The Privy Council (named), Whitehall, to [William Compton], Lord Compton,
- Clenennau letters and papers 348 [RESTRICTED ACCESS]
- Ffeil
- 1618, April 25.
Though the equipping and training of the forces of the Welsh counties has of late years drawn many directions from them, the Council still holds it expedient, both for the continuance of those bands which are complete in numbers and equipment and for supplying defects which upon view of the certificates appear to be more than they expected after so many frequent addresses, to call on William Compton for an effectual and speedy supply thereof, as conduces in consequence of state to the King's service and the defence and safety of the realm. Therefore, by the King's special command signified to the Council, they require William Compton according to his authority in the Welsh counties under his lieutenancy at some convenient time this summer to cause a general view to be taken of all the forces in those counties, both foot and horse, and an enrolment to be made of all the numbers, trained and untrained, and especially that the trained bands be made complete by supplying the places of such officers and others as are dead, insufficient or otherwise wanting with those of better quality and such other freeholders, farmers, owners of land or householders as are fit therefor. Let William Compton also see that the forces' arms are good and serviceable, namely, for the foot, muskets and pikes, for though many callivers are in various counties enrolled amongst the shot, William Compton knows that modern use excludes the calliver as unserviceable and not to be allowed upon any musters of arms; require him therefore to change such callivers as are amongst the county bands into muskets with as much convenience as he may for the advantage of the King's service. Whereas the numbers of horse have been so long neglected that they are for the most part defective in arms and serviceable horses, it is high time after so many admonitions that the troops of horse be filled and made complete with all necessary provisions and equipment, excepting only coats for foot and horse and conduct money, which may be spared until further order is given. Let William Compton also cause all the trained bands to be trained, exercised and displayed at such fit and convenient times and places as WC in his discretion finds expedient for the ease of the county and the better instructing of those forces in the use and practise of their armour, wherein it is especially required that all collecting captains, lieutenants and under-officers perform their duty according to the charges committed to them. No person is to excuse himself from this duty and service, except those known to be the King's servants at court. Such of the clergy as are appointed to find armour, let William Compton [according] to the list he received from the bishop likewise cause to be showed and trained as aforesaid. Lastly let such provisions be made of powder, match, bullets and carriages as has been thought expedient by former directions for the use of these counties, which are meet to be contained, observed and executed. Let William Compton have a special care for these things as a matter of special consequence and return a certificate thereof before the last day of Oct.