On 21 January 1644 Sir Lewis wrote from Abingdon to Prince Rupert:—

May It Please Your Highness,

I shall, according to your command, endeavour to the utmost of my power to preserve the quarters allotted to your regiment from the spoil of those caterpillars that are come amongst us, which I believe will be a harder task to perform than to defend the town against the enemy: they came upon us sooner than we expected them, and before your regiment was removed, so that they found but indifferent quarters both for themselves and their horse, whereupon some of them have given us a taste of the severity we must expect from them. They fell foul first upon my quartermaster, beat his man, and forced the magazine, taking away a whole week’s provision, which was this day brought out of the country for the use of my troop, but I intend they shall give good satisfaction for it before they part, and if they mend not their manners, I shall make bold to hang up some of them for example to the rest. I hold it, sir, a great misfortune to be tied to this place, and kept from the happiness whereof I am most ambitious, which is to have the honour to be near your Highness and to wait on you upon all occasions of service; which, since I cannot do in person, may prayers shall continually attend you for a blessing from the Almighty upon all your actions and a malediction upon the heads of your enemies, which shall be the daily sacrifice of Your Highness’s

Most humble and most faithful servant,

Lewis Dives.

Abingdon, the 21st day of January, 1643 [44] .

On 25th a royal warrant was issued from Oxford :—

[signed] Charles R

Our will and pleasure is that forthwith you cause to be issued out of our Magazine under your charge Five barrels of powder with ball proportionable with a double proportion of match to be delivered to Sir Lewis Dyve knight for the use of our Garrison at Abbington. And for your soe doeinge this shalbee unto you a warrant: Given att our Court at Oxon. the 25th of January 1643. [44].

To Our right trusty & right Welbeloved Henry Lord Percy, Generali of our Artillery.