Col. Hampden,

Thank you for your letter, which reached me today in Ivinghoe. I thought it best to absent myself from London temporarily, given the affairs with Halpenny and it would seem a considerable part of the Merchant Adventurers and the East India men. Most recently Firth (goldsmith, Lombard street, who keeps my Capital) was prevailed on to cease business with me, or lose trade with them; though he made a brave face of it, I could never be the cause of an honest tradesman’s Ruin. What’s mine is thus Distributed, in several strong places; should one fall, there are other Redoubts.

I received from Mr Pym, after the odd adventure in Parliament, a letter, claiming he had not invited me that day, and stating outright he knew not my Interlocutors, &c. It is all greatly puzzling. I could speculate, that those Strange men were agents, maybe, of the M.A.s who at the urging of Halpenny are seeking a clearer account of my various Schemes, thus enabling them to rob me better. At present I confess myself not overwhelmed with concern, trusting in Providence to help me baffle Foes real and imagined.

On the subject of foes, it is my unhappy duty to advise you (what you may already know) that the recent scuffle near Worcester (claimed The Great Victory at Powick Bridge by newsbooks and tracts less Responsible than Anglia Rediviva) has been the occasion of a certain Unease in certain quarters of London and the countryside. It’s true, of course, that Lord Essex remained in possession of Worcester, while Rupert withdrew to Shrewsbury; that said, Rupert’s withdrawal followed his chasing our Horse upward of nine miles, and in possession of the Oxford Plate, which provides much-needed succor to the impecunious Monarch.

It’s now being said, by otherwise Responsible people, that Rupert and his cavaliers are Invincible, and his Rout of the Horse but a foretaste of what waits the “embroiderers and tailors” in Lord Essex’s army when the greater Battle is joined. And it’s being said that such is but the just Judgment of God, on those who would rebel against His Anointed, the King. (I did not put this into Anglia Rediviva, but Firth the younger, speaking to the Wounded and Prisoners, found several begging pardon of God and man for engaging in Rebellion.)

And, it’s being said, that in the wake of the Scuffle, Lord Essex sought to deliver a Petition to the King, requesting he come to London, and discuss terms with Parliament (you, Colonel, were identified as one of the deliverers of the petition). I do not know if this is true; it’s merely being said.

It’s my prayer, then, that battle comes, and that right soon, and with it undeniable Victory; something to gird the Loins of the tremulous, as mine certainly are. It is my understanding Parliament may again request a Loan from the City, and perhaps embark on a program of Taxation; while I object to such Confiscations on Principle, I am happy to pay; indeed, rejoice in doing whatever may secure our Victory. My disputes with the M.A.s are but a Foretaste, I think, of what would be visited on me (and others) were the King, and the Cavaliers and Rabble who follow him, and the Monopolists who would secure their privileges through him, victorious. It is my preference to remain in England, and for my Head to remain on its Neck.

I am, sir, thy humble servant.

S. Holyfen, Beacon Manor, Ivinghoe, Bucks.

To: Col. John Hampden, Regt of Greencoats, near Worcester