Dear Sir,

Banbury surrendered to the King Yesterday, with its cannon (four or five) and arms; appx half its Garrison put themselves into the King’s Army; he has, thus, made Good on his Losses at Edgehill.

Rupert then called on the Estate of Lord Say, at Broughton. Rupert (as he put it) for the Cause of the King liberated some 100 load of corn, hay, and wheat; while his Troopers tore many books and writings in Lord Saye’s study into Pieces, or used them to Light their Pipes; mounted a Raid on the Park, and the Deer killed, but for a tame Stag, which was presented to Rupert, who pardoned the beast and Freed it (later revoked by the Troopers, who Consumed it). All trunks and chests broken open, linen carried away, as well as a Coach and eight good Horses. They Concluded by cutting open the Beds, releasing all the Feathers. In short, all the Mischief and spoil that Malice and Enmity could provoke such Savage mercenaries to commit.

We are now Camped (rather the Troopers are sprawled in a sort of Alcoholic Stupor) some miles from Oxford while the Royal Mind, at rest in his House at Woodstock, Broods on whether to Advance immediately on London (as Rupert pleads, berates, harangues, etc without Ceasing) or whether to first enter Oxford where the Scholars and the Universities wait with Open arms.

It’s my View the King (who like a Cushion bears the Imprint of the last Person who sat on him) will heed the Advice of Rupert (who does the most Sitting) and march on London after first Processioning through Oxford, where he will be Received, I am sure, by the Scholars and the Universities, with as much Joy and acclamation as the Muses gave unto Apollo. (The King greatly enjoys Cheers.) The Troopers much would prefer a Town they might Sack, and Loot, which is to say, London. The Scotsman Ruthven (not “Rooftin”) has been Appointed to the Thankless task of Lord General, replacing the tragic Lindsay. He seems not to Mind; yet, I would not Know if he Does, his Brogue being of such Depth to render his every Word meaningless to my ears.

Were you Aware that Capt Cromwell devised a Collar for Boy? It is a handsome thing of Leather, Inscribed with the Words, So my Master shall not Lose me. With the Compliment of Capt Cromwell’s Troop. Rupert was very angry and said, that he looks Forward, one day, to returning der geshenk mit verachtung (the gift, with scorn) to Capt Cromwell, and his neck putting it around and see if so funny he thinks it is.

That is All, at present; I will write Again when a decision is Taken.

William Firth, with the Mercenaries of the German Prince