The Hertford Correspondence. 227 
LETTER V. 
Sir Thomas Gorges (of Longford Castle) to his lordship beseeching to 
, have the muster books. 
My HonovrasiLe Goop Lorn, 
The desire that I have to do this service imposed upon me (by and in your 
lordship’s love) with good effect and orderly means, [yet] being altogether here- 
tofore unacquainted with the like, makes me the more inquisitive and bold to 
attain the courses thereof, which I hope shall be shewn in the perfectness of the 
business. I humbly desire your lordship, as you at my last being with you 
seemed willing, to let me have the copy of your lordship’s muster books, whereby 
I may thoroughly instruct myself before the view, and the better satisfy your 
desire in our certificates unto your lordship. And thus craving pardon for my 
boldness, ready to do your lordship any service, I humbly take my leave: Your 
lordship’s ever to be commanded. 
THOMAS GORGES. 
Lanford, this 29th 
of August, 1608. 
Postscript. My good lord, I understand by some gentlemen of the North 
parts of Wilts that Sir John Ernley one of the Captains of the light horse is 
unable to serve in the place, because he is broken, and that he will be a suitor 
unto your lordship to be released ; which, if it happen, (and I have enquired) 
that no man is thereabouts more fit in my poor opinion than Sir George Ivie ; 
but the choice I will refer unto your lordship. 
Received at Amesbury, the 29th of 
August, by Roger Thursby. 
LETTER VI. 
Lord Hertford to his very loving friends the Deputy Lieutenants, 
prompting their vigilance. 
After my hearty commendations; albeit I nothing doubt of your wisdoms, care, 
and forwardness, for the accomplishment of his Majesty’s will and pleasure lately 
signified unto me by letters from the lords of his Majesty’s Highness’ Privy 
Council, whereof I sent you the copy touching a general view and muster to be 
had and taken of all the trained bands, both horse and foot, within this County 
of Wilts, and whereof we lately had conference, yet considering with myself the 
necessity of the service, in regard of the manifold defects that I fear to be both 
in men and arms; adding also thereto the backwardness to the vulgar, for the 
most part, in such services as out of their want of judgment they hold chargeable 
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