Works of Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes)

and London, and—the suggested repose notwithstanding—was busy about many things. Chief among these were the publication of his first five tracts, in two small duodecimo volumes, in 1650, and his marriage to a lady named Rebecca—patronymic unknown—on September 28, 1651. In this year also he issued three further tracts and one other in 1652. An “intercepted letter” included among the THURLOE PAPERS¹ indicates his presence at Newton in the early part of 1653. It is not possible unfortunately to identify the Pinner of Wakefield,² where his Note-Book tells us that he lived with his wife “in those dear days” when “the gates opened” and in a sedate repose prosecuted his medicinal genius (in a manner valued to him), and at length became eminent in the chemical part thereof, at Oxon and afterwards at London.”—Wood, loc. cit.

¹ AN INTERCEPTED LETTER of M. Vaughan to Mr Charles Roberts.—Cousin Roberts: By the inclosed from Captain Jenkin John Hewett to Mrs Lewes of Lanvigan, you may see that he threatens the country with his troop. Mr Morgan of Therw and divers others of the best of the country were at this cock-fight, which was kept no otherwise than according to the custom of all other schools. We conceived that there was no troop in our country, nor under his command; but it appears by this his own letter that he hath them still listed and keeps them up privately. For though he came not to the cock-fight, according to his menaces, yet he had that morning at his house above thirty horse, with saddles and pistols, which did much trouble and terrify the country people. I pray learn if his highness hath lately granted him a commission. Otherwise I know no reason but these actions should be taken notice of. Our justices of the peace still slight the Lord Protector’s authority and have now issued forth their warrants for the contribution, some in the name of the keepers of the liberty by authority of parliament, others without any name at all; and divers gentlemen have been served with them but refused to execute them. I wonder at these proceedings and more at those that suffer them. I’ll assure you, the people—by reason of this public and persevering contempt—will not believe that there is a Lord Protector and do laugh at such relations. I could wish that those whom it concerns would look to it, lest their too much clemency prove hurtful to them. I pray let me hear from you with the first conveniency, and how the business goes betwixt me and Mrs Garnes. Farewell.

Newton, Ash-Wednesday, 1653.
For my respected kinsman,
MR CHARLES ROBERTS,
at his chamber in Gray’s-Inn, This.

² See APPENDIX I.