Mr Holyfen,

Attached please find a brief Elaboration on the divisions within the King’s army over the matter of command. This aside, those following him, which yesterday rallied at Meriden Heath. His Forces now have the appearance of an actual Army: recruitment to his Standard has been Steady, helped not merely by the aid of the Kingdom’s Papists (money and tenants) but concern over the recent actions of Parliament, to wit, that any who refuse the Forced Loans will be declared Delinquent, disarmed, and property seized.

The King today makes for Kenilworth; Rupert, for Berkswell. I have heard two Items that may be of great Significance (but may be but the idle chatter of bored, wet, weary, hungry men): first, that some Irishman, now with Essex, plans to shift his Allegience to the King at the moment battle is joined; second, that battle may be some time in coming (if at all): Essex having made another Petition to the King, to discuss terms of Peace before the armies come to blows clash.

This morning, under the pretence of exercising Boy, I rode from our Camp, past Warwick Castle, and to Stratford. There I met the Van of Essex’ army, in the form of a detachment of some ill-visaged Dragoons, all the worse for Drink (I smelled beer and Perry) driving a herd of 20 Sheep. Where did they march? I asked, in the guide of a Yokel. Some d—mned place, they replied. Where did they come by the sheep and the Blankets? The house of some d—mned notorious Papist, said they. Were they aware that the main Body of the King’s army was not twenty miles north? No, we are not; said their Officer; you, Brat, are far too Inquisitive about matters none of your Business. He then demanded I give him Boy (who in his usual Riding position across my saddle, was observing the Deliberations with great Interest), as a Contribution to the cause of Parliament. At which point I took my leave; God sparing me from an untimely Death by causing the Officer’s pistol to misfire.

I did not advise Rupert of my discovery (trusting as I do in the agency of Guilliame the Norman, via Boy); and relate this Anecdote less to make an obvious point about the Quality of Essex’s Troops, than the fact I do not think either Army, knows the location of the other.

I will close by noting that the Mood in the Camp of the King, and particularly Rupert, is very good; with the expectation the men of Essex shall be as stubble to their swords.

Should you need to contact me, please again write in care of the Cat and String at Kineton.

I am, sir, thy humble Servant,

William Firth, with the Horse of Prince Rupert