A PERFECT DIURNAL OF THE PROCEED IN HARTFORD-SHIRE, From the 15. of August to the 29.  
Wherein is declared how the Earl of Bedford's Troops searched the Lord Capulets house, where they found arms sufficient to arm a thousand men.  
Also how they searched Sir Thomas Fanshaw's house, where they found two Pieces of Ordnance, barrels of Powder, Muskets and Pikes.  
With a true discovery of the great preparation that the said Sir Thomas Fanshaw hath made for the space of three months for some dangerous design, being one of the Commissioners of Array for that County.  
Whereunto is added an Information given by Sir Thomas Dakers (a Member of the House of Commons) intimating that he suspected the Earl of Bedford's Troops should have battle given them by Sir John Watson before they came to Hartford.  
Printed for W. M. Septemb. 1. 1642.   

A PERFECT DIURNAL of the Proceed in the County of HARTFORD, From Tuesday the 15. of August, to the 29. 1642.  
ON Tuesday the Earl of BEDFORD'S troops (by reason of an alarm from Hartford, that the Cavaliers were within six miles of the Town) were commanded at one a clock in the morning to put themselves in a posture of defence, and march towards Hartford; which they with great willingness performed. But on the way towards Hartford, at Hodsdon, Sir Thomas Dakers, a Parliament-man, met them, telling them, he feared they should have a battle betwixt that and Hartford, and, as he thought, near Sir john watson's house, withal encouraging them to proceed valiantly, intimating the justness of the cause, with many noble encouragements: which indeed served but as an addition to that honourable fire that ardently warmed their breasts, the Captains and Soldiers being so truly noble, and religiously valiant.  
Having parted from Sir Thomas Dakers, and arriving near the place where this supposed battle should be, Captain Ankle gave command that every man should charge with bullet, and by reason that every man was not accordingly provided, he desired those that were provided, to impart to others, promising supply when they came to the town. Nevertheless the Cavaliers appeared not, neither found they any opposition till they came within sight of the town, where they saw a Court of Guard, and some three bow-shoots on this side certain Sentries: which Captain Ankle seeing, sent out a Party to discover what they were: who coming up to the Sentries, they demanded the word, and for what cause or pretence they came so armed? Our Party told them, they had no command to resolve them any such demand, only that they were sent to demand the cause of their warlike appearance, and for what cause they had taken Arms: the Sentries desired the Party of Horse to march up to the Court of Guard, but they refused, only caused the Centrie to march to the head of their troop, which being done, they having informed the Captain what they were, the Captain drew out a Squadron of Horse, and (being conducted by the Sentries) marched up to the Court of Guard, where he found almost five hundred men completely armed, with their musket's presented against them, and their pikes half ported or charged: and at the entry of the town stood the whole Train band in a full body placed in a warlike equipage. The Court of Guard where he was demanded the word, which was Prevention: having given it them, he was by them conducted to the second Watch, being a Company of Pikes with Bows and Arrows, they conducted him to the Captain, who demanded by what authority he had brought his Forces to the town? The Captain told him that his Troup was raised by the Earl of BEDFORD, for the maintenance of the true Protestant Religion, the Laws of the Land, the safety of His Majesty's Person, and His Royal Posterity, the High Court of Parliament, and the Liberty and Propriety of the Subject: and having intelligence that the town was in danger of being opposed by the Cavaliers, against whom he and all his followers were resolved to adventure their lives, obliged thereunto by his duty to the Parliament, and his own honour, to give them his best aid and assistance against the disturbers of the peace of the Kingdom. Having spoke thus to them, they gave him a general welcome, conducting him through the Watches to his own Troop, opening their whole Body to the right and left, leaving a large distance for the Horse to pass through them, and giving them an unexpected welcome, showing themselves such fire-men as can hardly be bettered. Notwithstanding they find but hard usage in their provision both for Horse and man, paying eight pence a meal, come or come not, for mean diet. Wherefore they intent to petition the Parliament, that there may be a reasonable rate for diet set down, and for Oats and Hay, that this exaction may not continue.  
Since their abode there, Sir john Lucey and Sir john Watson came to the Bell at Hartford with certain Cavaliers, giving out that they intended to put the Commission of Array in execution, which caused us to arm ourselves, and stand right against the Bell, which the valiant Knights perceiving, stole out of the town.  
We march out daily to exercise, because we daily expect to be opposed. All our Troops from the greatest to the least stand well affected to the Parliament, and (I am confident) will do good service, if occasion serve, our Captain being a well experienced soldier, and our other Officers suitable both in skill and behaviour.  
On monday the 29. of August a Troop of Horse under the command of the Earl of BEDFORD, with the assistance of some Horsemen from London, marched to the Lord Capulets house, where they found arms sufficient to arm about a thousand men, with ten Horses, great Saddles, Pistols and Carbines. Likewise at Sir Thomas fanshaw's house were found two Pieces of Ordnance, with several barrels of Powder, Musket and Pikes: and is thought in the country that he is a great deal better provided, having kept two Gun-Smiths these three months in his house to mend and make arms clean, but for the present they cannot learn where they are bestowed.  
These are the chief of our Proceed in the County of Hartford, being in a very good Posture. The next return you shall hear from me. So I rest,  
Your loving friend, R. E. Hartf. Aug. 29. 1642.  
FINIS.