[281] i.e. umpire.
[282] Leet Book, 331.
[283] Madox, Firma Burgi, 217.
[284] The King was at Coventry at Christmas 1467, doubtless to keep an eye on Warwick's movements (Ramsay, ii. 327).
[285] Leet Book, 343. The mayor, William Saunders, dyer, gave £5 to the collection of money for the soldiers, so that poor people might be spared (Ib., 344). Either owing to the fact that the cause was unpopular, or that the people were weary of war, soldiers could not be had under 10d. a day. The air at this time was filled with rumours; one John Baldwin, cordwainer, of Dartmouth, had been committed to ward within the city for delivering treasonable letters in England, though he did it out "of innocence and simpleness," being unaware of their contents (Ib., 340).
[286] The first commission of array, dated Stamford, July 5, urged the citizens to send 100 archers against the rebels. The second (Newark, July 10) bade them hasten their preparations and make no risings or assemblies (Ib., 341, 343).
[287] See Oman, Warwick the King-maker.
[288] Leet Book, 342.
[289] A manifesto, issued July 12, calling upon all "true subjects to join Warwick in presenting certain articles of petition to the king" (v. Ramsay, ii. 337), is not mentioned in the Leet Book. The citizens of Coventry did not, it seems, join Warwick, they sent men to Edward (Leet Book, 345-6).
[290] Leet Book, 346.