Sir Henry was asked by the prince to send some of his troops across the river to watch the enemy, and he chose that commanded by Harry, rather for the sake of getting the lad away from the temptations and dissipation of Oxford than to give him an opportunity of distinguishing himself.

The troop commanded by Sir Ralph Willoughby was also on outpost duty, and lay at no great distance from the village in which Harry quartered his men after crossing the river.

The Roundhead cavalry were known to be but three or four miles away, and the utmost vigilance was necessary.
Harry gave orders that the troops should be distributed through the village--five men to a house.

Straw was to be brought in at night, and laid on the floor of the kitchens, and the men were there to sleep, with their arms by their sides, ready for instant service.

One of each party was to stand sentry over the five horses which were to be picketed to the palings in front of the house.