Dear Colonel Hampden,

You may've heard too, by the same post as me; but Col Holles' regiment is appx one day's march from Aylesbury. Or perhaps two. It's my understanding they've dawdled a bit on the way. Some altar rails consigned to the flame at Chiswick; in Hillindgon, so I hear, some papistical garments worn by the vicar converted to use for bandages.

Regarding your instruction of yesterday; I understand Aylesbury to Buckingham, in two marches; Buckingham to Northampton, two marches; departing as envisioned on the 16th. I have arranged for Stores (bread, cheese, beer) to meet the regiment at Buckingham, with the rest of the Baggage to greet you at Northampton.

It's my understanding, from reports received from those near to the matter, Charles will raise his standard there on August 21 or 22. Tonight, or tomorrow, he plans to issue a proclamation decrying fear-mongers, making his case to the nation, calling for you to be tried by jury, and for Essex and Warwick to be executed for high treason, and much more besides. A man in my employ is in York now, purchasing cloths at the Wakefield market; I expect him in London in less than a fortnight; he should bring valuable News of the numbers now with the king; I have heard estimates from 100 to five thousand.

My mother writes that Edmund is returned from America, and engaged in some business in the Fens with Cromwell, I know not what. He may have much to offer, having hunted and fought savages in the forest there (it’s service that’s maybe most appropriate to Ireland), after his wife was by them taken and cruelly murdered. You may remember her, and her family; Rebecca, father Increase Adair, of Godmanchester; my brother stowed away on the ship, the Arbella, part of Winthrop’s sailing from Southhampton, for love for her. I was with you at Hampden House then; I can recall us speaking of it.

I am glad you and the Regiment found the arms and pikes satisfactory; Mr Lear is an honest merchant. And that the Regiment approves of the Green cloths; Holyfen village is indeed a storehouse of fine weavers.

Your servant,

Sydney Holyfen