180 The Hertford Correspondence. 



LETTER XIX. 



The Deputy Lieutenants to the Earl of Hertford offering divers 

 Reasons for deferring the Muster. 



Right Honourable : — Our duty remembered. Having received your lordship's 

 letters of the 18th of April, with directions enclosed, for a general muster to be 

 taken before the next term, of all the trained bands both horse and foot within 

 the county of Wilts, we came this day to the Devizes to meet the rest of the deputy- 

 lieutenants to agree upon some speed}' course for the putting in execution of the 

 service, where we find by reason of the sickness of Sir James Mervin and Sir 

 William Eyre, who are not able to travel in the service, and the absence of Sir 

 Giles Wroughton, being at London ; also we understand that Sir John St. John 

 lieth out of the county ; Mr. Hungerford being not settled in his regiment ; 

 two of the captains also being absent, and Mr. Duckett, another captain of that 

 regiment having lately broken his leg ; we cannot perform by the time prefixed 

 the service in such good and convenient sort as might answer your lordship's 

 honourable care and respect for the advancement of his Majesty's service, the 

 discharge of our duties, and the earnest desire we have for the better accom- 

 plishment thereof. Therefore we have presumed to offer these accidents to your 

 honourable consideration ; and if it stand with your lordship's pleasiu'e and 

 good liking, we desire that your lordship will be pleased at this time for these 

 causes to put over the musters until after harvest ; at which time there may be 

 general warning and notice given ; that thenceforward they expect to form the 

 service yearly at Whitsuntide. And remaining ready with our best and utter- 

 most endeavours to perform what your lordship shall be pleased to command us, 

 we humbly take our leave. From the Devizes, this 29th of April, 1611. Your 



lordship's at command. 



HENRY BAYNTON. 



WALTER VAEGHAN. 



Received at Letley, on Wednesday, 1st May, 

 by the hands of Sir Walter Vaughan, him- 

 self. His lordship yielded to their suit. 



LETTER XX. 



Lord Hertford to the Deputy Lieutenants and Justices of Peace 

 of the County, sitting at MaJborough, desiring them to consider 

 of a course for settling the Muster-master's Entertainment or 

 Salary. 



After my hearty commendations: — These are to remember you that about 

 four years since, I recommended to your consideration, by my letters, the neces- 

 sary employment of this bearer, Nicholas Stanter, for muster-master, desiring 



