An Abstract OF SOME LETTERS SENT FROM DORCHESTER, To some friends in LONDON, Dated the 3. of Septem. 1642. CONTAINING A True Relation of the late proceedings of marquess Hartford and the Cavaliers, at Sherbon Castle, with the opposition of that and other adjacent Counties to those Proceedings.  
LONDON: Printed for Henry Overton, and are to be sold at his Shop in Popes-head Ally, 1642.   

AN ABSTRACT Of some Letters sent from Dorchester to some friends in London: dated the third of September, 1642.  
THe last week I wrote you of the progress that marquess Hartford and the Cavaliers had made, in the carrying on of their design in these parts, and how they have entrenched themselves in Sherbone Castle; and likewise of the daily increase of their Company, both Horse and foot; they continue still in the use of all means whereby to make themselves secure, and the place strong where they are; and the truth is, that its much to be feared, that this County is intended for the Seat of war, it being a Champion place, fit for the purpose, and the rottenness of the Gentry in these parts (we doubt) will be a strong inducement to draw all the Cavaliers with their Forces hither: Many places have been attempted for this purpose, but it seems the design would not take in other Counties, doubtless every Bush must be beaten before they will give up the Game.  
The marquess having received a Commission this last week to put in execution the Array, he sent Letters to the town and County of Poole, to show them that he had authority to preserve that Town in peace and safety, and thereupon required them to stand upon their Guard, and to oppose all others that should come by any authority whatsoever, to Array and Muster them; and in case they were unable of themselves, he would send them a hundred men: These Letters being received, two of the chief men in the town brought them to Dorchester, and presented them to Sir Walter Earl, and the rest of the Lieutenants, who immediately furnished these men with fifty pounds, and ordered them to get such men into the town as they might repose trust in, and by their help to make the place strong; and withal to apprehend one Mr. Antill (sometimes Minister of that Town) who brought these Letters to them, and to send him up to the Parliament: Also the marquess sent Mr. Lawrence the high-sheriff's son of this county unto Wareham (which is a considerable Port town, and will easily be made strong) with a commission to press a hundred men, & to billet them in the same place, and this Mr. Lawrence to be the captain over them: whereupon the townsmen laid hold of him, and put him into custody whilst they sent hither to the Deputy Lieutenants: but before the Messengers returned he had made an escape; however moneys were suddenly dispatched hence, that soldiers might be entertained into pay for the safety of the town; so that now both pool and Wareham are well fortified, and provided, the soldiers come in cheerfully, under the command of our captains. Captain Gould hath twenty men of his Bond that came riding to his house last week, and told him, that they had each of them a hundred pound a piece that they would spend in the cause. All our best justices of the Peace, are put out of their places, as Mr. Hollis, Sir Thomas Trenchard, Sir Wal●er Earl and his son, and Mr. Savage, and Mr. John Browne, &c. which were all right and good, and what they are which succeeded them, you may judge. Our Grand-jury are likewise put out, and others put in, which are men desperately enraged against the Parliament. The marquess sent lately for all our Justices, (such as they are) to come to Sherbone, where he showed them his Commission, and feasted them (as we are informed) they are men of malignant spirits, and cannot endure this word Reformation: Well, from thence they came to Dorchester to treat with the Deputy Lieutenants, concerning the marquess his quiet departure from Sherbone, which he is contented to do if they would undertake to secure his passage; Answer was made by Sir Walter Earl and the rest, that it was more than they could grant, but in case he would put himself into their custody, he should be safely conveyed to the Parliament, and there be brought to an Honourable trial.  
The next monday the Lord Bedford's forces and ours meet at Sherbone, the Lord Bedford brings 20000 with him, and eight or ten pieces of Ordnance: there is 1000 men will be with us this night out of Devonshire, and we have here two thousand to join with them, and four good pieces of ordnance. The marquess hath not with him above 500 horse, most of them base ones, as base as their masters, and betwixt three or four hundred foot, many of them being lousy fellows, that instead of fighting, will find enough to scratch, some among them (which are got in by compulsion) are of good rank: The town of Dorchester continues constant in their resolutions for King and Parliament, and to defend themselves and Magazine, if assaulted, and to that end continue their watching and fortifying daily, you know willing minds & stout hearts pass through all difficulties and expense, for they all contribute in pains and purse, according to their abilities, excepting one Mr. I. G. a man that you well know.  
The Cavaliers that are with the marquess commit many outrages daily in these parts, the last wedensday as we are credibly informed, two of them met a maid and ravished her, & then tied her to a tree stark naked, and stopped her mouth, but an honest man coming presently by, and seeing her, untied her, and took the cloth out of her mouth, & then she told him that they were two Horsemen that used her so cruelly, who told her they would go to such a place hard by to drink, who indeed did so and were there taken and apprehended and sent to Illchester goal.  
Three or 4 of them were coming through a little village near Sherbone, called Marston, and having been at an Alehouse by, and there heard of an honest man living in that parish, inquired for his house, and when they found it, asked for him, but the door they found fast shut, whereupon these rogues called out often to him by the simple name of Round-head, and he coming not forth to them, they shot three or four times through his door and so departed; they also rob many men and women, that country people dare scarce stir forth near Sherbone.  
Last thursday one of the Cavaliers killed a poor harmless man in the Market at Sherbone (being about his business) and without any the least occasion ran to him and struck him first with his stick, and then with his own sword into the skull. I hope we shall not be long troubled with them, had our Country been as others are, and our Gentlemen not so bad, we had been rid of them ere this, our fears lie chiefly now at Weymouth, (a considerable port town) which hath it it nigh upon twenty demi Culverins & above 40. Sakers and minion, the townsmen are so malignant, that they will not admit of any strength to be sent in out of the country: we offered them 150. men of a train bond, near them, being men they well know, and would have paid them 7. s. a week each man, but this offer was refused: you must pray for a good success to this weeks work, for it will be of much consequence.  

September 3. 1642.  
SInce my last, you may please to understand that the marquess with his company remains here still at Sherbone, and to outward appearance, intend to try their strength in this place, the truth is, they are necessitated thereunto by reason of the strictness of these forces in these parts, that have surrounded him. They have not above one thousand of horse and foot at this day. This day the marquess summoned all Blackmore to appear before him upon pain of death, but there was but ten that manifested their obedience to those summons. The new high sheriff of Somerset could not get above twelve men to assist the marquess, notwithstanding his zealous endeavours for this week together. The marquess his men begin to come from him already, some of his company have been lately taken by our party. Yesterday about eleven of the clock, the Lord of Bedford marched from Yeavell to Sherbon with twenty eight ensigns, most companies having above two hundred men in them, he hath left a double number behind him, which will be ready upon all occasions; but I hope the design will not require it, he brought now 8. pieces of Ordnance along with him. About two of the clock yesterday the Dorchester men, with those that came out of Devon, being 19 Companies, marched towards Sherbone with two Troops of horse, and 4 great pieces of Ordnance, containing about 32. c. a peace. I am now riding to the camp, and will write you further by the next. The Lord of Bedford hath 700 good horse there already, so that I hope these achan's will not escape Him.   
FINIS.