Dear Sir, I write from Bristol, with the following:

First, there is no news of Mark or Matthew.

Second, Bateson venture hath arrived from Virginia, with appx 2000 pounds tobacco.

Third, reports a violent storm destroyed a “goodly portion” of the Indies sugar crop; couldn’t obtain confirmation or  more precise accounting of said portion.

Fourth, news Prince Rupert en route England from Holland, where he'd been assisting Queen with her purchases.

Fifth, some scattered talk of Papist agents landing in East, through Lowestoft or Kings Lynn.

Sixth, Owen Oneill said enroute Ulster from Spain with five hundred veterans of the Spanish campaigns against the Dutch, twelve priests, and two Inquisitors with their appurtenances.  He intends to lead the rebels.

Seventh, there is still no trade between Ireland and England. Several ships that embarked for Ireland in July have yet to return; rumors they have been seized by the rebels. Reports continue of Dublin and Derry overflow with thousands driven from their homes who suffer in the most miserable conditions, many reduced to begging or worse.

Eighth, the herring catches said to be very good this year, but the Spaniard less willing to trade. Some concern they will seize ships, part of a scheme to support Charles by disrupting trade.

Last,  the West Country cloths are to be had at a far cheaper  than was the case a year ago, even six months ago. I took the liberty of purchasing 100 cloths, at a very good price, with a bill drawn on the Great Triangle account, at Mr Firth's; it being a lighter weave, I propose we hire Journey-men tailors in London at wages to sew shirts and drawers, and smocks and petticoats, for Barbados or Virginia. Freighting fees (I have hired carts) are as low as I've seen, given the uncertainty of the War; it's best we do this now, I think, before it breaks over the West.

Unless otherwise instructed, I depart for London on the day after tomorrow; I am at the Rose and Crown.

I am your humble servant,

Nehemiah Page, Apprentice, Rose and Crown, Bristol

To Sydney Holyfen, Beacon Manor, Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire.