Catalogue description Folios 140-141. A letter from the Earl of Malmesbury, Ringwood, [Hampshire], reporting...

Folios 140-141. A letter from the Earl of Malmesbury, Ringwood, [Hampshire], reporting that his hitherto 'peaceful Peasantry' are in a 'state of excitement'. He says the area is plagued with the worst sort of 'predatory bands' and that magistrates Mr J Mills, of [Bisbourn], and Mr Compton, of Manor House, have taken prompt measures against the 'rebels' and there is a meeting to be held in his jurisdiction.

He requires to know what government intentions are regarding the reforming of the yeomanry forces and whether military assistance would be available. He also mentions the events at Mr Coote's house, Fordingbridge, which suffered severely, as well as Newport, [Isle of Wight], and the [positioning of a corp of horse at the border with Dorset.].