Taunton, September 19. 1685

A letter from Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys to King James II

Your most gracious Majesty,

I most humbly beseech your Majesty to give me leave to use this opportunity by my lord Churchill, to give your Majesty an account that I have this day finished what was necessary for your Majestys service in this place. I beg leave that your Majesty may be graciously pleased to let me refer to the lord Churchill for the particulars, for I have not yet perfected my papers, so as to be able to do it so exactly as my duty to your Majestys service requires.

I received your Majesty’s commands by my lord Sunderland about the rebels and your Majesty design for transportation. I beseech your Majesty that I may inform you that each prisoner will be worth £10, if not £15 a piece, and that if your Majesty orders them as you have already designed, persons that have not suffered in your service will run away with the booty. I am sure that your Majesty will be continually perplexed with petitions for recompense for sufferers as well as rewards for servants.

Sir, I hope your Majesty will pardon this presumption, I know it is my duty to obey. I have only respited doing anything until I know your Royal pleasure is they should have the men, for upon my allegiance to you, Sir, I shall never trim in my obedience to your commands in all things.

Sir, had not your Majesty been pleased to declare your gracious intentions to them that served you in the soldiery and also to the many distressed families ruined by this late rebellion, I durst not have presumed to give your Majesty this trouble. Sir, I will when I have the honour to kiss your Majesty’s hands humbly acquaint you with all matters your Majesty hath been graciously pleased to entrust me with, and doubt not, Sir, but to be able to propose a way how to gratify all such as your Majesty shall be pleased to think deserving of it, without touching your Exchequer.

Your Majestys most dutiful and obedient subject and servant,

The Bloody Assize Timeline:

Salisbury, September 1. 1685
Salisbury, September 1. 1685
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An Account of the Western Assize court of Lord Chief Justice Jeffrey at Salisbury.

An Account of the Western Assize court of Lord Chief Justice Jeffrey at Salisbury.

An Account of the Western Assize court of Lord Chief Justice Jeffrey at Salisbury.

Whitehall, September 3. 1685
Whitehall, September 3. 1685
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The news in London is that Dame Alicia Lisle was beheaded yesterday in Winchester.

The news in London is that Dame Alicia Lisle was beheaded yesterday in Winchester.

The news in London is that Dame Alicia Lisle was beheaded yesterday in Winchester.

Dorchester, September 4. 1685
Dorchester, September 4. 1685
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This being a brief account of the opening of the Dorchester Assize where 337 souls are to be tried.

This being a brief account of the opening of the Dorchester Assize where 337 souls are to be tried.

This being a brief account of the opening of the Dorchester Assize where 337 souls are to be tried.

Dorchester, September 5. 1685
Dorchester, September 5. 1685
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An account of the first day at the Dorchester Assize where 29 men have been sentenced to death

An account of the first day at the Dorchester Assize where 29 men have been sentenced to death

An account of the first day at the Dorchester Assize where 29 men have been sentenced to death

Dorchester, September 6. 1685
Dorchester, September 6. 1685
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For some sentenced to die tomorrow there is a reprieve as Mr Ketch can only kill and quarter 13 in one day, even with the help of Pascha Rose

For some sentenced to die tomorrow there is a reprieve as Mr Ketch can only kill and quarter 13 in one day, even with the help of Pascha Rose

For some sentenced to die tomorrow there is a reprieve as Mr Ketch can only kill and quarter 13 in one day, even with the help of Pascha Rose

Dorchester, September 7. 1685
Dorchester, September 7. 1685
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An account of the thirteen Martyrs executed in Dorchester by Lord Jeffreys

An account of the thirteen Martyrs executed in Dorchester by Lord Jeffreys

An account of the thirteen Martyrs executed in Dorchester by Lord Jeffreys

Dorchester, September 10. 1685
Dorchester, September 10. 1685
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A list of the final sentences from the Dorchester Assize as given by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys

A list of the final sentences from the Dorchester Assize as given by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys

A list of the final sentences from the Dorchester Assize as given by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys

Bridport, September 12. 1685
Bridport, September 12. 1685
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An account of the nine Martyrs executed in Bridport by Lord Jeffreys

An account of the nine Martyrs executed in Bridport by Lord Jeffreys

An account of the nine Martyrs executed in Bridport by Lord Jeffreys

Lyme, September 12. 1685
Lyme, September 12. 1685
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An account of the twelve Martyrs executed in Lyme Regis by Lord Jeffreys

An account of the twelve Martyrs executed in Lyme Regis by Lord Jeffreys

An account of the twelve Martyrs executed in Lyme Regis by Lord Jeffreys

The Exeter Assize
The Exeter Assize
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The list of three Martyrs executed in the West after sentencing by Lord Jeffreys

The list of three Martyrs executed in the West after sentencing by Lord Jeffreys

The list of three Martyrs executed in the West after sentencing by Lord Jeffreys

Sherborne, September 15. 1685
Sherborne, September 15. 1685
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An account of the executions and a list of the martyrs at Sherborne on the orders of Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys

An account of the executions and a list of the martyrs at Sherborne on the orders of Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys

An account of the executions and a list of the martyrs at Sherborne on the orders of Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys

Weymouth, September 15. 1685
Weymouth, September 15. 1685
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Of the twelve Martyrs executed in Weymouth on orders of Lord Jeffreys

Of the twelve Martyrs executed in Weymouth on orders of Lord Jeffreys

Of the twelve Martyrs executed in Weymouth on orders of Lord Jeffreys

The Taunton Assize
The Taunton Assize
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An account of the first day of the Taunton Assize court presided over by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys

An account of the first day of the Taunton Assize court presided over by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys

An account of the first day of the Taunton Assize court presided over by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys

Taunton, September 19. 1685
Taunton, September 19. 1685
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A letter from Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys to King James II detailing the value of each rebel.

A letter from Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys to King James II detailing the value of each rebel.

A letter from Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys to King James II detailing the value of each rebel.

Taunton, September 21. 1685
Taunton, September 21. 1685
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The four martyrs that died at Taunton and the final list of verdicts from the Assize court.

The four martyrs that died at Taunton and the final list of verdicts from the Assize court.

The four martyrs that died at Taunton and the final list of verdicts from the Assize court.

Poole, September 21. 1685
Poole, September 21. 1685
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Of the eleven Martyrs executed in Poole on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the eleven Martyrs executed in Poole on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the eleven Martyrs executed in Poole on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Wareham, September 22. 1685
Wareham, September 22. 1685
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Of the Six Martyrs executed in Wareham and Wells on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the Six Martyrs executed in Wareham and Wells on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the Six Martyrs executed in Wareham and Wells on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

The Wells Assize
The Wells Assize
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Of the 543 men at Wells awaiting this bloody Assize Court of Judge Jeffreys

Of the 543 men at Wells awaiting this bloody Assize Court of Judge Jeffreys

Of the 543 men at Wells awaiting this bloody Assize Court of Judge Jeffreys

Weymouth, September 25. 1685
Weymouth, September 25. 1685
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Of the 93 men transported to Barbados on the Happy Return from Weymouth

Of the 93 men transported to Barbados on the Happy Return from Weymouth

Of the 93 men transported to Barbados on the Happy Return from Weymouth

Taunton, September 30. 1685
Taunton, September 30. 1685
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Of the 18 Martyrs executed in Taunton on the orders of King James II

Of the 18 Martyrs executed in Taunton on the orders of King James II

Of the 18 Martyrs executed in Taunton on the orders of King James II

Wellington, October 1. 1685
Wellington, October 1. 1685
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Of the 3 Martyrs executed in Wellington on the orders of King James II

Of the 3 Martyrs executed in Wellington on the orders of King James II

Of the 3 Martyrs executed in Wellington on the orders of King James II

Glastonbury & Colyton, October 6. 1685
Glastonbury & Colyton, October 6. 1685
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Of the Seven Martyrs executed in the West on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the Seven Martyrs executed in the West on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the Seven Martyrs executed in the West on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Bristol, October 9. 1685
Bristol, October 9. 1685
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Of the Martyrs executed in Bristol on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the Martyrs executed in Bristol on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the Martyrs executed in Bristol on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Happy Return, September 25. 1685
Happy Return, September 25. 1685
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The 93 men transported on the Happy Return from Weymouth to Barbados by Sir William Booth

The 93 men transported on the Happy Return from Weymouth to Barbados by Sir William Booth

The 93 men transported on the Happy Return from Weymouth to Barbados by Sir William Booth

Axminster, October 14. 1685
Axminster, October 14. 1685
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Of those Martyred in Axminster and Ottery St Mary on orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of those Martyred in Axminster and Ottery St Mary on orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of those Martyred in Axminster and Ottery St Mary on orders of Judge Jeffreys

Somerton, October 1685
Somerton, October 1685
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Of the seven Martyrs executed in Somerton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the seven Martyrs executed in Somerton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the seven Martyrs executed in Somerton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Old Bailey, October 19. 1685
Old Bailey, October 19. 1685
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A true account of the trails of Mr Ring, Mr Fernley, Mr Cornish and Mrs Gaunt at the Old Bailey

A true account of the trails of Mr Ring, Mr Fernley, Mr Cornish and Mrs Gaunt at the Old Bailey

A true account of the trails of Mr Ring, Mr Fernley, Mr Cornish and Mrs Gaunt at the Old Bailey

Indeavour, October 20. 1685
Indeavour, October 20. 1685
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97 men are transported on the Indeavour from Bristol to St Kitts & Nevis by Sir William Stapleton

97 men are transported on the Indeavour from Bristol to St Kitts & Nevis by Sir William Stapleton

97 men are transported on the Indeavour from Bristol to St Kitts & Nevis by Sir William Stapleton

Rebecca, October 21. 1685
Rebecca, October 21. 1685
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The 14 men transported on the Rebecca from Bristol to Barbados by Mr Jerome Nipho.

The 14 men transported on the Rebecca from Bristol to Barbados by Mr Jerome Nipho.

The 14 men transported on the Rebecca from Bristol to Barbados by Mr Jerome Nipho.

London, October 23. 1685
London, October 23. 1685
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The Martyrdoms of Mrs Elisabeth Gaunt at Tyburn and Mr Henry Cornish at Cheapside

The Martyrdoms of Mrs Elisabeth Gaunt at Tyburn and Mr Henry Cornish at Cheapside

The Martyrdoms of Mrs Elisabeth Gaunt at Tyburn and Mr Henry Cornish at Cheapside

John Friggat, October 24. 1685
John Friggat, October 24. 1685
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The 90 men transported on the John Friggat from Bristol to Barbados by Sir William Booth.

The 90 men transported on the John Friggat from Bristol to Barbados by Sir William Booth.

The 90 men transported on the John Friggat from Bristol to Barbados by Sir William Booth.

Port Royal Merchant, October 25. 1685
Port Royal Merchant, October 25. 1685
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The 172 men transported on the Port Royal Merchant from Weymouth to Jamaica and 26 that escaped.

The 172 men transported on the Port Royal Merchant from Weymouth to Jamaica and 26 that escaped.

The 172 men transported on the Port Royal Merchant from Weymouth to Jamaica and 26 that escaped.

Westminster, October 27. 1685
Westminster, October 27. 1685
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A brief account of the trial of Captain Richard Nelthorp and Colonel John Ayloff for High Treason 

A brief account of the trial of Captain Richard Nelthorp and Colonel John Ayloff for High Treason 

A brief account of the trial of Captain Richard Nelthorp and Colonel John Ayloff for High Treason 

London, October 30. 1685
London, October 30. 1685
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This day Captain Richard Nelthorp is martyred before Grays Inns and Colonel John Ayloff martyred at Temple Gate

This day Captain Richard Nelthorp is martyred before Grays Inns and Colonel John Ayloff martyred at Temple Gate

This day Captain Richard Nelthorp is martyred before Grays Inns and Colonel John Ayloff martyred at Temple Gate

Constant Richard, October 31. 1685
Constant Richard, October 31. 1685
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84 men are transported on the Constant Richard to Jamaica by White & Heywood

84 men are transported on the Constant Richard to Jamaica by White & Heywood

84 men are transported on the Constant Richard to Jamaica by White & Heywood

Nether Stowey & Stogursey, November 1. 1685
Nether Stowey & Stogursey, November 1. 1685
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Of the three Martyrs executed in Nether Stowey & Stogursey on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the three Martyrs executed in Nether Stowey & Stogursey on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the three Martyrs executed in Nether Stowey & Stogursey on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Chewton Mendip & Bath, November 18. 1685
Chewton Mendip & Bath, November 18. 1685
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Of the eight Martyrs executed in Bath & Chewton Mendip on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the eight Martyrs executed in Bath & Chewton Mendip on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the eight Martyrs executed in Bath & Chewton Mendip on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Betty, November 25. 1685
Betty, November 25. 1685
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The 80 men transported on the Betty from Weymouth to Barbados

The 80 men transported on the Betty from Weymouth to Barbados

The 80 men transported on the Betty from Weymouth to Barbados

Dulverton & Stogumber, December 8. 1685
Dulverton & Stogumber, December 8. 1685
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Of the five Martyrs executed in Stogumber & Dulverton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the five Martyrs executed in Stogumber & Dulverton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the five Martyrs executed in Stogumber & Dulverton on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Dunster & Porlock, December 8. 1685
Dunster & Porlock, December 8. 1685
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Of the five Martyrs executed in Porlock & Dunster on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the five Martyrs executed in Porlock & Dunster on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the five Martyrs executed in Porlock & Dunster on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Minehead, December 8. 1685
Minehead, December 8. 1685
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Of the three Martyrs executed in Minehead on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the three Martyrs executed in Minehead on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Of the three Martyrs executed in Minehead on the orders of Judge Jeffreys

Jamaica Merchant, December 9. 1685
Jamaica Merchant, December 9. 1685
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The 182 transported on the Jamaica Merchant from Weymouth to Barbados

The 182 transported on the Jamaica Merchant from Weymouth to Barbados

The 182 transported on the Jamaica Merchant from Weymouth to Barbados

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