outguard of the towne was denied passage by the guard they alleadging, that C 
Gorge hath soe given order, that none must passe without his license ; whereupon 
we halted there about a quarter of an hour, and in the meantime sent to know of 
C Gorge what his meaninge was, who then gave a ticket for our passage which C 
Ceely took soe unkindly, he being the older Colonell, that he refused to march 
by the others leave; and by this meanes we were altogether disappointed of 
what in probability might have been easily effected ; I meane the ruine of our 
enemies, who were not in number above 160, as I am since very certainly 
informed ; and in a very tremblinge posture. Their horse are many of them 
very good, but the riders very ill accoutred for the most parte; yet notwith- 
- standing these discouragements, their purpose is, to pursue tomorrow with what 
horse they can make, and if possible joyne with the Sheriffe of Devon (to whome 
they have wrytten to that purpose) that soe they may, being united, if not take 
them at least disperse them; which I heare they begin to do already. Truely, 
Sir, I am hartily sorry to see these divisions, that are amongst us ; and truely 
though I cannot say that C Pyne and the others fully comply with the 
present government; yet I am verily perswaded, that they were very harty in 
_ this present worke; and I amsure have been formerly very good instruments 
for the secureing these partes, and for any publicue good; and therefore I 
cannot but be troubled, that C Gorge, aman but of yesterday, who hath not 
soe fully borne testimony against the cavaliers in former times, should soe 
much insult and greive the spirits of those gentlemen. I observed further 
yesterday, that C Gorge took some distaste at C Bovett, for that he, upon the 
alarum, entered the Castle of Taunton, aud secured it with some of the Company 
_ that formerly served him in the Militia, and refused to turne out his men again, 
and deliver the possession thereof to C Gorges. Indeed, my opinion is, that 
_ what Lieutenant Col Bovett did was meerly for the preservation of the place, 
_ without any sinister end; and to my knowledge was exceeding forward to 
further any designe against the enemy, and to reconcile divisions here. But I 
must begg your pardon for this trouble ; at present I shall not much inlarge, 
_ but desire, that if opportunity be offered, you will be pleased to acquaint my 
Lord herewith, which, with the tender of my reall and hearty respects to 
- you, is all at this time from, 
By W. W. Ravenhill, Esq. 135 
a Sir your most obliged servant, 
_ Taunton, March 14, 1654 (5) Witt1am Gover. 
_ The Superscription 
For my much honoured friend William Malyn Esq° Secretary to his highnes 
_ the Lord Protector these present at Whitehall. 
The Endorsement 
Sir, Being newly come to this towne with 4 troopes of our regiment, where 
- Major General Disbrowe will meete tomorrow, I thought it necessary for your 
helping us with intellegence in our pursuance of the enemy, to open your letter. 
_ Ihave honestly sealed it up againe, 
| Your humble servant, 
Shaftsberry March 15 1654 (5). Witiram Borerer.” 
_ On the following day, or the day after, Boteler was joined by 
q General Disbrowe and the forces from London, and Hampshire, and 
