“Die Jovis, 15º Septembris, 1642. “Whereas information hath been given to the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, that seven great horses or geldings, of the Lord Herbert, son of the Earl of Worcester, were lately brought to the city of Gloucester, to be by them employed (as is justly suspected) upon some design against the Parliament; and that great endeavours are used by divers commissioners of array, and other ill-affected persons, in the several counties of Hereford, Monmouth, Glamorgan, Carmarthen, Brecknock, and Radnor, to draw the said counties by way of association against the Parliament, and their adherents, and in particular against the said city, as a place the most advantageous for the furtherance of their malignant designs; therefore upon the humble desire of the citizens of the said city of Gloucester, and for the better preservation of the safety of the said city, being a place of great importance, and of the counties and parts adjoining; it is thought fit and ORDERED by the said Lords and Commons, that the Mayor, aldermen, and citizens of the said city, shall have the use and disposal of the said horses, for the defence of the said city and parts adjacent, and the services of the Parliament; and that, for the same purpose, they shall have power to raise one or more troop or troops of horse and men, and to train, exercise, and employ the same, and other forces of the said city, as by the ordinance concerning the militia is appointed; and further, that, for their better encouragement and assistance in this behalf, some such small pieces of ordnance shall be forthwith sent down to the said city, to be used, ordered, and employed for the uses and purposes aforesaid, as to them shall seem most meet and expedient; and that they and every of them, in so doing, shall be protected and assisted by the power and authority of both Houses of Parliament.” The records of Gloucester frequently allude to these seven great horses, which were afterwards placed under the command of Lieutenant Backhouse, and kept together till the close of the war. In February, Lord Herbert wrote to Prince Rupert,[100] as follows:-- “MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HIGHNESS [Prince Rupert], “Your commands came unto me but the last night late, and being now upon making my entry into the Forest [of Dean], I cannot so suddenly execute the same; but as soon as it is any way feasible, there shall be no delay therein. Upon Thursday next, I have given order, that accordingly as I shall receive intelligence from the other side of Severn (which when I have taken order to receive), there shall be men sent over, hoping by that time to master all on this side of Severn. And in what I may I shall ever most readily obey your Highness’ commands, and remain, Sir, “Your Highness’ most affectionately devoted Servant, “ED. HERBERT. “Raglan Castle, “This Tuesday morning, 7th Feb. 1643.”