Details
DIGBY, George, 2nd Earl of Bristol (1612-1677, Royalist Commander). Three autograph letters signed and three letters signed, addressed to Charles I (one letter) and Prince Rupert (five), Wantage, Alnescott, Oxford (2), Broadway Down, and Evesham, n.d. ('at 7 at night') [July 1642], and 17 September 1643 - 27 April 1645, 4½ pages, folio in autograph, altogether 10 pages, folio, contemporary endorsements, two letters written partly in cipher, three integral address leaves (2 torn), seals (light dampstains, a few small tears, repairs, traces of guards).
Military letters, reporting to Charles the mustering of enemy troops near Marlborough: 'If these forces bee not very speedilye crusht wee shall have heere about very warme quarters and y[ou]r Ma[jes]ties forces been [in] danger of being Hemd in'. The letters to Prince Rupert convey the King's orders, at Alnescott being 'desirous to make all hast toward [the Lord Essex]' and asking about rebel positions near Cricklade; from Oxford asking for the prevention of discouraging rumours; from Broadway Down saying that Rupert 'will find us rais'd to comfortable Hopes from a state almost of Desperation'; the next month reporting the pursuit of Essex's force and the latter's attack at Williamscot 'finding us marching in supine negligence'; the following April writing of 'Cromwell's incursion into our quarters with 3000 horse and dragoones', the dangers to the King's army (at Oxford) and likely necessity of Rupert hastening to join them. (6)
Military letters, reporting to Charles the mustering of enemy troops near Marlborough: 'If these forces bee not very speedilye crusht wee shall have heere about very warme quarters and y[ou]r Ma[jes]ties forces been [in] danger of being Hemd in'. The letters to Prince Rupert convey the King's orders, at Alnescott being 'desirous to make all hast toward [the Lord Essex]' and asking about rebel positions near Cricklade; from Oxford asking for the prevention of discouraging rumours; from Broadway Down saying that Rupert 'will find us rais'd to comfortable Hopes from a state almost of Desperation'; the next month reporting the pursuit of Essex's force and the latter's attack at Williamscot 'finding us marching in supine negligence'; the following April writing of 'Cromwell's incursion into our quarters with 3000 horse and dragoones', the dangers to the King's army (at Oxford) and likely necessity of Rupert hastening to join them. (6)
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