Hello Listers ~ This is my first request ~ As part of my desire to find out the background to my (HARVEY)) family history I have recently enjoyed trawling through film of the original entries in the Messing (Essex, UK) Parish Records from 1654 to 1812 . . . . . I found a most interesting entry about the military involvement of the village of Messing in the 1648 siege of the Cavalier Garrison at Colchester between 6th June and 54th September 1648. I need some assistance in deciphering a couple of things: [1] The document lists the Arms held by the Gentry and the Auxiliary footmen of Messing. I can read the word 'Musket' but I can't work out what is meant by the word: 'c---bolt.' This was a weapon of some kind. Can someone tell me what this is? It has been suggested to me that it reads: 'Crosscolt' or Cross Bolt' ~ but the writing looks too short for such a word. [2] There is also mention of the provision of "2 troop horses" and "1/2 a troop horses". Question: How many men comprised a Troop in those days. When I was a Boy Scout it used to be eight or sixteen! Look forward to your assistance, Frank Harvey ~ Australia.