In January 1655, Disbrowe was back in his western command engaged in establishing law and order for the Protectorate. He established commissioners in all areas for the purpose of extracting the decimation taxes from the cavaliers. He also reorganized the militia in the various counties for the service of Parliament.

Not all of those whom he desired to serve as commissioners were willing to act. They seldom refused outright but temporized and offered excuses. However he was always, in the end, able to obtain good men for the work. Wherever he found officials whose loyalty to parliament was in doubt, he removed them from office forthwith.

In the midst of his work he took time, at the request of the Protector, to choose some good men from his regiment for the Protector's newly formed personal bodyguard. By the end of January, tired from his labours, he was hinting for leave to return to London for a rest. But this was not forthcoming and the work went on.

In February he intercepted the distribution of forbidden Quaker literature and forwarded some samples to Secretary Thurloe. In March he was at Portsmouth dealing with some minor troubles in the fleet. In late March he wound up the Penruddock rebellion by arranging trials at Exeter for the ringleaders. Sir John Penruddock was tried, condemned to death and executed on April 23rd, 1655.

By the end of December 1655, Disbrowe had pacified the western area. The story of this period is told, in his own words, in the following letters by which he kept Cromwell informed as to his endeavors.

Major General Disbrowe to the Protector [1]:

May It Please Your Highness,
Since my last I have not much to trouble your highness withall, only to give you a brief accompte of my proceeds at Bristoll. Sundry of the commissioners, after I at [sic] imparted the instructions, craved tyme to consider of them, and at last made their excuses. I have added others, that will effectually carry it on, and have made an entrance thereupon. From there I came to Glocester and have given a dispatch to the persons summoned heare. There was a generall appearance of commisioners; only Mr. Hodges was troubled with the toothake, and Mr. Howe with the gouts; but the best is, they are diseases not catchinge, for the work goes pleasantly on. I shall now steare my course for Wells, where I have desyred the gentlemen of the country to give me a meetinge. My lord upon enquiry I find nothinge done either at Bristoll, or in Glocestershire upon the ordinances of ejectinge scandalous and insufficient ministers, and the reason is for want of active commissioners. Now the work beinge of soe high a concernment, it were sad, it should fall to the ground, which unavoyably it will doe in these partes without your highness and the councell's orders for an additional number of commissioners, whose names I can give you, that will adjudge your highness commande as authentique as an Act of Parliament. May I know your highness pleasure in it, and it shall be accordingly abserved by him, who is
Your highness most humble servant,
John Disbrowe
Glocester, Jan. 4, 55

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [2]:

Sir,
I had yours, for which I thanke you, and have at present little to trouble you withall. I have bin at Bristolle and sett the wheels a goinge there: though Mr. Hagett and some others (I cannot say fairly) drew their necks out of the coller, yet I have added others, that will with all chearfulness putt their shoulders to the work, and adjudge it a mercy they have the opportunity. Sir, I came from thence to Clocester and have made a dispatch in my busines there; only the objection I hinted unto his highness in my last I frequently meete withall, and therefore if the councell see not cause to make those of £50 per annum or £500 personall estate lyable to this additional tax, it will be but expedient, that an explanatory order of the councell by sent to the commissioners in each county for their satisfaction therein. I must alsoe desire you to crave his highness advice for the addition of new commissioners in ejectinge the ignorant and scandalous ministers, especially in Bristoll and Glocestershire, for until I came there was nothinge done for want of honest commissioners, which hath bin noe small discouragement to the well affected. I could give you such names, that if by an order of his highness and councell they were but added, a thorough works might be expected, which indeed (I am persuaded) would be very acceptable to God and good men. This day I came from Glocester hither beinge 30 myles. To morrow I intend (if the Lord please) for Wells, where I propose to abide untill tuesday or wednesday; but the answeare to this I shall expect at Exon. I have one with me, that gives notice to the office, where the letters shall find me, Soe rests
Yours in all integrity
John Disbrowe
Bath, Jan. 4, 55
Pray let Thomas Crispe, Thomas Salmon and John Hooper gent. be incerted in the commission of the peace for the county of Glocester.

Major General Disbrowe to the Protector [3]:

May It Please Your Highness,
I had yours of the 3rd instant, wherein your highness seemes to hint, that longe ere this you expected to have seene two out of each troope of my regiment to have compleated your new guard. I must assure your highness, that it proceeded more for want of orders than a hart to observe your commands, for it was first sillable I heard of itt. I have this morninge taken ordere with my officers with me, and dispatcht letters to those that are absent, commanding them to select and hasten their men to my lord Lambert with as much expedition as possible. I had not tyme by the last to give your highness, that at Bristoll intymation was given to me by some honest people, that sundry of the aldermen and justices were enemyes to the publique interest, retayneinge their old malignant principles, discountenancinge the godly, and upholding the loose and prophane, which indeed is a disease predominatinge in most corporations. Now I adjudged it my duty to decleare against such wheresoever I find them, but resolved to doe itt with as little noyse as I could: and in order thereunto I made my repaire to mr. Mayor, and acquainted him, that such of his bretherene I understood were soe and soe; and desired him from me to advise them tacitly to resign, otherwise I should be necessitated to make them publique examples. Whereupon mr. Mayor ingaged to deale faithfully with them, and, as I understand, they have taken my advice, which will make way for honester men. There were also articles of delinquency proved against nine of the magistrates of Tuexsbury and particularly against Hill their towne Clarke: I have also dismissed them and four of the common councell of Glocester for adheringe to the Scotts king's interest. Now I must humbly begge this of your highness, that if any addresses should be made in the behalfes of any that I have layen aside, that his highness will favour me soe farr as to respitt judgement untill providence returnes me to London. I am now at Wells waiting for the gent. to impart your instructions to them; and upon wednesday hope to sett forward for Exon. I have also presented your highness with what additional directions I left at Bristoll, and should crave your pleasure upon itt, and signe myselfe, as I am,
Your highness most reall and faithful servant,
John Disbrowe
Wells, Jan. 7, 55
The inclosed letter I received from col. Pyne.

Major General Disbrowe to Secretary Thurloe [4]:

Sir,
I had yours with the enclosed instructions, which were welcome to me. As for mr. Butler, that is added by the councell, it's true he is a deservinge gentleman, but not in a capacity to putt these instructions in execution, for I depute only such as are cloathed with authority, as the officers of the militia and officers of my owne regiment, they beinge only proper for the puttinge them in execution; and therefore in that must crave to be excused. As for the instructions you mention, it cannot come sooner than expected, especially for the satisfaction of friends, whose desyres are to walk regularly. Butt for the councell's dissatisfaction in makinge persons of £50 per annum, lyable to this additional tax, I shall not mention, more, untill I have had conference with the rest of the major generalls, though my judgement clearly is, you will not lose one of them by itt, that otherwise might be gained, and without a change of their principles are better lost than found. I must desyre you that if Sir John Davey barronett may be inserted in the commission of the peace for Devon. I have sent you a list of such names to be added for ejectinge both in Devon and Bristoll as will effectually doe the works; but for Glocester, Wilts and Dorsett, I have not yet names; but as sone as I can pitch upon qualified persons, their names shall be presented to you, by him, who is
Your ready and reall servant,
John Disbrowe
Exon, Jan. 12, 55

Major General Disbrowe to Secretary Thurloe [5]:

Sir,
I had yours with the additional instructions, as alsoe the petitions of mr. Bray and mr. Berkeley of Glocestershire; and in obedience to his highness commands have seriously considered of them, but cannot find them to import more than hundreds of cavilleirs shall in these parts freely declare, provided they may be exempted from this addittional tax; and yet if oppertunity were, should be as free to sett up that corrupt interest as ever. Therefore without a demonstration of a reall worke of grace, or some eminent manefestation of their integrity, I cannot adjudge itt safe to espouse them, and that upon sundry accompts; yet whatsoever his highness pleasure, is, if signified unto me, it shall be observed. Since my last unto you, I have been at Taunton, and began the worke there, and am at present in my worke heeare. I have dispatcht letters to the commissioners in Cornwall and do purpose (if the Lord please) to goe hence upon munday next. I shall spend a fortnight’s tyme there, and must request you to hasten downe the order I mentioned unto his highness in my last, or any further commands, that I may returne unto my poore wife. I must alsoe desyre you to cause the gentlementin the inclosed list to be inserted unto the commission of the peace for Cornwall; and what news you have worth communicating, pray favour him with itt, who is
Your constant friend and servant,
John Disbrowe
Jan. 1, 1655
Pray obtain an order from his highness for my returne as soone as my work is over.

Major General Disbrowe to Secretary Thurloe [6]:

May It Please Your Highness,
I have now communicated your instructions to the commissioners of each county within my circuitt, and indeed have mett with much chearfulnes and resolution to the worke. The gentlemen of this county are very harty and cordiall, especially Anthony Rous, mr. Nicolls and colonel Ceely. We have appointed tuesday to begin the worke at this towne, and have alsoe issued forth a summones for other at Lifkerd upon friday. I am this day goinge to Pendennis, and have ordered the two militia troopes to meete me heare upon munday next, where I intend to muster them, and to give directions for the payment of them, and should begge your highness order for my authority and soe doinge in each county. Assoone as the work is over, I purpose to passe by way of Plymouth to Exon, where I shall waite for your highness further commands, and abide
Your highness most faithful servant,
John Disbrowe
Truroe, Jan. 25, 55

Major General Disbrowe to Secretary Thurloe [7]:

Sir,
I am now almost at the utmost extent of my journey intendinge this day for Pendennis, and upon munday doe hope to begin to sette my face eastward againe, and therefore must desyre you to hasten those orders I mentioned unto you in my last concerning the payment of the militia troops. I shall venture to pay the troops heare, in respect I cannot returne hither againe. I have now imparted his highness and the councell's orders and instructions to the commissioners of each county within my charge, and have found much freenes and chearefulnes to the worke. I intend to give two meetings in this county, (viz.) upon tuesday and friday following, and then shall steare my course by the way of Plymouth to Exon. I shall again begge you to be myndfull of the order for the payment of the militia forces, and to obtain his highness further commands for him, who is
Yours in all integrity,
John Disbrowe
Truroe, Jan. 25, 55

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [8]:

Sir,
I am under some dissatisfaction within myselfe, when I consider, that I am necessitated to act beyond his highness commission. I have this day mustered the two troopes of this county, who appear full in their numbers, and free in ther resolutions to ingage in his highness service. And I am under a promise to provide money for them, and that speedily, which I shall be in a capacity to doe, had I but his highness order for the payment of them, but must againe begge you to hasten the order unto me, for it's unpleasant to me to act without rule. Too morrow is the day that the cavilleirs are summoned to be at this towne, and upon friday at Lifkerd; att which two meetings I hope to geet money enough to satisfy the two troopes. I have no more at present, but that I am
Your affectionate friend and servant,
John Disbrowe
Truroe, Jan. 28, 55
(Postscript)
I pray get his highness orders for me to come to London when I have gone back againe through the countryes and settled all my affairs here. Were not my poor wife very ill, I should not desire to come up, for I think I am as well here as there, though I have work enough for two. I pray present my humble service to his highness.

Major General Disbrowe and Other Commissioners To The Protector [9]:

May It Please Your Highness,
Having received the inclosed from lord Mohun, and in the judgement of charity, cannot but deem, that it proceeds heartely and freely from him; in consideration whereof we humbly crave the liberty to present it to your highness' view, and if it may stand with your approbation that his additional tax may be remitted, upon your highness's signification, it shall be observed by
Your highness's most humble and faithful servants,
John Disbrowe, Auth. Nicoll,
Edw. Nosworthy, Sheriff, Stephen Braddon,
James Launce, W. Braddon,
P. Cooly John Fox.
Wotton in Cornwall,
Feb. 2, 1655

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [10]:

Sir;
I had yours with authority from his highness to muster the militia forces, and to pay them, which I shall accordingly doe, and then give his highness an account thereof. I have likewise received command relateing to the sheriffs, justices and juries, and shall doe my utmost in it;, though when I have don all, I fear it will be to little purpose.
I shall respit my reasons untill I come in person; however nothing shall be wanting in me to obtain a reformation therein. I am now intending for Exon, where I shall spend 3 or 4 days in order to the compleating of the work there, and then away for Chard, and so to Dorchester, where I should be glad to hear from, and if it be possible to receive his highness order for my return; for in my understanding I have done as much as in me lyes to effectuate the commands of his highness, which is and shall be the resolution of him, who is Your cordiall and constant friend,
John Disbrowe
Plymouth, Feb. 4, 1655
Pray cause will Braddon to be incerted in the commission of the peace for Cornwall.

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [11]:

Sir,
I cannot but give you an account, that I have mustered the militia troopes in Cornwall, Devon and Somersett, and alsoe issued forth orders for their pay. I am now going to Dorchester, and upon monday have appointed that troopes to meet me at Shaftbury, and from thence I intend upon Wednesday for the Devizes, and friday for Cyrencester haveing appointed the troops of each county to meet me at the places aforesaid, I must desire you that Anthony Rous and Phillip Francis of Plymouth may be inserted into the commission of the peace for Devon. No more but that I am
Yours in all affection,
John Disbrowe
Chard, Feb. 8, 1655

Major General Disbrowe To The Protector [12]:

May It Please Your Highness,
I have now been through the countyes under my charge, and have put your orders and instructions received from your highness in a way of execution. I hope the work will be carried on not at all short of them. I fear goeing a little beyond them, which I hope will not be counted a transgression, we having in most of the countys already assess't moneys enough to pay the militia troops. I am now returning to muster the said troopes, and give order for their payment. I have already gone thorow Cornwall, Devon, and Somersett in the work, where I find the troops both officers and souldiers very unanimous to serve your highnes and the commonwealth. They are well armed, stout men in appearance, and well horsed, except in Cornwall, where their horses are but small. I am this day going for Dorchester, where I have ordered that troop to rendevouze and be mustered upon monday next. From thence I intend for Wilts and Glocestershire, to do the like. My design is to speak with the commissioners of each county, as I goe along, to understand of them, what impediments lye in their way, and endeavour to remove them. And when I have been in Gloustershire, I do intend to wait on your highnes at London, to give you a more full account of my transactions than I can by this way. I hope my coming up will not be offensive to your highnes; for I humbly think, that if you would please to summon all the major generals up to wait on you within a fortnight, there might be somewhat propounded to your highnes, which might be of great use and advantage to this poor nation, especially if they find the temper of the gentlemen, where they come, as I doe generally in these parts. I do intend to be at Cyrencester in Gloustershire on friday next, from whence (if I receive no contrary commands from your highness) I propose to sett forwards toward London upon the monday following, I shall not add any farther trouble at present, only to subscribe myself
Your highnes most humble, and faithful servant,
John Disbrowe
Chard, Feb. 8, 1655

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [13]:

(re confiscated Quaker literature)

Sir,
The inclosed with many others, were going to the quakers to be dispersed by them to their friends in the west of England, but intercepted, and now in the custody of John Copleston, who at present is with me; but by next he intends to find you two apiece of the rest. I have returned you in requittal thes for those you sent me, but withall accept of my thanks. This day I am for the Devizes, and upon friday for Cirencester. I am
Yours in all affection,
John Disbrowe
Shaftbury, Feb. 12, 1655

Major General Disbrowe To The Protector [14]:

(re trouble in the fleet)

May It Please Your Highness,
We came last night to this place, though our journey was very bad by reason of much raine. This day we went one board, upon an accompte of a visitt. We found the generalls well, and much satisfied, that the bussiness wreches no further than those two captains, Lions and Hill; and I hope it doth not. Upon consideration together it was not judged convenient, that I should take notice of the bussiness at all; and though Hill did by a friend of his desire to speake with me, yet forebore it, because I understood, that his dissatisfaction was much upon his wife's accompt. The generalls intend to send them both up to your highnesse. There is not, as I can perceive or heare, the least dissatisfaction in any others of the fleet; therefore we was resolved to come towards London to morrow morninge; only this evening since we came ashore I heard that vice-admiral Bodyloo hath bine tampered with at London, and a littell stumbled; and that he will be heare to morrowe, which made me disirous to stay till he come, that I may understand what temper he is in. The generalls both present their humble service to your highnesse at this time, only to subscribe myself
Your highnesse humble servant,
John Disbrowe
Porchmouth, the 6th of March, 1655

General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [15]:

(re the trial of Penruddock and the others)

Sir,
Your last I received on my way to Taunton, where now I am, and have got some understanding of the prisoners there. Enclosed is (as I thinke) a perfect list of them, and of the others at Exeter, of which the greatest part doe sufficiently owne themselves to be engaged in the rising; and for the others that doe not, we have competent evidence. I am very glad that the commission for their tryall is in soe good forwarnesse, and shall, as you desire, take what care I can with the sheriffe of Devon, that we may be provided of honest jureys against the time; hopeing you will receive no disappointment therein. Underwritten are the names of 5 or 6 of those at Exeter whom it may be fitt to begin with, as haveing been of the leading persons in the rebellion; and I doe not thinke they are any of them soe esteemed in Devonshire, as that there need be any great scruple, whom to adventure on first for a precident at their tryall. The prisoners that are at this place we are sending to Ilchester goale, upon committments from justices of the peace, where mr. Hunt the sheriffe desires, if with convenience to the judges and rest of the commissioners, they may receive their tryall; and so the trouble and charge of removeing them againe be avoided. I have very gladly read in your letter his highnesse pleasure for my returne to wayte on him at Whitehall; yet I judge it meet to expect your answer to my last letter, and as I shall finde his highnesse minde explained therein, shall accordingly hasten towards you; in the mean tyme, remaineing
Your very affectionate friend to serve you,
John Disbrowe
Taunton, March 28, 1655

(appended to the above)
Sir,
I should have written to his highness by every post, but I feared it would have been troublesome, except I had somewhat of concernment. I pray lett his highnesse knowe soe much.
John Penrudocke of Crumton in Wilts, esq; Edward Penrudocke of the same, gent. Robert Duke, of Stucton, in Southampton, gent. Francis Jones, of Beddington, in Surrey, gent. John Jones of Newton Toney in Wilts, gent.
I have spoke also with the sheriffe of this county about the juryes, and he hath promised to be very careful therein.

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [16]:

Sir,
I received yours, which was very pleaseinge to me. I have littell to acquaint you with, only that I am about by bussines, and have only as to the troops settled that in Wilts and Dorset, and one in Somersett, and these 3 here; and I hope there well officered. For those in my list, I hope they will be in custody this night, except those in Glostershire, which I have given orders for alsoe. I did in my last to you desire to know, whether it was captain Crofts or captain Neash in Glostershire that you had pitched on; which I pray let me know, because I would send for him to meet me with Wade in the next week at Bristoll, when I come backe from Cornwall.
Sir, I have acquainted my lord protector with the condition of the sheriffes regiment here of foot, and have enclosed allso sent you a particular of their condition. The noyse I have about it, and my owne ingagement to the citty, controy and officers, doth exceedingly troble me, and makes me weary of this place. Ther is due to them about £4600 till this time, and they never had one peny of pay. I desire you to mind it, and gett something done in it speedily. About £l300 will satisfie the 6 companies, I thinke, that are sent home without one peny, some littel, and that hath bine borrowed for them; and if two month's pay could be payd for the present to the 4 companyes remaineinge, it would somewhat stope the clamor that I am under. I pray fayle not to mind this effectually.
I desire you allso to let me know what shal be done about the prissoners in the goales. There is allso about 12 notable rogues at Plymouth that was taken at sea, which I faine would have sent with the rest.
I hope we shall have a very good militia in these countys under my care. I shall not troble you further, only to assure you, that I am,
Your reall friend and servant,
John Disbrowe
Exon, June 16, 1655
I desire you would mind the bussines, fora justice of Oyer for the forest of Deane.

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [17]:

Dear Sir,
I am this morninge goeinge for Taunton, wher I hope I shall settell the other troope for that county; and from thence into Glostershire, and settell those; and within ten or twelve dayses to be backe againe at the furthest. If you judge it convenient to order me to apointe some persons to see these troopes in these 6 counteys mustered, I shall doe because I have a desire to be at the musters to see them together, and talke with them. I thinke it will doe no harme, I did write to you about coll. Bennett, who is yet at London, for I ought heare; and his abscence hinders that troopes raysinge, though I hope it will goe on. But I pray let me heare what he will doe, if you can speake with him. I desire you would not forgett that, which I did writte unto you about mony for the shrifes foot here. I thinke it very strange, that men should be raysed, and kept up nere 5 months, and noe pay allowed them, noe not one peny.
I have sent all our Devonshire gentlemen, we have in custody, to Plymouth, and ordered one company of foot theither to be their guard. I doe intend the Somersetshire gentlemen to this place; they are to come to morrow. I have not yer heard any word about the prisoners here, what shal be done with them. I shall not troble you further; only rest your harty friend and servant,
John Disbrowe
Exon, June 25, 1655

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [18]:

Sir,
I have given his highnes a brief accounte of my proceeding here, where we had a full appearance, and a general resolution to carry on the work, mr. Grove only desiring time to consider of it, which can be on impediment to it. Each of the commissioners desire the printed instructions under mr. Scobel's hand for their indemnity, which I cannot but join with theirs, if it may be without prejudice. I have only added three more, viz. John Dove, Richard Hill, and James Hely. The persons in the enclosed paper are ordered to be summoned at a time and place prefixed, where I shall endeavour to be; I hope the work will go on chearfully. As often as you can, pray let me hear from you; and what intelligence you have will kindly be accepted by
Your harty friend and servant
John Disbrowe
Sarum, Dec. 8, 1655

Major General Disbrowe To The Protector [19]:

May It Please Your Highness,
I have in pursuance of your orders given notice unto the commissioners of Wilts; and yesterday had a meeting with them, and made known your highness's instructions unto them; where little else was done by reason night came on. But this morning we met again, and had a full appearance, save mr. Grove who craved some time to consider of it. The others are very unanimous and clear in the work, only they desire your highness's favour in affording each of them a paper of instructions under mr. Scobel's hand, for their indemnity; and have ordered the persons within mentioned to be summoned upon monday sevennight, where I propose (if the Lord please) to be present. I have alsoe dispatcht letters to the commissioners of Dorsett, and intend to be with them on Wednesday next, in order to be setting that work on foot; and from thence to return hither at the time appointed. Mr. seriffe of Wilts presents his service to your highness, and begs your nomination of mr. Thomas Grove, who I adjudged very fit, and must also make it my request, he being honest and able, tho tender. I have no more at present to trouble your highness with, save to sign myself, as I am,
Your Lordship's humble servant,
John Disbrowe
Sarum, 8 Dec. 1655

(Enclosed in the preceeding)

Mr. Thomas Grove To Major General Disbrowe [20]:

My Lord;
Being very unfitt by reason of my present weaknes and distemper of body for any busines, I shall humbly begg your honour's pardon for my not waiting on you this morning, having a longing desire (if the Lord please) to be in my own house againe, and not to be surprised with sicknes in an inne. I must ingeniously confesse, that had I been in a fitt capacity for busines, I intended to have made it my humble request to your honour in private, that you would please to afforde me a little time of consideration before I acted in this; for indeed I cannot undertake any busines of consequence, till I have had some serious thoughts about it, and have debated it with mine owne weak judgement, that soe my conscience may be clearly satisfide in what I doe; for the grounds of this designe I cannot be more fully satisfide than I amm allready viz. that the old enimies have their old hearts and their old hatred still, and that they wil be ready upon all occassions disturbe the peace and quiett of this common wealth; and that it wold be a very great happines and blessing to all the godly and quiet people of these nations to have them suppress'd or removed; But there may be some scruple in the manner of doing this. I shall not (upon hearing the rules once read) mention any exception, hartely wising there may be none, but if the Lord please to give me health, I shall with my best care and dilligence speedily examine and peruse the instructions and then if it be cleer to me, that the way and Manner be as righteous and warrantable as the thing is good and desirable, I shall as cordially act in it as any man in England. And this is a Christian liberty, which I cannot but be as confident to obteyne from general Disbrowe. Soe humbly begging your lordshipp to parton whatever you find amisse in these lines, which were written in much hase and paine, and earnestly begging the blessing of God upon you in this and all other your great affairs, I rest,
Your Lordship's most humble servant,
Tho. Grove
The Whitehart,
the 8th Dec. 1655
For the honourable general Disbrow at the thre swans in Sarum.

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [21]:

Sir,
Upon perusall of my papers I fine the instructions for Poole wanting; as also an order, which past the council for commissionating the major general to enquire after any moneys remaining in the hands of any receivers or collectors, which I should request may be dispatcht unto me at Salisbury by the next. I have also to desire, that Walter South may be left out of the commission of the peace, and Edward Midelcott and Isaac Benges added in his room. Pray fail not give direction in these particulars, while it's freth in your memory. To morrow I purpose (if the Lord will) to be for Dorchester, and to return hither upon Saturday. Noe more at present, but that I am
Your affectionate friend and servant,
John Disbrowe
Sarum, Dec. 10, 1655
Pray be his highnef's remembrancer in visitinge my wife.

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [22]:

Sir,
I have bin attending the work in Dorsetshire, where there were 20 summoned, amongst which sir John Strangeways, sir Gerrard Napper, and sir Hugh Windham; one pleading his integrity, another his innocency, and a third showed much forwardness and aversenes; but after I had dealt very plainly and indeed roundly with them, they with the rest fairly submitted, and are contented to bear this additional tax proportionable to their estates. I doubt not but that it will turn to a good account, though it is probable some will trouble his highness with their applications; for in the countrey they are known too well; and the commissioners are very unanimous and active in it; only some are of opinion, that by their present instructions they cannot rate any man for both together, that hath not full £100 per ann. real and £1500 personal estate, and have drawn up a letter to the councel craving a resolution therein; but the account you gave (if past the council) will determine that, in making persons, that have either £50 per ann. real, or £500 personal, or worth either sum together, such an estate shall be lyable to this additional tax; and will not only yield a considerable revenue to the publick, and rejoice the hearts of the well affected, but be a meanes to break and prevent the designes of our enemys. I came yesterday from Blandford to Sarum, and from thence this day hither, where there are 24 summoned to attend upon monday next. I desire you to give order, that William Fry of Yarty, and Edward Cheek of Gabriells eqq. may be added to the commissioners of the peace for Dorsetshire. I have only this further to add, that Robert Hipsley esq. may be sheriff of Wilts in the room of col. Dove (if it be not too far past) which is the desire of him who is
Your real friend and servant,
John Disbrowe
Marlborough, Dec. 22, 1655

Pray present my service to his highness, and let him know, that after this meeting I shall give him a full account of my proceeding hitherto.

Major General Disbrowe To Secretary Thurloe [23]:

Sir,
I had yours of the 25th instant, with the inclosed additional instruction, a coppy whereof I have sent both to Wiltshire and Dorsett, and these accordingly observe it. I must desire, that Henry Gibbs, Edward Tyson, James Powell, Nehemiah Collins, and Jonathan Blackwell esqs; may be inserted in the commissions of the peace for Somersett and Glostershire, in respect there is not one justice in either of these counties near the citty of Bristoll, and yeat much vice reigning. If his highness orders you any thing relating to me, pray give it a dispatch, which is all at present from
Your affectionate friend and servant,
John Disbrowe
Bristoll, Dec. 29, 1655

At the end of December 1655, Disbrowe having reorganized the militia, collected heavy taxes from the cavaliers, and otherwise settled affairs for the government in the western areas, sent a final summary of what had been accomplished to the Protector.

Major General Disbrowe To The Protector [24]:

May It Please Your Highness.
According to the best of my skill, I have endeavored to put the orders and instructions of your highness and the councell in execution, and doe adjudge it a duty incombent on me, to give your highness an exact accompte of my proceedinge therein; and that for sundry reasons which time will not admitt to me to hint, more than some of the commissioners of Wilts and Dorset (though free to the work) are not thereby satisfied, that by their instructions they can lay the additional tax upon any that have not either £100 per ann. real, or £1500 personal estate. but my practice hitherto hath been, that where I meet with a man, or £1500 personal and real, I make him lyable to the tax; which if it be not the sence and judgment of your highness and the councell, I must begg your pleasure in it, that I may not err either on the right hand or on the left. I must also crave your highness's direction for the settlement of the militia in the county and city of Bristoll, it being distinct by it self, and my instructions short in that particular. I have taken the boldness to present your highness with a copy of such instructions, as I have committed to the care of persons mentioned in the inclosed, as also for the port townes, with condition of the bonds. I met the Glostershire gent. at the time appointed, and imparted the instructions unto them, who seem free to act, only mr. Hedges desires time to consider of it. There are 24 summoned to appear upon Wednesday next. I hope to be present. I have advised about a sheriff for Glocester, and am ascertained, that either Thomas Escourt or Silvanus Wood esqs. are fitt for it. I must request this favour, that your highness will or mr. secretary to signify your approbation or disapprobation upon the instructions, because in some things I have exceeded my commission; and also that I may have an explanation in that clause, and have a clear ground to proceed upon. I must also crave the liberty to acquaint your highness, that I understand that lieut. col. Briscoe was to be made coll. and major Wade lieut. col.; but instead of that I hear major Wade is like to be put out of the government of the Isle of Man; but I hope that it is not soe; I begg your highness, that nothing be done to the prejudice of poor Wade, who is a faithful person, and exceedingly useful to your highness and the commonwealth in the county of Glocestor and in the forrest of Dean. I beg your highness care of him, and abide
Your highness humble servant,
John Disbrowe
Bristol, Dec. 29, 1655

Notes:

1.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 391.
2.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 391.
3.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 396.
4.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 413.
5.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 439.
6.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 462.
7.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 462.
8.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 472.
9.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 497.
10.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 501.
11.- Thurloe, Vol.IV., p 520.
12.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 520.
13.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 531.
14.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 582.
15.- Thurloe, Vol.III, p 305.
16.- Thurloe, Vol.III, p 556.
17.- Thurloe, Vol.III, p 585.
18.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 300.
19.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 300.
20.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 301.
21.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 302.
22.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 336.
23.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 353.
24.- Thurloe, Vol.IV, p 359.

Chapter Eleven: The Second Protectorate