October 17, 1642
October 17, 1642
The story as it unfolds:

RED RIBBONS FOR ME, NOT THEE, AS SYDNEY AND RALPH HALPENNY EXCHANGE NEWS. NEWCASTLE AND CORNWALL FOR THE KING; "VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS" FOR PARLIAMENT. A RIDE NORTH PLANNED. MUD AND MORASS AS ESSEX'S ARMY MARCHES EAST; THE TROOP OF CAPTAIN CROMWELL GUARDING THE ARTILLERY AND BAGGAGE.

From the section: Histories

Yesterday saw Ralph, his Countenance somewhat forlorn, woebegone, etc; near to the Exchange, at the Periphery of a Gaggle of Merchant Adventurers and East India Men, yattering on about something or other for which his Opinion was not required. Hello Ralph, I said, two of my Pretend-Thug actors (Overton and Morris) behind me. How is your commerce? And why the Red ribbon? That in reference to a device in his Hat, an Obnoxiously bright Bow of an aggressive Red; the Monopolists wore them as well. He grabbed for the Hilts of his sword, and said, I’ll not be assaulted in the Street, you Brute. I said, that was not my Intention, and much to my surprise, a reasonably Civil conversation followed.

The Red ribbons, Ralph said, signify the King’s men, and those who expect, in the coming weeks, a Crushing Victory over the Rebels and Traitors, and his Triumphal march into London.

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From the section: Letters

Dear Mother,

I’ve written Anne at the Rectory, to say you could make her a Loan, better a Gift, of the Blankets resting unused in the Chest in my room. I do realize such Generosity will violate Sydney’s policy of allowing Father Sustenance enough to prevent outright Starvation, and ensure abject Misery; nevertheless, for the love of Christ, please do this for me; I shall with that Wretch in my own time. And please, Allow her, whatever she may Request from the Monies I have deposited with you; it is for Father, and Sydney be damned. I will send more as I draw Pay.

We are now east of Worcester, bearing toward (we are fairly certain) Banbury, or perhaps Castle Warwick, on wretched Roads, churned to a Morass by the rain, and by the passage of men and horse and wagons. We are part of the Escort for the Trains of Artillery and Baggage, with the regiment of Col Hampden (who sends greetings); the Van of the Army is about a day's march ahead.

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NEW YORK

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for Commissary-General JAMES HOLLOWAY,
and available through the AETHER; 2009.