The Hertford Correspondence. 229 
grant that yourself should nominate a Captain and commander of the horse- 
troop of the clergy of this country, so as he were a man fit for the service ; and 
the same to be signified by Sir Edward Penruddock. Since which time I have, 
neither from you nor him, received your lordship’s mind therein. And for that 
the time appointed for the muster draweth on, and that both the Captain and 
horse, with the arms thereto pertaining, might be answerable to his Majesty’s 
expectation, I desire your lordship’s speedy resolution, that, thereupon I may 
determine accordingly. And even so with my very hearty commendations I 
commit you to the heavenly protection. From my house at Amesbury, the last 
of August, 1608. Your Lordship’s very loving friend, 
HERTFORD. 
Sent by Thomas Harron his lordship’s 
servant, the 2nd of September, 1608. 
[ By the Bishop’s letter next following, dated on the same day as 
the above, it will be seen that he had not been remiss, having already 
fulfilled his required task of drawing out a schedule of the names 
of such of his clergy as he deemed chargeable with military 
contribution. | 
LETTER VIII. 
The Bishop to the Earl, concerning such of the Clergy as do find arms. 
My Very HonovrastE Goop Lorp, 
According to your lordship’s desire and my promise I have sent by this 
bearer, my Register [Registrar ?], a true note and abstract of such of my clergy 
within this County of Wilts as, either heretofore or now, have been or are thought 
fit to be charged with any warlike furniture both of horse and foot. Your lord- 
ship may find herein some alteration from the former, but the reason thereof is 
by means of the change of the Ministers themselves by death and otherwise. 
Howbeit the number both of horse and foot, especially those of the horse, is 
rather increased than diminished. I have taken some extraordinary pains myself 
in the due ordering and disposing of this business ; and having had sufficient means 
to acquaint myself thoroughly with their state and ability within my own diocese, 
I have upon good consideration and advice, dealt herein without partiality, as 
becometh me. My request unto your lordship on their behalf at this present is, 
that they may be with all kindness and favour at their hands to whom the 
managing of these occurrences under your lordship shall be committed, as well 
in respect of their function and calling as also in regard of their poor estate and 
condition. And even so with many thanks for my good entertainment, in all 
