Dear Sir,

We are marching toward Birmingham, there to rendezvous with the main part of the King's army. The intent -- as I understand the deep and mysterious Arts Military -- is to avoid the Parliament garrison at Castle Warwick, said to be a strong one (when the King's men paid it a visit in the Summer, the Commander met them on the Wall with a Bible in one hand, and his Shroud in the other, to display his Intent of Perishing before submitting to Tyranny and Popery) and attack Banbury, or perhaps bypass Banbury and march direct on London. Essex is near Worcester, according to scouts, spies, reports, and of course Guilliame of Normandy who though in Hell communicates through Boy. (That is a Joke.) The Dog and I have become great Friends, which means that Rupert, generally after supper and a pipe or two, is free with his ruminations on the King's Plans, and his criticisms thereof.

Briefly, and as clear as I can Write while this Cur nudges my hand and Begs for me to give him a Treat, or take him on a ramble, or throw a Stick, or other such Doggish entertainment, Rupert thinks Earl Lindsay, Captain-General of the King's army, is a stupid fool, and Lindsay thinks (according to Rupert) that Rupert is a brat (which he is, but a bold and brave one). Rupert wishes to organize the King's forces according to the models developed by Gustavus Adolphus of blessed memory; Lindsay, believing the officers and men are too inexperienced for such complicated Swedish maneuvering, prefers Dutch methods (designed, as they are, for a slower and stupider People). The Officers have chosen sides in this Debate, and to observe the Factions Argue, in the evening, after they've feasted and Drank, is greatly amusing. It would seem that Rupert will ask to be Exempted from obeying any Order but those delivered by Charles himself; which means, in practice, he can and will do whatever he sees Fit on the field of Battle, no Matter what Lindsay says, thinks, or does. While I have no real Conception as to the Result of this in Military affairs, it's my guess this practice in the field of Commerce, where I have some slight experience (thanks to you) would be Ruinous.

You mentioned in your last Letter, that you were considering a ride North, to observe the Fun for your own account. Should you choose to do so, I can be contacted through the Cat and String at Kineton, which happens to be in our Line of March; a good inn, very clean, the Proprietor a sober and industrious man.

I am thy humble servant, and the keeper of the Dog of Rupert,

William Firth, Dogsboy