, and joy at this thy Change, And applaud thy Fortune in this virtuous Maid, Whom Heav'n hath sent to thee to save thy Soul.
[italics]Luce. 
This addeth Joy to Joy, high Heav'n be prais'd.
F a 
[italics] Weath.

Page 30

[Two-page spread of the title page of a play]

[Left page is entirely a picture of a group of men in robes and garments with a lot of fabric. In the center of the image, two of the subjects are wrestling or physically struggling with each other.]

The
Life
And
Death
of
Thomas Lord Cromwell

[large picture of a floral crest]

Printed in the Year MDCCXIV [1714]

Page 31

Dramatis Personæ.
Duke 
[italics] of
Norfolk.
[italics]Duke of 
Suffolk.
[italics] Earl of
Bedford
[italics] and his Host. Cardinal
Wolfey. Gardener,
[italics] Bishop of
Winchester.
[italics] Sir
Thomas Moor.
[italics] Sir
Christopher Hales.
[italics] Sir 
Ralph Sadler.
[italics] Old
Cromwell,
[italics] a Blacksmith of
Putney.
[italics] Young
Thomas Cromwell, 
[italics] his Son. Master
Bowfer,
[italics] a Merchant.
Banifer, 
[italics] a broken Merchant, and his Wife.
Bagot,
[italics] a cruel covetous Broker.
Friskiball, 
[italics] a 
Florentine
[italics] Merchant. The Governors of the 
English
[italics] House at
Antwerp.
[italics] States and Officers of 
Bononia.
[italics] Goodman
Seely, 
[italics] and his Wife
Joan.
[italics] Lieutenant of the 
Tower. Hodge, Will
[italics] and 
Tom,
[italics] old 
Cromwell's
[italics] Servants. Two Citizens. Two Merchants. A Post. Messengers. Ushers, and Servants.
THE
[framed image of a cameo and filigree with birds]
THE LIFE and DEATH OF 
[italics] Thomas
Lord
[italics] Cromwell.
ACT I. SCENE I.
[italics] Enter
Hodge,
[italics] and two other Smiths, Servant to old
[italics] Cromwell.
HODGE
COME, [The "C" is framed in filigree] Masters, I think it be past five a Clock, is it not time we were at Work? my old Master he'll be stirring anon. 
[italics] I Smith.
I cannot tell whether my old Master will be stirring or no; but I am sure I can hardly take my Afternoons Nap, for my young Master 
[italics] Thomas,
he keeps such a coil in his Study, with the Sun, and the Moon, and the seven Stars, that I do verily think he'll read out his Wits. F 5 
[italics] Hodge.

Page 32

102 
[italics] The Life and Death of
[italics] Hodge.
He Skill of the Stars? There's Goodman
[italics] Car
of
[italics] Fulham,
He that carried us to the strong Ale, where Goody
[italics] Trundel
Had her Maid got with Child: O, he knows the Stars, He'll tickle you
[italics] Charles's Wain
in nine Degrees: That same Man will tell Goody
[italics] Trundel
When her Ale shall miscarry, only by the Stars.
2 [italics] Smith.
Well, Masters, come, shall we to our Hammers?
[italics] Hodge. 
Ay, content; first let's take our Mornings Draught, and then to work roundly.
2 [italics] Smith.
Ay, agreed, go in, 
[italics] Hodge.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [ Exeunt.
[italics] Enter young
Cromwell.
[italics] Crom.
Good Morrow, Morn, I do salute thy brightness The Night seems tedious to my troubled Soul: Whose black Obscurity binds in my Mind A thousand sundry Cogitations: And now 
[italics] Aurora 
with a lively die, Adds Comfort to my Spirit that mounts on high. Too high indeed, my state being so mean: My Study like a mineral of Gold, Makes my Heart proud. wherein my hope's inroll'd; My Books are all the Wealth I do possess, And unto them I have ingag'd my Heart; O, Learning, how divine thou seem'st to me! Within whose Arms is all Felicity. Peace with your Hammers, leave your knocking there,
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [Here within they beat with their Hammers.
You do disturb my Study and my Rest; Leave off, I say, you mad me with the Noise.
[italics] Enter
Hodge,
[italics] and the two Men.
[italics] Hodge.
Why, how now, Master
[italics] Thomas,
how now; Will you not let us work for you?
[italics] Crom.
You fret my Heart, with making of this Noise.
[italics] Hodge.
How fret your Heart? Ay, but
[italics] Thomas,
you'll Fret your Father's Purse if you let us from Working.
2 [italics] Smith. 
Ay, this 'tis for him to make him a Gentleman: Shall we leave work for your musing? that's well i'fath But here comes my old Master now.
[italics] Enter

Page 33

Thomas
[italics] LOrd
Cromwell. 103
[italics] Enter Old 
Cromwell,
[italics] Old Crom.
You idle Knaves, what are you loytring now? No Hammers walking, and my work to do? What not a Heat among your work to day?
[italics] Hodge
Marry, Sir, your Son
[italics] Thomas
will not let us work at all.
[italics] Old Crom.
Why Knave I say, have I thus cark'd and car'd, And all to keep thee like a Gentleman, And dost thou let my Servants at their work; That sweat for thee, Knave? labour thus for thee?
[italics] Crom.
Father, their Hammers do offend my Study.
[italics] Old Crom.
Out of my Doors Knave, if thou like'st it not; I cry you Mercy, are your Ears so fine? I tell thee, Knave, these get when I do sleep; I will not have my Anvil stand for thee.
[italics] Crom.
There's Mony, Father, I will pay your Men.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [He throws Mony among them.
[italics] Old Crom.
Have I thus brought thee up unto my Cost, In hope that one Day thou would'st relieve my Age, And art thou now so lavish of thy Coin, To scatter it among these idle Knaves?
[italics] Crom.
Father be patient, and content your self, The time will come I shall hold Gold as trash: And here I speak with a presaging Soul, To build a Palace where now this Cottage stands, As fine as is King
[italics] Henry's
House at
[italics] Sheen.
( Beggar;
[italics] Old Crom.
You build a House? you Knave, you'll be a Now afore God all is but cast away That is bestow'd upon this thriftless Lad: Well, had I bound him to some honest Trade, This had not been; but it was his Mother's doing, To send him to the University: How? build a House where now this Cottage stands, As fair as that a
[italics] Sheen?
he shall not hear me, A good Boy
[italics] Tom,
I con thee thank
[italics] Tom,
Well said
[italics] Tom,
Grammarcies
[italics] Tom:
In to your work, Knaves; hence saucy Boy.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [Exeunt all but young
Cromwell.
[italics] Crom.
Why should my Birth keep down my mounting Spirit? Are

Page 34

132
[italics] The Life and Death of
Are not all Creatures subject unto time? To time, who doth abuse the World, And fills it full of hodge podge Bastardy; There's Legions now of Beggars on the Earth, That their Original did spring from Kings; And many Monarchs now, whose Fathers were The riff - raff of their Age; for Time and Fortune Wears out a noble train to Beggary; And from the Dunghill Minions do advance To State; and mark, in this admiring World This is but Course, which in the name of Fate Is seen as often as it whirls about: The River
[italics] Thames
that by our Door doth pass, His first beginning is but small and shallow, Yet keeping on his Course grows to a Sea. And likewise 
[italics] Wolfey,
the wonder of our Age, His Birth as mean as mine, a Butcher's Son; Now who within this Land a greater Man? Then
[italics] Cromwell, 
cheer thee up, and tell thy Soul, That thou may'st live to flourish and controul
[italics] Enter old
Cromwell.
[italics] Old Crom. Tom Cromwell, 
what
[italics] Tom
I say.
[italics] Crom.
Do you call, Sir?
[italics] Old Crom.
Here is Master
[italics] Bowfer
come to know if you have dispatch'd his Petition for the Lords of the Counsel, or no.
[italics] Crom.
Father, I have, please you to call him in.
[italics] Old Crom.
That's well said,
[italics] Tom,
a good Lad, 
[italics] Tom.
[italics] Enter Master
Bowfer.
[italics] Bow. 
Now, Master
[italics] Cromwell,
have you dispatch'd this Petition?
[italics] Crom.
I have, Sir, here it is, please you peruse it.
[italics] Bow. 
It shall not need, we'll read it as we go by Water. And, Master
[italics] Cromwell,
I have made a Motion May do you good, and if you like of it. Cur Secretary at 
[italics] Antwerp,
Sir, is dead, And the Merchants there have sent to me, For to provide a Man fit for the place: Now I do know none fitter than you self, If with your liking it stand, Master
[italics] Cromwell. Crom.

Page 35

Thomas
[italics] Lord
Cromwell. 133
[italics] Crom.
With all my Heart, Sir, and I much am bound, In Love and Duty for your Kindness shown.
[italics] Old Crom.
Body of me,
[italics] Tom,
Make haste, lest some Body Get between thee and home, 
[italics] Tom.
I thank you, good Master
[italics] Bowfer,
I thank you for my Boy, I thank you always, I thank you most heartily, Sir: Ho, a Cup of Beer here for Master 
[italics] Bowfer.
[italics] Bow.
It shall not need, Sir: Master
[italics] Cromwell, 
will you?
[italics] Crom.
I will attend you, Sir.
[italics] Old Crom.
Farewel, 
[italics] Tom,
God bless thee, 
[italics] Tom,
God speed thee, good
[italics] Tom
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [Exeunt.
[italics] Enter
Bagot,
[italics] a Broker, solus.
[italics] Bag. 
I hope this day is fatal unto some, And by their loss must 
[italics] Bagot
seek to gain. This is the Lodging of Master
[italics] Friskibal,
A liberal Merchant, and a 
[italics] Florentine,
To whom
[italics] Banister
owes a thousand Pound, A Merchant - Bankrupt, whose Father was my Master. What do I care for pity or regard, He once was wealthy, but he now is fall'n, And this Morning have I got him arrested At the Suit of Master
[italics] Friskibal,
And by this means shall I be sure of Coin, For doing this same good to him unknown: And in good time, see where the Merchant comes.
[italics] Enter
Friskibal.
Good morrow to kind Master 
[italics] Friskibal.
[italics]Fris. 
Good morrow to your self, good Master
[italics] Bagot,
And what's the News you are so early stirring? It is for Gain, I make no doubt of that.
[italics] Bag.
It is for the Love, Sir, that I bear to you. When did you see your Debtor 
[italics] Banister?
[italics] Fris. 
I promise you, I have not seen the Man This two Months day, his Poverty is such, As I do think he shames to see his Friends.
[italics] Bag.
Why then assure your self to see him straight, For at your Suit I have arrested him, And

Page 36

106 
[italics] The Life and Death of
And here they will be with him presently.
[italics] Fris.
Arrest him at my Suit? you were to blame, I know the Man's misfortunes to be such, As he's not able for to pay the Debt, And were it known to some, he were undone.
[italics] Bag.
This is your pitiful Heart to think it so, But you are much deceiv'd in
[italics] Banister:
Why, such as he will break for Fashion sake, And unto those they owe a thousand Pound, Pay scarce a hundred. O, Sire, beware of him, The Man is lewdly given to Dice and Drabs, Spends all he hath in Harlots companies, It is no mercy for to pity him : I speak the truth of him, for nothing else, But for the Kindness that I bear to you.
[italics] Fris. 
If it be so, he hath deceiv'd me much, And to deal strictly with such a one as he, Better severe than too much lenity: But here is Master
[italics] Banister
himself, And with him, as I take't, the Officers.
[italics] Enter
Banister,
[italics] his Wife, and two Officers.
[italics] Ban.
O Master
[italics] Friskibal,
you have undone me: My state was well nigh overthrown before, Now altogether down - cast by your means.
[italics] Mrs. Ban.
O, Mr.
[italics] Friskibal,
pity my Husband's case, He is a Man hath liv'd as well as any, 'Till envious Fortune, and the ravenous Sea Did rob, disrobe, and spoil us of our own.
[italics] Fris.
Mistress
[italics] Banister,
I envy not your Husband, Nor willingly would I have us'd him thus: But that I hear he is so lewdly given, Haunts wicked Company, and hath enough To pay his Debts, yet will not be known thereof.
[italics] Ban.
This is that damned Broker, that same
[italics] Bagot,
Whom I have often from my Trencher fed: Ingrateful Villain for to use me thus.
[italics] Bag. 
What I have said to him is nought but Truth.
[italics] Mrs. Ban.
What thou hast said springs from an envious A Cannibal that doth eat Men alive (Heart. But here upon my Knee believe me, Sir, And

Page 37

Thomas Lord Cromwell 107

And what I fpeak [speak], fo [so] help me God, is true,
We fcarce [scarce] have Meat to feed our little Babes:
Moft [most] of our Plate is in that Broker's Hand, 
What had we Mony [money] to defray our Debts,
O think, we would not bide that Penury:
Be merciful, kind Mafter [master] [italics] Friskibal,
My Husband, Children, and my felf [self] will eat
But one Meal a day, the other will we keep and fell [sell].

[italics] Frif. [fris]:
Go to, I fee [see] thou art an envious Man.
Good Miftrefs [mistress] [italics] Banifter [banister], kneel not to me,
I pray rife [rise] up, you fhall [shall] have your defire [desire].
Hold Officers; be gone, there's for your pains.
You know you owe to me a thoufand [thousand] Pound, 
Here take my Hand, if e'er God make you able,
And place you in your former ftate [state] again,
Pay me: but if ftill [still] your Fortune frown,
Upon my Faith I'll never ask you Crown:
I never yet did wrong to Men in thrall,
For God doth know what to my felf [self] may fall.

[italics] Ban.: 
This unexpected Favor undeferv'd [undeserved],
Doth make my Heart bleed inwardly with joy:
Ne'er may ought profper [prosper] with me is my own,
If I forget this kindnefs [kindness] you have fhown [shown].

[italics] Mrs. Ban:
My Children in their Prayers both night and day,
For your good Fortune and Succefs [success] fhall [shall] pray.

[italics] Frif [fris]:
I thank you both, I pray go dine with me,
Within thefe [these] three Days, if God give me leave,
I will to [italics] Florence to my native home:
Hold, [italics] Bagot, there's a Portague to drink,
Although you ill deferv'd [deserved] it by your merit:
Give not fuch [such] cruel fcope [scope] unto your Heart;
Be fure [sure] the ill you do will be requited:
Remember what I fay [say], [italics] Bagot, farewel [farewell].
Come, Mafter [master] [italics] Banifter [banister], you fhall [shall] with me,
My Fare's but fimple [simple], but welcome heartily.
                 Exeunt all but Bagot
[italics] Bag.:
A Plague go with you, would you had eat your laft [last],
Is this the thanks I have for all my pains?
Confufion [confusion] light upon you all for me:
Where he had wont to give a fcore [score] of Crowns,
                                          Doth

Page 38

110 
[italics] The Life and Death of
[italics] Mrs. Ban.
That mighty God that knows each Mortal's Heart, Keep you from trouble, sorrow, grief and smart.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [Exit Mistress Banister.
[italics] Crom.
Thanks, courteous Woman, for thy hearty Pray'r: It grieves my soul to see her misery, But we that live under the Work of Fate, May hope the best, yet know not to what [illegible] Our Stars and Destinies have us assign'd, Fickle is Fortune, and her Face is blind.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [Exit.
[italics] Enter
Bagot
[italics] Solus.
[italics] Bag.
So, all goes well, it is as I would have it, 
[italics] Banister,
he is with the Governor: And shortly shall have Gyves upon his Heels. It glads my Heart to think upon the Slave: I hope to have his Body rot in a Prison, And after here, his Wife to hang her self, And all his Children die for want of Fund. The Jewels I have brought to 
[italics] Antwerp
Are reckon'd to be worth five thousand Pound, Which scarcely stood me in three hundred Pounds; I bought them at an easie kind of rare, I care not which way they came by them, That sold them me, it comes not near my Heart; And lest they should be stole, as sure they are, I thought it meet to sell them here in 
[italics] Antwerp,
And so have left them in the Governor's Hand, Who offers me within two hundred Pound Of all my Price: but now no more of that, I must go see and if my Bills be safe, The which I sent to Master
[italics] Cromwell,
That if the Wind should keep me on the Sea, He might arrest him here before I came: And in good time, see where he is: God save you, Sir.
[italics] Enter
Cromwell.
[italics] Crom. 
And you; pray pardon me, I know you not.
[italics] Bag.
It may be so, Sir, but my Name is 
[italics] Bagot, 
The Man that sent to you the Bills of Debt.
[italics] Crom.
O, the Man that pursues 
[italics] Banister, 
Here are the Bills of Debt you sent to me: As
Thomas
[italics] Lord
Cromwell. 111
As for the Man, you know best where he is; It is reported you've a Flinty Heart, A Mind that will not stoop to Any Pity; An Eye that knows not how to shed a Tear, A Hand that's always open  for Reward But, Master 
[italics] Bagot,
would you be rul'd by me, You should turn all these to the contrary; Your Heart should still have feeling of remorse. Your Mind, according to your State, be liberal To those that stand in need, and in distress; Your hand to help them that do stand in want, Rather than with your Poise to hold them down, For every ill turn show your self more kind, Thus should I do; pardon, I speak my Mind. 
[italics] Bag. 
I, Sir, you speak to hear what I would say, But you must live, I know, as well as I: I know this Place to be Extortion. And 'tis not for a Man to keep safe here, But he must lye, cog, with his dearest Friend; And as for Pity, scorn it, hate all Conscience: But yet I do commend your Wit in this, To make a show of what I hope you are not, But I commend you, and it is well done: This is the only way to bring your Gain.
[italics] Crom.
My Gain? I had rather chain me to an Oar, And like a Slave, there toil out all my Life, Before I'd live so base a Slave as thou, I, like an Hypocrite, to make a show Of seeming Virtue, and a Devil within? No
[italics] Bagot
if they Conscience were as clear, Poor
[italics] Banister 
ne'er had been troubled here.
[italics] Bag. Nay, good Master
[italics] Cromwell,
be not angry, Sir, I know full well that you are no such Man, But if your Conscience were as white as Snow, It will be thought that you are otherwise.
[italics] Crom. 
Will it be thought that I am otherwise? Let them that think so, know they are deceiv'd; Shall
[italics] Cromwell
live to have his Faith misconster'd?
[italics] Antwerp,
for all the Wealth within thy Town, I will not tarry here full two Hours longer: As

Page 39

[italics] The Life and Death of 
137
And if that you should linger by the way: But in hope that you will make good speed, There's two Angels to buy you Spurs and Wands. 
[italics] Post. 
I thank you, Sir, this will add wings indeed.
[italics] Crom. 
Gold is of Pow'r to make an Eagles speed. 
[italics] Enter Mistress
Banister.
What a Gentlewoman is this, that grieves so much? It seems she doth address her self to me.
[italics] Mrs. Ban.
God save you, Sir, pray is your Name Master 
[italics] Cromwell?
[italics] Crom.
My name is 
[italics] Thomas Cromwell,
Gentlewoman.
[italics] Mrs. Ban.
Know you not one
[italics] Bagot,
Sir, that's come to 
[italics] Antwerp?
[italics] Crom.
No, trust me, I never saw the Man, But here are Bills of Debt I have received Against one 
[italics] Banister,
a Merchant fall'n into decay. 
[italics] Mrs. Ban.
Into decay ineed, long of that Wretch: I am the Wife to woful 
[italics] Banister,
And by that bloody Villain am pursu'd, From
[italics] London, 
here to 
[italics] Antwerp:
My Husband he is in the Governor's Hands, And God of Heav'n knows how he'll deal with him; Now, Sir, your Heart is fram'd of milder Temper, Be merciful to a distressed Soul, And God no doubt will treble bless your Gain.
[italics] Crom.
Good Mistress
[italics] Banister,
what I can, I will, In any thing that lies within my pow'r.
[italics] Mrs. Ban. 
O speak to 
[italics] Bagot,
that same wicked Wretch, An Angel's Voice may move a damned Devil.
[italics] Crom.
Why is he come to 
[italics] Antwerp,
as you hear?
[italics] Mrs. Ban.
I heard he landed some two Hours since.
[italics] Crom.
Well, Mistress
[italics] Banister,
assure your self, I'll speak to 
[italics] Bagot
in your own behalf, And win him t'all the pity that I can: Mean time, to comfort you, in your distress, Receive these Angels to relieve your need, And be assur'd, that what I can effect, To do you good, no way I will neglect. Mrs.
140 
[italics] The Life and Death
As good luck serves, my Accounts are all made even, Therefore I'll straight unto the Treasurer: 
[italics] Bagot,
I know you'll to the Governor, Commend me to him, say I am bound to Travel, To see the fruitful Parts of 
[italics] Italy;
And as you ever bore a Christian Mind, Let
[italics] Banister
some Favour of you find.
[italics] Bag.
For your sake, Sir, I'll help him all I can, To starve his Heart out ere he gets a Groat; So, Master
[italics] Cromwell,
do I take my leave, For I must straight unto the Governor.
[italics, opening bracket included in text] [Exit
Bagot.
[italics] Crom.
Farewel, Sir, pray you remember what I said. No,
[italics] Cromwell,
no, thy Heart was ne'er so base, To live by Falshood, or by Brokery; But 't falls out well, I little it repent, Hereafter, time in Travel shall be spent.
[italics] Enter
Hodge,
[italics] his Father's Man.
[italics] Hodge.
Your Son
[italics] Thomas, 
quoth you, I have been
[italics] Thomast; 
I had thought it had been no such matter to a gone by Water; for at 
[italics] Putney
I'll go you to 
[italics] Parish
Garden for two Pence, sit as still as may be, without any wagging or joulting in my Guts, in a little Boat too: Here we were scarce four Miles in the great green Water, but I thinking to go to my Afternoon's Lunchines, as 'twas my manner at home, but I felt a kind of rising in my Guts: At last, one of the Sailors spying of me, be a good cheer, says he, set down thy Victuals, and up with it, thou hast nothing but an Eel in thy Belly: Well, to't went I, to my Victuals went the Sailors, and thinking me to be a Man of better Experience than any in the Ship, ask'd me what Wood the Ship was made of: They all swore I told them as right as if I had been acquainted with the Carpenter that made it: At last we grew near Land, and I grew villanous hungry, went to my Bag, the Devil a bit there was, the Sailors had tickled me; yet I cannot blame them, it was a part of kindness, for I in kindness told them what Wood the Ship was made of, and they in kindness eat up my Victuals, as indeed one good turn asketh another: Well, would I, could I, find my Master
[italics] Thomas
in this 
[italics] Dutch
Town, he might put some 
[italics] English
Beer into my Belly.
[italics] Crom.
[handwritten] John Brister W.20772 Conn.

Page 40

Report to Hon. O. Holt H.R.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Com. of pensions
Washington

Page 41

Canterbury Con. January 18. 1837
Sir.
Enclosed in the declaration and evidence of Lilly Brister, the widow of John Brister, a pension of the U. S. under the law of 1818. and who died in 1824. I am requested to refer you to his ["his" is underlined] declaration and evidence, on file for the company, ["company" is underlined] + Regt. where he lived. That evidence will prove the last. He was Continental. ["Continental" is underlined] As to the marriage, Judah Simons swears she was present at the marriage, but she does not remember the day nor the year of the marriage, and as she could not remember the year, the Justice thought it not necessary to put down an other fact which she does remember, (as I understand) that the marriage took place before John went with the army. This however you will find supplied abundantly by

Page 42

the laws of a Book, which I have my self cut out, and annexed to the declaration becoming the most conclusive evidence of age, and authenticity. As to the death of John Brister, I desire to refer you to the evidence in your office accompanying the surrender of his certificate, ["certificate" is underlined] taken by Nathan Johnson Esq. of Hartford in 1824, whom the receipt of that portion of the pension which accrued after John's Death. The old widow now lives in my neighborhood, and appears to be intelligent and honest. Your [illegible] Andrew T. Judson ["Andrew T. Judson" is underlined] Report toHon. O. Hold H R

Page 43

Oct 31 1846
Record of 
Mr Jo Brister

Canturbury C.T. Oct 29
The Hon 
Secretary of War
Pension Department
Washington

Page 44

Canterbury Oct. 29th 1846

Sir
For the purposes of justice, it is important
to know the amount paid Apr 4 1837
for the pension of the widow John [illegible]
Brister [illegible] $400 of that money
a house and garden was bought for her home and a year ago she was inclined to deed 
that property away, without any consideration. 
It is believed that she was wholly incompetent
and that her property can be recovered.
I am appointed her "Overseer" and beg
that you would send me the amount
of back money paid, when she first received
an extension, which I think was [illegible] 4th
1837. It is thought that the fact of this
House & garden being bought with pension
money, and that she was put under the 
care of an overseer to prevent her loss of her
home will have weight with our jurors

Yours respectfully
George L. White

443 1836

Page 45

Truman Graham

(Stamp)  FREE
Gideon Eranger Esq
Post Mark - New York FEB 88              
  Post Master
                     General
                 Washington
warrant issued for Elijah Clark's
land        Oct. 9h. 1789.
John Burton's - May 2h. 170.
Isaac Day's - Feb. 23.1797
The Bounty land is still due the
heirs of Pharoah Hazard for
which a warrant will issue
whenever a person duly authorised
to receive, shall make application.

( Signature) H. Rogers

Page 46

Somsbury 23rd February 1802

Dear Sir when you was in Connecticut Septemr last you you comented to receive a letter from me respecting 
Some Land Warrants the Claims to which were
lodged in the War Office Previous to the foreclosure
the Names of the Persons Claiming are Elijah Clark
Isaac Day John Brister o Pharoah Hazard - 
their Discharges & a Power to act was beleivise lodged by Noah A Phelps - Esqr, if you will give your Self the Trouble to call at the office & take the warrants if issued & Enclos to Noah A Phelp Esqr
(blot over type) the Discharges by Mr Dana or any other way may be conveniet you will much [illegible] your Very Humbl Servant & when I shall next See you will reward you for the Trouble-----
I am Sir your Very Humbl Servant
Gedian Granger Esqr              Truman Graham
Post Master General
Washington

Page 47

Canterbury Ct.
February 18. 1847
George L. White
Ask, as Overseer of Lilli Brister
for the renewal of her pension
certificate which is mislaid

Canterbury Ct
Febry 19

Pension Bureau Secretary of War
Pension Department
Washington D. C.
Lille Brister
Of  [illegible]
wants new Cut

Page 48

Canterbury Conn.            Feby 18th 1847

Sir,
Being appointed "Overseer" of Lille Brister
of this town, in consequence of her age and infirmity
in  inquiring for the original certificate of her
Pension, I find it mislaid.
I am led to request a copy of the
from your office to prevent delay of her
receiving her pension on the [illegible] th of next March
 as she depends wholly on it for her support.
your compliance with this request, [illegible]
yours respectfully
George S. White
"Overseer" to Lille Brister

Page 49

State of Conneticut [illegible]
At a court fo common pleas heldon at Litchfield within and for the County of Litchfiled on the fourth day of July AD. 1820 convened by the speical order of the judge of said county.
Upon the Petition of Frederick Brister of Winchester in the county of Litchfield, showing to the court that John Brister of said Winchester has by reason of [illegible] old age and [illegible] so far lost the use of his reason and other faculties that he is wholly unable to manage his affairs, and take care of himself and this court having inquired into the truth of the fact therein stated do find them to be proved and true and this court do thereupon appoint Phinehas Minder Esq conservator of the person & effects of the said John Brister to render him [illegible] thereof to this court at some future session. -
By the court
Frederick Wolcott clerk
State of Conneticut count fo Litchfield
Office of the clerk of Common Pleas July 4th 1820
The forgoing is a true copy of [illegible] witness my hand & the Sear of said count the day above written
Frederick Wolcott clerk
[lower left oval seal center goddess Justitia with scales on pedestal] THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS COUNTY OF LITCHFIELD

Page 50

I Judah Simons of the town of Haddani in the County of
Middlesex of State of Connecticut, aged Seventy five years testify
and say that I am well aquainted with Lilly Brister a colored woman, now living in the Town of Canterbury In the State of Connecticut, and I was well acquainted with her husband John Brister, who is now dead. Lilly Brister's maiden name was Lilly Scott.
I was present at the marriage of the said John Brister and Lilly Scott, and saw them married in the town of Belton in said
state of Connecticut.  She was married by Thomas Pitkins, Esq., a justice of the peace. They always lived together happily
as man and wife and so continued live untill his death. But she also knows that said John Brister was in the Revolutionary War
and further saith not.
J Haddom, January 31hth, 1837  Judith X Simons her mark

In presence of
Hannah E Arnold 
[signature] Hanna Arnold
Middlesex County/Haddem January 16th 1837
Personally appeared Judah Simons who has [illegible] the foregoing affadavit, by affirming her marke there to in my presence, and before me made solemn oath to the truth of the factstherein stated.  I further certify that said Judah Simons sustains a fair character as a credible witness.
Before Me [signature] Charles Arnold, Justice of Peace
I certify that i am well acquainged with the Hon. Charles Arnold, who has signed the foregoing certification, he is a member of the State Senate and also a Justice of the Peace for   Middlesex County
Attest Andrew T Judson, late a

Page 51

I, Nathan Johnson of Hartford in the town of Hartford and State of Connecticut of lawful age [illegible], testify, and say, that I was formerly acquainted with a colored man by the name of John Brister who resided in Hartford aforesaid and who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States.  I assisted him several times in drawing his pension.  The said John Brister died at said Hartford on or about the first day of March AD 1924 and I received the arrears of pension due to him at the time of his death and delivered up his pension certificate to the agent for paying [illegible] in the State of Connecticut.  Soon after his [illegible].  He left a widow and a son named Frederick who soon after his death removed from said Hartford  - Hartford January 10, 1837
[signature]Nathan Johnson
State of Connecticut}
County of Hartford } Hartford January 10th 1837
Personally appeared Nathan Johnson who hath subscribed the foregoing instrument to me well known to be a credible person and made solemn oath to the truth of this form subscribed and sworn to the day and year best above written before me.
Erastus Smith, Justice of the Peace

Page 52

[handwritten] 

1070

Hm. O Holt
HR

[handwritten]
State of [illegible] January 10, 1837
This certify that [illegible] Smith [illegible] who has signed the written certificate in a Justice of the Peace for Hartford County.

Attn. Andrew Judson

[handwritten]
1070
Lylley Bristen
widow of John
Count
old case
[illegible]
2 yrs pri
80
[illegible] died in 1824
Hon. Orrin Holt
Ho Rep.

Page 53

400 Convent [illegible]
New York
The Hon. Commisioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Can you tell me without so much trouble by response if the original records whether John Brister (Bristol) pensioned 1818 in Litchfield Co.

Page 54

John H. b. 1765 who could have served during the latter part.
The John S ([illegible]) Bristol pensioned was - the Nov of 1812, and was wounded.
The [illegible] Johns in succession are our own - my [illegible].
Very truly yours
(Mrs. R. S) Theresa Hall Bristol

Conn, was aged 84 when he died 1823, or whe he was pensioned?  Also what town he was from?
We both are compiling the Bristol Gen. can find (underlined) but - three Johns [illegible] to have served in the Rev./John SE, 1818; John Jr. [illegible] about - 1740(which we had thought to be the one pensioned) and his son

Page 55

[typed in black ink] War Section.
March 11. 1914.
Mrs. R. D. Bristol. 400 Convent Avenue. New York City.
Madam: In reply to your undated letter received the 4th instant, you are advised that in the claim of John Brister. W. File No. 20,772. [20772] Rev. [Revolutionary] War. it is stated that soldier was eighty years old at the date of his application for pension. April 13. 1818. He was at that time a resident of Winchester Litchfield County, Connecticut, and his name is never spelled Bristol. The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to a John Bristol described by you. Very respectfully, G M Saltzgaber ["G M Saltzgaber" is handwritten] Commissioner.