(a) Thomas Sanders, Coleorton (Leicestershire) to Mr Fletchere (copy) I am sorry you should suffer for true speaking and if I can do you any favour, I shall not be wanting - I desire you to speak the truth about the discourse we had re. the lieutenant Colonel [Thomas Gell] that he was unfit for his place, in respect of his mean estate, want of learning, law and honesty, his conversation being so scandalous - he favoured malignants and enemies in arms - once as I heard before, I came last from London, he and some others had to debate how to make peace with Newcastle or leave the town - trunks were sent to Nottingham and other goods out of the town to Cavalier houses - there were speeches of going to Loughborough and so to Leicester - I said those that promised votes beforehand were foresworn, and to go about to beg or command by threats argued want of worth - to my best memory, I named not the Colonel - recollect yourself and speak and truth'. 24 Nov. b) Thomas Sanders, Coleorton, to Sir John Gell (copy) - 'I wonder at your slanderous words, spoken against me in the open hall at Derby - I desire our actions may be compared with weighed, then it will appear whether I be a Brownist, coward or knave - I am confident my integrity will defend me - I confess I think Lieutenant Colonel unfit to be Recorder and will hinder it all I can, for 2 brothers (Sir John Gell and Thomas Gell) and 2 sons in law (Henry Wigley and Henry Wigfall) solely to rule a county - I seek not the place of Governor or Colonel, rather than hinder the public, I will sit down from arms and seek to do the kingdom service in another way - I desire that personal dislikes and grudges may not hurt the public. 24 Nov 1644