New interpretations are suggested for two terms in Docilis' letter found on a wooden tablet from Carlisle and published in Britannia 29 (1998), 34–84, no. 16 (= AE 1998, 839). Lanciarius does not refer to all the horsemen of ala I Gallorum, but only to those equipped with lancea-spears and subarmales are not weapons but felt-padded, rainproof doublets worn under the armour.