Items Nos. 1-763. Letters Originated By Sir Samuel Luke at Newport Pagnell. On Each Item The Name of The Addressee Precedes The Date.

Summary

Memorandum by Luke of equipment needed for use at Newport.

[? Feb. 43/4.] 300 shovels and spades, 200 pickaxes, 500 wheelbarrows, 400 spars and 1,000 deal boards. (A.4. Roundell, p. 234.)

Warrant by [? Luke] to Constables of Chicheley, Bucks.

26.2.43/4. To bring into Newport to the quarters of Col. Montagu a load of hay, half a load of straw, and a quarter of good oats. (A.3.)

[Col. Aldridge.]

26.2.43/4. I have hereinclosed sent you all the news these parts afford. In case I can get a strength of horse from the Earl of Manchester to appear before Hillesden House, would you let me know what strength of horse and foot you can afford for that service. I have written to the Committee of Northampton for that purpose and desire your speedy answer. When I receive both answers I shall give you an account of what shall be concluded. (A.4.)

[Northamptonshire Committee.]

29.2.43/4. This great party being abroad will so employ the enemy that happily we may have some opportunity in these parts. Therefore if I should have any thought to attempt anything on Hillesden House let me know what strength of horse and foot you can afford me. I have written to Col. Aldridge for the same purpose. (A.4.)

Speaker of House of Commons.

[? March 43/4.] By reason of disobedience to your orders this poor garrison of Newport is not able to do you that service which I could wish. The Associated Counties have neither yet contributed to the monthly charge of it nor the charge of finishing the works, though I have not been wanting in soliciting them or the Earl of Manchester, who has been most ready to further me in all things I could desire, and has taken order in perfecting the foot, and has given a commission to Col. Ayloffe to raise out of this county 100 horse for this garrison according to your ordinance of 25 July 1643, and commanded my assistance.