[^CORPUS OF EARLY ENGLISH CORRESPONDENCE SAMPLER
                      CEECS
(C) SOCIOLINGUISTICS AND LANGUAGE HISTORY PROJECT TEAM
                         1998
                  DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
                  UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI^]
<B ORIGINA1>

[^ORIGINAL LETTERS, ILLUSTRATIVE OF ENGLISH HISTORY; INCLUDING
NUMEROUS ROYAL LETTERS: FROM AUTOGRAPHS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM,
AND ONE OR TWO OTHER COLLECTIONS. VOL I. 2ND EDITION. ED. BY
ELLIS, HENRY. LONDON: HARDING, TRIPHOOK, AND LEPARD. 1825.^]

<Q OR1 1418? HCHICHELE>
<A HENRY CHICHELE>
<P 3>
[} [\LETTER II. ARCHBISHOP CHICHELE TO KING HENRY THE FIFTH.\]
}]
   Sovereyn Lord, after moost humble recommendacion with hele
bothe of body and of sowle, as zour selfe
<P 4>
and alle zour liege men desire, lyke zow to wyte that the first
Soneday of Lenton the dwk of Excester zour huncle sent for me to
the Frer Prechours, wer I fond with him zour preest and bedeman
Thomas Fyshborn, and ther he tok to me zour Lettre wryten with
zour owne hond in zour hoost be fore zour town of Faleys, be the
wich I undirstood, as I have at alle tymes, blessud be Almyzty
God, understonde, that a mong alle zour moost wordly occupacions
that any Prince may have in herthe, ze desire principaly
vertuous lyvyng and zour sowle heele; and for as myche as my
brother of Seint David as was zour confessour is in his best
tyme go to God, ze desire that I shold be the avys of zour uncle
a forseyd send zou in his stede a gode man an a clerk of
divinite to ocupie that offis til zour comyng into zour lond of
ynglond. And whan I hadde red zour honurable letter zour uncle a
forseyd seyd to me that he hadde comunyd with Sir Thomas
Fyschborn a forseyd be zour comaundement of this same matier,
and whow it semed to hym, if it lyked me, that Thomas Dyss a
frer prechour, mayster of divinite of the scole of Caumbrygge,
wer a good man and a sufficient ther to, and whow thei hadde
comunid with him ther offe, and al so with frere John Tylle the
provincial of the same Ordre ther offe; and considereng his good
name and fame as wel in good
<P 5>
and honest lyvyng as in clergie, I assentyd in to the same
persone, and so comuned with hym ther offe, and toold him owre
comun avis; and he hath ziven his assent ther to and ordeyneth
hym in alle hast to come to zour presence, so that I hop he
schal be with zou at the same tyme that zour chapel schal come:
and be the grace of God ze schol fynde hym a good man and a
spirituel, and pleyn to zu with owte feyntese. Forthermore
towchyng that ze desire to have licence to chese zou a confessor
&c. I sende zu a letter ther offe a seelyd undir my seel, with
sufficient power to do in that caas al that I myzt do my self in
caas I wer my self in zour roial presence. Towchyng al odr
things, I wol wel my lord your brother sendyth to zu pleynlych:
and ther fore undir zour Grace it semeth to me no more to vexe
zour Hygnesse with myche redyng: prayeng ever almyzty God suych
speed to graunt zou on zour moest ryal Journe that may be to his
plesaunce, and hasty perfourmeng of zour blessud entent, and
pees to cristen pepul. Amen. Wryten at Lamhyth xvj day of Febr.
   zour preest and bedeman
   H.C.

<Q OR1 1420 RWATERTON>
<A ROBERT WATERTON>
<P 6>
[} [\LETTER III. ROBERT WATERTON TO KING HENRY THE FIFTH.\] }]
   Ryght excellent hegh and ryght myghty Prynce, and most dredde
sovereyne Lorde I recomaunde me to zour heghnes als lowely as
any symple trewe liege man and sugette kan best thynke or
devyse, thankyng all myghty God of zour graciouse spede and
right grete conquest wyth the prosperite of zour awne persone,
my lorde of Clarence, my lorde of Exetre, and all my lordes
beyng there in zour worshipfull servyce, wyth all the remenaunt
of zour right worshipfull oste. Os I have conceyvid by zour
right honorable lettres wrytin at zour Cytee of Rouen the xij.
day of Marche, the whych I have receyvid ryght late syth Pask,
wyth othir zour lettres undir zour Pryve Seale, chargyng me to
assaye by all the menesse that I kan to exyte and stirre sych as
been able gentilmen wythin the shyre and the contree
<P 7>
that I dwell in, to kome ovyr to zowe at zour Wage, armyd and
arayde as langys to thaire astate, to do zowe servyce, and for
to certifie als wele to zowe os to zour Counsell of thaire
answere and thaire will, the whych zour hegh comaundement I have
bygunne to labour apon and sall trewely forthe dayly wyth all my
myght till I have perfourmd zour forsayde comaundement. And upon
Wedynsdaye next sall zour Justice sitte at Zorke opon the
deliverance of the Gaole there and a Cession of the Pees also,
at which tyme I suppose to speke with many of the gentyls there,
and als sone aftyr as I maye be answerd I sall certifie os zowe
hase lykid to comaunde me, wyth all the haste possible. Ryght
excellent, hegh, and ryght myghty Prynce and moste dredde
sovereyne Lorde I beseche the blissid Trinite to spede zowe and
kepe zowe, and all zour worshipfull oste, and sende zowe sone in
to zour roialme of Inglande wyth a joyouse maryage and a gude
pees for his mykill mercy. Writin at zour awne logge of
Metheleye the xij daye of Aprill
   zour trewe liege man and subgitte
   Robt. Wat'ton.

<Q OR1 1450S? EDWARD4>
<A EDWARD IV>
<P 9>
[} [\LETTER V. EDWARD THE FOURTH WHEN EARL OF MARCHE, AND HIS
BROTHER THE EARL OF RUTLAND, TO THEIR FATHER RICHARD DUKE OF
YORK.\] }]
   Ryght hiegh and ryght myghty Prince, oure ful redouted and
ryght noble lorde and ffadur, as lowely with all oure herts as
we youre trewe and naturell sonnes can or may, we recomaunde us
un to your noble grace, humbly besechyng your nobley & worthy
ffaderhode daily to yeve us your hertely blessyng: thrugh whiche
we trust muche the rather to encrees and growe to vertu, and to
spede the bettur in all matiers and things that we schall use,
occupie, and exercise. Ryght high and ryght myghty Prince, our
ful redouted lorde and ffadur, we thanke our blessed Lorde not
oonly of your honourable conduite and good spede in all your
matiers and besynesse, and of your gracious preuaile ayenst
thentent & malice of your evilwillers, but also of the knowelage
that hit pleased your nobley to lete us nowe late have of the
same by relacion of Syr Watier Deureux knyght, and John
<P 10>
Milewatier squier, and John at Nokes yemon of your honorable
chambur. Also we thonke your noblesse and good ffadurhod of our
grene gownes nowe late sende unto us to our grete comfort;
beseching your good lordeschip to remembre our porteux, and that
we myght have summe fyne bonetts sende un to us by the next
seure messig', for necessite so requireth. Overe this, ryght
noble lord and ffadur, please hit your highnesse to witte that
we have charged your servant William Smyth berer of thees for to
declare un to your nobley certayne things on our behalf, namely
concernyng and touching the odieux reule and demenyng of Richard
Crofte and of his brother. Wherefore we beseche your graciouse
lordeschip and full noble ffadurhood to here him in exposicion
of the same, and to his relacion to yeve ful feith and credence.
Ryght hiegh and ryght myghty Prince, our ful redoubted and ryght
noble lorde and ffadur, we beseche almyghty Jhu~ yeve yowe as
good lyfe and long with asmuche contenual perfite prosperite as
your princely hert con best desir. Writen at your Castill of
Lodelowe on Setursday in the Astur Woke.
   Your humble sonnes
   E. Marche and
   E. Rutlonde.

<Q OR1 1452 RICHARDY>
<A RICHARD DUKE OF YORK>
<P 11>
[} [\LETTER VI. RICHARD DUKE OF YORK TO THE CITIZENS OF
SHREWSBURY.\] }]
   Right worshipful friends, I recommend me unto you, and I
suppose it is well known unto you, as well by experience as by
common language said and reported throughout all Christendom,
what laud, what worship, honour, and manhood was ascribed of all
Nations unto the people of this Realm, whilst the Kingdom's
Sovereign Lord stood possessed of his Lordship in the realm of
France, and Dutchy of Normandy; and what derogation, loss of
merchandize, lesion of honour, and villany, is said and reported
generally unto the English nation, for loss of the same; namely
unto the Duke of Somerset, when he had the commandance and
charge thereof: the which loss hath caused and encouraged the
King's enemies for to conquer and get Gascony and Gyanne, and
now daily they make their advance for to lay siege unto Calais,
and to other places in the Marches there, for to apply them to
their obeisance, and so for to come into the land with great
puissance; to the final destruction
<P 12>
thereof, if they might prevail, and to put the land in their
subjection, which God defend. And on the other part it is to be
supposed it is not unknown to you, how that, after my coming out
of Ireland, I, as the King's true liege man, and servant, and
ever shall be to my life's end, and for my true acquital,
perceiving the inconvenience before rehearsed, advised his Royal
Majesty of certain Articles concerning the weal and safeguard,
as well of his most royal person, as the tranquillity and
conservation of all this his realm: the which Advertisements,
how be it that it was thought that they were full necessary,
were laid apart, and to be of none effect, through the envy,
malice, and untruth of the said Duke of Somerset; which for my
truth, faith, and allegiance that I owe unto the King, and the
good will and favour that I have to all the Realm, laboureth
continually about the Kings Highness for my undoing, and to
corrupt my blood, and to disherit me and my heirs, and such
persons as be about me, without any desert or cause done or
attempted on my part or theirs, I make our Lord Judge.
Wherefore, worshipful Friends, to the intent that every man
shall know my purpose, and desire for to declare me such as I
am, I signify unto you that with the help and supportation of
Almighty God, and of our Lady, and of all the Company of Heaven,
I, after long sufferance and delays, not my will or intent to
displease my sovereign Lord, seeing that the said
<P 13>
Duke ever prevaileth and ruleth about the King's person, that by
this means the land is likely to be destroyed, am fully
concluded to proceed in all haste against him, with the help of
my kinsmen and friends; in such wise, that it shall prove to
promote ease, peace, tranquillity, and safeguard of all this
land: and more, keeping me within the bounds of my liegeance as
it pertaineth to my duty, praying and exhorting you, to fortify,
enforce, and assist me, and to come to me with all diligence,
wheresoever I shall be, or draw, with as many goodly and likely
men as ye may make to execute the intent abovesaid. Written
under my signet at my Castle of Ludlow, the 3rd day of February.
Furthermore I pray you, that such strait appointment and
ordinance be made, that the people which shall come in your
fellowship, or be sent unto me by your agreement, be demeaned in
such wise, by the way, that they do no offence, nor robbery, nor
oppression upon the people, in lesion of justice. Written as
above, &c.
   Youre good Frend
   R. York.
   To my right worshipful Friends, the Bailiffs, Burgesses, and
Commons of the good Town of Shroesbury.

<Q OR1 1492? HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P 18>
[} [\LETTER X. KING HENRY THE VII=TH=. TO THE EARL OF ORMOND.\]
}] 
   By the King.
   Right trusty and right welbeloved Cousin we greete you wele,
and have tidings that our Rebelles landed
<P 19>
the vth daye of this Moneth in our land of Irland. Wherfore, and
forasmoche as we have sent for our derrest wif and for our
derrest moder to come unto us, and that we wold have your advis
and counsail also in soche matiers as we have to doo for the
subduyng of our said Rebelles, we praie you that, yeving your
due attendaunce uppon our said derrest wif and lady moder, ye
come with thaym unto us; not failing herof as ye purpose to doo
us plaisir. Yeven undre our Signett at our Castell of Kenelworth
the xiij daye of Maye.
   To our right trustie and right welbeloved Cousin Th'erl of
Ormond, Chamberlan to our derrest Wif the Quene.

<Q OR1 1495? HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P 19>
[} [\LETTER XI. KING HENRY THE VII=TH=. TO SIR GILBERT TALBOT,
KNIGHT.\] }] 
   H. R. By the King.
   Trusty and welbeloved we grete you wele. And not forgeting
the grete malice that the lady Margarete
<P 20>
of Burgoigne bereth contynuelly against us, as she shewed lately
in sending hider of a fayned boye, surmising him to have been
the son of the Duc of Clarence, and caused him to bee
accompanyed with Th'erl of Lincoln, the Lord Lovel, and with a
grete multitude of Irisshemen and of Almains, whoes end blessed
bee God was as ye knowe wele. And forseing nowe the perseverance
of the same her malice, by th'untrue contriving eftsones of an
othr fayned lad called Perkin Warbek, born at Tournay in
Picardy, which at his furst into Irland called himself the
bastard son of king Richard; after that the son of the said Duc
of Clarence; and now the secund son of our fadre King Edward the
iiij=th=, whom God assoille; werethorough she entendeth by
promising unto the Flemynges and othr of Th'archedukes
obeissaunce, to whom she laboureth dailly to take her way, and,
by hir promes to c'tain aliens Capitains of estrange nacions, to
have Duchies, Counties, Baronies, and othr landes within this
our Royaume to induce theim therby to lande her to the
distruction and disinheritaunce of the noble men and other our
subgiettes thinhabitantes of the same, and finally to the
subversion of this our Royaume in cas she may atteigne to her
malicious propos that God defende. We therfor, and to thentent
that we may be alway purveied and in aredynes to resiste her
malice, write unto you at this tyme; and wol and desire you that
prepairing on
<P 21>
horsbak, defensibly arraied, four score personnes, wherof we
desire you to make asmany speres with their custrelles and di.
lances wele horsed as ye can furnisshe, and the remaynder to bee
archers and billes, ye bee thoroughly appointed and redy to
comme upon a day warnyng for to do us service of warre in this
caas. And ye shalhave for every horsman wele and defensibly
arrayed, that is to say for a spere and his custrel xij=d=. a
di. lance ix=d=. and an archer or bille on horsback viij=d=. by
the day, from the tyme of zour commyng out unto the tyme of your
retourne to your home again. And thus doing ye shall deserve
suche thankes of us for your loving and true acquitaill in that
behalf as shalbe to your weale and honor for tyme to come. We
praye you herein ye wol make suche delegens as that ye be redy
with your said nombre to come unto us uppon any our sodein
warnyng. Yeven undr our Signet at oure Castel of Kenilworth the
xx. day of July.
   To oure trusty and welbeloved Knight and Conseillor Sir
Gilbert Talbot.

<Q OR1 1497 HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P 32>
[} [\LETTER XIV. SECOND LETTER OF KING HENRY THE VII=TH=. TO SIR
GILBERT TALBOT. A. D. 1497.\] }] 
   H. R. By the King.
   Trusty and welbeloved we grete you wele, signifying unto you
that wher as Perkin Warbek and his wif were lately sette ful
porely to the See by the King of Scottes, and aftre that landed
within our land of Irland in the wylde Irissherie, where he had
be taken by our Cousins Th'erls of Kildare and of Desmond if he
and his said wif had not secretly stollen away. The same Perkyn
being soe upon the See, is commen to land in our Countie of
Cornewaille with ij. small shippes and a Breton prinse, wherupon
we have sent
<P 33>
our right trusty counseillour the lord Daubeney our chamberlayn
by land toward thoes parties, to arredie our subgiettes for the
subduyng of hym, and our right trusty counseillour the lord
Broke, steward of our household, by water with our armee on the
See now late retourned, to take the said Perkyn if he retorne
agayn to the See. And we shall in our owne persone, if the case
soo requir, goo soe accompanyed thiderward with our lordes mercy
withoute delay, as we shal subdue the said Perkyn and all othre
that wil take his part if eny such be. And therfore we hertily
pray you to addresse you unto us with six score talle men on
horsback defensibly arrayed, and no moo, without eny long delay.
And to mete with us at our manoir of Wodestok the xxiiij=th= day
of this present Moneth; and at your commyng unto us we shal soe
content your for your and thair conduyt money, and also wages,
as of reason ye shal holde you pleased; and that ye faille not
herof as our espesial trust is in you. Zeven undre undre our
Signet at our said Manoir the xijth day of Septembre.
   "To our trusty and welbeloved knight for our body Sir Gilbert
Talbot."

<Q OR1 1490S HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P 34>
[} [\LETTER XV. KING HENRY VIITH TO THE BISHOP OF BATH AND
WELLS.\] }] [^TO DR. OLIVER KING^]
   By the Kinge
   Right reverend father in God, right trusty and welbeloved wee
greete yow well, and have received your wryteinge by the which
wee conceive how there is word that Perkin is landed. Truth it
is that hee is soe landed, and at our Commons of Cornwall take
his parte, amongst whom on Munday last the eighteenth day of
September there was not one gentleman. On Sunday the
seaventeenth of September, Perkin and his company came afore our
Citty of Excester about one, after noone; and there inranged
themselves in the manner of a battell by the space of two
howers. Within that our Citty were our couzen of Devonshire, Sir
William Courtney, Sir Jo. Sapcotes, Sir Piers Edgecombe, Sir Jo.
Croker, Sir Walter Courteney, Sir Humfrey Fulforth, with many
other noble men both of our Counties of Devonshire and
Cornewall. This Perkin sent for to have deliverance of our said
Citty, which was denyed
<P 35>
unto him by our said couzen. Whereupon Perkin and his company
went to the East gate, and to the Norther gate, and assaulted
the same, but it was soe defended (blessed bee God) that Perkin
lost above three or foure hundred men of his company, and so
failed of his intention. On the morrow after, the eighteenth
day, Perkin and our rebels made a new assalt at the said Norther
gate and Ester gate, like as by the Copy of the lettres from our
said couzen of Devonshire inclosed yee shall move to understand
more at large. The Perkin and his company, if they come forward,
shall find before them our Chamberlayn, our Steward of
Houshould, the Lord Saint Mourice, Sir John Cheney, and the
Noblemen of Southwales and of our Counties of Gloster,
Wiltshire, Hamshire, Somersett, and Dorcet; and at their backe
the garison of our said City of Excester. And wee with our hoast
royall shall not be farre, with the mercy of our Lord, for the
finall conclusion of the matter. Wee have done proclaimed alsoo
that who soe bringeth the said Perkin on live unto us hee shall
have the some of a thousand marks, and all those that give
theire offences first and last. Wee trust soone to heare good
tydings of the said Perkin. Yeoven under our Signet at our
Mannor of Woodstocke the twentith of September.

<Q OR1 1490S? HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P 39>
[} [\LETTER XIX. KING HENRY VIITH TO SIR WILLIAM SAY.\] }] 
<P 40>
   By the King.
   Trusty and welbeloved, We grete you wele. And have herde to
our great displeaser, that, for a certain variance and
controversie depending betwix you on the oon partie and Sir John
Fortescu on the othr, ye entende with unliefull assembles and
conventicles of our people to be at the Sessions next to be
holden within our Countie of Hertford, to thaffraying of our
Peas, and distourbance of the same Sessions, which we ne wold,
in eschueing such trouble and inconvenients that by likelyhode
might therupon ensue. Wherfore we write unto you at this tyme,
commanding you in the straitest wise, that, leving the said
assembles, ye forber to bee at the said Sessions, and neither
doo ner procure to be doon any thing there, privately or
apertely, repugnant to the equitie of our Lawes or rupture of
our said Peas, at your uttermost perell. And also that
immediately after the sight hereof ye addresse you unto our
presence, to knowe our further mynde and pleasur in the
premesses. Lating you wite that we have writen in like wise
herein to the said Sir John. Yeven under our Signet at our
paloys of Westminster the xxiij day of February.
   To our Trusty and welbeloved Knight Sir William Say.

<Q OR1 1504? MTTUDOR>
<A MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND>
<P 41>
[} [\LETTER XX. MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND TO HER FATHER KING
HENRY THE VII=TH=. THE LAST NINE LINES ONLY IN THE QUEEN'S
HAND.\] }]
   My most dere lorde and fader in the most humble wyse that I
can thynke I recummaund me unto your Grace besechyng you off
your dayly blessyng, and that it will please you to yeve hartely
thankes to all your servauntts the whych be your commaundement
have geven ryght good attendaunce on me at this tyme, and
specially to all thes ladies and jantilwomen which hath
accompeneyed me hydder, and to geff credence to thys good lady
the berar her off, for I have showde hyr mor off my mynd than I
will wryght at thys tyme. Sir, I beseche your Grace to be good
and gracious
<P 42>
lorde to Thomas, whych was footman to the Quene my moder, whos
sowle God have soyle; for he hath byn on off my fotemen hydder
with as great diligence and labur to hys great charge of his
awne good and true mynde. I am not able to recumpence hym,
except the favor off your Grace. Sir, as for newys I have none
to send, but that my lorde of Surrey ys yn great favor with the
Kyng her that he cannott forber the companey off hym no tyme off
the day. He and the bichopp off Murrey orderth every thyng as
nyght as they can to the Kyngs pleasur. I pray God it may be for
my por hartts ease in tyme to come. They calnot my Chamberlayne
to them, whych I am sur wull speke better for my part than any
off them that ben off that consell. And iff he speke any thyng
for my cause my lord of Surrey hath such wordds unto hym that he
dar speke no furder. God send me comford to hys pleasur, and
that I and myne that ben lefftt her with me be well entretid
such wayse as they have taken. For Godes sak Syr, oulde mea
escwsyd that I wryt not my sylf to your Grace, for I han no
layfyr thys tym, bot wyt a wishse I would I wer wyt your Grace
now, and many tyms mor, wan I wold andsyr. As for thys that I
have wrytyn to your Grace, yt ys wery tru, bot I pray God I may
fynd yt wel for my welef erefter. No more to your Grace at this
tym, bot our Lord han
<P 43>
you en ys kepyng. Wrytyn wyt the hand of your humble douter
   Margaret.

<Q OR1 1500S HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P 43>
[} [\LETTER XXI. KING HENRY THE VIITH TO HIS MOTHER, MARGARET
COUNTESS OF RICHMOND.\] }] 
   Madam, my most enterely wilbeloved Lady and Moder, I
recommende me unto you in the most humble and lauly wise that I
can, beseeching you of your dayly and continuall blessings. By
your Confessour the berrer I have reseived your good and most
loving wryting, and by the same have herde at good leisure such
credense as he would shewe unto me on your behalf, and thereupon
have spedde him in every be halve withowte delai according to
yowr noble petition
<P 44>
and desire, which restith in two principall poynts: the one for
a generall pardon for all manner causes: the other is for to
altre and chaunge part of a Lycense which I had gyven unto you
before for to be put into mortmain at Westmynster; and now to be
converted into the University of Cambridge for your Soule
helthe, &c. All which thyngs according to your desire and
plesure I have with all my herte and goode wille giffen and
graunted unto you. And my Dame, not onely in this but in all
other thyngs that I may knowe should be to youre honour and
plesure and weale of youre salle I shall be as glad to plese you
as youre herte can desire hit, and I knowe welle that I am as
much bounden so to doe as any creture lyvyng, for the grete and
singular moderly love and affection that hit hath plesed you at
all tymes to ber towards me. Wherfore myne owen most lovyng
moder, in my most herty manner I thank you, beseeching you of
your goode contynuance in the same. And Madame, your said
Confessour hath more over shewne unto me on youre behalve that
ye of your goodnesse and kynde disposition have gyven and
graunted unto me such title and intereste as ye have or ought to
have in such debts and duties which is oweing and dew unto you
in Fraunce by ye Frenche Kynge and others, wherfore Madame in my
most herty and humble wise I thanke You. Howbeit I verrayly
[{think{] hit will be ryght harde to recover hit
<P 45>
without hit be dryven by compulsion and force, rather than by
any true justice which is not yet al we thynke any convenyant
tyme to be put in execution. Nevertheless it hath plesed you to
gyve us a good interest & meane if they woull not conforme
thayme to rayson and good justice to diffende or offende at a
convenyant tyme when the caas shall so require herafter. For
such a chaunce may fall that thys your graunte might stande in
grete stead for a recovery of our Right, and to make us free,
wheras we be now bounde &c. And verrayly Madame, and I myht
recover hit at this tyme or any other, Ye be sure ye shulde have
your plesure therin, as I and all that God has given me is and
shall ever [{be{] at youre will and commaundment, as I have
instructed Master Fisher more largely herin, as I doubte not but
he wolle declare unto you. And I beseeche you to sende me youre
mynde and plesure in the same, which I shall be full glad to
followe with Goddis grace, which sende and gyve unto you the
full accomplyshment of all youre noble and vertuous desyrs.
Written at Grenewiche the 17 day of July, with the hande of
youre most humble and lovynge sonne
   H. R.
   After the wryting of thys Letter, your Confessour delyvered
unto me such Letters and wrytings obligatory of your duties in
Fraunce which hit hath plesed
<P 46>
you to sende unto me, which I have received by an Indenture of
every parcell of ye same. Wherfore eftsoons in my most humble
wise I thank you, and I purpose hereafter, at better leisure, to
knowe youre mynde and plesure further therein. Madame I have
encombred you now with thys my longe wrytings, but me thyngks
that I can doo no less, considering that hit is so selden that I
do wryte, wherfore I beseeche you to pardon me, for verrayly
Madame my syghte is nothing so perfitt as it has ben; and I know
well hit will appayre dayly; wherfore I trust that you will not
be displesed though I wryte not so often with myne owne hand,
for on my fayth I have ben three dayes or I colde make an ende
of this Letter.
   To My Lady.

<Q OR1 1490S? MBEAUFORT>
<A QUEEN MARGARET>
<P 46>
[} [\LETTER XXII. MARGARET MOTHER OF HENRY THE VIITH, TO HER
SON; SIGNING AS QUEEN.\] }] 
   My oune suet and most deere Kynge and all my worldly joy, yn
as humble maner as y can thynke y recommand me to your Grace,
and moste hertely beseche
<P 47>
our lord to blesse you; and my good herte wher that you sa that
the Frenshe Kyng hathe at thys tyme gevyn me courteyse answer
and wretyn ... lettyre of favour to hys corte of Parlyment for
the treve expedicyon of my mater whyche soo long hathe hangyd,
the whyche y well know he dothe expecially for your sake, for
the whyche my ... ly beseeche your Grace yt ... to gyve hym your
favourabyll ... thanks and to desyr hym to contenew hys
...yn.e.me. And, yeve yt soo myght leke your Grace, to do the
same to the Cardynall, whyche as I understond ys your feythfull
trew and lovyng servant. Y wysse my very joy, as y efte have
shewed, and y fortune to gete thys or eny parte therof, ther
shall nedyr be that or eny good y have but yt shalbe yours, and
at your comaundement as seurly and with as good a wyll as eny ye
have yn your cofyrs, as wuld God ye cowd know yt as veryly as y
thynke yt. But my der herte, y wull no more encombyr your Grace
with ferder wrytyng yn thys matter, for y ame seure your
chapeleyn and servante Doctour Whytston hathe shewed your
Hyghnes the cyrcomstance of the same. And yeve yt soo may plese
your Grace, y humbly beseche the same to yeve ferdyr credense
also to thys berer. And Our Lord gyve you as longe good lyfe,
helthe, and joy, as your moste nobyll herte can dessyre, with as
herty blessyngs as our Lord hathe gevyn me power to
<P 48>
gyve you. At Colynweston the xiiij=th= day of January, by your
feythfull trewe bedwoman, and humble modyr,
   Margaret R.

<Q OR1 1513 MTTUDOR>
<A MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND>
<P 64>
[} [\LETTER XXV. MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND TO KING HENRY
VIII=TH=.\] }] 
   Richt excellennt, richt hie and mithty Prince, our derrest
and best belovit Brothir, We commend ws unto zow in oure maist
hertlie wise. Zoure ambassadoure Doctoure West deliverit ws
zoure lovyng lettrez in quhiwis ze schew ws that quhare ze harde
of our seiknes ze tuke grete hevynes. Deerest brother We ar
greitly rejosit that we se ze have respect to oure
<P 65>
disese, and thairfor We geve zou oure hartlie thankis, and zoure
writing is to ws gude confort. We can nocht beleve that of zoure
mynd or be zoure command we are sa friendly delt with in oure
faderis Legacy, quharof we wald nocht have spokyn nor writing
had nocht the Doctoure now spokyn to ws of the sammyn in his
credence. Oure husband knawis it is withhaldin for his saik, and
will recompens ws safer as the Doctoure schew him. We ar
eschamit thairwith; and wald God nevir word had bene tharof. It
is nocht worth sic estimacioun as is in zoure divers lettrez of
the sammyn; and we lak na thing; our husband is evir the langer
the better to ws, as knawis God, quha richt hie and michty
Prince, oure derrest and bestbelovit brothir, have zou in
governaunce. Geven under oure Signete at oure Palace of
Linlithg=w=. the xj day of Aprile.
   Your lowynn syster 
   Margaret.
To the richt excellent richt hie and michty Prince oure derrest
and best belovit brothir the King of England.

<Q OR1 1513 TDACRE>
<A THOMAS LORD DACRE>
<P 92>
[} [\LETTER XXXIV. THOMAS LORD DACRE TO KING HENRY THE EIGHTH.
A. D. 1513.\] }] 
<P 93>
   Pleas it your Highnes to knowe I have receyved your most
honourable Lettres of your gracious thanks for my pure service
done to your Grace according to my dieuty, which is to me the
most singler comforth and rejoysing I can have; for by the same
I well perceyve yo=r= Highnes regardeth not the sinistre reaport
or rumor surmised ayenst me, ne your Grace regardeth or geveth
ony credence thereunto, wherby I am bounde the rather to doun to
your Highnes the most laudable and acceptable service I can or
may do, and so shall undoutedly at all my power: and where as by
the same your most honorable letters I understond your pleasor
and commaundment is that I shold effectually procede to the
spedy execucion of ij Roods opon the West and Medyll Marches to
the most annoyaunce of the Scotts that I possibly may, like it
your Grace to knowe
   Opon Thuresday last past I assembled your subgietts in
Northumbreland to the nombre of a thousand
<P 94>
horsmen, and rode in at Gallespeth and so to the watre of Kale
two myle within Scotland, and there set furth two foreyes; my
broder Philipp Dacre with ccc. men which burnt and distroyed the
Town of Rowcastell with all the cornes in the same and
thereabouts, and wan two towres in it, and burnt both roffe and
flores: and Sir Roger Fenwike with ccc. men burnt the Town of
Langton and distroyed all the cornes therein: which Townes er in
the hert of the countre two myle beyond Jedworth opon the watere
of Chevyot. And I come with a stale to a place called the
Dungyon, a myle from Jedworth, and so went to the Sclater furd
on the water of Bowset, and there the Scotts persewed us right
sore, ther bekered with us, and gave us hand stroks; there come
thre standards to bak theym, that is to say David Karr of
Fernehirst and the lard of Boudgedworth opon the oon side, and
the sheriff of Tevidale on the othre side, with the nombre of
dcc. men or mo. The lard of Walghope was hurt there with oon
arrowe and his hors slane; Mark Trumbill was strikken with a
spere and the hede left in hym, his hors was won, and diverse
Scotesmen were hurt there. And so we come forwards, where we saw
my broder Syr Cristofer Dacre with his oste arreyed at a place
called the Bellyng, which was to us no litill comforth, and to
hym gret gladnes seyng the small power we were of at that tyme.
   My said broder come in at Cressopbrige and there
<P 95>
entred the Medyll marches, and so come thorow Ledesdale to the
rughes wyre, xiiij myle within the ground of Scotland, and there
he put furth two forreyes: Syr John Ratclif with fyve hundreth
men in oon, which burnt the town of Dyker sex myle from the said
swyre with a towre in the same, thei layed corne and straw to
the dore and burnt it both rofe and flore, and so smoked theym
owt. Also the said Syr John and his company burnt the Townnes of
Sowdon and Lurchestrother with a towre in it, and distroyed all
the cornes about theym and toke diverse prisoners with much
insight and goods. Nicholes Haryngton, Nicholes Rydley, Thomas
Medilton, and George Skelton with othre to the nombre of fyve
hundreth in the othre forrey burnt the towne of Hyndhalghehede
and a towre in the same flore and rofe; and in likewise the
townnes of West sawsyde and Est sawsyde, with a Pele of lyme and
stane in it: and my said broder Syr Cristofer, with two thousand
horsmen and cccc. fute men with bowes for savegard of thost in
strayts come in a stale to Dykerawe; and there the said forreyes
releved to hym, and so come forward and met me. We had not
rydden above the space of a myle when we sawe the Lord
Chambrelane appere in our sight with ij M. men, and four
standerds; the othre thre standerds resorted to hym and so the
countre drew fast to theym. We put us in arreye and come
homeworde and rode no faster then nowr
<P 96>
shepp and swyne that we had won wold dryve, which was of no gret
substance, for the countre was warned of our comyng and the
bekyns burnt fro mydnyght forward. And when the Scotts had geven
us overe we retourned home and come in at the Redeswyre. I come
to Harbotill at mydnyght: my broder Syr Cristofer lay that night
at the towre of Otterburne, and opon the morne to Hexham, and
his folks in other townnes opon the water of Tyne, and, on the
thrid day at home, as many as might git.
   Sir I se not the gentilmen of the countre in a redynes for
defence of your bordoures, for certen of theym to whome I had
geven warnyng, as my Lord Ogle which promised to com to me, the
constable of Alnewike, and othre, trustyng thei wold have bene
glad to do your Grace service accordingly as thei have done to
your Wardens in tyme of werre, come not to me at the place
appoynted, wherby I was not accompayned as I thoght to have
bene. I was councelled and avised by my guyds to have rejorned
my purpose, and so wold have done, but oonly that I had
appoynted with my broder Syr Cristofer to mete hym in Scotland,
for he departed fro me to the West Merches to bryng my folks
from thens whome I might not disappoynt for I had no space to
gif him warnyng, it was xxx=ti=. myle fro me and more, and els I
had not keped my purpose which not is performed thanked be
Jhesu, and all your subgietts in savety bot a servaunt of myn,
which was
<P 97>
killed there, and two Scotts were slain and many othre hurt the
same tyme.
   Pleas it your Grace, as for the Rode to be made opon your
West marche I can not se how it can be done conveniently unto
the next light, for two consideracions, oon is bycause I dar not
be absent of this Medill March during this light, for fere the
Scotts schold distroye and burne the countrie in myn absence,
which I regard gretly; and oon othre is that my servants horses
which come to this Rode was sore labored, for thei rode
xxviij=ti= owres without any bayte. And in the next light I
shall, God willing, performe the said rode; and in the meane
tyme shall cause small Rodes be made, which shalbe as gret
annoyaunce to the Scotts as a great Rode shold be, and thus
shall yo=r= money be employed to the best I can, and for the
grettiest hurt and destruccion of the Scotts; for I shalbe as
goode a husband thereof as I wold be of myn awn, and alwey I
shalbe redy to gif accompt of the same at your pleasure.
   Also pleas it your Grace me seamnes it were necessary that
yo=r= lettres of commaundment were direct to my lord of
Northumbreland and to my Lord of Clifford, to cause their
tenaunts gif attendance opon your Wardens as thei have bene
accustomed to do in tymes passed, for as I understond my Lord
Cliffords tenaunts er warned not to ride without his speciall
commaundment.
<P 98>
   As for Newes of Scotland, like it your Grace to know, John of
Barton which passed into Fraunce in the Navye of Scotland,
launded at Kirkobrighe and ther toke seknes and disceced of the
same.
   There hase bene a gret councell at Saynt Johnstone, and all
the lords of Scotland was there with the Quene. It is determined
by theym that the Bisshop of Aberdene shalbe Archbisshopp of
saynt Andrewes: the bisshopp of Catnes shalbe bishop of
Aberdene; a broder of therl of Adthills shall have Catnes. The
Abbaye of Arbrothe is geven to Master George Douglas therl of
Anguyse son: th'abbaye of Dunfermlyn to Master James Hebburne:
the Priory of Coldynghame to the lord Chambrelane broder: and a
broder of David Karrs of Farnehirst is entred by force into the
Abbacye of Kelso and enjoyes it by intrusion.
   Also it is aggreed by the said Councell that the Castell of
Sterling shalbe vetelled and fortified in all hayst possible,
and the lord Borthwike shalbe capitane of the same, and have the
yong King in his keping there, and he not to be removed without
assent of the hole councell.
   At the same councell a communication was had, which Lords
shold haue the rewll of the lands for well and sou'te of the
realme, bot thei aggreed not thereopon; and so departed from
thens at that tyme.
<P 99>
Therl of Aren, admirall of Scotland, is commen home with the
Shippes of Scotland, and a French Knight with hym which hase
broght writtings and credence from the French King and the Duke
of Albany; what it is I know not as yit, bot I shall endevor me
to git knowlege thereof. Thre of the grettest shippes of
Scotland er left in Fraunce to the spryng of the yere, to
th'entent thei may assist the French navye as it is supposed.
   The gret Shipp of Scotland was ron on grounde, bot sho is
recovered as thei say or theire Admirall departed. The Scottishe
soldiours which be commen home makes evill reaport of the French
King, sayng thei were not well entreated there: and as newes
shalbe occurrant in thies parties your Grace shalbe advertised
by the grace of Almighti God, whome I besech to preseve your
most honorable estate. At Harbotill the xiij=th=. day of
Novembre at vj. of the clok in the mornyng.
   Your humble subgyet
   Thomas Dacre.
To the Kings Highnes.

<Q OR1 1514 WBURBANK>
<A WILLIAM BURBANK>
<P 99>
[} [\LETTER XXXV. WILLIAM BURBANK TO KING HENRY THE EIGHTH.\] }]
<P 100>
   Pleas it your most excellent Grace to witt, that, as touchyng
the cause ... deithe of my Lorde and Master my Lorde Cardinall,
your Graces late Orator,
<P 101>
because that, aswell affore his departor by the Phisecians, as
aftur by a ... man that oppynyd his body by the Popis
commandmentt, itt was juged ... he shuld have been posonyd, or
att the leste grett tokens and as some ... saide manyfest thyngs
therof apperide, the Popes said holines haith sith caused moste
diligentt and exactt examynacion to be maide uppon the same. And
by cause that it was known all most manyfestlie that the busshop
of Worcestr, now y=r= Graces Orator, was enymye unto my said
Lorde, itt was sodenlie noiside throughe the citie that he
shulde have ... auctor of this great pretendid offence. A certan
prest namyd Ranalde .. Modena was moche in my lords chamber, and
alway dere and fa ... with the said busshop of Worcestr. Uppon
suspicion he was taken by ... Popis commandment and sett in
Castill Angill. By cause that I shuld conduce home my said Lords
companye, and com unto your Grace his Holines commandide me to
be contynually at the said examynacion d ... by the Auditor of
the Chamber, the castellan, two bisshops, and the Fiscall, with
sundrie notaries; to th'ententt that I seing the ordor thereof
shuld soo make relacion unto your Grace. I taryed there whils
thre days aftur my said Lords departor wer expiride; soo that
then our company ... no house to tary in butt muste neds
departt. All this tyme the said Rainalde wold no thyng
<P 102>
graunt of his offence or knowledge commyttide in this bihalfe.
Albe itt he graunttide that mony tymes he revelate my lords
secretts unto the said busshop, and sundrie oder thynges wherby
the Juges eft ... hym worthy to suffre tortour: and delivered
unto his lernydt counsaill a ... of his said confession for his
defence, with sufficientt respett of tyme to aunswer unto the
same according to the law. Wheruppon supposing no ... confession
to have been made by the said Ranalde I tooke my leaf a ...
Popis Holines, and soo my Journey homwarde, this night being in
... of Florence. Your trewe and faithfull Servante my felow
Master Richard Pace haith sentt unto me his Lettres desiring me
to advertise Your Grace uppon ... contenttes of the same. He
writithe that the said Ranalde within ... tyme of his
deliberacion to aunswer frelie and withoutt manyshing o ... ony
creator haith oppenlie confesside that he hym self putt poson
into my said lords potage att the desire and conduction therunto
of the busshop of Worcestr; this he did soon aftur the fest of
Corpus Christi laste. He confesside that the said busshop yeve
hym for his labors in this bihalfe xv. ducats of gold, som
large, and som (\de camera\) . Item that the said busshop said
thes wordes unto hym, "If we rid nott this Cardenall of the
worlde, we shall never be in quietnes." Item he confesside ...
oon Stephan,
<P 103>
secret chamberlan unto the said busshop of Worcestr was ...
herunto. He saith he did by the said poson in a Citie namyd Sp
... nott verray farr from Rome, and kepid itt a good space in
his chambre under a tyyll stoon. All this his confession is
writen in the proctor his booke by his own hande (\in processu\)
. And sithen, the said Ranalde ... writen this his confession
[{in{] his awne hande and haith confesside the same unto my
Lorde Cardenall de Medicis your Graces protector, whom the Popis
Holines (aftire he was informyd by the saide Juges herof) sentt
purposlye to knowe the verray treuthe. Nott oonlie the said
Ranalde haith thus confesside, and writen the same of his own
hande, butt also confermyd itt with oon grett oithe. He made
this confession frelie, to thintentt itt shulde be shewide
immediatlie unto the Popes holines, supposing therby that his
said Holines shuld have grauntted hym hys lyve, and desiride the
same of my said Lorde de Medicis, who aunswerde that he shuld
have pardon of all thynges that he had confesside (whiche was
thefte and mony oder enormyties) save oonlie of killing of my
Lorde Cardinall. Uppon the morow aftur, the said Ranalde, with a
small knyff that he had secrett, smott hym self, wolfully
intending to have killed hym self, and therof is in poontt of
deithe as is supposide without recovery; and saith that he
knowth perfitelie to be
<P 104>
perpetually for this act dampnyd. My said felow writithe that
the said busshop haith obteignyd suche frendes by mean of his
monye, that he trustith to ascaipe this jeopardie of correction.
And also that som your Grace's lovers shewid hym sith my
departour from Rome that the Popis Holines wold gladlie have the
matier coloride upon the busshops partie speciallie, for that
service that the said busshop shulde have doon for his Holines
in procuring (soo farr as in him was) peax bitwixtt your Grace
and the Franshe King. Verralie I can nott bileve that his
Holines ever intendide this; remembring soo strate examynacion
as he haith causid to be made herein, and from the begynnyng
therof knew perfitelie that all suspicion herof was oonlie
ayanste the saide busshop. And I trust verralie his Holines woll
advertise your Grace right shortlie uppon the hool processe maid
in this bihalf, for in the begynning of this examynacion he
saide that if itt war possible he wolde " (\reddere rationem
Sacrae Majestati vestrae super interitu Cardinalis sui\) ." By
sids this, all the hooll College woll call for the correction
herof. He writing to me also that now all Rome is full of the
rumor of this detestable act, the forsaid Stephan is taken and
sett in the Castill. Som ther be that haith noside in Rome how
that the poson shuld have been sentt from England by som prelate
thare, being enemye unto my said late
<P 105>
Lorde, and procuride the same to be mynystrid unto hym by his
cooke. Wheruppon soundrie men hath inquyred the same boith of my
said felo and me, wherunto we aunswerde that our master had no
suche enymyes in England, ne that Prelates of Englande and
English borne wer ever disposed unto ony suche actes. My said
felow writithe that he is informyde by som, your Graces frendes,
that sithe the saide confession was shewide unto the Popes
Holines moche secret labor haith been made unto the same; that
the foresaid Ranalde shulde revooke or excuse his said
confession made ayanste the saide bushop. In his confession
making ... desiride the Popis Holines instantlie to regarde the
said busshops ... and to have compassion uppon hym. Els he said
that he muste nedes be undoon; tho itt warr butt oonlie by means
of my Lorde Cardinall Hadrian. In all haste possible, aftur that
knowlege com unto me, I did depeche this berar towards Your
Grace for to advertise the same of the premisses. My said felow
writithe no thyng what ordor is intendide for the correction
heroff. I have therfore writen unto hym that in ony wise he
shall signifye unto your Grace when and assoon as the saide
ordor shalbe determynyde. In tyme of writing ... I was soore
ceaside: as may somdeall be percevide by the rude maner of the
besechyng yo=r= Grace to have patiens therin with me. Thus I
shall duryng lyve humble bisiche our Lorde
<P 106>
Jhu~ for the preservation of your Graces mosth hygh and roiall
astate. From Florence the xxviij=th=. day of Auguste M.D. xiiij.
   Your Grace's moste lawlie,
   faithfull, and trewe subgett
   [\THE SIGNATURE BURNT.\]
To the Kinge's most noble Grace.

<Q OR1 1514 WBURBANK>
<A WILLIAM BURBANK>
<P 106>
[} [\LETTER XXXVI. WILLIAM BURBANK'S SECOND LETTER TO KING HENRY
VIII=TH=.\] }] 
   Pleas itt your moste noble Grace, aftur that I hade closid my
former Lettre unto the same, I recevide from your faithfull
servantt M. Richard Pacie, my felow, in writing, how that the
prest that posonyd my lord and master was inducyd by his
confessors, by mean of the busshop of Worcestr, that he shuld
instantly deny his confession. And the said busshop laborid to
have instrumenttes maide uppon the same. By inforsing of his
said Confessors he denyde the space of two days, being all that
tyme in poyntt of deith: butt ever he did banne and accurst the
busshop of Worcestr, and the tyme that ever he bigan to have
famyliaritie or practice with hym. Aboutt the sext hour of the
xxvj. day of this monthe the said prest dyyde of his
<P 107>
own wilfull stroke. Albe itt iiij. or v. houres affore he dyyd,
he graunttid of new unto his surgion and phisician that he
posynyde my said lorde: butt he did not shew by whoos instance
being so commandid by his confessors. The Popis Holines haith
promyttid that Justice shall be ministride in this behalf; and
that all his confessions and processe maid ayanst the said prest
shall be kepid in suretie for your Grace to looke uppon att your
pleasor; with also sundrie lettres of the said busshops which
(as he saith) be hool ayanst hym self. Their is no confession of
the said Ranald taken thayr in effectt, save oonlie his furst
confession whiche remanyth in processe of the Juges. He saith
also that my lord your Graces protector haith promyttid that the
said prests body shalbe ower bruntt or quartride. He saith that
many gret men haith offerid them self to kill the said busshop
of Worcestr for this actt: and that all Rome be inflamyde
ayanste hym for the same, boith spirituall and temporall. He
writith also that he is secretlie informyde that the said
busshop is taken, but the Popis Holines having regarde that he
is your Graces Orator, itt is thought he woll desiste of
condigne correction doyng ayanste hym, whils he shall perceve
your pleasor in that bihalf. Thus I shall besiche the blissid
Trinitie for the preservacion of your most highe and Roiall
astate. From
<P 108>
Florence the xxviij. day of Auguste att nyght M. D. xiiij. Youre
moste humble trew and faithfull subjectt,
   William Burbanke.
   To the Kings most noble Grace.

<Q OR1 1514 MYTUDOR>
<A MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE>
<P 115>
[} [\LETTER XXXIX. MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE TO KING HENRY THE
EIGHTH.\] }] 
<P 116>
   My good Brother as hertly as I can I recomaund me unto your
Grace, mervelynge moch that I never herd form you syns ... re
depertynge, so often as I have sent and wrytten to you. And now
am I left post a lone in effect; for on the morn next after ...
e maryage my chambirlayn with all other men servants wer
dischargd and in lyke wyse my mother Guldeford with other my
women and maydyns, except such as never had experiens nor
knowlech how to advertyse or gyfe me counsell yn any tyme of
nede, which is to be fered more schortly then your Grace thought
at the tyme of my depertynge, as my mother Guldeford can more
playnly schew your Grace then I cann wryt; to whom I beseche you
to gyve credens. And yf hit may be by eny meane possible, I
humbly requyr you to cause my seyd mother Guldeford to repayr
hither
<P 117>
once agayn. For ells if any chauns happe other then weale I
schall not knowe wher nor of whom to aske any good counsell to
your pleasur, nor yet to myn own proffit. I merveill moche that
my Lord of Northfolke wold at all tymes so lyghtly graunt every
thynge at ther reqwests here. I am weale assured that when ze
know the trouth of every thyng as my mother Guldeford can schew
you, ze wold full lyttyll have thowght I schold have ben thus
intreated: that wold God my Lord of Zorke had com with me yn the
rome of Northfolke: for then am I sure I schuld have bene left
moch more at my herti ... then I am now. And thus I byd your
Grace fare weale with ... as ever had Prince; and more hertis
ease then I have now. ... Abvile the xij=th=. day of October.
   ...gef gredens to my mowder
   Geldeford. Be your lowyng
   syster Mary Quene of France.

<Q OR1 1514 MYTUDOR>
<A MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE>
<P 117>
[} [\LETTER XL. MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE TO THOMAS WOLSEY, THEN
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK.\] }] 
   ... I recomaund me un to you as hertly as I can, and as
schoth ... intreated as the kynge and you
<P 118>
thought I schuld have ben, for ... the morn next after the
maryage, all my servants, both men and women ... dyscharged.
Insomoch that my mother Guldeford was also dischargyd, whom as
ze knowe the kynge and zou willed me in eny wyse to be
cowncelled. But for eny thynge I myght do, yn no wyse myght I
have any graunt for her abode here, which I assure you my lord
is moch to my discomffort; besyd meny other discomffortis that
ze wold full lyttyll have thought. I have not zet seen yn
Fraunce eny lady or jentill woman so necessary for me as sche ys
nor zet so mete to do the kynge my brother service as sche ys.
And for my part my lord, as ze love the kynge my broder and me,
fynd the meanes that sche may yn all hast com hither agayn, for
I had as lefe lose the wynnynge I schall have yn France as to
lose her counsell when I schall lacke it, which is not like long
to be required, as I am sure the nobill men and jentillmen can
schew you more then becometh me to wryte yn this matter. I pray
you my Lord gyf credens forther to my moder Guldeford yn every
thyng concernynge thys matter. And albehit my Lord of
Northfollke h ... nethyr deled best with me nor zet with her at
thys tyme: zet I pray you allwayes to be good lord un to her.
And wold to God my ... had ben so good to have had zou with me
hither when I ha ... rd of Northfolke. And thus fare ze weale
<P 119>
My Lord. Wryt ... ile the xij=the=. daye of Octobr.
   My Lord I pray you gyve credens to my ... ord yn my sorows
she have delyve ...
   ... Yowr on whyl I lefe
   Mary ...
   To my lovynge frend Th'archebischop of Zorke.

<Q OR1 1515 MYTUDOR>
<A MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE>
<P 119>
[} [\LETTER XLI. MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE TO WOLSEY.\] }] 
<P 120>
   My nanne good Lord, I recomend me to yow and thankyng yow for
yo=r= kynde and lovyng Letter, dyssyryng yow of yo=r= good
contenevans and good lessones that yow hathe gyffen to me; my
lord, I pray yow as my trust ys in yow, for to remember me to
the Kyng my brother, for sowche causses and bessynes as I have
for to do; for as now I have no nother to put my trust in but
the Kyng my brother and yow.
<P 121>
And as yt shall ples the Kyng my brother and hys Counsell I
wolbe horderd. And so I pray yow, my lord, to show hys Grace,
seyng that the Kyng my howsbande ys departed to God, of whos
sole God pardon. And wher as yow a vyse me that I shulde macke
no promas, My Lord, I trust the Kyng my brother and yow wole nat
reken in me sovche chyldhode. I trust I have so horderd my
selffe so sens that I came hether, that I trust yt hathe ben to
the honar of the Kyng my brother and me, sen I come hether, and
so I trust to contenaw. Yff ther be any thynge that I may do for
yow I wold be glade for to do yt in thys partes. I shalbe glade
to do yt for yow. No more to you at thys tyme but Jh~s preserve
yow. Wretten at Pares the x. day of January 1515.
   By yowr lowyng
   frende Mary
   Quene of France.
To my Lorde of Yorke.

<Q OR1 1515 MYTUDOR>
<A MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE>
<P 121>
[} [\LETTER XLII. MARY THE FRENCH QUEEN TO KING HENRY THE
EIGHTH.\] }] 
   My most kynde and lovyng brother, I humbly reco~mand me vnto
yowr Grace, thankyng yow interly of yowr comfortable Letters;
besechyng yowr grace
<P 122>
most humbly now so to contenwe toward me and my frendes, as owr
spessyale trowst ys yn yowr Grace; and that yt may layke you
w=t= all convennynte [^GAP^] to sende for me that I may shortely
se yowr grace wyche ys the thyng that I most dissyr yn thys
world and I and all myn ys at yowr gracs commandmente and
playsayr. At Parys the vj. day of Marche.
   by yowr lowyng suster
   Mary.
To the Kings Grace thes be delivered.

<Q OR1 1515 MYTUDOR>
<A MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE>
<P 122>
[} [\LETTER XLIII. MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE TO KING HENRY
VIII=TH=.\] }] 
<P 123>
   My most derest and ryt entierly belowyde Lord ... brothare,
yn my most humble wys I recommande
<P 124>
me unto yowr Grace, shawynge unto yowr Grace that I do a pa ...
by my Lord my howsbande that y ... ar playsayde and contentyde
that he shale resorde on to yowr presence at swche tyme as yowr
Grace shale be at hys maner of Donyngton, wherby I se wele he
hys merwosly rejoysyd and moche comfortyd that yt hathe lyked
your Grace so to be playsayd; for the wyche yowr specyale
goodnys to hym showyd yn that be halfe, and for sondry and many
oder yowr kyndnes, as wele to me as to hym showed and gewyn yn
dyvers cawsys, I most humbly thanke yowr Grace; assewryng yow
that for the same I accompt my selfe as moche bonden un to yowr
Grace as ewer swster was to brother: and accordyng ther un to I
shale to the beste of my powr dowryng my lyef, endver myselfe as
ferre as in me shale be possyble to do the thyng that shale
stond with yowr playsowr, and yf it had be tyme convenyente to
yowr Grace hade be ther wythe pleassyd I wolde most gladly have
accompanyd my sayd Lord yn thys yowrnay. Bwt I trowst that
bowthe I and my sayd Lord shal se yow acordyng as yowr Grace
worte yn yowr laste Letters unto my sayde Lord, whyc ys the
thyng that I dessyr more to opteyn than all the honor off the
Worlde. And thws I beseche owre Lorde to send unto yow, my most
dereste and enterly be lowyd brother and Lord, long and
prosperows
<P 125>
lyfe with the fole accomplyshment of al yowr honorable dessyrs,
most humbly prayeng yowr Grace that I may be humbly recomanded
unto my most derest and beste be lowyd suster the Quene Grace,
and to the Quene off Scottys my welbelowyd suster, trowstyng
that she be asserteyned frome yowr Grace of the prosperows
estate and helthe of my everly beloved ny ... the prences, to
home I pray God send long lyfe. Frome Letheryng in Swf the ix.
day off Septembur, by the hand of yowr lowyng suster
   Mary Quene off France.

<Q OR1 1516? HENRY8>
<A HENRY VIII>
<P 125>
[} [\LETTER XLIV. KING HENRY THE EIGHTH TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }]
<P 126>
   My Lord Cardinall I recommand vnto yow as hartely as I can,
and I amme ryght glade to here of your good helthe, whyche I
pray god may long contynv. So it is that I have resavyd your
letters, to the whyche (by cause they aske long wrytyng) I have
made answar by my Secretary. Tow thyyngs ther be whyche be so
secrete that they cause me at thys tyme to wrytte to yow
myselfe; the won is that I trust the quene my wyffe be with
chylde; the other is chefe cause why I am soo lothe to repayre
to London ward, by cause aboght thys tyme is partly off her
dangerus tymes and by cause off that I wolde remeve har as
lyttyll as I may now. My lord I wrytt thys vnto [{you{] nott as
a ensuryd thyng but as a thyng wherin I have grette hoppe and
lyklyodes; and by cause I do well know that thys thyng wyll be
comfortabyll to yow to understand: therfor I do wrytt itt unto
yow at thys tyme. No more to yow att thys tyme, (\nisi quod Deus
velit inceptum opus bene finiri\) . Wryttyn with the hand off
your lovyng Prynce
   Henry R.

<Q OR1 1515 MTTUDOR>
<A MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND>
<P 127>
[} [\LETTER XLV. MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND TO LORD DACRE.\] }] 
My Lorde Dakers
   I comend me to zou as hartely as I can, and I have seen zour
vryteng and ondarstande at length, and I parcayve that ze ar
nouht sykerly informyd in what stat I stand in, for ze trow yat
I may pas vhar ever I vyl vyshe, is nowht trw; but yes berrar
can schow zou ye trowht of all, and vhat my mynd is, and how I
am constraynd to doo a gan my vyl. And I pray zou gyf hm kredens
as ze valde doo to my selfe, for it is owr lang to vryt, for I
have gret trast in yes man. And send me zour uter mynd and
ansuer in all thyng: and God kype zou. Vryten vy=t= my hand yes
Monday.
   Zour frend
   Margaret R.

<Q OR1 1515 MTTUDOR>
<A MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND>
<P 128>
[} [\LETTER XLVI. MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND TO CARDINAL
WOLSEY.\] }] 
   My lorde Cardnal I comand me hartly to zou, and I am glad to
here that ze doo vell, and I have ressauet a letter from you and
a nother from my lorde Dakers vher of I beleffe you know the
effeyt. Ze vryte to me that sych parssons as he sent for my
maters in to Scotland trust to be vell ansuerd, and hath sent to
me sysch vrytengs as thay sent to hym. But my lorde I am gladar
of the tydengs that the Kyngs grace teld me of the Duk of
Albane, that he vyl com hyther, vysche I besech God may be trw,
but I dred it be not. My lorde I thynke ryght longe vyhil I
speke vyth you, for next the Kyngs grace my most trust is in
you, and you may doo me moste good of any, and I pray you my
lorde as soon as any body comes out of Scotland that you vyl
send me vorde, for I thynke long tyl I here tydengs. No more:
but God have zou in hys kypeng
   Zour frend
   Margaret R.

<Q OR1 1516 MTTUDOR>
<A MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND>
<P 129>
[} [\LETTER XLVII. MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND TO KING HENRY THE
VIII=TH=.\] }] 
   Derest broder as hartly as I can I recomend me onto you, and
let you vyt that yesternyght I cam hyther, soo beyng confortted
of you in my jornay in many and soondry wyses that, lovyng be to
our Lorde God, I am in ryght good heal, and as joyous of my sayd
Jornay towarde you as ony woman may be in commyng to her broder,
as I have gret cause, and am moost desirous now to com to your
presens and to have sight of your person, in whom next God, is
myn oonly trust and confydens: advertissing you derest brotder I
have reseved thys day a Letter from my soons ambassadors, now at
London, which Leter I send on to you heryinne closed, and have
adressed on to them myn ansuer severally in twoe sondery
lettres, copy wher of I all so sende on to you, that apon notice
had of the same it may lyke you to comand whether of the said
letters ye seme besst at your plessur shall be delyverd. And the
Holy Trenyte have you my most derest broder in tuycion and
governance. At Stony Stretford the xxvij. day of Apryll.
   Zour loveng suster
   Margaret.
Unto my dereste broder the King's Grace.

<Q OR1 1516 MTTUDOR>
<A MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND>
<P 130>
[} [\LETTER XLVIII. QUEEN MARGARET TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }] 
   My Lorde Cardinal I comand me to you, and I vould fayne have
spokyn vyth you but ye var gon or I coud cam to you and therfor
I most vryt to you my mynde. My Lorde I beseche you to schw your
gud mynd to me, as ye have doon ever, but specyaly now, for now
ys the tyme. Me Lorde I pray you hartly to get me som monne
aganst ... yr day for ye knaw vell I moust gyf part of rewards
and other nedful thyngs both for the kyng my brothers honour and
myne: and I schal not put you in no more troubul but I be sysch
you hartly my Lorde that I may have it to morow at nyght at the
farest: for ells I vyl be dysapointtyd. But I put my hooll trust
in you, and thys berar schal wayt apon you for your ansuer as
our Lord knouth wham kype you
   Margaret R.
On To my Lorde Kardenall.

<Q OR1 1516 MTTUDOR>
<A MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND>
<P 130>
[} [\LETTER XLIX. QUEEN MARGARET TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }] 
   My Lorde Cardnal I comand me to you as hartly as I can and
vyt ze my lorde that I have spokyn vy=t=
<P 131>
James Aborrow and he hath schwn to me that ze and the lordys of
Cownsel vould not that I schuld cam to Bayners castel to day. My
Lorde I wyl doo as ze thynke best but I pray you my Lorde as
hartly as I can gyf ther be no trubyl to day to lat me com to
morow. I trust to God the schal be noo lych trobyl but that I
may cam to morow for and it be vell thys nyght I trust to god
the varst be past. And my Lorde I have I part of thyngs to doo
that I most nedes have doon that vyll be nedfol to me. I pray my
lorde to lat me have your aunsuer vyth thes berar and God have
you in hys kypeng.
   Yours 
   Margaret R.
To my Lorde Cardnal.

<Q OR1 1517 CTUNSTALL>
<A CUTHBERT TUNSTALL>
<P 134>
[} [\LETTER LI. DR. CUTHBERT TUNSTALL TO KING HENRY THE
EIGHTH.\] }]
   Plese it your Grace to undirstond that besids al other maters
contenyd in our Lettres jointly written at thys tyme to your
Grace, oon is in them untowchyd by cause I wold not make my
clerke privey to the secretie theroff, which yff I shold not to
longe have taried the last curror save thys, I shold then have
written. But by cause then we wer sent for to come to th'emperor
commissionars, and our Lettres wer redy written contenyng a
longe discurse and declaration off many mattres shewyd by the
Cardinal Sedunensis which was necessary your Grace shold know in
al haste, we therfor not knowinge how long th'emperors
commissioners shuld lete us, dispached that poste, reservyng
thys to
<P 135>
be written by my selff at laysor which then I had not. The
thinge is this. The said Cardinal Sedunens. in makinge his long
discurse hertofor by us written, emongest other things shewyd me
that oon off the secrete mater stretyd betuyx th'emperor and
your Grace was that th'emperor entendeth to resigne the Empire
unto your Grace, and to obten your Election by hys procurement
and sollicitinge off the Electors therunto, which th'mperor
entendyd to do for the avancement of your honor and the love
which he berith you. Which mater when I herd I lete as I
nothynge had marked it, and lete hym passe on in tellynge off
his tale which endyd in thys, that thys thynge shold be oon off
the secrete maters treatid by hym betwix th'Emperor and your
Grace. Sire besids that I am your Graces subject and servant,
and sworn off your counsel thoff unworthi, your Grace hath also
shewyd so largely your bounteousnes and liberalite anenst me
that I ougth mo to desire the incresement and augmentation off
your Graces honor then any servaunt to your Grace belonginge.
Which I assure your Grace I doo tendre as moch to my symple
powar as any subjiet in your realme or ellys it wer pitie I
shuld lyve. And lykwyse yff therbe any thynge soundinge to your
Grace's damage or hynderaunce iff I shold concele it; ther coud
no pain be to great for me. Wherfor I most humbly besech your
Grace to accepte graciously and favorably the
<P 136>
thinge which now I write both for the ardent love which I bere
unto your Grace, and for the accomplishment off my dutie. Surly
yff it lyke your Grace I thinke the said Election off your Grace
to th'empire cannot be brogth aboute by no means, for diverse
considerations. Fyrste that lyke as in the Election off the Pope
a certain forme is to be kept which not observed makith the
Election to be voyd, so off auncient tyme and ordinaunce off the
universale churche a certain forme must be observyd in chesinge
off th'emperor, which ometted, the Election is voyde. Oon of the
cheffe points in the Election off th'emperor is that he which
shal be electyd must be off Germanie subgiet to [{the{] Empire;
wheras your Grace is not, nor never sithen the Cristen faith the
Kings of Englond wer subgiet to th'empire. But the Crown of
Englond is an Empire off hitselff mych bettyr then now the
Empire of Rome: for which cause your Grace werith a close Crown.
And therfor yff ye wer chosen, sens your Grace is not off
th'empire the Election wer voide. And iff your Grace shuld
accepte the said Election therby ye must confesse your realme to
be under subjection off th'empire to the perpetual prejudice off
your successor, or ells the said Election wer voyde as made off
a person not eligible. Besids that the forme off the Election
contenyth that the first he must be Kinge of Romains and the
coronation at Rome makith hym have the name off the Emperor,
wher befor he is callyd but
<P 137>
Kinge off Romains. Over thys yff th'emperor which nou is remain
stil Kyng off Romains as I understond he entendeth to doo, then
yff your Grace wer eligible and undir th'empire, yet ye coud not
be chosen Emperor, by cause ye were never Kinge of Romains. And
also he remanyng ye could not be chosen Kynge off Romains,
bycause the Kingdome is not voyde, and noon can be chosen therto
but when it is voyd edyr by dethe or ellys when the Kinge off
Romains is crownyd Emperor, wherby undir hym may be chosen a
Kinge off Romains. The said Empire also (as it is now
establyshed) may not have two Emperors at oon tyme, but oon as
cheff, and the odyr as here apparaunt, which is callyd the Kinge
off Romains, wher he must begyn that wyl come to th'empire. For
which considerations I repute it impossible (the laws theron
made stondinge) that your Grace may be chosen. And I am afferd
lest the said offer beinge so speciouse at the first heringe was
oonly made to get therby sum money of your Grace: Which they
move to have kepte secret lest the publyshynge off it shuld make
their intent to be knowen, and frustrate them off thir purpose
befor they coud acheve it. Surly yff it lyke your Grace my
simple advise is that your Grace interpretinge al to the beste,
and the said offer to be made rather off th'emperors good mynd
and grete benivolence then for odyr purpose, yff the mater shal
herafter be set forward or
<P 138>
movyd to gyff most exquisite thanks to th'emperor for his good
mynd therin: which peraventure may procede off good benivolence,
and so to withdraw your fote bake out off that mater, and to
make good interpretation opon so grete an offer, which shal be
most honorable. Thus in thys mater I have shewed my simple
advise and mynd; which, I thougth, my dutie savyd, I could not
kepe close from your Grace, wherin I trust such as be lernyd in
the law far bettyr then I wil afferme the same if it lyke your
Grace to make them privey to it. And iff I doo erre, as I
suppose I do not, I submitte to reformation besechinge your
Grace graciously to accepte my trew mynde and rygth meanyng in
thys mater, which I have touchyd for my discharge lest heraffter
it mygth be imputyd to me not to have shewyd it in tyme when it
came first to my knowlege. In al other maters at thys tyme we
have written at large how her we find not al persons inclyned at
it was thougth they shold be. And thus Almyghty Jhu~ preserve
your Grace to his plesur with encrese off mych honor. From
Machlyn the xij=th=. day of Februarie
   By your most humble subjecte and servaunt
   Cuthbert Tunstal.

<Q OR1 1519 RWINGFIELD>
<A SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD>
<P 139>
[} [\LETTER LII. SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD TO KING HENRY THE
EIGHTH.\] }]
   Please yt your Highnesse to understand that the xiiij=th=.
day of this Month I wrote to your Grace my last Lettres, and as
yesterday, at afternone the Great Master came from Saynt
Germains there as the King lieth, hither to this Town, and as
soon as I hard that he was come I went to him to his lodging
where I found with him the Chaunceller, the bishop of Paris,
Robertet, and Vyl Roy, wher he toold me that he had commoned
with the King his Master of the Meeting and Entreview that shuld
be betwixt your Highnesse and hym, and made me to sytt down with
them and sayd I shuld have aunswer to every Article of myn
Instructions
<P 140>
concernyng the said Entreview and Meeteng. And first told me
that as to the tyme of the meting the King here is content, and
thinketh it convenient to be in the myddest of the moneth of
July, as your Grace hath devysed.
   And as to the place of the first meting which they think
necessarye is to be in a place neutrall, which place I have
rehersed to them hath been viewed by th'Erle of Worcester and
the Captayn of Bolayn, he sayth the King here is content with
that if better can nat be founde. Howbeit the Great Master
sayeth that if it pleased your Highnesse to be lodged at
Guysnes, and the King here to be lodged at Arde which is but a
league asonder he thinketh it most convenyent. Orels if good
serch were made by some oon of Calais such as it would please
your Highnesse t'appoint, and the King here t'appoint another,
there mought be found, upon the borders there, more convenyent
place than that, seing that there is noo houses nor village nere
it.
   And as to the next article of myn Instructions, which is that
both your Highnesse and the King here, the Queens, and all the
nobles shuld mete on horsebacke, and after th'imbracyng of eche
other familiarly they shuld repaire streyt to Calais; as to the
meting and embrasyng one an other a horsback without discendyng,
he sayth the King here thinketh it very good, and is content
therewith, whersomever the Meting shal be;
<P 141>
but to repaire strayt from thens to Calais and specially at the
first tyme, he sayeth the King his Master will not consent
therto, and thinketh it were not convenient, but sayth it were
better that your Highnesse were lodged in somme village within
the Englysh pale if any may be found there according, and if nat
in your tents and pavyllions, seeing that it is in summer, and
he to doo so likewise for his part within his ground uppon his
... whither ich of you might repaire to other after your first
[{meting{] at your plesures: and sayth that after the first day
of meting ... of good congruence must nedes be in a place
neutrall both for your honnors and in contentation of your
Pepull, the next day after the King and the Quene here shal be
content to come and vysyte your Highnesse and the Quenes Grace
wheresomever your lodging be, so that it be without Calais. And
to induce them that the King Highness might come to Calais I
have shewed them all the considerations which bee recyted at
lenght in myn Instructions: shewing them [{that{] without his
comming to Calais as in my said Instruccyons moch of the honnor
of the said Meting shal be lost: and that it cannot bee soo
honorably doon as it shuld be if it pleased hym to come to
Calais. Also for their further contentation and to meve them to
come to Calais without stoppe or difficultie I have shewed them
as is in th'instruccions: that inasmoch as your Grace shall not
<P 142>
oonly ... and take a right great journey before you come to the
See, but also must passe the See which is painfull, laborous,
and duangerous: and after so long passage to mete with the Kinge
[{here{] at a place syted in the confynes of his own Realme
having his hoole power at his backe, where as your Highnesse
commyth with a small companye, your puissaunce being seperate
from you by the mayn See, who so ever shall see or considre
thesame must judge that by your said comming over the See to hym
and m[{eting{] first in the place newtrall, by reason whereof
your Highnesse commytteth your noble personne to the trust,
confidence, and a ... of the King here. In consideration whereof
if the King here [{come to{] Calais at youre Graces desire, the
honnor and the preemynence [{shall be{] his as of reason it
ought so to be. And as your Grace is the ... aggre`able
accordingly, and for an equall corespondent I have [{told{] the
great Master that your Highnesse woll not stycke to v[{isit
him{] here in his town of Bolayne if your Grace be therunto
req[{uired{] . Whereunto they made me aunswer in making as great
dyf[{ficulty that{] your Grace shuld come to Bolayn as they doo
that the King here shuld come to Calais, sayeng that by reason
of the deth that has been there and is there yet, and also that
the Towne [{is{] so ... lykening it to a Dove hows, with many
other
<P 143>
excuses so that I perceyve well it is not their mynd to have
your Highnesse to Bolayn sayeng that the King here woll nat
comme there hymself.
   Also the great Master, the Chaunceler, and the bisshop of
Parys saye that if your Highnesse and the King here shuld bee
both lodged owther in Calais or in Bolayn with both your
traynes, which is at the lest a vj. thousand persones besides
them of the Towne where myght by the reason of a varlett, or a
page, or by a casueltye of fyer come any occasion of debate, or
whereby myght ryse any alarm, it mought be to th'inquietness,
disturbaunce, and daunger of you both. In example whereof the
bisshop of Parys rehersed of a great fraye of fyer that was at
Cambray at the great meeting there, which he sayth my lord of
Norfolk can well tell of. Also the great Master consideryth that
in July the time of the meeting shal be the hottest season of
all the year, and whan folks drynk most, and thinketh that
amongs such a multitude of pepull some dronken personne myght
cause inconvenience. In eschewing whereof the great Master, the
Chancellor, and the bishop of Parys be in the mind that nother
the King here shuld come to Calais, nor your Grace should not
come to Bolayn to lodge there. How be it, the great Master sayth
that he thinketh verrily that if your Highnesse lye at Calais
that the King his Master woll come, with a certain with him, and
see your Grace in Calais in maskyr, and saith that after your
<P 144>
Grace and the King here have seen oones togyther he puttyth no
doubte but that ye shall mete oftyn by your owne accorde.
   Also they thinke it good and convenient that when it shall
fortune your Highnesse and the Queen's grace with your trayne to
be uppon his ground and in his domynion, that your Grace, the
Queens Grace, and your trayn shall have the sovereignty, honnor,
and the right hand, as they think that your pleasure shalbe to
give the King here and his trayn the same, whan they shalbe in
your grounde and in your domynyon.
   And as to the nombre that shall come with your Grace to the
meting that is comprised in a Rolle; wherof they have the copye;
they think it very good, and woll order the Kings nombre here
according to the same.
   And also as to an Article in the said Instructions concerning
the ... of Apparell of every astate and personne, they think it
... like it very well, and say that they woll drawe a booke of
[{the same{] . Howe be it the great Master tellyth me that for
all the Princes of the Sangue Ryall, which be Mess=rs=
Delaunson, de Burbon, de Vandosme, de Seynt Poll, de la Rosche
Furyon, and the chief Officers, as the Constable, the iij.
Mareschalls, the great Master, th'Admirall, with divers other,
can in no wise bee comprised in any [{Rolle{] for Array; but
they to were at their pleasure.
<P 145>
This aunswer at ... this time, as touching your Meting and
Enterview I have of the Great Master, which he hath promysed me
with his furthur devise he woll delyver me in writing this day
or to morrow.
   He toold me also that he was specially charged by the King
his Master, that he shuld speke to me to wryte to your Highnesse
with diligence that when he sayth it was agreed betwixt your
Highnesse and the King here that what tyme it shuld please God
to send the Queens Grace a Prince or a Princesse, that the King
here shuld be godfather to the Prince, or the Quene here to be
godmother if it were a Princesse, and to bere the name after
them. Soo the King here desireth your Highnesse at this tyme
that if the Queen here shall have a sonne that it wold please
your Grace to be godfather, and that it may be named after your
Highnesse Har[{ry, and{] if it be a doughter that it may be
named after the Quene Kateryn; whereof he prayed me to wryte to
your Grace and ... that the King here shuld wryte to his
ambassador in E[{ngland{] of the same. Also he tellyth me that
the Quene is at Sain... and is mery for a woman being in her
case so nere her [{time{] and loketh every day to be delivered
before th'ende of this [{month{] of March. And as to th'aunswer
that I have for the ... of the Marchaunts I wryte at this time
more at length [{to{] my Lord Legat and Cardinall of England.
Beseching
<P 146>
... Trinite long to preserve your Highnesse. From Parys this
xvj=th=. day of March.
   [\THE SIGNATURE BURNT OFF.\]

<Q OR1 1519 TBOLEYN>
<A SIR THOMAS BOLEYN>
<P 146>
[} [\LETTER LIII. SIR THOMAS BOLEYN TO KING HENRY THE EIGHTH.\]
}]
<P 147>
   Pleasyth it your Highnesse to understand that yesterday I
delyvered your lettre to the Kyng here with as harty and
affectuous recommendacions from your Grace as I cowlde devise.
And after he had at lenght and with good laysure read over your
said lettre, I declared to hym for my credence, according to
<P 148>
the Instructions which your Grace late sent me. First the
effecte of your said Lettre. And after I shewed hym how great
desire your Grace hath for the increase of his honnor, and what
pleasure and consolation your Highnes taketh in the same,
consideryng the unfeyned amytie and aliance that is established
betwixt you, both which your Grace belevith to bee soo rooted in
your hartys that what high honnor or advauncement shall fortune
to come to hym, the fructe thereof shuld redonde to your
Highnesse, wherfore to advaunce hym to the preferment of this
Imperiall dignitie, your Grace, uppon knowledge of his further
intent and mynd shalbe glad to employe your self as well by
worde and writing as by acts and dedes to the best of your
power, wheruppon he may assuredly trust. Wherunto, he, taking of
his bonett thanked hartely your Highnesse, and sayd that the
great love and favour which he well perceyveth that your Grace
beryth towardes him is the greatest comfort that he hath upon
erth. And for the great honnor that your Grace shewith to hym in
advauncyng hym to th'imperiall dignitie which is his most
desire, he sayth he knoweth nat how nor by what meanes he may
recompence your Highnesse in doing any thing so moch for your
Grace, but he sayeth as long as he lyveth, in any thing that he
may doo that shalbe to your pleasure, he shall always bee as
redy and as glad to doo yt as he wold be to doo for hymself, and
desireth
<P 149>
no thyng moore than to have knowledge wherein he might employe
hymself to doo your Highnesse some pleasure. Rehersyng to me
that by the reason of the perfecte love and aliaunce betwixt you
both he rekeneth your Highnesse to bee of great mygth and power,
sayeng that what with your owne puissance and with his help,
which he sayeth your Grace shall alwayes have redy at your
commaundement, there is nother honnor, dignytie, nor other thing
in Crystendome but that your Highnesse shall y... and ordre yt
at your own pleasure, and tolde me that he cowlde not expresse
to me with his tonge the due thanks that he t[{hinketh{] to your
Grace in his hart for the loving kindnesse that he fyndeth in
your Highnesse: and sayd that, whan ye both mete, which he
trusteth shalbe shortly, your Grace shall knowe his hart, no man
lyving soner. Wherunto I sayd that your Highnesse thanked hym,
specially consideryng that amongs all his other things and great
affaires, he is so moch desirous to mete, visite, and see your
Grace; and toolde hym of your conformable mynd therunto, shewing
to hym the tyme, place, fourme, and maner as is at lenght
expressed in th'instructions that I have. Wherunto he sayed that
he is determyned to see your Grace though he shuld come but
hymself, his page, and his lakaye: and that noo buysenesse shall
lette yt: how be it, for the tyme, place, and order of
<P 150>
the Meeting he said he wold common with the Great Master, and
within ij. or iij. dayes he wold send hym to Parys, wher he
shuld make me aunswer of every article concernyng the said
Entreview and Meting. And bicause that the Quene here hath been
very sycke thies ij. dayes, and in great daunger, as I have more
at large wryten of the same to my lord Legat and Cardinall of
England, which I am sure woll shewe your Grace thereof, I can as
yet have no aunswer what order shalbe taken for the Marchaunts
matiers. Beseching the holy Trynyte long to preserve your
Highnesse. From Parys this xiiij=th=. day of March.
   [\THE SIGNATURE BURNT OFF.\]

<Q OR1 1519 TBOLEYN>
<A SIR THOMAS BOLEYN>
<P 150>
[} [\LETTER LIV. SIR THOMAS BOLEYN TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }]
   [{Pleasyth it youre{] Grace to understand that the xxj=th=.
day of this moneth I wrote my last Lettres to your Grace, and as
yesterday, which was our Lady's day, I was at Seynt Germayns,
where the Quene and my Lady lyeth; but the King roode on our
Ladye's even viij. leges hens, and as my Lady tellyth me it is
in a dowte whether he comyth ageyn before the
<P 151>
Quene here be brought in bedde or nay; for she lookyth her tyme
every howre. Also my Lady hath commaunded me, now while the
great Master is away, that I shuld resorte to her for any thing
that I shuld have to doo for the King my Master. And she hath
promysed me that she woll make me pryve of such newes as she
shall here of from any place: and toold me that the King her
sonne whan he departed willed her to shew me a Lettre that came
now streyt out of Spayn from his Ambassadour there, and
therewithall she called to her the tresourer Robertet and bad
hym shewe me that Lettre, wherein was wrytten by the said
Ambassador whose name is de la Roche Beauconot, that the King's
Highnesse had late sent a Lettre to the King Catholique
advertysyng hym how the King here had desired the King's
Highnesse by his lettres to wryte to th'Ellectowrs of th'Empire
in his favour, the rather to atteyn the dygnyte of th'Empire;
the which the King's Highness hath refused bicause of the Amytie
betwixt the Kings Grace and the King Catholique, and how the
Kings Highnesse had rather that the King Catholique wer Emperowr
than the King here; which Lettre he wryteth is in th'andes of
the Bishop of Bourges oon of the great Counsell of Spayn. Whan I
had redde this clawse in the Lettre sent out of Spayn, I prayed
my Lady that she wold gyve noo credence to yt, and shewed
<P 152>
her how I thought that the said Ambassador wrote this by
Informacion of some maliciouse personne that wold sett discord
bitwixt Princes; and that I assured her it was not trew. She
toold me that she had soo perfecte trust in the Kyng my Master's
honnor that she beleved, nor wold beleve, noo such thing; and no
more she sayeth woll the King her sonne: sayeng that whan the
King here redde the same clause in the Lettre wrytten to hym by
his Ambassadour in Spayn he did but lawgh at it, and gave no
credence thereto. And she saied it cowlde nat be trew, for the
... the Kyng's Highnesse desyring him to wryte to th...
th'Empire for hym. So that as farre as I can perceyve neyther my
Lady nor the King her sonne gyve noo credence to yt. And as moch
as I cowld instaunce her I have desired her not to beleve this
nor noo such thing that shuld be contrary to any thing that the
Kings Highnesse hath promysed or wrytten to the King her sonne.
My Lady also desireth that likewise as I woll make me pryve of
every thing that shall touch or arr... to the Kings Grace to
th'intent I shuld advertise the Kings Highnesse and your Grace.
She likewise desireth to bee advertised of any thing
apperteynyng to the King her sonne. She talked with me also of
the Meeting of the Kings Highnesse and the King her sonne (which
she moch desireth) wherein I shewed her according to myn
Instructions
<P 153>
that if it pleased her to m... the King her sonne that he wold
be content after they had mett a horsbak to repaire streyt to
Calais where they myght be honourably receyved, well and easely
lodged, it shuld be convenient for their estates. Whereto she
aunswered that when they had oones mett, she putt noo dowtes but
they shuld ... well enough, sayeng that after they had ones seen
togyther his Highnesse shuld desire hym to nothing but he wold
gyve thereto assent. She sayeng allwaies that it shalbe more ...
and triumphant to be lodged in sommer in the fields in tents and
pavilions than it shuld be in any Towne. She often [{asked{] me
of my Lady Princesse and of hir helth, if she hath been syck
lately or not. Also Madame la Duchesse the Kings syster, the
Duke of Alaunson's wief, lately hath been and yet is very sycke.
When I shall have knowledge of any other Newes I shall ... to
your Grace of them: beseching the holy Trinite long to preserve
your Grace. From Poyssy a leege from Saint Germains this
xxvj=th=. day of March.
   Yowres m...
   Th...

<Q OR1 1519? TBOLEYN>
<A SIR THOMAS BOLEYN>
<P 154>
[} [\LETTER LV. SIR THOMAS BOLEYN TO KING HENRY THE EIGHTH.\] }]
   Pleasith yt your Grace to understand that the first day of
this moneth I wrote my last Lettres to your Grace, and as yet
the King is nat retorned from Melun, there as he hath been
almost thes fortenyght a huntyng. But hither is come Lettres
with great dylygence to the King Catholiques Ambassadour from
Frankford, and from my lady of Savoye, specefieng how the King
his master the xxviij. day of the last moneth, at x. of the
clocke afore noon, by th'assent and hoole voyce of all the
Electours was chosen Emperor. And bicause there is yet noo
lettres commen out of Almayn to the King nor my Lady here of
this matier my Lady marvayleth moch, and sayth she feryth that
Mons=r=. L'admiral is letted or evyll intreatyd bicause she hath
no word from hym, or elles their Post with lettres is taken or
stopped by the way. Neverthelesse my Lady sayth yf this be trew
seyng the King her sonne may nat be Emperor she is ryght glad
that the King Catholique is chosen. Sayeng that though the Kyng
her sonne is nat Emperor, yet it is a comfort to her that the
King her sonnes son in
<P 155>
lawe is Emperor. How be it the trouth is that both the King and
my Lady, and all this Contre had rather any other had been
chosen Emperor than the King Catholique. My Lady tellyth me that
she is assured it hath cost hym a greyt good to atteyn to this
Empire; in so moch she sayth she knoweth for a trouth oon of the
Electours hath had of hym two hundreth thowsand crownes, and
namyng hym of Coloigne. She sayth also that the Electours amongs
them all hath not had of the King her sonne past a hundreth
thowsand Crownes, and moch she ma... and fereth lest the
Admirall be nat well, and sayth that the Letter that she had
from hym was wrytten the xxvj. day of the last moneth, wherein
by his wryting he had as great trust that the King here shuld be
Emperor as ever he had. And now Mons=r=. le Bastard and they of
the Counsell here say yt is a good torne for the King here, and
a great weale for his reaulme that he is not Emperor, for they
say yf he had been it shuld have putt hym to an infante
busyness, and impoverychyd and undoone his subgietts. Here is
also of late a new Ordenaunce made by the King and his Counsell,
and gyven to all them that have any horses for Posts or Currors,
both here at the Cort and at Parys, that payn of their lyves
they delyver no horse nor horses to any man, ambassador or
other, except at the Court he have a bill from Robertet
<P 156>
in Parys from the first President there. I have been, too,
assuryd by my Lady that this is nat doon for any Lett of L...
that goyth in to England, but as farre as I can knowe that
resortyth in and owt of Spayn, and my lady hath ... whan so ever
I woll depeche any lettres by Post. I shall stre... a Bill of
Robertett and of the first President of Parys ... whan I woll.
   Besechyng the holy Trinite long to preserve your Grace from
Poyssy this iiij=th= day of July.
   Yours T...

<Q OR1 1519? RPACE>
<A RICHARD PACE>
<P 156>
[} [\LETTER LVI. RICHARD PACE TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }]
<P 157>
   Pleas itt your Grace I have thys daye visite my Lady
Margarite, and have hadde off herre verraye large thanks for
that I have doon in Almayne for the Kynge Catholike in the late
Election. And all the noble men off thys Courte haith yevyn unto
me lyke thanks, and interteignydde me here in moste kynde and
lovynge maner, wythoute ony question made unto me off eny thynge
that I had doon in the sayde late Election for the advauncement
of the Kynge our soverayne Lorde, as your Grace thoght they
wolde have doon, as itt apperidde bi your laste Lettres
directidde unto me. And in verraye deade they have no cause to
complayne uppon me, for I dydde nevyr speke agaynst the Kynge
catholike in the sayde Election, considerynge that itt was
sufficient to me to have the Electors speke agaynst hym, and
allege reasons whye he schulde nott be electidde; ande suerly
they wolde nott have electidde hym yff fere off there persons
hadde not dryven them thereunto, and evident ruine off all there
nation yff they hadde electidde ony othre Kynge. And I forseynge
suche thyngis (as itt apperith bi diverse my Lettres sent to
your Grace in that cause, I ordrede my self there aftre wyth the
orators off the sayde Kynge Catholyke,
<P 158>
in suche maner that he, yff he obteignedde, schuld bi reason yff
sum thanks to the Kyngis Grace therfore. Master Hesdyng haith
wretyn to my Lady verraye acceptable Lettres concernyng the
Triumphe made there for the exaltation off the Kynge Catholyke,
and also off the Kyngis Grace's and your lovyng myndis towardis
thys House, to the grete rejoyse off all thys Courte. He haith
also wretyn to me a kynde Lettre offrynge unto me hys house and
all that is therin at my pleasure, and whyche commoditie I
intende not to use, but to take my voyage towardes Calice
tomorrowe. My Lady, with diverse lordis here, wolde have me tary
here bi the space off ij. dayes in continuall fests and
drynkyng, but itt is not for my purpose to be syke (\ex
crapula\) . Itt is not yet knowen whatt the army beynge at this
tyme in Gelderlande intendith; no hedde doeth appere emongist
them as yitt. Thus Jesu preserve your Grace in long helth and
continuall prosperitie. Writtyn at Mechlyne thys xxvij. off
July. 
   By your Graces most humble and feythfull servant
   R. Pace.
To my Lord Cardinalls Grace and Legat in England.

<Q OR1 1519 TBOLEYN>
<A SIR THOMAS BOLEYN>
<P 159>
[} [\LETTER LVII. SIR THOMAS BOLEYN TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }]
   Pleasith yt youre Grace to understand that the first day of
this moneth I wrote my last lettres to your Grace; and on Sonday
last past about x. of the clocke at nyght, the Kings yong sonne
whos title is Henry of Seynt Germayn Duke of Orleans, was
crystened, the Duke of Alaunson was the second godfather, and
the duchesse of Denamours the god mother. And bicause York, this
berar, was there present who can shewe your Grace all the maner
and order of the crystenyng I leve to wryte to your Grace of the
same; saving that
P 160>
according as your Grace hath here a fore tyme wryten to me I
presented to the Quene here in the name of the Kings Highnesse
the Salt, the Cuppe, and Layar of gold, which was very much
praysed; and also the Quene and my Lady gave to the Kings
Highnesse for the same their loving and harty thanks. And after
all was doon the King came to me and sayd he thanked the King's
Highnesse of the great honnor that he had doon hym in crystenyng
of his chyld, sayeng that when so ever yt shall fortune the
Kings Highnesse to have a Prince he shalbe glad to doo for hym
in lyke maner, and that he is mynded after his said sonne shall
to age and be able to ... he purposyth to send hym to the Kings
Grace into Englande to doo hym service.
   And the hundreth pounde that your Grace sent to gyve in
reward, is bistowed as folowith. First the Noryce, oon hundreth
crownes; to iiij. rockers of the yong Dukes chamber, ij.
hundreth crownes; to iij. gentlewomen of the Quenes Pryve
Chamber called (\femmes de Ret...\) a hundreth and fyfty
crownes; and at the Offryng xx nobils, which amounteth in all to
the some of oone hundreth pounds sterling and xv. crownes over.
All which money was paid and delyvered by the hands of York this
berar and Richmount, which can shewe your Grace well inough
therof.
   Furthermore, as this berar can shewe your Grace, there hath
been with me at my lodging the Kings Porters, the T... and
Officers of Armys which with
<P 161>
importune manner asked reward saying that the Duke of Urbyn at
the crystenyng of the Dolphyn rewarded them, and wyth the best
answer that I could make them nothyng given they went away
miscontent. Neverthelesse it is ... by honorabull folks here
that the gyftes to the Quene, and the money that is gyven in
rewardes was sufficiently honorable, and largely inough for the
Kings honnor.
   I have also laid out xj=li=. xij=s=. in sendyng dyvers tymes
myn own folks and other that I have hired to your Grace in to
England, and to Calais, with Lettres in post and otherwise, the
which xj=li=. xij=s=. and xv. crownes that I have layd out now
more than hundreth poundes that your Grace sent me by York to
gyve in reward, is owing me. And forasmuch as the last money
that your Grace sent me for a hundreth dayes ended the
xxviij=th=. day of May last past I besech your Grace both to
send me such dyett money as shall best please your Grace, and
that the said xj=li=. xij=s=. and xv. crownes that is owing me
may be also delivered to my prest which shall attend upon your
Grace for yt.
   Also I receyved yester evyn from your Grace, a Letter dated
the xxviij=th=. day of May, concernyng the Marchaunts matiers
and divers other things, whereof after I have spoken with the
King, my Lady, or the Counsell here I shall wryte to your Grace
such answer as I shall have of them with diligence.
   Here is moch speking in the Court and more at
<P 162>
Parys of many straunge bouts, whereof this berar can shewe your
Grace by mowth as he hath hard, and as I have shewed hym.
Besechyng the Holy Trinite long to preserve your Grace. From
Poyssy this vij=th=. day of June
   Youre ...
   To my moste especial and singular Lord; my Lord Legat
Cardinall, Chauncellar of England.

<Q OR1 1523 T2HOWARD>
<A THOMAS HOWARD 2>
<P 214>
[} [\LETTER LXXVII. THE EARL OF SURREY TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }] 
   Plesith it your Grace to be advertised, that upon Fridaye at
x. a clok at nyght I retorned to this towne, and all the
garnysons to their places assigned, the busshopriche men, my
lorde of Westmerland, and my Lord Dacre in likewise, every man
home with their companys, without los of any men thanked be God
saving viij. or x. slayne, and dyvers hurt at skyrmishis and
saults of the towne of Gedworth and the forteresses; whiche
towne is soo suerly brent, that noo garnysons ner none other
shalbe lodged there, unto the tyme it be newe buylded: the
brennyng whereof I commytted to twoo sure men, Sir William
Bulmer and Thomas Tempeste.
   The Towne was moche bettir then I went it had been, for there
was twoo tymys moo howses therein then in Berwike, and vell
buylded with many honest and faire howses therein, sufficiente
to have lodged M=l= horsemen in garnyson, and six good towres
therein; which towne and towres bee clerely distroyed, brent,
and throwen downe. Undoubtedly there was noo jorney made into
Scotland in noo manys day, leving
<P 215>
with soo fewe a nombre, that is recownted to bee soo high and
enterprice as this, bothe with thies contreymen and Scottishmen,
nor of truthe somoche hurt doon; but in th'ende a great
mysfortune ded fall, onely by foly, that suche order as was
comaunded by me to bee kepte was not observed, the maner wherof
herafter shall ensue.
   Bifore myn entre into Scotland I appointed Sir William Bulmer
and Sir William Overs to be marshallis of th'army: Sir William
Bulmer for the vangard, and Sir William Overs for the reregard.
In the vangard I appointed my lord of Westmerland as cheif, with
all the busshopriche, Sir William Bulmer, Sir William Overs, my
Lord Dacre with all his company; and with me remayned all the
rest of the garnysons and the Northumberland men. I was of
counsaill with the Marshallis at th'ordering of our lodgings,
and our campe was soo well envirowned with ordynaunce, carts,
and diks, that hard it was to entre or issue, but at certain
places appointed for that purpoos; and assigned the mooste
commodious place of the said campe for my Lord Dacre company
next the water, and next my Lord of Westmerland. And at suche
tyme as my Lord Dacre came into the feld, I being at the sault
of th'abbay, whiche contynued unto twoo houres within nyght, my
said lord Dacre wold in nowise bee contente to ly within the
campe, which was
<P 216>
made right sure, but lodged hymself without, wherewith at my
retourne I was not contente, but than it was to late to remove.
The next day I sente my seid Lord Dacre to a strong hold called
Fernherst, the lorde whereof was his mortall enemy, and with him
Sir Arthure Darcy, Sir Marmaduke Constable, with vij c. of their
men, one cortoute, and dyvers other good peces of ordynaunce for
the feld. The seid Fernherste stode marvelous strongly within a
great woode. The seid twoo knights with the moost parte of their
men, and Strikland your Graces servaunte, with iij C. Kendall
men, went into the woode on fote with th'ordynaunce, where the
seid Kendall men were soo handled that they found hardy men that
went noo foote bak for theym. The other twoo Knights were alsoo
soo sharply assayled that they were enforced to call for moo of
their men, and yet could not bring th'ordynaunce to the
forteresse unto the tyme my lord Dacre with part of his horsemen
lighted on fote, and marvelously herdly handled hymself; and
fynally with long stikmyshing and moche difficultie, gut forthe
th'ordynaynce, wan the howse, and threwe downe the same. At
whiche skyrmyshe my seid Lord Dacre and his brother Sir
Cristofer, Sir Arthure, and Sir Marmaduke, and many other
gentilmen, ded marvelously hardly, and found the best resistence
that hath be seen sith my comyng to thies parties, and above
<P 217>
xxx=ti=. Scottis slayne, and not passing iiij. English men; but
above sixty hurt. Aftir that, my seid Lord retornyng to the
campe, wold in nowise bee lodged in the same, but where he laye
the furst nyght: and he being with me at souper about viij. a
clok, the horses of his company brake lowse, and sodenly ran out
of his feld in suche nombre that it caused a marvelous alarome
in our feld; and our standing watche being set, the horses cam
ronnyng along the campe, at whome were shot above one hundred
sheif of arrowes and dyvers gonnys, thinking they had bee Scotts
that wold have saulted the campe. Fynally the horses were soo
madde that they ran like wild dere into the feld above xv. C. at
the leest in dyvers companys; and in one place above l. fill
downe a great rok and slewe theymself; and above two hundred and
fifty ran into the towne being on fire, and by the women taken
and caried awaye, right evil brent; and many were taken agayne;
but fynally by that I can esteme by the nombre of theym that I
sawe goo on fote the next daye, I think there is lost above
viij. C. horses, and all with foly for lak of not lying within
the campe. I dare not write the wonders that my Lord Dacre and
all his company doo saye they sawe that nyght, vj. tymys, of
sprits and ferefull sights. And unyversally all their company
saye playnely, the Devill was that nyght amongs theym vj. tymys.
Whiche mysfortune hath blemyshed the best Jorney that was made
in Scotland
<P 218>
many yeres. I assure your Grace I found the Scotts at this tyme
the boldest men, and the hotest that ever I sawe any nation: and
all the Jorney, upon all parts of th'army kept us with so
contynuall skyrmyshe that I never sawe the like. If they myght
assemble forty thousand as good men as I nowe sawe fifteen
hundred or two thousand, it wold bee an herd encounter to mete
theym. Pitie it is of my lord Dacres losse of the horses of his
company. He brought with hym above four thousand men, and lodged
one nyght in Scotland in his moost mortall enemys contre. There
is noo herdyer ner bettir knyght, but often tym he doth not use
the most sure ordre; whiche he hath nowe payed derely for.
Written at Berwike the xxvij. of September.
   Your most bownden
   T. Surrey.
To my Lord Legats goode Grace.

<Q OR1 1523 T2HOWARD>
<A THOMAS HOWARD 2>
<P 223>
[} [\LETTER LXXX. THE EARL OF SURREY TO CARDINAL WOLSEY. A. D.
1523.\] }] 
<P 224>
   Plesith it your Grace too be advertised, that this Day at x.
a clok I received one Lettre of newes from Sir William Bulmer
sente hym fro the Priores of Calestreme, and one other sente to
me fro the Lord Ogle from Wark of such newes as he hath fro the
Priores of Ocles in Scotlande. I beleve right moche that the
contents of the Priores of Calestremys Lettres bee trewe; and
thoder doo not moche vary fro the same. Alsoo by dyuers other
wayes I have advertisments that the Duke prepareth all that he
can t'invade this realme with the light of this nexte newe Mone,
and by his words doo right litle esteme the poure of England.
<P 225>
Wherefor to theffecte of yo=r= Graces late Lettre I shall
tomorrowe send lettres to all the noble men and gentilmen
dwelling withen the Shiris conteyned in my commyssion too bee
here in this Towne the xx=ti=. daye of this Moneth, trusting
that and all men come accordingle the seid Duke shall fynd more
sharp recistance than he doth loke for. And notwithstanding that
the weder hath bee here soo foule with mervelous greate rayne
dyvers dayes, and mooste specially yesterdaye with rayne and
this daye with snowe, soo that the opinion of many wise men is
it shalbe very difficile for the seid Duke to cary any greate
ordynance onles it bee to Berwike, yet forasmoche as he myght
doo enfynyte hurte in over rynnyng the Contre onles he were
recisted, I shale cause all my seid poure to come forewards, and
to bee here at the daye prefixed. And if I shall see that the
Duke shall altre his purpoos in setting furth I shall
contermawnde theym, too thentente the Kingis Highnes shalbe put
too no more chardge shalbe requysite; whereunto I shalhave the
beste regard I can, the daunger of distruccion of the contre by
thennemys provided for.
   Mooste humble beseching your Grace too helpe that some
noblemen and gentilmen of the Kingis hous and the south parties
maye be sente hither though they bring no greate nombres with
theym. God knoweth if the poreste gentilman in the Kingis hous
were here, and I at London and were advertised of
<P 226>
thies newes I wold not faile to knele upon my knees bifore the
kings grace too have licence to come hither in poste too bee at
the daye of batayle. And if yong noble men and gentilmen be not
desierous and willing to be at suche jorneys, and to take the
payne and yeve the adventure, and the Kingis highnes well
contented with thoos that woll so doo, and not regarding others
that wolbe but dauncers, disers, and carders, his Grace shall
not bee well served when he wold bee; for men withoute
experience shall doo small servyce, and experience of war woll
not be had withoute it be sought for and the adventure yeven. Of
likelihode no man leving shall ever lyve to se the Scotts
attempte t'envade this realme with the powre of Scotland if they
may bee well resisted nowe. And by many wayes I am advertised
that the Duke of Albany is a mervelous wilfull man, and woll
beleve noo mannys counsaill, but woll have his owne opinion
folowed. And bicause the Frenche King hath be at soo greate
chardges by his provoking, having his wiffs inherytance lying
within his domynyons, dare not for no Scottish counsell forbere
t'envade this realme. I am also advertised that he is so
passionate that and he bee aperte amongis his familiers, and
doth here any thing contrarius to his myende and pleasure, his
accustumed manner is too take his bonet sodenly of his hed and
to throwe it in the fire; and no man dare take it oute, but let
<P 227>
it to be brent. My Lord Dacre doth affirme that at his last
being in Scotland he did borne above a dosyn bonetts aftir that
maner. And if he be suche a man, with Gods grace we shall spede
the bettir with hym. Fynally, mooste humble I beseche your Grace
to send more money, at the leeste viij M=li=.; and t'advertise
me of the Kingis pleasure and yours howe I shalbe further ordred
in any thing ye woll commaunde me, whiche too the beste of my
poure I shall fulfill, trusting that the gonners be well on the
waye hiderwards. And sory I am that the Kingis Highnes and your
Grace be nowe so fer in sondre, whiche I perceive is th'occasion
that my Lettres sente to your Grace from tyme too tyme bee the
lenger un answered, and also moche slouth is used by the Posts
wiche maye be amended if it woll pleas your Grace to write one
open Lettre too all the Posts, chardging theym to make such
diligence nowe in riding that your Graces Lettres fro London to
this towne, and my Lettres fro this Towne to London, maye bee
conveyed in xlviij. houres at the leeste, whiche they maye well
doo. And thanked be God, this nyght and this daye I have ben
well amended of my diseases. Written at Newcastell the viij=th=.
day of Octobr. 
   Your's most bownden
   T. Surrey.
To my Lord Legats good Grace.

<Q OR1 1523 T2HOWARD>
<A THOMAS HOWARD 2>
<P 228>
[} [\LETTER LXXXI. LORD SURREY TO CARDINAL WOLSEY. THE LAST
SIXTEEN LINES ONLY OF THIS LETTER ARE IN LORD SURREY'S HAND.\]
}] 
   Pleaseth it your Grace to bee advertised that I have forborne
to write to your Grace sith the xviij. of this moneth, having no
verey certain tydings what the Duke entendeth to do unto this
day that I have received dyvers Lettres as well fro the Quene of
Scottis, fro Sir William Bulmer, and others, all which Lettres I
send herewith unto your Grace. And where in one Lettre is
conteyned that she doth send her servant unto me for peace
comprehending Fraunce, I truste this night or tomorrow to be
advertised fro your Grace of the Kingis pleasure and Yours howe
I shalbe ordred in aunswering any offre to be made to me fro
truse or peace, and shall defer making any answer unto the tyme
I shall knowe the same. And as towching the comprehension of
France, onles your Grace do write to me what answer I shall make
therein, I shall saye that I have none auctoritie to speke
therein; and that I beleve verely the Kingis highnes woll not be
content therewith, and that I believe his Highnes woll think the
Duke of Albany to be too meane a personage to medle with soo
high a matier: notwithstanding I woll advertise his Grace
thereof, and when
<P 229>
I shall knowe his mooste graciouse pleasure I shall advertise
your Grace of the same.
   And as touching her comyng awaye I shall shewe her that I
have commandemente to receive her if she come, notwithstanding I
think she might both doo more good in Scotland to the Kingis
highnes and to the King her son, then she shuld do being in
England. Assuering her that she shall lak no good helpe of the
Kingis Grace, she contynuing in her good mynde towards his
Highnes.
   Also pleaseth it your Grace to be advertised that upon
Tuysdaye last my Lord Marquise with all the gentilmen of the
Kingis hous came hither: and the same day came my lorde of
Northumberland, my lord Clifford, my lorde Latymer, my lord
Darcy, my lord Scrope. And sith that time is come all theire
powere, and all other gentilmen of Yorkshire hooly, and in
likewise Lancashire, and dyvers of Cheshire, Notingham, Derby,
Staff. and Shropshire, and all your Grace's retynue. And this
daye is come your Grace's treasourer Sir William Gascoyne. I
assure your Grace, God willing, we shall have men inoughe; and
the beste willed men unyversally fro the higheste to the loweste
that ever I sawe. And bicause all bee not yet come asfer as
Duresme, and also that the wether hath bee soo mervelously reyne
whiche hath so raysed the waters that noo man maye pas from hens
northward.
<P 230>
And also for that I was not advertised that the Duke was set
forewards, nor knowing whiche waye he wold hold, I have stopped
thos that came furste in this towne and bitwene this and Morpath
and Hexham, and th'oders abouts Duresme. And tomorowe my Lorde
Marques shall marche to Anwike, and with hym my lord Darcy and
many others, to th'entente that and the Duke wold send in any
good nombre to overrun the contre they maye be redy to defend
the same. And I with the reste woll not marche past Morpath
myself, and thos nowe that bee at Duresme unto this towne, unto
the tyme I shall suerly know whether he woll goo to
th'Esteborder or the Weste. For if I shuld goo any further I
shuld bee compelled to retorne for lak of vitell: for I can get
no cariage in maner for money too cary any with me. Assuering
your Grace that I think it not possible the Duke can bring his
Ordinaunce unto Norham, Wark, or Carlizle before Mondaye, though
it reyned no more unto that tyme, the waters bee nowe soo
marvelously greate that no man leving hath seen them greatter;
but unto Berwicke he maye well com upon the ferther side of the
water. Praying God to send hym thither, where I truste he shall
not onely consume his tyme in vayne, somany good men nowe being
within the Towne, but alsoo we comyng thidder shall have some
reasonable store of vitell, and shalbe
<P 231>
able to geve batayle at our advantage. Fynally assure your Grace
I and all others here bee all aferde of one thing that he shall
not dare abide us. And grete pitie it were that the Kingis
Highnes shuld spend thus moche money withoute batayle. And, as I
think if he abide us we shall mete about Tuysdaye nexte.
   He doth make grete booste off the londyng off Richard de la
Pole in Scotlond assewryng the Lords off Scotlond that he shall
have gret help in this realme, wherfor after my poure opinion it
wer well done Sir Riz ap Thomas wer warned to be in a redynes,
for the seid Duc seith he shall londe in Wales. Iff your Grace
know any man suspect I dout not ye woll provyde that he shall
not shyp away. I know no man lyvyng that I shuld mystrust, but
he hath spoken so largely and dayle doth, that I know not what
to thynk.
   Most humble besechyng your Grace that and I fortewne to
myscary in this Journey, to be gode lord to my poure chylderne,
assewryng your Grace that without the Kyng's gracious favour and
your Grace's shewed unto them, they shalbe undone. For I have
spent somoch to serve the Kyng's Hyghnes, that, iff God do now
his plesure off me, I shall leve them the pourest noblemanny's
childerne that died in this realme thes xl. yers; havyng neyther
goods nor fote off londe to put in feofment to do them gode
after me. And therfor most humble I beseche Your Grace to be
gode and gracious Lord to them, for my poure
<P 232>
service done in tymes past. Scribled the xxiij. day off October
at xj. at nyght.
   Yo=rs=. most bownden
   T. Surrey.
To my Lord Legats good Grace.

<Q OR1 1523 T2HOWARD>
<A THOMAS HOWARD 2>
<P 232>
[} [\LETTER LXXXII. LORD SURREY TO KING HENRY THE EIGHTH.\] }] 
   Plesith it your Highnes to be advertised that upon Satirdaye
at night the Duke of Albany with a greate puysance brought his
ordynaunce unto Werk, on the fer side of Twede, upon Scotland
side, and began to shote right sore upon Sondaye by the breke of
daye, and so contynued all that daye and Mondaye. And whiche
tyme I being at Holy Island, vij. myles from Berwike, was
advertised of the same at seven a clok at night the said
Sondaye; and incontynente sent Lettres to my lord Cardynalls
company, my lord of Northumberland, my lord of Westmoreland at
Sainte Cutberts baner lying at Anwike and thereabouts, and in
likewise to my lord Dacre and other lords and gentilmen lying
abrode in the countre, too mete me at
<P 233>
Barmer wood, fyve myles from Werk on Mondaye, who so ded. And
the seid Monday at iij. a cloke at aftir none, the water of
Twede being soo high that it could not be riden the Duke sent
over ij M. Frenche men in bootis to gif assault to the place,
who with force entred the bas courte, and by Sir William Lizle
captain of the Castell with a hundred with him were right
manfully defended by the space of one houre and an half, without
suffring theym t'entre the Inner Ward; but fynally the seid
Frenchemen entred the Inner warde, whiche perceived by the seid
Sir William and his company frely set upon theym, and not onely
drove theym oute of the Inner warde, but alsoo oute of the Uttir
warde, and slewe of the seid Frenche men x. personys. And so the
seid Frenche men wente over the water; and incontynent the seid
Sir William advertised me of the said assaulte, desiering too
have reskue this daye, or els the place wold be no lenger kepte:
whereof I being advertised by thre a clok this mornyng, avaunced
foreward with the hole army by the breke of daye. And the Duke
hering that I cam towards hym toke away his ordynance, and in
likewise departed hymself with his hoole company, but as yet I
cannot advertise your Grace of trouth howe fer he is goon, but
tomorrowe I doubte not I shall knowe the certentie. Sir I doubte
moche that if he here that I breke this army that he woll
retorne with his
<P 234>
ordynance unto Werk, whiche I feare woll not hold long againste
hym; for and if I had not made newe fortifications of bulwerks
of erthe, it had not be tenable one half daye. I wold it were in
the See, for I knowe not how to get men to remayne in it. Sir
undoubtedly ther was never man departed with more shame nor with
more feare than the Duke hath doon this daye: and
notwithstanding the greate Assemble that he hath made in
Scotland he hath not doon x=s=. worth of hurte within your
Grace's realme, nor never durste hymself entre the same. Sir I
feare me it shall not be possible for me to kepe this Army no
longer togidder; for suche as come oute of the bisshopriche,
this contre, and other places, at their own costs, have spent
all that they have; and with moche difficulte and faire words
have kepte theym here thus long. Notwithstanding I shall doo my
beste to kepe theym togidder unto the tyme that I shall knowe
the Duks army bee perspoiled. Assuering your Grace that maister
Magnus hath but iij. M. marks lefte; and if th'army shuld be
discharged tomorrowe next, I think x M. marks woll not paye that
is owing and conduyte money home. And considering howe
paynefully and with howe good will they have served, it were
pitie they shuld departe withoute having that was promysed
theym, wherfore mooste humble I beseche your Highnes that
convenyent money maye be sente hither with diligence. And if it
come not bifore the departing
<P 235>
hens of th'army, to th'entente they shuld not goo hens groudging
and speking shrodly, I shall delyver theym asmoche as is here
with asmoche more as I maye borowe. And also I shall bynd myself
by my bill signed with myn hand to paye theym asmoche as shalbe
due for the reste; mooste humble besechyng your Highnes to see
me dischardged of the same with convenyente diligence, or els I
shalbe uttirly undoon for ever. Also I beseche your Grace to
send thankfull lettres to suche as have doon good servyce at
this tyme, whos names be conteyned in a bill herein closed: also
lx. iiij=xx=. blanks to be written here to suche as I doo not
remembre the names of: assuering your Grace that in all my lif I
never sawe somany Englishmen in none army nor so well willed as
thees were fro the higheste to the loweste, nor never was
gentilman so moche bounde as I have been this Jorney to all
noblemen, gentilmen, and souldiors; whiche favor they have
shewed me for the greate love they bere to your Highnes, and the
desierous myende they have to doo your Grace service. Written in
the Campe ij. myles from Wark this Tuysday at night.
   Your most humble subject and servant
   T. Surrey.
To the Kings most noble Grace.

<Q OR1 1524 TDACRE>
<A THOMAS LORD DACRE>
<P 240>
[} [\LETTER LXXXV. LORD DACRE TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }] 
<P 241>
   My Lorde pleas it your Grace to knowe that this present hour
I am advertised by my secrete espiall out of Scotland that the
Lordes of the same contynueng
<P 242>
to giddres all Witson Weke in Edinburghe were in the Tolbothe of
the same Monday, Tewisday, Wednisday, and Thurysday laste paste
in counseill, and there the Duke of Albany demanded of theim by
his writing certein things articulerly as your Grace may
perceive by theim, with the Lordes aunsweres ensewing; that is
to saye
   Furst the said Duke deasired thre monthes licence of the King
and Lordes to th'intent in that tyme he mought departe in France
and retorne in Scotland again for certain considerations moving
the King and Wele of Scotland, specially for the making of
provision for the defence and susteignyng of the Warres anempt
and against the Kings Highnes our Soveraign Lorde and his
realme, and to knowe what the Frenche Kings parte shulde be, to
the supple of Scotlande; and to that effect deasired a
Commission with Servants of the Kings to passe with hym in
Fraunce for his aunswere, good counseill, and supple to be had
and knowen towards Scotlande. 
   The Lordes aunswered sayeing it was not tyme now for hym to
remeve furth of the Realme, remembring the grete damagies that
the realme and pore subjects had susteigned in his absence past,
and considering that towards the King and Realme apperauntt
grete warres, and also, as they were advertised, the Realme by
all lyklyhode wolde in shorte tyme be preserved by
<P 243>
the Kings Highnes our soverain Lorde and his realme, and seing
the King now at nonage, and he having governaunce of his Realme,
it were not his honor to be absent fro the defence of it. He
aunswered and said he had suche secrete busynes to do with the
Frenche King concernyng the same that he must nedes in his owne
person speke with hym. The Lordes hering the same, graunted hym
the said licence with a commission to oon Maister David Beton, a
clerke, and a harrolde, to departe with hym in Fraunce; which
thre persones ar delivered with powier and departed with him
accordingly.
   Secundely the Duke desired the bande that was maide in Rowane
by the bishop of Dunkelde, the secretary, and the bushop of Ross
to be kept by the King and the Lordes to the Frenche King, and
no peas to be takin with this Realme of Inglande during the time
of his licence; and further in his absens, without the advice of
the French Kyng and hym.
   The Lordes aunswered that the bande made in Rowane they were
contented shulde be kept, so that the Frenche King wolde in the
mean season kepe the bande maide to the King of Scotts; and in
likewise the lordes of Scotlande ar contented to contynew the
warre enduring his licence, and further, unto they had the
Frenche Kings advice, except that the King's
<P 244>
Highnes our Soverain lorde be his maigne power in the mean
season fortuned to invade and pursue Scotland, whiche Scotland
were not able to resiste, that then he being absent, (of force)
they must neds take peas with our said Soverain and his Realme.
   Thirdly the Duke desired the Quene and the Lordes to holde
the King in the Castell of Strivelying, and boundes divised for
hym afore, to his retorne in Scotland again, binding the Quene
neither to confederate with the Kings Highnes our said Soverain
lorde nor to consent to peas.
   To the which deasires the Quene denyed hym in a parte, saing
if he yode awaye she must neds do for her self: and inlikewise
the lordes said, promising to do their best to cause hym kepe
in, so farr as they might solicite hym.
   Fourthly the Duke deasired that Grisels, a Frenchman, his
servant, might remaine in Scotland as Treasourer of the same,
having th'auctoritye of his office whiles his retorne again in
Scotlande, and nothing to be done or consented unto in any
greate mattiers unto they had his advice.
   The Lordes aunswered, saing, what servant so ever he pleased
to leif theim shulde be welcum, but they thought not suche a man
mete for that office.
   Fiftly the Duke deasired that the Quene shulde be obeyed in
all her rights.
<P 245>
   The Lordes aunswered and said the pleasure and service that
they might do shulde be at her commandement.
   Sextly and laste of all the Duke deasired to have and borrow
of the Lordes forty thousand Crownes of the Son to furnishe hym
certein wages, and for the furnishing of his Shippes, and he to
deliver the same again to the merchands of Scotlande in the
Towne of Deipe.
   The Lordes maide aunswer herunto they coude not make hym any
siche som of money: and said, if he wold remaigne with them to
the suppleying of the warres, thay shulde ware with hym their
bodies and goodes.
   Wherupon the same Duke having all the Lordes afore hym on
Fridaye last paste tooke leve of theim and rode that night to
Lithguo: on Satturday to Stryveling, and there remaigned
Sondaye, taking his leif of the King and Quene: and determined
to be in Glasgue yesterdaye: and this Tewisday to Dumbretain,
where as he wol take shippe if the wynde wol serve hym.
   Immediatly aftre he be entred ship, and sailed out of sight
frome Dumbretayn, I am promised to be surely and diligently
advertised therof; and if there be any retorne of hym your Grace
shalbe certefied accordingly,
<P 246>
God willing, who preserve your Grace. At Whittingham this last
daye of May at iij. of the clok in the mornyng.
   Yowrs to hyes serves
   Thomas Dacre.
To my Lord Legats Grace.

<Q OR1 1524 TDACRE>
<A THOMAS LORD DACRE>
<P 246>
[} [\LETTER LXXXVI. LORD DACRE TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }] 
   My Lord, pleas it your Grace to be ascerteyned, according to
my former advertisements made unto your Grace of the Duc of
Albanies departure out of Scotland; so it was at his said
departure the Lordes of Scotland and he did not aggre verey
well: for his intente and purpose was to have gone with a
certein nombre unto the Isle of Man, and had viteilled his
shippes and made all other provisions for the same accordingly.
And whan it came to the poincte of his departing, all those that
had promised to go with hym satt downe and refused the Jorney.
Albeit of trouthe, the lordes of Scotland ar strately bounde and
sworne to stik still at the said Duks opynyon and the League
<P 247>
of France unto the laste daye of Auguste next comyng, at which
daye he hath promised to retorne into Scotland; and, if he fale
therof, he shalbe clerely exempted from all his auctoritie in
Scotland. And I am surely enformed that the said Lordes of
Scotland woll kepe their promisse to the said Duc, and nothing
do contrary the same for the tyme, except it be by force and
compulsion. Albeit I am inlikewise enformed, and verely truste,
that if it so fortune that the said Duc breke his promisse, and
cum not again at his appoincted daye, the said Lordes and
counseill of Scotland woll not onely leave his wayes, and
exclude hym clerely from all his auctoritie which he hath in
Scotland, but also semblably provide so that they may have peax
with the Kings Highnes by their owne meanes; and geve over all
bands, leages, and promises that are confermed betwene theim and
the Frenche King.
   Wherfore seyng that the said lords of Scotland woll make
persuyte to the King's Highnes for peax or treux now in the Ducs
absence, without it be for a surceace of warre to be taken
betwixt the wardeins upon the Bordors for a season, (which is
only for their and the Duks commoditie,) right necessarie and
requisite it is that the Kings Highnes and your Grace devise a
substanciall order what is beste to be done for their annoyance
now in the moste commodious tyme of the yere: for, according as
I have declared unto your Grace in my former writings, it is but
small exployt
<P 248>
that I can do with the nombre of men that lie now here in
garnyson, remembring how the Bordors of Scotland have bene
contynually destroyed sens the warres beganne. So that there is
no rode that can be made upon the said Bordors with so small a
nombre to the Kings honor. Howbeit I assure your Grace, for it
that we might do, I have holden them in quik occupation, making
of excourses contynually. And for proif that the frontors of the
Bordors of Scotland ar in maner destroyed, now lately the
viij=th=. day of this present monthe Sir William Evre lieutenant
of the Middill Merchies, accumpanied with one thousand men and
moo, made a Jorney into Scotland, and did verey well, and seased
and brought awey above viij=c=. nowte with many horses and othr
catall, as shepe, and gate to a great nombre, and miche insight,
which I assure your Grace they did fetche xvj. myles within the
grounde of Scotland. And in likewise my son, and my broder Sir
Cristofer Dacre (accumpanied with a parte of the Weste marchies)
the same tyme made an oder Jorney into Scotland, and there
seased and gat nigh upon a thousand nowte, and miche oder
catall, whiche they did fetche xx. myles within the grounde of
Scotland. And so your Grace may perceive that it is litill that
we can do but only kepe the Bordors from excourses, though the
Kings Highnes be at grete charge; seing that litill or nothinge
is lefte upon the
<P 249>
frontors of Scotland without it be parte of ald Howses wherof
the thak and covereings ar taken awey, bireason wherof they
cannot be brint as my lord Treasurer can shew your Grace. And
therefore under correction of your Grace if it be the Kings
pleasure and Yours (as I trust it is) that sharp warre be made
upon Scotland, provision must be made for the same now in tyme;
and not only the number of five or six thousand men to be putt
in arredines as nighehande the Bordors as may be conveniently,
to cum forward at diverse tymes whan they shalbe called upon,
for making of certen grete rodes; and alwey, after a grete rode
made to have wagies for that tyme only and to departe, and
retorne to an order as they shalbe called upon; but also
ordinance and horses to drawe the same with all oder necessaries
therunto belonging to be made redy accordingly. For surely to
dryve the tyme as we do, leving in defense, and doing but small
hurt to the Kings enemyes, it is nothing to the honor of his
Highnes, and far lesse to his prouffite as your Grace may well
perceive. And if the Kings Highnes and your Grace woll not take
this ordre, or othr like ordre, for oppressing of the said
Scotts, then (under your Grace's correction) best it is that a
surcease of Werre be taken by the wardeins for a season, which I
am sure the Lordes of Scotland woll specially deasire, because
it is for their owne commoditie, and after
<P 250>
that, I trust, the Chauncellare of Scotlande (with whome the Duc
hath left his hole auctoritie) wolde be contented to mete at the
bordors any honorable person that the King's Highnes and your
Grace wold appointe, for to common and speke of peax and
tranquillitie to be had betwene thes two realmes, whereunto he
hath alwey allegied that he is right well affectionate and
mynded. And if a surceace of werre were taken wherby that the
bordors of Scotland might be plenisshed, and the estats of the
realme gete prouffite (which they now lak), percaase they shuld
fynde it so swete that they wold be wel advised or they brak
agian aithr for the pleasour of the Frenche King, the Duc of
Albany, or of any oder. As knoweth the Holy Trinite who preserve
Your Grace. At Hexham the xj=th=. day of Junii.
   Yowrs with hys serves
   Thomas Dacre.

<Q OR1 1520S HENRY8>
<A HENRY VIII>
<P 269>
[} [\LETTER XCII. KING HENRY THE EIGHTH TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }]
   Myne awne good Cardinall, I recomande me unto you with all my
hart, and thanke yow for the grette payne and labour that yow do
dayly take in my bysynes and maters, desyryng yow (that wen yow
have well establyshyd them) to take summe pastyme and comfort,
to the intent yow may the longer endure to serve us; for allways
payne can nott be induryd. Surly yow have so substancyally
orderyd oure maters bothe off thys syde the See and byonde that
in myne oppynyon lityll or nothyng can be addyd; nevertheles,
accordyng
<P 270>
to your desyre, I do send yow myne oppynyon by thys berar, the
refformacion whereoff I do remytte to yow and the remnante off
our trusty consellers, whyche I am sure wyll substantyally loke
on hyt. As tochyng the mater that Syr Wyllyam Says broght answar
off, I am well contentyd with what order so ever yow do take in
itt. The Quene my wyff hath desyryd me to make har most harty
recommendations to yow, as to hym that she lovethe very well,
and both she and I wolde knowe fayne when yow wyll repayre to
us. No more to yow att thys tyme bot that with God's helpe I
trust we shall dysspoynte oure enymys off theyre intendyd
purpose. Wryttyn with the hand of your lovyng master
   Henry, R.
To My Lorde Cardinall.

<Q OR1 1520S MYTUDOR>
<A MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE>
<P 304>
[} [\LETTER XCIX. MARY THE FRENCH QUEEN TO HER BROTHER K. HEN.
VIII=TH=.\] }] 
   My most derest and best belowyd brother I humbly recommend vn
to yowr grace. Sir so yt tys that I have bene very seke and eke
atons for the wyche I was fayne to sende for Master Peter the
fesysyon for to have hoplen me of the dessays that I haue. Howbe
yt I am rathar wors than better. Were for I trowst showrly to
come vp to Londone with my Lord. For and yf I shold tary here I
am sowr I shold never asspeare the sekenys that I haue. Wer for,
Sir, I wolde be the gladther a grete dele to com thether, by
cawse I wold be glad to se yowr grace, the wyche I do thyncke
long for to do; for I haue bene a grete wyle out of yowr syte:
and now I thowst I shal not be so long agene: for the syte of
yowr grace ys to me the grettys comforte to me that may be
possybel. No
<P 305>
more to your grace at thys tyme, bwt I pray God send yow yowr
hartys dessyr, and showrly to the syte of yow.
   by yowr lowyng suster
   Mary the Frenche Qu ...

<Q OR1 1528 ABOLEYN>
<A ANNE BOLEYN>
<P 305>
[} [\LETTER C. ANNE BOLEYN TO CARDINAL WOLSEY.\] }] 
   My Lord, in my most humblyst wyse that my powuer hart can
thynke I do thanke your Grace for your kynd Letter, and for
youer rych and goodly present, the whyche I shall never be able
to desarve wyth owt your gret helpe, of the whyche I have
hetherto hade so grete plente that all the dayes of my lyfe I am
moaste bownd [{of{] all creators next the Kyngs Grace
<P 306>
to love and serve your Grace, of the whyche I besyche yo[{u
never{] to dowte that ever I shalle vary frome this thought as
long a[{s ony bre{]the is in my body. And as tochyng your Graces
troble with the Swet [{I thanke o{]wer Lorde that them that I
desyerd and prayed for ar sca[{pyd, and th{]at is the Kyng and
you. Not doughthyng bot that God [{has preser{]vyd you bothe for
grete cawsys knowen allonly of his hy[{gh wysdom{]e. And as for
the commyng of the Legate, I desyer that moche; [{and yf it be
Godds{] pleasor I pray hym to send this matter shortly to [{a
good ende{] : and then I trust my Lord to recompence part of
your gr[{ete panys the whych{] I must requyer you in the meane
tyme to excepte [{my good wyll in t{]he stede of the power, the
whyche must prosede partly f[{rom you as ower Lo{]urd knoweth to
whom I be syche to sende you lon[{ge lyfe with continew{]ance in
honor. Wrytten wyth the hande of her th[{at is most bound to
be{]
   You[{r humble and{]
   obed[{yent servante
   Anne Boleyn.{]



<B STONOR>

[^SAMPLE 1 = THE STONOR LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1290-1483, VOL. I-
II. ED. BY KINGSFORD, CHARLES LETHBRIDGE. CAMDEN THIRD SERIES
29, 30. 1919.
SAMPLE 2 = SUPPLEMENTARY STONOR LETTERS AND PAPERS, 1314-1482.
ED. BY KINGSFORD, CHARLES LETHBRIDGE. CAMDEN MISCELLANY 13.
CAMDEN THIRD SERIES 34. 1924. (REFERRED TO AS VOL. 3 IN PAGE
NUMBER CODING.)^]

<S SAMPLE 1>
<Q STO 1424 T1STONOR>
<A THOMAS STONOR1>
<P I,38>
[} [\46. THOMAS STONOR TO (SIR JOHN FORTESCUE)\] }]
[\30 October, 1424\]
<P I,39>
   Ryth welle belovyd syr, I grete yow well, doyng yow to
undurstonde +tath yowre son Jon and I beth fully acorded as
towchyng to the ferme of the Maner off Ermyngton, as hys
endenturys +terof beth enseylyd. And ye shall have +te lawe
Court of Mychellmasse last passed. Fur+turmore I send yow be the
berer of +tys letter endenturys betwene yowre sone Rychard and
my feffeys, +te wyche ben made be avyse and asent of yowre son
Jon: prayinge yow that ye delyver nat the party of +te same
endenturys enselyd be my feffeys into the tyme that yowre sone
Rychard have enselyd hys party of the same endenturys: and
thanne hys party soo enselyd that ye delyver sesyng unto the
same Rychard and hys wyff aftyr the fourme of the endenturys: to
wyche endenturys lakketh +te selyng of my uncle Belknap, wyche
shall ensele +tem whanne he com fro beyonde see. And seeth that
yowre forseyde son Rychard duly ensele +te same endenture, for
yowre son Jonys honestie hanketh theron. And as towchyng the
warde of Wytburyes heyr, and of +te londys, the wyche longen to
me, I pray yow that ye soo see +terto that my ryth be saved,
that I and my frendus schull have yow thonke therfore. And yf ye
see that hyt may lawfully be sesyd +tath ye sesed [\hyt
AFTERWARDS ERASED\] as my trust ys in yow. Nomore y wryte unto
yow at thys tyme, but the holy gost have yow in hys kepyng.
I-wrytte at London the Monday nexte before alle-halwenday. 
   By Thomas Stonore.
[\NO ENDORSEMENT.\]

<Q STO 1420S? ASUDELEY>
<A ALYS, LADY SUDELEY>
<P I,47>
[} [\53. ALYS, LADY SUDELEY TO THOMAS STONOR\] }]
[\before 1431\]
   Right trusty and entierly welbeloved frend y commaund me unto
you: and, where as y of singler trust in you have before this
enfeffed you with other in my Maners, londes and tenements
withyn dyvers shires, wole and hertely prey you, for gret
consideracions and causes touching my worship and gret profyt,
that ye seale the deedes, made yn youre name and other, of the
seid Maners to suche persons as be named in the same, wheche
seid deedes the berer of this shall shewe unto you, as my full
trust ys and hathe be unto you, like as the berer hereof shall
enfourme you: to whom y prey you geve credence. And, sir, yf
ther be anything that y may do for you in any mater in tyme
comyng, y wole do yt with all myn hert, and that knoweth God,
who have you in his blessed kepyng. Wreten at Sudely the iiij
day of Avrell.
   Alys, lady Sudeley.
   To the worshipfull and my trusty frend Thomas Stoner. 

<Q STO 1462 JFRENDE>
<A JOHN FRENDE>
<P I,55>
[} [\63. JOHN FRENDE TO THOMAS STONOR\] }]
[\? April, 1462\]
   Right worshipfull maister, I comaunde me unto yov: praying
yov to sende me word by your letter where ye wil come in to
Devenshire to abide other no &c: and what I shall do with the
corne, syder, and wyne: yf ye come nought, hit were best, me
semeth, that hit were sold betyme &c. Also tenentes of Modbury,
that is to sey John Torryng
<P I,56>
and other, have made an ende with Ric. Fortescu in your defaute,
understondyng to them that ye wold have come, and kepe not your
promise at no tyme &c. Item, waen Ric. Fortescu was there in
lente nov last past he sende to Modbury by John Saunder seyng,
that he hadde recoveryd of Thomas Stonore a C. li: and wel a
wist they schuld be cast in suche daunger as they schuld never
abere: and for fere of suche langage the seid Torryng and other
have made there ende under this condicion, what they schall
paie, though &c hit passe ayenst them. Item, the mede I kepe in
your honde unto tyme ye sende me word what I schall do. Item, I
do yov to wete that my maister Drayton hath sende me word that I
schulde fylle a grete parte of the Southwode: I pray yov sende
me word where hit be your will or noo.
   By John Frende of Ermyngton, Boucher.
   To my worshipful maister Tho. Stonor in hast.
[^LIST OF ENDORSED NAMES OMITTED^]

<Q STO 1462 JFRENDE>
<A JOHN FRENDE>
<P I,56>
[} [\64. JOHN FRENDE TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\c. 1462\]
   Right worshipfull maister, I recomaunde me unto yov: letyng
yov wete that Thomas Baron, John Peperell, the son of Robert
Peperell, mauneseth me dayly, and put me in suche fere of my
lyffe, that with other the servauntes of Ric. Fortescu, that I
dere not go to cherche ne 
<P I,57>
to chepyng. Also now late the seid Baron and Peperell have
sklaunder me that I schuld sende divers men to the hous of the
seid Thomas; and ther and at that tyme the seid persons, that is
to wete John Gune, John Cleveff and other, schuld take theefly
xxvj. s. viij. d. of the godis of the seid John Peperell, vj
spones of silver of the godis of Thomas Barons, and a girdell
with silver harnes of his susters, and divers polen, and brynge
althis to the hous of John Frende of Ermyngton: and there and at
that tyme then schuld recette: uppon the whiche sklaunder and
untrue noyse the seid John Frende hath made his purge with meny
worshippfull gentilmen and gode yoman. Wherefore I pray yov that
ye see a meane that I may be in ese: for hit is worse than ever
hit was: for ye have seid many tymes that ye wold come thether,
and dwelle ther: and that thay putteth in uterance daily that we
schalbe undowe, for ye nel never come to helpe us. Also I pray
yov that my maister Drayton may se this letter, and be enformyd
thereof. And also I pray yov to take hede above, and make gode
wacche for Thomas Baron. And Thomas Horne bethe come uppe to
London a fote, for make labour ayenst me. Also but ye come and
defende me, I wille do the service no lengher, for I may not ne
dernot. And for the sege for my maisteres is made after your
device.
   By your servaunt John Frende of Ermyngton.
   To Thomas Stonor, squyer, in hast.

<Q STO 1462 THAMPTON>
<A THOMAS HAMPTON>
<P I,57>
[} [\65. THOMAS HAMPTON TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\1462\] 
<P I,58>
   Rytht wurschypfull and my tender welbelovyd Cosyn, I
recommaunde me to yow: letyng yow wyte +tat my Suster Swete
recommaundyth her to yow, and hertyly thankyth yow for her
chylderyn, and so do I as well for owr venyson. Syr, sche prayth
yow specyally to make your effectuell labor un[{to{] the parson
of Sylverton +tat he wull in weye of Crystes charyte loke up all
suche evydens as in eny wyse may make eny proffe Thomas to be
+te son of Syr Water and Jahne his ffurst wyff. Of Margete and
Isabell: Margete was weddyd un[{to{] John Hunteley: Isabell was
weddyd unto John Popham. That +tese persons, all or some of
+teyse wer +te chyldryn of +te seyde syr Water and Jahne: lete
hym schewe hit in the wey of good and of concyens. +Te parson,
+te Kynges Chapeleyn, when he was with hym sye a full fayre Dede
and Sealle of Armys: and when +te parson of Sylverton sende his
ffolke to London, +tey wulde in nowyse schew +tat dede. And
+tyff my Suster Swete mochte hafe had mony at here wyll, the
parson schulde haf com over to yow; hit wulde nat be. Moreover,
syr, we haf a ffyn reryd unto Syr Water and Jahne terme of +ter
lyvys, +te rem. +terof unto Thomas, +te son of Jahne, and thit
[\SIC\] he was +te son of +tem bo+te, of Domerz and Morton: but
Wykes wuld haf +te ffyn servyd in Stapulham, because hit ys in
+te same parische, surmyttyng +tat Jahne schulde furst hafe ben
weddyd unto Amaryke Northlode, and he to be ffader to +te sayde
Thomas. And for certeyne Stapulham came never by +te ffyn, +te
wyche was reryd A=o= xxiiij Regis E. iij: but by a latter
tytull. Lete hym geder all +te dedys of Stapulham to geder, +tat
hit may be provyd +tat hit ys no parcell of +te ffyn: and lete
+tem be schewyd, and by here trouth to haf all +te dedes +tat
consernyth here enherytaunse +tat he hath in his kepyng: sche
wull +tat he haf Stapulham as sure &c., as we all can make it.
   Moreover, Syr, I wryte aparte +tat hit may be kette away,
+tyff ye lust to schew +tis above unto +te parson of Sylverton.
The case was soo when my Suster Swete man schulde go sche kowth
haf no money as for +te ffyndyng of +te Offyces, unneth to make
hym bryng yow +tis my sympyl byll. Nevyrthelese here we praye
yow that ye make some redy apoyntement with the Eschetor, +tat
he wull not fayle yow, but be redy at suche tyme as ye and we
schall sende unto hym both to haf hit fond yn +te Com. of Suth.
as well as in Wylschere: and what he wull haf to ffynde hit in
on, and what in the to+ter Schyre: for per case +te on schall
suffyse. Ano+ter poynte, +tat ys we kepte not sende +te Dede
aboute
<P I,59> 
into +te tyme hit were enrowlyd, for drede of losyng &c., Syr,
we haf ffonde a gentylmanly thynge, a copy of +te Kynges
Recordes +tat Thomas, ffader to Syr Th., was seysyd and dyde
seasyd A=o= regis H. iiij=ti= ij=o=, the wyche schall make owr
ffyn gode. And so thys fondyn, he most breff Margete, Suster to
Th., bastard, wych was ffader to Syr Th. Nomore to yow at +tis
tyme: but almythty Godd haf yow in kepyng. Amen.
   By your owne Thomas Hampton.
   To my ryght wurschypfull Thomas Stonor, be +tis delyvered. 

<Q STO 1462? THAMPTON>
<A THOMAS HAMPTON>
<P I,59>
[} [\67. THOMAS HAMPTON TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\31 Aug. (1462)\] 
<P I,60> 
   Rythe wurschypf[{ull Co{]syn, I recommaunde me to yow, letyng
yow understande +tat my Suster Swete ffulherteyly dayly praying
Godd for yourre gode. S[{yr, sche recomaunds{] her to yow,
s[{pec{]yally prayng yow to do your tender dyligens as unto the
parson of Sylverton for +te hafyng of p[{rofe . . .{] . Syr, ye
were no rather gon fro my house but +te parsons man came unto us
and lete my Suster understande +tat his mayster had ff[{ound{]
fayre evydens under seale to profe Thomas to be sone of syr
Water Romsey and Jahne, his ffurst wyff, and with +tat sche wuld
ordeyne a suffycyaunte persone to be bounde with here in maner
and forme, as we ben boundyn and as ye must nedys see: ffor +te
sayde Obligacion moste nedys be delyveryd by your hands or by
+te hand of Phylyp Pymme acordyng to an endenture made betwene
+te parson man and [{. . . Mo{]reover, Syr, in eny wyse +tat we
may haf notyse of +te parson what maner tytull Wykes made ffor
Stapulham ayenst hym and ayenste Syr J. Beynton, Knyth, and thyf
hit were by d[{er{]ayng, +tat in eny wyse +tat we may haf a
copye of hit; and thyf hit be by wey of ple, +tat we may haf +te
Record and what yere hit was, and what terme: and +tat +te
parson wull stere theym +tat were of Beyntons Counsell and his
to be of owr Counsell for owr mony. And also, Syr, I lete yow
wyte +ter schall no more be don to +te offyse ffyndyng in no
wyse. Hyth wat ye may +tat ye were wyth uns, ye schall
understande a beter meane &c. on. Remembre . . . my lord of
Suthfolke wull be in the mater and he be made on of +te ffeffes,
as ye wull desyr hym ye or naye, or m . . . ch on as ye dar
truste: the mater ys beter +ten we understode, a grete dell,
+tankyd be Godd. No more to yow at +tis tyme, but he +tat made
both yow and me preserve us in perpetuyte, Amen.
   Wrytyn at London in Our Palys of the Flete, +te laste daye of
August.
   By your owne Thomas Hampton.
   Gode syr, I pray yow remembre Mowne in your comyng homward
+tat he woll be my gode Cosyn, +ter ys non o+ter mene, but +te
Kyng wull haf mony me semyth by Fowler.
   Unto my ryght Wurshypfull Cosyn, Thomas Stonor, be thys
delyveryd in hast.

<Q STO 1462? HUNTON>
<A HUGH UNTON> 
<P I,61> 
[} [\68. H. UNTON TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\? 1462\] 
   Right worshipfull Maister, I recommaunde me unto you &c. And
thanket be God that my Maistres is amendet. Letyng you wete,
Syr, that Maister Mylle and I have ben dayly with Maister Fouler
and Maister Danvers, and as yet Nassh is not comyn. And syr, as
for Wykes, he is not here, nor on Kene nayther. And so Hampden
of Kymbell movet us that ye shuld have had all Wykes landez in
your hand, and have assignet old Wykes a certeynte to lyf apon;
but I supposet ye wold not so, and I durst take opon to chaunge
your opynyon. Mayster Mylle wold ye shuld have take an annuite
of xl. s. yerly of old Wykes and his wif, and yong Wykes and his
wyf, and of all the feffez: bot I supposet ye wold not so, for
by cause of the penalte of the payment of the xl. s. yerly. And
I told Hampden, withoute we dro to an end that ye wold execute
your exigent ayeynest yong Wykes: and so I trowe we shall draw
to an end. And all myghty God have you in kepyng.
   Your owne servaunt H. Unton.
   To my right worshipfull Maister, Thomas Stonore.

<Q STO 1463 JSTONOR>
<A JANE STONOR>
<P I,62>
[} [\70. JANE STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\2nd August, 1463\] 
   Syr, I recommende me to +gow. Plesyth +gow to wete +tat upon
Wednesday last passyd my cousin Langforth ys sone browthe +gow a
privy sele, and to all +te jentylmen off +te schyre. So I
resseyved sore akenyn my wyll. Y +tesyryd of hym to have kept
ytt stylle, for +ge were not at home: butt he wold nott so doo,
but counsellyd me to sendyd +gow in all hast. And he promysys me
+tat he wold informe +te kyng +tat +ge were not at home, and he
told me +tat upon +te Thursday folwyng +te kyng remevyth
northward, and purposyth into Schottland, ef +ten he com akeyn.
For 
<P I,63>
+tat o+ter party hathe bysechyd +te castell +tat was late
rescuyd, and +ter ys of +tam moo +ten V. m., as +te Kynge hath
word. Other tydynges y can none send: but y beseke +te holy gost
be +gour gyde. I-wrytyn at Stonor +te Tuesday after seint Annis
day.
   Yowr owyn J. S.

<Q STO 1465 THAMPDEN>
<X THOMAS HAMPDEN>
<P I,69>
[} [\75. THOMAS AND MARGERY HAMPDEN TO THOMAS STONOR\] }]
[^MARGERY HAMPDEN'S POSTSCRIPT FOLLOWS AS A SEPARATE LETTER^]
[\c. 1465\]
   Ryght worchepefull cossyn, y recommand me unto yow: and y
pray yow, asse y may do any theyng to yowr plessur, that +ge
wolle grant me
<P I,70> 
the nexte avoydanys that ffallethe yow of any benyffys off
yowrys that ys off valew off xx. li., or +geffe hyt be better
then xx. markes; and y werr be hold unto yow, +geffe hyt lyke
yow to do sso moche ffor me, and allso +ge bynde me to do ffor
yow yn that that yn me ys: y wysse, Cossyn, y have a beneffysse
that ther hathe benne prest ther yn at my unkyll your faderys
dessyr and yowrys alle moste theys xl. wynter, and onne I putte
yn at yowr dessir my selffe. Y wryte unto yow for a jantylmane,
that I darr promysse yow schall do yow tru servysse and plesurr,
and he ys a worchepeffull man and a well rulede, prayng yow to
sende me a answerr by wrytyng. And allmyty God have yow yn ys
kepyng, and all yowrys. Y beseche yow thys sympyll byll may
recommand me unto my cossyn your wyffe. Y-wrytyn at Hampden onne
Newyerys day.
   Your cossyn T. Hampden off Hampden.

<Q STO 1465 MHAMPDEN>
<X MARGERY HAMPDEN>
<P I,70>
[^MARGERY HAMPDEN'S POSTSCRIPT TO THOMAS HAMPDEN'S LETTER NUMBER
75^]
   Cossyne, I recomaund me untoo yow, and I beche yow of yowre
gode cossyne hode yn +te performyng off my husbondes dessyr &c.
Cossyne, and +ge had desyred me or myne soo ofte as I have
desyred yow and my cossyns, yowr sones, I wold have sene yow
oftener. I wesse, cossyne, het greveth me &c. Ther may no man
hold +tat woll awaye: and ther for I moste take het as weele as
I can, and thenketh thes delyng under wissedome ne kyndnes all
thyngys consederbred to be soo strange &c.
   To my right worchepefull cossyn, T. Stonore.

<Q STO 1465 THAMPTON>
<A THOMAS HAMPTON>
<P I,70> 
[} [\76. THOMAS HAMPTON TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\c. 1465\] 
   After almaner of due recommendaciouns, in my most tender wyse
I recommaunde me to yow. S[{yr ...{] haf knowlyche whether +te
sute be takyn ayenst Will. Tystede ye or nay, and W . . . for as
hit was law, tolde me he scholde sey he sette not +ter by: What
hit menyth
<P I,71> 
I can not sey. My moder, my wyf, and all my douchters, your pore
kynnyswymmen, tenderly recommaundyn +tem to yow, of whos
preferment I pray yow to haf rememberaunce, +tyf eny fortune may
grow in eny plase. Syr, I haf late been in the Counte of
Stafford with my Cosyn John Hampton, sometyme Squier for +te
body with Kynge H., and in my +ter beyng he hath made estate of
xl. markes of his lond, and takyn estate of me ayen ther of his
lyff and of his wyffes, +te remaynder to me and to myn heyres,
with all +te evydens acordyng, where of I haf the more parte at
home, wyche +tey schall enyoye with al o+ter of my londes. Syr,
when and what tyme we schall see yow and my cosyn W., I pray yow
sende me worde. Syr, +tat tyme I haf worde by my Cosyn Waller,
brynger of +tis my sympull byll, Gode Syr, whether Palmer be
delynge ge . . . ye, and how my Suster Swete doth. No more at
+tis tyme, but almythty godde have yn hys kepyng, Amen.
   By your owne T. Hampton.
   To my Rythe Wurshypfull Cosyn, T. Stonor, be Wylyam be +tis
delyveryd.

<Q STO 1466? JYEME>
<A JOHN YEME>
<P I,77>
[} [\81. JOHN YEME TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\11 June (? 1466)\] 
   Rygth Reverent Mayster, y recomand me unto yowe, desyryng to
here of yower wellefare and prosperyte of body and sawle,
besekyng Almy+gthy Jhesu preservy hit unto his plesure and to
yower worly worschyppe and herte ys desyre. Furdermore, as for
the accion of sewryte of pese, the wycche Thomas Horne hathe
ayenst me, y have aperyd therto and have y-putte yn iij
seuryteys, John Kyrton ys on, John Frende of Seynte Jely's
parysche ys the secunde, and a cosyn of myn ys the thirde. And y
hadde myche labur to gete me a weye. Fudermore, Walter Frende
recomandes hym to yower good maisterchyppe, and he wolle pray
yowe to sende hym worde wher to Mylle of Ermyngton schall be
y-koweryn with stone or strawe, and wher he schall ordeyne any
haye ayenst yower comyng. Y wold have come home to your
maisterchyppe, but y have y-taryd vij dayys yn London apon you:
for the osteler tellyd me that ye wolde have y-be ther atte the
<P I,78>
begynnyng of the terme. All so y have y-bofte me a hors atte
London, for y loste my hors ful falsly and untreuly apon the
waye, as I tryste to Godde to enforme yower maysterchyppe and
ever y may speke with yowe. And y have y-spende mycche mony to
gete me awaye fro the Marschall ys warde: for y was comyttyd
ynto his warde, but yette y thanke Godde and ffrende men for.
All so Ric. Fortescu ffaryth ffowle with Walter Frende and me,
and layyth his men yn awayte to murder me when y was laste atte
Ermyngton atte Corte: and all ys for by cawse y wolde notte
suffry hym to have his yntente at Plympton Corte: but y tryste
he schal never have non yntente ayenste them that he sewyth
ther. And as for the Corte of Tremeton, y have mycche laburr
ther; but yette y have notte geffe no ple ther, for he ys
asoynyd ij tymys a rewe yn his oune pleynte. And that sawe y
never yn no place but ther: but that ys Menwynnycke, a felow of
Corte of his, ys doyng, the whycche ys Steward ther. No more to
yowe atte thys tyme. And Jhesu preservy yow yn his blessyd
kepyng, Amen. Y-wrytyn atte London on Seynte Barnebe y Evyn yn
all haste. 
   By yower pore servant John Yeme.
   To my Reverent Mayster Thomas Stonor, Esquyer, thys letter be
y-dylyveryd in all haste.

<Q STO 1466? HFORSTER>
<A HUMPHREY FORSTER>
<P I,93>
[} [\87. HUMPHREY FORSTER TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\21 October (1466)\] 
   Ryght worshypfull and my goode kynde brother, in my most
feythefull wyse I recommaunde me to yowe: and liketh yow to be
remembrid to commune with the Eschetour of Bokyngham shire for
the wrytte of (\diem clausit extremum\) of my brother Saquevile,
whom God assoyle: and +tat ye like to wryte unto me as ye fynde
hym disposed: for I ensure yowe I have communed with your
worshipfull and weldisposed Suster Saquevile as for suche estate
as shulde be made unto your doughter and Rokes' sone, wherin I
fynde her as well disposed as ye wold desire your self, so +tat
her husbondes wille be not broken ne she hurte duryng her lyff.
Brother, I dowte not ye shall have worship of her grete sadnesse
and +te vertuous disposicion +tat she is of &c.: hit were to
grete pite to put hir to trowble or charge to cause her to
change from +te disposision +tat she is fully astablisshed to.
My goode brother, yef it please yowe ferthermore to remembre of
+te letter my lord wrote unto yowe, Marmyon 
<P I,94> 
and me, as for +te matter betwene Fowler and Heynes, whiche
Heynes hath be with me and is bounde in an Obligacion of ij. c.
li. to abide +te rewle of alle +te matter betwene Fowler and hym
of yow, Ric. Quatermaynez, William Marmyon and me. And Fowler to
appoynte suche season as ye and other may atende; and +te souner
+te lever to Haynes. I have wryten to Fowler in semblable wyse
in this matter: whether my lettre be come to hym or no, I wete
ner. I pray you to put hym in knowlache, and to understonde of
hym whether my wrytyng be come to hym or no, and to move hym by
your wysdom after my lordes wryting, as ye understonde hym. And
so I pray yow to sende me worde in wrytyng, for I have sent
diverse tymes to Fowler place, and he hath at alle tymes be owte
&c. My goode brother remembre of +te woman ye wote of &c. And
God preserve yow. Wreten +te xxj day of Octobre.
   Your trewe brother Humfrey Forster.
   To my ryght worshipful Brother Thomas Stonore +tis be
delivered.

<Q STO 1468 T2STONOR>
<A THOMAS STONOR2>
<P I,97>
[} [\91. THOMAS STONOR TO JANE STONOR\] }] 
[\8 October, 1468\] 
   Myne oone good Jane, as hertely as I can I recumaunde me to
yow. Like yow to wyt that my ffadyr is gone to God also: and the
there was a sone wytyng: and my modyr on Saterday by the morne,
and my ffadyr on Munday by [{d{]ayrove. And I pray yow that
William is chyld may cum with hym, and a amblyng hors for me in
hand led. I saw [\?\] yow a letter as this that was wrytyn
yestyrday. And let them cum with William that I wroote ffor, and
they shull have her clothe of blak to make hem gounys with. And
where William hathe wrytyn a letter unto me for his parsonage,
whan he comyth let hym tell me tale of trouthe and hit shall be
remedyyd, with mercy of God. And myne owne Jane, I thanke God
myne adversari of Devenshere hathe had no wurshyp: ffor ther
aperyd xliij gentlymen as this day, and he is shamyd and nonsuyd
in the cort to his great shame. And Lemman, charge Wykys to gete
as myche money as eney be had: ffor I shull spende myche money.
And goode swete Lemman, be ye myry and of goode comfort for to
cumfort me when I cum. I can not cum to youe as sone as I wuld:
ffor I most set sum direccion in Horton or I goo. Let William
cum in all hast. And the blessyd Trinite kepe yow. I-wrytyn at
Lundon the Saterday afore seynt Edward is day.
   By your ovne Stonor.
   To my Cosyn Jane Stonor, in hast.

<Q STO 1469 T2STONOR>
<A THOMAS STONOR2>
<P I,102>
[} [\97. THOMAS STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(1468 or 1469)\]
   Willm. Stonore, I sende yow Goddes blessyng and myne. And I
wulle that ye bespeke for a gentylman of my lord Archebyhsshopis
of York a doseyn Brode arovys of Kyng, ffletcher: let them be
wele fedyrd 
<P I,103> 
with Styffew and short fedyr, and let the shaftys be no bygger
than Edmond sletyth; let hem be longer. And let not hit be wete
tymbyr in hond. I must have these redy in hast, and that hit be
not ffaylyd as my trust is in yow. I can no more, but the
blessyd trynite kepe yow. I-wrytyn at London the ffryday aftyr
seint Petyr is day. 
   By your ffadyr Stonor. 
   To Willm. Stonor. 

<Q STO 1469? TMULL>
<A THOMAS MULL>
<P I,104>
[} [\100. THOMAS MULL TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\(1469)\] 
<P I,105> 
   Right worshipfull Master and Brother, I recommaund me unto
you: prayng you to conceyve that or Robert Barre come I had
borowed iij. li. to content and paye Rayne of Devonshir for your
offis upon the (\diem clausit extremum\) after the dethe of my
good Mastres and Moder and your, whos sowle God assoyle, which I
have payd hym. And syr, I conceyve by Robert ye wold I shold
make up the offis accordyng to suche instruccion as ye sent by
hym to my cosyn Willyam in a bille, which I dar not take uppon
me, for I conceyve it not a right: wherefor I pray you to come
your self and to bryng with you the cope of all thos dedes: or
ell, and ye be not disposid to come here this terme, send us a
pleyn cope of al your dedes made seth the dethe of your ffader
with a more playne instruccion, and ye shall have my service:
and I woll call to me sum good master or felowe: and I will geve
him for his labor, and spede your mater as well as we can. And
as for the mater of my lord of Caunterbury, thowgh ye come not
this terme, I truste to God to kepe me from al hurtes in that
behalf. And syr, as for this mone whiche ye have sente me,
before God I have leyd oute for you therof, which I borowed,
iij. li.: and so with me abydeth therof no more but xl. s.: and
I shold have resceyvid of you at this tyme x. li. and v. nobles,
which I must paye and dispose or Wennesday nexte cummyng, or
ellys I must be untrewe to God and to them that be dede, and
fals of my promys, which God defend me fro. Wherfor I praye and
beseche you, as my servis may and shalbe redy to you at al
tymes, that I may have my mone her uppon Tewesday nexte commyng:
and I shal be redy to your plesyr with Goddes grace, which
preserve you and yours.
   T. M=ll= [\Mull\] .
   To my master Stonor.

<Q STO 1470? JSTONOR>
<A JANE STONOR>
<P I,109>
[} [\106. JANE STONOR TO (THOMAS) STONOR\] }] 
[\(c. 1470)\] 
<P I,110>
   Syr, I recommande me unto yow as lowly as I cane: pleseyt yow
to wyte I have ressevyde a byle frome yow wherby I undyrstonde
My lorde Morlay dissyrres to sugiorne with yow: what answere
+tat ye have +gevyn hym I cannot undyrstond be your bylle: I
soposse your mynid was apon sum odyr materys when +tat ye
wrotyt, bot and ye have not granttyde, I beseke yow to aschusyt
and to contend your litylle abyddynge at home, and allso +te
joberde of yowr chelder and of all your howys at your hasty
goyng in to Devenscheyr: for and your abyddyng at home be no
nodyrwyse +tan yt ys, +tat wolle be [{non{]e profete unto yow
and hertes ese unto me: raythere breke up housallde +tan take
sugiornantes, for servantes be not so delygent as +tei were
wonto bee. Now farewelle, goode syr, and Gode +geve yow goode
nyghte and brynge yow welle home and in schorte tyme. Wrytyn at
Stonor apon Sante Symon and Judes daye at eve.
   Be your awne Jayn Stonor.
   [\IN DORSO\] Ples yt yow to be remembyrde apon genciayn,
ruberbe, bays, cappys, pouttys, cheverellaseys, a nounce of
flayt selke, lasses, tryacyl.
   To my brodyr Stonor in hast, at +te Swerde in Fletestrete.

<Q STO 1470? TMULL>
<A THOMAS MULL>
<P I,114>
[} [\111. THOMAS MULL TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\(1470?)\] 
   Right worshipfull Master and Brother, I recommaund me unto
you: and wher it lykid you to send me iij li. by Robert Barre,
sendyng me by your letter word that yt was for no duete of my
ffader, yf it lyke you to call to remembraunce, ther was by you
due for my ffader ys dette, whos sowle God assoyle, at
Alhalowyntyde x. li., of which I have resceyvid by the handes of
Robert Barre, before thes iij li., vij li., and so nowe the full
x. li. is content: and when ye wer in Kente and in my pore hows
ye payed me x. li. for my wyfes duete, and ther lefte v nobles
behynd &c of her duete unpayed. Also, and ye be not ther with
displesid, when ye bought in London the goblettes and flat pees
coverid, with spones &c, that sume drewe to viiij li. x. s,
wherof at Cristmes ye sente me by my Cosen Willyam x marcs, and
so ther restyth behynd unpayed therof v nobbles iij (^s.^) iiij
(^d^) . And as for the summez in your letter, parte of the
smethes sume, a xxxiij (^s.^) , I understand well: for xij
moneth passid I had a bill therof of Balam after the 
<P I,115>
moneth mynde of my ffader Drayton. As for the sum of the
carpenter for the lok, I remembre well what sum of mone was by
my mene assigned therto &c. I shall comyn with you, when I may
mete nexte with you, which with Goddis [\grace\] shall not be
long &c. And I trust to God that ye woll conceyve your self,
that as for the carpenteris wages ther may by no reson be no
mone due to hym therof, but yf it so wer that the mone to hym
assigned wer not payed, for he had it in grete for that his
labour, and a warrant made to Harre Dogett to pay yt. I wot well
it woll come to your remembraunce &c. Notwithstandyng I ame as
much behold to you for the iij li. nowe to me sente, as though
ye had lente it or geve it me. For sumwhat I had endangerid me
for the sowles past to God more than I had mone to. And as for
shepe I bought of you at the xij month mynd vj shepe at the pris
of xxij. d. a pes, which is in dute therfor to you xj. s. &c.
Syr, I am yours as ferre as my pore power may strech: and as for
your mater of inquisicion, I trust to God it be to your plesyr
and profyte, but your Councell in no wyse wold not agre to have
the said way found, after they conceyvid that it was over your
ground for other mennes ease: for though of old ther wer a toll
payable to you ther for, and long seth it was payed, yet and it
wer found your Maner were charged for ever ther with: and as for
your toll, never the nerrer for the fyndyng: and the right of
your toll never the ferther fro you, though it be not founde &c.
I sende by the berer herof the dede of lees to my Moder, and the
cope of all your dedes, and the cope of the Inquisicion. And
Jhesu preserve you to your plesyr.
   Your Thomas Mull.
   To my maister and Brother Stonor. 

<Q STO 1470 EDWARD4>
<A PRIVY SEAL>
<P I,115>
[} [\112. LETTERS OF PRIVY SEAL TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\3 April, 1470\] 
   By the King. 
   Edw. 
   Trusty and welebeloved We grete you wele; Letting you wit
+tat our Traitours and Rebelles +te Duc of Clarence and Therl of
Warrewik, 
<P I,116> 
which daily labour +te weyes moyens at +teir power of our final
destruccion, and +te subversion of this owre Realme and +te
comon wele of +te same, been fledde westwardes: Whome we wol
folowe and pursue with our Ooste with al diligence possible, and
let and represse +teir fals and traiteroux purpose and entent
with Goddes grace. Wherfore we wol and straitely charge you +tat
immediatly after +te sight of +ties owre lettres ye arredie you,
with such a fellasship on horssebak in defensible arraye as ye
goodly can make, to come unto us wheresoever ye shal undrestande
+tat we +ten shalbee, to aide and assiste us to thentent
aforesaid, without failling as ye love and tendre the wele of us
and of owre said Realme, and uppon the feith and liegeaunce that
ye owe unto us. Yoven undre owre Signet at owre Citie of
Coventre, +te iij=de= day of Aprill.
   To our trusty and welebeloved Thomas Stoner of Stoner.

<Q STO 1471? WADEHILL>
<A WADEHILL> 
<P I,116>
[} [\113. WADEHILL TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\17 January (1471?)\] 
   Worshipfull and my right good maister, I recommende me to
youre good maistership: and like you wete +tat my lord, and my
lady his Moder also, have commaunded me to wryte unto you +tat
+tey bothe hertily desire and prey you, yef ye may in eny wyse
or your goyng to London, ye wole take +te laboure as to come
hider to speke 
<P I,117> 
with my seid lord and lady for diverse grete matters and causes
+tat +tey wolde speke unto you of. And yef ye may not come
hider, +tan +tat ye wole find +te meane to my lord Chaunceler as
to excuse my lord of his comyng not to London at +tis time, like
as my seid lord was wreten unto by a pryve seall whiche was
delivered to him on Munday last passed at vj of +te clokke
withynne night at Ewelme, which as your maystership knoweth well
was right shorte warnyng, remembring +tat +te more parte of my
lordes servauntes were sente into Suffolk to +te houshold +tere
ayens Crystemasse, and +te remenaunt of his servauntes, +tat
were here awayting, your maystership knoweth well been forthe
with my lady, my lordes wyf, into Suffolk to bringe her +tider:
ffor God knoweth she thought full longe from +te yonge lorde and
yonge ladies here childerne, +tat been +tere. And so my lord
might not come at London himself at +tis time to his worship,
and his servauntes from him: ffor I dare sey he hath here at
+tis day awayting uppon his lordship not a dosen persones.
Nethelese with Goddes grace my seid lord purposeth and woll be
and attend at +te Parlement as o+ter lordes shall, ffor by +tat
time his seid servauntes +tat be nowe absent woll be with my
seid lord ayen here. Wreten in haste +tis Thursday xvij day of
Januare.
   Youre servaunt Wadehill.
   To my right worshipfull master, Thomas Stonor.

<Q STO 1471 HFORSTER>
<A HUMPHREY FORSTER>
<P I,118>
[} [\115. HUMPHREY FORSTER TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 5 April, 1471)\] 
   My goode kynde brother I recommaunde me to yowe in my most
feythefull wyse: and lyketh yow to wete +tat it pleased you to
speke unto me for my ladies ferme of +te ho., +tat Grey myght
have it stille, yef he cowde entrete Fryghthe, +tat I have made
the graunt unto &c. My good brother, it is so +tat +te seid
Fryghthe hath be with me this same Friday and enformed me howe
+tat my nevewes Willm. Stonor and Emond came unto hym to his
plowe and wold have entretid hym to have departe his graunte.
And he seid he wold not. And +ten my nevewe seid he shuld
departe from it maugre his hede, and had unto +te pore man
manasyng wordes, as he seythe. So +tat +te pore man stode in
grete fere. And my nevewe made hym ayenste his wille to take
viij. s. My goode brother, this dealyng and demeanyng is not to
my pore honestie; for, as I understond, Grey hath seid he wolle
have it maugre my hede, which shall not be by my wille. My goode
brother, in your wysdome reformeth this matter, trustyng to you
+tat Grey shalle not be supported to my rebuke &c. My goode
brother, this same nyght passed Syr Willm. Norys laye at
Walyngford to London ward to +te Kyng; and Dalamar and Pury
ladde hym, and he shall have his grace. My goode brother, I
sende yowe +te viij. s., +tat my Nevewe made the pore man 
<P I,119> 
take for fere. I prey you latt +te pore man no more be so
entretid. Jhesu preserve you and alle yours. 
   Your trew brother Humfrey fforster. 
   To my goode kynde brother Thomas Stonore. 

<Q STO 1471? WSTONOR>
<A WILLIAM STONOR> 
<P I,121>
[} [\118. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\24 Oct. (? 1471)\] 
   My ryght reverent and wurshypfull fadyr, I recomaund me unto
yowur good fadyrhod, mekely besechyng of yowur dayly blessyng:
plesyth yowur good fadyrhod to wytt that Barentyne complaynyd to
my lord, and he hathe made many ontru surmysse, the wyche I
kannot yt undyrstond them, but to morow I must be with my lord
by vij a kloke at my answere: and Barentyne desyryd a wryte of
ryat a pon te statud ayen yowur ffadyrhod, and ayen me and the
pryst: and my lord will do noyn delyver ayen yow, but only
ayenste the pryst, the wyche wrytt ys owte all redy: where for I
beseche yowur fadyrhode that the pryst may abbesente hym that he
be not a-tachytt, and that sum odyr pryst may sey servys for a
sesun. I am myche bounde to Molynerse, Nedam, Malyverer and many
odyr jentelmen and be the tyme my lord hathe herde me I trust to
good he wylle be my good lorde, ho have yow, my good modyr, and
alle yowrs yn hys one fyfull kepeyng, Amen. I-writtyn yn Flete
strete the xxiiij day of Octobur.
   By yowur chyld Willm. Stonore.
   To my ryght reverent and worshypful ffadyr, my fadyr Stonere,
yn hast. 

<Q STO 1472 TMULL>
<A THOMAS MULL>
<P I,123> 
[} [\121. THOMAS MULL TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\(May, 1472)\] 
   Right worshipfull Brother, I recommaund me unto you: lykith
you to wete that my Cosen Willyam hath ben with a full goodly
Gentilwoman, and comynde with her after love's lore: and for
certein I knowe 
<P I,124> 
that ych of them ys verely well content of other. Shee was late
wyf unto the son of my lorde Montjoy: and for the certente what
my cosen shall have with her, yf God provide for them that they
shall go throwe in mariage, suer yt is that of her ffader's
enheritaunce she hath in possession C. marks of lande, and after
the deth of her ffader shee shall have over that the half of al
the residue of al the lande of her ffader, and of my lorde
Mountjoyes lande shee hath iiij=xx= marcs of annuite fe by dede
endentid, for wher the lande was in value C. marcs shee hath
layn it ayen to my seid lord for yelding her yerly iiij=xx=
marcs. Thes certentees I have by my bedfelow Thomas Powtrell,
which ys of councell with my seid lorde, and was of councell at
the mariage makyng, when my seid mastres was maried to the son
of my seid lord; and as I understond by my seid bedfelowe the
hole value of syr Thomas Ichyngham is londe, as it was at the
tyme of the seid mariage makyng shewyd in writyng, was betwen
CCC. and CCCC. marcs, not fully CCCC. and better then CCC., but
how much it ys oute of the remembraunce of my seid bedefelowe.
And for certeine shee is well named, and of worshipfull
disposicion. I have ben with my Cosen Willyam there, and seyn my
seid Mastres, and comynde with her. And I fele by them both that
and ye woll, with mercy of our lorde the mater shall take gode
ende. I know verely my Cosen woll in no wise in this cas doo but
as your good ffaderhode woll he doo. Wherfor in the name of God
beth in this cas and in al other good ffader to my Cosen in
councelyng, helping, and preferring after your hertes plesyr:
for and I sholde mary I wolde he sholde chese for me. I wot well
ye woll lyke my Mastres right well when ye se her, and better
when ye comyn with her. Nowe ys al in you; in which and in al
other God be your guyde. Syr, as for the manor of Clyf, I have
comynd with Webley, +tat is of my lorde Cobham is councell: I
hope the mater shall take goode ende by trete, of which I shall
have worde +tis halidayes. Notwithstanding +ter is an attourne
recordid for syr John Fog and his felowes, in hap that we
accorde not. Jhesu preserve you and my gode Suster to your
hertes plesyr. Sir, as it is seid, ther is of late fallyn to my
Mastres ffader, syr Thomas Ychingham, CCC. marcs more after the
deth of my lady Kyriell.
   T. Mull.
   To my right worshipfull Brother, Thomas Stonor. 

<Q STO 1472? WSTONOR>
<A WILLIAM STONOR>
<P I,125> 
[} [\122. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 14 May, 1472)\] 
   My ryght reverent and wurshypfull good fadyr, I recomaund me
unto youre good fadyrhod, mekely besechyng yow of yowre dayly
blessyng, and my good modyr also: lykith yowre good fadyrhod to
wytt that I truste weryly to alle myty Jhesu and to youre good
fadyrhod that I shalle spede well of my mater, for I have
comfortabul demenure of my mastresse, but as to the wery
purpose, but yt I hope well: my good fadyr, Barrey shalle tel
yow of the demenure, and what they be that laburyn to the
jentylwoman. I beseche yow, fadyr, that Barrey may be with me
here alle thys halydayys, for the jentyllwoman wyll not departe
tyll the weke after Wytsuntyd, and ere that I trust to alle myty
Jhesu to know more to my hertes ese than I do now, hom I beseche
to preserve youre good fadyrhod and my good modyr, and have yow
yn hys mersyfull kepyng, Amen. I-wrytyn I-Lundun, the Thursday
next afore Whytsunday.
   By yowre chyld Wyllm. Stonore.
   [\ADDRESS UNDECIPHERABLE.\] 

<Q STO 1472? TMULL>
<A THOMAS MULL>
<P I,125>
[} [\123. THOMAS MULL TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }]
[\(1472)\]
   Cosen, I recommaunde me to you. And wher as I fele by your
letter and wrytyng that my Mastres hath not that good wyll of
you as sume tyme ye ought her, Syr, ye may owe her right good
will, how be
<P I,126>
yt that it be not in so herty wyse as ye dyde before. But and I
understode +tat she had seyd to you +tes wordes: "Syr, I wold
not have you, but yt so bee +tat I may have C. li. or CC. marcs
with you in joyntur": Syr, then it had ben a mater by which ye
myght conceyve +tat shee +ten had loved your londe better +ten
your self. But I understond that ther wer no such wordes, but I
conceyve the wordes wer +tees: "Syr, I may have CCC. marcs in
joyntur, and I to take +te lesse when I may have +te more, my
ffrendes wold +tenke me not wyse &c.: and howe be yt, your
ffader wol not geve me, yet lette hym do well to you." In which
wordes I understond noon utter nay. But and ye in your mynde
conceyve +tat shee hath yoven you an utter nay, then shall ye by
myn assent never speke more of the mater, but lette yt goo: but
yf it be so +tat ye your self brake the mater for +tat shee
seid, "I may have CCC. marcs in joyntur," +ten shee hath geven
no cause in her parte of an utter breche: for it ys not oon to
sey, I may have wi+t a man CC. marcs, and +tes wordes, I woll
not have you but it so be I may have CC. marcs in joyntur wi+t
you. But for al thys resonyng I wold knowe +tis of you: and the
case wer so +tat shee wolde ben agreable to have you with xl.
li. or iiij=xx= marcs joyntur, wolde your herte +ten love as ye
have doon before +tys seson? +tis question wolde I knowe of you,
for and I knowe your disposicion in this behalf, I trowe to God
al +tis love and mater of love wolde be revyvyd ayen in short
seson: ffor and it so be +tat ye brake +tis mater for a lytyl
hastynes of your self, +ten wolde I not we left so: but and shee
wer +te cause of brech, +ten woll I not stere ne avise you after
+tis ne+ter to write nor sende to her. But oon thyng I dar safly
sey in my conceyte, that shee on her parte sithe your departier
hath ben vexed and trowbelyd with +te +trowes of love more
fervently in her mynde +ten ye have ben syth vexid wi+t her
seyinges. And +tis my cause so to sey and deme, I know oonys for
certeyn shee loved you as a parfyte lover, and +tat right late
never better +ten +te last seson +tat shee was in London. Trewe
it ys love oones parfytide, +tough +ter hap sum daungerus speche
or countenaunce, yet ys not +te hole ffyr of love quenchyd, but
when +tat +te person, +tat was moste daungerus in speche or
countenaunce, by her self allow: wher as shee may revolve at her
lyberte wi+toute controllyng every +tyng +tat longeth to loves
daunce, +tough +te fflame of the ffyre of love may not breke
oute so +tat it may be seyn, yet the hete of love in yt self is
never +te les, but rather hootter in yt self. Wherfor I sey +tis
for certayne, I dare depose for her +tat the sharpe and unwar
chaunges from thought to +tought, and ofte remembrance of the
trowbely wawes of love have so possid her to and fro in 
<P I,127>
her owne mynde, +tat shee desyreth as sore after relief, as fer
as shee may for shame, as +te man in the water desyreth to be
releved frome drownyng in +te perill of +te see: but daunger and
shame woll not suffir her to speke yt with oute it be so +tat
+ter be sume newe mocyon made to her &c.: the menes wherof I
have compassid in my mynde, which by +te mercy of Gode I woll
attempte yf it so be ye kan be plesid +tat way, and +tat in
shorte tyme. Syr, if I may, I woll be with you on Saturday or
Sonday &c. I wot well ye remembre what your ffader by his last
letter assure+te you in joyntur: and syr, +tat ys feyr: and as
for o+ter thynges touchyng your self, I shall enfourme you at
our next metynge to your hertes plesyr, with the mercy of Jhesu,
which preserve you. 
   Thomas Mull.
   To William Stonor of Horton in Kent, be this letter delivered
in haste. 

<Q STO 1472? TMULL>
<A THOMAS MULL> 
<P I,127>
[} [\124.THOMAS MULL TO THOMAS STONOR\] }]
[\(1472)\]
   Right worshipfull Brother, I recomaund me to you. And in as
muche as that my Cosen Willyam cumeth home to you hymself,
therfore I wrytt not to you of the demyng &c., ne of the
communicacion betwen my seid Cosen and my Mastres Blounte: but
this direccion have I taken in the mater, I have thorowly
comyned with the preste +tat I spoke to you of, and tolde hym my
conceyte howe he shal be demened in brekynge with my seid
Mastres: and that he shall not breke to much at oones to her,
but ever when he spekyth in the mater to her and fele here, and
certenly to marke her wordes unto the tyme that he be verily
assured in hymself, as nygh as he kan, of her disposicion. And 
over +tat I have appoynted with hym that withyn iiij dayes after
+tat he is come to my seide mastres I shal send hym a letter
directe to her fro me 
<P I,128>
and in my name: and he hath promysid me that every letter +tat I
sende here shal be brekyn or he departe from her. And the man
+tat shal ber the letter shal be namede, Cosen, to +te said
prest, so +tat he shal abide +ter in the howse. And, if it so be
+te preste fele her veryly applyable, +te messenger shall
[{speke{] with her hymself. John Foorde shal do the message, and
abide ther ij or iij dayes. Furste I was disposid to have sente
to +te [{Norce{] to have felte my seid Mastres: but me thought
after, +tat it had not bene beste, for paraventur the Norce
wolde feer to breke fer wi+te her, and also shee myght not
contynue and abide uppon the communicacion. This preste may
alwey have liberte and lesyr to speke with her. And I have lefte
with him a remembrance in writyng how I wol he shal do, wherein
I am verily assured he wol do his parte &c. Syr, as for my Cosen
Willyam, for God is sake callyth hym forth with you when he is
at home with you, and let him walke with you, and gevyth wordes
of good comforte, and beth good ffader unto hym, as I certenly
knowe ye be, and so letyth hym veryly understond and know. For,
Syr, he is disposid to be a musyr and a studyer, which
remembreth and breketh that as much as ye may. And Syr, but if
+tis mater sum dele come of her own hert, she shal not otherwyse
be labored to for certen. Also, yf it can be, the preste
promysith me that she shall sende me worde in writyng of her
dysposicion, if her disposicion be to us warde: which letter I
shall sende you and my seid Cosyn. And veryly, if she be
appliable, it is to be remembred her of her joyntur of the lorde
Montjoy, and also of her own ffader, for he taketh the profite
of a grete parte: and also in what case lorde Montjoy is land
standeth it is good to be remembred to her. And I beseche Jhesu
spede and directe this mater to his plesyr, and to preserve you
and yours &c.
   Thomas Mull.
   To my Right worshipfull Brother, Thomas Stonor.

<Q STO 1473? KARUNDELL>
<A KATHERINE ARUNDELL> 
<P I,128>
[} [\125. DAME KATHERINE ARUNDELL TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\7 Jan (? 1473)\] 
<P I,129>
   Ryght trusty Cosyn, I comaunde me to you: and where as hit
was agreed by you and my councell at your beyng at Dorchester
byfore Crystmasse that Richard Tomyowe, consyderyng the gode
service that he hath don for my husbonde and me in dayes passed
and the charges that he must do for me here after, shulde be
made sure of landes and tenementez to the yerely value of xx=ti=
marke. And he ys agreed to take too lytill Manours in Corunwall,
one called Wynnyanton and the other called Kenell, of the value
by the yere of xij. li.: of the whiche I pray you, Cosyn, to
speke to my cosyn Syr Richard Harecourte and Edward Grymston
that betweene you to sealle hym a dede that William Menwynnek
other Richard Reynolds shall brynge you of the said Maners terme
of his lyve: for he woll not procede no furder in my maters in
to the tyme he be made sure of the same, whiche were to me a
grete hurt, as ye understonde. And that this be done as my
speciall trust is in you: and our lorde have you in his blessed
kepyng. Wrytten at Excestre the xxvij=th= day off Janyver.
   By your Cosyn Dame Kateryne Arundell.
   To my ryght worshipfull Cosyn, Thomas Stoner, Esquyer. 

<Q STO 1473? TMATHEW>
<A THOMAS MATHEW>
<P I,130>
[} [\126. THOMAS MATHEW TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 1473)\] 
   My Ryght worschepful Mayster, y recomande me onto you:
desyryng to here of youre prosperyte and gode hele, the whech y
pray almy+gty God longe to contynue you theryn. Furthermore
youre water of Erme ys y-stoppyd at Flutedamerel by the offycers
there that ther may no ffyssch com up: wherfore the gentelmen
that holdyth the water may not paye ther rente, and as thay
havyth y-warnyd Water Frende. Wherapon y went to Willyam Fowel,
as +ge commandyt me, to wete what aunswer he had of Johne
Gybbes: and he sayde, yff +ge cowde schew youre tytel gode of
olde tyme, as +ge sayde to hym that +ge hadde, yf he my+gt have
understondyng therof by you or by youre councell that hyt my+gt
be schewyd to Syr Phylyp Courtenay and to Orchard, that he wolde
doo hys goode wyll theryn to fulfylle youre intent. Also y was
wyth Mayster Courtenay, and tolde hym of the sam mater: and he
sayde, that my lady wolde that ye scholde have youre ry+gt, yf
+ge cowde schew that hyt were youre tytel of olde tyme. Also y
mevyd John Huchyn for the ward of N . . . yayn: and he aunsweryd
me, yf +ge my+gt reken eny part of the londe, he wolde entrete
youre Maysterschep therfor. And y spake to Willyam Fowel of the
sam mater: and he sayde, yf the londys were y-ffeffyd to that
yntente to dissayve you, that hyt was collucyon and +ge my+gt
reken by the lawe. Also the parson of Bykebure hath y-chargyd
hys tenents that they schol no+gt pay no ale wytys to me: and
Johne Yeme toke a dystresse, whane he was Baylee, and put hyt yn
warde, and the parson delyveryd the dystresse ayen, by what
delyvere y can no+gt understaunde: wherfor y pray you that +ge
wol sende worde to youre councel how hyt schalbe demenyd. And as
for the comyssyon, the commyssyoners havyth y-made a rule to
sytte in every hundryd, and y tryst yn God by the rule of youre
councel +ge schalbe savyd harmeles, y
<P I,131> 
tryst yn God. Also John Ry+gt promysyd me that he wolde bere
thys letter: y pray you that +ge sende wrytyng by hym after
youre intent how al materys schalbe doo by youre avyce. No more,
but the holy Trynyte have you yn hys blessyd kepyng.
   T. Mathu.
   Thys letter be delyveryd unto Mayster Thomas Stonore in hast.

<Q STO 1473 WSTONOR>
<A WILLIAM STONOR>
<P I,131> 
[} [\127. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 20 April, 1473)\] 
   My ryght reverent and wurshypfull fadyr, I recomaund me unto
your good fadyrhod in the most umbylle wyse that I kan or may,
mekely besechyng your good fadyrhod of your dayly blessyng:
lykyth your good fadyrhod to wytt that I have spokyn with master
Selenger for your dute of your water sondage and sute of the
Flete Damerell, and I am answeryd that I shuld be at Holbyntun
at the corte, the wyche shalle be at holy rode tyde nexte
comyng, and there to show evydens and recorde by mouth how hyt
hath byn usyd yn tymys past: and as after Selenger seyyng in to
my ladys counsell and hys that my lady wold not nother he but
that your tytyll shuld be knowyn and no maner of fraude by them
leyd to abatryt, and yff yt were tryyd with your fadyrhod so to
be recorded and you to yn-joyye: and I found Gybbys welle
disposyd to your fadyrhod, but Orcherd and Columb made many
resuns ayen the water and eke ayen the sondage, the wold ye
shuld have a wey to your grounde, but they wold ye shuld nat cum
and send that wey. And yt lyke your fadyrhod I spoke to master
Selenger acordyng to your comaundment for my brother Tomas
mater, and enfourmyd hym hov they had 
<P I,132> 
resseyvyd the rent, and hov your fadyrhod had don acordyng to
hys desyre, and they entend nat: and he hath wrytyn unto the
party to delyver the mon[{ey{] ayen: the wyche letter I send
unto your fadyrhod that ytt myte be delyveryd unto the seyde
party. Master Selenger desyryth your fadyrhod to forbere your
sute ayen them thys terme, and that the trety go forth yff yt
may be, or ellys your fadyrhod to take your a-wantage the nexte
terme: but he ys dysplesyd sore with them for the reseyvyng of
the money, and seyth they shall pay yt ayen. Also fadyr, master
Selenger hath comaundyd alle my ladys counsell that non of my
ladyse tenantes shuld fysche yn your water, and that the
tenantes be so warnyd. Fadyr, and yt lyke yov, Umfrey Salman ys
ded, and he hath a may chyd of x yere old to hys eyyr, the wyche
ys ward unto your fadyrhod, and I trust to sesen yt unto the
behofe of your fadyrhod, thov I tary a day or to the lengger.
And also, fadyr, Frynd kannat yt delyver me, but he seyth unto
me that your fadyrhod shalle be plesyd, and that I shalle have
alle maner of dutys with me, both the old and eke the nev: corte
day shalle be at Ermyngtun on a Sunday on senyte, and I caste me
to departe on the morrov after, with the grace of Jhesu: for
erst I kannat be delyveryd the lond of the ward wych dravyth to
rent by yere xx marke: and I porpose fadyr to cum hom ward by
Henbery, and so forth, as I dyd the laste tyme. No more to your
good fadyrhod at thys tyme: but I mekely beseche your good
fadyrhod that thys my bylle may recomaund me unto my good modyr
yn my most umbyl vyse, mekely besechyng my good modyr of hir
dayly blessyng &c., mekely besechyng your fadyrhod in lyke vyse,
and I mekely besechyng alle myty Jhesu to preserve your good
fadyrhod and your [{wyf, my{] modyrs good modyrhod, amen.
I-wrytyn in Exeter the Thursday next afore seynt Jorgeys day. My
lady Arundell prayyth your fadyrhod to be good cosyn unto her yn
suche maters as her servant shall move your fadyrhod of.
   By your chyld Wylliam Stonor.
   To my ryght reverent and worshypfull fadyr, my fadyr Stonor. 

<Q STO 1473? WSTONOR>
<A WILLIAM STONOR>
<P I,133>
[} [\128. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 1473)\] 
   My ryght reverent and wurschypfull fadyr, I recomaund me unto
your good fadyrhod yn the most umbyll wyse that I kan or may,
mekely besechyng your fadyrhod of your dayly blessyng: lykyth
your fadyrhod to wyt that my modyr ys in good hele, and alle my
brethern and susters, blessyd be alle myty Jhesu: and I beseche
your good fadyrhod not to be dysplesyd with me for Feyrmers
mater, for I never medyld odyrs wise but told Sawnder, that that
dede that he shewyd me shulde be to the womans tytyl after my
conseytt: and by my trowth, fadyr, that that ys feld was don ere
I knowyt: but fadyr, there is nothyng caryd, nether shalle nat
be with the grace of alle myty Jhesu, hom I mekely beseche to
preserve your good fadyrhod, Amen. I-wrytyn
   By your chyld Wyllm. Stonor.
   Also, fadyr, my Suster Cotymore ys delyveryd of a feyre sun,
and both don welle, blessyd be Jhesu.
   To my ryght reverent and wurschipful fadyr, my fadyr Stonore.

<Q STO 1474 WSTONOR>
<A WILLIAM STONOR> 
<P I,140> 
[} [\136. WILLIAM STONOR TO THOMAS STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 6 February, 1474)\] 
   My ryght reverent and wurshypfull fadyr, I recomaund me unto
your good fadyrhod in the most umbull vyse that I kan or may,
mekely besechyng your fadyrhod of your dayly blessyng: lykyth
your fadyrhod to wyt that my modyr ys in good hele, blessyede be
alle myty Jhesu, my brethern and my susters and my nevue
Cottysmore. I beseche your good fadyrhod that yt wylle plese yov
to speke with the Abbot of Dorchester that I may have suche fe
as Marmyun had with hym with every thyng acordyng as he had: for
I trust thorov your good fadyrhod that I may have hyt. And I
beseche your fadyrhod to wryte for me to the pryor of Wychyswyde
for such fe as he had there: and I trust 
<P I,141> 
thorov your fadyrhode to spede with hym: for I have sente unto
hym, and he hath answeryd that he wyll do to the pleasyre of
your fadyrhod what he kan do: for he seyth he knovyth your
fadyrhod, but he knovyth not me. And I mekely beseche your
fadyrhod to wryte to the pryor of Byssam: and I trust to spede
ther in lyke wyse thorov the helpe of your gode fadyrhod with
the grace of Jhesu, hom I mekely beseche to spede yov yn alle
your maters, and to preserve your fadyrhod yn alle maner of
weyys, Amen. I-wrytyn +tat Stonore the Sunday nexte after
Kandelmas day.
   By your chyld Wyllm. Stonor.
   To my Ryght reverent and wurshipfull fadyr, my fadyr Stonor. 

<Q STO 1474? WELMES>
<A WALTER ELMES>
<P I,148> 
[} [\141. W(ALTER) ELMES TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 1474)\] 
   Jhesus Christoforus.
   My rygth wurshupfull Cosyn, I recommaund me unto yow with all
my herte: plesyth hit yow to undyrstond that I have spokyn with
my cosyn Cottismore, and aftyre the effect that ye and I
comynyd, that is to sey that ye and he to stond and abyde the
direction of eny ij wurshupfull in your contre: to the wych he
is agreable, so ye name soch as ye afore named, that is to sey
Master Fowlere, M. Katermayns, M. Rede, and if hit plese yow to
name M. Harcort: I suppose he wull be with yow at Pyrton. And
the mene seson that no rent be levyd till such direction be had
by such as ye afore rehersyd me of: which shall cawse grete
amyte and the sonner the better: I suppose yf hit wulle be at
the month mynd, at wych seson I suppose some of the afore
rehersyd will be ther: and I suppose ye shall fynd hym a good
and kynd brothyr. No mor to yow at this tyme, but Almyghty God
preserve you fro all adversyte.
   W. Elmes.
   To my ry+gth wurshipful Cosyn, Wyllyam Stonor. 

<Q STO 1474 T3STONOR>
<A THOMAS STONOR3>
<P I,148> 
[} [\142. THOMAS STONOR TO HIS BROTHER, WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(1474)\] 
<P I,149> 
   Broder Stonar, after all dewe forme of recomendacion hadde,
plesse hyt yow to hunderstonde +tat I never longed so sore to
speke with you as I do now, marvellyng grettly +tat ye be longe
hense, remembryng how grettely in consette ye stonde in London
with a gentylwoman, and the grette labore +tat hys made for here
agynes you: and grettely hyt hys nossed and hasse bene tolde me
with many persons +tat but ye be ware she shall be take from
you. I here muche and sey no thyng: befor the laste tyme +tat ye
where abowte suche a mater my speche and presens with you hurte
you, and awelde you not: wherfore orlt ye to me a sewrte. I
wolle in thys mater honsware no man, and yette I am grettely
question with for you of divers persons thynkyng +tat I shulde
ken muche of your delyng: for I wolde not for my horsse and
harnes and all my oder goode +tat in thys mater ye toke a
rebuke: wherefore remembre you shortely for the pass[{ion{] of
Gode, for syth I cam to London xx men haffe questioned with me
in thys mater, iffe ye shall be at your comyng, wheche I beseche
Jhesu be not longe, who have you ever in kepyng.
   Your fethefull broder Th. S.
   Thys letter be delyvered to my broder Willm. Stonar in hast. 

<Q STO 1475? ADELAPOLE>
<A ALICE DE LA POLE>
<P I,154> 
[} [\148. ALICE, DUCHESS OF SUFFOLK TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\5 March, (? 1475)\] 
   Right trusty and entierly beloved ffrende we grete you well,
desiryng and praying yow, all excuses layde apart, that
incontinent this lettur seyne ye come to us to Ewelme for
certayne grete causes concernyng our wele and pleasir, whiche at
your comyng ye shall undrestond more pleynely: and theruppon ye
to departe ayen at your pleasir, so that ye fayle not here ynne
at this tyme as our parfait trust ys in you: and as in gretter
case we woll be gladde to do for you, that knoweth our lorde,
who have you ever yn gouvernaunce. Wreten at Ewelme the v day of
Marche. +g .
   Alyce Suffolk.
   To our Right trusty and entierly beloved ffrende Wyllyam
Stoner. 

<Q STO 1475? EDSTONOR>
<A EDMUND STONOR> 
<P I,157> 
[} [\152. EDMUND STONOR TO HIS MOTHER AND BROTHER\] }] 
[\18 July, (1475)\] 
   Ryght reverent and wurschypfull modyr, y recommaund me unto
yow: desyryng to [{here{] of yowre welfare, the whyche almy+gty
Gode contynu long to hys plesyr and yowr hertes desyre. Yef hyt
plese yow to wytt at the makyng off thys letter I was in god
hell, and all my men. No mor to yow at this tyme, but the
trinyte have yow in hys kepynge. And I pray yow let me be
recomaundyd to my [{sister{] yowr wyff. Wryttyn at Cales the
xviij day of July, the day of the departyng of the Kyng and the
duk of Burgayn, my lord and all the oste in to Frauncewarde.
   Yowr brothyr Edmund Stonor. 

<Q STO 1475 EDSTONOR>
<A EDMUND STONOR> 
<P I,160> 
[} [\155. EDMUND STONOR TO (WILLIAM STONOR)\] }] 
[\28 October, (c. 1475)\] 
   Right reverent and wurshypfull Brothyr, I recomawnd me unto
yowe, good Brothyrhod, desyryng to here of yowre wellfare, the
whych Almyg+gty God contynue long to hys plesyr and yowre hertys
desyr: doyng yow to wyt y have spokyn with +te parson of
Penyngton of the matyr +tat I have spokyn to yow off, and the
parson hath told me that hyt was Perkyns dowtter: and Perkyns
seythe +tat he cowd aweyll me in my lond x. mark a yer. But I
undyrstond nat +tat he wull depart fro hony lond with here, but
with mony, and what +tat ys the parson of Penyngton can not
tell. But, syr, yff hyt wold plesse yow to speke with Perkyns
and awys whethyr he, wull geve hys dowttyr hys part of Snowys
well at Borowyscot to her and to her eyrys, I wold with the
glader wyll dele with hym: and in that that he seyth +tat he
cowd aveyll me in my lond so grett money by yer, I shall beseche
yow to speke to hym in what maner of weys: and y beseche yow to
be my good Brothyr in any weys, as I have fownd yow herafore
tymes. No more to your good Brothyrhod at thys tyme but the
Trinite have yow in hys kepyng. Wrettyn at Stonor on seynt Symon
hys day and Jud. And I undyrstond Perkyns ys at London.
   By your brothyr, Edmund Stonor.
   To my ryght worschypfull Brothyr Stonor be thys delyveryd. 

<Q STO 1475? EDSTONOR>
<A EDMUND STONOR>
<P I,161>
[} [\156. EDMUND STONOR TO (WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 1475)\] 
   My rygth wurschypfull Brothyr, I recommaund me unto yow,
desyryng to her off your wellfare, the qwyhych almyghty
[{Jhesu{] contynw: doyng yow to wytt that John Blakall browtt to
Stonor a dyker for to make yowr dykes in . . . feld betwen the
hy way and the ew tre: and John Mathew and I wolde a mad a
bargeyn with hym but we [{cowd{] nott styll there on, nedyr we
wyst nott how ye wold have hytt, whedyr ye wold have hytt
sengyll dydge or [{dobyll{] dydge, and therffor we mad no
bargeyn with hym: but I askyd hym how he wold do a perdge of
sempyll dydge, and for . . d. he wold a don hytt a dobyll, sett
hym with whit thorn, and a mad the dydge a yerd deppe: and yff
hytt wold plesse yow to [{send{] word to John or to me whedyr ye
wold have hytt dobyll dydge or senkyll, and what ye wull geve
for a perdge we [{wull{] send for hym, and yff we can acord off
the prys he schall still awayt and begyne. And also brothyr,
wher ye speke to B . . es carpenter so to make yowr myll hows,
he sayeth he can nott mak hytt but he mak hytt new: but Wyllyam
Ale . . wyk [{sayeth{] that [{he{] with thyn lytyll space wyll
mak ye +tat hows to stand ther xx yere, and okapy but lytyll new
tymbyre: and we thy[{nk{] hyt wer +te lestt schardge to yow so,
thane to mak a new hows. But I beseche yow brothyr latt not yowr
carpenter know +tat I send yow thys now. No more to yow brothyr
at thys tyme, but the trinyte have yow in hys kepynge. And ye
schuld have a Monday next comyng a xl plowys in Pyssyll felde.
   Your brothyr Edmund Stonor.
[\NO ENDORSEMENT.\]

<Q STO 1475? JSTONOR>
<A JANE STONOR> 
<P I,165> 
[} [\158. JANE STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 1475)\] 
   Sone, I send you Goddys blessyng and myne. I understonde by
my tenantys and yourys that Maystyr Lewes John desyryth for to
have a letter fro you for to undyrstonde your maystyrschype and
youre favor towarde your seyde tenants and myne. Wherefore I
pray you to do aftyr hys desyre yn supportyng your ryght, and I
woll do to the power that God hath sende un to me my parte wyth
the grace of God, whome I beseche to be youre gyde, and that
thys sympyll byll may recommaunde me un to my worshupfull and
goode dowchtyr your wyfe.
   By your pore Moder Jane Stoner.
[\NO ENDORSEMENT.\] 

<Q STO 1476 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON>
<P II,2>
[} [\161. THOMAS BETSON TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\12 April, 1476\] 
Jhesu An=o= xvj=o=. 
   Right worshipfful Syr I recom[{aund{] me unto your good
maystershipe, and to my right worshypffulle maystresse your
wiffe, and, yf it plese your maystershipe, to my maystresse
Kateryn. And syr, +tankyd be the good lord, I understond ffor
certeyn +tat oure wolle shipped be comen in [{. . .{] beste to
Cales. I wold have kept the tydynges till I had comen my self,
because it is good: but I durst not be so bold, ffor your
maystershipe now ayenst this good tyme may be glade and joyffull
off this tydynges; ffor in trouth I am glad and hartely +tannke
God off it. And syr, whene I come I shall tell your maystershipe
many +tinges moo by +te mercy off our Lord, who preserve your
maystershipe ever. At London (\le xij jour de Apprill\) . Your
servaunt to my power
   Thomas Betson.
   To my right worshipffull and synguler good mayster Willm~.
Stoner, Esquyer, (\soyt d.d.\) 

<Q STO 1476 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON>
<P II,2> 
[} [\162. THOMAS BETSON TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\22 April, 1476\] 
   Jhesu M'iiij=c=' lxxvj.
   Right worshipffull and my right Synguler good mayster I
recommaund me to unto youre good maystershipe. And syr, ples it
you to wete, this same day I depart to Cales wardes throw the
myght off oure 
<P II,3> 
Lord, Jhesu be my good spede. And syr with all my hart I +tannke
your maystershipe ever off your gentyll chere and ffei+gthffull
loffe, the whych allway ye bere and owe unto me, and off my
behalff no+tinge deservid: how be it God knowing my good hart
and will, and my prayer shall ever be redy for your maystershipe
and all your howsold. And syr, ffor a remembraunce I send yow be
+te brynger heroff ffor deynte ij powdyrd lampres, to ete hem
whan it ples yow, I wold +tei wer better. Also syr, ye shall
R[{esseyve{] , by the grace off God in John Somers barge now
comynge to Henley a pype rede wyne ffrom my broder: I trust it
shall ples your maystershipe well, ffor so my broder tellith me.
And Syr, as touchynge the ffelles of Robert Turbotes of
Lamberton, it makez no matter as yit thowe no man see hem till I
send you o+ter word ffrom Cales: ffor I shall send you more
clerer writinge ffrom Cales by the mercy off Jhesu, whom I
besech ever to preserve your maystershipe in helth and vertu. At
London the xxij day off Apprill. Be your
   Servaunt T. Betson.
   Syr, I besech your maystershipe +tat this powre writynge may
have me lowly recomended to my right worshipffull maystresse
your wyffe, and in lyke wyse to my gentyll Cossen and kynde
maystresse Kateryn Rich, to whom I besech your maystershipe ever
to be ffavourable and loffynge. Syr, I send you a scantlyn off
your wyne herin closed.
   To my right worshipffull and Synguler good mayster Willm.
Stonor Esquyer (\Soyt d.d.\) 

<Q STO 1476 THENHAM>
<A THOMAS HENHAM>
<P II,3> 
[} [\163. THOMAS HENHAM TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\1 May, 1476\] 
   Jhesu . M . iiij=c= lxxvj. 
   Ryght worchipffull my Ryght Syngguler good mayster, I
recommaund me unto your good maysterschipe ever more dessyring
to here 
<P II,4> 
of your wellffare, the wyche I beseche Jhesu mayntene and
contenew to his plesur &c. Letyng your maysterschipe to wyt that
I departyd ffrome Sandewych the xj day off Aprell, and so cam
unto Calys apone sher thursday laste was with the wolle schipys;
and so, blesside be Jhesu, I have resayvid your wollys in
ssafte. Fordermore, Syr, yeff yt plesse your maystershipe for to
understonde +tis, I have ressayvid your wollys as ffayer and as
hole as any mannys in the fflete. More hover, Syr, yeff yt
plesse your maysterschipe ffor to understonde howne your wolle
was howsid ever dele by Ester even. Fordermore, Syr, yeff yt
plesse your maysterschipe ffor to understonde that the schepmen
be content and payde off thayer ffraythe. Fordermore, Syr, yeff
hyt plesse your maysterschipe ffor to understonde off your
wollys howne maney I have resayvid: Summa xxx sarplers ffyne
Cottes wolle, and of M. Cottes x sarplers and off ffyne yonge
Cottes wolle vij sarplers and of M. yonge Cottes iij sarplers
and a sarpler of Refuse, Summa lj sarplers. All so, Syr, yeff yt
plese your maysterschipe ffor to understonde that I have
ressayvid a barell with harnes of peny, the wyche your
maysterschipe sapke [\spake\] unto me of at my departyng frome
yow, and a nother barell with harnes of bylys, the wych I have
schipped hem unto London in one of the wole schipys, the wyche
ij barelys schulde be kep unto the tyme that I com unto London
my selffe. Fordermore, syr, yeff yt plese your maysterschipe
ffor to understonde that Thomas Betson cam unto Calys the laste
day of Aprill: and so he departyd in good helthe unto Brugys
mart the fyrst day of May. No more unto your maister at thys
tyme: but allmythi Jhesu have you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at Calys
the first day of May.
   By your prentes Thomas Henham.
   Unto my worschipffull and myne synguler master Willm. Stonor,
Squyer, of Oxford schyre, thys letter be delyvered in haste. dd.

<Q STO 1476 GOXBRYGE>
<A GODDARD OXBRYGE> 
<P II,4> 
[} [\164. GODDARD OXBRYGE TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\9 May, 1476\] 
<P II,5> 
   Jhesus. M. iiij C . lxxvj. 
   Right worshipfull and Reverent Sir, plesith hit you to
understonde +tat as these daye I have Res[{seyved{] fro Thomas
Betson and fro Thomas Henham iij letterys, that is to saye ij to
you and j to Thomas Howlake. And Sir, Thomas did write to me
that I shuld shippe +te sarpler, the pooke, and the ij pokets
woll, beyng at the Wollkey, now at this shippynge: And whan I
have weyyde heme to reconne with +te custumerys clarkys and pay
+tem for you and for heme ij. s. iiij. d., and to the weyor ffor
every sake j. d., and to +te chalker j. d., and to +te porors
viij. d.: thys is Thomas Betson is wrytyng to me. And Sir, I
have delivered to William Somer, bargemane, to care to Henly:
ffirst vj burdenys of rusys: Item xij saltffish, of +te whiche
saltffish iiij be lengys: and a fardell aynte [\?\] in canvase,
in +te wheche fardell is a bage with spysys, and ij brassys, a
payer of pauenys for my maistres, a gowne of annyse de Padawis,
and a mustard querne: and as these day at none +te barge
departyd fro London; and he saythe he will be at Henli a
Mondaye, or a Tuysdaye at +te fardyst, with the grase of God, wo
have you in hese kepynge. At London, the ix daye of Maye,
   By your prentyse Goddard Oxbryge.
   [{To my{] good maister, Willm. Stonor, esquier, at Stonor. 

<Q STO 1476 GOXBRYGE>
<A GODDARD OXBRYGE> 
<P II,5> 
[} [\165. GODDARD OXBRYGE TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\12 May, 1476\] 
   Jhesu. A=o=. M. iiij=c= lxxvj. 
   Right worschipffull Syr, please it you to wete that I send
you wrytinge bi Howlake +tat Edmond Jod your tenante will
departe owte of your howse I cannat tell wo sone, but I had no
aunswer fro you agene for kowenat what comnante is betwyne you
and heme, and therfor I beseche your maisterchip to let me have
kowelige what comnante ys betwne you and heme, for I can
nothenge say to heme till I have an aunswer fro you or fro my
mastres. And sir, I have
<P II,6> 
R[{eceived{] fro Calise ij letters to you, and I wulld a sent
theme to you before thise time, but I cowd no none body to
convey theme savyng I had delyverde theme to a woman of Henly,
and assone as sche was on horsebake in the strete sche wase
arestid, and that is +te cause that you had theme nat before
these tyme. And sir, I ame callyd apon for +te [\"for +t"
REPEATED IN MS.\] monys, the wheche Davyd owyt, and in spesyall
of the good man of +te marmayd, and of the polt'. And sir, I
have inqueryd of maister Wrohntn is comemyng to London, and as
yet he is nat come, but as sone as heys come you schalle have
understondyng with +te grase of God, who have your Right
worschipffull and Reverent maister in his blessyd kepyng ever.
At London the xij daye of Maye.
   By your prentyse Goddard Oxbryge.
   To my Right worshipffull and Reverent maister Willm. Stonore,
squyer, be delivered. 

<Q STO 1476 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON> 
<P II,6> 
[} [\166.THOMAS BETSON TO KATHERINE RYCHE\] }]
[\1 June, 1476\]
   Jhesus. An=o=. xvj=o=.
   My nowne hartely belovid Cossen Kateryn, I recomande me unto
yow withe all the inwardnesse of myn hart. And now lately ye
shall understond +tat I resseyvid a token ffrom you, the which
was and is to me right hartely welcom, and with glad will I
resseyvid it; and over that I had a letter ffrom Holake, youre
gentyll Sqwyer, by the which I understond right well +tat ye be
in good helth off body, and mery at
<P II,7>
hart. And I pray God hartely to his plesour to contenew the
same: ffor it is to me veray grete comfforth +tat ye so be, so
helpe me Jhesu. And yff ye wold be a good etter off your mete
allwaye, that ye myght waxe and grow ffast to be a woman, ye
shuld make me the gladdest man off the world, be my trouth: ffor
whanne I remembre your ffavour and your sadde loffynge delynge
to me wardes, ffor south ye make me evene veray glade and joyus
in my hart: and on the to+tersyde agayn whanne I remembre your
yonge youthe. And seeth well that ye be none eteter off youre
mete, the which shuld helpe you greately in waxynge; ffor south
+tan ye make me veray hevy agayn. And therffore I praye you, myn
nown swete Cossen, evene as you loffe me to be mery and to eate
your mete lyke a woman. And yff ye so will do ffor my loveff,
looke what ye will desyre off me, whatsomever it be, and be my
trouth I promesse you by the helpe of our Lord to perfforme it
to my power. I can [{no{] more say now, but at my comyng home I
will tell you mych more betwene you and me and God beffore. And
where as ye, ffull womanly and lyke a loffer, remembre me with
manyffolde recomendacion in dyversse maners, remyttynge the same
to my discresscion to depart them +ter as I loveff best, ffor
south, myn nown swete Cossen, ye shall understond +tat with good
hart and good will I resseyve and take to my self the one halff
off them, and them will I kepe by me; and the to+ter halff with
hartely loveff and ffavour I send hem to you, myn nown swete
Cossen, agayn, ffor to kepe by you: and over that I send you the
blissynge +tat our Lady gaveffe hir dere sonne, and ever well to
ffare. I pray you grete well my horsse, and praye hym to gyffe
yow iiij off his yeres to helpe you with all: and I will at my
comynge home gyff hym iiij off my yeres and iiij horsse lofes
till amendes. Tell hym +tat I prayed hym so. And Cossen Kateryn
I +tannke you ffor hym, and my wiff shall +tanke you ffor hym
hereafter; ffor ye do grete cost apon hym as it is told me. Myn
nown swete Cossen, it was told me but late +tat ye were at Cales
to seeke me, but ye cowde not se me nor ffynde me: ffor south ye
myght have comen to my counter, and +ter ye shuld bothe ffynde
me and see me, and not have ffawtid off me: but ye sought me in
a wronge Cales, and +tat ye shuld well know yff ye were here and
saw this Cales, as wold God ye were and som off them with you
+tat were with you at your gentill Cales. I praye you, gentill
Cossen, comaunde me to the Cloke, and pray hym to amend his
unthryffte maners: ffor he strykes ever in undew tyme, and he
will be 
<P II,8>
ever affore, and that is a shrewde condiscion. Tell hym with
owte he amend his condiscion that he will cause strangers to
advoide and come no more there. I trust to you that he shall
amend agaynest myn commynge, the which shalbe shortely with all
hanndes and all ffeete with Godes grace. My veray ffei+gtheffull
Cossen, I trust to you +tat thowe all I have not remembred my
right worshipfull maystres your modyr affore in this letter +tat
ye will off your gentilnesse recomaunde me to her maystresshipe
as many tymes as it shall ples you: and ye may say, yff it plese
you, that in Wytson Weke next I intend to +t=e= marte ward. And
I trust you will praye ffor me: ffor I shall praye ffor you,
and, so it may be, none so well. And Almyghty Jhesu make you a
good woman, and send you many good yeres and longe to lyveffe in
helth and vertu to his plesour. At greate Cales on this syde on
the see, the ffyrst day off June, whanne every man was gone to
his Dener, and the Cloke smote noynne, and all oure howsold
cryed after me and badde me come down; come down to dener at
ones! and what answer I gaveffe hem ye know it off old. 
   Be your ffei+gtheffull Cossen and loffer Thomas Betson.
   I sent you this rynge ffor a token.
   To my ffei+gtheffull and hartely belovid Cossen Kateryn 
Ryche at Stonor this letter be delyvered in hast. 

<Q STO 1476 GOXBRYGE>
<A GODDARD OXBRYGE> 
<P II,8> 
[} [\167. GODDARD OXBRYGGE TO MISTRESS STONOR\] }] 
[\12 July, 1476\] 
   Jhesu. A=o=. +tI. iiij=c= lxxvj 
   Ryght worshipfull and Reverent Maistes, I recomend me unto
you in the moste lowlyest wyse that I best can or maye: and,
Maistes, pleasthe you to undirstond that I have R[{eceived{] a
letter ffrome you by Davy Wrixham, the whech letter I undirstod
wele, and schoche matter ase you he wreten to me ffor I wille
aply hete as ney as I [{may{] . And,
<P II,9> 
Maistes, ther as you wrote to ffor your fesche I have aplyd hete
as ny as kowd, but as I cane I will send it to you as sone as I
maye, and thate shalbe a Tuysdaye or a Weddensdaye at the
ffardest. And as for odir matterys that you wrote to me ffor, I
have nat yete inqueryd off theme, ffor the tyme was sso shorte I
cowd nat: the tyme wase sso shorte, sso I R[{eceived{] your
letter a Tuysdaye betwyxte vj and vij a the kloke. And as ffor
that yo wrote to me of Davy I wyll do acordyng to your wyll: and
as ffor hyse gownys he had convyed theme, before you rod owte of
London, into Whytebredys howse, and he had j off theme beffore
he spake with me: and as for the remnante he shall nate have
some wrytyng ffro you. And as ffor all oddir matterys I wyll
ssend you word as ssone as I maye with the gras off owre lord,
whoo have you, Right Worshipfull Maistres, I his blessyd
kepynge, Amen. Be your prentyse
   Goddard Oxbrygge,
   the xij day of Jull.
   To my Right worshipfull Maistres Stonor, at sstonor. be thyse
delywer. in hast. 

<Q STO 1476 ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR> 
<P II,9> 
[} [\168. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\18 August, 1476\] 
   Jhesu. Ano. xvj 
   Right well belovid Cossen, I recomaund me unto you with all
myn hart and I +tannke you hartely, gentill Cossen, off youre
expediscion 
<P II,10> 
that ye have made in plesynge off my brodyr Stocker off his
bucke: he is beholdyn unto you: at your comynge to London he
will thannke you I dowt not as reason is; and I, as ffor my
parte, +tannke you ffor my venyson, the which I have
R[{eceived{] by my brodyr Crooke. Also, gentill Cossen, I
undyrstond +t=t= my dou+gther Kateryn is craysed and hath a
desese on hir neke: I marvell what it shuld be: yff it wold lyke
you, I praye you hartely to suffer hir to come to London to me
to the intent she may be holpyn +teroff. I send syr William,
Annes Dibdale, and Howlake for hir, and on Twesday next I trust
to see you here at London, and whanne ye come ye shall be welcom
with more. Jesu spede you ever, amen. At London (\le xviij jour
d'aoust\) .
   Elysabeth Stonor.
   [\P.S. IN DORSO.\] Gentyll Cossen, I praye you to bryng with
you the ij baysons and hewers off silver, the silver
Candelstikes and the monstrans, and the letill silver bayson to
set it in. I wold have it here ayenst myn husbonds terement, and
it can not come better at no tyme +tanne with you now because
off strenght.
   To my most worshipffull Cossen Willm. Stonor, Esquyer, this
be delyvered. At Stonor. 

<Q STO 1476 ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR> 
<P II,10> 
[} [\169. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }]
[\12 September, 1476.\]
   Right Reverent and Worshipfull and enteirly best belovyd
Cosyn, I recommende me unto you in the most lowlyest wyse that I
best can or may. And syr, as this day by your servaunt Thomas
Mathew I receyvyd a letter from you, by the which letter I
understonde that +ge be sumwhat amended and shall every day
better and better +ten other by +te grace of God. Also, gentyll
Cosyn, I understonde that my brother and yowris is sore seke of
the poxes: wherfore I am right hevy and sory of your beyng
there, ffor the eyre of poxe is ffull contagious and namely to
them than ben nye of blode. Wherfore I wolde praye you,
<P II,11>
gentyll Cosyn, that +ge wolde come hedyr, and yif hit wolde
plese you so to doo, &c. And yif that hit lyke you not so to
doo, Gentill Cosyn, lettith me have hedyr some horsis I pray
you, and that I may come to you, ffor in good faith I can fynde
hit in my herte to put my self in jubardy there as ye be, and
shall do whilst my lyffe endureth to the plesure of God and
yours. For in good faith I thought never so longe sith I see
yow, ffor in trowth I hadde will hopid that your horsis shulde
a ben here as +tis night; and that I tho+gt verely, and so
poyntid my self for to a be with you as +te morue at night with
Godes mercy, which shulde have ben to me right a grete comfort;
ffor in good faith I have not ben mery at myn hert +tis
sevynnight day ffor dyverse maters the whiche hath ben brokyn to
me. Wherfore I wyst full hertly dyverse tymes +tat +ge hadde ben
here: ffor I wot will that ye coulde an answeryd in certayne
maters better +ten I: ffor truly I had not so besy a weke sith I
cam hedyr, exepte oone day, which sir William, and John Mathewe
both can enfourme you parte +terof. And Syr, as towchyng my
childeryn I hertly thanke you that hit lyke you so for to tend
them: but +git, Gentyll Cosyn, yif hit plese you to sende hem up
with such horsis as hit lykith you to send for me, I wolde
hertly pray you, ffor the poxe ben past out of this Countre and
Cyte as fer as I understonde, blessyd be God. Gentyll Cosyn, I
pray you hertly that I may have a redy worde from you on
Saterday at nyght at +te ferthest; for in trowth I can not be
mery unto +te tyme that I know verely how that +ge will I be
demenyd hereyn. No more to you at this tyme, but almyghty Jhesu
preserve you, and kepe you longe in good hele of body and longe
to lyve in vertu to Godes plesure, and so to your moste hertes
desire, amen. At London +te xij day of Septembr. A=o= xvj.
   And myn sonne Betson recommende hym unto you as hertely as he
can or may, and bysowght to vouchsaffe to pray for hym &c.: and
ye shall Rec. ij letters of hym by John Mathewe. And as this day
viij of the Cloke in +te morning he toke his barge. I pray God
sende hym good spede, amen.
   By your ovne Elysabeth Stonore. 
   To my Right Worshipfull Cosyn, Willm. Stonor, squiere, this
be delyvered.

<Q STO 1476 ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR> 
<P II,12> 
[} [\170. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\9 October, 1476\] 
   Jhesu M. iiij=c= lxxvj. 
   Right Interly and beste belovyde Cosyn, I recomaunde me unto
you in moste lovyng wyse. Syr, I resayvyde ffrome you a letter
by the wyche I consayvyde that ye canne not departe but it
shulde be to your gret lose. Wherffor ye do ryght welle to set
hyt in a suerte: ffore hyt thys no lytell monay that he howys
you. And Syr, as ffore my Cosyn Fowler, he whas not come as thys
nythe, but he wylle be to morow at his plase as hyt thys tollde
me. And as ffore my son Betson I have no wrytyng syn you
departe. I truste yt shall not be longe to or whe shalle have
wrytyng ffrome hym. And Syr, ther as ye wrte unto me ther as
+tat Chetys and Hoderstone shulde be leffte ther stylle, truly
so hyt thys: ffor I have put ffore no thyng save hondely for
sarten plote. fforder more, Syr, ye schall under[{stonde{] +tat
Thomas a Wode hys very sore syke at the Sworde in Flete strete.
Syr, the Kyng hys come to Westemester, and I understonde there
schalle be a gret Counsell, whereffore I wot never. My Cosyn
Hellmys recomaunde hym unto you. And Syr, I thanke you hartely
as I cane ffore your good tynchys: ffore truly thay whare very
goode and swet as I het hany many a day. Whereffore I sent my
ffader hone off them to hys soper. Whereffor he thanke you ryght
hartely. No more unto you at thys tyme, Jhesu have you in his
kepyng, Amen. At London the ix day of Octobur at ix a Cloke at
nythe.
   By your owne Elysabeth Stonor.
   Allso Syr, ye schulle understonde that Thomas Wode hys [{syke
wi{]th the pokys.
   To my Ryght Reverent and Worshipffull hosbon Wyllm. Stonor,
Sqyer, at Orton thys letter be delyverd. In hast. dd. 

<Q STO 1476? ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR>
<P II,13>
[} [\172. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }]
[\22, October (1476)\]
<P II,14>
   Right interly and best belovyd husbond, I recomaund me unto
you in my most herty wyse, evermore thankyng you right hertely
off all kyndeness to me schewed at all tymes, and nowe ffor your
good Venysone and Coneys, the wheche you sent me be Heri
Blakhall, the whech is gret deyntis to have here in London:
wherfor I sent the halffe hawnche to my ffadyr and a cowpyll off
coneys: and they recomaund them unto you and thanke you ryght
hertely. And sur, you schall undyrstond that I have be with my
Lady of Southfolke as on Thursday last was, and wayted uppon hyr
to my lady the Kynges Modyr and hyrse, be hyr commaundment. And
also on Satyrday last was I wayted uppon hyr thedyr ageyne, and
allso ffro thens she wayted uppon my lady hyr Modyr, and browght
hyr to Grenwyche to the Kyngis good grace and the quenyse: and
ther I sawe the metyng betwyne the Kynge and my ladye his Modyr.
And trewly me thowght it was a very good syght. And sire, I was
with my lady of Southfolke at this day hopyng that I myght have
hade hyre at sume leysyre that I myght a spokyn to hyr ffor the
money, but trwly sche was very besy to make hyre redy, ffor sche
is redyne to Cauntyrbery as this same day, and sche wyll be here
ageyne as on Satyrday next comyng, ffor so sche told me hyr
selff. Also Sire, I spake with my cosyn Fowler at my lady the
Kyngis Modyr; and I thankyde hyme as hertely as I cowde for his
gret kyndnese that he schewid to you and to me at all tymys,
prayeng hyme of his good contynuans: and he askyde me when you
wyld cum hydyr. And I tellyd hym that I supposyd that you wyld
be her as this weke. And also I spake with my cosyne Rokysse:
and he askyd me in leke wyse, and he seyth itt is not hys
ffortune to mete with you here in London: and I spake to hyme
ffor John Mathews mater, and prayed hym to be good master unto
hym: and he awnswerd me ageyne, and seyde that he had lytyll
cause, for he seyth that he have ben the most importune manne
that myght be to hymewardes. And I awnswerd and seyde to hyme,
that I coude never undyrstond hyt but that he owght hyme his
servyse to his powre. And Sire, my lady of Southfolke is
halfindell dysplesyd because that my Cystere Barantyne is no
better arayed, and leke wyse my Cyster Elysabeth. And sche seyth
with owght they be otherwyse arayed, sche seyth, sche may not
kep them: and sche seyth that my Moder and yours schuld saye
that you have I-nowe to ffynd my Cyster Elysabeth with all. Also
I undyrstond +tat Sure John Buttelyr hath spokyn to my lady to
have my Cyster Barantyne with hyme: what he menyth therin 
<P II,15>
we wot nere, with oute that he wold have the rewle of hyr
husbandys lyvelode be that meane. Wherffore my Cyster wold speke
with you ffore that mater to have your cownsell in what is best
to do. And Sire, as ffor my sone Betsonne I herde no worde
ffrome hyme sith you departyd: for ther commyth no passage this
viij dayese. And Sire, I wold pray you whenne Davy Wrixame
commyth to you owght off Cottyswold, that ye wold send hyme
hydder that he myght wryght to my sonne howe he have done in the
contre. And good Sire, I pray you that my blewe gowne of damaske
may be sent to me ageyne alhalowne day, and my cofferse and my
dowter Caterynes, that I spake to you ffore. And sire, suche
kercherse and smokkys and small japys that be in the chest that
Cateryne my womanne had role of, whech chest stondyth in my
sonne Betsonys Chaumbre. And Sire, I wold pray you that +gee
wold send this gere to me that I myght take rekenyg of hyre:
ffor she skevisith hyr and sey that suche gere as I aske her is
there. Sir, I pray you send me no more ryngis with stonys: ffore
the ryng that you sent me be Hery Blakhall, the stone is ffallyn
owght be the way and loste: wherffore I ame sory. Good sire, let
it not be long or I may se you: for truly me thynke ryght long
syth I se you. Your chylderne and myne ffare well, blessyd be
God, and they be to me a gret cowmfort in your absens. No more
to you at this tyme, but almyghti Jhesu preserve and kepe you in
long helth and vertue to hys plesure. At London the xxij day of
Octobre. 
   My owne Cosyne, I sende you a bladyr with powdyr to drynke
when +ge go to bede, ffor hit is holsome ffor you.
   Be your ovne to my powre Elysabeth Stonore.
   To my Ryght well-belovyd Cosyn Wyllm. Stonor, squyer, at
Stonore, this be delyveryd.

<Q STO 1476 ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR>
<P II,15> 
[} [\173. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\25 October, 1476\] 
<P II, 16> 
   Jhesu M. iiij=c= lxxvj. 
   Ryght Interly and beste belovyde Cosyne I recomaunde me unto
you as hartely as I cane. ffordermore, Cosyn, plesyth hyt you to
understonde that I have resayvide a bore ffrom you: the wyche I
thanke you ryght hartely ther ffor: the wyche bore hys very
goode and well braunde. Allso Cosyn, my moder and yourys sent me
monay to by her boge, and sche sent me a gobelet to amend: the
wyche gobelet I have schuyde unto dyverys golldsmythys: and thay
say hyt cane not be amendyd, but hyt be new made: and so I pray
you to infforme my moder. And as ffor the boge my moder sent
unto me ffor, I send hyt to her by Folyhet, the brynger heroff.
And so, Syr, I pray you to infforme my moder, as hyt thys: and I
will kepe the gobelet unto the tyme that I have answere ffrome
her. Allso, Syr, I pray you to recomaunde me hartely unto here
goode moderhode. Fordermore, Cosyn, I longe sore ffore you, to
se you her in London whanne you have done your besenes: but I
understonde that you have hade gret besynys syn you departyd
ffrome me. Syr, ye schalle understond that I had no wrytyng
ffrome my son Betson: ffor as ny as I cane in-kewere, syn
Howlake departyd ther came no passag ffrom Calys. Forder, syr, I
pray you that ye wolde woche-saffe ffore to sen John Mathew unto
Hendelay, ffor to breke the ffardell and to wrythe schuche
thyngys [{as{] is in hyt and to make ij ffardellys ther off,
that hyt mythe be sent downe by the caryar off [{Hendelay{] ffor
I cane not have hyt ayenst the tyme helse: ffore I most nedes
have hyt, ffore the chylld [{eryn have{] ne chaung, ffor they go
so schamely that I have pete off them. And goode Syr, as ffor my
nawne [{gowne that I{] wrothe unto you off, I pray you that I
mythe have hyt as sone as ye may. No more unto you [{at thys
tyme{] , but Jhesu have you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at London the
xxv day off Octobur.
   By your ovne Elysabeth Stonore.
   Unto my Ryght hartely well-belovyde Cosyn Wyllm. Stonor,
Squiere, thys be delyverd, in hast. 

<Q STO 1476 ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR>
<P II,17> 
[} [\175. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\7 November, 1476\] 
   Jhesu. M. iiij=c= lxxvj. 
   Ryht enterly and beste belovyd husbond I recomand me unto you
in my most hartyest wyse that I beste can or may, sartyfyyng you
that I have receyvyd your letter of John Stute and iij coppull
of conyes and bald reybbys with the chyk, the whyche I thanke
you for als hartyly as I can. Also I conseve by your wrytyng
that you have had very meyche a do with holdyng of cortes and
odir besynes, the [{wyche{] , as I pray God son to send you a
nend thereof, that I myght [{see you{] here. And Syr, as
tocheyng the hogeyshed of salte that you wrote [{to{] me for, 
<P II,18> 
truly Syr I wold a sente yt to you with alle my harte, but +te
bargys wer departyd before your letter cam [{unto{] me. Also,
Syr, I have reseyvyd sen you departyd ij letterys frome my [{sun
Bet{]sun as on Monday last wase, on of them deectyd to you. ...
The whyche letterys I have red and wele undirstond them [{...
I{] conseve by hese wrytyng that he ys very lothe that Elmys
woll ... departe frome heme: never the less he thynkithe that
xiij markes and a d[{i ...{] pryse for to bye lx saks: after
that pryce it wold draw myche m[{oney{] and lytell gettyng suld
be therin. And yet I truste to ... have yt, for as I undirstond
yt ys yete unsold ... that my sun Betsun sent to me by the
brynger [{herof ...{] I pray you grete wel my broder Thomas
Ston[{or from me desiring y{]ou to seye to heme that I marvyll
gretly what [{... moveth{] heme to saye schoyche langege by me
as he dothe, for as ... [{that{] I [{wold{] plok from your
lyelod alle that I can to make a grete ...: for +tat I wote
welle you can awnswere for me wele enowe. And so I ... to defend
me. No more to you at thys tyme, but I beseche all myg[{hty
Jhesu{] have you, right ynterly and best belovyd husbond, in hys
[{blyssid kepyng ever{] Amen. At London the vij day of Novembr.
   My owne good [{husb{]ond I se well ye [{re{]membre +te
puttyng at ... out of +te bed whan you and I lay last togedyr.
   By your ovne [{to my{] powre, Elysabeth Stonor.
   To my Right worshipffull husbond [{Wyllm.{] Stonor, Sqyer,
thys letter be delyverd in hast. d. d. 

<Q STO 1476 ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR> 
<P II,18> 
[} [\176. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }]
[\11 December, 1476\]
   Jhesu
   Ryght entirely and beste belovyd husbonde I recommende me
unto you in the most lovyng wyse that I best can or may.
Moreover, pleseth hit yow to understonde that I have receyvyd
your letter, a byll closid in the said letter, which I have redd
and ryght well understondyd: and as
<P II,19>
for all such stuff as the said byll specefyth of, as yet I have
not receyvyd. How be hit the barge is comyn with +te said stuff
as +tis nyght at vij of clocke: and Syr, soo hit will be the
morne or I can receyvyd hit. Fer+termore, syr, plesith hit yow
to wit that as on ffryday last past I dyende with my ffadir and
my modir. And +ter was at dyner with hym +te frendys of +ge
childe which was movid for oone of my do+gters at your last
beyng heere. And so at after dyner +tey hadde +tere comunycation
for +te said mateer, wherby I understode +ter dispocitions how
+tat +tey were disposid in the said mateer. And truly hit was
nothyng as hit was spokyn of at +te begynnyng: wherfore I
answeryd and said in +tis wyse: that +too shee were my childe,
as she is, I coulde not answere that mateer without yow nor
noght wolde doo. How be hit, I answeryd in your byhalf: that I
wyst ryght well +tat +ge wolde be ry+gt kynd and lovyng ffadir,
yif God ffortunyd that ye and they shulde dele. And Sir, there
as ye wryte that +tat +te bargemen ben loth to take and Rec. any
stuff of ours I marveyle gretely: ffor truly to my knowlege I
hadde never +ting caryed by any of them but +tat I paid them
truly +terfore. And Sir, as for +te vj cowpull of haberndens,
the which ye wryte ffore, they shall be bought and sente yow
ryght shortly. And as ffor your gownys of chamlet and dublettes
of sylke, I have bought hem: the which shall plese yow ryght
well, I trust to God, at your comyng, &c. And Sir, my sonne
Betson recommende hym unto yow, and he come home as on Monday
last past, and he hath brought with hym, blessid be God, good
tythynges, the which he and I shall enfourme yow at your comyng.
And ther as ye wryte that ye will sende me of a wylde bore and
other venson ayenst Sonday, truly I thanke yow as hertly as I
can. But truly yet I wolde pray yow that ye wolde spede yow
hedyr als sone as ye can: ffor I wolde trust to Godes mercy hit
shoulde be to your profetes and avayle in tyme comyng by the
grace of our Lord, who ever preserve and kepe yow to his plesur
and your most herts comfort. Amen. At London the xj day of
Decembre A=o= xvj. 
   And Cosen, heras ye wryte to me +tat I had no leysyr: truly I
have ben crised and besy, ellys I wyld have wryte to you or thys
tyme.
   By your ovne Elysabeth Stonore.
   To my Ryght well belovyd Cosen, Willm. Stonere, esquyer at
Stoner +tis be delyverd.

<Q STO 1477 ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR> 
<P II,22>
[} [\180. ELIZABETH STONOR TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }]
[\7 March, 1477\]
   Jhesu A=o= xvij.
   Ryght enterly and best belovyd husbond, I recomaund me unto
you as hertely as I can. Syre, I have ress[{eyved{] a letter
ffrom you, and a nothyr letter +tat my son Betson sent you and a
tokyn from you be your servant Christoffyre, whech letter I have
red and ryght well undyrstond. And as towchyng John Elmys,
truly, syre, he is a marvelus man: I conseyve be my son +tat he
wold goo from his promesse +tat he made to you and to hym of his
woll +tat hyt suchld aryse as good in pokyng thys +gere as hyt
ded +te last +gere: and +tat I consyve he cannot make good: but
never +te lesse I dout not but +tat you and my son Betson wyll
handyll +te matyrs well I-nowe: ffore blessyd be God +ge be on
+te surere syde: ffore all +te sayde woll I have ress[{eyved{]
hyte and fayer howsyd hyt: and +gyt ffore all that I wot well
+tat you and my son wylnot dele with hym othyrewyse than ryght
and consyes wyll requere, and +tat is best. Syre, I thank you
hertely +tat hyt plesyd you to wyshe me with you at redyng off
my letter: truly I wold I had a be there with you at +te same
seson with all my hert. And as towchyng my brothyre Stonore,
truly syre ther was no bodye +tat tellyd me precysly +tat hyt
was he, but I knowe well hyt was he, ffore hyt was sayde to me
+tat I kept you here among a meany of boyes with othyre langwage
more, whech was not fyttyng fore to have such langwage of any
servant that long to you ore me: fore, and he remembyre hym
selff well, he hath no cause to saye of me otherwyse than well:
fore I never sayde to dysplease hym be my wyll, but fore hys own
worshypp, and +tat knowyth God, how ever preserve you. At
London, +te vij day of Marche. Cateryn and Hue Fenne recomaund
them unto you, and they praye fore you as they can. And 
<P II,23>
Syre Wyllm. Stavelye and all your howshold ffaryth well, blessyd
be God. 
   By your owne to my pouer Elysabeth Stonore.
   My good Cosen, I am crassed in my baket: you wat what I men.
   To my ryght worschypfull Cosyn Wyllm. Stonore, squyer, at
Stonore be this delyvered.

<Q STO 1477 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON> 
<P II,27> 
[} [\185. THOMAS BETSON TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR\] }] 
[\22 Dec. (1477)\] 
   Jhesu Ano. 
   My most synguler good lady, after all dew commendacion hadd:
please it your good ladishipe to wete that I am throw and agreyd
with Laurence Fyncham, and have sett hym such surte as with the
same he is right well pleased. Whereffore, good madame, I
beseche you to remembre myn obligacion, the which ye have off
myn, and lett it be
<P II,28> 
broken and sent me hiddyr to London by the next that comethe.
Also, madame, I have spoken with Laurence Fyncham ffor the
xviij. l~i. due by Mayster Hampton, and he tellith me pleynly
that mayster Hampton will geve no more but xiiij. l~i. ffor
them, that is after iiij. s. the unce: and yff ye will nat so,
ye shall have your baysens agayn. And +terffore looke how you
+tinke best and +terafter send me word, and I shall doo +terin
as I wold doo ffor my selff. I spake unto my lady your modyr on
seynt Thomas daye, and she wold scarsely oppyn hir mouthe unto
me: she is displesid and I know nat whereffore with owte hir old
sekenes be fallen on hir agayn: God send hir ones a mery
contenaunce, and a ffrendely tonnge, or elles shortly to +te
mynnorres, wheroff she waxhith wery now, as it was told me but
late. I am wrothe with Kateryne, by cause she sendith me no
writtynge: I have to hir diverse tymes, and ffor lacke off
answere I wax wery: she myght gett a secretary, yff she wold,
and yff she will nat it shall putt me to lesse labour to answere
hir lettres agayn. Madame, I beseche the blissid trenyte to send
you a Mery Cristymas to your hartes ease and ever to preserve
and kepe you in longe helth and vertu. At London the xxij day
Discembre.
   By your owne sone and servaunt, Thomas Betson.
   To my right synguler good lady, Dame Elyzabeth Stonor, (\soyt
dd.\)

<Q STO 1477 MHAMPDEN>
<A MARGERY HAMPDEN> 
<P II,28> 
[} [\186. MARGERY HAMPDEN TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(c. 1477)\] 
   Worchypfull Cossyne, I recomaund me unto yow, and I pray yow
hartely, cossyne, to come heder thys nyte or to-morow by
tymesse, both for +te mater off my nefew, and also for +te mater
that I desyred yow, asse my truste yn yow, or asse I may do
thynge to yowr plesur, +te weche to do I wold be glad, God
knowthe, ho have yow yn ys kepinge.
   Yowres M. Hampden.
   To my worchippfull Cossyn, W. Stonor, in haste. 

<Q STO 1477 THAMPDEN>
<A THOMAS HAMPDEN> 
<P II,29> 
[} [\187. THOMAS HAMPDEN TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(c. 1477)\] 
   Ry+gthe worchypeffull cossyn, y recomaund me unto you: prayng
yow that hyt lyke yow to come to London and speke wyth me and
wyth my syster: and that hyt lyke yow to hye yow yn all godely
hast, asse my truste ys yn yow, ffor y wolde be ago and +ge werr
y-come, for we may nat go yn-tyll +ge come. No more unto yow,
the holy Trenite have yow yn ys blessyd kepyng. Y-wryten yn hast
at London.
   By T. Hampden of Hampden.
   To my Ry+gthe Worschepeffull Cossyn, Wyllyham Stonorr. 

<Q STO 1470S HMAKNEY>
<A HENRY MAKNEY>
<P II,30> 
[} [\190. HENRY MAKNEY TO WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(before 1478)\] 
<P II,31> 
   Myne especialle gode Mastire, y recomand me to youe &c. Syr,
y have seyne a grete oxe for youe, yf ye be note purveyde: +te
pris is grete, hit is of xxx. (^s.^) , but ye shalle have x.
(^s.^) for +te talow and hide, and he wulle serve youe wele for
a C. messe: ye moste sende a servante of yours to mete with me
at Wallyngeford on Moneday by vij at +te clokke at Buttons. Y
wull showe hyme +te oxe, and if ye +tynke +te pris to grete, y
wulle go with hyme to Abyngdon markete, and ye shalle have iiij
or v dosyne pygeons, ij or iij lamys of xij. (^d.^) a pece,
chekyns and capons moste be hadde at Oxford on Satusday.
Colyngerygge and y be at opyne warre: y purpose to entre in +te
Manere of Makney with Godes grace on Moneday or Wennysday; and
yf y have nede y pray youe sende me a gode lade or ij that y be
note bete owte ayene. If +ter be any odire servise, +tat y may
do abote your busines, sende me word and y shalbe redy &c.
   Your owne.
   H. Makney.
   To my specialle gode Mastire W. Stonor.

<Q STO 1478? HMAKNEY>
<A HENRY MAKNEY> 
<P II,32> 
[} [\192. H. MAKNEY TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 1478)\] 
   My specialle gode Maister, y recomand me to youe &c. Sire, my
modire hathe [{been{] with me on Friday laste, and hathe
receyvde of me xl. s. for +te terme of oure ladys day, and nowe
y ame here gode sone and alle welle while hit wull endure. She
movide me for here suertes 
<P II,33> 
of here paymentes, which [{y{] promiside here before youe: +ten
I praede here name +te persons whiche [{she would{] have bownde:
+te she namyde Kydwelly or Harry Dogette, Thomas Latten, Roberte
Felde, and Thomas Gossefforde: wheron y have grauntide here to
yeve here a answere within iij wekes after Ester. Morovire, y
told here +tat y wulde departe fro +te place or sete a tenante
+terin: +ten she questionyde me who shulde be my tenante: y sede
+tat ye were adviside to be tenante, with +tat ye my+gte entrete
here for here parlour and +te Chapell: and y suppose +tat she
wulbe easely entretide, if ye sende be tymes while +te gode
wylle lastithe. Wherfore on Tusday nexte comyng shalbe +te
honowre day at Wallyngefforde: and yf ye wulde sende to Herry
Dogette +tat he wulbe +ter and make here halfe a promise +tat he
wulde be a suerte for here paymente, +te he my+gte entrete here
for +te parlour; and Chapell. Also y pray youe remembre +tat +te
Stuard and John Mathewe my+gte be with me on Moneday nexte: ande
as for yowr stuffe at Hurley may be broughte to Makney with my
cartis, whiche shall carye my litill stuffe, and save youe money
and me bothe &c.
   Your servaunt H. Makney.
   To my speciall gode Maistire Sire William Stonor. 

<Q STO 1470S WSTONOR>
<A WILLIAM STONOR> 
<P II,33> 
[} [\193. SIR WILLIAM STONOR TO JOHN BOUNDY\] }] 
[\(after 1477)\] 
   Boundy I grete yov wele. I pray yov delyver my servant,
brynger of thys bylle to yov, v. li. or x. marke, yf yt may be,
for I must nedes pay yt in that Cuntrey: hyt shalle be alouyd
yov of the vode. Remembre me, as [{I{] may doo for yov: and thys
bylle wryt with my hond shalle be your dyscharge of the sum
reseyuyd.
   Wyllm. Stonore, K.
   To Boundy ... be this deliverd. 

<Q STO 1470S HFORSTER>
<A HUMPHREY FORSTER> 
<P II,36> 
[} [\197. HUMPHREY FORSTER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(after 1477)\] 
   Ryght worshipfull and entierly wel-beloved Nevew, in my most
feythefull wyse I recommaunde me to yowe. And pleaseth yowe to
wete +tat I entended verreyli to have be with yowe this
afternone for suche persones as will be with yowe to be suretees
for Joy: but it is so +te wether is suche +tat I dare not ryde:
wherfor I beseche you to have consideracion to alle the
premysses and +tat ye lyke to take surete for +te pore man +tat
he may goo at large. And also +tat ye lyke to wryte a letter to
Herry Doget to deliver hym. And Jesu preserve you. In hast this
same Saterday.
   Your owne H. F.
   To my worshipfull Nevew Syr William Stonor, in hast. 

<Q STO 1470S ANORTON>
<A JOHN, ABBOT OF NORTON> 
<P II,37> 
[} [\199. JOHN, ABBOT OF NORTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(after 1477)\] 
   Ryght wurschypfull and my fulgud Mayster after all due
recommendacion to yowe hade: prayng yowe to send me now in my
grete necessite by the berer heroff, my servant, your ferme ffor
the parsonage of Pyrton, the whyche was due to have ben payd the
viij day after the nativitie of Saynt John Baptist: wher I had
grett mervayll when my brothyr Schanon no mone had so long
taryyng in London over your promyse, me to grette coste and hym
to grett labur: the sayd ferme due xxiij. li. vj. s. viij. d.,
never afore this tyme sendyng twyes for hyt. Besykyng yowe now
to send hit me by my sayd servant withowte any delay: for truly
I had never gretter mestur then I nowe have, as my sayd servant
schall infowrme yowr maysterschyppe; to the whyche I beseke yow
gyfe credens, ffor at mydsomer I purpos to fette myself the
ferme of +t=e= sayt terme, and bryng yowr grewnd and tresyr my
hake, with the grace of Good, who have yowe in hys blessyd
kepyng to his pleassur and yowre hertes desyre. At Norton the
third day of Februar.
   Your bedman John, abbot of Norton.
   To my wurschypfull and my fulgud mayster, Sir Willm. Stonor
of Stonor in the cownte of Oxon, and of the parech of Pirton, be
this delyveryt. 

<Q STO 1478 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON> 
<P II,42> 
[} [\205. THOMAS BETSON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\25 March, 1478\] 
   A=no= xviij=o=. 
   Right honorable Syr, and my right Synguler good mayster, I
recommaunde me unto your good maystershipe. And Syr, yff it lyke
you, accordynge to myn promesse unto your maystershipe I mette
with my Lady your wyffe at Windsouer, and ffrom thens to London
to my symple 
<P II,43> 
power I helppid to conveye hir. And Syr, by the waye we were
ryht mery, thankyd be God, and so with his mercy we mene here to
be mery ffor the season that my lady is here: and whanne your
maystershype is redy to come hidder wardes we here shall so
welcome you that the season of your abydynge shall nat be
noysom, with Godes grace. Also syr, Robert Warner of Watlyngton
is departid and gone home: truly he is an untrew man of his
promesse: it is well done ye call sharply uppon hym, or elles it
wilbe longe or ye have your money off him. Your maystershipe
knoweth best what ye have to doo. Syr, thannkyd be God, my lady
is ryght mery and in hele off body, our Lord preserve her, and
all we your servauntes resonable mery, as the world reqwyereth
here, and I know well many off us wysche ffast to Stonor agayn
by cause off a substaunce, and I ffor my season the which is
ryht longe, as me semes, God Almyghty knowithe all: I say no
more, but our blyssed Lord spede you att Wyndsouer in your
matters and elles where. At London on our Lady day in the nyght,
when I deme ye were in your bede, ffor my nyne smerttyd, so God
help me,
   By your servaunt T. Betson.
   To my ryht synguler good mayster Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght. 

<Q STO 1478 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON> 
<P II,44> 
[} [\207. THOMAS BETSON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\16 April 1478\] 
   Jhesus. A=no= xviij=o= 
   Right honorable Syr and my right synguler good mayster, I
recommend me unto your good maystershipe. And, syr, this same
nyght I ress[{ayved{] a bill from your maystershipe, by the
which I undyrstond +tat you have sent me ij capons: and syr, +te
same ij capons I have ress[{ayved{] by the caryer Gardener, and
they be right good: truly ffor the which I thanke your
maystershipe hertely for your kyndely remembraunce, ffor with
your maystershipe I am nat forgettyn I ffynd, and so all way,
and I praye God reward you. Syr, I toke ij capons, but +tei wer
nat the best, as ye counseled me by your letter to take, and in
deed to saye the trouthe I cowd nat be sufferyd. My lady your
wiffe is resonably stronge waxhid, the good lord be thankyd: and
she tooke hir will in that matter lyke as she doyth in all
o+ter. I dare nat wryte you the trouth till you come home, the
which we deme shalbe on Setterday next with Godes grace, who
ever preserve your right worshipful person in longe helth and
vertu to his plesour. At London, the xvj day of Apprell
   Your servant T. Betson.
   Syr, I wold have written you som tidynges but I know none as
yit +tat be trew, save we intend here, with Godes grace, to
begynne shippynge apon Monday next. Syr, John Saye is deed, our
lord have mercy apon his soull.
   To my righte worshipful mayster, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght,
(\soyt dd.\) 

<Q STO 1478 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON>
<P II,46>
[} [\211. THOMAS BETSON TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR\] }]
[\17 May 1478\]
   Jhesus An=o= xviij=o=.
   Right honorable and my Synguler good lady, with due reverens
as is accordynge I recommaund me unto your good ladyshipe. And
<P II,47>
ffer+termore lyketh it yowre good ladyshipe to know that on
trenyte evyne last passed I come unto Cales: and I thannke +te
good lord hartely I had a fful fare passege, and the bettyr I
know well it was throw your good prayers, off the which, iff y
durst be so bold, I wille beseche your ladyshipe off
countenewance, and I to my power shall remembre your good
ladyshipe with all your loffers dayly amonges my poure prayers,
off the whiche, yff they be good and acceptable unto God, my
mayster your husband, your good ladyshipe, with all your
children I beseche him hartely ye may have parte: and I beseche
almyghty Jhesu to send your good ladyshipe as comffortable
helthe and welffare at Stonor or elles where as ever ye had in
eny place to Godes plesour. And good madame, I beseche your good
ladyshipe to remembre my Cossen Katteryn of all such matters as
I spake unto your ladyshipe off at many dyverse tymes, as ye
know: I remembre hir ffull off, God know it: I dremyd ones she
was xxx wynter off age; and whanne I woyke I wyschyd she had
bene but xx: and so by lykelyod I am soner lyke to have my
wysche +tan my dreme, the whych I beseche all myghty Jhesu
hartely may be whanne it shall plese hym. Also good madame, and
it lyke you to wete, as on Friday next after Corpus Christi day
I intend unto the marte wardes, our blissid lorde be my spede
and helpe me +ter and send me good payment off all oure
dettours. And I beseche your ladyshipe to recommaund me unto my
mayster your husbaund. And I praye +te good lord to send me good
tidynges ffrom you bothe and ffrom all youres. Writen at Cales
the xvij day off Maii, (\An=o=. ut supra\) . 
   Be your ffeythffull servaunt, Thomas Betson.
   And I send your ladyshipe a token here inclosed, the which
youre ladishipe knowith right well.
   At my commynge ffrom the marte, with Godes grace, your
ladyshipe shall have more writynge ffrom me how I have spedd,
and in lyke wyse my mayster your husbaund: and our blissid lord
Jhesu Christ preserve you bothe in honour and worshipe vertuosly
to contenew to Godes plesour, and also to send you good and
proffitable counsell and grace to doo +ter after: this is and
shalbe my prayer for sothe every daye: your honour and worshipe
off contenewaunce here after stykkythe as nye myn hart as dothe
eny freind, man or o+ter about you, be my trouthe, our blissid
lord so helpe me. I will avyse you, madame, to remembre large
expensez and be ware of them, and in lyke wyse my mayster your
husbaund: it is well done ye remembre hym off them ffor 
<P II,48>
dyverse consederacions, as ye know bothe right well. And our
blissid lord be your comfforther and help in all your good
workes, Amen.
   To +te right honorable and my right Synguler good lady, Dame
Elsabeth Stonore, this letter be delyvered in hast. 
 
<Q STO 1478 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON>
<P II,48> 
[} [\212. THOMAS BETSON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\17 May, 1478\] 
   Jhesu. An=o= xviij=o=. 
   Right honorable and worshipfull Syr, I recommaunde me unto
your good maystershipe in the mooste convenyent wyse I best can
or maye: and ffer+termore, Syr, lykethe it you to wete that on
trenyte evynne I came to Cales, and thankid be +te good lord I
hade a ffull ffare passege: and, syr, with Godes myght I intend
as on Frydaye next to depart to the marte wardes. I beseche the
good lord to be my spede and helpe me in all my warkes. And,
syr, I truste to Godes mercy, yff the world be mery here, to doo
som whatt that shalbe bothe to your profette and mynne. As yit
+ter comethe but ffew merchantes here: here after with Godes
grace +ter will come moo. I shall lese no tyme whanne the season
shall come, I promytte you. And, syr, I beseche you +tat this
symple writynge may have me recommandid unto my lady your wiffe.
And I beseche the good lord to send you bothe good helthe and
vertuuse lyffynge, +terin longe to endewre to Godes plesour
And also, syr, I beseche you to be my good mayster and
ffeythffull loffer, as ever here to ffore to my knowlege I have
ffoundyn you. And, syr, I trust to God as ffor my parte so to
indevour me ffor your maystershipe +tat with Godes grace bothe
ye and my lady your wiffe shall well undyrstond and know that I
loffe bothe your worshipes, and your profett, and so it shall
prove in dede with Godes helpe. And, syr, whanne I come ffrom
the marte I shall send you word off all matters by the mercy off
our lord, who ever preserve your right worshipffull person in
longe helth and vertu, Amen. ffrom Cales the xvij day off May.
Be your servaunt
   Thomas Betson.
   To my right honorable and Synguler good mayster syr Willm.
Stonor, knyght, this letter be delyvered in hast. 

<Q STO 1478 GOXBRYGE>
<A GODDARD OXBRYGE> 
<P II,49> 
[} [\213. GODARD OXBRYGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\21 May, 1478\] 
   Right onerabulle and worschipefull sir, and myn aspesyalle
good maister, I rekomend me unto your good mastershipe in the
moste lowely wise that I beste can: sertefyinge your mastershepe
that I ame informyd by master Betson that Dave Wrykesame hathe
reportyd sarten langage by me in presens of my lady and on of
her brodiryn: and that is thus, that the seyd Daveht shold saye,
that I told heme that maister Betson schold tell me that he
laboryd to your maistership and to my lady to brynge the seyd
Davyht owte of your conseythe and favore: the whyche I take god
to rekord that I never at no sesun repordid enny shyche wordys
to the seyd Davethe, nor to nonodir person, and that wyll I
jostyfy as largely as enny trewe person owythe for to jostyfy
for a trowthe. And wan Mayster Betson told me of thys langege
that Dawyth repordyd by me, it came to my remembranse that
Daveth hathe sayd to me that maister Betson at Ester was a
twelmonthe was srevyn off hys goostly fadir, and that it was
geven heme in penanse that he shold aske the seyd Davyth
forgevenes of this that maister Betson schold make labor to your
mastershipe to brynge the seyd Daveth owte of your conseyt and
favore. And fardirmore, the seyd Davythe sayd to me that maister
Betson kowd nat have absolysyon of hys goostly fadir tyll he had
promysyd to brynge the sayd Dave in your favor as myche as he
was before. And thys seyd words Davyth hathe sayd to me, the
whyche maister Betson kene tell you more klerly by myn
enformemasyon. And Sir, I beseche your maistershipe to delyver
to John Burton the moneye the whyche is dewe to me by your
maistershepe: the money amonthe to the Summa x. li.: wherof I
resevyd of my lady at my departynge xl. s.: and so the reste is
viij. li. st. The whiche I beseche your maistership to delyver
to Burton: for I have wryttyn to heme wher he shall paye the
seyd money: the whyche payment I promyssyd to pay ther, as I
borowid it lenge or thys tyme: wherfore I beseche your
maistershype to remember me as sone as it shalle please you. And
I beseche your maistershipe to take no gret displesure in me 
<P II,50> 
of my neclygens that I have not wryttyn to your maistershype
before thys tyme: and yef I kowd a don your maisterschype anny
plesure of or servyse with my wryttyng, I wold a wrettun to you
before thys tyme: and yef ther be anye servyse that I kan do to
your mastership here in tyme to kome, yef it please you to let
me wette, it schalle be don without anny delaye, and that
knowyth God, whoo have you, Right worschipffull Sir, in hys
blessyd kepynge, Amen. At Cales, the xxj daye of May, A=o=
lxxviij.
   By your Servante Godard Oxenbryge.
   To +te Right onerabull and worschipfull, and myn aspesyall
god maister Stonore (\soyt d.d.\) 

<Q STO 1478 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON> 
<P II,53>
[} [\216. THOMAS BETSON TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR\] }]
[\18 June 1478\]
   Jhesus. An=o= xviij=o=.
   Ryht honorable and my ryht synguler good lady, I recomaund me
unto your good ladyschipe in the mooste lowlyest wyse that I
best can or may, ever more desiryng to here and know off your
wellffare, the whiche I beseche almyghty Jhesu to preserve and
kepe to his plesour and to your mooste hartes desyre. And
ffer+ter more, liketh it your good ladyschipe to wete that this
same daye I come to London. And at my commynge home it was told
me how that my mayster your husband had bene verry sore seeke:
the which I know well hath not bene to your hartes comfforte,
nor also to the comfforte of your howsold: off the whiche ffor
sothe I am right sory. Nevertheles I undyrstond seth by dyverse
his maystershipe is right well amendid and well recovered: off
the which truly I am right joyffull and glad. And I beseche
Almyghty Jhesu send hym als vertuous helth as I wold have
myselff, and your good ladyshipe also. And yff I cowde do eny
thynge here that myght be to hys plesour and youres, I wold I
knew it and it shuld be done withouten ffayll. Truly your
discomfforth is nat myn comffort, God knowith it. Nevertheles
your ladyschipe muste cause hym to be mery, and off glade chere,
and to put awaye all ffantasyes and unthryfty thoughtes that
comes no good off but onely hurtffull. A man may hurt hymselff
by ryotouse meanes; it is good to be ware. Good madame, I besech
you to be off good chere, and I praye God comfforte you and send
you vertuous helth. And also I besech you to remembre my Cossen
Kateryn. I wold she did well, God knowithe it, and ye deme, as I
trowe, yff I had ffownd hir at home here my comfforte shuld have
bene the more: but I thannke God off all: my payn is the more: I
muste nedes suffer as I have done in tymes past, and so will I
do ffor Godes sayke and hirs. I send my mayster a dossen quayles
to ete: I praye God they may do hym good to God ward, and all
them that ete of them. I can send your ladischipe no deyntees: I
am but now comen home. And our blissid Lord preserve your good
ladishipe in vertu ever. Amen. At London the xviij day off June.
   Your servaunt T. Betson.
<P II,54>
   Madaym, Goddard Oxbryge recommaundes hym unto your ladyschipe
and prayethe you that ye wold woochsaveffe to speke to my
mayster your husband ffor his money. He desyred me to wryte
ffore it: it is well done +tat it be so paied ffor dyverse
causes: a Cossen of his shuld have it to pay it +ter as he owith
it. And our blissid Lord be with you, ever, ever, ever, Amen.
   To my Right worshipffull and Synguler good lady, dame
Elsabeth Stonor, at Stonor this be delyvered. 

<Q STO 1478 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON> 
<P II,56> 
[} [\218. THOMAS BETSON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\24 June 1478\] 
   Jhesus. A=no= xviii=o=. 
   Right honorable and worshipffull Sir, and my right synguler
good mayster, I recommand me unto your good maystershipe in the
mooste loffyngest wyse +tat my hart can thynnke, be my trouth:
thankynge your maystershipe right hartely off your curtesse and
loffynge letter, the which I have resseyvid by my M. your brodyr
John Croke. And in the same letter I undyrstond by the
worshipffull reporte off your maystershipe the havyors off my
Cussen Kateryn unto you, to my lady your wiffe and to all o+ter
&c.: and truly it is to me right joyffull and comffortable
gladnes so to here off hir, and I besech our blissid lord ever
to preserve hir in all vertu and good lyffynge to his plesour,
and to reward your maystershipe with hevene at your endynge ffor
your good disposision to hir wardes in good exortasions
gyffynge: and +tat I wote well off old, or elles truly she cowd
nat be off that disposision vertuous and goodly, hir youthe
remembrid and consederyd. And sir, +tus as it hath lykid your
maystershipe to commaunde me to come unto Stonor to se my best
belovid &c, and also to make me mery, unto the which your
maystershipe saith I shall be hartly welcume, and so my lady,
your wiffe, affermes the same as ye wryte it: Right worshipffull
sir, I know it ffull well off old, ffor so I have ffull oftyn
tymes preve it and nat gretely off me deservid, but God knowith
myn hart and myn entent what I intend to my power and ever hath
done: and sir, I besech your maystershipe to pardone me ffor a
whyle and to hold me exscused, and as sone as I can I shall
cumme and se your wellffare. I thynge longe, so God help me,
till I come, but be my trouth my labour and besynes is such and
will be a whyle, +tat I can nat as yit with myn ease cum: and
+terffore Sir, I besech you now to helpe me and to be my good
mayster and exscuse me, +ter as your maystershipe shall thynnke
best. And sir, in good ffeyth I am verry glad that my lady is so
well amendid off hir helth, and in lyke wyse the children. I
besech God ffor his 
<P II,57> 
mercy and our blissid lady to send your maystershipe and all
youres as well to ffare as I wold myn owneselff, and to preserve
you in vertuous lyffynge, and also to send you sad remembraunce
off all good begynnynge, and +tan with owte dowte ye shall make
with Godes helpe a worshipfull endynge to Godes plesour and to
+te honour and worshipe off all them +tat loffe you hartely.
Sir, I am to bold thus to wryte, but God knowith myn hart, and
som whattes I am infformed off the towardnes off your good
disposision, what ye intend: I shall dayly praye hartely to God
to be your good spede in all your such proffytable workes: yff
ye contenew your intent ye shall be glad +terof or this day iij
yere. I ffare lyke a sory pyper, whanne I begynne I can nat
leve: but yit ones agayn our blissid Lord be your sped and your
helpe. (\Le xxiiij jour de Juyn.\)
   Be your servant Thomas Betson.
   [\IN DORSO\] Sir, Remembre your maystershipe well what ye
have written off my Cossen Kateryn, truly I shall whanne I speke
with hir tell hir every word, and yff I ffynd the contrarye our
vycar here, so God helpe me, shall crye owte upon h[{ir{] within
this x wekes and lesse, and by that tyme I shall be redy in
every poy[{nt{] with Godes grace, and so I wold she were, ffor
sothe ye may beleve me off it.
   To the right honorable and my right spescyall good mayster,
Sir William Stonor, knyght, (\soyt dd.\) 

<Q STO 1478? RPAGE>
<A RICHARD PAGE>
<P II,58> 
[} [\220. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\7 July (? 1478)\] 
<P II,59> 
   I recommaunde me to youre good mastership in my best maner:
besechyng of you this pore byll may recommaunde me to my
synguler good lady, my lady your wif, as your servaunt and
hirres. Syr, wher ye write on to me y shold take an accion in
the kynges name ayenst on of Wycomb for cuttyng down and fellyng
of certen treys, y have taken an accion redy, and y shall send
you the writte. Syr, ye wrote to me in your letter that ye hadde
seasid certen corne, whiche was regratyd and forstallid from the
comen marketes to the grete hurt of the Comen peple. Syr, me
semys by my lernyng ye may not sease not none maner cornes in
suche case and put thaym under arest: and if ye have don, yt
wold be well don to se thaym delyveryd ayen in manerly forme: it
is inquerable at the Cessons of pees and in every lete and
fraunchise of regrators and forstallers of all maner of vitaill,
and, if it be presentid, to make a fyne therfor: but it is not
the maner ne the care of the law to sease none forstallid ne
regratyd vitaill. I remit the delyng with the delyveraunce
hereof to your discreson: but y wold not ye confessid your self
to thaym that ye have mys don in that case: but honestly take a
promys of thaym [\that\] thay shall not dele so herafter, and
for this thay have don thay may be indited, and let thaym have
deliveraunce of thaire cornys. The Kyng purposeth as to morow to
be at Wendesor, and from thens to Notyngham. My lord Chamberleyn
rides to morue hame to Leycestre. Other news ben ther non her. I
pray God send you as well to fare as your hert can thynk. Writen
at London on seint Thomas ys day with the honde of your aune
   Page.
   To my master syr Willm. Stonor, knyght, be this deliveryd.

<Q STO 1478 RPAGE>
<A RICHARD PAGE> 
<P II,60> 
[} [\221. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 12 July, 1478)\] 
   Right singuler good master, I recommaunde me to you, praying
the same this byll may recommaunde me to my lady, your wif. Syr,
your cosyn Hamden and my mastres, his wiff, have be with me,
shewyng that your plesyr shold be ther shold no proces go ayenst
Willm. Est of Wycombe, for whiche y kepe the writ in my handes
till unto the tyme y understond what y shall do and how y shalbe
demeanid: they bothe full manerly entretid me herein, shewyng me
your plesyr in the same without whiche ther shalbe no favour
shewid in my behalve. He is a courtes gentelman and your
kynsman, and my mastres, his wif, a worshipfull woman, and so
thay demenyd thaym in this mater not to do ne to attempt no
thynge to youre displesyr, whiche is to be remembrid. I remitt
this to yow, for as ye woll have it demenid so shall it be. And
thus fare ye well with all my hert. Writen at London on relic
Sonday with the honde of your
   Page.
   To my master, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght.

<Q STO 1478 THENHAM>
<A THOMAS HENHAM> 
<P II,60> 
[} [\222. THOMAS HENHAM TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\16 July 1478\] 
   Jhesu. A=no= lxxviii. 
   Ryght Reverent and worshypffull mayster, I recommaunde me
unto your goode maystershype, ever more desyryng to here off
your goode wellfare, +te wyche I be-sche Jhesu longe to continue
unto your hartys 
<P II,61> 
desyre. And fforder more, Syr, your maystershype shall
understonde that ther hys shypyde towarde unto Calys in your
name, Syr Wyllm. Stonor, knythe, and Thomas Betson, in the Jhesu
off London, John Lolyngton mayster under God, Summa ij=m= iiij
C. xlviij Cottes felles. Forder more your mayster schalle
understonde that I sende dow[{n{]e by John Talbose, your
sarvaynte: Itm. your demy gowne off chamelet; Itm. your demy
gowne off blake pewke lynde with grene wellffete; truste in a
shete. Forder more, Syr, ye shall understonde that masterys Hane
hys well amendyde, blesyde by Jhesu, and hys in goode hallthe.
Forder more, Syr, your maystershype shall understonde that the
hale brewer callys apone me dayly sore ffore monay, the wyche I
have wretyn unto your maysterschype affor tyme, the Somma ys v.
li. and hode monay, the wyche he besekys your maysterschype that
he mythe have some monay in hande unto the tyme that your
maysterschype come unto London. All so, Syr, I beseke your
maysterschype +tat ye wylle remember your brede baker at London,
ffor he callys apone me daylle ffor monay, the wyche some hys
xxxv. s. and iiij d. No more unto your maysterschype at thys
tyme, butt all mythy Jhesu have you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at
London the xvj day off Jullii.
   By your prentes Thomas Henham.
   Unto my Rygh honorable and myne in spesyale goode Mayster Syr
Willm. Stonor, Knyght, In +te maner at Stonor thys be delyvered.
dd. 

<Q STO 1478 TBETSON>
<A THOMAS BETSON> 
<P II,63> 
[} [\224. THOMAS BETSON TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR\] }]
[\31 July, 1478\]
<P II,64>
   Jhesus. A=o= xviij
   Right honorable and my right synguler good lady, I recommaund
me unto your good ladischipe. And, Madam, yff it lyke you, seth
I come home to London I mette with my lady, your modyr, and God
wote she made me right sulleyn chere with hir countenaunce
whyles I was with hir: me thought it longe till I was departid.
She brayke unto me of old ffernyeres, and spescially she brayke
to me off the tayll I told hir betwene the vicar +tat was and
hir: she said the vicar never ffared well seth, he tooke it so
mych to hart. I told hire a lyght answere ageyn, and so I
departid ffrom hir. I had no joye to tary with hir. She is a
ffyn mery woman, but ye shall nat know it nor yit ffynd it, nor
none of youres by that I se in her. Modyr mydwiffe told me +tat
nowdyr my lady your modyr, my lady Stoker, nor hir husbaund come
ones to se my cossen Anne sethe she come to hir, nor yet axse
ones how she ffared, and yff my lady, your modyr, mete my cossen
Anne she will say no more but "Godes blissynge have ye and
myne," and so goo hir waye fforthe as thow she had no joye off
hir. Whanne ye come to London I shall tell you more. My cossen
Anne hath bene with me here at home, and she is hole and right
well amendid and as a woman shulde be, +ter is no fawte, our
blissid lord be thannkyd and his blissid modyr. Good Madam, by
the next at comes lett hir have all hir clothes, she hath nede
unto them, and that knowith owre lord, who ever preserve you,
Madam, and all yours in longe helth and vertu to his plesour. At
London the last day off Juyll, (\A=no= supra\) .
   Be your servaunt Thomas Betson.
   Jentil Madam, I beseche you that I may be recomaundid unto my
cossen, your dou+ghter Kateryn, and our lord be with you both.
Also, Madam, yff it lyke you, I have bene with my brodyr, John
Betson, ffor money, and be my trouth I can none have off hym, he
hath shewid me that my Mayster your husbaund and ye owe hym ffor
dyverse wynes, Summa xij. li. vj. s. viij. d., as by the
parcells herin closed more clerelyar it appereth, the which
parcelles my brodyr saith that +tei be trew. Wherffore, good
Madam, I beseche you to speke unto my mayster, to the intent I
myght have the money here as shortely as can be. I muste pay to
John Tate vj li. for +te felles that I have shippid now, and to
Whyte of Bradway I muste pay iiij li., and I muste pay to the
porters and o+ter for costes xl s. And so God save my soull I
have it nat. I will nat be so bare agayn of money a good whyle,
with Godes grace. It was the best dett I saw in his booke, so
God help me, and +terffore I tooke 
<P II,65>
it over unto me ffor payment, and I hold me plesed with all.
Jhesu preserve you ever, Amen.
   To my right honorable and Synguler good lady, Dame Elysabeth
Stonor (\soyt. dd.\) [^COPY OF A BILL OMITTED^]

<Q STO 1478 THENHAM>
<A THOMAS HENHAM> 
<P II,65> 
[} [\225. THOMAS HENHAM TO DAME ELIZABETH STONOR\] }] 
[\1 August, 1478\] 
   Jhesu. An=o=. xviij 
   Right Reverent and worschypfull lady, I recomaunde me unto
your goode ladyschyp, evermore desyring ffor to her off your
goode wellfare, the wyche I besche Jhesu longe to continue unto
your hartys desyre &c. Fordermore, lady, ye schalle understonde
that I have sent downe by William Somer, bargemane of London,
your beme and ij calys, the 
<P II,66> 
wyche I wrothe a bylle unto William Platys off that he schulde
resayve yt at Hendelay and so conevay yt unto Stonor.
Fordermore, lady, ye schalle understonde that maysterys Hane,
your dowter, ys all moste hole, thankyd by Jhesu, and sche hys
very mery. All so, lady, I beseke your goode ladyschype that I
mythe have cnowlage whedir that ye wollede have hany bere or
hale, that I schulde take in ayenst your comyng home unto
London. No more unto your ladyschype at thys tyme but Jhesu have
you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at London the ffyrst day of Agust.
   By your prentes Thomas Henham.
   Unto my Ryght Reverent and Worschypfull dame Elysabeth Stonor
thys letter be delyvered in hast, dd. 

<Q STO 1478 ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR> 
<P II,66> 
[} [\226. DAME ELIZABETH STONOR TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(21 August, 1478)\] 
   Jhesus. 
   Ryght enterly and my moste specyall belovyd husband, I
recomaunde me to yow yn the moste harty wyse, desyryng to here
of yowre welefare &c., thankyng yow of yowre lettyr and of yowre
partrechys. And for Robert Warner, he ys cum to towne: dyverce
of yowre servantys and myne have spoken with hym: he seyeth that
he can receyve no money as yet, notwithstondyng he yntendyth to
speke with me or he departe, and wyll content me yef he may. I
pray God that he may so do. Also I pray yow to send me a answere
of the mater that I wrote to yow for the Lumbarde. And yef hyt
myght plese yow to take the labur to ryde ovyr, then ye may
answere to the mater yowre selfe, whyche wyll be to me grete
hartes ese and plesure: for I thynke hyt ryght longe syth I
speke with yow. Syr, I truste to Jhesu to se yow here yn shorte 
<P II,67>
tyme. No more to yow at thys tyme, [{but{] Jhesu preserve yow yn
hys kepyng. Wrytyn at Lundun the Fryday afore sent Bartylmewys
day.
   By your owne wyff Elysabeth Stonore.
   To my most enterly belovyd husband Syr Wylliam Stonore,
knyght. 

<Q STO 1478 ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR> 
<P II,68> 
[} [\229. DAME ELIZABETH STONOR TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\5 October, 1478\] 
   Jhesu. An=o= xviij=o= 
   Right best and hartely well belovid husbond, I recommaund me
unto you with all myn hart, lettynge you wete that I am right
well amendid, I thannke god +teroff: and on Sonday last past I
was at the 
<P II,69> 
chirche at my ffadyrs deryge, and soppid with my modyr the same
nyght. And Syr, yeff I had ones done my pilgramages I reke nat
how sone I were with you at Stonor: and +terffore, gentyll Syr,
I praye you +tat ye ffayll nat to send me myn horsse on
Settyrday next. And also I praye you to remembre the matter I
spake to you off at your departynge: ffor with owte that, I can
nat with your worshipe and myn depart London: ffor Cobbe call
apon me dayly ffor money, and the bere wyffe with o+ter, as I
told you. And also I praye you to remembre my sonne Betson: ffor
he hath mych a doo with money now, and he trustith veraly to
your promesse: ffor Godes sake, syr, lett hym nat be forgotten.
My modyr and my broodyr Stooker recomaunde hem both right
hartely unto you: and ffull ffayn they wold +tat ye had bene
here, yff it myght have bene your ease. And as ffor me I wold
nat that ye were here, ye know it well enowgh: neverthelesse
ffor soth what som ever I wryte I wold I were at Stonor: ffor
truly I am veray wery off London, ffor my son Betson intendes to
ryde in to the countre, now whenne I come home: and he is ffast
ryggynge hym +ter ffore, so that at many tymes I am post a
loyne, and that causeth me to thynnke the more ellynger: and
+terffore, good syr, remembre myn horsse on Setterday with owte
ffawte. My son Betson and his wiffe recommaunde them unto you:
and he told me that he hath bought here in London seth ye
departid v. sacces Cottes. ffor a part redy money and the rest
at mydsomer next: I undyrstond it is a good bargayn. God lenne
grace, who preserve you ever in vertu and longe helth to Godes
plesour. The v day off Octobre.
   By your ovne wyff D. Elysabeth Stonore.
   Unto Ryght Reverent and worschyppefull Cosyn Syr Wyllm.
Stonor, knyght, in the manor at Stonor, thys letter be delyverd.
dd. 

<Q STO 1478? HDOGETT>
<A HENRY DOGETT> 
<P II,70> 
[} [\231. HENRY DOGETT TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\24 Dec. (? 1478)\] 
   Ryght worshepfull and my goode and feithfull maister, after
dew recomendacion pleasith yow to wete +tat my clerke and your
servaunte have been at Abendon with the vicar of Seynt Elyns to
have leverey of your cuppe, and offurred hym x. li. acordyng to
your writeyng: and he
<P II,71> 
answered them that he wold not deliver the said cuppe with owte
the bille indented +tat is made bytwene yow be brought upon the
deliveraunce: and to have sewrete for the residew of the money
to be paid at Candelmas next. I remitte all to your maistershep
and wysedome. The said x. li. shall be redy at eny tyme that ye
like, havyng fro your maistershep a writeyng to be content ayen
by Ester next comynge. And God preserve yow, my good lady, your
wyfe, and all yours. At Aston, a Cristemas yeve with the hand of
your servaunt
   Henry Dogett.
   To my maister, Syr Willm. Stonore, knyght.

<Q STO 1479 WHERWARD>
<A WILLIAM HERWARD> 
<P II,71> 
[} [\232. WILLIAM HERWARD TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? Jan. 1479)\] 
   Maister Stonor, I recommende to you, mervelynge that ye wryte
me with any poynt of strayngenesse syn tyme +tat I have
fulfylled your poyntment in your letters as touchyng to +te
money lent for suche days as ye desyred and longer, and as the
poyntment last taken, when my servant Stephen Hosyer was with
youe, I aggreed, but when Harry Dokettes servantes came to me
+ter was noon obligacion, and by cause +ter off I supposed +tat
+tey came not as sufficiently instructe in your appoyntment, but
now I have delyverd your cuppe safe and sownde to your
servantes, Thomas Matthew and William Belsun, and have recevyd
of them x. lib. for halfe my due and an obligacion of x. lib.
for +te remynant: but I trust in your Maistership of a shorter
day of payment, for I borowed xx marcs of the same money: and
+towe ye be patron of Bruscote, I understande +tat well and pray
for you dayly, but I laste a benyfice better to me +tan +tat is,
for +te gret desyre of Maister Thomas Forster; therfor I pray
you accepte not me as a stranger, for I can do as good servyce
as som o+ter. (\Valete in domino per Willm. Herward, capellanum
vestrum.\)
   To his worshipfull maister Syr William Stonor Kny. 

<Q STO 1479? THAMPTON>
<A THOMAS HAMPTON> 
<P II,75>
[} [\236. THOMAS HAMPTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\2 Jan. (? 1479)\] 
<P II,76>
   Ryht worshypfull and feythfully lovyng Cosyn, I recomaunde
unto you. Syr, I was enformed by my sone Froste that hit lyked
you upon cominicacon had between you and Waller that ye lete hym
understonde in brefe termes, yef hym lyked the mariage betwen
your kynneswoman and hym, that he shold make hyr joyntour of
xx=ti=. li. worth londe acordyng to hys owne promyse, and elles
ye lete hym understonde he shold no ferther enter in cominicacon
in the mater: and when he understode your decre and jugement, he
was therto agreable. Syr, I understonde he entendeth to be with
me in ij days after the xij=th= day. Syr, me thoght by
informacion of my sone Froste that he entendeth in most hasty
wyse to be maried: wherfor me semyth, savyng your better advyse,
that hit ys me to desyre of hym to be bounden and sum persons
with hym, that he shall be Ester day then next folowyng do make
hyr suer of hyr joyntour. Syr, that hit may plese you to lemyte
me in what sum I may desyr them to be bounden yn, I pray send me
word by my servaunt, the brynger of thys letter, and how longe
ye entend to be aboute home efter the xij=th= tyde. And good
syr, that thys my sympyll wrytyng may recommaund me to my good
Cosyn, my lady your wyfe, and Jhesu preserve you. Wryten in hast
at Oldstoke the ij day of Januer,
   By your owne Thomas Hampton.
   To my Right worshypfull Cosyn, Syr William Stonor, be this
letter delivered. 

<Q STO 1479? ELSTONOR>
<A ELIZABETH STONOR> 
<P II,76> 
[} [\237. DAME ELIZABETH STONOR TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\26 March (1479)\] 
<P II,77> 
   My best beloved housbond, I recommaunde me unto you in my
moost herty wyse, desyring to her of your welfare, and trusted
verayly to have had you at home on our Lady day by night: yf ye
had be, I wold have trusted ye shuld had the warde and
possession of Lovels doughters or this, for whoom Stodolf, the
quenes attourney, rodde on Tuesday last all night towardes the
Kinges grace. And yf ye wol spede you home to speke with hym at
his comyng I doubte nat but ye shal have the oon at the leste,
for I undrestand +tay be not wardes ney+ter to the King nor
quene: praying you +terfore to spede you home, for undrestand he
wolbe with Bryan to night or to morow without fayle. Also for
all suche Stiwardships ye wrotte unto me for, thay wer graunted
a way in his lyf tyme or he discessed. As for the Stewardship of
Henley, I canne nat tell whe+ter it be goo or noo: wherfore Vyne
shal ryde according to your commaundement. Syr, I thanke you
hertyly for your veneson +tat ye wrotte to me to receyve: how be
it as yet I have nat receyved. Over +tis the parson of Falley
dissessed yorsterday in the mornyng, and +te parson of Hamelden,
and Syr William, prest +tere, be executours. No more unto you at
this tyme, but the holy Trynyte preserve you. Wryten at Stonor,
whan I wold fayne have sleped, +te morow after our Lady day in
+te mornyng. Syr, I send you your botes and your cloke, for +ter
hath be a wete weder here syth ye departed.
   By your owne wyff Elysabeth Stonore.
   To my best beloved housbond Sir William Stonor, Knyght. 

<Q STO 1479? RICHARD3>
<A DUKE OF GLOUCESTER> 
<P II,81> 
[} [\243. RICHARD, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER, TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR AND
HUMPHREY FOSTER, OR FORSTER, THE ELDER.\] }] 
[\9 July (? 1479)\] 
R. Gloucestre. 
   The duc of Gloucestre, gret Chamberleyn, Constable, and
Admirall of England.
   Right trusty and well beloved, We grete you wele, and desire
and hertely pray you, that incontynent after the sight herof it
woll like you at this our instaunce to cause to come afore you
William Idley and Elizabeth, his Suster, and demaund them the
cause why they content and pay not to our right welbeloved
servaunt, Anne Idley, Maistres of our Nurcery, her annuitee of
v. marcs, graunted for terme of her lyff of the Manor of
Drayton, and advise them, as they woll avoid our grevouse
displeasure, to see her aswele +terof yerely contented as of
+tat she is behinde unpaied of the same. And of theire
disposicions in this behalve 
<P II,82> 
We hertely pray you to asserten Us in as goodly hast ye may, as
our speciall trust is in you, and as We may do thing at your
desires herafter. And our lord kepe you. Yoven under our signet
at our Castell of Middelham the ix=th= day of Juyll. J. Kendale.
   To our right trusty and welbeloved Sir William Stonor,
knight, and Humfrey Foster, thelder, squier, and aither of them.

<Q STO 1470S HDOGETT>
<A HENRY DOGETT> 
<P II,83> 
[} [\245. HENRY DOGETT TO (? STONOR)\] }] 
[\(date uncertain)\] 
   Syr, as for the mater bytweme me and Crofte [\?\] ye
undirstond my writeyng that I shold have all the tythes except
of the demayn lond in Chalford: I clayme no more but all this
tythe, hey as well in Chalford [{as{] the corne out of Chalford,
acordyng to my writeyng: I undirstond that he hath the
countrepanes of my writeyng, and yef I were prior as he is I
wold have the countrepane of his writeyng. Syr, I pray yow that
I may have a copy of his writeyng, and suche rewle as ye like to
set betwene us I wol obey hit in the said mater. How be hit I
was offered iiij marcs to lese my tytle in the said tythes, for
be cause hit is well worth xl (^s.^) a year. I remitte all to
yow, my goode and feithfull maister,
   Your old servaunt H. Dogett.
[\NO ENDORSEMENT.\] 

<Q STO 1479? RPAGE>
<A RICHARD PAGE> 
<P II,85> 
[} [\247. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\25 Sept. (1479)\] 
   My ryght synguler good Master, after dew recommendacion, like
it you to wete that all your servauntes and tenauntes in thes
parties fare well, and I recommaunde thaym to your mastership,
and so do we all to my lady your wif. The cause of my writyng to
your mastership is this: it is so that I have the gift of the
presentacion of the Vicarage of Sutton bysydes your maner, and
for that feith and service that your chaunterie prest of Horton,
Syr William, beres to your mastership, y have geven hym the
benefice, so it be your plesyr. Syr, ther ys a frere prechour
off thabbey of Dertford, is name is frere Hugh Fabri, whiche y
have allway aught my verry good will and favour onto, and so
does Appelton, Martyn, and all the gentelmen in oure parties. I
certifye your mastership he is a good prest, and a clene, ther
is non better to my understandyng unfaynyd. Syr, if it wold
plese your mastership to write a letter to the master of Cobham
that it were your plesyr, he shold succede syr William in your
Chaunterie, it wold be to the grete comfort of all the gentelmen
in thes parties; and over that ye shall have the dayly praier of
a good prest, ther was never non suche ther syns I knew Kent. By
my trowth undoutyd my lord bysshop wold have geven hym a
benefice, but he woll non have. I pray your mastership to tendre
this mater the rather at this my pore instance. I thank your
mastership for my buk. I dar incombre you no longer. I pray
Jhesu send you all youre goodly hertes desire. Writen at your
Horton this xxv day of Septembr with the fest of your
   Page.
   Syr, Lestan, your fermer, understode that y wrote to your
mastership, cam onto me and desirid me to remembr yow for hym:
if it plese you, it is thus, he is suffisaunt within your
distres, he woll content your mastership at Martynmas xx. li.,
if ye geve hym laysyr, he shall now pay your mastership well and
suffisauntly, and if ye be hasty uppon hym he 
<P II,86> 
must sel his graynys at mischef, and in concluson undon. He is
sore ferd of your Steward: he hath promisid me he will content
your mastership this same yere xl. li. Plese it yow to send me
oon litel word here. 
   To my master Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght for the kynges body. 

<Q STO 1479 THENHAM>
<A THOMAS HENHAM> 
<P II,89> 
[} [\251. THOMAS HENHAM TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\10 October, 1479\] 
   Jhesu A=no= xix 
   Ryght honorable and worshypfull mayster, I recommaunde me
unto your goode mayster in the most lowest wyse that I best cane
or may, ever more desyring to here off your goode wellfare, the
wyche I be-sche Jhesu long to continue unto your hartys dysire.
Forder more, syr, ye scholle understonde that my mayster Thomas
Betson hys ryght welle amendyde, blesyde by Jhesu; and he hys
paste all dowtys of sekens, and he takys +t=e= sostenanse ryght
welle: and as for ffusecyons, ther come none unto hym, ffor he
hase no nede of them. Syr, ye shall understonde that my mayster
Syr Wylliam Stoker comaunde hym unto your maysterschype, and my
lady hys wyffe. And as ffor schuche 
<P II,90> 
thyngys as your mayster wrothe unto hym by master Bryane, hyt
schalle be aplyde, and sent unto your mayster: ffor he says he
wylle sende you none but goode: and as ffor your rede wyne, hyt
schall be schyped upon Tewysday next comys: and as ffor your
rondelet off Mallsay, yt thys not rede as yet, +tor mayster Syr
Wyllm. Stoker hathe comyng a schype with Mallsay and hoder swet
wyne, and he lokys ffor the same schype every day, and yeff so
be that that the same schype come note betwene thys and Tewysday
next comys he wylle porffay ffor your maysterschype a rondelet
off Mallsay schuche as he may get in the sete, and hyt schall be
schyppyde with your rede wyne. Fordermore, Syr, ye schall
understonde that I resayved a letter ffrom your mayster by
mayster Bryane, the wyche I schall do accordyng as your wryting
dothe spesyffide. No more unto your maysterschype at thys tyme,
but all mythe Jhesu have you in hys kepyng. Wreten at Stepenay,
the x day off Octtobr.
   By your prentes Thomas Henham.
   To my Ryght Worschypfull maister, Syr Wyllm. Stonor, knyght,
thys letter be delyvrde d.d. 

<Q STO 1479 HUNTON>
<A HUGH UNTON>
<P II,91> 
[} [\253. HUGH UNTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 26 October, 1479)\] 
   Right worshipfull Maister, I recomaunde me unto you. And Syr,
the case is so that yong Wagge nowe apon Saterday last passet
hase comyn and take possession in a corner of a feld of a trew
wedowe and bedewoman of yours, Robert Oxlades moder, concernyng
the title of all hir place: the which woman hase ben in pesibill
possession thes iij score yeres and more, as her sone Robert can
more pleynly enfourme your maistership. And Syr, the lond is
entaylet as fayre as eny can be unto the heires males, and hase
been thes C. yeres. Syr, I beseche you be hir gud Maister in hir
rigth, and to hir power she shall deserve hit. Wagge makys gret
manasse to distres hir catell within thes iij or 
<P II,92> 
fawre dayes. Syr, and ye send me a bill to withstond him, I will
do my power: for as by parall she has enfeffet your maistership,
M. Cotesmore, Herre Doget, me, and William Est. And Syr, I
beseche you hold me excuset that I come not unto your
maistership: I am a litill diseset for to ride. And almigthty
God preserve you, my lady, and all your housholde, the Monday
afore Simon and Jude.
   Your servaunt, Hugh Unton.
   To my right worshipfull Maister, Sir William Stonor, Knyght. 

<Q STO 1479 ABASYNGTHW>
<A ALEXANDER BASYNGTHWAYTE> 
<P II,92> 
[} [\254. ALEXANDER BASYNGTHWAYTE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\12 Nov. 1479\] 
   Jhesu. 
   Reverent and wurchipfull Syr, after all dew recommendacion, y
recommaund me unto your Maisterchipe desyryng to here of your
wylfar, the wych Almyghty Jhesu preserve and kepe to hys plesour
and your hertes desyre. Forthermor letyng your Maisterchip to
have in consideracyon that y stonde in sych a nessescyte at hys
tyme, the wyche withowt y have your help and your socowr it wyll
be unto me gret hurt and henderans: for y most pay to my
son-y-lawe a C. li. or Crystysmas day, the wych y beseke yowr
Maisterchipe to remember me in my ned acordeng to yowr old
promys: for withowt ye help me, y wot wyll y may not kepe my
hows. Syr, also my servant can infourm your Maisterchyp of my
grevans. Also prayng you that thys sympoll byll may recommaund
me unto my good lady your wyff. No mor to you at thys tym, but y
beseke Jhesu hau you in hys kepyng. Wretyn at London, the
xij=th= day of November, A=o=. E. iiij=ti= xix=mo=.
   Be your own servant Alix. Bassyngtwhait.
   To ... mayster Syr William Stonor, knyght, thys be delivered
in hast. 

<Q STO 1479? HDOGETT>
<A HENRY DOGETT> 
<P II,94> 
[} [\256. HENRY DOGETT TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\31 December (? 1479)\] 
   My good and feythfull maister, I recomaund me to yow with all
my service. I undirstond by your writeyng that the Kyng and
o+ter the lordes be right well plesid with your worshipfull
demenyng: of the wheche I am right glad. And also that my lord
Chaunceler is your good lord and councellyth you to your grete
worship and avayle. God defende yow fro sinustre councell. My
said lordes advyse and councell is full frutes and profitable
for yow, as I have hadde very knowleche: I pray God contynue
hym. And where ye like to write to me to come to your
maistershep I was not wele disposed to ride this many day, as
Godd knoweth. Praying yow that ye woll take no displeser, I send
yow by my servaunt xx markes: I have right lytyll mone; how be
hit yef ye nede I woll purvey more ayenst Monday next, and send
hit to your maistershep with Goddes mercy, who ever preserve 
<P II,95> 
yow, my good and feithfull maister. Wreton at Pusey a Neweyeres
yeve, with the hond of your old servaunt,
   H. Dogett.
   Syr, John Wagge kan enforme your maistershep of my disese &c.
   To my maister syr Will. Stonore, Kny[{ght{] .

<Q STO 1480 AWYDESLADE>
<A ANNYS WYDESLADE> 
<P II,100> 
[} [\262. ANNYS WYDESLADE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(early in 1480)\] 
   Right worshipfull Maister, y hertly comaund me unto you with
alle suche servise as y can or may: thonking you of youre
kyndnesse shewed unto me, so pore a woman as y am, and unto your
Maystershyp owndeserved: desyring to hire of youre welfare, the
which y pray alle mighty Godde to preserve you to youre most
pleasure and hertis desire. Please you to have enknowliche of my
power welfare: at the making of this my letter y was in gode
hele, and y trust in God within short space to be beter: for now
y am at my liberte, wherof I thanke you, in my own hous at
Exeter. The ffesisicion wolle do his cunnyng uppon me, but
undertake me he wol not, nor never did noon in his liff. Cumfort
in 
<P II,101> 
hym I fynde, and in my mynde y thinke he wolle do me gode.
Furthermore the deling of my ffader in law ye shal have
enknowliche by a bille, which Thomas Mathu shal deliver you. A
very yeynd betwyn hym and me wolle not be had into the tyme of
youre comyng, which y trust wolle not be longe. Me thinkith a M.
yere gon that y hurd any tidinges fro you. And in gode feith ye
may sey unto me that y am own-kynde that y wrote nor send unto
you synnes youre last being at Wideslade. The cause is, for myn
excuse is y have be in helle, where y had litel cumfort, but as
sone as y cam to Exeter then was y yn heven: and be cause that y
am now in joy y do send you this letter. Maister, hit is so that
the ffesicion is in hondes with me, and he desirith to have me
in cure iij monythis, for which cause I pray you remember your
Worship and my poor Queste. And as y amend y shal put you in
knowlich by the grace of Jhesu, who kepe you.
   ffrom your tru lover Annys Wydeslade.
   To his right worshipfull Maister Syr William Stonore, Knyght,
be this delivered. 

<Q STO 1480 RGERMYN>
<A RICHARD GERMYN> 
<P II,105> 
[} [\268. RICHARD GERMYN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(13 May, 1480)\] 
   Right Wurshipfull and Onerable Maister, y comaund me unto
you. And where as ye wrete unto me to deliver youre letters in
to the Gentilmen that thei be derected unto in Devonshire and
Cornwale unto a trust a man, I shalle so deliver hem that youre
wille and intent shal be ffulfilled. And as yet Worthe hath not
entred nor noght he shalle. Moreover, y late wrote you a letter
and send him by oon John Symon, which gave you the orenges and
marmelate at Exeter: which letter was delivered unto Lannos,
skynner, in asmoche as ye be not at London. Y trust ye have him.
Also ye wrete unto me to have youre plate, which is with Maister
John at wille: at your letteris deliverans he was not at home,
but before Midsomer y schal bringe hit to London pakked in the
carior's pakke of Exeter: so bi the grace of God y schal deliver
you me seilf. And accordinge to your letter y shal promyse to
content him at Midsomer quarter of your Rentes. Furthermore I
have moved Speke, that ye comaundede me to reseve l. s. for this
Ester rent, he sayinge this wordes: that ye at your departinge
promysed him to sende your letter for his discharge under seale,
or els he to pay no mony. So of him can y have no mony. Moreover
he saith, that he 
<P II,106> 
can holde no Courte at Wonford in to the tyme ye su a Travers.
And y teld hym so ye have done, and offered to have delivered
him the writte which ye delivered me. At Tawnton on Saturday
after Assencion day in hast,
   Youre servant, Richard Germyn.
   To my right wurshipfull and onerable Maister, Syr William
Stonore, knyght, be this delivered. 

<Q STO 1480 WELMES>
<A WALTER ELMES>
<P II,106>
[} [\269. WALTER ELMES TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\1480\] 
   After my dewe recomaundacion, &c. M=r=. Page recomaundyth him
to yow, prayyng yow to send the Bukk to Warde, Shreve and
Aldyrman of London, dwellyng on Canynggesstrete, wher that Syr
Rauff Joslyn dwellyd, and that Jamys myte kary hit: to whome I
pray yow to take xx d., and I shall content hit, for the
karyage, for Master Page wyllys me so to do. And Jhesu kepe yow.
   Y=ors= to my power, W. Elmes.
   To the Ryth Wurshipfull Syr W. Stonor K.

<Q STO 1480? RDREWE>
<A RICHARD DREWE> 
<P II,106>
[} [\270. RICHARD DREWE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(1480)\] 
<P II,107> 
   Ryght worschypfull Master, y recommaunde me onto you, doyng
yow to wete that Master Malyverer hath take an accyon off a
Counte agayn your bayly off Ermyngton by the informacyon off on
Sowche, chere clerke onto the sayde Master Malyverer, and thay
wolde compell your bayly to acounte wyth the sayde Scherve off
the mercement wythyn your hunderd and to compell your bayly to
geder the mercement wythyn the sayde hunderd: and that was never
don hebeffore: therfore y beseche your Masterschyp to se the
mene at thys terme, that y may be dyschargyd off thys accyon
that ys agayn me, and off the whyche mater Thomas Mathew can
infourme yow, for he hath byn your bayly afore thys tyme.
Y-wrytyn att Ermyngton by your bayly,
   Rychard Drewe.
   Thys byll be deliveryd onto my Master, Syr Wyllyam Stoner, in
hast. 

<Q STO 1480? WGOLDWYN>
<A WILLIAM GOLDWYN>
<P II,107> 
[} [\271. WILLIAM GOLDWYN TO JOHN BYRELL\] }] 
[\12 June (1480)\] 
<P II,108> 
[^PRESCRIPTIONS OMITTED^] 
   Syr, I recommende me unto yow, prayng yow as hertely as I may
+tat ye have over sy+gthe in +te servyng of +tys byll, as my
truste is in yow: for +tys ys for a specyall Mastres of myn. And
with +te grace of God hit schall not be longe or I see yow. And
+ten I purpose for to tary with yow. Wrytyn at Stoner +te xij
day of June.
   M=r=. W. Goldwyn.
   To John Byrell +te eldur, Poticary, Duellyng in Bucklers
Bury, be +tys byll delyverde. 

<Q STO 1480 RGERMYN>
<A RICHARD GERMYN> 
<P II,108> 
[} [\272. RICHARD GERMYN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(4 July, 1480)\] 
   Right worshipfull and Onerable Maister, y comaund me unto you
with alle suche servyse as y can or may. Please your
Maistershipp have enknowliche, y have delivered your letters to
John Hochyn and to William Baker: and y have caused them to
wrete unto you a aunswer, which ye shalle reserve with this.
Baker hath crese cloth, canvas hath he noon, which ye shall have
and ye wille: but I wol advise you to by hit not to dure.
Furthermore, William Baker told me,
<P II,109> 
when y com home, that Worthe hath promysed his son to mary with
Richard Pomeray. But y can not thinke hit be so, for thei be
within gre of mariage iij=de= and iiij=e=. He hath made his bost
syne he cam home, as Colwodele teld me, that he wol have Wolston
or this somer be don. Many men questyn me where he was thurgh
with you or no. And so did M. Speke also. And y told him what
poyntment was made betwyne you and hym this terme. Your servant,
Thomas Haiward of Wolston, spake with his man Wyse: and he teld
him that his Maister is ful determed in his mynde to set upon
you in hast, yef ye acorde not. After my sympel advise hit were
wel don this somer, that ye cam unto Wolston, and my lady with
you, and to ly there: ye have whete y-now there for a while: hit
shuld cause you to have love of the Gentilmen of the Shere, and
Comyns also: and after that ever to have hit in pease. And so y
trust ye shal, for all this his longage. And as I have more
enknowliche of this mater, or of any other perteynyng unto you,
y shal by the grace of Jhesu sende you worde, who kepe you,
Amen. At Exeter, un Tuesday before Seint Thomas day.
   From youre Servaunt, Richard Germyn.
   To my right Wurshipfull and Onerable Maister, Syr William
Stonere, Knyght, be this letter delivered in hast.

<Q STO 1480? HCOLET>
<A HENRY COLET> 
<P II,109> 
[} [\273. HENRY COLET TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\7 July (? 1480)\] 
   Right worshipfull Syr, I comaunde me unto you, and letyng you
wete that I have receyvet your letter send to me by Hugh Unton,
by the which letter I understond ye desire a gretter somme than
ye graunt hir me by mouth your awne self. Syr, the trouth is
this - I will aply somwhat to your intent: ye shall have for hir
mariage and all the rigth that shal long to hir sex score pound:
and wher ye desire me to gete 
<P II,110> 
yow ij suertes, ye shall have my service, and that ye shall well
understond at oure next metyng. And how ye will be demenet of
this child, I pray you send me word what I shall trust unto: for
ye may understond by my writyng that I owe a love to the child,
and loth to displese you. Syr, I have a bill deliveret me for
payment made by you to Thomas Prat of Henley of xx. li., the
which ye owe my lady Mountford: of the which bille ye and I
shall agree well opon at oure next metyng. And almighty God have
you in his kepying. Written at London opon Seint Thomas Day at
nyght at vij of Clok,
   be yowur owne Harry Colet.
   To the right worshipfull syr Willyam Stonor, knyght, be thys
delivered. 

<Q STO 1480 WGOLDWYN>
<A WILLIAM GOLDWYN>
<P II,110> 
[} [\274. WILLIAM GOLDWYN TO LADY STONOR\] }] 
[\18 July (1480)\] 
   Right worschypful and to me Synguler good lady, I recommende
me unto yow: prayng yow to sende me a buck a Wedynsday next
commyng acordyng to +te promyse that my Master and ye made at my
laste beyng with yow: for a specyall frende of myn schall be
maryde on Thursday nexte commyng, to +te wyche I have promysyde
a buck: wherfor I pray yow +tat he be not dispoyntyd. And my
service schall be +te more redyer to yow at all tymys with +te
grace of God, wyche have yow in kepynge. Wryttyn in haste +te
xviij day of Jule,
   By your servant, William Goldwyn.
   Madam, I pray yow to speck to my Master for +te xvj. li. +tat
ys dew unto me.
   To my lady Stonor, Be thys delyverede in haste. 

<Q STO 1480 HMAKNEY>
<A HENRY MAKNEY> 
<P II,111> 
[} [\275. H. MAKNEY TO (SIR WILLIAM STONOR)\] }] 
[\(17 Sept. 1480)\] 
   My Ryghte reverente and my syngler gode Maistire, aftire due
recomendacion, Sire, pleasithe to wete +tat my lady is in gode
hele, blesside be Jhesu, and recomendide unto youe with alle
here herte and mynde, and alle your servantes also, and praythe
daily for your prosperite and wusshuppe, in especiall for your
sone comynge home &c. Syr, your parke gothe welle onewarde in
dikinge and in pale, your husbondrie in like wise, and befe and
moten wex, and the state, with alle odire vitaile, and specially
money. Y pray youe remembre your lente stuffe. Y wulde have be
with youe my selfe or +tis tyme, but y ame so grevyde in my
bakke +tat y may nethe ride ne go. We hire of your grete and
importune chargis latly leyde on youe, whiche causithe alle your
frendis to be y-ryghte full sory therofe: but y beseche Jhesu
contynue youe in honoure as ye have begon, and +tat ye may
furnysshe your selfe in alle abilymentes of werre lyke unto your
ffelowshyppe beynge in rome as ye are in. And also my lady hath
sente here water unto M. Derwothe to undirstonde his conceite,
ande howe he demyth by here water whedir she be in wey of
mending &c. On Soneday nexte afor sente Mathewes day, at
Stonore.
   Your servaunte, H. Makney. 
   To my Ryght Worshipfull Maister.

<Q STO 1480 RPAGE>
<A RICHARD PAGE> 
<P II,111> 
[} [\276. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\October (1480)\] 
<P II,112> 
   Plese it your mastership, after dew recommendacion, I have
ressevyd your letter by my felow Makenay, by whiche letter ye
have commaunded me to deliver hym a bill of an C. li.: and
acordyng therto I have delivered hym the same byll, whiche is
paiable at Feverer next comyng. As for Mr. Colet, I spake with
hym or your letter cam to me, and he gave yow day tyll after a
halow tyde. Syr, as for the mater touchyng your mastership and
Ric. Wynslade, John hys brother and y have sen the billes of the
rekenyng uppon whiche we thynk necessary to have your
mastership, my lady your wif, and Ric. Winslade to mete at
London the viij day after alhalowtyde: acordyng therto John
Wynslade hath sent to his brother to com heder. And Syr, me
semys weldon ye and my lady cam at the same day, and to remembre
you to purvey where my lady shalbe. Y remitt thys to your
wisdom. I understand by your letter thentent of your mastership
touchyng the remayn of my ladies yointur. Syr, I have shewid myn
opynyon to Makenay consernyng that mater, who will show your
mastership myn entent. As for Lestan, your fermor that was at
Horton, hath purveid your monay in substance, it wolbe well don
ye send or bryng your byllis of rekenyng bytwene yow and hym, so
that the verry dette may be clerely understand. Wete ye well I
have dalt quitly with hym in that mater. Syr, y wold be right
glad to se your mastership, for me semys long sens y saw yow,
and so God spede me, who preserve you, and my lady, and all
yours. Writen at London this Thursday with the hand of your
   Page.
   To my master, Syr Wilm. Stonor, knyght for the kynges body. 

<Q STO 1480S WSUTTON>
<A WILLIAM SUTTON> 
<P II,115> 
[} [\280. WILLIAM SUTTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(1480-83)\] 
   Aftur reverent recommendacion. Plesyt yow to have knolege
that my lord Chansler of Oxon desyryt me at his last departyng
from Oxon to remembyr yow of the mater concernyng a pore
gentylwoman callyt Alys Poche, that +ge wold be hyr gud maystur
as +ge have be afore tyme in the way of ryght and consiens: and
if +ge so be he wyll do yow as grete a plesure. And yf hyt lyke
yow to tendur hyr anythyng at my pore request, +ge bynd me to do
for yow and yowres anythyng that lyse in power, with Goddes
grace, who ever kepe yow.
   Will=m= Sutton, preist.
   To mayster Willm. Stoner, knyght. 

<Q STO 1481 WELMES>
<A WALTER ELMES> 
<P II,116> 
[} [\282. WALTER ELMES TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(3 Jan. 1481)\] 
<P II,117> 
   After all dewe recommendacion, plesyth hit yow to undyrstond
that I merveyle gretely +tat ye send not Thomas Mathewe with the
evydens &c. Thonkyng yow all weyys of youre grete bownteowsnesse
unto me and in especyall of your offer to me grauntyd: wherfor I
am bownd to be your trewe servaunt, and Bedeman whylys I lyve.
Syr, I have remembryd me of your comynycacion of Agas Lovell,
whome, yf hit lykyd yow that I myte have undyr the forme
folowyng, I trust hit shuld be to yow moste proffyte and avayle,
and I and all myn to be your perpetuall Bedemen: yff hit lyke
yow to take me CCCC. li. accordyng to your offre, I shall ffynd
yow suerte to pay yow att viij yeres end your CCCC. li. ageyne,
and CCCCC. marcs for the ward of the seyde Agas, wych wull drawe
nye to the hole stokke of your ij chyldryn, Hewe and Margarete:
and so there stok shall be redy at all tymes, with the on half
in myne hondys, and that othyr half now in your owne hondes, at
your day to do +tat with what ye wull, and thus shall ye be
purveyd of money and your stokk not brokyn. And as for the
contentacion of Harry Colett, yf hit lyke yow to delyver me the
next obligacion of Betson of C. li., I shall at my charge
schevyshe so much and rathyr than fayle the hole: so now lakkyth
non other but suerte in the Yeld hall, wych wull be gevyn apon
such feoffement as ye spake of. Syr, I beseche yow remembre
this, and bete hit ryth well in your mynd. And I trust hit
shalbe your avayle and wurshuppe both to make your power alye,
wych shall ever be bownd to pray for yow, and so yow the profyte
and wurshuppe, and to me and myn a makyng for ever. Syr, yf this
wey lyke yow, I pray yow to send me a byll fro yow to your Almes
hows at Exeter, that I may +te sonner spede mee for Harry
Colettes payment. Furthermore, I beseche yow that +tis sympyll
byll may recommaund me my good lady, your wyffe, and to all
yowrs. And our blessyd lord hold his holy hand over yow and them
with long lyff and grete wurshupp here to endure, Amen. I trust,
thou I be fer fro yow, that +tis lytyll byll [\wull cause
CROSSED OUT\] this cold whedere, and my erand wull make me and
shew me present. Scrybylyd with hond of hym +tat is yowr
servaunt to the extreme of my lytyll power.
   W. Elmes.
   At Andever the Wenesday after Newe Yeres day at vj at Clokk
in +te mornyng.
   To my ryth wurshipfull Master, Syr Wylyam Stonor, knyth for
the kynges Body. 

<Q STO 1481 RGERMYN>
<A RICHARD GERMYN> 
<P II,118> 
[} [\284. RICHARD GERMYN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\3 April, 1481\] 
   Right Onerable and worshipfull Maister, y comaund me unto you
with alle suche servise as y can or may, letinge your
Maistership have enknowliche that Maister John Agecomb is
decessed un Sonday the ffurst day of Averell. Many men have
spoken to me that y shuld labur unto you for Ermyngton. And y
teld hem that ye have geven hit unto Maister Edmunde, and wol
in-proper hit to youre Chapel of Stoner: and so have y aunswerd
them. Moreover, Maister Drew hath wreten a letter unto my lady,
that he wol do help my saide lady of hir sekenesse, and to com
unto hir at his own cost and to geve hir a du attendauns, with
that hit pleased you to geve him this saide benfys. And y have
saide unto him, that his letter is wreten in vayne. And 
<P II,119> 
also y wrote a letter unto youre Maistership, which was
delivered unto Lannoys, skynner, the furst weke in Clene Lente:
y trust ye have him. For as to any man or men, here wolle noon
be goten, as y wrote unto you: savinge ther is oon Vyncent, a
servaunt of my lady is, a gode archer, y suppose he wolle com
unto you: but horse nother harnys hath he noon nor mony. Aray
him ye must at your own cost, yef he com. Jakys shal bringe you
the serteynte of his comynge. And y trust that at M. Elmes
comyng that ye wol assigne whom hit please you to occupy the
ruel of your Almeshous, for y may no longer occupy hit nor can
not; my besenesse wol be suche here after: for y must attende my
ocupacion; for my servant which had the gedinge of my shoppe is
fro me, and with me hath be to longe, for y am the worse for him
y can not tell how moche me seilf. And as to the deth of
Cristoffer Coke, y suppose ye have enknowliche: un who is soule
God take mercy. Y pray your Maistership that this my letter may
comaund me unto my lady, to whom y pray Godde sende hele and
comfort, who have you in his keping. At Exeter in hast the iij
day of Averelle.
   Youre servant Richard Germyn.
   Unto my right Onerable and worshipful Maister, Syr William
Stonore, knyght, at London in the Old bailly. 

<Q STO 1481? RGERMYN>
<A RICHARD GERMYN> 
<P II,119> 
[} [\285. RICHARD GERMYN TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\7 April (1481)\] 
   Right Wurshipfull and Onerable Maister, y comaund me unto you
with alle suche servyse as y can or may. Please your maistership
have enknowliche here y sende the copy of a writte, which is
agayn you at the Kinge is sute in Devonshire uppon the (\Deum
claus. extr.\) , which was 
<P II,120>
taken before the Escaetour. As the writte maketh menshion, see
ye the meane to have hit oute of the Chekour, for ye go to a
grete mersement; and more ye had, and y had not sarched
therfore. Also I moved you at my last being at Stonore that my
lord Markas his officer hath distrayned your tenaunt at Clist,
and clemyth a mersshe, the third ffote in alle the said mersshe,
where as he nor noon of his ancetours oute of tyme that no mynde
is never had: and y teld you that y had apoynted with Broun his
auditour, that the seid mersshe shuld ly voyde and not to be
ocupyed in to the tyme that my lorde and ye hadde spoken
together: hit wer wel doon that ye moved my lord of, and to
cause him to write a letter unto Thomas Hexte, his stuard, so
that your londe may be sette. Ther is oon John Wyndbow, which is
my lord is tenant, and holdith moche lond of you, he clemyth
this londe, sayng that hit shuld be longing to his place whiche
he holdith of my lorde, and he is causer of alle this. Ye
comaundid me that y shuld warne him oute of alle suche londes as
he holdith of you: and so have y doon: have ye this mater in
remembrauns. Furthermore y send you worde by Thomas Mathu, that
ther was a almeshous fallen, which shuld be youre geft: y hure
no more synne of. And so stont hit own-gevyn as yet. And now a
nother also, what ye wille shal be doon there in: hit wer wel
doon that ye wrote a letter unto M. Speke ther of. Youre
Maistership gave unto me the next avoydens of oon pore man, and
ye remember, in your stode at Stonore before your cosyn, Walter
Elmys: in lasse then ye wrete unto the seid M. Speke, he will
noon admytte. Moreover, your chauntry prest of Ermyngton is
admytted into the seid your chantre: y made his presentacion,
and my lorde is officers admitted him. And ye be the grettist
man with my lord, and in his consaite: because of your hors
geven and your attendauns unto him at London, that he may do and
al his men ye may have: his servantes reportith of you that ye
be the courtys knyght, that ever thei sawe, where of y am glad.
Also ye wrote a letter unto me that y schuld content M. Speke,
xx. li., wherof y have contented him on this quarter rent of
Cristismas xvj. li. iij. s. iiij. d., as y shal shew you at my
nexte comyng ever passed off my resaite, and as I bede Thomas
Mathu to infurme you. The remenaunt he shal have this quarter of
Ester rentes, and then he is content. And as to your tenaunts in
Cornwale, thei be as trew unto you as y can understond as any
tenauntes that ye have. And as to John Meger, he wille com and
speke with you at suche tyme as y come, and that shal be, by the
grace of God, before Wytsunday, and bringe his Obligacion. And
as to youre wode there, Thomas Haiward wolle geve you xx. li.,
save 
<P II,121> 
ye shal cope hit at youre cost: or els he to cope hit and to pay
you xvij. li. And no peny more wol he geve. Yet ye muste geve
him daies of payment, Mighelmas next comyng x. li., and the next
Mighelmas after the remenaunt. And yef hit leke you that he shal
have hit at this price, ye must wrete your letter to him, so
that he may fille hit before holy Rode day now comyng, or els he
can not fille hit alle this yere. And as for your whete there, y
have made Thomas Haiward to sille hit to your most advaile, of
which ye shal have enknowlich, when y come. Also your place at
Clist is in divers places owver heled: wher ye wol that y shalle
set workmen uppon hit or no, y wold have enknowlich. There after
your comaundement will y do. Richard Wideslade willith me to pay
him this quarter v. li, which he saith hit is youre covenaunt:
and he wolle deliver me your Obligacion of so moche mony: and he
desirith xij. s. iiij. d for his fee at Wulston: wher ye will y
shal pay him or no, y wold have enknowliche fro you, or els he
shal noon have. ij lettres have y wreten unto you synne the
first weke of Clene laynte: and yet had y never answer nor
letter fro you. For goddis sake remember ye to move my lord
Markas ffor this your mersshe, so that he may directe his letter
unto Thomas Hext or unto Speke, for he is my lord is Resever
late made by the deth of Geffrey Bedwelle. No more to you at
this tyme, but alle myghty God be ever youre gode spede. At
Exeter un the vij=e= day of April.
   your Servaunt Richard Germyn.
   To the right wurshipfull and Onerable Maister, Sir William
Stonore, knyghte, be this delivered. 

<Q STO 1481 RSALTER>
<A RICHARD SALTER>
<P II,121>
[} [\286. RICHARD SALTER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\11 April (1481)\] 
   Ryght worshypfull Syr, and my specyall good master, I
commaunde me to yow and where hyt ys so as I am enformyd +tat on
doctor Eggecombe, late resydencyare of Exeter, is decesyd, +te
whyche hadde a benefyce callyd Ermynton in Devonshyre of your
patronage, now beyng 
<P II,122> 
voyde, +te whyche I have harde reporte +ge entende to apropure
or to have lycence to make a chauntre or ij off, to +te whyche I
am enformyd +te bysshoppe woll in no wyse assent: wherfore yff
+ge kan notte opteyn your purpose, butte moste nedys gyff hytte,
yff hytte wold plese yow to have me rememburyd +terunto, I were
ever bounden to be your beddemann, and to pray for yow, as God
knowyth, who ever preserve yow, Amen. Wryton in hast +te xj day
of Aprile. I pray yow geve credens to +te berer heroff.
   Your one to hys power, Richard Salter, doctor.
   To the ryght worshypfull Syr William Stonor, knyght, +tis
byll be delyveryd. 

<Q STO 1481? WELMES>
<A WALTER ELMES>
<P II,122> 
[} [\287. WALTER ELMES TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\13 April (1481)\] 
   Aftyr all humble recommendacion. I certyfye yow +tat Wheteley
hath sheywyd to my lord of Gloucester and his Councell your
labor in serchyng dyvers townys. And they marveyle that ye have
sowth them ther, and say that yf ye wold ye kowde goo thydyr wer
they be and fett them. Yf ye have very and trewe word that they
be in Centwary, yf ye so certyfye I thinke ye shalbe excusyd.
And thus is a sure wey for all partys. As for the copye of the
byll, +tat is put ayenst yow, I send you the copye thereof. As
for youre mater of the grete summe, I pray yow to pondre in
youre owne mynde wich of the ij weyys ye lyke best and I shull
be glad to performe your entent. Wherefore I pray yow to wryte
me certeynly wych of thes ij weyys ye wull take, for in this
mater I wull nothyng take apon my sylfe, but wych ye wull have
done shall be done: and that I may have redy wrytyng fro yow at
furthyst by Sonday none, that I may make a ende on Monday, for
then my hors wulbe with me: my howswyffe thouthe never so long
after me, and 
<P II,123> 
lokyth her tyme every day: wherefore I wull no longer tary than
Monday. As for Bradbury wull delyver yow in on yere for all v
yeres in stuffe, yf ye nede, and I kan have no more money of
them till ther wrytyng be made uppe: and so I kan not pay Master
Powle. And yf ye wull that Bradbury have hit not, I pray yow
send all them iij a letter, howe ye fere to dele with them for
your jeoparde and theres for fere of +te kyng: wych shall be a
excuse for me also. They wull be loth to leve the money I fere
me, now they have yt. And yf ye dele not with them, ye must be
her in hast to be suerte with that othyr persones and discharge
thos othyrs or ye have +te money. I remytte all to your wysdome,
and +tat I may sone have word fro yow. John Cheynye is owt a
hawkyng, as sone as he comyth home I shall delyver yowr letter.
The Kyng purposyth to be at W[{ynd{]sore. In hast as I hope my
lady is in good hele, and all yours. No more to yow at this
tyme, but almyty Jesu presene [{yow{] . At London +t=e= xiij day
of Apryll in hast.
   Yours to my lytyll powere W. Elmes.
   I have delyvered my Lord Chaunceler the money: but I kanne
have no letter of hym. He is so bysye with the Kyng. He would
have sene my lorde prevy seale letter fayne afore.
   To my worshipffyll Master Sir W. Stonore, knyth for the Kyngs
body. 

<Q STO 1481? WELMES>
<A WALTER ELMES> 
<P II,123> 
[} [\288. WALTER ELMES TO (SIR WILLIAM STONOR)\] }] 
[\(16 April, 1481)\] 
   After all humble recommendacion &c. I have spokyn with John
Harecort, and he sweryth he wull do for yow, and purposyth to
sytt in the Ester wyke, but he wuld fayne have Stepenhyth
endityd: but +tat shuld not help your mayne. Sir W. Norreys wull
do for yow, and sey whatt he kanne. Ye must be here fore the
newe Reconisaunce. I wrote to yow +tat Bradbury wull delyvere
your gayne in stuffe and ware, 
<P II,124> 
but not in money. I purpose to be homwarde to morowe, yf I may,
and shall do and make all thynges suere as by woode advyse kan
be made or I goo. If ye have any certeynte of your men I wuld
advyse yow to come shewe hit, for my lord of Gloucester, my lord
Chamberleyne be gon, and now be her your frendys. No more to
yow, but Jhesu preserve yow. At London the morowe after Palme
Sonday. I purpose to come home bye Wynsore and fett your money.
   Your servaunt W. Elmes.
[\NO ENDORSEMENT.\] 

<Q STO 1481 RGERMYN>
<A RICHARD GERMYN> 
<P II,124> 
[} [\289. RICHARD GERMYN TO DAME AGNES STONOR\] }] 
[\1 May (1481)\] 
   Right Worshipfull and Reverent Madam, I commaund me unto you
with alle suche servyse as y can or may. Hit is so that oon of
youre poremen is decessed, whiche is Pryns. And ye remember ye
graunted syr John Yotte the next avoidens at your departing. He
praiyth you to remember hym, that he might have these hous,
which was Pryns is hous, as ever he may hereafter do at your
comaundment or desire, as ye knew right well he hath doon for
you herebefore. And now his trust is to be remembred at this
tyme according to your promyse at hit [\SIC\] last speking with
you. And also my Maister, your husbond that was, granted oon to
the Sudden, and another the Old Reynold, which have called upon
me to [{be{] admytted in to this said hous: and y have aunswerd
them alle that y wolle admitte noon in to the tyme that my
Maister and ye send me youre comaundment wham I shalle admitte
in. Hit is youres, ye may geve it to wham hit pleasith you.
Moreover, I hertly pray you, as ever y shal ow you my servyse,
to remember my letter which y wrote unto you by Jakys, which oon
mater was your
<P II,125> 
corne, and the other mater was that my Maister and ye shuld send
a man to reseve this Ester Rent of your londes of your Almeshous
for the payment of youre poremen and priest, and the geding
therof. For I may no longer ocupy hit, nor noght wolle. I must
attend my own besenesse, as I wrote unto youre ladiship: he that
was my man is fro me, and by any thinge that y know y am xx=ti=
li. the worse for him. For which cause y pray you remember ye my
lost, and not to awe me your hevy ladiship, as my trust is y
have not deserved. And y shal induce him that shal ocupy the
rule and gedinge of your almshous so that he shal gede hit beter
than ever y ded. And let him com a down so that he may be at
Exeter iiij wekes uppon this Ester: and to gether uppe the rent
to this hous belonging. And y shal shew hym alle youre londes,
so that ye shal know your londes fro myn, by the grace of Jhesu:
and preserve me seilf a tru man for alle the report that is made
of me unto my Maister, to wham y pray you to comaund me. And of
this my letter and of your welfare y wold desire to have sume
knowlich: and how ye do in your fesik. And yef ther be any
servyse that ye wolle comaund me to do here in your absens or
els where, ye shal alway fynde me a redy to do your comaundment,
as wel as though y didde ocupy this office under you. Remember
ye wel, ye must hastly to admitte a poreman in Pryns is hous
withoute any delay, wham hit pleasith you: and to assigne him
that shall be Resever to pay this next payment, which wol be
within this iij wekes: for y wol pay no mo paymentes after
these, which is the day of my letter wretinge, the ffurst day of
May. And y wold that hit plesed my Maister and you to let Thomas
Mathu be Resever of the Almeshous. And Jhesu have you in his
keping and send you as gode hele as y wold have my seilf.
   Your man Ric. Ger[{myn{] .
   To my lady Stonor in hast be this delivered. 

<Q STO 1481 TMOLEYNS>
<A THOMAS MOLEYNS> 
<P II,126> 
[} [\291. THOMAS MOLEYNS TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 20 June, 1481)\] 
   Right worshipfull Master, I recommaund me unto your
mastership: please it you to understond that now in the
begynnyng of this terme one John Hyll, Squyer, suyth a (\Quare
impedit\) ayenst you in Devonshire, supposyng by his writ that
ye desturbe and let hym to present his clerke to the free
Chauntry of Ermyngton, which longyth to his presentacion, as he
supposith by hys wryt: I know nether your title nether his, I
pray you to send me a bill of the mater of your title therto, if
ye have title, that your counseill may know it, or nede be to
plede. I shall do alle that lith in me to do for your
mastership, by the 
<P II,127> 
grace of God, who gyf your mastership as well to fare as your
hert can thynke, Amen. By your servaunt to my symple power 
   Th. Moleyns.
   Wretyn at London on Wednesday next before Midsomerday.
   To my right worshipfull master, Sir William Stonore, knyghte.

<Q STO 1481? JYAXLEE>
<A JOHN YAXLEE> 
<P II,127> 
[} [\292. JOHN YAXLEE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 8 July, 1481)\] 
   Ryght reverent and worshipfull Sere, I recomaund me to +gou
&c. Sere, my Mastres Harlston recomaundyth here to +gou: and I
am sure she wilbe glad iff I tell here of +gour prosperous
welfare, whan I come home: for in good feyth, sere, she was
verry ffull off thought and ferd lest +ge had ben sore seke or
gretly diseasid, be cause she cowd not here from +gour good
Mastership many a day. Wherfor she desired me feythfully +tat I
shuld inquere of your welfare, of +te whech I have herd at
London +te certente, thankyd be Jhesu, ho have +gour seid
worshipful mastership in kepyng. Wreten at London, +te mornyne
next after Seint Thomas Day with +te rude hand of +gour
fey+tefull servaunt, hos name is John Yaxlee.
   To my ryght reveren[{t and{] worshipful master Sere Willm.
Stoner, in hast delyvered. 

<Q STO 1481 WSTONOR>
<A WILLIAM STONOR> 
<P II,131> 
[} [\296. SIR WILLIAM STONOR TO HARRY DOGETT\] }] 
[\23 Dec. 1481\] 
   My old frynd, I recommaund me unto you. Syr, I have resseyvyd
a bylle fro my cosyn Elmes, wyche cam fro you, so my seyd cosyn
seth, he vyll sele to the doctor, and wyllyth me to make yov a
suffycient varant for the x. li. Syr, by this bylle, vryt with
my own hand on Crist[{mas{] Eve ys Eve (\Anno regni regis\) E.
iiij=ti= xxj=o=, I vylle at the nexte reseyte by my cosyn Elmes
ye be content, and this wryt with my ovne hand shalbe his
sufficient dyscharge, he so contenteyng yov the sume of x. li.
My trust ys I shalle have thys cope ayen thys tyde. Jhesu
preserve yov your lond [\?\] at Stonore.
   Will=m= Stonore K. 
   To my trusty frynd Harry Dog[{ett{] in hast.

<Q STO 1481 JSHYNNER>
<A JOHN SHYNNER> 
<P II,133> 
[} [\299. JOHN SHYNNER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(c. 1481)\] 
   Most worchepfull and reveryend Mayster, I recummend me onto
yowr reverynd Maisterchep also lowly as I can hoder may: wyllyng
yowr Maysterchep to have knowleche +tat syr Wylyam Sandys ys
gretely dysplesyd with me, and Jaye do lesayd maner also, as for
a grehowde +tat I scholde send onto yowr maysterchep as they
say: +te weche I know not what coler +tis grehowd ys, noder no
seche I send to yow, neyder was consente +ter to: werefor I
beseche yowr maysterchep to wrythe onto Syr Wiliam Sandys as for
myne a skese, and to speke to Jaye at Londun, wen, ye methe with
hym, as my treste ys on yowr Maysterchep, and as I schall and am
yowr preste to praye to God for yow and yowrys, ho have yow and
yowrs in hys kepyng ever, Amen
   your preste Syr John Shynner.
   To my ry+gth worchepfull and reverynd Mayster Syr Wiliam
Stonor, yn hast.

<Q STO 1481? JSHYNNER>
<A JOHN SHYNNER> 
<P II,134> 
[} [\300. JOHN SHYNNER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 1481)\] 
   Ry+gth reverent and worcheppell Mayster, I recommende me on
to yowr Maysterchepp allso hertely as I can and may: prayeng
yowr Maysterchepp to gete me a subpena for John Rowse, apon +tat
he was ynfefyet yn treste to follfyll my fader ys wyll, and John
Leghe and Water Torryng, +te weche John Leghe and Water Torryng
be +te partyd of +tis worll, and so John Rowse is alyve, and y
deser he scholde folfyll my fader ys wyll. And yn +te reverans
of God laboryd ye to be scherve: for hyt ys a presentabell
offise, +te worcheppefollyst yn +te scher have ben schervys and
yet theye hope to be: and Wylyam Fowell sayde to me +tat Syr
Thomas Selynger hopyt to be scherve +tis yer: and Wylyam Fowell
sayd hyt wer all so convenyant and presentabell to yow as to
hym, and sayd hyt well be worth to yow a C. nobelys abow all
costys and awayll mene hoder man onder yow: and yef ye be
scherve I beseche yow that John Tollocke may be creyer of +te
schere, and he shall plese yow also largely as heny hoder
schall, +te weche John Tollocke ys my soster sone. And I have
send on to yowr Maysterchepp for my wrethe of subpena by the
berer of thys byll ij. (^s.^) vj. d. And yet 
<P II,135> 
yn +te reverens of God remembret yowr sylve to labor to be
scherve: for hyt well gete yow a quayntens, and hyt ys beter to
goveryn then to be goveryed. No mor on to yowr Maysterchepp at
+tis tyme, but Jhesu preserve yow ever. Amen. I-wrethen at
Modbere on Synt Luke ys yeve.
   By your aune Syr John Schynner, parson of Penyton.
   To my Rygth reverend Mayster and pattron, Syr Wiliam Stonor,
knygh. 

<Q STO 1481? JSHYNNER>
<A JOHN SHYNNER> 
<P II,135> 
[} [\301. JOHN SHYNNER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 1481)\] 
   Ry+gth reveryend Mayster, I recummende me to yowr Maysterchep
&c. I have ben with my Maysteres, yowr Moder, and ther I schall
never come mor by +te grace of God, for I was falsse varlet,
theffe, and her traytour, and God yove me grace +tat I never
methe with her more, ffor I have the namys of yowr bredren and
sosteren. As ffor her armys I have hyt not, bot +te lord Mese
woll bryng ham to yow &c. Also, rememberyt to wrythe to Mayster
Wageth as for Flethe and Forde to be Tedyngman and sewtey to
yowr cerche of Ermeton. Also, I wolde ye wolde to sewe to be
scherve of owr scher, for me semyt hyt wolde be presentabell and
to gethe a quayntans, love, and drede withyn +tis scher, and
rememberyt how mene worchepfull men have be schervys of +tat
scher, bothe of yowr contre and of +tis. And yef yowr
Maysterchep have hyt I wolde beseche yow to have a offyce as for
a kynnysman of myne to be cryer of +te scher &c.
   By your aune Syr John Shynner.
   To my ry+gth reveryend and specyall mayster, Syr Wiliam
Stonor, kny+gth, yn haste. 

<Q STO 1481? PCAVERSHAM>
<A PETER CAVERSHAM> 
<P II,136> 
[} [\302. PETER CAVERSHAM, ABBOT OF NUTLEY, TO SIR WILLIAM
STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 1480-81)\] 
   Worsypull Syr, y recomend me unto yowe, and y pray yowe y
my+gt byn recomendyd to my lady yowr wyfe as a contreyman nowe
of hurs nat to her kowyng, but with +te grace of God and yowr
gentylnes y schall byn &c. As to +te intent of +tis byll, +tis
hyt ys: ther one Paddenall of Crendon, whom +ge kowe well and
longyng unto +gowe, and trobull me sore in my myndys of many
dyverse matres, +te wych ar so long to writ unto yow and then
hit wulde wery a man or he had don, and in specyall such a
sympull writer as y am &c: prayng yowe, as my synguler trust is
in yowe, and in tyme schert I schull reward yowe, +tat such
commynantes as y made with yowe of +te ferme of Crendon my+gt
byn performyd: for +tis sympull man, +te wych y release hit to,
whom +ge had promysyd me fryst, at yowr request, bydyth by no
promysse +tat he made to us, but trobull me: prayng of your
gentyllnes to take none displesur thoy y trobull hym acordyng to
+te lawe; for, saffe yowr reverans, he ys untrewe, for he
sclaunders me +tat Thomas Salman schuld seye +tat y had more
stondyd out j acre of +te kynges ground, the wych +te other
never seyd nother never cowde make profe +terof: y wuld naut he
my+gt for an hondur pond: +tis my+gt every worsypull man byn
sclaunder: as my trust, send me word howe +tat +ge wyll deale on
+tis mater, for in gode soth saffe for yower sake he schuld
havyn kowyng +terof ar +tis: as +ge thynke hit is gode to yowe
remember me, and I schall yowe, as my most trust. At Nott. by
Syr Peter abbot of +te same.
   Unto my most gode specyall frend, Syr William Stonor, in
hast. 

<Q STO 1482? TBANKE>
<A THOMAS BANKE> 
<P II,137> 
[} [\303. THOMAS BANKE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\16 January (1482)\] 
   Pleasyd +gour maistyrshyp to understond +tat I hayff beyn
with doctour Sutton, our commyssare, and I dyd shew to hym howe
+goure maistyrshyp boy+th was and ys dysposyd to +te universite,
as in fyndyng and relevyng off divers scolars to +te same and
also by relevyng off many o+ter suche as cummys to +gour
maistyrshyp at divers tymes in +te +gere, lyke as Mr. Eadmunde,
Mr. Flynte, Mr. Kyckall, and I with o+ter moye dyd layte; off
whome I desyryd +te commyssare to inquire +gour worshypfull and
gentyll behave+gour to tham and to iche on off tham, because I
wolde he sulde gyff more credens to myn informacyon. Also, syr,
I was with my lord Edwarde and maistyr Stanley, and informyd
tham in lyke wyse, and dyd shew boyth to my lorde Edwarde, to
maistyr Stanley, and to maistyr commyssare, +te delyng and +te
behave+gour off certan 
<P II,138> 
scolars a+ganes +gour maistyrshyp and +gour servands, specyaly
when +tai cume to +te universite for suche necessytes as +ge
hayff to doo +ter: and +ten my lord Edwarde and Mr. Stanley
desyryd +te commyssare at +ter instanse to see an remedy, suche
as +gour servandes myght boyth cume and goo to or from +te
universite in sayffe garde off +ter bodes: and +te commyssare
seyd he wolde doo as myche as he myght by +te vertu off hys
offece to provyde an remedy: nott withstondyng all thys, me
semys +te moste suerte ys +gour awn wey to send for tham by
privey selys. Cadwey ys benefysyd in Oxfurte: he may nott flee.
Syr, I sayd to +te comyssare +tat +ge wold send for tham by
privey seles, bod yff +te universite dyd see an remedy: and +te
commyssare sayd, yff +ge dyd so he culd nott blame +ge, in so
myche as +tei wylnot be reulyd. No more, save I besyche Jhesu
preseryff +go and +gores evermore, Amen. Frome Oxfurth +te xvj
day off Januer.
   +gour servand and bedman Thomas Banke.
   Syr, Maistyr Stanley, eftyr all +te comunycacyon before
rehersyd, dyd send for Cadwey to cume to hym: for Cadwey is
grete with hym: and +ter maystyr Stanley declaryd howe ney off
kyn my laydy +gour wyff and he stande, and desyryd hym as he
wolde hayffe hys gude Maistyrshyp to owe hys luffe and favour to
+gour servandes in Oxfurth or owte off Oxfurth wharsoever +tei
dyd mete: for Maistyr Stanley sayd +tat he moste nedes take
+gour parte in all ryght: and so sayd my lorde Edwarde also,
when we dyd comon firste off +te mater: and so Cadwey hays
promysyd to Maistyr Stanley +tat he wyll ne+ter doo ne sey
a+ganes +gour servandes, bod ra+ter to helpe to convey tham yff
anyman wolde doo or sey a+ganes tham: bod +tis ys no suerte to
+gour servandes for o+ter off hys cuntremen. Warfor, me semes
+gour awn wey ys beste, to send for tham, or to cause +te kyng
to wryte to +te universite for an remedy as +ge thynke beste &c.
   To hys worshypfull Maistyr Syr Wylliam Stonor, knyght, be
+tis delyveryd. 

<Q STO 1482 HMAKNEY>
<A HENRY MAKNEY> 
<P II,138> 
[} [\304. HENRY MAKNEY TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(? 29 Jan. 1482)\] 
<P II,139> 
   My ryghte worshipful Maistire, y recomand me to youe &c. Syr,
the prioure of Frideswide of Oxford is collector of the dymys,
he hathe sen to Pirton and hathe suspendide +te cherche for the
dymys, and also he suspendide olde Bayly, whiche hath parcelle
of +te tythis in Pirton undire youe. Wherfor ye moste se a
remedy that +te parishens may be servyde and the dymys payde. Y
hire +tat the dymys ben more +ten xl. s., whiche is unpayd. Also
here is on Willm. Clerke of Nustelynge, whiche is grevously
vexide and trowblide by Thomas Hardgrave for suche servise as he
dide to Edmunde Ramsey in youre behalfe, wen +te furste
possession was take +ter; and also when ye were +ter ye made
hyme brynge the tenantis to Rumsey to speke with youe; for
whiche causis he dare not abide in his house for drede of
arestinge by write or for suerte of the pease: wherfore the seid
Clerke besechithe your gode Maistershippe to lete make a cerche
if +ter be any accion conceveide ayenste hyme by Hardgrave, and
+tat he my+gte have a (\supersedeas\) fro the Chancery, whiche
shulde cause odire men to be glade to do youe servise in +tat
contre, if ye kepe this man harmeles &c. Item youre husbondrie
is note welle gydide: ye have iiij or v hynys and but on plowe
goynge, where as +ge my+gte have ij plows. Y have spoke to +te
bayly to have fewere servantes or a nodire plowe goynge: but he
wulde note be rewlide by me, but take his owne wey, whiche
wulnote be moste for your profite, as y trowe. Item your
childern be note at Oxford by cause of horse, money and men: for
your servantes dare note come in Oxford. At Stonore, the Tuysday
nexte afore Candelmasday,
   Your servant H. Makney.
   To my Ryghte reverente Maister, Syr Willm. Stonor. 

<Q STO 1482? RPAGE>
<A RICHARD PAGE>
<P II,141> 
[} [\309. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(1482)\] 
   In as humble wise as y can y recommaunde me to yowr good
mastership, as he that thenkys a long seson sens y saw your
mastership: I ensure [\?\] the same: y am as glad for the good
spede of my lady and 
<P II,142> 
that she is with chylld, as y am of any woman levyng. Wold God
it wold plese you to com to your Horton when terme is don: y
will geve yow attendance: ther is ther an punchon or tweyn of
wyne abydyng your mastership: y hope suche as woll plese yow.
Syr, y am desyrid to write to your mastership for your old
servant and my felow, James Boteller, that it wold lyke yow to
put suche attemtes and maters as is ayenst hym, and som
direccion so that he by the mene of yowr mastership may leve in
quiete and rest: and y am sure he woll do you service to the
uttermost of his power to put his pore lif in juperde. Syr, y am
sory to encumbre your good mastership with this simple mater,
but at lest ye may do a speciall dede of almes and deserve thank
of almyghty God, who ever preserve yow and all youres for my
synguler comfort. Writen at London this Saterday in the morning
with the hand of your servant
   Ric. Page.
   As for news y have told this berrer to enforme yow. I fere me
he cannot well shew them to your mastership.
   To my master, Syr Willm. Stonor, knight for the Kynges body
be this delivered. 

<Q STO 1482? RPAGE>
<A RICHARD PAGE> 
<P II,142> 
[} [\310. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(1482)\] 
   Plese it your mastership, y have resseyvyd your letter in
whiche ye commaunde me to speke to my lord prince councell
touchyng bran at [\?\] 
<P II,143> 
mater. Syr, me semys, savyng your correccion, it were not best
to do so, for y suppose they know nothing of it, and me semys it
were folie to shew the mater to thaym and to let thaym have
understondyng theroff. Also trew it is my lord prince hath a
writ of ravyshment of his ward Barantyne ayenst you and my lady
Botiller. I have spoken with my lord prince Attornay and shewid
hym the mater: so uppon de[{w{] [\?\] prove made of myne
informacion, whyche is that he was maried in his fadris life as
your mastership wrote on to me, the mater shall and must take a
good end. And so it is respited tyl the next terme ye com yor
self. Syr, as for the xij=c= li., whiche Bettson awis you, if he
be disposid to content you, and welnot dele with your stok, me
semys it makys litell force so he woll make you paiement in
monay. For y wold not ye were incombrid with waris, at wollnot
be your profitt, so it semys me. I remitt this to your
mastership. I pray Jhesu save my lady is fare bely. I pray God
send hir good tyme and good deliveraunce. Plese it your
mastership this rude byll may recommaunde me to hir good
ladyship. And this I make and send at this seson. I pray god
send you your hartes desire. Writen with the fest at London this
thursday +tat of
   Your Page.
   This byll be delivered to Master Syr Willm. Stonor, knygth to
the Kinges body. 

<Q STO 1482 TMOLEYNS>
<A THOMAS MOLEYNS> 
<P II,143> 
[} [\311. T. MOLEYNS TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(1482)\] 
   Right worshipful Master, I Recommaund me unto your
Mastership, letyng your mastershipe understond that Page and I
have spoken with my lord Prynce Counsell for the accion ageyn
you and my lady Barantyne; and that mater shall be contynued til
the next terme, upon communycacion betwen them and you and your
Counsell. I know no mo materes ageyn you. Your man tellyd me
that ye were in doute of a nother sute in my lord Prynce is
name. I have serched therfor, but certeynly ther 
<P II,144> 
is noon. I have resceyvyd v.s. by your servaunt. And Jhesu
preserve you. Amen. Wrytyn in hast. By your servaunt T. Moleyns.

<Q STO 1482? SSTALLWORTH>
<A SIMON STALLWORTH> 
<P II,144> 
[} [\312. SIMON STALLWORTH TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\1 May (1482 ?)\] 
   Worchypfull Syr, with dewe recomendacions and acordyng I
recommend me unto you, prayng you to have me excusyd of my
commyng: for withowt dowt I hadde purposyd to have bene with you
+tis nyght. A kynsman of myne and felowe of Mertyne college, I
trust to God schall be +te proctor, and hathe send for me in
suche wysse as withowte I be with hym +tis night he is lykley to
be distrenyd, suche labor ther is ageyne hym: I trust he shall
do you servyce herafter. Syr, also accordyng to your plesur I
send for Wiliam Walche to +te intent to have dronkyn wyth hym,
and he wass not in Thame. My lord send me wrytyng +tat he hadde
abyld Christofore Holand in +tat rowmythe by +te labor of you, I
am content, and ye for to have +te delyng betwyx W. Walche and
hym. Notwithstandyng my lorde send me word +tat he hadde takyne
hym a byll of his awne hand. I askyd Christofor, but I cowthe
nott se it. Syr, my lord wyld +tat Christofor shold answer hym
at thys tyme for hys payment, and +tat mony +tat W. Walche hathe
receyvyd Christofor to have it. As for +te rentalls and o+ter
evydence hadde by Wylyam Walche, +ge kanne have +te delyveraunce
of +tem to Christofore: for my lord profytt better +ten I wer
with you: and in +te balywyke of Dorchester my lord send me word
+tat +ge hade spok to hym +ter for, and he wyll contynue it to
he, +ge and I spek to gydyr +ter inne: I trust +ge schalbe
plesyde. And wher ye wyld me to be frend to Christofore Holand,
I schalbe redy to fullfyll +tat commaundement. Syr, also I
undyrstand +tat my lord wyld +tat a copy of +te vicaries land in
Dorchester schold be hadde to +te beholve of Rychard Idley, and
+te 
<P II,145> 
fyne reservyde to you and me: so I have wrytyng: it wer ryght
wel done an end to be hadd in +tis mater: it is lytyll valewe
and mykyll mony spend +terinne. I schal schewe +te presedent of
iij. li. vj. s. viij. d. fyne in +te same land. On Thorsday I
most be at Thame Abby, and so depart to Bukden: yf ye schall
please any thyng +tat I may do by +tat tyme or after I schalbe
redy. I beseke ye also +tat I may have your mynd and speke with
Christofore Holand and [\SIC\] Thame on Thorsday: for +ten I
must send to my lord of theys thynges and other, howe +tat I doo
in thys countre and in theys maters. I ame ryght sory +tat I may
not speke with you or ye departe: but I trust to Jhesu to avate
on you at Nottyngham with my servyce: who ever have you in hys
blyssyd kepeng. At Dorchester in gret hast +te fyrst day of May
by +te hand of youre servant
   Simon Stallworthe.
   To the Ryght worchypfull and my god maister Syr Wylyam
Stonore, knyght for +te body, be thys delyverde in godly haste
&c. 

<Q STO 1482 HUNTON>
<A HUGH UNTON> 
<P II,145> 
[} [\313. HUGH UNTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(11 May, 1482)\] 
<P II,146> 
   Right worshipfull Maister, I recommaunde me unto you. Syr, as
for yowr gret mater afore my lord Bryan the waraunt is in; I
have geten hit in. Syr, Worthe is here nowe and the Justices
have graunt him his reddicion; bot your counsell sayen hit is no
gret hurt for you, for and he enter by his awne auctorite ye may
put him owte and take ye the profetes of the land. And gif he
enter by auctorite of the Sheref by a writ, is called (\habere
facias sesinam\) , ye most suffer the Sherefs Officers to enter
by vertu of the writ or waraunt, and as sone as thai ben gone
enter ye ageyn and take the profetez. Syr, as for all your other
accions I shall take as gud hede +terto as I can for every
ayeynest the terme And sum fals pacche will be don, the which
shal not be to my power, with goddes grace. Syr, ther is an
accion nowe newe taken ayeynest you in Hampshire at the sute of
on Agnes Foster, wydowe; but is trespas. Syr, as for wyne I have
sent you by John Somer, to be deliveret to John Baker a Henley,
ij hogges hedes of Claret wyne, a hogges hed of red wyne, a
hogges hede of white wyne. And as for spices I spake to Maister
Russh; hee [\SIC\] thai loke for a gale comys nowe in, as he
sais and then he will by be gret, and then ye shall have with
him as moche as ye will: bot he will lay down now no money for
noon. And as for candell, we can have non such as ye send fore,
as Taylboys can tell your Maistership. And as for fyssh, I can
none by withoute money. And rysshes and sope I have send you by
John Somers barge, the which wilbe at Henley opon Sonday or
Monday at the forthest. Syr, this day messyngers go into every
shire with commissions and writtes of proclamacions, that every
man that hase endented to go with the Kyng to be redy with in
xiiij dayes. Syr, the Kyng departes northewardes opon Twesday in
Whitsonday weke. And therefore Maister Russh counseles you in
any wise ye to be here Monday all day to labour to my lord
Markas as for your mater anendes the Qwene and divers other
causes, the which he will enfourme you of at your comyng. And 
<P II,147> 
allmighty Jhesu have you in kepyng. Writen this Saterday. And as
for the joyner your werk wilnot be redy bot ayeynest midsomer.
   Your owne servaunt H. Unton.
   To my worshipful Maister Syr William Stonor, knyght for +te
body. 

<Q STO 1482 WSTONOR>
<A WILLIAM STONOR> 
<P II,148> 
[} [\315. SIR WILLIAM STONOR TO JOHN ABREY\] }] 
[\23 May, 1482\] 
   Abrey, I pray yov se the demys content; also Belle of
Schyrburne hath byn with me, and Jon Baker: so I hollde me
content to reseyve ix markes of Baker for Belle for the tyth of
soche as he nov oft to pay. At Stonore, the Thursday nexte a
fore Whytsunday, A=no= xxij=o=.
   Wyllm. Stonore, K. 

<Q STO 1482? RPAGE>
<A RICHARD PAGE>
<P II,152> 
[} [\321. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\23 August (1482)\] 
   I recommaunde me to your mastership in my best maner:
besekyng of the same I may be recommaundid to my lady, your wif,
as he that is very glad of her good spede: I pray Jhesu save
hir, and send hir good lif and long. Plese it yow to understond
that Frere Hugh, chaunter prest of Horton, woll no longe occupie
the Chaunterie ther: wherfor, syr, like it your mastership to
write unto the master of Cobham, whos name is Doctor Underwode,
to put in to the same Chaunterie Syr Robert Tybe, whiche is an
honest prest and good, and a clene levyng man: y ensure yow he
wolbe a sure bedeman to yowr mastership, and do yow as good
service as woll any prest in Kent to his power. As for newes,
the brynger can informe your mastership, to whom like it you to
geve credens. I pray God save you and all yours. Writen at
London on seint Bartholomew ys yeve with the hond of your
servant.
   Ric. Page.
   To my master, Syr willm. Stonor, knyght for the Kynges body,
be thys delivered. 

<Q STO 1482? RPAGE>
<A RICHARD PAGE> 
<P II,152> 
[} [\322. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\(1482)\] 
   In as humble wise as y can I recommaunde me to your good
mastership. Syr, y have spoken with Master Lewes: I can not
desire hym to be more courtais ne more gentyll towardes your
mastership then he is 
<P II,153> 
in every behalve. Wherfor your mastership must remembre the
favourable delyng and alliance bytwene yow: he woll not in no
maner wise lese your favour, for he thenkygh it to hym right a
singuler tresor: and also y am right well assurid your
mastership woll not hurt hym, ne lese his ffavour: hit were not
to doo, savyng yourself and your dewte, whiche he is, and I dar
say wolbe, as glad to perform [{every{]ythyng accord[{yng to{]
your [{p{]lesyr and reson, as [{any{] gentilman in Kent, or any
other man levyng. I[{ ... n{]o man speke better of your
mastership then he spekys, and that in every point. [{Y write{]
under correccion of your mastership, yet this [{must{] be
consideryd in a ... [{gen{]tilman, and that your mastership
myght, if it [{plese y{]ow, dele more favourably [{with{] hym
for this maner of is delyng to come ... in displesyr, which God
defe[{nd. And Syr{] , this me semys it wer well don ... [{I
have{] spake with John Ford to be your fermor at Horton, y have
confortyd hym ther[{in{] , and he is for yow. I pray God save
you, and my lady, and my yonge master your son for my grete
comfort. Writen at your Horton this . . . with the hand of your
servaunt.
   Ric. Page.
   To my good master, Syr Willm. Stonor, knyght for the Kynges
body. 

<Q STO 1483? RPAGE>
<A RICHARD PAGE> 
<P II,157> 
[} [\327. RICHARD PAGE TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\12 March (1483)\] 
   I recommaunde to your maystership. Syr, as this day I have
ress. your letter by my fellow Tailbois, M=r=. Lewes beyng with
me at diner in my pore hous: I understand well theffecte of your
writyng. Syr, if it like your mastership to call to remembraunce
he ys your feffe of the same land, by force wherof he may
justefie the takyng away of the cornys, and if he be lettyd he
may take an accion ayenst thaym that let hit, notwithstandyng
men woll indevor thaym to do you service and plesyr as fer as
they may. Also he may have a (\replegiar\) , and so have
deliveraunce: ther can no man say nay, but if he do contrarie
the law. Syr, if it plese your mastership, he woll be bounde to
abide the rule of your counsell, suche as he hath writen to your
mastership off. And under correccion, me semys, it wer better to
take that way, the premisses wele-considerid, than otherwise.
Like it yow to yeve credens to the berer, to whom I have shewd
my conseit in this mater. From your Horton, on seint Gregori is
day, with the hond off
   Your servaunt Ric. Page.
   To my master Sir William Stonor, knyght. . . .

<Q STO 1483 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON> 
<P II,159> 
[} [\329. EDWARD PLOMPTON TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\23 May 1483\] 
   Right honorable and synguler good maister, the most humble
and due recommendacion had: pleaseth your maistershipp to
remembre your graunt by my lord of Saint Johns of your ferme of
Warpisgrowe, like as apperith by your byll by my said lord
asseignet: now is tyme for your maistershipp to mowe your said
graunt. I wold advyse you incontynent to send to Th. Dawy,
steward of Saint Johns at London, and sone uppon to entre in to
the said ferme, observyng your said graunt accordyng to the
lawe: and my servyce ever at your commaundement, as knawith
Jhesu, who your good maistershipp preserve. Writtyn in hast at
Wycomb the xxiij day of May, 1483.
   Your servant Ed. Plompton
   Secretary to my lord of Saint John.
   To the right honorable and my synguler Maister, Sir Willm.
Stoner knyght. 

<Q STO 1483 SSTALLWORTH>
<A SIMON STALLWORTH> 
<P II,159> 
[} [\330. SIMON STALLWORTH TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\9 June 1483\] 
   Master Stoner, after dew recommendacons, I recommend me to
youe. As for tydyngs seyns I wrote to yove we her noun newe. +te
Quene kepys stylle Westm., my lord of +Gorke, my lord of
Salysbury with othyr mo wyche wyll nott departe as +gytt. Wher
so evyr kanne be founde any godyse of my lorde Markues it is
+tayne. +Te Priore of 
<P II,160> 
Westm. wasse and +gytt is in a gret trobyll for certeyne godys
delyverd to hyme by my lord Markques. My lord Protector, my lord
of Bukyngham with all othyr lordys, as well temporale as
spirituale, were at Westm. in +te councel chambre from x to ij,
butt +ter wass none +tat spake with +te Qwene. +Ter is gret
besyness ageyns +te coronacion, wyche schalbe +tis day fortnyght
as we say. When I trust +ge wylbe at London, and +ten schall +ge
knove all +te world. +Te Kyng is at +te towre. My lady of
Glocestre come to London on thorsday last. Also my lord
commendys hyme to yove, and gave me in commaundement to wryte to
you, and prayes you to be god Master to Edward Jhonson of Thame.
He wass with my lord, and sued to be made a denyson for fer of
+te payment of +tis subsedy: and my lord send to Jeves +te
clerke of +te corone and sawe +te commissione and schewyde to
hyme +tat he schold pay butt vj s. viij d. for hymeself: and so
wer he better to do +ten to be mayde denyson, wyche wold coste
hym +te thyrd parte of his goods. And as for suche as have
trobyld with in +te lordchype of Thame my lord wylbe advysyd by
you at your commyng for +te reformacion, yf +ge take note or +ge
come: for he thynkes +tat +tei schalbe punyshed in examplee of
othyr. And Jhesu preserve yove. In haste from London by +te
handys of your servande, +te ix day of June.
   Simon Stallworthe.
   To the ryht honorabille Sir William Stoner, knyghte. 

<Q STO 1483 FLOVELL>
<A FRANCIS LOVELL> 
<P II,162> 
[} [\333. FRANCIS, VISCOUNT LOVELL TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR\] }] 
[\11 October, 1483\] 
<P II,163> 
   Cosyn Stoner, y commawnde me to youe as hartely as y cane:
for as myche as hit plesyth +te Kynges grace to have warnyd youe
and all other to attende upon his grace, and your compeny +tat
ye wolde come in my conysans and my compeny to come with you:
and I ame sewre +tat schall plese his grace beste, and cawse me
to thynke +tat ye lofe my honor, and y trust schalbe to your
sewrte. Y pray youe remembyr this, as y schall remembyr youe in
tyme to come, by +te grace of Jhesu, who ever preserve youe.
Wreten at Lyncolne +te xj day of Octobyr.
   Your hertely lovyng 
   Cosyn ffraunceys Lovell.
   Also Cosyn, +te kyng hath commawndyd me to sende youe worde
to make youe redy, and all your compeny, in all hast to be with
his grace at Leyceter +te Monday +te xx day of Octobyr: for I
have sent for all my men to mete me at Bannebery, +te Soterday
+te xviij day of Octobyr.
   To my Cosyn [{Syr{] William Stoner.

<S SAMPLE 2>
<Q STO 1429? T1STONOR>
<A THOMAS STONOR1>
<P III,4> 
[} [\341. THOMAS STONOR TO JOHN WARFIELD.\] }] 
[\(1429 ?)\] 
   Warfeld, I gr[{ete{] +gow well, doyng +gow to wyte that the
borwis of Will. Spileman and Thomas Spileman have be wyth me
sith that I spoke wyth +gow laste, and desiryd that I schulde
putte hem to sum yssu how they my+gth trye hem silf fre or
bounde; and I answeryd hem that ther ys a comyn lawe to all the
Kyngys legee pepil, the whiche ys opyn to all men that wull sue
hyt, the whiche in myne part I most nedis abyde: and I askyd the
Borwys hyf they woulde sue for hem, and they borwis seyde nay,
but that they prayd me that they my+gth brynge in to me the
tweyne brotherin and her goodes and to be dischargyd of her
bonds: and so on Wednysday next comyng they borwys wull be wyth
me to bryngge the Spilemannys and her goodys to me, hopyng to be
dischargyd of her bondys: And as hyt is do me to undirstonde
that Will. Spileman seyth that thow I have all hys goodys and
prisone hys body he wull nevyr knowleche hym bounde to deye
therefore: and how I shall governe me in this mater I pray +gow
to sende to me a scrowe. Also as towchyng the person of
Dudecote, he was wyth me, and as whanne I speke wyth hym last at
Hampden he 
<P III,5> 
seyde he wuld paye to me the money the whiche I wroot to hym
for, so that I wulde suffre hym to have a preste to serve hys
chirche and he to dwell wyth me and wheere I wulde suffre hym:
but I grauntyd hym nat hys askyn, but +gyt netherles to put all
thyng in reste and for cause he hath cristenyd a child of myne,
and I hold it best to suffre hym a whyle to be absent, and I
pray +gow, he is now at London, enqueryth how he governyth hym
there, and sendyth me wurde. Also as towchyng to a Charyngworthe
I pray +gow to ende hyt or +ge come thenys, and lat hym be
bounde or ell he wull nat abyde the ende. Also for[{+g{]ytyth
nat ffortescew as for the wode at Erm. And I pray +gow to se
redyly the (\diem claus. extremum\) of the lord Seynt John. Also
I pray +gow to take the money of Clopton, and brynge hyt wyth
+gow. Also speke +ge to my Maister whanne Cricklade and W .. te
meete to gedere for myn brotherys wille.
   Thomas St. [^LATIN MEMORANDUM OMITTED^] 

<Q STO 1471 EDWARD4>
<A PRIVY SEAL> 
<P III,10> 
[} [\347. LETTER OF PRIVY SEAL TO HUMPHREY FORSTER AND OTHERS.\]
}] 
[\16 April 1471\] 
By +t=e= Kyng. 
   Trusty and webelovid we grete you wel, latyng you wete +tat
in our Batel late had, whereof God of his grete grace hathe
yeven us vyctory, owre Rebelles and traytours, +t=e= Duke of
Excetr., +t=e= marquis Montagu, +t=e= Erles of Warwyk and
Oxinford with other ben slayne, and +t=e= remenaunt put to
flyght, for +t=e= whiche we and alle oure trew Subgettes owe to
yeve laude and thonke to God of whom alle grace cometh: Wherfor
we desire and pray you as oure trew Subgettes to thanke hym
+terof, willyng also alle other to yeve unto hym lawdes and
thankes for +t=e= same: And over this we woll +tat ye charge and
commaunde on oure behalf alle people of oure Countee of Oxinford
and other places near ajoynyng to +t=e= same of ye age of be
twyxte lx=ti= and xvj=ne= yeres, hable to do us servise to be
redy in alle possible hast in +tere most defensible araye and
theym so arayde bryng unto us for +t=e= repressyng and subdewyng
of certeyn oure Rebelles enemyes and traytours, not failyng
herof us ye wol answere unto us at your peryl. Yeven under oure
prive Seall at oure Cite of London +t=e= xvj day of Aprill.
   To our trusty and welbelovid Humfrey fforster +t=e= elder,
Christofer Harecourt, Richard Crofte, John Harecourt, Humfrey
fforster +t=e= yonger, and John Charleton and to everyche of
them. 

<Q STO 1480 WELMES>
<A WALTER ELMES> 
<P III,16> 
[} [\354. WALTER ELMES TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR.\] }] 
[\(c. 1480.)\] 
   Ryth wurschipfull mayster, I recommaund me unto, and I have,
syne Harry Parsone was with me, kast my boke of my Rescye[{t{]
of your lond this yere as folowyth.
[^BOOKKEEPING OMITTED^]
Syr, I beseche yow to remembre this, and take me as I entende. I
wuld plese yow by +t=e= blessyd lord. Syr, I besech yow to aske
me no more money of me, and such money as I have resceyvyd of my
lord of Suff. by the blessyd sacrement I have kast my boke and I
have spent, thereof xx (^li.^) wych I must nedys borow ayenst
+t=e= audyte or ells I am utterly shamyd and lese my offyce for
ever. 
<P III,17> 
And such money as Germyn bryngyth, ye shall have all save x
marke that I wuld were payyd for yowr wyne at London. Syr, I
trust by +t=t= tyme +t=t= y=e= have poysyd this in yowr mynd ye
wull be god mayster to me as ever ye have bene, and were I owt
of trobull trust to do more to yowr plesure &c: as of Horton,
Watlyngton, Redyng, Borowscott, Hoddysdon I have not reseyvyd on
j (^d.^) this yere. And owr lord preserve yow.
   Yowr seruant W. Elmes.
   By my trouth I kowde not slepe for sorowe this nygth.
[\IN DORSO\]
   Item, for my costes to London, ij (^d. ob.^)
   Item, for my horsemete at Cawsham, ij (^d.^)
   Item, for my sowper and Thomas at Hawmulds, ij (^d.^) 

<Q STO 1480 HFORSTER>
<A HUMPHREY FORSTER> 
<P III,17> 
[} [\355. HUMPHREY FORSTER TO SIR WILLIAM STONOR.\] }] 
[\(c. 1480.)\]
   Right worshipfull nevewe, in my most feythefull wyse I
recommaunde me to you. And pleaseth you to wete that one Robert
Bolle, a tenaunt of myne of Henle hath be with me and enformed
me that his Brother dwellyng at Rysborowe shuld be atached for a
Scot by servauntes of yours, wher in dede he is none, for he and
his brother that is my servaunt were bore but ij myle from syr
James Strangewy[{sshes place{] . whiche is fifty myle from
Scotlond and more. And his fader and moder t[{enaunts{] to syr
James Strangewissh, which wolle be dewly proved: wherfore I
beseche yow to showe your favorabill maistership to them as
conciens and ryght require. And Jesu preserve yow. Wreten in
hast this same Moneday. Thomas Raufe was with me this same
Moneday in +t=e= mornyng, for Poughlowe lond to understond what
direccion Herre Doget wold abide: and he tolde me that he most
ryde with his moder to Sotwell and Dodecote
   Your owne Humffrey fforster
   To my most worshipfull Nevewe Syr William Stonore in hast. 



<B MARCHALL>

[^LETTERS FROM THE MARCHALL CORRESPONDENCE. ED. BY KERNEN,
JUKKA, TERTTU NEVALAINEN AND ARJA NURMI. PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE,
SC 1. 1996.^]

<Q MAR 1440S? TMAYKYN>
<A THOMAS MAYKYN>
<P F35>
[} [\SC 1: xliv, 35. THOMAS MAYKYN TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Well by louyd and trusty frende I recomende me to +gow,
lykyng yow to vnderstonde that Robert Quynarton hath enformyd me
how +t=t= Aleyne Jonysson hath your brother Richarde and me at
exigent; y=e= wherfor I p~y yow, as I may do yow eny s~uyse in
tyme comyng, y=t= in all hast y=t= ye may dessyre to speke w~
hy~, and to wete what day of payement he woll asyne yow in oure
name, for, syr, my parte of +t~ dette ys but xix s viij d And
youre brother Richarde as myche, the wherfor as my parte comyth
to I p~y yow but yyf ye may take a day resonable y=t= ye wolle
contente hy~ of xix s viijd, for h~ is no more of trowthe. And
y=t= may ye p~ve by h~s boke of accompte by twene vs. And syr I
schall paye to Thom~s Grace your Carpent~r as myche in youre
name so y=t= he schall be well plesyd w~ goddys grace. And syr,
as to your brother Richarde, I suppose w~ your good entretyse
y=t= he wolde yeue hy~ lenger day yanne me. And forthermore I
deme but for my p~sone y=t= he wolde neu~ take sewte ayen
Richarde by cause of olde acqueyntawnse, and also ye may sey vn
to hy~ y=t= Richarde yafe hy~ x li. of golde in a day and y~ for
he may y=e= bett~ for yeue xix s viij d. And as to my parte of
y=e= costys, I p~y yow maketh hy~ to for yeue at your request
yyf ye may, yyf not endeth with hym in all wyse y=t= I be
harmeles as I truste fully in yow. No more at y=s= tyme but how
ye spede in y=s= matt~ I p~y yow sendeth me aletter in hast. And
y=e= holy goost haue yow in h~s kepyng. I wryte at Wodestoke in
grete hast y=e= Sonday after Est~ day.
   By Thom~s Maykyn.
And syr I sende yow a bylle of y=e= laste accompte y=t= Aleyne
Johnson, your brother Richard & I made last to ged~ in london in
h~s cownt~.
[\ADDRESSED\] To my tresty frende William Marchall Clerke of ye
Chawnsery. 

<Q MAR 1450S? WTHAME>
<A WALTER THAME>
<P F43>
[} [\SC 1: xliv, 43. WALTER THAME TO THOMAS DANE.\] }]
   Ry+gt reu~end and worschepefull Cosyn, I cumma~de me on to
y+gow desy[{r{]yng hertely to here of y+gowyr whelfare and good
prosperite, y=e= whyche y be seche all myty god to manteyne and
incresse to hys pleysyng and to y+gouyre hertys desyyre; and yf
hyt pleyse y+gowe to here of my wellfare at y=e= maky~g of yis
lettyr I whasse in good hellte; ferthyr mor gefeyng y+gow
knowlege at cristemasse last past I be gan Arte, purposyng w~h
the grase of all myty god and my good fryndys to continu forthe
there in, trustyng to god y=t= +ge wyll be on to me there yn
hensseforward as ye affe byn here a forre, & there to y bes eche
yyow w~h all my harte; also my fathyr and mothyr and my gransar
cumawnd them on to yow hertely to here of yyowyr whellffar;
gefeyng yyow knolege that my brothyr Jon by the wyllys of hys
fry~dys beyng there ny hym hathe gett hym a wyfe and y~for my
fathyr and my mothyr and my gransare and also m[\y\] Maystyr
beddford and my Maystras & my brothyr & I bothe pray yyow
hartely yf hyt pleyse y+gow of y+gowyr goodnes to take y=s=
labyr a pon y+gow to cu~me thethyr to y=e= Weddyng, all they
pray yow hartely the whyche shall be to them grete worchepe &
joy; also y delyu~yd a peyyr of glouis to my brothyr Jon, yf hyt
pleyse y+gow to take them I pray y+gow hartely; no more to y+gow
at thys tyme but y=e= holy gost haue y+gow in h~s kepyng; thys
lettyr whas wryte at Oxford the morro afftyr syn benedyt ys day,
   be y+gowyr cosyn & also y+gowyr bed man Wat~ Thame
[\ADDRESSED\] To my worchepefull cosyn Maystyr Thomas Dane Be
thys lett~ deliu~d.

<Q MAR 1476 JMARCHALL>
<A JOHN MARCHALL>
<P F262>
[} [\SC 1: xlvi, 262. JOHN MARCHALL TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Right welbylovyd yeme, I comawnnd me vnto you, eu~ mor~
desyring to her~ of yo~ good Welfar~, and yeffe hitt pleas you
to her~ of my welfar~ [\and CROSSED OUT\] att y=e= makyng of
this lett~ I was in good hele, blessyd by god; and fforthirmor~
I pray you to Recomawnnd me to Cornnewell and his wiffe w~ all
his housold, to Thom~s hosyar & his wiffe, pyry and his wiffe.
To gawunt and his wiffe/ and to selyte a faf~=ll= ... w~h all
odyr good frendes, as my trust ys in you/; and also I p~y you
for the Reu~ens of god se well to yo~ selffe and see +t=t= yo~
lyvelode be in saffegard, fore +tem that shall haue hitt aft~
you~ wille, and that +t~ be neu~ Trobyll her~aft~ fore hit, and
as sone as I com~ home w~ I shall see you sone aftyr; and yeffe
ye woll do so moche to send me word to london and whed~ I Come
or none lett me vnd~ stond howe ye do; hitt woll be ner~ all
halowun tyde or +t=t= I Com~ home in to ynglond, as I vnd~ stond
yete, but as sone as I Com~ to london ye shall haue Knowelege w~
godd~ grace, Whom haffe you in his blessyd keping; wretyn at
Gawunt in fflawund~is, [\atte CROSSED OUT?\] the iij=de= day of
Julle a laste past a~o lxxvj. etc.[\?\]
   By yo~ Cosyn
   John Marchall.
   ye shall vnd~stond +t=t= my ys dessecyd here, and nowe I am
he~ in his stede and a T~ney for my mast~ Wyndesor~. etc. 
[\ADDRESSED\] To my Ryght welbyloved yonkyll William Marchall at
Stanlake be sydes Abingdon in hast soyt dd. 

<Q MAR 1440S? TMAYKYN>
<A THOMAS MAYKYN>
<P F263>
[} [\SC 1: xlvi, 263. THOMAS MAYKYN TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Welbylouyd and trusty frende, I r~mende me to yow and for as
myche as I haue schewyd to yow my trewe diligense and wryte to
yow iij lett~, the whiche ij of hem I sende to yowr brothur
Thomas and he seyeth that he sende hem to yow by xv dayes beffor
mychelmas, of the whiche ij lett~ on was of many dyue~e matters
and in speciall of the bolde of yowre chamb~, o~ yowre brother
John, and othere c~teyn matters co~prehendyd ther~in and now be
not all in mynde, and the other lett~ was closyd w=t= the
testament of yowre brothur Richard, for the whiche testament I
haue grete callyng uppon of youre Syst~ Mawde, demyng that I
restreyne hyt so to ymagyne unto her s~ fraude, whus colloca~s
suche as wher lyke to hynd~ her in tyme co~myng. Wherfor I p~y
yow in case that ye haue reseyuyd the foreseyd lett~s ande
testament so sendeth me relac~on of the matters, and yf ye haue
not reseyuyd hem so wryteth down unto your brothur Thomas in
hast to wete whare and whom he delyuy~ hem, for as thus awysyd,
he schall reseyue no mo lett~ of my hondes ne of my charge this
xx=ti= yere efte sonys trewly, for and the testament be lost
unto, lesse than ye haue eny copye +t~of I am lyke to be
dangeryd and noysyd for no trewe man; in the case wher=e=of I
p~y yow to sende me sum comforte in hast. And Syr as to the
byldyng of youre chamb~ I haue putte my labo=r= suche as ye
desyryd of me in rewarde of your=e= brothur John, and youre
brother Thomas wolde neu~ come at Wodestoke seth the worke was
by gonne, neu~rtheles seth the monday aft~ my+ghelmas day ye
haue had ij carpunt~s workyng contynewally and ij sawyers to
helpe dyuers dayes as the worke nedyd also, and +gut the
carpunters abydeth stylle and haue wrought by candell bothe euyn
and morne seth x dayes by fore all halowyntyde in on of the
wollehouse, and there they haue framyd halfe the chamb~ flore
and all the p~opatt work of the jetey w=t= goodely wyndowys,
thatt is to wete in the fronte a wyndowe of iiij bayes and in
eu~y syde a goodely wyndowe of ij bayes, and all the flore and
p~opatt tymb~ of that chamb~ is and schall be goode trewe hert
of oke, and the rafters we p~pose of elme, and hardely doute yow
not your=e= chamb~ flore schall be stronge y now+g and ye wolde
cowche pypys of wyne uppon and than ye schall not bende h=t=
w=t= dawnsyng ly+gtly. Syr, there as ye hopyd to haue all the
chamb~ made redy by Crystemasse, me thenketh youre avayle is the
cont~ry as I schall enforme yow, for the grete hyll wall in to
the yerde syde is flowe so that we moste othur take h=t= d~n
othur ellys drawe h=t= upry+gth a+gen by goode crafte, and so
men of crafte haueth p~mysyd me w=t= goddys g~ce; and also now
the dayes wexeth shorte and god g~te that the chamb~ will not
falle d~n hy~ selfe; I p~pose sauyng your=e= bett~ avyse to lete
all thynges contynewe unto aft~ the feste of Crystemasse and
anon aft~ for doute of fallyng down than to take hyt down in the
beste tyme of the newe yere. Also I merveyle gretly of a lett~
that I sende yow by a p~son of Gloucet~ schyre, and he callyd
hy~ selfe a preste of my lordys chapell of Cawnt~bury and
enformyd me that he knew yow well, and p~mysyd me that ye
schulde haue that lett~ uppon all halowynday at the ferrust, for
he was loggyd with me the sat~day ny+gt by fore, and the same
ny+gt in hast I wrote yow that lett~ and in speciall for money,
xl s that ye schulde sende me to paye bothe carpunters and
sawyers as for yowre parte, and of all the tymb~ I haue bou+ght
w=t= caryage I haue payd byt a parte to plese eu~y man unto more
money come to me, and +gut I am not all payd of the money of
Blakenale, sauyng I hade the rent of youre medys that ys xj s
viij d for bothe and thus I haue spoke fayr and eu~y day lokyd
aft~ money fro yow. And as to Will~m Astell and Mawde youre
Syst~, they haue brou+gt to Wodestoke tymber resonable as for
here parte bothe oke and elme, but of money they be strange to
p~te w=t= to paye workemen, for as +gut I cowde neu~ reseyue of
hem but xiij s iiij d and the got~ at Blakenalys coste xx d and
more. And the worke and tymb~ of the newe chamb~ hath coste at
th=s= day more than vij nobles and +gut we lakke tymb~, the
whiche I haue bou+gt and haue no money to pay therefore, so no
caryage also unto h=t= come fro yow. And as to the bede, I haue
h=t= home fro Kyrtlyngton and haue amendyd hy=t= as nede was and
is now sette in her olde forme a+gen in the beste wyse and that
hath coste all moost iiij s. And as to the bede ye desyryd to
haue bou+gth, hy=t= was solde as that I had youre lett~. And as
touchyng to Thomas Maso~ I sende by worde as ye desyryd me that
I schulde. No more unto yow at th=s= tyme, but I p~y yow yf I
schall do yow seruyse eny more in suche man~ occupacon that I do
not care bothe to ordeyne money and all other matters that
longeth +t~to also, for that me thenketh is to grete a charge.
And all my+gty Jh~u haue yow in h=s= gou~naunse. I wryte at
Wodestoke in hast the Sat~day aft~ Seynt Hewe day the Bysschep.
And Syr I sende yow th~ lett~ by a carry~ of Oxforde, to the
whiche I p~y yow delyu~ xl s w=t= out more and charge hym to
sende h=t= me in hast, and yf ye wyll bye 1 lb of powd~ pepp~ to
carye money surely I will paye therfor, other ellys ij lb of Rys
for that makyth grette bolke. And the cary~ is at Inne in Fryday
Strete, at the Belle, other ellys at the Saresen hede as I
suppose.
   By youre owne
   Thomas Maykyn.
[\ADDRESSED\] London. Be th~ lett~ delyu~yd unto William
Marchall clerke of the Chaunsery dwellyng in Seynt Bartholomewys
Spytyll w=t= my mayster Sturgeon clerke of the Crowne in
Smythfelde. 

<Q MAR 1450S? JCOLLAS>
<A JOHN COLLAS>
<P F268>
[} [\SC 1: xlvi, 268. JOHN COLLAS TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Jh~u.
   Ryght Reverent and Most best be lowyd modyr I Recummaund me
on to you desyryng hertly eu~ more to here off your well ffar
also I p~y hartlly of y~r blessyng both day & nyth. Also my
brodyr & Syst~ I recum~aund me on to you as hertly as I cane,
thankyng yow eu~ more for y=e= gret cher +t=t= I had vane y=t= I
vas last att home w~ you. Also lettyng you vyte at y=e= makyng
of thys lett~ my brodyr Wylly~m & my Syst~ ys vyfe & halle the
howsold & Margery my Syst~ and [{her{] hosbond ver in gowde
helle & all her howsold Also Thom~s Marchalle yo~r Sone
Recum~awnd hyme hartelley one to you & to ys m[{o{]dyr & to ys
goud beldame & he p~yth you hertly of yo~ blesyng both nyth and
day and blesyd be Jh~u he ys in Ryth goude hele. Also I ondyre
stonde y=t= ye haue y send for hyme as be kawse y=t= the dy fast
att londone, letyng you vyt bleseyd be Jh~u the do not dy no
more. Also I p~y you & my Syst~ & my goud modyre y=t= ye vyle
not takeyth for no dysplesure y=t= I do not send hym wome for
letyng you vyth y=t= the chylld ys Rygth vele hentyrd in to ys
Songe, y=t= ys say bouth playnsonge & prykyd sounge. Also I
vndyrstond and he chuld com to you y=t= he chuld for gete alle
y=t= he hathe lerned w~ me & y=t= chuld be to me gret heuynesse
and I p~y you y=t= ye vyll not be dyplesyd w~h me for w~ y=e=
grace of good y=e= nextyme y=t= thom~s yo~r sone comyth vome to
you I trust to good y=t= he schall be glad & all ys Kyne y=t= he
vente eu~ to Skolle w~h me, for now ys hys makyng & now ys hys
maryng; nat w~ stondyng and ye vyll haue hyme ye chall; y=e=
kause y=t= I do note send hym vome I haue vyryth on to you. Also
letyng you vyth y=t= I vas neuyr so syke send y=t= ye ver w~h me
last for I had vent y=t= I chuld neu~r a lewyd for I vas takyne
Sode~ly att hour lady masse y=t= I koud not stond & then I vent
to the barbare and lett my selfe blod or ellys I trow y=t= I had
be ded, blesyd be Jh~u of a meme~te, for I vot vell y=t= my god
modyr dyde geue me her blesying, also lettyng you vyt y=t=
Wyllyam my brodyr haue gret maruelle y=t= ye Do not send hyme no
lett~. Also letyng you vyte y=t= hellyn valle & hall you~ god
frend~ for~th Ryght velle.
   Thys leter vas made opon Korpuskryste day.
[\ADDRESSED\] Tho Wylly~m Marchall dwellyng att Stanlake be thys
lett~ delywyrd. 

<Q MAR 1440S RMARCHALL>
<A RICHARD? MARCHALL>
<P F71>
[} [\SC 1: li, 71. RICHARD(?) MARCHALL TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Reuerent & worchipfull Brodyr I recomawnde me unto yow
desyryng to here of your wellfar & prosperyte, the wyche god
encresse for hys m~cy. Also Syr I pray god qwyte yow of your
grete gentylies y=t= ye do to me. Also Syr I was not at Wodstoke
syth I was at london, for wee hawe suche bysnesse y=t= I my+gth
not, but I purpose me to goo to Wodstoke y=e= same day y=t= y=e=
letter was made & +tanne I schall sende +gow word of all +tyng
how yt ys. Also Syr I wolde pray & I durst y=t= ye wolde speke
to y=r= master to borrow xxx=li= or els xx=li= un to synt
bartolmews day, & truly +tanne +gee schull hawe yt +gayn with
y=e= grace god & erste for sothe yee schull not fayle +tanne,
ffor pegotte owyth hym C=s=, for he schull hadde at Wyytsontyde
iij score ss, & I p~y yow sende how we schull spede; namore I
wrytte un to yow at y=s= tyme but ye holy trinete hawe yow yn
hys kepyng body & sowle. I-wrytte at Kyrtlynton on synt peters
day,
   By your Brodyr R.M.
[\ADDRESSED\] To Wylliam Marchall with Sturgeon clerke of the
Crowne. 

<Q MAR 1440S RMARCHALL>
<A RICHARD MARCHALL>
<P F72>
[} [\SC 1: li, 72. RICHARD MARCHALL TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Jhesu.
   Worchipfull Brodyr I comawnde me un yow desyryng to here of
y=r= good hele the qwyche god encresse for hys m~cy, & I pray
god qwyte yow of +te g~te byngnesse & grete Cost y=t= yee do to
my ffader & to me, & I pray yow to comawnde me un to Syr Thomas
halys & I pray yow thonggyth hym myche for me. Also Syr I pray
yow as myche as ffader and I may y=t= yee woll speke un to your
master for y=e= summe of money y=t= wee spoke to yow, for y=e=
encresse shall turne to me as well as to my fad~ & your labor
schall be qwytte for y=s= howr; hayth payd eu~y may, & men crye
on hym for to [\shalbe CROSSED OUT\] bye here woll & truly yt
wowolde be a grete assayle un to my fader & to me & as euer I
may be your s~uant y=t= +gee labor there for, or els y=t= wee
may not bye no woll & y=t= qwere grete herte unto us & schame. I
wrytte at bursset~ ye sonday a fore Myssom~ day, for my Wyffe &
I weryn at dyn~ w~h bettes y=e= same sonday & I pray yow
thonggyth hym yer for.
   By y~r Brodyr & s~uant
   Rychard Marchall.
[\ADDRESSED\] Wylyam Marchall & Bel ... Smyythfelde at london
with Sturgeon clerke of y=e= Crowne. 

<Q MAR 1440S TMAYKYN>
<A THOMAS MAYKYN>
<P F73>
[} [\SC 1: li, 73. THOMAS MAYKYN TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Well by louyd Syr I grete yow well, prayiyng yow +t=t= +ge
welle sende me redy worde zyf Will~m hethe ffyschemong~ be
contente of h~s money, for I sende a lett~ to John Ryngefelde
D~p~ of Cornehyll y=t= he schulde contente hy~ and he sende me
worde a+gen y=t= he wolde so do but +gyf Nicolas Mundy wolde.
And Syr I pray zow y=t= ze wore wete of Rob~t Quynaton how my
mat~ spedeth and sende+t me worde whed~ ye haue payde hym x=s=
lyke as I wrote to yow, and forthermore I pray yow y=t= ye
sende+t me by y=e= brynger of y=s= bylle y=e= ij golde ryng~,
for Richarde y~r brod~ truste+t to yow y=t= ye woll; and I pray
yow y=t= ye sende me a viij s j d. lyke as ye know y=t= is to me
dewe, for all youre rente is to lytyll to rep~yr y=e= Sclatte
and od~ fawtys of Rob~t Webbe his house. No more at y=s= tyme
but I pray yow of all yese mattyrs sende+t me redy answeres and
all my+gtty Jh~u haue yow in h~s gou~nawnse. I wryte at
Wodestoke uppon Candelmasse day.
   Thomas Maykyn.
[\ADDRESSED\] To Will~m Marchall dwellyng with Sturgeon Clerke
of y=e= Crowne at Seynt Bartolmews Spytyll. 

<Q MAR 1440S TMAYKYN>
<A THOMAS MAYKYN>
<P F74>
[} [\SC 1: li, 74. THOMAS MAYKYN TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Well by louyd syr I grete +gow well, doyng +gow to
undurstonde +t=t= I sende +gow a lett~ by Thom~ +gour brother,
+t=e= whiche lett~ Thom~s Tayllo~ of Wodestoke hadde p~mysyd me
to haue brou+gt to +gow +t=e= xiiij day of Dece~b~. No+gt w~
stondyng +t=t= I pray +gow take+t credens & considerac~on to
+t=e= seyd lett~ diligently lyke as I haue wryte to +gow, exepte
a matt~ +t=t= is to sey there as I haue wryte to +gow +t=t= +ge
shulde sende me xxj s v d, +g~ moste sende me xl d more +t~ to,
for +gour Cosyn dan Jon Wodestoke hath payd me but xl d of +t=e=
nobyll & no day he woll sette me of y=e= Re~nawnt. fforthermore
as towchyng to +gour grete place, at +t=s= day ~it stonde+t
vacant & +t=t= is harme, wherefor me +tynke+t h~t were best and
moste worschippe to +gow +t=t= Thomas +gour brother my+gt be w~
+gour helpe p~ferryd +t~ in. [\ILLEGIBLE\]er +gour brother
Richarde is not well wyllyd +t~ to, No+gt w~ stondyng +t=t=
+gour brother Thom~s grawntyth to pay +t~ for as anoder man
wolde and y=er= of to fynde sewrte. The wherfor I pray yow
wrytey a letter to hym, and anod~ to Sauage & to me, as +t=t=
+ge hadde no knowlyche of +t=e= mat~ by me but only aft~ +gour
goode avyse and by +t=e= mocyon of +gour brother Thom~s; and
fforthermore +gyf +ge +tynke h~t were to do & buth well y wyllyd
in +t=s= mat~, +ge may wryte to us in gen~all +t=t= +t=e=
bargayne is halfe made aft~ iiij noblys +gerely & +ge to bere
+t=e= Rep~ac~on for so od~ men p~feruth +t~ for. No more at
+t=s= tyme but I p~y +gow sende+t me +t=s= foreseyd money by
Thom~s +gour brother as secrete as +ge may & Jh~u haue +gow in
h~s kepyng. I wryte at Wodestoke in grete hast +t=e= xxiiij day
of Dece~b~.
   Thomas Maykyn.
[\ADDRESSED\] To William Marchall. 

<Q MAR 1440S JSMYTHE>
<A JOHN SMYTHE>
<P F83>
[} [\SC 1: li, 83. JOHN SMYTHE TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Worschypfull Syr I recomende me to yow, lykyng yow to
vndurstonde that as towchyng to y=e= Rep~acion of youre house
y=t= I dwelle inne, for sothe I haue well and trewly payde your
rente in to y=e= laste terme day of oure lady vn to Sauage.
No+gt w~ stondyng for sothe y~ was neu~ peny by sette on y=e=
place sethe y=e= tyme y=t= ye were at Wodestoke last and y=t= is
to me grete harme and dysese in good trouthe, p~ncipally of y=e=
ende of y=e= Cuch~n towarde Snareston for +ge sye well your
selfe y=t= h~t was feble but now h~t is myche worse. And y~ for
syr I p~y yow ordeyneth a remedye s~what for my [\HOLE IN
MANUSCRIPT\] lyke as I haue quytte me trewly unto yow.
fforthermore as towchyng y=e= Rep~acion and gou~nawnse of y=e=
house whan h~t schall be take down, I p~y +gow, lyke as I haue
be vnto yow goode ten~nt and p~pose to be hereaft~, y=t= I may
haue resonable warnyng so y=t= I be not lette of my worke y~by;
and +gyf I schall be +gour ten~nt aft~ h~t ys newe made I p~y
+gow sendeth me redy worde how and of what p~se I schall be
ten~nt. And syr +ge othur I moste make me a newe chymney for my
crafte +gyf I schall abyde y=er=inne and y=er=for ordeyneth how
h~t schall be rewlyd and I woll take h~t for y=e= t~me of vij
+gere and y=er=for syr +gyf I schall haue h~t I pray +gow
sendeth me redy worde and not to grete a rente, for syr y=e=
worlde w~ us ys harde and scharpe and ellys I moste p~vey me
anod~. Also as towchyng to y=e= mowndes aboute my gardeyne for
sothe ye moste sende worde to Snarestion y=t= be amende y=s= to
syde, and syr I haue spoke to Maykyn and he hath g~wnte me that
h~t p~te schall be made in hast w~h out fayle for he sawe nere
y=e= defaute un to Sonday last was. No more un to yow at y=s=
tyme but almy+gtty Jh~u haue yow in h~s kepyng. I wryte at
Wodestoke in haste y=e= Monday aft~ seynt George day.
   By your ten~nt,
   John Smyth~.
[\ADDRESSED\] To my worschypfull syr Willi~m Marchall.

<Q MAR 1450S? JCOLLAS>
<A JOHN COLLAS>
<P F49>
[} [\SC 1: lviii, 49. JOHN COLLAS TO WILLIAM MARCHALL.\] }]
   Ryth Reu~ant and velbelowyd worschyp ffull modyr and brodyr &
Syst~, wyth all my hart I reco~awnd me to you, desyryng my God
modyr hartlly off your blessyng both day and nyte, desyryng w=t=
all my hart to her of yo~ vell far eu~ more, both day and nyte,
that I be sech Allmyty Jhe~ cep you all in porsperyte and in hel
& in long lyffe to goodes plesu~ amen; lettyng you vyt hat the
makyng of thys lett~ I vas in god hel; the cawse of my vrytyng
to you hat tystyme ys for to let you haue cnowlach that I ham in
s~uyce with my lord of ely. I thanke Good ther of hartly for be
my trowt I let you haue hondyrstandyng that I vas neu~ meryer
nor bett~ hat yef, nor bett~ be lowyd in no plase that yeu~ I
dwelld in, & that ys both w=t= my lord and w=t= all the
gentyllme~ and all the howssold; letyng you vyte I haue in
vagges be yer iij li. and ij Gownys and as for my met and drynke
I neu~ fard bett~ in no plase that eu~ I come in and that ys
daly; lettyng you vyt my lord hath in ys chappell dayly xxvj=ti=
serplers and viij chylldyrne &c; lettyng you vyt as my trobyll
that I vas in, I thanke good and my god mastyrs yt ys hat a god
yend, & ther for I p~y you, jentyll brodyr, Comfort my god modyr
and let not her take no thowgt ther for, sche schall haue neu~ a
cawsse be the g~ce of good; I vot Ryte vell sche hath take gret
thowth that I Repent me full, for not w=t= stondyng I hame not
the furst that a ben be gylyd nor schall not be the last, and
has for hyme y=t= dyd be gylle me, I trow at the long Renyng a
dyd be gyle hymeself and that I schall hondyrstand & yevyr a com
in my dawnger thaw I haue lost a lytyll money I trust to good
for to get as mych Ryt vell; and ther for I p~y you hartlly take
no thowt ther for; I p~y you hartlly be Ryt mery eu~y schon, for
good ys ther as a vas and sondsstt~ myellmasse I truste in good
to se yo=ur= vell far, both I & my vyff allsso; no mor to you at
tystyme, butt, jentyll brodyr and Syst~, chereth vell my god
modyr & to my power I schall; I p~y good hartlly cep you and me
and hus all for ys blesyd marcy, Ame~. Vrytyn at downam in my
lordes plase of ely, the Sonday afft~ Sent baroulmess day,
   Be yo~ brodyr,
   John Collas.
[\ADDRESSED\] To Wyll~m Marchalle dwellyng in Stanlake be thys
lett~ dyllyu~d I p~y you in hast.

<Q MAR 1476 JMARCHALL>
<A JOHN MARCHALL>
<P F50>
[} [\SC 1: lx, 50/37. JOHN MARCHALL TO NICHOLAS MARCHALL.\] }]
   Jh~u.
   Ryght welbelouyd Cosyn I recomawund me unto you & to my Cosyn
yo~ wyffe w~ all my Cosyns yo~ Cheld~yn, w~ all od~ good ffrend~
&c; fforthyrmor ye shall und~stonde y=t= ye shall ressayve in
thys boxe my dede of ffeffement y=e= whiche ye vnd~stond Ryght
well, of y=e= whiche I p~y you to se +t=t= Rob austen may take
state ther by, ffor as I vnd~stond be demynge +t~ woll be
Trobyll ther for in shorte space be Twyxte my mod~ & me, ffor I
haffe profyrde her all her dewte yeven aft~ her owne axing, butt
she hathe answeryde [\she CROSSED OUT\] me shortly howe +t=t=
she woll non Resseyve tyll her hosbonde & I haffe Reconyde to
gedyrr, &e whate she men y=r= in I wote neu~, butt I hold hytt
nott for no good and there for I wolde fayne haffe hytt spede;
and as for myn yem~ ded~, +tey be nott made, for be Cawse of
Thomas my Cosyn hathe bownde hym selffe p~nteyis w=t= outt leue
of his fad~ or any ffrend +t=t= he hathe, and yeffe his mast~
hade bene any man of Theryffe hytt shold a skelyd the lesse,
butt he woll not be Rulyd as I vnd~ stond for no frend +t=t= he
hathe but be his owne Reson, and that ys full febyll, god
knowythe, and +t=t= I am Ryght sory of. And ye may say to my
yeme y=t= as for hys lyffelood lett hym makythe sure for, &
yeffe hytt fortune +t=t= he decese w=t= owt any state makyng,
Thomas & hys mast~ woll make a m~chauntdyce ther w=t= in short
space; and I herd my Cosyn Thomas say +t=t= he woll com home
+t=is= Crystm~s w=t= his mast~ and whan he comethe he woll looke
in his fad~is Chest~ and he woll haue sume of hytt w=t= hym to
london, and +t=r= for Take good hede +t=r= of tyll I com and I
woll be wt you a bowghte Candelm~s wt godd~ grace or soone aft~;
and her I send you +t=e= old ded~ of my yemys for to make +t=e=
Tod~ by, &e as for +te ded~ of Stanlake lett hym make +t=e= wyll
aftyr +t=e= todyr dede off Wodstok; +tey hadde bene made Redy
butt I wyst nott whe+t~ he wold haue hitt so or non, and nowe he
may make hitt yevyn as he woll and +t=t= lett hym doo in short
space &e lett Newor~ wryght hem; and I p~y you Take vpe my
Rennt~ as ny as ye can, ayenst I co~ to you. And ye may haue
ffleshe of Edmond bochor for Rente I pray you Take hytt vpe, for
my money, and yeffe he woll nott pay me my money nor ffleshe, I
shall swe hym &c. M=rs= Parme a=d= I may haffe his name. No mor
to you at +t=is= tyme, butt god haue you in his kepyng; wretyn
at london in lymestret on Wendynsday last passyd. By yo~ Cosyn
   John Marchall.
[\ADDRESSED\] To my Cosyn Nycolas Marchall of Wodestooke in hast
&c. 



<B SHILLING>

[^LETTERS AND PAPERS OF JOHN SHILLINGFORD, MAYOR OF EXETER 1447-
50. EDITED BY MOORE, STUART A. CAMDEN NEW SERIES 2. 1871/1965.^]

<Q SHI 1447 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 3>
[} [\II. SHILLINGFORD TO HIS FELLOWS AT EXETER. DRAFT LETTER.\]
}]
   Worthy sires y grete yow well alle; doyng yow to understonde
that y rode fro Excetre on Fryday and cam to London on Tywysday
by tyme at vii atte cloke; and ther sithenys have full bisily
labored to make an answere to the articulys. The cause of so
longe taryng yn makyng of the answers hath be for right grete
bysynes y=t= Alisaunder Hody hath hadde aboute his awne maters;
netheles by the avys of Alisaunder Hody and Dowrisshe and Roger
Rawly, [\they\] beth made as may be yn so shorte tyme, trustyng
to God that al the substance ys comprehended ther ynne, so that
what tyme
<P 4>
hit is amended, corected and made by avys of counseyll to be
right well; of the whiche answeris so shortely made y sende to
yow ij. copies, oon to be send to the Recorder yn hast yf hit
may be for shortenys of tyme, &c., that other copy to abide w=t=
yow, prayng yow Thomas Cook most specially w=t= the lu tenaunt,
callyng to yow William Noble, Coteler, Druell, and other wham ye
seme is to be don, and that this answer be sadly over seyn; and
yf eny thyng be ther yn to myche or to litell yn substance to
sette the penne to sadly [\ORIGINALLY to sette to the penne
sadly\] . This don y pray yow to calle be fore yow atte halle
[\in my name ERASED\] the substance of the comminalte, praynge
every of tham yn my name and chargyng tham yn +te most streytest
wyse yn the Kynges byhalf to come to fore yow yn haste for the
tydyngs that y have sent home to yow; and that ye wysely declare
to fore tham these answers; so that they sey manly yee and nay
yn suche poyntes as yow thynke to be don, &c. and +t=t= +tey
wyll abide by +t=e= answers yn all wyse, and that labo=r= and
spekyng be before to that entent. This don y pray yow that y
have a gode man sende to me yn hast.

<Q SHI 1447 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 4>
[} [\III. SHILLINGFORD TO HIS FELLOWS. LONDON, OCT. 30TH, 1447.
DRAFT LETTER.\] }] 
   Memo=d= that on Monedey next before the feste of Seynt Luke
the yere of the regne of the kyng that now is xxvj (Henry VI.)
<P 5>
Richard Druell, William Speere and Henry Dobyn w=t= ham rode
oute of Exceter to London-ward for nedes of the cite, that is to
seye to kepe the dey of apparence atte xv. of Seynt Michall as
the cite was bounde to, as hit appereth by a bounde
condycionell, havyng w=t= ham sufficiant power and the comyn
seell and xl s. of John Shillingford, Mayer, and xx s. of John
Germyn, for their coustages; and so departed the seyde Monedey
yerly. And as tochyng the seyde xl s. w=t= xl s. more that the
seyde John Mayer payed to Trevylian, he was payed ayen by the
feloship of the collecte mony to the plee, &c. How the seyde
Richard Druell and William Speere spedde when they came to
London hit appereth yn a sedule by the sayde Richard Druell and
William Speer therof made, remaynyng w=t= the [\seyde\] Rychard
Druell. Forthermore as tochyng the goynge of the seyde John
Shillyngforde, mayer, he was all redy for to ride the seide
Monedey: varians y moved bytwene hym and the seyde Richard
Druell, nerthelez better accorde hadde by mene of Thomas Cook,
Richard Druell w=t= other held his wey, and the seyde mayer
abode at home yn to a tuysday next after Seynt Luke is dey for
settyng of the kynges dyme, comyng of Trevylian, and other grete
maters toching the cite, and yn especiall to have the feloship
togeder, a sadde communicacion to be had or his departyng, the
whiche communicacion myght not be had before Saterdey next after
Seynt Luke is dey for this cause that the grete part of the
feloship was at Calston is fayre, and thoo that war at home, as
Upton, Coteler and Pope, were syke on theire beddes; and for
alle these causes the mayer abode at home so longe, and all that
tyme he kepte his iij. hors yn stabill every dey redy to ride to
hym grete coste. The tuysday he rode and w=t= hym William
Hampton and John Fagot. On Wendysdey at nyght they came to
Sheftesbery and there mette w=t= Richard Druell, whiche made
reporte of his gode spede and grete laboure at London, as hit
appereth yn his sayde remembrance, and that on the beste wyse.
The Saterdey next ther after the mayer
<P 6>
came to Westminster sone apon ix. atte belle, and ther mette
w=t= my lorde Chaunceller atte brode dore a litell fro the
steire fote comyng fro the Sterre chamber, y yn the courte and
by the dore knellyng and salutyng hym yn the moste godely wyse
that y cowde and recommended yn to his gode and gracious
lordship my feloship and all the comminalte, his awne peeple and
bedmen of the Cite of Exceter. He seyde to the mayer ij. tymes
"Well come," and the iij=de=. tyme "Right well come Mayer," and
helde the mayer a grete while faste by the honde, and so went
forth to his barge and w=t= hym grete presse, lordis and other,
&c. and yn especiall the tresorer of the kynges housholde, w=t=
wham he was at right grete pryvy communicacion. And therfor y,
mayer, drowe me apart, and mette w=t= hym at his goyng yn to his
barge, and ther toke my leve of hym, seyyng these wordis, "My
lord, y wolle awayte apon youre gode lordship and youre better
leyser at another tyme." He seyde to me ayen, "Mayer, y pray yow
hertely that ye do so, and that ye speke w=t= the Chief Justyse
and what tyme that ever he will y woll be all redy." And thus
departed, &c. The Soneday abowte viij. atte clokke y came to
Lambeth, and w=t= me Dowrissh and Speere to myte and speke w=t=
my seyd lord. We mette and spake w=t= hym yn the ynner chamber,
he at that tyme beyng right bysy goynge yn to his closet. And
w=t= right gode longage and gode chere yn godely wyse exscused
hym that he myght not speke w=t= ous atte that tyme for grete
bysynes, and comaunded ous to come ayen the morun. Y, mayer,
prayed hym of oo a worde at that tyme and no more, y seyyng that
y was enfourmed that he was dysplesed of my late comyng, and yf
he so were, y bysoghte hym to hire myne excuse grete. He seyde
"Nay;" but that y was come yn right gode tyme and well come, and
at his departyng yn to his closet he seide, "Mayer, wolde God ye
hadde made a gode ende at home." And y seide, "Wolde God my lord
that we so hadde, and God y take to recorde y have done my due
dilygent part therto, and that yn tyme y truste to God ye shall
well knowe; for y have right meny thyng to enfourme yow
<P 7>
of yf y hadde tyme." He seide "Well, mayer," and bade me come
ayen that same dey afternone, and so departed, &c. Y was by the
Styward and meny other of the housholde full fayre y bede to
abide atte mete, ne never hadde better chere of my lorde ne of
the houshold then y hadde atte tyme. Netherlez y exscused me and
wold not abide as for tyme. And so went over the water to Temple
to Bluet, &c. and so went w=t= Bluet, Dowrissh, Speere and y to
the chief justice and comyned of meny thynges w=t= hym. He is
like as y conceve to have the grete rule yn this mater, for my
lorde Chaunceller seide, as hit is aboveseid, that he wolde
attende when the justyse wolde, the whiche y seide to the
justyse. The justyse seyde he wold be aredy at his callyng. And
as y conceve by dyvers wordes that they have comyned of a rule
yn this mater; what ever hit be y can not wyte as yet. God eve
[\FIRST WRITTEN yeve\] grace hit be gode, and so y truste to God
that hit be. That afternone y went ayen to Lambeth to my lord
after his commaundement aboveseid and when y come thider to hym
yn to his ynner chamber, there was myche peeple, lordes and
other, my lord Tresorer, under Tresorer, the pryvy seel, land
dyvers abbottes and pryours, and meny strangers aleyns of other
londys. And then came yn the Duke of Bokyngham, and ther was
grete bysynes at that tyme, hardly alle men were bede to avoyde
that chamber saaf the lordes. Nerthelez y awayted my tyme and
put me yn presse and went right to my lorde Chaunceller and
seide, "My lorde y am come at youre commaundement, but y se
youre grete bysynesse is suche that ye may not attende." He
seide "Noo, by his trauthe and that y myght right well se." Y
seide "Yee, and that y was sory and hadde pyty of his grete
vexacion." He seide "Mayer, y moste to morun ride by tyme to the
Kyng, and come ayen this wyke: ye most awayte apon my comyng,
and then y woll speke w=t= the justise and attende for yow, &c.
Y seide, "My lorde, y woll do after youre commaundement," and
prayed hym of hys gode and gracyous lordship of oo worde more,
yf he were enfourmed
<P 8>
by worde or by wrytyng of eny thyng that y have do or seyde or
governed me yn eny wyse at home sithen the last terme my
departyng fro hym other wyse then to his plesure and after his
commaundement. He seyde right hertly "Nay," but that y hadde
governed me at home yn the most best and godely wyse and therfor
he oowde me grete thanke, and seide hertely that y sholde have
Goddes blessyng and his therfor, &c. And so departed, &c.
   Nota that Druell and Speere is beyng afore dide gode, for
they dide theire part yn the most best wyse.

<Q SHI 1447 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 8>
[} [\IV. SHILLINGFORD TO HIS FELLOWS. LONDON, 2 NOV. 1447.\] }]
[\THE ORIGINAL OF THIS LETTER AND PART OF THE DRAFT ARE EXTANT;
THE WORDS IN BRACKETS ARE FILLED IN FROM THE DRAFT.\]
   (Worthy Sires, as yn the other letter &c. y grete yow w)ell
alle. Yn the whiche letter y wrote to yow that y hadde a dey to
<P 9>
appere before the lordis for (oure mater the Fridey next ther
after; and for as moche as) my lord Chaunceller bade the Justyse
to dyner ayenst that same day for (oure mater, seyyng that he
sholde have a dys) of salt fisshe; y hiryng this, y didde as me
thoght aughte to be done, and by avys (of the Justise and of
oure counseill, and sende) thider that day ij. stately
pikerellis and ij. stately tenchis, for the whiche my (lord
Chaunceller cowde right grete thank)ys and made right moche
therof hardely; for hit came yn gode seson, for my lordis (the
Duke of Bokyngham, the Markis) of Southfolke and other,
Bysshoppis divers dyned with my lord Chaunceller tha(t dey. But)
as touchyng the laboure and spede of oure mater that day, hit
was by my seide lorde ajorned over yn to the (morun) Saterdey
for these causis that a grete disputacion was be fore my lorde
yn his chapell at Lambeth for pre(chyng of) Bysshoppis. And the
seide lordis that same Friday were there at diner. And the
Justise came not there that day; but the same Friday after mete
y was with the Justise by longe tyme and yn gode leisure to
comyne of oure mater. Y fynde hym a gode man and well willed yn
oure right, and like to have the grete rule of the mater, as yn
the other letter. And he bade me move of some gode meene to ende
the mater. Y seide ayen, savyng his commaundement, y cowde no
skyll theryn ne to speke ne move of menys, ne hit was not my
part so to do; for hit wolde seme if y so didde, that y hadde
doute of oure right, where y have right none, but we woll dwelle
and abide thereapoun and go no ferther; but if eny man wolde
move of eny meene, hit was my part to hire and so to reporte,
&c. But furthermore y seide that fro ij. thyngis w=t= oure gode
will we wolde never departe; that the churche and cimitere, as
that they calle synt Stevyn is fe, is parcel of the cite and
ever hath be and shall be; and that we have a vyw and alle that
to belongeth, and they right none, ne never hadde ne shall have
but
<P 10>
ever w=t= ynne the jurisdiccion and under the correccion and
punysshment of the cite, &c. He seide that they claymed a viw
and that they hadde used moche thyng, &c. and he seide hit was
aunsion demene. And y seide nay, and proved hit by Domesday, and
so were on grete argamentes by longe tyme, to longe to write:
all hit was to tempte me w=t= laghynge chere. Y seide they hadde
no more but sympell Court Baron, if they so hadde. He seide that
every man myght have of his awne tenantis and aske no man no
leve, &c. Y seide how sholde they have more; they have no olde
grauntis of kynges, ne clayme none allowance yn Eyere, ne
instrument to do punysshement of that that longethe to a lete.
He seide hit was a fe called of olde tyme. Y seide yee, as suche
fees as beth ther on towne, and reherced hym of vij. and that
alle were parcell of the cite: and among other y rehersed hym of
Seynt Nicholas fe. He seide lete the Bisshoppis fe be as Seynt
Nicholas fe is. Y seide, if hit pleased hym, nay, hit myght not
be so; for Seynt Nicholas fe, y called Haroldis fe, is graunt of
olde kyngis and confirmaciouns, &c. He seide the Bisshop hadde
the same. Y seide nay that I never knyw ne sigh, and if that
they so hadde, lete hit be shewed and but hit be answered hit
sholde ende the mater. Then he moved of divers menys and
abstynance of arestis. Y seide when the last grete debate was of
the suburbis w=t= oute Este yeate, of whiche debate he was cause
of an ende by a recompense, atte ende of whiche mater hit was
desired for to have an abstynance, but none y graunted but under
this fourme, that the Maier that tyme beyng, and every man that
hadde be Maier and like to be Maier, promysed on his feith to
forbere of arestis on the Churche for certyn ouris, alle that
they myght godely, and sithenes hadde they no cause resonable to
complaine; and y seide this was a grete thynge as me thoght. He
seide nay for that that sholde be attis tyme sholde be do by
writynge for a perpetual pees. Then he asked of me of this mene;
if we wolde absteyne us and forbere of arrestis of alle men of
habite servantis familiars knawed without any fraude generally.
Y seide, if hit
<P 11>
pleased hym, nay; for hit was better the last terme before this,
that we sholde forbere of arrestis but yn tyme of doyng of
divine servys of men of habite, servantis familiars and theire
Baillyffs knawed, &c. and of alle other as on Sent Paull is
Chirche at London. He seide hit was soth, and asked ayen if we
wold forbere and absteyne and be recompensed therfor, and we to
have the viw and alle that longeth therto generally, as well on
the fe as, &c. and so to make arrestis w=t= ynne the fe, as y
conceved hym, and to forbere alle other arrestis w=t= ynne his
tenementis of the seide fe and to be recompensed &c. and the
Bisshop to have his courtis of his awne tenantis and to holde
plees of gretter somme thenne [\+ten IN DRAFT\] Court Baron xl
s. and spake of xl. marke. Apon this mene he stiked faste, and
thoghte [\+toughte IN DRAFT\] hit was resonable and ever asked
of me divers tymes what y wolde seye therto, all as y conceve to
tempte me, and to concente to a mene, &c. and then y seide "My
lorde, if hit please you, ye shall have me exscused to answere,"
&c. for thogh me thoght that hit were a mene resonable y dar not
sey yee, thogh y have power, for the mater toucheth a grete
comminalte as well as me, and so that y dar not seye yn to tyme
that y have spoke w=t= my felowship at home: and y seide, "My
lorde, for as moche as y conceve right well that this mater, if
hit ende attis tyme, hit is like to ende by a mene, hit is my
part to hire and to reporte, &c. but be the mene never so
resonable to conclude with yow, thogh y have power ynogh, y
beseche yow of youre gode lordship to have me exscused therof yn
to tyme y have be at home with my felowship, or of tham here
with me vj. or vij. for other wyse woll y never conclude with my
gode will," &c. He seide ayen,"Ye didde theron as right a wise
man," and so departyd, &c. The morun Saterday y came to
Westminster to kepe my day as hit is aboveseid. Y spake with my
lorde Chaunceller. He adjorned hit over yn to Soneday, and
afterward fro Soneday yn to Moneday; for the Justises dyned with
the Maier of London that Sonday. The Moneday y maier,
<P 12>
Bluet, Hody, Dourissh, Germyn and Speere with me come to Lambeth
to my lord, and ther was at that day atte dyner with my lord the
ij. chif justises, and so we appered before them; and for oure
party advers Kys, Hengston, More, Wode and Wolston. My lord hym
self furst moved the mater to the Chif Justises, so that the
Chif Justise seide the mater stondeth thus: that as to the
compleyntis of the Bisshop Deane and Chapitre, hit is answered,
repplyed and rejoyned, and as moche do therynne as may be do;
and as tochynge the compleyntes of the maier and comminalte, the
whiche them semeth grevous, beth not yet answered, and them
semeth, &c. My lord Chauncellor therwith sodenly went right to
the justises bothen, and called to hym Nicholas Ayssheton at
that tyme beynge there, and leide theire iiij. heddis negh to
gedder and comyned to geder right privyly a grete while, and
alle as y conceve and as hit proved afterwardis that the
answeris to oure articulis not to be spoke of. After that my
lorde toke his cheire and the justises sate with hym, and bothe
parties with theire consell kneled before. My lord asked how we
last departed and therapoun stomped a grete while. My lord asked
the bokis. He seide that his were on Kent is warde. He asked of
oure party advers theire bokis: they wolde be knawe of none yn
no wyse. And y mayer, seide yes, with moche more therto, &c. and
how my lordis commaundement was at London, and aggrementis at
home yn the chaptry hous, that oure articulis sholde be answered
or we proceded any ferder, y praynge my lorde that so, &c. My
lord was loth therto and the justises bothe. My lorde seide
furste merily of Vaspasianus. And y seide that that was no mater
of oure compleyntis, but y putte yn to prive [\prove IN DRAFT\]
what the cite was of olde tyme; and then my lord seide some what
strangely and sharpely that oure articulis many were maters of
noyse and desclaunder, and forto answers them hit wolde be cause
of more
<P 13>
grucchynge and yvell wyll. And y seide, "Yf eny suche be, lete
tham be leide apart, and tho that beth substancialle grete and
grevous to us, and somme cause and begynnyng of alle this
debate, lete tham be so answered:" and y reherced iij. yn
especiall, oone of the Dyme, another of the feloun that toke the
bysshoppis fe, and afterwarde of the churche, and the coroners
ylette, &c. and of the toure on the bisshoppis gardyn, &c. The
chif justise seyde as tochynge the articulis of bothe parties,
that there were maters amendis to be made to ayther party, and
that were longe to do, and that hit myght be don as well after
as before, and that he hadde sey somme of oure articulis ij. in
especiall, oone of the Deme, another of the feloun aboveseide;
and seide that us semed that they were grevous to us. Whereapoun
my lord spake of the bokis to us ayen; and y seide that my bokis
were alle redy. And my lord bade to leye ham forth; and so we
didde the articulis. They were but litell y radde ne take kepe
to. Thenne as touchyng the deme, Hengston seide that he wolde
right well that the deme were payed with us, as hit aughte to
be, and hath be of olde tyme; but we didde not so, but sette hit
and called none of the bysshoppis tenantis to us. Y saide nay,
and made a longe rehersall therof fro kyng Edwardis tyme ynto
this dey, how and under what fourme hit was don of olde tyme,
how sithenes, and how now, and how late they sette with ynne
tham self, and kept the mony and yet kepeth, and that sholde be
well y proved. My lorde seide that as touchynge the settynge we
were alle most accordyd theryn. Then seide Hengston lightly as
touchynge settynge and kepyng of the mony of the deme, hit shall
be sone answered; he menyng of Upton is tyme y wote right well,
as y seide to yow at home. Y seyde to Hengston as lightly ayen,
"As sone hit sholde be repplied and truly with the grace of
god." Then my lord asked furste of that other party if they
hadde full auctorite and power and wolde consente to menys: and
they seide anone with
<P 14>
gode wille, yee for theire part. My lorde asked of me, Maier, if
we wolde the same. Y seide as touchyng the power we hadde
sufficiant and y nogh; as touchyng to menys, y bisoghte hym of
his lordship that y myght go apart to comyne with my felowship
and oure conseill there at that tyme; and so y didde, and yeaf
an answere. Hody hadde the wordis of power as above; and as
touchyng the menys with this condicion that oure articulis were
answered, that we wolde aggre to suche menys as they lordis
wolde rule us to. Then hit was no more at that tyme but the
articulis most be answered; and as loth as they were to answere,
and hadde no bokis as hit is abovesayde. Then they aggreed ham
to bryng yn the answere the morun. Y seide they hadde seide
dyvers tymes that they hadde olde charters, evidences, and
munymentis to ende the mater; and y seide if they so hadde to
bryng ham yn, and but they were answered to ende, &c. Hengston
seide moche and strongely because y seide they hadde suche
charters. Y seide yee, and avowed hit well they seide so. He
seide that they hadde olde recordis, &c. and y saide as above.
Hengston honged sore to have a lete and a grete courte, and y
traversed hym ever, and seide to hym moche thynge, and yn
especiall that they never hadde instrument, and reherced what
that belongeth to a lete. Hengston seide but litell therto, but
made wyse as thogh hit were yes; but Wode seide that they hadde
olde wrytinge to have hit, and spake no more at all that tyme.
Hengston seide openly that Radeford and he hadde communicacion
at home of this mater, and were well negh accorded; and my lord
seide, "Wolde god hit hadde be so," and yet "Wolde hit were so,
for oure discharge." Y, Mayer, seide y knywe well and was spoke
to of suche a communicacion; but what the privyte and the menyng
was y myghte not knowe, and yf y hadde hit sholde have be never
the werce but the better; and so we departed, stondyng a
<P 15>
fer fro my lorde, and he asked wyne and sende me his awne cuppe
and to no moo. Y wende right to my lord ayen before them alle,
and spake with my lorde prively a grete whiles of divers maters,
and among other of thys blynde entrety that Hengston spake of, y
seyynge to my lorde verily that this blynde entrety growith of
my lorde of Excetre as y supposed. Wherfor and for as moche as
Hengston seide yn his presence that Radeforde and he were negh
accorded: y bysoghte my lorde, as me thoght his part was, and to
ende the mater the rather to knowe of the communicacion, &c. My
lorde seide y moved hym right well and sholde have goddis
blessyng and his, and seide he wolde do so, &c. and so we toke
oure leve and departed fro my lord and my lordis alle. My lord
at this tyme didde me moche worsship, and openly yn the
communicacion aboveseyde commended me for my gode rule at home,
and yn especiall for the grete favo=r= that y have do to men of
the churche, hongyng this debate; and furthermore he of his awne
mocion yn the communicacion aboveseid spake openly of the letter
that he send home to the bysshop by me, seiyng these wordes,
"Maier, apon the communicacion that y hadde with yow here y send
home a letter by yow to my brother of Excetre, the whiche y
hoped sholde have do moche gode and cause of spede the rather
ende of the mater." Y seide, "My lorde, that is true, and y have
do my due diligent part therto, after youre commaundement by my
trauthe." Y seyde more to Kys these wordis, "Kis, ye seide to me
at home that y didde and seide moche thynge more there then my
lorddis commaundement was, sey ye here be fore my lorde what hit
was; and y truste to God and my lorde is gode lordship that my
lord will avowe me on alle thyng that y didde and seide." My
lorde sate stille a while, and Kys knelyng spake never a word,
and thus passed over. Hengston among the maters abovesayd seyde
moche more than is above writyn as touchyng the towre that stont
on the bysshoppis gardyn, seiyng that that towre stode upon the
bisshoppis grounde, and the bisshop
<P 16>
sum tyme hadde his prison yn that towre, and that we repaired
hit never, as is write on oure articulis: atte last hit was
seide by their party that parcell of the towre stode upon the
bisshoppis grounde as hit appereth openly there; they menyng by
a wall and kernellis stondynge withoute the towre and thiknys of
the towne walle, toward the bisshoppis gardyn and annexed to the
towre and towne wallis, &c.
   The morun tuysday al Halwyn yeven y receyved the answeris to
oure articulis at Westminster of the whiche y sende yow a true
copy, yn the whiche articulis as hit appereth they have spatte
out the uttmyst and worste venym that they cowde seye or thynke
by me; y blessed be God hit is nother felony, ne treson, ne
grete trespas, and thogh hit hadde be, so they wolde have don,
and werce yf they cowde: but as for trawthe of the mater that
tocheth me, meny worthy man stondeth on the same cas and have do
moche werce than ever y didde, thogh that be to me none exscuse.
As touchyng the grete venym that they menyth of my lyvyng, y may
and purpose be at my purge, as y may right well apon my sawle of
alle wymmen alyve excepte oone, and of hire righte a grete
while; therfor y take right noght by and sey sadly (\si recte
vivas\) , &.c. and am right mery and fare right well, ever
thankyng God and myn awne purse. And y liyng on my bedde atte
writyng of this right yerly, myryly syngyng a myry song, and
that ys this, Come no more at oure hous, come, come, come. Y
woll not dye nor for sorowe ne for anger, but be myry and fare
right well, while y have mony; but that ys and like to be scarce
with me, considerynge the bisynesse and coste that y have hadde:
and like to have: and yet y hadde with me xx li. and more by my
trauthe; wherof of trauthe not right moche y spende yet, but
like &c. Constre ye what ye will. Item, Thomas Montagew sholde
sende me xj li. and odde mony as he wote well and can telle
yowe: and y supposed that John Germyn sholde [\ORIGINALLY
wolde\] have broght to me all most x li. all this of myne awne
gode; wherof
<P 17>
cometh to me no peny. Wherfor y sende home to yow attis tyme
William Hampton, berer of this writyng, for this cause most
specially that ye, how that ever ye do, sende me xx li. yn hast,
as ye wolle the spede of youre mater and welfare of the cite, y
not shamed but pleased attis tyme; and that ye faill yn no wyse,
mervaillyng moche, for as moche as y departed fro yow with oute
eny mony of youris, that ye ne hadde sende to me sithenesse some
mony by Germyn, Kyrton, or some other man, &c.
   Forthermore as tochyng the seide answeris, y pray yow that
they be well redely avysely and distinctely over radde and the
substance of them right well understonde, and most speciall the
furste articule, the whiche ys most and right harde to answere,
and that oure Recorder have knoweliche of all thyng that y have
write home yf he be here as y suppose attis tyme, and but yf he
be, to sende home to hym in hast; so that y have youre conceyt
witte and entente to repplye to the seide answeris, and to the
furste most specyally, whiche is derke to my conceyte as yet;
but y truste to God hit shall be right well with youre gode
enformacion and helpe therto: to whiche entent y sende yow a
rolle yn the whiche is conteyned copies of Domus Dey, copy of
Eyris, of charters and other thynges that is necessary to be
seye yn makyng of thes repplicacions. Y can no more attis tyme,
but y pray you to be not wery to over rede hire and se all the
writyng that y have sende home to yow attis tyme; and yf ye be,
no mervaill thogh y be wery, &c. and God be w=t= yow. y-writen
at London yn alle Sawlyn day afore day yn hast. Item, y pray you
to sende me the blak rolle whiche shall be delyvered to yow by
Thomas Montegow, by William Hampton berer of this writyng, the
which is a man true ynogh as y truste and suppose and hath
borwys for his office, lete them be pryvy to, yf yow, that hit
is to be do.

<Q SHI 1447 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 18>
[} [\V. SHILLINGFORD TO HIS FELLOWS. LONDON, SAT. 11 NOV. 1447.
DRAFT LETTER.\] }]
   I grete you well alle, doyng yow to understonde that y am at
London as y have write to yow afore this tyme, &c. and as
touchyng the laboure and spede of oure comyn mater sithen y
wrote last to yow, y was at Lambeth with my lorde on Sonday next
after alle Halwyn day and spake with hym at gode leisure and yn
gode tyme and well disposed. Among other thynges y asked [{...{]
at dey and how we sholde be demened to brynge yn oure
repplicacions, he seyde "Come the morun Monedey [{...{] the love
of god," Y seyde the tyme was to shorte, and prayed hym of
Wendysdey; y enfourmed hym [{of t{]he grete malice venym that
they have spatte to me yn theire answeris as hit appereth yn a
copy that y sende to yow of. My lorde seide, "Alagge alagge, why
wolde they do so? y woll seye right sharpely to ham therfor and
y nogh," and commaunded me to bryng the answeris to hym the
morun at Westminster, and that he wolde amende hit w=t= his awne
hondis, &c. and so y departed, and mette w=t= hym that morun yn
the escheco=r= chamber, and as sone as ever he saw me a ferre,
he called me to hym and asked the seide answere, and he rased
hit as hit plesed hym w=t= his owne handys, oure party advers
w=t= theire counsell beyng present and yvell plesed and payde
therwith, and my lorde was to tham right sadde ne wolde hire ham
speke no worde, but spake to the chif Justyse Fortescu and
prayed hym to be w=t= hym that morun atte mete to comyne of oure
mater, and yeaf no dey to that other
<P 19>
party ne to me to be there and so departed. The morun tuysdey y
came to my lorde at Westminster ayen and asked yf he wolde
commaunde me eny thyng to do that dey, he seide yee, to be w=t=
hym that after mete to comyne as hit is aboveseide. Y seide, "My
lorde oure repplicacions beth not yet alle redy ne mygh not be
for shortenesse of tyme thogh y sholde dye therfor, and yet y
hadde waked nyghte and dey." He seide hit was right yvell y do
yf hit myght otherwise have be, and commaunded me not fealle but
kepe my dey, that after mete: and so y didde and with me
Dourissh and Speare, and for that other party Kys, Hengston,
More, Wode, and Orcharde, a greet barre. Furste my lorde asked
how we departed laste. Hit was seyde apoune the answerys of the
Bysshop, Deane, and Chapitre, put yn and we to replye. Y seyde,
"My lorde, oure repplicacions beth not yet fully redy bot anon
to oon and that oon almost as hit appereth here aredy to shewe."
My lorde and the Justyse seyde no force to shewe and ryght meny
resons why. Y seyde yes, and made resons sympelly as y cowde; so
hit was graunted that y sholde bryng ham yn, &c. My lorde seyde
that he wolde sende for the bokys that y have write to yow of yn
Kent ys warde: then he bade that other party goo a part and
comyned w=t= my seyde felowship and me nigh by an oure, and he
was right mery and comyned meny dyvers maters bothe of disporte
and sadnesse: furste of dysporte of Bysshop Stafford ys tyme
when my lord was there, and among other y spake to my lorde yn
dysporte of the arest of S=r= Thomas Gogh and of Hugh Luccays
atte Denys place, and what favo=r= y had do and had no thanke
and of other thyngys as come yn to my mynde. He cowde telle us
how Germyn toke the churche +te day of eleccion, &c. Y seide
[{...{] therof a disporte, and that Germyn putte his fynger yn
his ye and wepte, also y t [{...{]e most sadly wyse. Atte last
fyll to mater of sadnesse, and they spake of Goddys hous Seynt
Peter ys churche of Excetre, and my lorde spake of his house,
his halle, and the Justyse the same, how
<P 20>
loth they wolde be to make arestys theryn, and seyde that seynt
Peter ys churche was Goddis hous and his halle, &c. and made
meny resons to bryng yn abstynce of arestys. They were answered
as God wolde geve us grace. Douryssh didde well his part;
nerthelez all the longage bot hit were the lesse was by twene my
lorde Chaunceller the Justyse and me. My lorde Chaunceller wolde
that y sholde myve of menys. Y seyde, savyng his commaundement,
that y cowde not theryn; hit was not my part: and then he hym
self and the Justyse moved of menys dyvers, and atte the laste
my lorde moved of this mene to forbere arestys of alle men of
habyte and theyre servantys, famylyars, and bailliffs, withynne
the churche and cimetere at alle tymes, &c. Douryssh acquytted
hym well, and leyde meny myschyffys, &c. Y seyde therto also as
y cowde sympelly, and then y reherced to hym of the last accorde
of the suberbys withoute Esteyeate and what abstynance was of
courtesy y graunted at that tyme, &c. y conceyved that my lorde
wolde move of no nyre mene and then y seyde to hym thus: "My
lorde, y beseke you of youre gode lordship to have me exscu
[{...{] to move or aggre to eny mene [{...{] y have speke with
my felowship at home or they here with me." Tham thoghte y seyde
reso [{...{] hadde right moche longage of the Bysshoppis fe, and
specyally of the vyw and of the Bysshoppis Court what court he
hadde and sholde have: here of was right moche longage and reson
prove and contra. Y hilde myn awne. Y hadde maters y nogh, &c.
My seyde lordys bothe seyde that thay hadde olde recordys and
evydences to prove their content. My lord hym self spake derkely
of right olde charters the whiche y as ever have supposed right
well; so y said, "My lorde, y have hurde of suche thyngis, bot y
sawe hit never, praying yow yf eny suche thyng be, that they may
be shewed and seyn, and bot yf hit maybe answered ellys so to
make an ende," &c. My lorde conjoured me to make an ende of this
mater and yf y so didde y sholde be cronycled. Y seyde, "My
lorde, y have don my
<P 21>
part as y truste to God ye shall knawe and wolle reporte as fer
as y can may and thar do after youre commaundement." Y conjoured
my lorde ayen and seyde these wordys, "My lorde, ye beth lorde
under hevyn, excepte the kyng, that the Cite of Excetre have
most feyth hope and truste theryn, and have fulle power to make
an ende, bysekyng you and as y dar requyre yow, se the ryght and
lete hit never passe yo=r= hondes bot so to make an ende," and
made us go a part and called that other party. They were with
hym bote ryght a litell while and called us yn ayen, and bade
that other go apart, and seyde to us that they hadde comyned
wyth that other party, and they seyn moche that they woll abyde
apoun theire right, and shewe theire forseyde evydence to prove
hit. Y seyde, "My lorde," as y have aboveseyde, &c. My lorde
seyde, "Mayer, ye seye right well, and so we woll do and
precede," and so we all departed (\sine die\) , &c. Bot sythenys
y have be w=t= my lorde dyvers tymes and now have a day, and
that other party to be before my seide lordis the morun Sonedey
apon the makyng of this letter; they to shewe ther evydences as
y suppose. What they meneth that they woll abyde apon theire
right and shew theire evydence constre ye. Gode and gentell
longage and shere y have of that other party, and that they will
abyde the rule of the lordys, &c. and that the lordys purpose to
make an ende, &c. bote y fere therof bot the courte be so hard
against us, therfor to speke wyth the nywe shyrf y sette hit
grete wysedome so hit be by soche a mene as be knowe noght fro
us for drede. Certe hit be seyde that that ys the cause of the
breche, &c. for they have labored strongly and sayeth nay, &c.

<Q SHI 1447 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 22>
[} [\VI. SHILLINGFORD TO HIS FELLOWS. LONDON ?NOV. OR DEC. 1447.
DRAFT LETTER.\] }]
Worthy siris y grete yow well alle; doyng you to understonde as
touchyng the laboure and spede of oure mater that Dourissh and
Speere hadde be w=t= my lord on Soneday next before my comyng
and hadde ther right gode chere of my lord and other and right
[{...{] so spedde there yn the beste wyse at +t=t= tyme as the
mater stondeth, and yn especyall as tochyng the commaundement
the whiche y reported at home, nywe bondis to be made and
enseled at home to entrete yn to Candel masse and lenger yf +te
parties myght so accorde to breve the mater to the lordis
hondis; and that we myght not accorde therof to be remytted to
the lordes and they so to make an ende; of the whiche
commaundement my lorde remembred hym right well therof as well
as the Chif Justise, and my lord avowed me well therof and was
right well pleased of all my laboure at home y-reported to hym
by Thomas Dourissh and Speere yn the beste wyse, my lorde seyng
of me that y was never worthy to be called, that y was a godeman
wyse and well do my part, after his commaundement attis tyme and
shold have goddes blessyng and his, and whan that ever y come to
be well come to hym, as the seide Dourissh and Speere reported
to me; and also they spake to hym of a sute like to be take by
+te B. D. and C. &c. My lord answered bot litell therto at that
tyme, bot bade ham to awayte apoun hym that morun at Westminster
and so departed. Ayenst whiche tyme the seide Dourissh and
Speere right wysely ordeyned counsell Yong
<P 23>
and Beef, and so came yn before my lord Chaunceller the morun
Moneday, and nywe moved hym w=t= moche longage as tochyng the
sute aboveseide. My lorde seyde he myght not werne tham +te
comyn lawe, bot he seide right feith fully and sadly he wolde
consell ham the contrary and commaunded to awayte apon hym and
+te Chif Justise beyng togeder. A rule to be sette, &c. And so
departed and stont yet.
   Furthermore y do you to understonde y come to London on
tuysdey, so +tt y wolde have be w=t= my lord +tt same dey tymely
y nogh afore mete; bot I taried and yet tary because of +te buk
horn +tt was boght or y went and forth before at Stoklond or y
departed fro home as Germyn, that never legh, tolde to me verily
w=t= grete othis; the whiche came not yet, me to right grete
anger and discomfort by my trauthe, and the cause +t=t= hit was
boght for myche like to be lost; for hit hadde be a gode mene
and order after spekyng and communication aboveseid, the buk
horn to have be presented, and y to have come there after, &c.
and so to have sped moche the better: but now hit is like to
faille to hyndryng. And so y have helpe ynogh abakward and but a
litell forthward as hit at alle tyme proveth and appereth. Y
pray you specially to thanke moche t[{...{] gentill Germyn
(\Quasi duceret euge euge\) (^Germyn^) of his governaunce attis
tyme, (\id male gaude\) Germyn. Nothelez [\I know\] right well
he woll ascuse hym right well by thike fals harlot his carioure,
and the carioure yn like wyse by the seide Germyn, and so I may
say (\ait latro ad latronem\) and (\inter scabella duo anus
labitur humo\) . Cristes curse have they bothe, and seye ye amen
(\non sine merito\) , and bot ye dar sey so, thynke so, thynke
so. Also y charge Germyn under rule and commaundement of J.
Coteler my lutenant, +t=t= he do that he can do, braule, bragge
and brace, lye and swere well to, and yn especiall +t=t= +te
stretes be right clene and specialle the litell lane yn the bak
side be nethe the flessh folde yeate, for ther lieth many oxen
hedes and bonys that they be removed away for the nonys ayenst
my comyng as sone as y may by cokkis bonys.

<Q SHI 1447 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 24>
[} [\VII. SHILLINGFORD TO ONE OF THE BISHOP'S COUNSEL. 14 DEC.
1447. DRAFT LETTER.\] }]
   Right worshipfull sir, y recommaunde me to yow. Like yow to
be remembred of the speche and communicacion +tt was late
betwene yow and me at Westminster before my lorde Chif Justise
and also what he seide and how that y conjured yow and ye
conjured me ayen, and alle to the best entent to alle parties as
y hope to God, trustyng that ye buth and woll be the same man as
there, or better yf ye better may, and y the same after my
sympell power by my trauthe: apon the whiche communicacion as y
seide to yow that y wolde, and as ye seide my part was to spake
with my lord Chaunceller, &c. and afterward Maister Rogger Kys
and y were before my two seid lordis to knowe of a rule and a
departyng home, &c. Whas rule and commaundement as y conceved
was this, to make and ensele nywe bondis yn to Candelmasse next
comyng, and lenger yf the parties wolde at oure comyng home; and
yn the mene tyme to entrete at home to shorte the mater to their
hondes; and that we myght not accorde therof, they to make an
ende, the whiche hath ever be my will and laboure y take God to
wytnesse, and yet shall be. Wherapon y consideryng the rule and
commaundement of the lordes and the entent of +te communicacion
betwene yow and me abovesaide, y sende to yow at this tyme
praying yow to considre the same, with more that hit is bot a
short and a bysy tyme consyderyng the grete parties and maters,
with the circumstance and grete and longe communicacion that is
like to be. Wherfor y pray yow to prefixe place day and tyme as
ye woll resonabilly, and that as sone as ye may godely, the
rather the levere, and ye shall be all redy and wyth alle
<P 25>
thoo that longeth to be there, for oure party un failled; so
that noo cause of tarying shallbe founde yn oure party with the
grace of God: praying yow the same, &c. for ye may fully conceve
+tt my felows and y wold fayne have a gode ende and pees, prayng
you to applie yo=r= god will and favo=r= to the same. And how
hit may please you to do in +t=s=, y pray you to s[{ende{] hit
me yn writyng and alle shall be well w=t= +t=e= grace of God,
whiche have yow yn kepyng. Amen. Writen at Exeter the thursday
(next) after Sent Lucie.

<Q SHI 1447 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 25>
[} [\VIII. SHILLINGFORD TO DOWRISH. EXETER, WEDNESDAY, EVE OF
ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE, DEC. 20, 1447.\] }]
   Right Worshipfull ser, y recommaunde me un to yow; doyng yow
to understonde that as touchyng the grete maters yn debate by
twene my lord the Bysshop of Excetre the Deane and the Chapiter
ther, and the Maier and Comminalte of the seide Cite, the whiche
maters at London this last term passed, by comaundement of the
lordis ys put yn rule as hit appereth by a letter the whiche y
have sende to William Hengston, wherof y sende to yow a copy; as
well as of dyvers other bullis of supplicacions by the seide
Maier and
<P 26>
Comminalte y putte yn be fore the seide lordis. The whiche
copies all y pray yow avysely to over rede and well understonde
after the commaundement and rule aboveseide. And after the gode
will, prayer, fourme, effecte, desire, and entent of the seide
Maier and Comminalte comprehended yn the seide letter and
bullis, to applie your gode will and to do your tendre and
diligent labour to helpe to make a gode ende, and that all my
feloship and y pray yow right hertly. And yn especyall that ye
be oon of thoo pryncipall endifferently to entrete ther ynne
that most gode may do ther yn, and with yow Radeforde and
Hengston, and so that William Beef be oon with yow by your
speciall meene to be brogh yn, for pleasur and the better to
ende the mater hardly with the grace of God. Ye may constre
moche thyng &c. bot this aboveseide thus don, y dowte noght, bot
truste to God verily to have a gode ende and pees with the grace
of God, whiche have yow ynh is kepyng. Amen. Writen at Excetre
on Wendisdey yn the vigill of Seynt Thomas the Apostell.

<Q SHI 1447 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 26>
[} [\IX. SHILLINGFORD TO THE BISHOP. EXETER, 24 DEC. 1447. DRAFT
LETTER.\] }]
   Right Worshipfull and Reverend Fader yn God and gode lorde, y
recommaunde me un to your right gode and gracyous lordship.
Please hit your gode and gracious lordship to have yn knowliche
<P 27>
as tochyng the grete maters yn variance betwene yo=r= right gode
and gracious lordship the Deane and Chapiter of yo=r= Cathedrall
Churche of the Cite of Exceter and the Maier and the Comminalte
of the seide Cite, the which maters by yo=r= menys so labored un
to the highnesse of our soverayn lorde the Kyng was broght yn
and so by longe tyme hath honged and yet hongeth yn compremys be
fore the lordis. The whiche by the seide lordis this last terme
as y conceyved thus ruled, and commaunded nywe bondis to be made
and enseled to entrete yn to Candelmasse and lenger yf the
parties myght so aggre and accorde at their comyng home; and yn
the mene tyme to entrete at home to shorte the mater to their
hondis, and that we myght not accorde therof they to make an
ende; and that by longe tyme hath be my lorde Chauncelleris
commaundement as y knawe right well, and as hit proveth and
appereth by a letter by hym late to yow sende, the whiche letter
he this terme avowed well for myn excuse your conseill beyng
present, and as y seid yn yo=r= presence yn the Chapetry hous of
yo=r= Cathedrall Churche of Excetre. The whiche rule and
commaundement the seid Maier and Comminalte fully aggreed ham
for their part and were all redy to fulfille hit at London and
so buth yet her at home, and shall be yn all wyse, or eny other
resonable entrety that may be moved or stured or by yow
commaunded, so hit be knowed to the pleasure of my seid lords
aboveseid, praying yow and yo=r= parties and yow most specially
of your gode and gracious lordship to yeve your gode will and
applie yo=r= favo=r= to conforme to the same; considryng verily
that we wold right fayne have a gode ende with yow as lawe,
right, reson, and gode consience requiren, with all favo=r=
desired resonable that by our part may be shewed or don, and to
that is called your fe, most specially bysekyng yo=r= gode and
gracious lordship to be amytted therto, for hit was never our
will to putte that yn debate ne to despute the right therof, but
as we have be forced therto by yo=r= Articulis of Complayntes
and other actes of the same, or elles to lese our rig[\ht\] ,
&c. Also hit was never known ne seide bot that the seide fe was
a thyng by him self, and the seide Churche and Cimitere
<P 28>
another thyng by him self, as ye have supposed and claymed and
allegged by two the furst divers articulis therof made yn your
furst articulis of compleynts, withoute that yo=r= Cathedrall
Churche and Cimitere be parcell of the seid fe or annexed
therto, as hit is and shall be well proved by evident writyng,
witnesse, and other wyse. But now late this last terme ye have
supposed and leyde the seid fee Churche and Cimitere to be
conjoyntly contrary to yo=r= furst clayme, as hit openly
appereth yn your furst articulis of yo=r= provys to have a
colo=r= to the seide Churche and Cimitere by the seide fe, &c.,
as hit is right well conceyved, and therto ye have aleyed for
yo=r= prove the boke of domysdey, the whiche is no prove, and
that we have and shall comytte yn to the grete wysedomys of the
lords abovseid. But we truste to God, savyng yo=r= gode
lordshippe, the same boke shall prove our entent as hit is
proved and pleynly appereth yn our furst answer to the seide
same articule of y=r= provys. The whiche with meny other thyngs
shall be redy to be shewed before yo=r= gode lordships yf hit
please you. But what conclusion that ever ther folwe we trustyng
to God to have yo=r= gode lordship, we woll be demened
resonabilly with all favo=r= to the pleasur of your gode
lordship as hit is aboveseid, and of the seid fe most specially,
ever besekyng you and as we dar requyr you that ye woll applie
yo=r= blessed favo=r= and benyvolence to the gode ende and
appeasynge of this mater, after the will, desir, forme, effecte
and entente of dyvers bullis of supplicacons by us y put and to
be put yn be fore the lordes of this mater, of the whiche bullis
I sende to you copies by the berers of this my pore writyng,
whiche copies please hit yo=r= gode and gracious lordship at
yo=r= leysure to over se and fully conceyve, the rather to have
a gode ende as we truste to God: and like you to knowe that y
have write to Copleston and Hengeston and y spoke with Radeford
of this maters for myn exscuse to be reported above be fore the
lords, so that no cause of taryng shall be founde yn our party,
but ever all redye, &c. Bysekyng you of yo=r= right gode and
gracious lordship, as y have my lord Chaunceller, to have me
exscused of myn non comyng to you
<P 29>
as my dute hath be and is. Considryng verily if y myght knowe
[{...{] lordships pleasur and commaundement therto, the whiche y
wolde full fayne knowe and come grete joye and comfort to alle
your puple and gostly children of the Cite of Exceter and me
most specially; and how hit may please your gode lordeship to do
and commaunde us yn the rule and commaundement of the lords
aboveseide to have yn knowliche by the berers of this my symple
writyng at yo=r= pleasur. Please yo=r= gode and gracious
lordship to have yn rembrance that I and all the Comminalte of
the seide Cite ben your gostly children and yo=r= men at yo=r=
commaundement and ever shall be by Godd's mercy, whiche preserve
yo=r= gode and gracious lordship and yo=r= blessed faderhed yn
his high mercy. Writen at Exceter the xxiiii day of Decembre.
   By yo=r= awne servant and bedman,
   J. Shillyngford.

<Q SHI 1447 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 29>
[} [\X. INSTRUCTIONS FROM SHILLINGFORD TO HIS DEPUTY. 24 DEC.,
1447.\] }]
   After the recommendacion had yn the most godely wyse, ye
shall seye to my lord that the Maier yeveth yow yn commaundement
to seye, that my lorde Chaunceller greteth hym well and sendeth
hym the letter, bysekyng hym of his gode lordship avisely to
overse hit: wherapon as ye suppose after the entent of the
letter that ye most speke myche more with him, also bysekyng him
of his gode lordship
<P 30>
atte reverence of my lorde Chaunceller to yeve leyser and
attendence therto; seyyng also that hit is the Maier is part to
have come hym self with the letter and exscuse, &c., and then
how dangerous hit was to make eny worthy man to come to hym att
tyme for strange chere at Clist, &c., and that the Maier
exscused hym ayenst my seide lorde Chaunceller to brynge the
letter, &c., and promytted to sende of the most worthiest as he
hath, &c.
   Item, that ye commende my lorde Chaunceller yn the most beste
and trusty wyse, and that hit is his commaundement and other
lordes, and longe tyme hath be, that we sholde entrete at home,
the whiche hath be the Maier is grete laboure the grete part of
all this yere, and myghte noght be excepted therto, and so he
hath reported before the lordes as well as the furst coming to
hym to Clist to seke his gode lordeship and pees for his
exscuse: and yet the Mayer and the Cite now aswell as before
this tyme by commaundement of the lordis and by their awne gode
wyll prayeth and desireth that the matter myght be disclosed
before his gode lordship, the Maier, the Recorder with other of
the Cite at his pleser beyng present, trustyng to God verely al
for the best, and myche the rather and the better to have a gode
ende as lawe, reson, and right gode conscience requyren, he to
fele alle the maters, and so as ye suppose to be his awne juge,
and ende myche of the maters by his awne conscience, we knawing
his blessednysse and gode conscience, &c. Forthermore, ye shall
seye as for the Maier wher my seyde lorde hath seide, and sende
hym word that he is not the man that he wend that he had be, the
which worde is to hym right hevy, and seith that he shall fynde
hym the same oo man and same true man as he hath be, and so he
trusteth to God he is take and knawe among the lordes above; but
thogh he and other labor for the right of the Cite w=t= true
menys as he hath do and none otherwise as hit shalbe well
proved, hit is no cause, &c., they beth sworn therto as he is to
the right of his benefice. Make ye myche of this matter and of
the deme suying, and of the short chere at Cliste, and the gode
chere that the Maier had yn his Closet, bryngyng Coteler
<P 31>
to his gode grace, y yet praying the same yf y may be herde, and
that ye desyre his gode leysur now, and but yf ye mowe now to
come to hym ayen.

<Q SHI 1447 HWEBBER>
<A H. WEBBER>
<P 33>
[} [\XII. H. WEBBER, PRIEST, ON BEHALF OF THE BISHOP, TO THE
RECORDER (?). CHUDLEGH, 28 DEC. 1447.\] }]
   My right reverend trusty and singular maister, after dewe and
entierly recommendacion with all worship and reverence, my lord
the Bysshop of Excetre, of whas commaundement y write un to you
at this tyme, thanketh your kyndenesse of your gode and well
conceyved letter that ye sende unto hym on Sonday last passed,
the whiche day sone apon that he receyved your letter he
receyved a long and right a diffuse letter y send to hym by the
Mayer of Excetre remyttyng my seide lord in the same yn to a
long rolle of supplicacions by hym made ther a fore, yn the
whiche letters ye as yn youre by the enformacion of the seyde
Mayer, and the seide Mayer as yn his letters conceyved, atte
laste terme that hit was appoynted by my lord of Canterbury and
the two Chyf Justises, that the maters be twene my seide lord
and the Deane and the Chapitre of his Churche of Excetre and the
seyde Maier and the Comminalte of the said Cite hongyng sholde
be entreted here at home yn this vacacon, with other larger
words of the same in the Mayer's letters comprehended. Trewly,
S=r=, what the departyng and how at the laste terme was a fore
my seid lord the Chaunceller and the seide Justises my seide
lorde was a fore and is fully enfourmed therof. Notheles for as
moche as ye fynde the seide Maier and his feloship of the Cite
disiderable and aggreyng a communicacion to be hadde after the
effecte that ye commyned with my seid lord sum
<P 34>
tyme at Excetre, and yn maner so the seide Maier writeth hym
self to my seid lord, with maters of pretens contrarye articulis
and other allegauncies and remissions yn to meny diffuse
supplicacions, seyng furdermore that he hath writen to John
Copleston and William Hendiston for the same communicacion to be
hadde for the gode ende and peasyng of the seide maters, of the
whiche my seide lorde seith that hit pleaseth hym that a
communicacion myght be hadde yn haste, and he woll do the seide
John Copleston and William Hendeston to be at Excetre with other
as well of the Chapitre is counseill as of his awne atte next
session of peas. So that the seide communicacion be no longe
delaye to hyndryng of his Churche and of his right, for trewly
he woll noo long delayes theron, bot to do his avail whan he
shall se his tyme. And yf hit so be that ther shall be y-offered
suche weyes that may be to the gode ende and peasying of the
seide maters withoute hertyng and delayng of the right of his
Churche, he woll applie hym self therto with gode will: and
where ye wrote yn to my seide lorde that he moved to yow that
William Hendeston and ye a certyn day limited by yow and by my
seid lord for to commune for the gode ende to be hadde yn the
seide maters, and he kepte not his day, my seid lord seith that
ye knowe well by certefyyng of right worthy men that he myght
not be there at that day for certyn causes that they certefied
yow therof resonable. Notheles sone apon he came to yow and ye
and he communed to geder, the whiche communicacion was be case
and litell fruite theron. And he seith that sith he came home
from Courte he communed with yow of dyvers maters, bot ye moved
noo thyng of the seide maters. And therfor my seide lord
supposed ye wolde noo more therof. Notheles my seide lord, seyng
your gode will, whiche ben of counseill with his Churche, wyth
hym, and with the Maier of later date, thanketh yow hertely of
your gode letter and also the Maier for his godeley letters, and
with the grace of God John a Copleston and William Hendeston and
other, as hit is aboveseid [^IN THE EDITION TWO DOTS ABOVE THE O
IN aboveseid^] , shall be a redy to commune with yow under the
<P 35>
fourme as hit is aboveseid to the effectuall gode ende with oute
grete delay, for trewly y ther sey yow secretely, on grete
truste that y have founde yn your person ever, my seid lord woll
not be long delayed yn noowise, as y veryly conceyve by hym, and
therfor y wolde for the reverence of God and ease of the pore
puple and for your grete worship that ye myght be cause of the
gode ende and peasyng of the seide maters. And yf y myght se
that hit myght take effectuall and a spedefull ende, y sey yow
feithfully y shall do my part truly therto with the grace of
God, the which have yow ever yn his gracyous kepyng, and my seid
lord praied yow that ye wolle notise his wyll aboveseid to the
seid Maier and to such other as your worthy and appreved
discrecion semyth best for be don. Y-write at Chuddelegh the
xxviii day of December.
   By your owne Prest,
   H. Webber,
   dwellyng with the Bysshop of Excetr.

<Q SHI 1448 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 35>
[} [\XIII. SHILLINGFORD TO HIS FELLOWS. LONDON, 2 FEB. 1447-8.
DRAFT LETTER.\] }]
   Right worthy siris, y grete yow well; doyng yow to
understonde that on Candlemasse yeve y receyved a letter y send
to me by Harry Dobyn, whiche letter yn my sympell conceyt y yn
alle thynges have well understonde, and y am and was before that
letter fully remembred of all thynges that is comprehended
theryn, as specially of Stokewode, as well as more of the
entrety some tyme moved by Sir William Bonevill, and of the
communycacion ther
<P 36>
upon hadde at London, and specially yn the Cloyster at Paulys,
the right grete of the parties, with theire conseille, and moche
other puple beyng present; what was comyned, moved, stured,
desired, and by whom; how hit was procured and shortly throwen
of; how hit was conceyved, reported, and take there and ellis
where, and what yvell wyll, waywardnys, and unkyndnesse was
assigned, and what was promysed and what was do therfore, ye
knowe right well, and Richard Druell specially: some wherof ye
and y commyned therof the last hole day of my beyng at home at
Exceter yn my parler; constre ye alle thynges what y mene. What
is to do furthermore y can not yet be redely avysed by conseill,
bot y most doe as y se the mater woll be ruled, and as y can,
may, and dar do, eschewyng variance, breche, throwyng of, and
yndyngnacion specially, and so y shall by the grace of God,
whiche have yow yn his kepyng. Amen.

<Q SHI 1448 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 36>
[} [\XIV. SHILLINGFORD TO HIS FELLOWS. 3 FEB. 1447-8. ORIGINAL
AND DRAFT. THE WORDS IN BRACKETS ARE FILLED IN FROM THE DRAFT.\]
}]
   (Worthy siris, y grete) yow well alle, doyng yow to
understonde that the bukhorn came to me bot on Candelmasse yeven
(afternone somewh)at better late than never, whiche bukhorn was
presented to my lord on Candelmasse day by the (morun. How hit)
was presented y-take, and what thankys and better thankis y nogh
therfor Harry Dobyn can telle (yow of some)what by mowthe. That
day was y
<P 37>
at Lambeth with my lorde at masse, and offered my candelle (to
my lord is) blessed hond, y knelyng adoun offeryng my candell.
My lord with laghyng chere upon me seide hertely, "Graunt mercy,
Mayer," &c. That same day y abode there to mete by my seide
lordis commaundement; (y mette) with my lorde atte high table
ende comyng to meteward, and as sone as ever he saw me he (toke
me) fast by the honde and thankis ynogh to: y seide to my seid
lorde hit was to symple a thyng considryng his astate to seye
onys graunt mercy, bot yf y hadde be at home at this faire he
sholde have had better stuf and other thynges, &c. Y went forth
with hym to the myddis of the halle, he stondyng yn his astate
ayenst the fire a grete whiles, and ij bisshoppis, the ij Chif
Justises, and other lordis, knyghtes, and squyers, and other
comyn puple grete multitude, the halle fulle, alle stondyng a
far apart fro hym, y knelyng by hym, and after recommendacion y
moved hym of oure mater shortly as tyme asked, and yn especiall
of the ij Chif Justises beyng there, bysekyng hym or their
departyng to calle ham to hym for oure mater; he seid hertly
with right godewill, and prayed God that ther myght be right a
gode ende; and y thanked hym and seide with his gode lordship we
were almost thurgh and at an ende, y seyyng also by these menys
"My lord, y have herd yow seye that ye and the ij Chif Justises
of a rule of the Churche and Cimitere were negh accorded." He
seide hertely, "Yee for gode." Y seide, "My lord, as touchyng
the fee Radford and Coplestone beth nigh accorded at home,
whiche two accordis y knowe we buth alle most thurgh:" the
whiche seyyng alle he toke on the best wyse and was well pleased
therwith, and so departed fro hym at that tyme. Mete y doun, my
lord toke his chamber, the astatis and other with hym. Y put me
yn presse and to my lorde and spake with hym right a grete
while, so that he called the Justises to hym and moved of oure
mater. Y wolde have seide, &c. the Chif Justise toke upon hym to
seye, &c. and seide moche thyng for oure part, and quytte hym a
gode man to us.
<P 38>
Furst he reherced how we were broght yn be fore tham by the
Kynges commaundement, how we wolde have be dysmyssed and
discharged fro tham, and be atte comyn lawe and myght not, and
how hit hath be labored ayenst us duryng the tyme of this
entrety, so that ther is a Shirf y made and the contrey embraced
ayenst (oure) entent and thus we stode at myschif, &c. The other
Chif Justise seide well therto also, and my lord toke hit
(welle) seyyng, "Hit may not be so; assigne ye a tyme the
parties to be called, a rule to be sette, so that hit shold be
amendyd:" and so departed as for more communicacion of oure
mater. Afterward y spake with the ij=de= Chif Justise there a
grete while, to whom oure mater myche was rawe. He understode
and toke my seyyng and ynformacion (yn the moste) beste wise,
and so seid therto for oure part. (After this we toke our leve,
and y yn my leve takyng seyyng (these) wordis, "My lord, have
mercy and pyty apoun that pore Cite, Jesus (\vidit civitatem et
flevit super eam\) ;" also bysekyng him to yeve me leve to sywe
to his gode lordship to have the mater refourmed as hit is
aboveseide; he seide y sholde be right welle come what tyme that
ever y come, and so departed thens and stonde this day, &c. That
nyght right late Harry (Brok) broght me a copy of a recorde
whiche y sende to yow, to the whiche recorde with avys of
conseill y thyng bolde(ly to) appere forthwith this terme, &c.
and y hope hit shall be right well as the cas stoondeth, and
better than hit was desired and like to have be atte last
entrety at home, with the grace of God, whiche have you in his
kepyng. Writen at London the morun after Candelmasse day.
   By John Shillingford, M' of Excetre.
[\INDORSED.\] After makyng of this letter y receyved a Copy of a
writte ayenst John Hulle, as h(ere folowyth).
<P 39>
[^LATIN OMITTED^]
[\ADDRESSED.\] To John Coteler, lutenant, Thomas Cook, John
Germyn, Walter Pope, Richard Druell, and other, this letter be
delyvered, &c.

<Q SHI 1448 JKEMP>
<A JOHN KEMP>
<P 41>
[} [\XVI. THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY TO THE BISHOP OF EXETER.
LAMBETH, 16 FEB., 1447-8,\] }]
   Ryght Worshipfull and wyth all my herte right welbeloved
Brother, I grete you well full hertly. And suppose ye be well
remembrid howe that matier whiche longe tyme hath abiden yn
travers bitwixte yow, your Brethren and myn, your Deane and
Chapitre of yowre churche of Excetre, and the Mayer and the
Comminalte of the same, by speciall comaundement of the Kyng was
commytted and putte to the rule of the two chief Justises and
me, wheryn as God knowyth they and I have laboured long tyme,
and specially the last term yn our effectuall wyse for the gode
of pease and sure conclusion to growe therof, bryngyng the
matier by daylie labour to grete ripenesse the soner therby to
have concluded theryn: And for as moche as we myght not
approchyng the ende of the terme further labour theryn, hit was
comyned and desyred nywe bondis to be made and enselid at home
by bothe parties unto Candelmasse last passed trustyng the
matier to have be comyned and yn partie entreted at home. And as
nowe we wold have preceded theryn to somme gode conclusion; and
the matier is attained at large yn the comyn lawe: We praye yow
as yet that, notwithstondyng havyng consideracion the seide
Mayer and Comminalte have att all tymes and yet ben as they
seyen redy to obey and abide all entrety, yow like to putte the
matier to take soner effectuall ende by entrety and
yntercommunicacion than by rigour of the lawe. And yf ther be
eny poynte of grete difficultee or travers, the seide Juges and
I woll putte to owr labour to the remedy
<P 42>
and redresse therof with all our hertis and power. And almyghty
Jhesu have yow ever yn his keeping. Writen at Lamehithe the xvj
daye of February,
   J. Archebysshop of Caunterbury.

<Q SHI 1447 JKEMP>
<A JOHN KEMP>
<P 42>
[} [\XVII. THE CHANCELLOR TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE.\] }]
   Worshipfull and right welbeloved Frend, - Y grete yow well,
and doute not ye be well remembred of that mater whiche hath
longe tyme abiden yn travers betwixte my Brother of Excestre the
Deane and Chapitre and the Maier and the Comminalte of Excetre,
wheryn ye for your part have hadde grete laboure; y pray yow,
considryng the mater is attainyd at large in the comyn lawe not
likely by that mene to be ended lightly, as your wysedom knowyth
well, yow like at this tyme yn your beyng ther to move and
enduce my seid Brother and alle parties to putte the mater yn
entrety at home, trustyng as me semyth fully wyth more charite
and lasse coste the mater to take sonner ende by that mene than
by processe or rigour of lawe withoute your dysplase. And
almyghty Jhesu have yow yn his kepyng. Writen, &c.
   The bishop of Canterbury unto the lord Cheff Justice for an
intrety to be had.

<Q SHI 1448 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 50>
[} [\XIX. SHILLINGFORD TO THE CHANCELLOR. SOON AFTER 13 MARCH,
1447-8. DRAFT LETTER.\] }]
   Please hit your gode and gracious lordship to have yn your
blessid remembraunce as touchyng the grete matiers yn debate
betweene the right reverend fader in God and blessed man in him
self and my right gode lord yn tyme hath be and yut throgh your
gracious lordship I truste to God shal be, Edmond Bisshop of
Exceter, the Deane and Chapitre of the same, and the Mayer and
Cominalte yo=r= owne puple and poore bedemen of the seid Cite of
Excetre, how hit pleased yo=r= gode and gracious lordshippe this
same terme of Seynt Hillary to write a lettre unto my seid lord
the Bysshop of Excetre, to have the seyd matier yn trete at home
as hit was bi your lordship comaunded at Mighelmasse terme,
whiche lettre ye yeve me yn special comaundement to bere my self
to my seid lord of Excetre; after which comaundement I toke hit
apoun me and so did, where, through favoure of yo=r= gode
lordship, I ferid wel, had gode chere, and was yn the best wise
right wel come, and al thing comprehendid yn yo=r= lettris yn
ful godely wise take, obeyed, assent, and agreed. Radford and
Copleston to be at Excetre to trete yn the matyer; and so thei
were at tyme of assises, at whiche tyme S=r= Richard Neuton,
chief Justise of the Comun plece, called the parties before him,
and the seid John Copston and N. Radford, and there he hardly
did indifferently his true tendre and diligent labo=r= and parte
for the gode appesyng and welfare of bothe parties yn the seid
mater, after the effect and extent of y=e= blessid lettre fro
your lordship to him send by me.
<P 51>
Whereapon day was assigned on Wensday next after Passion Sonday
[{...{] the seid Copleston and Radford to intrete of this mater;
at whiche day the seid Copston and Radford, and I the seyd
Mayor, with my felowship, were at Kyrton before my seyd [{...{]
Bisshop of Excetre, my lorde of Devonshire at that tyme beyng
present. And there and at that tyme a reule was mouthid and had
accordyng to the forme of a condicion of an obligation, whereof
I have send to yo=r= lordship a copy yn this lettre, to whiche
bothe parties at that tyme aggreed and assentid ham, a special
communication had before with the seid justise by me the seyd
[{...{] my counseil and felowship; trustying to God and to yo=r=
gode lordship to have right a gode ende. And, yf noe, ever to
resorte to your gode lordship accordant to the kynges
comaundement, by Goddis mercy, whiche preserve yo=r= gode
lordship in his high mercy.

<Q SHI 1448 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 65>
[} [\XXV. SHILLINGFORD TO HIS FELLOWS. (?)APRIL 1448. DRAFT
LETTER.\] }]
   Worthy sirs, y grete yow well alle, doyng yow to understonde
that y was at Wyndesore to London wardis on seynt George is day,
and there taried almost all that day, and cowde not hyre ne
knowe
<P 66>
there of noo thyng comprehended yn the letter y sende home to
yow by William Duke, ne of none other thyng, bot all ther as
well as hit was wont to be, and as y suppose with laboure and
other thyng that longeth therto, yf men wyll better may be. The
Wendisday y came to London, where was moche longage of oure
comyn mater, and specially of this laste grete entrety at home,
how hit was broken up, and for right litell thyng, and all yn
oure defaute. Thus hit was y seid that accorde was hadde here at
home by the seide entrety, that the Bisshop sholde have his fee
churche and cimitere parcell of the same, as he claymeth
generally, and generall municion yn the churche, we to have
right noght to don ne make none arestis withynne his fee, bot yn
the cimitere to make arrestis, excepte of the Bysshop and his
mayny, chanons, and alle men of habite, and for we wolde noght
aggre bot to have power to arreste chanons men servants
familiars withynne the cimitere, was only cause of brekyng up of
the seide entrety. Y of purpose mette with S=r= John Wolston, of
wham y suppose growe all this untrue longage, and asked hym, &c.
He seid every word, and that the accorde was suche as hit is
aboveseide, with more that ther was writyng therof, and by what
menys y write, by the hondis of John More, yn presence of my
lord of Devonshire, atte Blak Freris at Excetre, all redy to
shewe; y seide if any suche writyng were knowe and proved by my
seide Lorde and the other arbitrous, we moste nedys and with
right gode will wolde abide hit, or any other reporte that they
wolde make. This same day Wendisday, as sone as y was come to
towne ayenst mete tyme, my lord Chaunceller send for me yn hast.
Y came to hym in Lambyth, wher y founde the ii Chif Justises of
purpos moche y suppose: of wham alle and specially of my lord y
hadde right gode chere, never better, and right well come yn the
best wise. Y spake with my seide lord and the Justises, apart
fro my Conseill, a grete whiles. They moved me to knowe of the
entrety and departyng at home. Y prayed my lordes
<P 67>
to have my Conseill to seye for me. He graunted hit to me. S=r=
John Wolston was yn the utter chamber, and wolde come noo nyre,
and for as moche as Hengston was not there hit was enjorned over
yn to the morun at Westminster, yn the Escheker Chamber, wher
Hengston reported to my seid lord as S=r= John Wolston hath as
hit is aboveseid, excepte of writyng. Y answered and seide y
knywe noght therof, nee of noo such accorde, ne cowde make noo
reporte, and asked of hym what knowliche he hadde of that he
reported. He seide as he herde hit reported. Y asked of wham. He
seide the comyn voys of the Cite. Y seide of none bot of soche
as were of theire part, and by tham self. Y seid forthermore
that y was enformed by S=r= John Walston ther beyng present that
ther was writyng of that reporte, as hit is aboveseide.

<Q SHI 1448 JSHILLINGFORD>
<A JOHN SHILLINGFORD>
<P 67>
[} [\XXVI. SHILLINGFORD TO HIS FELLOWS. (?) 24 MAY, 1448. DRAFT
LETTER.\] }]
   Worthy siris, ryght feyne ffrendis and ffelows, y grete yow
well alle, doyng yow to understonde that on Wendisday next after
Corporis Christi day, as ye knowe right well, after vj atte
clokke yn the mornyng y rode oute of Exceter to London warde;
the Saterdey next ther after at vij atte clokke by the mornyng y
came to London, and so to Westminster, and ther mette with my
lord Chaunceller, he beyng yn right grete bysyness; as sone as
he sawe me seyde right hertely, "Mayer well come," and toke me
by the honde, and made me right gode chere, and so departed fro
hym at that tyme. That day y hadde right grete bysynesse: furst
y went yn to the Escheco for oure mater of Exmouth, and there y
spedde spede can and may spede resonabylly well. That day on
Westminster halle y mette
<P 68>
with S=r= John Wolston, and other of oure [\and\] theire
conseill, of wham alle y hadde gode chere, and as they seide
that y was right well come. Afterward y spake w=t= the chif
Justis S=r= John Fortescu, goyng w=t= hym homward, and hadde
with hym right muche gode longage and wordis of comfort. After
this y spake with the chif justice S=r= Richard Nuton, thankyng
hym of his favo=r= the last terme, &c. He, a full gode man,
seide he wolde do for me what he myght godely. That day y
comyned w=t= oure conseill of oure maters, and hadde wordis of
gode comfort to spede right well. That day after none y wold
have be at Lambeth w=t= my lord, bot y came not there because
that Wolston was there that day. The morun be tyme y came to my
lord, and hadde hym at right godd short leyso=r=; to wham y
recommended you all to hym yn the best maner that y coude,
thankyng hym of his gode lordship, &c. praying contynuance at
this tyme specially, and to helpe that we myght have a gode ende
by doyng after the kynges commaundement, for elles we most to a
triall, and that were harde. He seide, "God hit forbede, then
sholde ye never love, and that were pyty," and he seide he woll
speke with the Chif Justise Fortescu, and +ten another rule, &c.
Y thanked hym and seide, "My lord, they take grete boldenesse of
ij thynges, oon of truste of the Shirf, another apon the lawe, y
truste to Gode other wyse than they shall fynde hit." Also y
seide to my lord that we hadde be yn debate by dyvers tymes,
almost by tyme of viij=xx= yere, and that y coude never knowe
fynde ne rede that we ever toke a sute ayenst tham, but ever
stonde yn defence, as a bokeler player, and smyte never, and
that y hadde to seye fro you to hym that we were fully avysed,
with leve of his gode lordeship, onys to smyte, takyng a sute,
for we hadde meny and dyvers causis, and they hadde none, bot
that we wold no thyng do bote that his gode lordship hadde know
liche of, for we wold attempte hym yn no wyse. He thanked and
seyde that he coude not blame us. Y seide, "My lord, thus we
most beare, serve and defende," that not with stondyng that, we
woll be all redy at all tyme to obeye the kynges commaundement
and his.



<B PLUMPTON>

[^PLUMPTON CORRESPONDENCE. A SERIES OF LETTERS, CHIEFLY
DOMESTICK, WRITTEN IN THE REIGNS OF EDWARD IV. RICHARD III.
HENRY VII. AND HENRY VIII. ED. BY STAPLETON, THOMAS. CAMDEN
FIRST SERIES 4. 1839.^]

<Q PLU 1461 BROCLIFFE>
<A BRIAN ROCLIFFE>
<P 2>
[} [\LETTER II.\] }] 
(^Unto my right reverent and worshipfull maister, Maister Sir
William Plompton, knight.^)
   My right reverent and honorable maister, All humble
recomendation praemised, please you that I receaved of your
servant John Smith xl marks, and your letter to the Tresorer and
Barons of the exchequer for respitt of your day to xv=na=
Hillary, which would not be graunted but soe I have gotten
that one shall appeare for you att the day of account and soe to
be appeared for in the pipe, and then for to be prepared in the
next tearme; and soe I have labored a felaw of mine to be your
Atturney in the Court, for I may nought be but of Counsell, and
he and I shall shew you such service all that time and afterward
that shall be pleasing unto you. And soe shall ye have day or
respitt to the xv of hillary next coming, then to be opposed of
your greenewax; att which time ye may nott faile to send hider
all your bookes and some readie man for to answer unto him, for
I nor my said felaw may nott attend thereupon, and also to be
here yourselfe than or before to pursue for your pardon, and to
gree all your demaundes att once. And I trust to god for to gett
you downe your greenewax if that I may, thof it cost you mony;
soe ye wrote unto me, beseeching our
<P 3>
lord to gif you good speed against all your enemies and in all
your matters. Written in hast at Westminster the fift day of
November.
   Your servant, Bryan Rocliff.
[\5 Nov. 1461.\]

<Q PLU 1463 BROCLIFFE>
<A BRIAN ROCLIFFE>
<P 5>
[} [\LETTER IV.\] }] 
(^Unto his right reverend and honorable master Sir William
Plompton, knight, in hast.^)
   Right reverend and honorable Sir, and mine especiall good
maister, after all humble recomandations, with dew regraces and
hartly thankings of your kind mastership unto me undeserved,
effectualy my trust is desiring continuance. Please you that I
have communed with Beford in your mater as ye wrote to me, and I
cannot find him disposed that he will eyther grant you any
yeares of payment, or els to be content by any soum yearly to be
paid, and he will agre to no treate but if he have some money in
hand, and so he haith taken his (\exigi facias de novo\) and is
with us called in the hustings; marveling me that after writing
by letter and comunication by mouth, ye tender not hartyly that
matter, considring the other obligation which might be executed
against Plumtre of Nottinggam, if ye wold doe your devor,
beseching you to remember your honestie and wellfare. And Sir, I
have tretid with Wigmore and at few words, I find him right hard
and strange and soe ye bene iij called in Midlesex; wherfore ye
must purvay hastely remmedy, for he will noe more trust faire
wordes as he saith; thus remiting matters to your discrett
wisdom, whom the holiest enspire to your profit and pleasure, my
advis being allwaies redy. Written in hast at London, the 19th
of May.
   Your servant, Brian Roclife.
[\19 May, anno circiter 1462.\]

<Q PLU 1462 BROCLIFFE>
<A BRIAN ROCLIFFE>
<P 6>
[} [\LETTER V.\] }] 
(^Unto his reverent maister Sir William Plompton, knight, in
hast.^)
   In speciall my verray good maister, after due recomendations;
my maister the Chief Baron comuned to my lord Treasorer of
certaine matters, and soe my lord opened that Thomas Beckwith
was his Awnte son, and he would make him eschetour; saying, that
he loved you right well and would fayne an end were taken
betwixt you and Beckwith, willing my said maister to take upon
him the rewle, and would undertake Beckwith to be ruled by him,
if he would take it upon him, who disclosed this unto me, nott
certaine that ye would agree. And I answered that I supposed ye
would agree to all reason, enforming him of the trewthe of the
matter to my cuning after your information; soe that if such
writing be had unto you by the advice of your trewe in reason,
in reason it is to be agreed with reason, as my simplesse
seemeth, saveing your better advise. And Sir, Beford hath spoken
with me, sayeing that the matter is broken up in the default of
Sir Harry,
<P 7>
that kept no tyme, and soe he purposes to continue and take out
his suite, whom with soberness I entreate, affirming that ye
will be here this tearme, and as long as I may, but I have noe
grant of him. And Colt hath spoken to me for the remainder of
the money, which he should send with the Bill of issues and for
costes. And Beford hath spoken with Plomptree for the other
obligation under sewertee, and soe in manner of a certante of
payment, but now it is deatt the lyeing at large. Thus matters
remitted to your said discretion whom our lord govern and haf in
his keeping. Written in hast in the temple the fourtenth day of
October.
   Your servant, Bryan Roclif.
[\14 Oct. anno circiter 1462.\]

<Q PLU 1463 BROCLIFFE>
<A BRIAN ROCLIFFE>
<P 7>
[} [\LETTER VI.\] }] 
(^Unto his singuler good maister Sir William Plompton, knight.^)
   Right worshippfull my singuler good mastre, as my dewtie is,
with intier regraces I recomend me unto you, whose honor ioy and
prosperitie I beseech the blessed trinitie to encrease dayly as
I would haf of my simple person. Sir, I thank you among
inumerable other, of your comfortable letter that you now take
your disport att your libertee. And as touching my lord, I shall
ride to M- to him within these 4 daies and doe my part, and as I
shall find him, so shall I certifie you. Sir, as anenst
Scatergood I hafe yett taken a longer continuance unto new yeare
day, and I would fayne that it were att an end, thof it cost you
mony for countermaunding and noysing; that would be had by privy
seales, for they go light cheape, and send me your will therein.
Sir, it is necessary that T. Beckwith be content at this time of
x=li=, for losse
<P 8>
of money by suites makes more payments. Sir, if it like you that
Richard F- aftre this yoole might entend upon me toward London,
seing your presence now here, and ye might forgo him, I would
have of you knowledge, for other have labored me, whome I
respite therefore. Butt dissease or displease would nott I you
in any wise. As for Gouldesburgh yett mett we nott, but now I
trust that ye shall confirme all that first was named, and for
Gods sake performe it (\(quia mora trahitt periculum)\) or his
brother Edward goe to London att twentie day of yoole, and ellis
will it straunge and delay. And think how ye lost Robert Ros
son. Your daughter and myn, with humble recomendations, desireth
your blessing, and speaketh prattely and french and hath near
hand learned her sawter. Sir, Henry Suthill hath knowledge of
her feofment, as a man tould me secretly, but for all that I
trust all shalbe well, with the grace of the blessed trinitie,
who quyte you and send you all your desires. Writen in hast at
Colthrop on fryday.
   Your serviseable brother, Bryan Roucliffe
[\Dec. 1463.\]

<Q PLU 1464 GGREENE>
<A GODFREY GREENE>
<P 9>
[} [\LETTER VII.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull maistre Sir William Plompton, kt.^)
   Right worshipfull maistre, I recomend me unto you. Please it
you to witt the minister of St. Roberts has taken 2 suits, one
of trespas for delving his ground att St. Robert, another of
debt and detinue both in a writt, debt 12 marks, which as I
understand by Horberey should be lent to you. Be the place
[\plea\] of the detinue for a chalise shold be lent to you; also
the writts were out, but I caused Horberey (\per album breve\) ,
so the sheriff shall have none paid for the writts, by the avise
of Mr. Rocliff. I pray you send answerre against the next
tearme; also had I understood for certain what goods Folbaron
and Walker had of yours, I shold have bene answerd this terme by
Horberey not guilty, which is the best issue you can have: I
pray you send word against the next terme. Also Whele had sent
out (\exigi facias de novo\) against Holden, Hanworth and West,
or I came here, and said they were returned (\quarto exactus\) ;
he had given them to short a day. Whearfore he said he wold
write unto you for an excuse, and pray the (\exigi\) against
West may be withdrawen: I promissed he should take no hurt by
the proces. Also Whele sends you a (\capias utlegat\) . against
Harldre by Rauf Annias, but he delivered it to the Sheriff. I
shall send you another with the Copie of your
<P 10>
new suites and a (\venire facias\) against the ministre. Mr.
Rocliff hath labored effectually this tearme for your matter of
Stamford, and for my lady Inglestrop for your sake, and to Pake
also; and also he dined with my lady and thanked her hertely for
your sake. I trust by his labour your matter of Stamford shall
take a good end with the grace of God, who have you evermore in
his keeping. Written att London 14 february.
   Your servant Godfrey Grene.
[\14 Feb. 1463-4.\]

<Q PLU 1464 GGREENE>
<A GODFREY GREENE>
<P 10>
[} [\LETTER VIII.\] }] 
(^Unto my reverend and worshipfull master, Sir William Plompton,
kt.^)
   Reverend and worshipfull master, after all due recomendations
had; Sir, as for your suites against the minister and others,
they shalbe called upon as effectually as I can, and with the
grace of God shall take as good speed as the law will suffer,
howbeit that Horbury sais that ye and the minister stand in
comprimise to abide the award of Sir John Malivera and others,
and that he hath in comaund to continue the suite of the
minister by reason of the same; notwithstanding, your suit shall
proceed untill the time ye send otherwise in comaund. And as for
the byeing of the velvett, the mony upon the obligacion of Mr.
Suthill is nott
<P 11>
paid; he said Barnby wilbe here with it this tearme. God send
grace it be so, for Mr. Byngham, Tho. Eyr, and Chapman of
Stamford, everichone of them attends after his part this tearme.
And as for the suits I shall borow untill the time the other
come. There is a yong man, a mercer in the Chepe, the which a
Michaelmas purpose to sett up a shop of his owne, the which
mercer makes great labor to my lady and to Jeffrey Dawne for my
sister Isabell to marry with her; lyvelode he hase none, a
Norfolk man and of birth no gent. as I can understand; what he
is worth in goods I cannott wytt. Mercers deals nott all
together with their owne proper goods. How be it my lady P. hath
proferred him faire, that is to say, xl=li= in mony of my lady
and her freinds and my lady to find her thre yeare if he will,
and Jeffrey hath proferred to lend him for iiij yeare a hundreth
merce, the which mony is ready in a bag if they agre. I moved
unto my lady and Jeffrey, as far as I durst for displease, that
the mony was muche without she had some twentie of other of
lyvelods or of goods, to the which my sister, as fare forth as
she durst, abode upon; by the which they brake and nott
concluded. And my lady and Jeffrey agreed well to the same,
notwithstanding my sister ne I cannot think it is for her to
refuse my ladies labour nor agreement, but wholie to put her to
my ladies rule and ordinance, and so she did att all times. How
be it my lady said to her it shold come of herselfe, and she
answerred that of her selfe she could nott ne wold nothing do
without the advise of you and her freinds, but whatsoever my
lady thought she shold do, she wold do it unwitting you or any
of her freinds. Whearfore I
<P 12>
beseech you as hastely as it please you, to send me word of your
intent, for she and I wold faine do that at might be most to
your pleasure and her profitt. Also Mr. Byngham hath spoken to
Mr. Rocliff and me to witt what day ye wold be in
Nottinghamshire, and I could not answere thereto; ye may send
him word as it please you. Also I am not very certaine of the
day and yeare that your milne dam was broken; I pray you send
the certaintie this terme and ye may, that it may be amended if
it be wrong. And all your other matters shalbe called upon with
the grace of God, who have you evermore in proteccion. Written
at London the xiiii=th= day of June.
   Also as for the mercer, I understand he profers now to find
surety that if he die, she to have a C=li= besides her part of
his goods after the custome of the Cittie.
   Your servant Godfrey Grene.
[\14 June 1464.\]

<Q PLU 1464 BROCLIFFE>
<A BRIAN ROCLIFFE>
<P 12>
[} [\LETTER IX.\] }] 
(^Unto the reverend and right worshipful Sir William Plompton,
knight, my singular good master, be this delivered.^)
   Right reverend worshipful Sir, intirly beloved brother, and
singularly my good master, after al faithful and due
recommendations praemised and special regraces and thankings, as
I have mo causes than I can write, which our Lord acquit, where
I by non power am restrained, desiring him dayly for your honor
prosperity, ioy, and longanimity, to bee encreased to your
pleasur; Sir, like you to remember, the conclusions of the
matter taken betwixt you and Chapman of Stamford by Husee and
mee, that yee for to have his releas general should pay 100
(^s.^) , wherof I paid 4 marks in hand which you paid mee again;
and now this term by
<P 13>
the advise of Huzze, thorowh importune clamor of Chapman, and
you to bee in quiet delivering your acquittance, I paid 33
(^s.^) 4 (^d.^) afore Husze to Chapman, so that now you bee
utterly out of his dammage. And, Sir, I conceived, by the
remembrance of my cosin Mr. Midleton, that yee willed mee to buy
to you, black velvet for a gown. But, Sir, I pray you herin
blame my non power but not my will, for in faith I might not doo
it, but gif I should run in papers of London, which I did never
yet, so I have lived poorly therafter; for and I might els haue
doon it, I shold not have spared. But the wis man saith to us,
(\Impedit omne forum carentia Denariorum\) . And that prooves
here now: I dare not write al my complaint. Sir, Thomas Eyr
clamoreth upon mee importunly for money, so that gif I had any
of my own, I wold have stopped him, and so as I might have
promised him this next term, which like you for to send hither
than: for and hee begin his suit now, he wil not bee so easily
entreated. And also, Sir, I pray you specially for to send mee
money fro Nesfield, according to your appointment and saing at
our last departing, for and ye knew how it stands with mee here,
I trust verily yee wold tender mee the more. And, Sir, the
rather I pray you, for I purpose to have your son John Roclif to
court at beginning of this next terme, where my charge of him in
array and other exspences, shal encreas to the double, as God
knowes, whom I beseech entirly, for to have you in his keeping,
and graunt you all your desires. Written in hast in the midle
temple, (\tertio die
<P 14>
decembris\) . Sir, Sir Henry Vavasor was gone hence or I wist,
so that I might not speak to him for the wapp: my Thomas may go
to him and speed I trow.
   Your servisable brother, Brian Rocliff.
[\3 Dec. 1464.\]

<Q PLU 1468 GGREENE>
<A GODFREY GREENE>
<P 18>
[} [\LETTER XIII.\] }]
(^To my right reverend and most especiall good maistre Sir
William Plompton, knight.^)
   Right reverend and my moste speciall gude maistre, I recomend
me unto your good mastership, and as touching your (\nisi
prius\)
<P 19>
against Fulbaron, it were well doon that ye appointed with Mr.
Danby at what place and what day in his comeing home after the
next tearme ye would have it served; soe that I might have word
the begining of the next tearme, to take out the writt,
according to your appointment. Also as for the writt against
Geffray Malivera, John Cockle, Rich. Croft, Hanson and other, I
stand in doubt whether Mr. Midleton and Mr. Ros greed you and
Sir John Malivera thereof, or no, because they are his men;
notwithstanding if they agreed you nott, and ye send me word, I
trust to have an exigent the next tearme. My Lord of Oxford is
comitt to the tower, and it is said kept in irons, and that he
has confessed myche thinge; and on Munday afore St. Andrew day
one Alford and Poiner, gentlemen to my Lord of Northfolk, and
one S=r= peirs, Skinner of London, were beheaded; and on the
morne
<P 20>
after was Sir Thomas Tresham arest and is comitt to the tower:
and it is said he was arested upon the confession of my Lo. of
Oxford, and they say his livelhood, and Sir John Marneys
livelhood, and divers other livelhuds is given away by the king.
Also there is arest Mr. Hungerford, the heir unto the Lord
Hungerford, and one Courtney, heir unto the Earle of Devonshire,
and many other, whose names I know nott; and it is said that Sir
Edmund Hungerford is send for. And also the yeomen of the Crowne
bene riden into diverse countries to arrest men that be apeched.
Also it was told me that Sir Robt. Ughtred was send for, but I
trust to God it is not so, who have you evermore in his blessed
proteccion. Written at London, 9 of December.
   Your servant Godfrey Greene.
[\9 Dec. 8 Edw. IV. 1468.\]

<Q PLU 1469 GGREENE>
<A GODFREY GREENE>
<P 22>
[} [\LETTER XV.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull maistre Sir William Plompton, knight,
this letter be delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull master, I recomend me unto your good
mastership; Sir, I have sent to you by the bringer of this
letter, a (\venire facias\) against the minister of St.
Robert's, for he hath pleaded not guiltie for fishing your ponds
att Plompton; if so be your writt be well served and the issue
tried for you, the punishment will be grevieous to them, for it
is gyffin by a statute. Also I have sent you a (\venire facias\)
against Dromonby, parson of Kynalton; he hath pleaded - he
withholds you nothing, in accion of detynu of the goods,
delivered him by Heynes. Also the copie of the pleadings betwixt
you and the minister for your
<P 23>
milne att Plompton; it were well done that ye had a speech with
Mr. Midleton of the forme of the pleadings, and of the matter
both of the title of his milne, and your milne, and of the
freholdes of both sides the water, for that your counsell may
have instruccion thereof: it hath cost you money this terme, and
yett no conclusion but to change the pleadings the next terme at
the pleasure of the parties. Mr. Midleton had great labour
therewith, I profferd him no rewards because ye may reward him
yourselfe as it please you. Maister Fairfax had x=s= for that
matter all on. Mr. Suttill labored effectually; I tould him he
shold be rewarded of the mony in his hands, and said lightly he
would have none; so I wot whether he will take or no: he hath
nott all paid yett. I pray you, against the next terme, send me
word how I shall be demened in rewards giveing, for and it go to
matter in law, it will cost mony largely. Also I have sent you a
(\Capias utlegat\) . against Hargreve of Fuston; Sir John
Malevera gave me a chalenge for him, and said he was outlawd
under my trety: I told him I treted never; I bare your message
to him, and that was a continuance for the matter against
Fulburn, but nott for Hargreve. And he said ye had sued all the
trew men to the king, to my lord, and to him in the forest, sith
that ye come home; and that he shold complaine to the king and
to the lords thereof; and I said, I trust to God ye shold come
to your answere. And he said that shold not lyg in my power to
bring you to do, for he wold deele with you and yours, both be
the law and besides the law; and said he wold cutt the clothes
notwithstanding. He was full angrie and hastie what time he said
soe, and I was with Mr. Roclif the same time he gave me this
chalenge, and Myles Willesthorp was with him, and said no word.
And Maister Roclif asked him what the matter was, if he might
any ease; and he
<P 24>
answered him, that ye desseyved him and all that ye dellyd
withall: and Mr. Rocliff said he trust to God, - who have you
evermore in his proteccion. Written at London, the v=th= day of
December.
   Your servant Godfrey Grene.
[\5 Dec. 1469.\]

<Q PLU 1475 GGREENE>
<A GODFREY GREENE>
<P 29>
[} [\LETTER XXIV.\] }] 
(^To my right reverend and worshipfull Maistre, Sir William
Plompton, knight.^)
   Right worshippfull Sir, I recomend me unto your good
mastershipp; Sir, as for a (\supersedias\) for yourselfe, there
will not be gotten, without I shold put in sufficient men to be
suerties; for there is a new rule made in the Chancery now late,
that no sureties
<P 30>
shalbe accepted, but such as be sufficient, and twenty of the
old common sureties dischardged: so it is hard to gett suerties
for a yoman. And as for the supliants, I have dayly labored,
sith your man come, to gett a man to aske the suertie; and so I
fand one which hath bene of old a (\supersedias\) mounger, and
was agreed with him that he shold gett me a man to aske it, and
he and the man shold have had v=s=. for their labor; and so he
said unto me and Thom. on Saturday last that it was done, and
desired mony for the mans labor and for the sealing, and we
shold have them forth withall: and so he hath driven us from
morne to even, and in conclusion deceyved us, and hath receved
vii=s=. vi=d=. And I may nott arreast him nor strive with him
for the mony, nor for the decept, because the matter is not
worshipfull; and so there is none odere meane, but dayly to
labor him to gett the writts, and so I shall, and send them to
you asoune as they may be gotten: the labor is great and
perillous, and the anger is more, because of the decept. As for
the suit of Tulis executor, it is delaid for this terme, but the
next terme it cannot be delaid; therefore it were well done ye
sought up your writtings, and all the sircumstances of making
the obligacion, and whear it was made; for there is none will
make a plea, without he have some matter to make it of: and also
the court will nott admitt a forreine plea, without the matter
be somewhat likely to be true. As for all your oder suits, they
have the speed the law will give them, as Horbury will enforme
you, when he comes home. As for the (\supena\) , the writt is
nott retorned in; it seemes it will take a delay. I have sent
you a copie of the letter, and a (\supersedias\) for Ward of
Breeton; and as for your awne, if so be ye will that I put in
sufficient suerties for you, ye may have one; but saveing your
better advise, me think it nott necessary so to do, without oder
cause shold require: for as strong in the law is a
(\supersedias\) of a Justice of the peace, as in
<P 31>
the Chancery. And as for your bottles, there came no samon men
here of all this sumor, but I understood they will come now
hastely; by the next at comes they shalbe sent, with Gods grace,
who have you evermore in his blessed proteccion. Written att
London, the x=th= day of July. Thomas can enforme you of
novelties in this countrie better then I can writte.
   Your servant Godfrey Greene.
[\10 July, anno circiter 1475.\]

<Q PLU 1475 GGREENE>
<A GODFREY GREENE>
<P 31>
[} [\LETTER XXV.\] }] 
(^To his right worshipfull maistre, Sir William Plompton, kt.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, I recomend me unto your good
maistershipp; Sir, as for the suit against you by the executors
of parson Tuly, had not it fortuned that there was a default
founden in the writt, it had bene so that ye had bene condemned,
or els an (\exigi\) awarded against you; for as for the matter
of your plea, there would noe man plead it, ne it would not have
bene except, if it had bene pleaded. Sir, there is an indenture
upon the same (\oblige\) , the which wold serve much of your
intents, and it might be found. Also, sir, now of late I have
receaved from you diverse letters, of the which the tenure and
effect is this; one, that I shold labour to Sir John Pilkinton,
to labor to my lord of Glocester or to the king; they to move my
lord of Northumberland that ye might occupie still at
Knaresborou. Sir, as to that, it is thought here by such as
loves you, 'at that labour should rather
<P 32>
hurt in that behalve then availe; for certaine it is, as long as
my lord of Northumberlands patent thereof stands good, as long
will he have no deputie but such as shall please him, and kan
him thank for the gift thereof, and no man els, and also doe him
servise next the king: so the labour shalbe fair answered, and
turne to none effect, but hurt. And as to another point
comprised in your writing, that is, to enforme the lords and
their counsell of the misgovernances of Gascoin and his
affinitie. Sir, ye understand that in every law the saying of a
mans enemies is chalengeable, and rather taken a saying of
malice then of treuthe, where, by the correction of the same
defaulte, the complainer hath no availe; and so certainly by
your counsell is thought here, that it wold be soe taken, and in
no other wise, how be it that it be trew: and also a disworship
to my lord of Northumberland, that hath the cheif rule there
under the king. And as for the matter, to informe my lord of
Northum: counsell how ye were entreated at Knasboro - Sir, we
enformed my lords counsell according to your comaundement, and
they enformed my lord, and my lord said he wold speak with us
himselfe, and so did, and this was the answerr: that the cause
why he wrote that no court of Sheriff turne shold be holden, was
for to shew debate betwixt you and Gascoins affinitie, unto time
he might come into the country and se a derection betwixt you -
and that he wold 'at the 3 weeks court were holden for
discontinuance of mens actions - and that he entended not to
dischardge you of your office, ne will not as long as ye be
towards him - and that as soune as he comes into cuntry, he
shall see such
<P 33>
a derection betwixt his brother Gascoin and you, as shalbe to
your harts ease and worship. And that I understand by his
counsell, that it shalbe assigned unto you by my lo: and his
counsell, what as longes to your office, and Gascoin nott meddle
therewithall; and in like wise to Gascoyne. And as for the
labour for the bailiships and farmes, Sir, your worship
understands what labour is to sue therefore; first, to have a
bill enclosed of the King, then to certein lords of the
Counsell, (for there is an act made that nothing shall passe fro
the King unto time they have sene it,) and so to the privie
seale and Chauncellor: so the labour is so importune, that I
cannot attend it without I shold do nothing ells, and scarcely
in a month speed one matter. Your maistership may remember how
long it was, or we might speed your bill of Justice of the
peace; and had not my Lo. of Northumberland been, had not been
sped for all the fair promisses of my Lo. Chamberlaine. And as
for the message to my Lo. Chamberlain, what time I labored to
him that ye might be Justice of the peace, he answered thus;
that it seemed by your labor and mine, that we wold make a
jelosie betwixt my Lo. of Northumberland and him, in that he
shold labor for any of his men, he being present. Sir, I took
that for a watche word for medling betwixt Lords. As for any
matter ye have to do in the law, how be it that it be to me
losse of time and costly to labor or medl, as yett I am and
alwayes shalbe readie to doe you service and pleasure therein,
with the grace of God, who have you evermore in his blessed
protection. Written att London, the eight day of November.
   Your servant, Godfrey Greene.
[\8 Nov. anno circiter 1475.\]

<Q PLU 1476? GGREENE>
<A GODFREY GREENE>
<P 35>
[} [\LETTER XXVII.\] }] 
(^To the right reverend and worshipfull Sir William Plompton,
knight, this to be delivered.^)
   Right reverent and worshipfull Sir, I recomend me unto your
good mastership. Please you to witt that I labored to Mr.
Pilkinton and to the Chaunceler diverse times for your letter
fro the King, and promissed me to move my lord to speak to the
King therefore; neverthelesse it was not doon, but when the King
comes to London, I shall labour therefore againe. Your writts
and (\certiorare\) are labored for, and shalbe had, how be the
judges will graunt no (\certiorare\) but for a cause. Ailmer
wife was like to have bene non suit in her appeale, for her day
was (\octabis martini\) ; but Whele and I certified the judges
that she wold come if she were in hele, and out of prison. The
judges gifnes her no favour, for they say they understand by
credible informations, that these men be not guiltie, and is but
onely your maintenance; and so one of them said to me out of the
Court. And Guy Fairfax said openly att the barre, that he knew
so, verily they were not guilty, - that he wold labor their
deliverance for almes, not takeing a penny; and I seing this,
took Mr. Pygott and Mr. Collow.
   Godfrey Grene.
[\Anno circiter 1476-7.\]

<Q PLU 1477 RTPLUMPTON>
<A ROBENET PLUMPTON>
<P 36>
[} [\LETTER XXVIII.\] }] 
(^To my most reverent and worshippfull maister Sir William
Plompton, knight, be this delivered.^)
   After all lowly and dew recomendations, I lowly recommend me
unto your good maistershipp; certifieing your maistership I sent
you by one Wil. Atkinson a letter and the copie of the answerre
of the privie seale, and a box with 6 peeces, 5 sealed and one
unsealed; and, Sir, the box sealed for your maistershipp took me
no more. First, thes tooke me 7, and 2 filed together that were
of one, the graunt of Stutvell and the peticion thereon; and
they tooke away the petition, and soe I had but 6, whilk I send
your mastershipp by the said William in the said box sealed; and
if it were so, and the letter delivered to you with the copie, I
desire you send word. As for your say, I have sent you a peice
of 2 yards and a halfe broad by Grethum of York, the first of
Lent. As for the other peice, there is none of lesse bredth then
2 yards; for if I could have any, I should have sent it with the
other. And as for the cloth of my ladies, Hen. Cloughe putt it
to a shereman to dight, and he sold the cloth and ran away; and
yett after Hen: mett with him, and gart him be sett in the
Countre, till he founde sewerte to answer at the Gildehall for
the cloth. And soe he hath sewed him till he had judgment to
recover, which cost him large money; and when he shold deliver
it, he delivered another peice, butt that Henry hapned to
understand after the recovery wheare he had sould it; and soe it
is had againe and it is put to dyeing, and as soune as it is
readie, I shall send it by the carrier, for it was fryday in the
second week of Lent or it was gettin again. And as for suites in
the Kings bench again them in Brereton, and in the Common place
again Will. Pulleyne and his suertes, are in proces; and fro
they be in exigent, ye shall have the exigent sent
<P 37>
you, as soun as it will be sped. And for the day of appearaunce
of Ailmer wyfe, is (\mense Paske\) ; so that she be here the
morrow after (\mense Paske\) . I shold have sent you word or
that, but that I had nott the (\habeas Corpus\) against John
Esomock, and Robart Galaway, and for to see that we were not
beguiled by the day of returne and day of appearance; be it my
day. And soe I send you now the (\habeas corpora\) and a coppie
thereof, and you must desier the sheriffe to serve it, yf so be
that ye agre not. And also, Sir, that ye will send word as soon
as ye can, if the principalls were delivered not att York, and
what way is had betwixt you and them, and if there be any towne
or hamlett in Craven that is called Medilton, and that ye send
word. And as for your cope, I have cheaped diverse, and under a
hundred shillings I can by non, that is ether of damaske or
sattin, with flowers of gold; and I send you a peice of baudkin,
and another of impereal, to se whether ye will hafe of, and the
price. And the bredth of it is elme broade; 3 yards, besides the
orffrey, will make a cope: to have of whilk it please you, ether
to be made ... or there. And if ye will have it to be made here,
it will stand ye to 6 marks or more, with the orfrey and
makeing, and that is the least that I can drive it to. The
orffrey 32s., the lining and making 8s., and as for a broderer,
I can find none that will come soe farre, but any work that ye
would have, to send hither and they will do it; and in no other
wise they will as yett grant me, but I shall that I may to gett
one. Alsoe, Sir, I send your mastership the bill of the expences
and costs that I have made since I came hither, and please you
to see it and send money the next terme. All other thinges,
whilk ye will I do, and I shall doe therein that I ether may or
can. I beseech your mastership
<P 38>
to recomend me lowly to my lady; and if I durst, Sir, the matter
betwixt my brother Robart and Mr. Gascoines sister, me think, is
to long in makeing up, for in long tarriing comes mekell
letting. And I beseech the blessed Trinitie have you in his
continual keeping. From London, the first day of Aprill.
   Your servant in all, Robenett P.
[\1 April 1476.\]

<Q PLU 1480 H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 40>
[} [\LETTER I.\] }] 
(^To my Right welbeloved Robart Plompton, esquier.^)
   Right welbeloved frinde, I greet you well. And wheras the
Scotts in great number are entred into Northumberland, whose
malice with Gods helpe I entend to resist; therfore on the King,
our soveraigne Lords behalfe, I charg you, and also on myne as
wardeyn, that ye with all such personnes as ye may make in there
most defensible arrey, be with me at Topliffe uppon Munday by
viij a clocke, as my trust is in you. Written in Wresill, the
vij day of September.
   Your Cousin, Hen. Northumberland.
[\7 Sept. 1480\]

<Q PLU 1481 H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 42>
[} [\LETTER III.\] }] 
(^To my welbeloved Robart Plompton.^)
   Right welbeloved, I gret you well, willing and charging you
to be with me in all hast possible after the sight of this my
writting; not failing herof, as ye will answere to the Kings
highnes and to me at your perill. Written at Lekinfeild, the
last day of December.
   Henry Northumberland.
[\31 Dec. 1481.\]

<Q PLU 1481 H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 42>
[} [\LETTER IV.\] }] 
(^To my right trusty and welbeloved freind, Sir Robart Plompton,
Kt.^)
   Right trusty and welbeloved, I greet you well, and will and
charg you on the King our soveraigne Lords behalfe, and also on
myne, that ye, with all such persones as ye may make defensibly
arrayed, be redy to attend uppon the Kings highnes and me, upon
our warnyng, as ye love me and will answere to the King at your
perill. Written at Lekingfeld, the ix=th= day of October.
   Your Cousin, Henry Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1483 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 43>
[} [\LETTER V.\] }] 
(^To the right honorable my especyall good master, Sir Robert
Plompton, knight.^)
   After all due recomendations premysed, pleaseth your
mastership to wyt that I have received my fee xxvi (^s.^) viii
(^d.^) for Pentycost last past, sent to me by my fader servant,
William Coltman, in my most humbly wyse thanking your mastership
therfore; neverthelesse I marvell greatly that your mastership
wrote not to me, comaunding me to doe you some service at
London. Sir, you know my mynd and service, and I am right sory
and any synister wayes of my adversaryes be shewed unto you, and
not of my deserving; if yt be so, your wryting had bene to me
more comfortable then much goods, considryng althings done
aforetyme. Such as be your adversaryes in your old matters hath
bene with me at London, Master Bryan Roclife, Palmes and
Topclyffe, comyning and desyring further to proced in our
matters; and saying, ye clame suyt, service and seute, of ther
maner of Colthorpe, and for the same merce him in your court at
Plompton: if yt be so, in my mynd yt is necessary to aske,
distreyne, and levie the sayd amerciments. Pleaseth it your
mastership in my most humble wyse to recomend me unto my good
ladyes, and to my power service, as I have bene and ever wylbe
to my lyfes end, as more at the larg the brynger of this shall
shew unto you by mouth, to whom I pray you give credence. In
short space ye shall know more for the
<P 44>
best, with the grace of (^Jesu^) , who your mastership preserve.
At London, the last day of June.
   Your humble servant, Edward Plompton.
[\30 June 1483.\]

<Q PLU 1483 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 44>
[} [\LETTER VI.\] }] 
(^To the right honorable and worshipfull my singuler good
master, Sir Robart Plompton, knyght, these be delivered.^)
   The most humble and due recomendations premysed, pleaseth
your mastership to recomend me unto my singuler good lady your
moder, and my lady your wyfe; humble praying your good
mastership to take no displeasure with me that I sent not to you
afore this, as my duety was. People in this country be so
trobled in such comandment as they have in the Kyngs name and
otherwyse, marvellously, that they know not what to doe. My lord
Strayng
<P 45>
goeth forth from Lathum upon munday next with x m=l=. men,
whether we cannot say. The Duke of Buck: has so mony men, as yt
is sayd here, that he is able to goe where he wyll; but I trust
he shalbe right withstanded and all his mallice: and els were
great pytty. Messengers commyth dayly, both from the Kings grace
and the Duke, into this country. In short space I trust to se
your mastership; such men as I have to do with, be as yet
occupied with my sayd lord. Sir, I find my kinsmen all well
dysposed to me; if your mastership wyll comand me any service, I
am redy and ever wylbe to my lifes end, with the grace of
(^Jesu^) , who ever preserve you. Wrytten at Aldclife, uppon St.
Luke day.
   Your most humble servant, Ed. Plompton.
[\18 Oct. 1483.\]

<Q PLU 1482? H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 45>
[} [\LETTER VII.\] }] 
(^To my right hartely beloved cousin, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   Right hartely beloved cousin, I commend me unto you. And
wheras I conceive, that wheras award was ordred in the matter of
variance depending betwixt John Polleyn on the one partie, and
Georg Tankard with other taking his parte on the other party, I
am enformed that the said parties bene now at traverse in that
behalfe, contrary to such derections as were taken. I, willing
the pacefying and reformation herof by the advyse of you and
other of my counsell, desire and pray you, Cousin, at your
comyng to me at Yorke uppon thursday next comyng, to cause the
sayd Georg and the other persones to com with you; and that ye
shew your good will for the performance herof, as my very trust
is in
<P 46>
you, whom God kepe. Written in my Castell of Wresell, the xiiij
day of Februarie.
   Your Cosin, Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1486 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 50>
[} [\LETTER XII.\] }] 
(^To my singuler good master, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   After most due recomendacions had, pleaseth your mastership
in my most lowly wyse to recommend me unto my singuler good
<P 51>
lady. Sir, this day com Wylliam Plompton to labor for Haveray
Parke, and brought to me nether byll, wrytteng, nor commandement
by words, nor token, fro your mastership; and therof I marvell,
considering that at your instaunce I suffered him to occupie the
same parke and office for this tyme: and for that cause I am not
in certente, whether ye be his good master or noo. Wherfore he
hath not spedd as he myght have done if your wrytting had com;
notwithstanding, yt is well. Sir, my lord kept his Easter with
my lord of Oxford at Laveham, and come to the King uppon fryday
last, and comes with the King to Yorke; and my lord of Darby
departeth from Notingham into Lancashire. Sir, therle of Oxford,
my lord Chamberleyn, with diverse other estates, cometh to the
King to Notingham, and so forth to Yorke, as more at large the
brynger shall shew to you by mouth. Sir, the first gift that my
lady of Syon gave to me, was a par of Jeneper beads 
(\pardonet\) , the which I have sent to you by the bringer; and
if I had a better thinge, I wold have sent it with as good a
will and harte: and any service that ye wyll comand me, I am
redy, as knoweth our Lord, who preserve you. At Lyncolne, the
iij day of Apryll.
   Your servant, Edward Plompton.
[\3 April 1486.\]

<Q PLU 1487 H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 54>
[} [\LETTER XVI.\] }] 
(^To my right trusty and welbeloved cousin Sir Robart Plompton,
kt.^)
   Cousin Sir Robart, I commend me unto you; and wher it is so
that diverse gentlemen and other commoners, being within your
office at this tyme, hath rebelled against the king, as well in
ther being at this last felde, as in releving of them that were
against the Kings highnes, I therfore on the kings behalfe
strictly charg you, and on myne hartely pray you, for your owne
discharg and
<P 55>
myne, that ye incontinently after the sight hereof, take all
such persones as be within your office, which this tyme hath
offended agaynst the King, and in especiall John Pullen and
Richard Knaresborough: and that ye keepe them in the castell of
Knarsbrough, in suer keepeing, to the tyme be ye know the kings
pleasure in that behalfe. And that this be not failed, as ye
love me; and to give credence unto this bearer, and God keep
you. Written at Richmound, the xxiii day of Juyn. Se that ye
faile not, as ye love me, within the time, and as ever ye thinke
to have me your good lord, and as ever I may trust you.
   Your Cousin, Hen: Northumberland.
[\23 June 1487.\]

<Q PLU 1487? H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 56>
[} [\LETTER XIX.\] }] 
(^To my right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton,
knight.^)
   Right trusty and welbeloved Cousin, I gret you hartyly well.
And wheras I conceive that ye prepared yourselfe to have ridden
with me to this day of trewe, and now remembring, that
<P 57>
it were not only to your great labor, but also to your cost and
great charg, therfore I take me oonly to your good wyll and
thankfull disposition, for the which I hartely thanke you, and
am right well content and pleased that ye remaine still at home.
Written at Derham, the xix day of November.
   Your Cousin, Hen. Northumberland.
[\19 Nov. 1486-7.\]

<Q PLU 1489 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 59>
[} [\LETTER XXII.\] }] 
(^To my master, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   In my most humble and faythfull wyse I recommend me unto your
mastership, and to my singuler good lady. This day in the
mornyng I spake with my master Gascoyne at Poymfrett, and he
comended him to you and to my lady; and then I spake with Sir
Rich. Tunstall, and had great commyning with him of (\per et
contra\) . Sir, I wold advise your mastership cause William
Scargell to take good regard to himselfe and not to use his old
walkes; for and he doe, he wylbe taken, and brought to fynd such
surety for peace and otherwise, as shalbe to him inconvenient:
notwithstanding, the said Master Tunstall gave to me right
curteouse words at my departing; but therto is no great trust.
For the tyme it is good to dreed the worst, insomuch as the land
lyeth in his rule, in the honor of Poymfret. Sir, as for such
matters I had with
<P 60>
Robert Lenthorpe, he will give me no perfitt answere unto the
begining of the terme; in the meantyme he will speak with a
doctor, and send to me a letter to London by one Watkinson of
Poymfrett, atturney of the common place, and then your
mastership shalbe answered of the premises, with Gods grace, who
ever the same preserve in prosperouse felicitie long tyme to
endure. From Poymfrett, the xi day of January.
   Your humble servant, Edward Plompton.
[\9 Jan. 1488-9.\]

<Q PLU 1489 H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 61>
[} [\LETTER XXV.\] }] 
(^To my right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt.^)
   Right hartely beloved Cosin, I comannd me unto you, and for
right weighty consideration me moving concerning the pleasure of
the Kings highnes, on the behalve of his grace, charg you, and
on my desire pray you, that ye with such a company, and as many
as ye may bring with your ease, such as ye trust, having bowes
and arrowes, and pryvy harnest, com with my nepvew, Sir William
Gascougne, so that ye be with me upon munday next comeing at
nyght, in the towne of Thirske; not failing herof, as my
speciall trust is in you, and as ye love me. Written in my
mannor of Semar, the xxiiii day of Aprill.
   Your Cousin, Hen. Northumberland.
[\24 April 1489.\]

<Q PLU 1499 GBEATON>
<A GODFREY BEATON>
<P 63>
[} [\LETTER XXIX.\] }] [^TO SIR ROBERT PLUMPTON^]
(^To the worshipfull in God Master Plompton, knight, these
letters be delivered in hast.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, I comand me to you, beyng glad to here
of your welfaire. Sir, I hartely thank you for my tennaunts of
<P 64>
Arkenden, praying you of good contynuance, and also for your
wryting, the which ye send unto me towching to the lands of myne
in Arkenden. Sir, I have sent to you by my servant, Thomas
Morton, the copie of my evydents of the ix acres of land, the
which they clame intrest for the King. And I trust that I have
sent to you such wrytting as shall discharg that matter. Sir, I
pray you that ye will shew my matters according to right; and
after your good mynd, for I remytt all unto your good wysdome.
Sir, yt is so that I am a yong beginner of the world in my
office; and Sir, for your good will and counsell I will that my
officer reward to you yerly vi=s=. viii=d=. as was rewarded to
other men afor tyme, praying you of your good contynuance, and
any thing as I can, I will, as knoweth God, who have you in his
blessed keeping. Amen. Written at Lilleshull, the xxvi day of
May.
   Your loving frind, The Abbot of Lillishull.

<Q PLU 1491? RFITZJOHN>
<A ROBERT FITZJOHN>
<P 64>
[} [\LETTER XXX.\] }] 
(^To the right worshipfull Sir Robart Plompton, kt. be this
letter delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, I recomend me unto you, thanking you,
as hartely as I can, for your great kyndnes and gentlenes shewed
to me, and to my poore tennaunts in Arkenden. And wheras ye have
written to me that one Robart Walkinham is injuried and wronged
of his tennor in Arkenden, contrarie to right and concience;
wherfore I purposse, sonne after Whitsontide next comyng, to
send a brother of myne and other officers to Arkenden, and ther
to have a court to be houlden, and right to be had according
<P 65>
to reason and good concience, with the grace of God, who have
you in his governance. Written in hast on Tewsday in the ii=d=
weeke of lent.
   Your good lover, The Abbot of Lilleshill.

<Q PLU 1492 RFITZJOHN>
<A ROBERT FITZJOHN>
<P 65>
[} [\LETTER XXXI.\] }] 
(^To Sir Robart Plompton, kt. in Yorkshire, be this letter
delivered in good speede.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, we recomennd us unto you. And so it is
that dame Joyes Percy hath shewed unto the Earle of
Schrewesburie, which is our very good lord, and tender lord in
all our rightfull causes, how ye enwrong her of certayne lands
lying within our lordship of Erkenden, were ye be our steward;
wherein the said lord hath made labor unto us for the sayd Dame
Joyes, and desired us that we wold she be not wronged in hir
right: and considering how good lord he hath bene, and yet
alwayes unto us ys, and remembryng allso, that we, being men of
the holy church, owe not to suffer any wrong to be done to any
maner of persones within our Lordship, may no lesse doo but
effectually tender the sayd lords desire in that behalfe.
Wherfore we desire you, that ye will see the sayd Dame Joyes to
have all that which she of right ought to have within our
Lordship of Erkenden foresayd, so as she find hir not greved,
nor have cause to make any more labor to the sayd lord for hir
remedy therin. For and she doe,
<P 66>
we must sett some other person in your rome, that will not wrong
hir; for we may in no wyse abyd the displeasur of the sayd lord.
Tendering therfore this our desire, as we trust you; and our
Lord have you in his governance. From Lillishull, the xxviii day
of May.
   Your good loving Abbot of Lilleshull.

<Q PLU 1488? R2EYRE>
<A ROBERT EYRE II>
<P 69>
[} [\LETTER XXXVI.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull master, Sir Robart Plompton, kt. this
bill be delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, I recomend me unto your mastership;
please it you witt, that I understand that my cousin, Ralfe
Hawgh, sendeth to your mastership for such dues as was granted
to his mother and to him, by my master your father, and you,
under your seales; the which writting and your seales, to come
before men of worship and discretion, I am certayne, when ye se
him, will not be denyed: for your seals be well knowne, and to
show in money other matters in this contry, the which are of
great charge. Wherwith, it please your mastership, that after my
poore advice, take a direction with him at this tyme; for it
will els be proces turne to more cost, and that wold I be right
sory fore. From Padley, on Sunday next before St. Mary day in
Lent.
   From yours, Robart Eire.
[\anno circiter 1488.\]

<Q PLU 1489 R2EYRE>
<A ROBERT EYRE II>
<P 69>
[} [\LETTER XXXVII.\] }] 
(^To the right honorable and my especiall good master, Sir
Robart Plompton, knight, be this letter delivered.^)
   After all due recomendations had, please it youre mastership
to witt that Ralfe Haugh, according to the agrement and award
betwixt you and him made, hath delivered into my hands all such
<P 70>
evydence as he hath concernyng your mastership, endefferently to
be kept unto such tyme as a sufficyent and lawfull estate be
made unto the sayd Ralfe of a yerly rent of v mark, for terme of
life of the sayd Ralfe; that is to say, a feoffament of trust
indented made by your mastership unto me and other of the maner
of Darley with the appurtenances, and a letter of atturney
according to the same; also ii obligations, one of ccc marke and
another of x=li=. Wherfore I besech you to be good master, and
to make him a lawfull estate acording to the award, at which
tyme all the sayd evydence shalbe delivered unto your hands, or
to your assigne, and if ther be any service or pleasure that I
may doe, it shalbe done at my power, by Gods grace, who ever
preserve you body and soule. Written at Padley, the iiijth day
of August last past.
   Your owne,
   Robart Eyre, squire.
[\4 Aug. 1489.\]

<Q PLU 1490? EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 70>
[} [\LETTER XXXVIII.\] }]
(^To my lady, Dame Jane Plompton, at Plompton.^)
   Madame, in my most humble wyse I recomend me unto your good
Ladyship, and let you wyte that I have spoken with Master
Receyvor; iiij houres space he tarryed me, and he is right
lovingly disposed in every thing toward my master and all his,
if he have, or may have cause therto: and thus I have left with
him to be at
<P 71>
Knarsbrough, the wednesday next after saynt Eline day. And ther,
or afore that tyme, if they mete, to do his dutie to my master
curtesly, and after that, to be as favorable, and to shew his
good wyll to my sayd master in every thing he may doe, as we
wyll desire; and then I purpose with Gods grace to be there. And
afore the langage that Alan shold say, it is not so; he sayd
none such langage. The mylner told Alan that his farme was redy,
and if yt so be, I pray you cause the mylner to deliver it to
Benson, and if not, to make yt redy agaynst the Receyver come
thither; for this I have promysed, and unto that tyme we mete, I
besech you speake to my master, that no uncurtes dealing be had
with none of his servants. Also ther is a ax that my master
clameth the keeping of; I pray you let them have and occupie the
same unto the same tyme, and then we shall take a dereccion in
every thing, as well in the premyses, as otherwyse, to my
masters pleasure and entent, with Gods grace, who preserve you
and him both, and all yours.
   Fro Habberforth, this present Thursday.
   Your most humble servant,
   Ed. Plompton.
[\anno circiter 1489-90.\]

<Q PLU 1488? H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 72>
[} [\LETTER XLI.\] }] 
(^To my right hartely beloved Cousin Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   Right hartely beloved Cousin, I commennd me unto you; and
wheras I conceive that ther is a grudge depending betwixt you
and Sir William Beckwith, knight, I, entending the peacifiyng
thereof, desire and pray you to forbere and contynue to do any
<P 73>
thing in that behalfe against the sayd Sir William unto my next
commyng into Yorkshire. And then, I shall shew me in such wyse
for the reformacion therof, as I trust shall agre with right law
and conscience. Wherefore I pray you to conforme you to the
accomplishment herof, as my very trust is in you. I have wrytten
in like wise unto the sayd Sir William. That now God conserve
you. Wrytten in my castell of Warkworth, the xvi day of July.
Over this, Cousin, ye shall understand, that the sayd Sir
William Beckwith will committ him unto my rule in all behalves,
and therfore I pray you to se the premysses performed.
   Your Cousin
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1499 H5PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 5TH EARL>
<P 73>
[} [\LETTER XLII.\] }] 
(^To my Right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt.^)
   Right hartely beloved freind, I commend me unto you, and pray
you to apply your comyng unto me, according unto such order as
was taken of late tofore your departure from me; and that ye
faile not hereof, as my very trust is in you. Written in my
Castell of Wresull, the xx day of Januarie.
   Yore Cousin,
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1487? H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 73>
[} [\LETTER XLIII.\] }] 
(^To my Right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt.^)
   Right hartely beloved Cosin, I commend me unto you, and
<P 74>
for certaine considerations me movyng, I will and desire you
that ye incontynent after the sight hereof, cum hether unto me,
all excuses and delayes laid a part, that it be in nowise
failed, as ye intend the pleasure of the Kings highnes, and as
ye love me. Written in my mannor of Lekingfield, the vi day of
Aprill.
   Your Cousin,
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1489? H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 74>
[} [\LETTER XLIV.\] }] 
(^To my Right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt.^)
   Right trusty and welbeloved cousin, I commennd me unto you,
and desire and pray you that in such things as my right intierly
beloved Cosin, Mary Gascougne, hath to doe with you, as touching
hir right of herytaunce, that ye will give unto hir ayde and
supportance, as right law and conscience will, as my speciall
trust is in you, whom God keep. Written in my mannor of Semar,
the first day of Aprill.
   Your loving Cousin,
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1499? H5PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 5TH EARL>
<P 74>
[} [\LETTER XLV.\] }] 
(^To my Right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton,
knight.^)
   Right hartely beloved Cousin, I commennd me unto you, and
desire and pray you to cause suer search to be made, what horse
and cattaille ther be, that goes in my spring within my parke at
<P 75>
Spofford; and such as can be found their, I pray you to se them
dryven and voyded out therof: and also henceforth, that ye will
se neither horse nor cattell goe within my said spring, as my
speciall trust is in you, whom God preserve. Written in my
mannor of Semar, the ij day of Aprill. Over this, Cousin, I
hartely pray you to se my said parke vewed, and that the dere
within the same may be easily delt withall, and what remaines
within the same I pray you to certefie me, after the said vew be
taken.
   Yor loving Cousin,
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1499? H5PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 5TH EARL>
<P 75>
[} [\LETTER XLVI.\] }] 
(^To my Right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt.^)
   Right hartely beloved Cousin, I commennd me unto you. And
wheras I of late hath had in ward two servaunts of Thomas
Myddleton, for hunting within my parke of Spofford, which I send
unto you by my servant, Richard Saxston, praying you therfore,
<P 76>
to take an obligation of them, and two sufficient men bounden
with them in the sume of xx=li=, to be of good bearing and in
law themselfes uppon viii dayes warning, whensoever I send for
them; not failing herof as my singuler trust is in you, whom God
keepe. Written in my mannor of Semar, the xxvii day of March.
Over this, Cosin, I hartely thanke you in executing my
commaundement.
   Your Cousin,
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1499? H5PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 5TH EARL>
<P 76>
[} [\LETTER XLVII.\] }] 
(^To my Right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton,
knight.^)
   Right hartely beloved Cousin, I commennd me unto you. And
wheras variance and discord is dependyng betwixt my servant,
Thomas Saxston, and Richard Ampleford, of my Lordshipe of
Spofford, the cause wherof, as I am enformed, hath bene, or
this, shewed unto you; and if it hath not, I desire and pray you
reply to exammaen it, and therupon to shew your lovyng
diligence, not onely to se the peace kept in this behalfe, but
also to sett the sayd parties at agrement, so that this matter
may be pacefied. And for asmuch as ye have the rule ther under
me, I pray you to shew you of semblable disposicion, if any
matter of varience hereafter happen within your sayd rule; so
that the parties sue not to me, if ye by your discret wysdome
can reforme it, as my very trust is in you: and in your thus
doyng, ye shall shew unto me thankfull pleasure. That knoweth
God, who preserve you. Written in my castell of Warkworth, the
xv day of June. Cousin, I pray you to se this matter pacefied,
that there be no more calling upon me therfore, as my very trust
is in you.
   Yore Cousin,
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1488? H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 81>
[} [\LETTER LII.\] }] 
(^To my right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt.^)
   Right hartely beloved Cousin, I commennd me unto you,
thanking you for my servant Rich. Greene; and desire and pray
you, that if Bastard Aldborgh, Richard Leds, or such other as of
late, as I am enformed, have made revery and withdrawen goods,
contrayrie to the Kings lawes, within the lordship of
Knarsbrough, where at ye have rule, can be come by, ye committ
them to ward within the castell of Knarsbrough, therin still to
remayne unto that ye have further knowledg of my pleasure in
this behalfe. Over this, Cousin, where as I have assigneed my
servant William Bullocke to levy and receive such rents and
fermes, and also arrerages, as are due and growen of the lands
that late were William Aldburgh', wherin ye and I, with other,
stand infeoffed, and to be reserved to that my pleasure therin
be understanden. I therfore desire and pray you, if any person
would interupt him in thexecution herof, ye will shew your good
will in the lawfull defending therof, and also in the geting of
all such hay as is upon the sayd ground; not fayling herof as my
speciall trust is in you, whom God kepe. Written in my Castell
of Werkworth, the xxxi day of July.
   Your Cousin,
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1487? H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 86>
[} [\LETTER LIX.\] }] 
(^To my right trusty and welbeloved Cousin Sir Robart Plompton,
kt.^)
   Right trusty and welbeloved Cousin, I grete you hartely well.
And if you have suffered any person, that was under your ward,
within the Castell of Knarsbrough, to be delivered at the desire
of Sir Thomas Wortley, Kt., I lett you witte that I am not
therewith contented. Wherfore, Cousin, see that this be
reformed, and not to suffer any person within the said Castell
to depart thence, unto that ye have knowledg of the pleasure of
the Kings highnes, or from me; as my speciall trust is in you,
whom God kepe. Written in thabbey of Funtayns, the xxvi day of
Juyn.
   Your Cousin,
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1488? H4PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 4TH EARL>
<P 86>
[} [\LETTER LX.\] }] 
(^To my right hartely beloved Cosin, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   Right hartely beloved Cousin, I commennd me unto you, and
desire and pray you to caus a bucke of season to be taken,
within the
<P 87>
forest of Knarsbrough under your rule, to be delivered unto this
bearer, to the behaufe of the mawer of the Cyte of Yorke and his
bredren, and this my writting shalbe your warrant. Wherfore I
pray you that this be thankfully served, as my speciall trust is
in you, whom God keepe. Written in my manor of Lekinfeild, the
xxviii day of Juyn.
   Yor Cousin,
   Hen. Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1489 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 87>
[} [\LETTER LXI.\] }] 
(^To my master, Sir Robart Plompton, knight.^)
   Pleaseth your mastership, after all due recomandacion, to
wyte that this day was hanged at the tower hill iiij servants of
the Kings; wherfore, the brynger herof can shew to you by mouth.
Other newes, as yet, here is none. Sir, afore your indentures of
Mr. Chaunceler, he maketh none unto Candlemesse next, and then
he will have a generall awdite, where ye, and all other, shall
have your lesses out; and in the meane tyme, every man to ocupie
ther owne farmes, notwithstanding the premysses: put ye no doubt
therin,
<P 88>
for ye shalbe sure therof, assone as any man of his. I have
spoken with Nicholas Lenthorpe, and fele him well dispossed
toward you. Sir, if ye send therfore at Candlemasse, send to Mr.
Hemson, by the token, I gat him a warrant for a doo of my lord
in his parke of Hals yerely. If it please you to assigne me,
send me word what increse and approment ye wyll give, and I wyll
applie my mynd and service to your pleasure and wele. Sir, I
purpose to se your mastership, or to send this Cristinmase, if I
may goe home. This day my lord knoweth not whether he goeth home
afore this tyme, or noo. If we goe home, I wyll send; if not, I
pray you send to me afore Candlemasse. Remember Clement Simpson.
Pleaseth your mastership to recomend me to my singuler good
lady. And your owne faythfull servant, as knoweth our Lord, who
preserve you. Wrytten at London, the xvij day of December.
   Your humble servant,
   Edward Plompton.
[\17 Dec. 1489.\]

<Q PLU 1490 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 89>
[} [\LETTER LXII.\] }] 
(^To the right honorable my especyall good master, Sir Robart
Plompton, kt.^)
   After the most humble and due recomendation had, please yt
your mastership, that in the most humble lowly wyse I may be
recomended unto my singuler good ladies; praying you to have me
excused in that I send no wyld fole to you afore this tyme, for
in all Lancashire cold none be had for none money. The snaw and
frost was so great, none was in the country, but fled away to
see; and that caused me that I sent not, as I promysed. Sir,
Robart, my servant, is a true servant to me, neverthelesse he is
large to ryde afore my male, and over weyghty for my horse;
wherfore he hartely desireth me to wryte to your mastership for
him. He is a true man of tongue and hands, and a kind and a good
man. If yt please your mastership to take him to your service, I
besech you to be his good master, and the better at the
instaunce of my especyall prayer. Sir, I have given to him the
blacke horse that bar him from the feild; and if ther be any
service that ye will comand me, I am redy, and wilbe to my lives
end at your comandement, all other lordship and mastership layd
aparte. My lord kepeth a great Cristinmas, as ever was in this
country, and is my especyall good lord, as I trust in a short
tyme your mastership shall know. My simple bedfelow, your
bedewoman and servant, in the most humble wyse recomendeth hir
unto your mastership, and to my ladys good ladyship, and your
servants; as knoweth (^Jesu^) , who preserve you. Wrytten at
Lathum, the iij. day of January.
   Your most humble servant, Ed. Plompton, sectory to my lord
Straung.
[\3 Jan. 1489-90.\]

<Q PLU 1490 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 90>
[} [\LETTER LXIII.\] }] 
(^To my master, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt.^)
   In my most humble and faythfull wyse I recomend me to your
good mastership, and to my especyall good ladyes. Sir, at my
departing I rode according to your comandement by my lady
Delphes, a full trobleous way in that great snaw;
notwithstanding, I cold not speed of your matters at that tyme.
But now she is at London, and promyses me well; the which I
trust, as yet, shall speed, afore your atturney come to London,
within this vi dayes. He cometh ever at the last Retorne, in the
end of the terme; that causeth me to have more busines than
nedeth. Your matter in the Excheker is grevous; there is iij
wryttes agaynst you.
<P 91>
Whereof, I have a (\dedimus potestatem\) out of the Escheker,
and another out of the Chauncre, both derected to Sir Guy
Fayrfax, to resayve your hothes and my ladyes. The serch and the
copy of the wrytts, out of one cort to another, costeth much
money, and the fees of them, and great soliciting. If I had them
now redy, I wold have sent them to you; when they be, I pray God
send to me a good messinger, or els I must neds send my servant.
Afore the iij=th= wrytte, for the entre into Wolfhountlands, all
the counsell that I can gett, can shew no way, as yet, necessary
for you; save onely I have labored the wrytt proceding agaynst
you to be reteyned unto the next terme, and in the meane tyme to
purvey our remedy. Fech your pardon and my ladyes, and send them
both; for without they will helpe us, I wote not well what to
doe in the matter. Incontinent upon the comyng home of master
Farfax, ye and my lady ride to his place with your wrytts, for
so I am agreed with him; and as hastely as ye can gett down,
send up the sayd wrytts with his sertyfycat, for then we must
have a (\non molestando\) out of the Chauncery to discharges.
The premysses maketh my purse light; to wryte partyclarly the
charges, I have no tyme now. Bylby taketh to me no money;
neverthelesse when I have, or may make any, your matters shall
not slake, nor abate, unto such tyme as your mastership send, as
is above sayd. All other matters concerning you to the Kyngs
grace and his counsell, I can send to you no word therof as yet.
I trust in short space to doe, with Gods grace, who preserve
you. Wrytten in great hast, the x day of Feb.
   Your most humble servant,
   Ed. Plompton.
[\10 Feb. 1489-90.\]

<Q PLU 1490 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 92>
[} [\LETTER LXIV.\] }] 
(^To my singuler good master, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   In my most humble and faythfull mynd I recomend me unto your
good mastership, and to my especyall good ladyes; certyfiing
your mastership, that I delivered to Sir Richard Thornton,
prest, upon Sunday last, to bryng to you, a box sealed, and ther
in ij wrytts, one (\dedimus potestatem\) out of the Chauncere,
and another out of the Excheker, both derected to Sir Guy
Fairfax, and my poore wrytting therwith, the which was right
simple, but I besech you have me excused. Though I wryte not at
all tymes, as my dutie is to do, Sir, I had never so great
busines as I have now for your matters. I know not the causes,
but much payne I had to avoyd your appearance in your proper
person, as ye shall more at large know by mouth, when I shall
speake with you; that shalbe at your comandement. Hall demanded
of me grene wax, that I knew not of, and I desired of hym a
byll, what he asked of you, and his bokes wanted, he cold give
me none; but I trust he wyll not be hasty upon you therfore, and
if he be, let Henry Fox speake with him in my name, and pray him
to suffer unto my comyng home. I made to him such chere as I
cold at London. I have found meanes to convey the wryt, shold
goe to the Schereffe of Notinghamshire agaynst you, unto the
next terme; then Gode send us good speede therwith. Afore
Easter, send upp your pardons, wrytes of (\dedimus\) , and
escaptes of instruccion what plee we shall make for you in the
Excheker, of, and how, and wherby ye enter your lands and maketh
clame; the matter is litle, and ioyus, with
<P 93>
Gods grace, I purpose to be ever all this vacacion, and unto the
next terme. I send to you a letter by Robert Beckwith, and more
of every thing concerning you and your servants your atturney
can shew. I wold, if I myght by wyshe, speak with you one houre,
and yt pleased (^Jesu^) , who preserve your mastership in
prosperous long to endure. Wrytten at London, the xx day of
Febr. My lord Straunge came to the Kings grace uppon Munday
last; my lord of Northumberland is in good health, blessed be
(^Jesu^) . Please yt your mastership to commend me to my master
Gascoyn, if I cold doe to his mastership any service in thes
partes, I wold be glad. Robert Blackwall hath sent to you a
pattent to seale, as appereth by the same, shewing to him your
pleasure of vi=s= viii=d= by yere; and that he toke to no
regard: the world is so covettus, I wott not what to say, nor
nought I wyll, (\parum sapienti sufficyt\) .
   Your servant,
   Ed: Plompton.
[\20 Feb. 1489-90.\]

<Q PLU 1490 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 93>
[} [\LETTER LXV.\] }] 
(^To the right honorable and my especyall good master, Sir
Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   In my most humble and faythfull wyse I recomend me unto
<P 94>
your good mastership, and to my especyall good ladys. Sir, the
iij day of May I received your wrytting, and incontinent I
labored to David, and spake with him according to your desire;
and ther is great labour made to him for to put you from Haveray
parke, and offered to him x=li= by yere, and a reward of c=s=.
Notwithstanding, I have made such labor; and caused him to be
agreable to let yt to you for vi yeare, viii=li= by yeare, and
ye to send vi marke to him at Whytsonday next to London, and
then and ther ye to have your indentures sealed and delivered,
and ye to enter and begine the vi yeare to you and your
assignes. Sir, David wrytteth to you in favor of Wylliam
Plompton bastard, and for his excuse; and all is but a collor,
for doubtles, and I had not layd yt to David discretely dyverse
wayes, yt had bene gone from you, for I mad many meanes, or he
wold make to me any grant: and because your mastership wrote
that ye wold not for xx=li= but ye had yt, according to my
dutye, I diligently applyed it to accomplish your pleasure
therin. Sir, afor the arbage, dout yt not; for sir Henry
Wentforth, nor yet none other, can have it, nor nothinge that
belongeth to David. Sir, yt is well done ye remember to send
this money, and have your indenturs in all hast possible, and if
ther be anything that I know not, that ye wold have comprised
within the same indenture, send to me word. Sir, I marvell much
of William Plompton, that he sayth that I am not true. I never
did him harme, but at your comandement I have done
<P 95>
much for him. Yt is no marvell he that is not naturall, that he
cannot love and owe his service to you, though he love not me. I
trow, he love all ill that is faythfull and true to you. Sir,
what soever any man say, I am, and wilbe, to you and yours true
and faythfull while I live, with Gods grace, who preserve you.
From Furnyswall, (\vi die\) May.
   Your humble servant,
   Edward Plompton.
[\6 May 1490.\]

<Q PLU 1490 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 95>
[} [\LETTER LXVI.\] }] 
(^To the right honorable my singuler good master, Sir Robart
Plompton, Knight.^)
   In my most humble wyse I recommend me unto your mastership,
and to my singuler good ladys. Late ye wrote to me a letter, the
which I received upon Whitsonday at nyght, touching the
departing of Sir Henry Wentworth; and incontinent upon yt, I
toke a bote, and went to Grenewich, and shewed the matters to my
lord of Derby; and he appoynted me to attend uppon him unto he
spake with the King, and so I did; and the Kings grace will in
no wyse that Sir Henry Wentworth departe from your country, as
more at larg I shall send you word in hast, when I have more
sure messinger. Sir, I pray you shew to my ladys
<P 96>
that Byrd of Knasbrough spake to me for certaine things to send
them; and he cold cary none, for he went to Hales and many other
pilgramages. Wryte in a byll such things as they wold have, and
send to me. Sir, ye have a faythfull frynd and servant of Davy
ap-i-Kriffith, but I marvell that ye sent not the mony at
Pentycost. I am douted that he vary from his grant, ther is so
great labor made to him for Havarey. Notwithstanding his letter
send to you in the favor of W=m=. Plompton, I am through with
him affor my lord of Derby, that ye shall occupie, and put and
depute under you whosoever ye wyll, at your pleasure; and so
shall your indentures be made, ye observing all covenauntes. And
ever your owne to my pore power, as knoweth our Lord, who your
good mastership, and my good ladys, with all yours, preserve.
From London, (\crastino Corporis\) .
   Your most humble servant,
   Ed. Plompton.
[\11 June 1490.\]

<Q PLU 1490 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 97>
[} [\LETTER LXVII.\] }] 
(^To my master, Sir Robart Plompton, knight.^)
   In my most humble wyse I recomend me unto your mastership,
and to my especyall good lades. Sir, I marvell much that your
mastership sendeth not the iiij=li= for David; he made to you a
grant conditionally that ye shold content and pay to him at
London iiij=li= at Pentycost last past, wheruppon ye sent to me
a byll that he shold be payd at Mydsommer, and to content his
mynd I shewed to him your letter; what I shall say to him, or
what excuse to make, I cannot tell. Sir, remember ye may have
his parke, xl=s= yerly under the price, by my labor; and if he
change and let yt to another, blame not me: I have done my duty.
William Plompton hath bene at London with David, and made much
labor agaynst you for his fee; and otherwyse, shewed to me a
copy of a state and feftment, mad by my master your father to
certaine feofes, to his beofe, of lands and tenementes to the
value of x mark yerly, for terme of his lyfe, the remaynderie to
the ryght heire of William Plompton knight: wherupon he intended
to labor a prive
<P 98>
seale to bring you before my lord Chaunceler and the Kings
counsell, the which I have stoped as yet. Sir, I pray you send
me word in all hast possible of your mynd in this matter, and in
especyall the money for David; and our Lord preserve you.
Wrytten in hele in great hast uppon St. Peter even. Sir, they
begine to die in London, and then I must departe for the tyme
and other men do. I wold make you sure of Awerrey, or I departe,
fro David.
   Your servant,
   Ed. Plompton.
[\28 June 1490.\]

<Q PLU 1490 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 99>
[} [\LETTER LXX.\] }] 
(^To my master Sir Robart Plompton, knyght.^)
   In my most humble wyse I recomend me unto your good
mastership, and to my especyall good Lades. This day I have
spoken with master Schereffe, and ther I send Master Blakwall,
Master of the Chancery, as the berer can shew to you more by
mouth,
<P 100>
and they both comend them to you. Master Schereff hath and wyll
doe as much in your matter as I can of reason desire him. At
Nothingham, uppon Munday come a senit, must we fynd a office for
you. I have bene with Thomas Horton, by the advice of Mr.
Schereffe, and pennyt ij inquisicions of dyverse wayes; if one
will not serve us, the other shall. Sir, ye have a simple tenant
in Maunsfeld Woodhouse. I wold have sent him to Rich: Saxton,
for to mete with me at Mr. Schereffs, and he absent him. Any
service ye wyll comand me, send me word, and I am yours, as
knoweth our Lord, who preserve you. Wrytten at Southwell, the
xxiij of September.
   Your servant, Ed. Plompton.
[\23 Sept. 1490.\]

<Q PLU 1490 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 100>
[} [\LETTER LXXI.\] }] 
(^To my master Sir Robart Plompton, knyght.^)
   In my most humble and lowly wyse I recomend me unto your
mastership, and to my singuler good lady. Sir, I sent to you
late wryttings of all matters by Sir Edward Bethom, prest. I
thinke long unto I here word from you, whether they come to you
in tyme, or noo, and of your welfare. Sir, I had no word seth I
parted from Plompton, as many as hath comyn to London. I cannot
gyt myne entent of my lady Delphes, wherfore I have comyned with
Masters Blunt and Shefeld in this forme; the say they will take
yt in ferme, or els make yt exchaunce with you of lands lyeing
in Yorkshire, or els pay to you redy money therfore; which of
thes iij wayes ye wyll take, I pray you take good advise, and
send to me word as hastyly as ye can, for they will not tary
here; and I will have no further comunycation therin, tyll I
know your pleasure and mynd, for they wyll take hold at a letle
<P 101>
thing. All such newes as I here, John Bell can shew ye by mouth,
for he made so great hast, I had no leasure to writt more at
larg of al things at this tyme. I thinke long till I here from
your mastership, the which (^Jesu^) preserve. At London, the
iiij day of November.
   Your most humble servant,
   Ed. Plompton.
[\4 Nov. 1490.\]

<Q PLU 1490 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 101>
[} [\LETTER LXXII.\] }] 
(^To my master Sir Robart Plompton, knyght.^)
   "The replycacion of Margret Scargill to the answere of
William Scargill. The same Margrett sayth, that the byll put by
her agaynst the sayd William is good and true in every poynt,
and that the same John Scargill, named in the sayd byll, made
such wyll of the same maner, landes, tenements and other
premyses, and every of them, as is surmytted by the same byll;
and over that, sayth althings as in the saydbyll is surmytted:
all which matter she is redy to prove, as this cort will award,
and prayeth as in hir byll is desired."
   Sir, in my right humble and tender wyse I recomend me unto
your good mastership, and to my singuler good ladyes. Sir, I
sent to you the copie of the replycacion of Margaret Scargill,
wherupon my lord Chaunceler hath, at our speciall desire, comand
a (\Dedimus potestatem\) to Sir Guy Fayrfax, to heare and examyn
ther proves and ours both, in Yorkshire; wherfore I wold advise
your mastership to shew your copies of ther byll, our answere,
and there replicacion to Mr. William Fayrfax, that he may be
perfitt by them, and your instruccion in the matter, and to be
for William Scargyll afore Master Sir Guy, at that day of
<P 102>
his sytting, with all other proves most necessary for him; and
in any wyse se that William Scargill agre with Watson, and bryng
him up with him to London to release his suerty for the peace,
or else he must fynd other suertyes, and that is costly: and if
he fayle, he must go to ward, or els loose c marke, and every
one of hus iiij l marke, the which God forbyd shold be. Sir,
afore your lands in Crakenmarsh, I can not deale with my lady
Delfs; I find hir varyable in hir promyse; wherfore I have,
according to your comandment, letten them in your name to Mr.
Blunt by indenture, as more at larg appereth by the same, the
which I sent to you within this box inclosed under my seale; and
ye to subscrybe your hand, and to send a servant of yours with
the same box and indentures to thabbay of Dale, and ther to se
thabbot and convent seale the obligation for suerty of your
rent, as in them is specified, and to wryt his name down to
deliver one parte to Mr. Blount, and retine another parte for
you with the obligation. All such matters as ye wrote for by
Georg Croft, dout not for them; I have and shall remember them
to thaccomplishment of your mynd, with grace of (^Jesu^) , who
you and yours long preserve in prosperous felicite to endure.
From London, the xxvij day of November.
   Your humble servant,
   Ed. Plompton.
[\27 Nov. 1490.\]

<Q PLU 1499? H5PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 5TH EARL>
<P 106>
[} [\LETTER LXXVIII.\] }] 
(^To my right hartely beloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   Right hartely beloved Cosin, I comaund me unto you. And for
as much as I am distetute of runyng hounds, I desire and pray
you to send me a copple with my servant, this bringer. And of
thing like I have fore your pleasure, it shalbe redy. Written in
my lodging at Spetell of the street, the xxix day of October.
Over this, Cousin, I pray you to send me your tame haert, for
myne dere ar dead.
   Your Cousin, Hen: Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1495 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 112>
[} [\LETTER LXXXVII.\] }] 
(^To my master, Sir Robart Plompton, knight.^)
   In my right humble wyse I recomend me unto your good
mastership. I have receyved your wrytting and the credaunce of
your servant. And in stopping and letting of your prevy seale,
at the instance and especyall labour of my Master Gascoygne, my
lord Prevey Seale hath done that he myght with reason, insomuch
that he lettyt yt, and comaunded Mr. Bele, clark therof, that
none shold passe, unto such tyme as all the lords of the Kings
counsell commanded yt to passe, upon his surmyse and complaynt,
wherof I sent to you a copye. And when we sought no remedy, we
found the meanes that Ch. Kilborne, and sufficient suertyes with
him, shold be bonden in a reconusance of x=li= to content and
pay the cost and charg, if his surmyse and byll of complaint be
founden insufficyent and not true. My sayd Mr. Gascoygne hath
dyligently applyed your matter, as much as is possible for to
doe, as your servant Geffray can shew unto you more at large
every thing by mouth; and as yet he can get no surtyes. Wherfore
my lord abbot of St. Mary Abbay shewed to me this day, that his
servant Kilborne wold have a writ, (\subpena\) . Sir, for that
I have lade good watch. Also my lord abott told me this day,
that Edmound Thwaites hath sene his evedence, and sath that your
mylne standeth uppon his ground and more, and that he is not
your ward. Wherby I perceive well, he haught a favor and good
lordship to his servant Kilborne. He desired the matter to be
put
<P 113>
upon my lord of Surrey and him. And I answered, that the matter
concerned your inherytance, and a matter of land, the which cold
in no wyse be rightfully determyned without learned counsell.
Sir, I trust we shall so provide for him here, that he shal not
have all his intent, with Gods grace, who preserve your good
mastership, and my singuler good ladys, and all yours, long tyme
to endure with encrease of grace and honor. From Furnywalls
Inne, the xxvi of October 1495.
   Your humble servant,
   Ed. Plompton.
[\26 Oct. 1495.\]

<Q PLU 1496 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 113>
[} [\LETTER LXXXVIII.\] }] 
(^To my singular good master Sir Robart Plompton, knyght.^)
   In my right humble wyse I recomend me unto your good
mastership, and to my singuler good lady. Afore, my lord of
Carlel hath passed so by the way, at his lodging at Poumfret and
Scroby, that as yet I spake not with his lordship. I spake with
his servants, and they shewed to me Ch. Kilborn rideth not up
with him. Yt was shewed me that uppon Thursday last ther was a
great Justice sat at Wentbrig; I wold fayne know what was done
ther, and afore that, in such matters as concerned you. Master
Tailbose was at Colliweston uppon tuesday, wedensday, and
thursday last, as the
<P 114>
bringer can shew; els I wold have written much more. My lord of
Darby departith towards London upon munday come a senit. Davy
recomend him to your mastership, and when we come to London, ye
shall have a strayt restreynt for Haveray. Our lord preserve you
and all yours. At Stampforth, (\crastino Hallarii\) .
   Your humble servant, Ed. Plompton.
[\14 Jan. 1495-6.\]

<Q PLU 1496 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 116>
[} [\LETTER XCI.\] }] 
(^To my master Sir Robart Plompton, knight, at Plompton.^)
   In my right humble and harty wyse I recomend me unto your
good mastership, and to my singuler good lady. The ix day of
February I received your wrytting, the which was to me great
comforth. The contents therof was moved to my lord Prive seal
afore that, by Percyvall Lambeton, as he shewed to me, and as he
<P 117>
hath wrytten to you the scanty in every thing of my lords mynd
in that behalfe; the which, me semeth, right good and necessary
for you. And yt pleaseth you, when my lord cometh into your
country, to se him, and ride a myle or ij with him, and wellcome
him to the country; yt will doe good many wayes. Sir, afore
credaunce of Ewene Barle, he gave none to me but for these
premyses, and that, I thinke, nedeth no more labor nor cost; for
when my sayd lord had answered reasonable therin, yt sufficeth
for the same. Also I send herin a byll of discharg for your
fine, and I wold I myght have content the same fyne at the last
terme, [{but I spared for the more advauntage,{] for ye payd
none syth Trenetie terme unto now. And your owne, and ever
wylbe, to my power, as knoweth our Lord, who ever preserve you
and yours in prosperous long tyme to endure. From Furnywalls
Inn, the xiij of February.
   Your humble servant, Ed. Plompton.
[\13 Feb. 1495-6.\]

<Q PLU 1497 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 120>
[} [\LETTER XCIV.\] }] 
(^To my singuler good master, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   In my right humble wyse I recomend me unto your good
mastership, and to my singuler good lady; acertaynyng you that
ther is in thes partes a great talking, of those that belong and
medle
<P 121>
with Mr. Hemson, that he intendeth to attempt matters agaynst
you in the title of the heire of John Suttell. Wherin he moved
and brake the same unto Mr. Gascoyne, of whom he had a discret
and good answere, as thus. He desired my sayd Mr. Gascoyne to be
favorable to him in the premysses; and he answered to him, and
sayd thus: "if your matter were against any man in England
except my uncle, I wold take your parte; but in this ye must
have me excused," with dyvers words more concerning your honour
and wele. Sir, the sayd Mr. Hemson moved this matter greatly,
and maketh his frinds; and divers that he hath broken his hart
and mynd too, hath told me the same, and his saying afore,
<P 122>
as they knew. If yt plese your mastership, to cause your loving
frinds and servants to have knowledg therof. Sir, I shewed to a
gentleman, that is of counsell and fee with Master Hemson, and a
companyon of myne, how that Kyng Richard, in his most best tyme,
and the first yere of his reigne, having you not in the favor of
his grace, but utterly against you, caused them to have a parte
of your lands by his award and ryall power, contrary to your
agrement and all right conscience; the which I trust to God
wylbe called againe. Sir, ye have many good frinds and servants,
and moe, with Gods grace, shall have; this is the matter I
thinke no dout yn. Ye have a great treasour of Mr. Gascoyne. If
ther be any service your mastership wyll comand me, yt shalbe
done to the uttermost of my power, as knoweth our Lord, who
preserve you. Written in Furnyvalls Inne, the iij day of Feb.
1496.
   Your humble servant, Ed: Plompton.
[\3 Feb. 1496-7.\]

<Q PLU 1497 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 123>
[} [\LETTER XCVI.\] }] 
(^To my master, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   In my humble and most hartyest wyse I recomend me unto your
good mastership, and to my singuler good lady. Sir, yt is so
that certaine lovers and frinds of myne in London hath brought
me unto the sight of a gentlewoman, a wedow of the age of xl
yeres and more, and of good substance; first, she is goodly and
beautyfull, womanly and wyse, as ever I knew any, none other
dispraysed: of a good stocke and worshipful. Hir name is Agnes.
She hath in charg but one gentlewoman to hir daughter, of xii
yer age. She hath xx marc of good land within iij myle of
London, and a ryall maner buylded therupon, to give or sell at
hir pleasure. She hath in coyne in old nobles, c=li= - in
ryalls, c=li= - in debts, xl=li= - in plate, cx=li=, with other
goods of great valour; she is called worth m=li= beside hir
land. Sir, I am bold upon yor good mastership, as
<P 124>
I have ever bene; and if yt please God and you that this matter
take effect, I shalbe able to deserve althings done and past.
She and I are agreed in our mynd and all one; but hir friends
that she is ruled by, desireth of me xx marke jointor more then
my my lands come too; and thus I answered them, saying, "that
your mastership is so good master to me, that ye gave to my
other wyfe xii marke for hir joyntor in Stodley Roger, and now,
that it wyll please your sayd mastership to indue this woman in
some lordship of yours of xx marke duryng hir lyfe, such as they
shalbe pleased with: and for this my sayd frinds offer to be
bounden in m=li=." Sir, uppon this they intend to know your
pleasure and mynd prevely, I not knowing; wherfore, I humbly
besech your good mastership, as my especyall trust is and ever
hath bene above all earthly creatures, now for my great
promotion and harts desire, to answer to your pleasure, and my
wele and poore honesty; and I trust, or yt come to pase, to put
you suertie to be discharged without any charg: for now, your
good and discret answere may be my making. For, and she and I
fortune by God and your meanes togyther, our too goods and
substance wyll make me able to doe you good service, the which
good service and I, now and at all tymes, is and shalbe yours,
to joperde my life and them both. Sir, I besech your good
mastership to wryte to me an answere in all hast possible, and
after that ye shall here more, with Gods grace, who preserve you
and yours in prosperous felicyte longtyme to endure. Wrytten in
Furnywall Inne in Olborn, the ij day of March 1496.
   Your humble servant,
   Ed. Plompton.
[\2 March 1496-7.\]

<Q PLU 1497 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 124>
[} [\LETTER XCVII.\] }] 
(^To my singuler good master, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt.^)
   In my right humble wyse I recomende me unto your good
mastership,
<P 125>
and to my singuler good lady, your wyfe; and wher it hath
pleased Almighty (^Jesu^) of his grace, by meanes of my lovers
and frinds, to bryng me to the sight and acquantance of a
gentlewoman in London, whose name is Agnes, late wife of Robert
Drayate, gentilman, who is a woman that God hath indued with
great grace and vertue. She is wyse and goodly, and of great
substance, and able for a better man then I am. Notwithstanding
it pleaseth, so that I myght content her frinds mynds for her
joyntor of xx marke by yere that they demand of me. My answare
is to them, that I have no lands but in revercion; and that yt
pleaseth your good mastership to give my last wyfe xii marke by
yeare out of your lands, and my especyall trust is, that it will
please your mastership, for my promotion, and in especyall for
my harts desir and wele, that faythfull is set upon this sayd
gentlewoman, to grant and make sure to hir a jointer of xx marke
yerely over all reprises, during her life. And I besech you so
to do, and that the berer herof may be certayne of your mynd in
the premysses, and also answere to them by your wrytting of the
same. This don, incontinent after Easter I trust in (^Jesu^) to
fynish this matter; for they demaund of me certayne lands and
goods, as more at large appereth within a byll here inclosed,
the which I observed in every poynt to thaccomplishment of ther
pleasures. Sir, you know I have no lands, nor lyving in
substaunce, but onely of you; and this hapen, I shall be more
able to do your mastership service. From London, in my sayd
master lodging, the x of March, 1496.
   Your humble servant,
   Ed. Plompton.
John Chasser of Lyncolnes.
Sir William Chamber, Chaplaine.
Edward Chesseman.
[\10 March 1496-7.\]

<Q PLU 1497 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 126>
[} [\LETTER XCVIII.\] }] 
(^To my singuler good master, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt.^)
   In my most humble wise I recomend me unto your good
mastership, and to my especyall good lady. Sir, I sent a letter
this last weke to you by James Colton, servant to Master
Gascoyne, to shew to your mastership my fortune at this tyme. If
your mastership be, (as I doubt no other in my mynd, nor with my
words to noble men of worship, but that ye be,) my good master,
the which hath, and ever shalbe, to your honour and profitt,
though I have afore this bene chargable to you, now, I trust in
God, as true and profitable to be, as ever I was, and much more,
and able to restore and amends make of all cost done to me afore
tyme. Sir, I besech you after your most discret mynd and wysdome
to answere this messenger, that shall com to you for this
jointor of xx marke, both in words and in your wrytting, so that
yt be to your honour, my poor honestie, and truth, and making in
this world; for uppon that answere lyeth my great wele, and if
yt were otherwyse, my utter undoing for ever, the which God
forbyde. Yt shall cost your mastership no peny more, nor charge
to you; for if your mastership say to him that ye are content,
and will grant and make to him this joyntor incontinent after
our marriage, when we two shall come to you, and so shew yt
lovingly to the sayd messenger, and in your wrytting to them
agayne, then all is done: for when I am maryed to her, thes men
that now are counsellers shall bere but litle rome. And
therfore, this is a matter of no charg, and to me great
promotion all maner of wayes. She is amyable and good, with
great wysdome and womanhead, and worth in land yerly xx marke
and more, to you at hir wyll, the which, I trust in God, shalbe
loving for you and yours in tyme to come for ever. Also in gold
and silver, coyned and uncoyned, D=li=, I thinke
<P 127>
veryly, as I perceyve by hir. Beside hir lands, in all she is
worth m=li= marke and more. She hath refused for my sake many
worshipfull men and of great lands; some of them hath offered to
hir xl=li= joyntor within London: notwithstanding, she is to me
singuler good mystres, as after this your mastership shall know.
This same day she gave to me a chayne of gold, with a crosse set
with a ruby and pearles, worth xx=li= and more. And because that
ther messinger shall bryng my letter with him that they se, for
I clossed yt afore, to show your mastership my mynd, I besech
your mastership to cause him that shall come with these lettres
from my mystres and hir counsellors, to have good chere, [{and
that I trust to deserve,{] and to send to me a bill by the same,
as yt shall please you. Sir, I have sent to you iij yerds of
whit dameske for a cowrenet, as good as I cold bye any, and I
wold have sent much more things, save only my businesse is
great. Also I have payd your fyne in the Excheker, but I take
not out a discharge unto the next terme, because I purpose to
get a grant more. Also I besech your mastership to shew that
sayd messinger, that ye had no word from me this vi weke, and no
man in your place to know from whence this berer come, lest that
ther messinger shold understand of my sending. Please yt your
mastership to give credence unto this berer, and let him departe
or the other man come with the letters; and all such service as
yt pleseth you to comand me, yt shalbe done, with Gods grace,
who evermore preserve you and yours in health and honor. Wrytten
in Furnywalls Inne, the 19 day of March, 1496. I humbly pray
your mastership to cause the messinger to speake with my Lady,
and if hir ladyship wold send by him a token to my master, yt
shall avale hir another of xx tymes the valor. Now, and my good
lady wold of hir great gentlenes and noble mynd send a token, as
is within wrytten, I cold never deserve yt to hir, for yt shold
be to me great honesty, and the greatest that ever I had; for by
your mastership and hir,
<P 128>
I am put to more worship than ever I shold have comyn to. Sir,
as I wrote in, I was purposed to have sent a fellow of myne to
your mastership, but now I send this my wrytting by Preston,
servant with my master Gascoyne. Pleaseth your mastership to
kepe this byll, and whatsoever you doe for me in word, cost, and
wrytting, yt shalbe mine, when we be maryed, to relesse and
unbynd; and so I will. Sir, I besech you, pray my lady to make
the messinger that shall come from my mystres good chere. I know
not as yet what shall come, but as I am infirmed, a gentilman of
Clementts Inne. I besech your mastership, and my good lady both,
to take no displeasure with my simple wrytting this tyme, for my
mynd is set so much otherwyse, that I cannot perfictly do my
duty. Our Lord preserve you.
   Your servant,
   Edw. Plompton.
[\19 March 1496-7.\]

<Q PLU 1497 EPLUMPTON>
<A EDWARD PLUMPTON>
<P 128>
[} [\LETTER XCIX.\] }] 
(^To my singuler good master, Sir Robart Plompton, Kt. deliver
these.^)
   In my right humble wyse I recomend me unto your good
mastership, and to my singuler good lady. Sir, I have bene at
Sacombe, and had theder with me from Ware William Barloe,
<P 129>
goodman of Christofer and William Waman, now for the tyme baly;
and of thos I have bylls, of the which I sent to your master the
copies, of such woods as is sold late. The maner goeth downe and
decayeth, and all the houses about yt; the woods are clene
destroyed and ligly to be in hast. I have given and done, as
fare as I myght, in comandment and charge for further felling,
and carying such as are felled and remane ther. Necessary it
were, me seames, that ye made a bargan with Master Hastyngs, and
it wold be. It is a fayre lordship, and yt were well gidded; it
is ix myle to compasse about. Sir, I have done good ther and
avantaged much wood and tymber, both as well felled as not
felled, and my doings wyll stand. I have put the byers in great
fere. I pray you, master, in all hast possible send to me word
of your mynd in the premysses and all other, and a byll of such
lands as ye are content
<P 130>
to departe with to Kilborne in exchange, and if ye wyll have the
(\surcrortr\) . Our Lord (^Jesu^) preserve you and all yours.
From London, the xvi of February.
   Your humble servant,
   Edward Plompton.
[\16 Feb. 1496-7.\]

<Q PLU 1499 JPULLEIN>
<A JOHN PULLEIN>
<P 132>
[} [\LETTER CI.\] }] 
(^To his especyall good master Sir Robart Plompton, knight, at
Idell, in hast.^)
   Sir, please yt your mastership to understand that I sent a
letter to you with Bryan Pullan of Gawkthorp of all the
cyrcumstance of the matter betwene my master and your son and
his wyfe, and William Babthorp; and as that none ther wold be.
But the (\venyre facias\) com in servid. Sir, so yt is now that
suerly they intend to have a (\habeas corpora\) agayn the
Jurrours with a (\nisi prius\) this next assise in Lent, at
Yorke. Therfore, Sir, ye must make speciall frynds to the
Jurrours, that they may be labored specially, to such as ye
trust wylbe made frindly in the cause. Sir, I have letten Mr.
Kyngesmell see the dede of gift of the chaunchry of Elton, and
shewed to him as your mastership presented in after the deith of
the last Incumbent, which presentee was
<P 133>
in by the space of iiii or v dayes at the least, and desired of
hym to have his best counsell. And he answered to me thus; that
(\subpena\) lay not properly in the case: but the best remedy
for your Incumbent was to have assise at the common law, if any
land belonged to the sayd Chaunchre. And if he had no land, then
to have a spoliacion in the spirituall court agaynst the preyst
that now occupyeth, because he is one disturber, or els to suy a
(\quare Impedit\) at the comon law. And so is to take no
(\subpena\) . And for these causes I rest to I know your
pleasure ... wryting. Sir, as for the (\subpena\) agaynst Sir
John Hastyngs, I shall remember it. The accion of wast agaynst
Sir John Hastings goeth forward, as fast as the law wyll serve.
And if ther be any other service to doe, it shalbe done to all
my power, with Gods grace, who be your preservor. From Lyncolns
Inn at London, this tuesday next Candlemas day.
   Your servant and bedman,
   John Pullan.
[\29 Jan. 1498-9.\]

<Q PLU 1499? GPOLE>
<A GERMAYN POLE>
<P 138>
[} [\LETTER CVIII.\] }] 
(^To his right worshipfull father, Sir Robart Plompton, kt. be
these delivered in most godly hast.^)
   Right honorable and worshipfull father and mother, in the
most
<P 139>
lowliest wyse that I can, I mekely recomend me unto you,
desiring to here of your welfaire and prosperitie, the which I
pray almyghty (^Jesu^) long to continue to his pleasure, and to
your most joy, and comforth, and harts ease. Also, father, my
brother William hartely and mekely recomendeth him unto you, and
unto my lady my mother, desiring you of your dayly blessing. And
I allso lowly pray you of your dayly blessing, the which is as
glad unto me, as unto any child that you have, for I have no
other father but you, nor no other mother but my lady; for my
speciall trust is in you. Therefore I pray you take me as your
poore son; a beadman for my prayer you shall wyt I life. Sir, if
it pleaseth you to know that a munday my brother was at Thornton
brygge, and I were; all, blessed be almyghty (^Jesu^) , be in
gud health. And my sister Margaret, and my wife, and my sister
Elinor lowly recomend them unto you and unto my lady, praying
you of your daly blessing, the which is better unto them then
any worldly goods. Veryly, Sir, Master Nevell nor Mrs. Nevell,
neither of them was at home; but his brother was at home, and he
made us very great chere as myght be. Also, Sir, I am very sory
that the death seaseth not at Plompton, but I trust to almyghty
(^Jesu^) that his
<P 140>
great mercy and grace [\SOME WORDS ARE HERE OMITTED\] send to my
lady hir joy and comforth, and to all your frinds, as my daly
prayer shalbe therfore. Sir, the cause of my wryting is but to
heare of your gud welfare, the which is to me great joy and
comforth. And, Sir; I lowly pray you and my lady, my mother, to
take this letter in good parte, for it is wrytten hastyly with
my own hand, and without the 'vise of any other body; for I trow
you had rather have it of my owne hand, then of another bodyes.
Also, Sir, John Tynderley recomendeth him unto you and unto my
lady, my mother, gladly willing to heare of your welfare. No
more unto you, good father, nor mother, at this tyme, but pray
the holy Trenytie to have you in his blessed keepinge.
   Your good son and beadchild,
   German Pole.
[\anno circiter 1499.\]

<Q PLU 1499 R3EYRE>
<A ROBERT EYRE III>
<P 140>
[} [\LETTER CIX.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull brother, Sir Robart Plompton, kt. this
byll be delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull brother, I recomend me unto you, and to my
lady, and also to my daughter and yours, with all my other yong
cousins, desiring hartely to here of your welfaire and theres
both, which I besech (^Jesu^) preserve unto his pleasure and
your harts comforth, ever thanking you, and my lady both, of the
great worshipe and gud chere, that I and my frinds had at my
last beyng with you. Brother, yt is so that your farward,
Christofer Law, is departed of this word and hath left behind
him a wyfe and vii
<P 141>
smale children, wherfor I hartely pray you to be gud master unto
hir, so that she might have hir farme, and the rather for my
prayer. And if it please you, when your servants come over into
this contry, that they will have my mynd in the letting of the
sayd house; and I trust to take such wayes therin, as shalbe for
your worship and profit both, as (^Jesu^) knoweth, who ever
preserve you. At Padley the tewsday next afore St. Luke day in
hast.
   Your loving brother,
   Robart Eyre.
[\15 Oct. 1499.\]

<Q PLU 1499 JPULLEIN>
<A JOHN PULLEIN>
<P 141>
[} [\LETTER CX.\] }] 
(^To his especyall good master Sir Robart Plompton, knight, be
these delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, I recomend me unto your mastership.
Sir, laytly I sent wryting to my father to convey to you, which
I trust be comes to your hands afore this tyme; in which
wrytinge is conteyned how the Justices of the Common Place
awarded a new (\venire facias\) betwyxt my master, your son, and
Wylliam Babthorpp; and also in a lytle byll therin, is contayned
the names of such persones as the sayd Wylliam Babthorpp
entended to have had reconnyd in the first (\venire facias\) . I
wold your mastership made specyall labor to have one indefferent
pannell of the Coroners; they must be labord by sum frynd of
yours. Sir, the proces in thaccion of West goeth forward, as
fast as the law wyll serve. Sir, I receved two letters from you
with xxvi=s= viij=d=, and all such copies, as was conteyned in
your wryting. Sir, so yt was that Parkin Warbek and other iij
were arreyned, on satterday next before the making herof, in the
Whithall at Westmynster for ther offences, afore Sir John Sygly,
knight marshall, and Sir John Trobilfeild; and ther they all
were attended, and judgment given
<P 142>
that they shold be drawn on hirdills from the Tower, throwout
London, to the Tyburne, and ther to be hanged, and cutt down
quicke, and ther bowells to be taken out and burned: ther heads
to be stricke of, and quartered, ther heads and quarters to be
disposed at the Kyngs pleasure. And on munday next after, at the
Gildhalle in London wher the Judges, and many other knyghts,
commysioners to inquer and determayn all offences and
trespasses; and theder from the Tower was brought viij
presoners, which were indited, and parte of theme confessed
themselfe gyltie, and other parte were arreyned: and as yet they
be not juged. I thinke the shall have Judgement this next
fryday. Sir, this present day was new barresses made in
Westmynster hall, and thether was brought Therle of Warwek, and
arrened afore Therle of Oxford, being the Kyngs grace
comyssioner, and afore other Lords, (bycause he is a pere of the
Realme) whos names followeth; the Duke of Bokingham, Therle of
Northumberland, Therle of Kent, Therle of Surrey, Therle of
Essex, the lord Burgenny, lord Ormond,
<P 143>
lord Deyngham, lord Broke, lord of Saynt Johns, lord Latymer,
lord De la Warre, lord Mountioy, lord Daubeney, lord Hastings,
lord Barns, lord Zowch, lord Sentmound, lord Willughby, lord
Grey of Wylton, and lord Dacre. And ther Therle of Warweke
confessed thenditments that were layd to his charge, and like
Judgment was given of him, as is afore rehersed. When thes
persones shalbe put in execution I intend to shew to your
mastership right shortly; and give credence unto this berrer.
From Lyncolns Inne at London, this xxi day of November. By your
servant and bedman,
   John Pullan.
[\21 Nov. 1499.\]

<Q PLU 1500 R3EYRE>
<A ROBERT EYRE III>
<P 143>
[} [\LETTER CXI.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull brother, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.
these be delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull Brother, I recomend me unto you, and to my
lady your wyfe, and to my daughter and to yours, with all my
other cousins your childred, desiring to heare of your welfaire
and thers both, which I besech (^Jesu^) preserve unto your most
harts comforth; evermore thanking you and my gud lady, your
wyfe, of the great and worshipful chere I and my kynsmen had
with you. Brother, ye be remembred how the writings of the
covnaunte of marage of my son and your daughter, as it be not
made upp by the 'vise of learned counsell; wherfore, if it
please you to apoynt any day, and please about the beginyng of
Lenten, when that I myght wayt uppon you, I wilbe glad to wayt
upon you, and
<P 144>
a learned man with me: and all such promyse as I have made on my
party shalbe well and trewly performed, with the grace of
(^Jesu^) , for ye shall find me ever one man. Also, brother, I
pray you that ye wold send me by my servant, William Bewott,
this bringer, the payment which I shold have of you att
Candlemas last past, for I have put myselfe unto more charge,
since I was with you, then I had before. For I have maryed
another of my daughters, and I have begon to make a wall about
my parke that I shewed you I was mynded to do, which, I trust,
when ye see it, ye will like it well. Praying you not to fale
herin, as my trust is in you, and to give credence to this
bringer. No more but (^Jesu^) preserve you. Written at Padley on
St. Valentyne day with the hand of your brother,
   Robart Eyr.
[\14 Feb. anno 1499-1500.\]

<Q PLU 1500 GEMERSON>
<A GEORGE EMERSON>
<P 145>
[} [\LETTER CXIII.\] }] 
(^To the right wyrshypful Sir Robert Plompton, kt. in hast.^)
   Right wyrshipful Sir, and my special good mastre, after dew
recomendations had, I hartily thank your good mastership that it
wold please you to cause mee to bee praied for. I beseeche
Almighty God that I may live to do you such service therfore, as
may contente your mastership. I received your letter by Mr.
Sygskyke, clerk, and 2 ryals closed therin; and acording to your
commandement I have retained in the Exchequer, by the advice of
Mr. Blakewall, Mr. Denny; in the Chauncry, Porter, and given
unto them ther fees. I have delivered all your letters, and from
Mr. Blakwall, I trust, ye have answer by one of Mr. Gascoygne
servants. And also for all things compresed in your first letter
that I received by John Wadd, as touching any accion to be taken
aganst you, or any (\diem clausit extremum\) for any office to
be founde, I shall doe therin as much as lyeth in my power, that
your mastership may have knowledg therof. If ther be any such
wryt made, yt must be in Porters office, and he hath promysed me
that ther shall none passe, but he shall give me knowledg
therof; and if ther come any (\Inquisicio virtute officii\) , it
must come into the office, wherat Mr. Deene is dayly: wherfore,
I trust to
<P 146>
God that your mastership shall have knowledg, if any such things
fortune. They have made search in the Escheker for the perdon
that was pledet, suppose the title had bene made therin as here
to Sir William, and when they saw that it was by feffment, they
were not well content. The names that are in the byll for to be
schereff; (^Not: and Derb:^) Sir Ralfe Langford, Ormound, and
Such; (^Yorkshire^) , Sir William Bulmer, Sir William Engelby,
and Sir W. Griffith. Sir Humfrey Stanley labors to be Schereffe
in Staffordshire: herof I shall acertan you, as sonne as the
byll cometh from the King. I have receyved from your mastership
xl=s=; at the end of this terme, I shall send you a byll of all
the matters of this terme; and as for the accion which procedeth
against Sir John Hastyngs, I shall contynue yt to the next
terme, by the grace of God, who ever kepe you and yours. From
London, with the hand of your servant, the x day of November.
   Georg Emerson.
   Sir, also yt was shewed unto me by one Master Newdigate, that
thes names for (^Not: and Derb:^) were put in the byll by the
labor of the sayd Master Newdigate, at the request and desire of
Sir William Meryngs heire. And yt please your mastership, me
semes that yt were well done to send unto M=r= Meryng, to know
wheder he wilbe frindly in thes matters or no; and if he may doe
any thing with the above named personnes.
   [\10 Nov. 1500.\]

<Q PLU 1500S? WGASCOIGNE>
<A WILLIAM GASCOIGNE>
<P 149>
[} [\LETTER CXVI.\] }] [^TO SIR ROBERT PLUMPTON^]
(^To my Uncle Plompton, be thes delivered.^)
   Uncle Plompton, I comennd me unto you. And where I should
have bene with you to morow at Selbie, in good fayth it is so
that I was yesterday so crased and sicke that I kept my bedd all
day, and this day I am not of power to goe, nor ride as yet. And
also there is with me my uncle Ward, Thomas Lawrance, Ralfe
Nevell, and others; but that notwithstanding, if I had my
health, I should be with you. And if ye cannot conclud tomorrow,
appoynt a new day, and I shalbe glad to be with you with grace
of (^Jesu^) , who ever keepe you. Scribbled at Gaukthorp, this
fryday in hast.
   Your nepho,
   William Gascoygne.

<Q PLU 1500? WGASCOIGNE>
<A WILLIAM GASCOIGNE>
<P 149>
[} [\LETTER CXVII.\] }] 
(^To his worshipfull Uncle, Sir Robart Plompton, kt. deliver
these.^)
   Right worshipful Uncle, I comennd me unto you, praying you to
send me all such evidence, as ye have concernyng any lands or
tenements in Tokwith; so that I may have them at Tadcaster this
nyght, for the matter is in communication there: and the sayd
evidence shalbe safly kept for you, as knoweth Almyghtie
<P 150>
(^Jesu^) , who evermore preserve you. Written at Tadcaster this
fryday.
   Your nepho,
   William Gascoygne.

<Q PLU 1500 GEMERSON>
<A GEORGE EMERSON>
<P 150>
[} [\LETTER CXVIII.\] }] 
(^To the worshipfull Sir Robart Plompton, kt. deliver these.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, and my especiall good master, after
due recomendations had, I hartyly thanke your mastership for
many great things done for me afore this, beseching Almighty God
that I may doe your mastership some service therfore. I receyved
your letter by George Crose, and as for all your great matters,
as yet nothings sayd; yet yt is shewed me that they purpose
suerly to have an assise this somer. Wherfore I trust your
mastership doth provide for the best remedy, which after my mynd
is to make many frinds and of the best. I send unto your
mastership closed in this box the sawar for the Inditement,
according to your comandement, which is (\retornabile xv
Trinitatis\) . And thus Almyghty (^Jesu^) preserve your
mastership and all yours to his pleasure. From London, the first
day of May, with ond of your servant to his power.
   Georg Emerson.
[\1 May 1500.\]

<Q PLU 1501 JPULLEIN>
<A JOHN PULLEIN>
<P 150>
[} [\LETTER CXIX.\] }] 
(^To the right worshipfull and his speciall good master, Sir
Robart Plompton, kt. deliver these.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, I recomend me unto your mastership,
letting you understand that laytly I wrott to you a letter of
your
<P 151>
matters; where was, that the great man E., as far as undoubted
as I can know, intendeth to have assyses agaynst you. Wherfore
tyme is to labor as well the Schereffes, as all your frynds, and
every country where your land lyeth. It is for that the said
great man E. with other of the Kyngs counsell, sitting for
assessyng of fynes for knyghts, ... which may doe hym pleasure,
he is intreated scecretly to owe his good will; ye may have
trial by lyklyhed what ther answere shalbe: thus he under
myneth. But let you for no labour. All such copies of your
matters resteth in my keeping. And this was your lawiers
conclusion; that your mastership should take a sure frynd to se
all your evydence (which I thynke after my mynd must be Mr.
Eleson), to this intent: that your sayd counsell may have all
the estayts made by your graynser and father, as well uppon
marrage lesses, as other wayes, and in lykwyse, how all the sayd
estats come home agayne, wrytten (\verbatim\) in paper: and to
have all your new esvedence by your father to John Norton and
others, and estats made to have to your father for terme of
lyfe: and to send copies of all matters proving matrymony
betwyxt my sayd master your father, and my lady your mother: and
further prove which of the sayd feffees was
<P 152>
present at possession. Loke they be at London the begining of
this next terme, with xl=li= ... Sir Richard and ij men, and the
sayd copies. If Mr. Eleson can find any of your lands talled to
the here male, send copies therof; I thinke none be. And thus
the holy Trenety send good speed to yours. From Lyncolns Inn, at
London, this tuesday in the crose dayes.
   Your servant, John Pullan.
   I find no sure frends in all cause but George Emerson. Yaxley
and Frowick, serieants, and Brook and Edgar are your counselors.
[\18 May 1501.\]

<Q PLU 1501 JPULLEIN>
<A JOHN PULLEIN>
<P 153>
[} [\LETTER CXX.\] }] 
(^To the Right worshipfull, and his especiall good master, Sir
Robart Plompton, knight.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, I recomend me unto your mastership,
letting you understand, that latly I sent dyvers letters to you;
thaffect of which letters was, that your adversaries intendeth
suerly to attempt the law against you. Therfore I can wryt no
other thing to your mastership, but oftymes remember my wryting;
it toucheth your worship and wele. Therfore make your frynds to
take your part, as frynds shold doe, as well in Nott. Derb. as
Yorkshire, and God, I trust, shall be steresman in every
ryghtwyse cause. Master Robert Constable, servant, shalbe
Justice of assise in Cornewall, Devonshir, and other west
countryes, with Master Frowike; so that I trust, he shal not be
at this
<P 154>
assise. Such pronunstications as a speciall freind lent to me, I
copied them, as your worship shall see, and receive herewithall
closed. As for all other causes, this bringer can shew to you by
mouth, as larg as I can wryte, as (^Jesu^) knoweth, who preserve
you. From Lyncolns Inne, at London, this Whitsonemunday.
   Your servant and beadman, John Pullan.
[\31 May, 1501.\]

<Q PLU 1501? RTPLUMPTON>
<A ROBENET PLUMPTON>
<P 154>
[} [\LETTER CXXI.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull master and brother, Sir Robart
Plompton, knyght.^)
   After lowly and all due recomendations, I recomend me unto
your good mastership and good brotherhode, praying the same,
that yt will please you to send me by this berer the Martynmese
farme for such lands and tenements as ye have by lease made
betwixt you and me. And, Sir, as I suppose, insomuch as ye
pleased not to content me at the untermost day limytted in the
sayd lease, ye wylbe agreable that I enter to the sayd lands and
tenements; wherfore, so I pray you to send me word in a byll by
this berer, whether ye will that I enter to the same lands and
tenements, or that ye will hold them still, and content
according to the same lease. And, Sir, in so much as this is the
first day of breach of your payments, I wyll nothing attempt
therin, to I have word from you by this bearer, if it may so
please you. And Almyghty (^Jesu^) preserve you in prosperouse
lyffe, long to endure. From Yorke the xii=th= day of January.
   Your servant,
   Robart Plompton, of Yorke.

<Q PLU 1501 RTPLUMPTON>
<A ROBENET PLUMPTON>
<P 155>
[} [\LETTER CXXIII.\] }] 
(^To our right woshipfull master, Sir Robart Plompton, kt. be
this letter delyvered in hast.^)
   After most lowly and all due recomendations, we lowly
recomend us unto your good mastership; certyfying you, that as
fare as we can understand or know, John Rocliffe and John
Sothell
<P 156>
ar come to Kynreston place, and ther purpose to tary and abyde,
to such tyme as they thinke tyme convenient for to enter into
your liflods in this country, and take distor [\distress\] . And
we have bene at dyverse places of your liflods, and finds your
tenants well disposed toward you; and sithen, the most part of
gentlemen in this country, and especyally the Eyres, so that ye
wold come yourselfe and be sene amongst your tenants and frynds,
the which were to them a singler pleasure and comforth, and to
yourselfe a great strength. And to bring with you not over the
number of xx horse at the most, and such as may have your advise
and counsell to take derection, the which may be to the suerty
of your lyflod and tenants. And if ye can gett master Mydleton,
bryng him with you, or Richard Grene, or some other, and come to
Hassop, for we have desevered us, and some departed tham. And
with the grace of (^Jesu^) , and ye come betwixt this and
tuesday, that all things shalbe to your harts comforth in time
to come. But, Sir, they have bene here diverse tymes, doing for
your wele and pleasure, and thinkes ye will, or dar, not put you
in jopartie for your owne; for and ye come, they will put them
in dever to do any thing that may be to the wele of your liflod
and tenants. And, Sir, bryng with you money convenient for your
expenses, for as yet ... here be now [\noe\] rent teyned. Now
[\noe\] over to you at this tyme, who the holy Trenety have you
in his keping. By your servant,
   Robinit Plompton, with other moe.
[\Anno 1501.\]

<Q PLU 1501 R3EYRE>
<A ROBERT EYRE III>
<P 158>
[} [\LETTER CXXV.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull brother, Sir Robart Plumpton, kt.
these be delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull brother, I recomend me unto you. Brother, I
have received your letter, be the which I perceived ye be mynded
to be with my lord of Schrewsbury on munday next, be noune of
the day; and that ye wold have me to meet you by the way.
Brother, my lord is at Wynfeld, and my lady both, and I wilbe
glad to wayte upon you at Hegham, a myle from Wynfeld, or els at
Chesterfeld, whether it please you. Brother, I am afrad lese
this labour be vayne, for in certayne I caused all the labour to
be made possible at this tyme, both to my lord and to my lady,
and he wold not be turned; for he myght not, and keepe his truth
and promyse made afore. Notwithstanding, sithe ye be comyng on
your way, I thinke it is well done, ye to speake with my lord
yourselfe, as prevely as ye can; and thus (^Jesu^) kepe you. At
Padley, the sunday next afore the feast of St. John Baptise.
   Your loving brother,
   Robart Eyre, esquire.
[\20 June 1501.\]

<Q PLU 1501 R3EYRE>
<A ROBERT EYRE III>
<P 160>
[} [\LETTER CXXVII.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull brother, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.
deliver these.^)
   Right worshipfull brother, I recomend me unto you and to my
<P 161>
lady, your wyfe, and to my daughter Margret. Brother, I spake
with Frowick on Satterday next after St. Bartelmewday, and I
enquired of him whether the assisse held at Nottingham and
Darby, or not; and he answered and sayd, that he cold not tell,
nor man els, unto munday next after, for that day the Kings
grace had comanded all the Judges and Servants to be with him at
Richmond, and whether he wold comand them to kepe your Servants,
or to tary for other besines at that tyme, he west never. Also,
brother, as for your parte of your panell, I am promysed suerly
they will appere, whose names ar closed in a byll; but as to the
attachment of the proces for your sute, is not yet, as fare as I
understand. But I send about it unto the Shereffe as sone as
Hare Harlad com from you, for sume remedy ther, if he myspede. I
have sent you part the names of the enpannell for Suttell and
Rocliffe, which be in the end of the Hye Peyke, of the which
divers have promysed me not to appere, and moe I trust for to
stoppe. Marveling ye sent nobody to Darby for to take you
lodging, for Emson hath taken much lodging for him, as I am
enfirmed. Also I shall wate one you at Nottingham one sunday
<P 162>
next, except ye comand me contrary, praying you to send me
answere shortly.
   Your loving brother, Robart Eyre, esquire.
[\September 1501.\]

<Q PLU 1501 EPOLE>
<A ELIZABETH POLE>
<P 162>
[} [\LETTER CXXVIII.\] }] 
(^To the right worshipfull, my full singuler good master, Sir
Robart Plumpton, knight, this letter be delivered in hast.^)
   Right reverent and worshipfull and my singler gud master, in
the most humble and lowly maner that I can, I recomend me unto
you, and unto my gud lady your wyfe, desiryng to have knowledg
of your prosperous helth, worship, and welfayre, which I besech
almyghty Jesus long to contynue to his pleasure, and your most
comforth. Hartely beseching the gud Lord that redemed me and all
mankind upon the holy crosse, that he will of his benigne mercy
vouchsafe to be your helper, and give you power to resist and
withstand the utter and malicious enmity, and false craft of Mr.
Empson, and such others your adversaries; which, as all the
great parte of England knoweth, hath done to you and yours the
most iniury and wrong, that ever was done, or wrought, to any
man of worship in this land of peace. And non more sory
therfore, then I myselfe is. If it were, or myght be in my poore
power to remedy the matter, or any parcell of the matter, in any
maner, condition, or dede, and whereas I may doe no more, my
dayly prayers shalbe, and have bene, ever redy, with the grace
of (^Jesu^) . And wher it is so that I am bounden to pay to your
mastership, or to your assignes, certayne money by yere, to the
sume of x=li=, at ij tymes, for such lands as be assigned in
ioynter to my nephew, Germayne Pole,
<P 163>
and my cousin, his wyfe and your daughter, I have delivered and
payd to his hands for this last past Martynmas rent v=li=,
trustyng that your mastership is contented therwith. What parte,
or how much thereof, my sayd neveu, Germayne, hath sent to your
mastership, I am ignorant, saving that he shewed me that he
sendeth you but x=li= towards the exibicions of my nese, his
wyfe. I required you as my singler trust is in you, to send me
acquitaunce for my discharg, for the payment of this sayd v=li=;
and moreover I besech you to send me word in writting by the
bringer hereof, how I shall pay my rent from hence forward, and
to whom I shall pay it; and as it pleaseth you by yore owne
writting to comand me, I shalbe redy to performe it, by the
grace of (^Jesu^) , who ever preserve your gud mastership.
Wrytten at Rodburne in hast, the morow next after St. Kathren
day.
   Your true and faythfull beadwoman to hir power, Elizabeth de
Pole.
[\26 Nov. 1501.\]

<Q PLU 1502 JPULLEIN>
<A JOHN PULLEIN>
<P 165>
[} [\LETTER CXXXI.\] }] 
(^To the right worshipfull Sir Robart Plompton, kt.^)
   Sir, after my duety remembred unto your mastership, please it
you the same to know, that by instant labour I have gott a copie
of the wryt of thassisse and playnt agaynst you, to the intent
therby to have a wryt of error; which wryt, by the advise of
your counsell, which I had togither, is put to making: and for
the expedition therof, it shall want no dyligence, nor calling
uppon. For the costs and expencs about thes busines wilbe great,
therfore I wold ye prepared money to send, uppon all goodly
hast. And your learned counsell thinketh veryly, if the law may
be indefferently hard, that the proceeding in the sayd assies is
error. It is so that master Frowyke is made Cheife Justice of
the Common place, and therfore ye must myse his counsell; and
that I forthinke. Sir, I have delivered your letters, as well to
Mr. Under
<P 166>
tresorer, as to Blackwall; and Mr. Tresorer shewed me aparte how
your wryting was. I desired him, seeing your great troble and
cost, to spare the payment that ye owed him for a season; and
that he sayd he myght not doe in no wyse, because he had
appoynted such summes of money as ye owe him, to pay it to other
persons; and further sayd, that he could not do no other wayes
but attempt the law agaynst you and your suerty, if ye pay not
according to your wrytting. I intreated him as specially as I
could, to spare you for a season, but it wyll not be; therfore
make schift to pay him, or els you and your surty wilbe sued.
Ever after this, as I may have knowledg in all your matters to
your comforth, I shall wryt to your mastership, with the grace
of Almyghty God, who send you and all yours ther healths also.
From Lyncolns Inne, this sunday next after All Saints day. Sir,
for all other matters this berer can shew you at large, for a
proteccion, and what your lerned counsell sayd therin.
   Yor beadman John Pullan.
   Frynds the Bishop of Rochester and Docter Warghhan.
[\6 Nov. 1502.\]

<Q PLU 1502 GPOLE>
<A GERMAYN POLE>
<P 166>
[} [\LETTER CXXXII.\] }] 
(^To his right worshipfull father, Sir Robart Plompton, kt.
deliver thes.^)
   Right worshipfull father, in the most humble and lowly wyse
that I can, or may, desiryng to here of your prosperous health,
worship, and welfaire, which I hartely besech Almighty Jesus
encrease and contynew to his pleasure, and your most comforth.
<P 167>
Father, I am very desirous to here from you, and to know how you
do in your matters. I can noe more doe therein, but hartely pray
to God to helpe you in your right, and send you gud speede. And
I pray you let my wyfe have some word from you by this next
carryer, how you doe in your sayd matters; and she and my sister
Ellynor humbly recomend them unto you, and pray you for your
dayly blessing. And both they, and I, pray you that we may be
recommended unto my brother William Plompton and all your
folkes. (And we rehersed them by name.) And thus the holy Ghost
guid you and all the matters that you labor about. Scribbled in
hast the viii day of November. Father, I can not yet tell
whether I come to London my selfe on this side Christenmas or
not; my servant, the bringer hereof, shall shew, as sone as he
hath the certenty, whether I shall come or be at home.
   Your loving sone to his smale poore,
   Germayn Pole.
[\8 Nov. 1502.\]

<Q PLU 1502 APLUMPTON>
<A AGNES PLUMPTON>
<P 167>
[} [\LETTER CXXXIII.\] }] 
(^To the worshipful Sir Robart Plompton, kt. be thes delivered
in hast.^)
   Sir, in my most hartiest wyse I recommennd me unto you,
desiring to heare of your prosperitie and welfaire, and of your
good spede in your matters; certyfiing you that I, and my sone
William, with all your children, are in good health (blessed be
(^Jesu^) ) with all your servants. Sir, ye, and I, and my sone,
was content at your departing, that my sone should take the
farmes at Martingmas of his tenaunts, or els cast them forth and
prayse ther goods; and so my sone hath done with some of them.
And here are the names of them that hath payd me; Robart Wood,
Peter Cott, John Gloster, Robart Taler, William Bentham. Sir, it
ys let us to understand that thers other tenaunts, that are cast
forth,
<P 168>
hath bene at Cothorpe, and made one ragman to compleane on my
sone and you, that ye take ther goods from them. And that is not
soe, for my sone hath sent for the neighbours of Knaresbrough,
and Harrygate, and Spofforth, to set pryse on ther comon and
cattell after ther consience; and my sone hath set to streys
some in ther layes, for ther is some that will not apply to his
mynd. And they purpose to get on discharg for my sone, that they
may be set in agayn, and he not to occupie; therfore I pray you
to take good heed therupon. And they have set there names in the
ragman that hath payd my sone; that they know not of, nor will
not be conselled therto. Also, Sir Richard Goldsbrough hath
taken an ox of William Bentham, that was dryven over the water
with ther cattell of the towne of Plompton that he caused to be
put over, for the sayfgard of ther cattell. And when he came for
his ox, he answered him and sayd; Sir John Roclife had wrytten
for certayne tenaunts to be so taryed by him, and spirred him,
whose tenaunt he was, and he shewed him whos he was. And he will
not let him have them without a replevie, and I trow he will dye
in the fold; for I sent William Skirgell and William Croft, and
they cannot get him without a replevie. And therfore if ye can
find any remedie, I pray you for; and also I pray you to send me
some word, as sone as ye may, of your good speed. No
<P 169>
more at this tyme, but I betake you to the keping of the
Trenetie. From Plompton in hast, the xvi day (\Novembris\) .
   By your wife, Dame
   Agnes Plompton.
[\16 Nov. 1502.\]

<Q PLU 1502 APLUMPTON>
<A AGNES PLUMPTON>
<P 170>
[} [\LETTER CXXXV.\] }] 
(^To the worshipfull Sir Robart Plompton, kt. be thes delivered
in hast.^)
   Right worshipful Sir, in my most harty wise I recommend me
unto you, desiring to witt your prosperytie and wellfayre;
letting you understand that I and all your children is in good
health (blessed be (^Jesu^) ) with all your servants. Lettyng
you to understand that my Lord Archbishop sent one servant of
his unto my son William, chardging him in the Kyngs name to
sette in the tenaunts agayne; and if he wold not, he wold send
to the schereffe, and cause him to poynt them in agayne. And so
I sent one servant to the schereffe, and the schereffe shewed my
servant that my Lord had wrytten unto him for to poynt them on
agayne. But my sone kepes them forth as yet, and therfor I trow
my lord Archbishop will compleane of my son and you; and sath,
that he will indyte them that was at castyng out of tham. And,
Sir, I pray you that you be not myscontent, that I sent not to
you, for indeed I make the labor that is possible for me to
make, and as yet I cannot speed; but as shortly as I can, I
shall spede the matter. No more at this tyme, but the Trenytie
have you in his keeping. Scribled in hast, at Plompton, this
sunday next after St. Kateryne day.
   By your wiffe, dame
   Agnes Plompton.
[\27 Nov. 1502.\]

<Q PLU 1502 APLUMPTON>
<A AGNES PLUMPTON>
<P 171>
[} [\LETTER CXXXVI.\] }]
(^To the worshipfull Robart Plompton, knight, be thes byll
delivered in hast.^)
   Right worshipful Sir, in my most harte wyse I recommend me
unto you, desiring to here of your welfare and good speed in
your matters. I and all your children is in good health (blessed
be (^Jesu^) ). And, Sir, so it is, as God knowes, that I have
mayd as great labor as was possible for me to make, to content
your mynd in all causes; and now I have mayd the usance of
xx=li=, and sent you with Thomas Bekerdike to content where ye
know. And I pray you to send some wrytting to Thomas Meryng for
the repayment of the money and your discharg. Sir, it is so that
my lord Archbishop hath indytt my sone William and xvi of his
servants, on tewsday was a senit. But Anthony Cliforth gave in
the bill of dytement against my sone and his servants, but the
quest would not endyte them. But my lord Archbishop caused them;
or els he bad them tell who wold not, and he should ponishe
them, that all oder should take insample. And I cannot get the
copie of the indytement, for my Lord hath it in his hands. No
more at this tyme. The Lord preserve you. From Plompton in hast,
this St. Thomas day.
   By your wife, dame
   Agnes Plompton.
[\21 Dec. 1502.\]

<Q PLU 1503 RTPLUMPTON>
<A ROBENET PLUMPTON>
<P 172>
[} [\LETTER CXXXVIII.\] }] 
(^To Sir Robart Plompton, knight, being lodged at the Angell
behind St. Clement Kirk, without the Temple barr, at London, be
thes delivered.^)
   After most harty and due recomendations, I recomend me unto
your mastership and brotherhode, and to my lady your wyfe,
beseching Allmyghty God evermore to preserve and prosper you.
Sir, on munday last come a servant of Sir John Roclyfs from Mr.
Emson to Brian Palmes, and caused him forthwith to take his waye
toward London; and as I am enfirmed, the sayd servant shewed
that at the comyng up of Bryan Palmes, thei shold have an end
with you, and if ye had any land, that ye shold be charged with
my brother William and me. Therfore, Sir, if ye and thei drawd
to an end, as I besech allmyghty (^Jesu^) to send you a good end
after your pleasure and mynd, see how ye shall stand charged
anenst us, and whether ye shalbe charged with the one, or with
<P 173>
both. And, Sir, wher ye sent me word by Georg Barbor to search
for the call of the exigent in the castell of Yorke agayn you,
my cousin your son, or any other of your name, or servant; Sir,
on tewsday last was the court in the Castell, and then was ther
none exegent called agaynst you, none of your servants, nor of
your name. But ther are ix playnts by (\Replegiare\) by ix of
your tenaunts against you, my cousin your sonn, Sir Richard
Plompton, and dyverse of your servants. But how many playntts,
and how many defendants, as yet, I can not get any knowledg; for
the Schereffs clarck sayth, his master hath all the records and
notes, and the playntyffs that day was essoined. And thus
almyghty (^Jesu^) , our Lady, Saint Mary Virgin, Mary Magdalene,
with all the Saints in heven, as I shall dayly besech, prosper
and spede you in all your great besines. Scrybled in hast, the
vi=th= day of February.
   Yours at prayer and power,
   Robart Plompton of Yorke.
[\6 Feb. 1502-3.\]

<Q PLU 1503 WGASCOIGNE>
<A WILLIAM GASCOIGNE>
<P 175>
[} [\LETTER CXLI.\] }] 
(^To my uncle Sir Robart Plompton, kt. be thes byll delivered in
hast.^)
   Uncle Plompton, I recomannd me unto you as hartely as I can,
shewing you that my lord Archbishop hath sent a letter to my
cousin William your son and a byll closed therin; which byll and
letter I wold ye gave good heed to, and understand whether it be
Kings comandement, or nay. And also John Vavasour of Newton is
departed to mercy of God, sence ye departed from home, and I
have inquered of the age of his son and heire, which shalbe at
full age within a moneth, and then I am in a suerte to have the
release of him. Also there is a maraige moved betwyxt the sone
of Sir John Roklife and Jane Ughtred, syster to Henry Ughtred,
and great labour have they made to my lord of Northumberland for
the same, which I have stoped as yet. And thus the sayd Sir John
Rokclife, Henry Ughtred, and Anthony drawth all one way; and I
understand they will make more labor to my sayd Lord hastely,
for which cause I will goe to Lekinfeld the next weke, where I
shall know further herein of my lords pleasure, which I know is
your especiall good Lord: and as I can know furthere, I shall
send you wrytting shortly. And also, as I understand, your
adversaries will lay a fine against you, which fine is parcell
of William Midleton's evidence, and is the fine of the house in
Plompton that was my uncle Ralfe Gascoygne. I pray you to send
me
<P 176>
some good tydings, as sone as ye can, of your good speed in your
matters, which I besech Gude may be to his pleasure, and your
comforth and myne; and thus our Lord kepe you. At Gaukthorpe in
hast, the second sunday in Lenten.
   Yore nephew,
   William Gascon.
[\19 Mar. 1502-3.\]

<Q PLU 1503 WPLUMPTON>
<A WILLIAM PLUMPTON>
<P 176>
[} [\LETTER CXLII.\] }]
(^To the worshipfull Sir Robart Plompton, knyght, be thes
delivered in hast.^)
   Right worshipfull father and mother, I recomend me unto you,
praying you of your dayly blessing; and all my brethern and
sisters is in good health (blessed be (^Jesu^) ) and prays you
of your dayly blessing, and my lady mother also. Sir, I marvell
greatly that I have no word from you (and my cousin Gascoyne
also) under what condition I shall behave me and my servants.
Sir, it is sayd that Sir John Roclife will ploue, but we are not
certayne; and if that they come, my cousin Gascoyn saith well
therin, for he will se them on that mannor that they will not
like: and bytts me and my servants keep house, and he will send
us x bowes, and us ned. Sir, your frinds trowes ye beleve fayr
words and fayr heightes, and labors not your matters; for they
trow that ys not the Kings mynd, nor knowes not of ther dealing,
that they indyte you, and me, and your servants, as ye may se by
the Judgment herof. Sir, I have sent you ij letters, derected
from my lord Archbishop; the which I have answered him, that I
will keepe the Kings peace. And also I meane sent him word,
whether the tenants should occupy
<P 177>
or no. And it is my cousin Gascoyns mynd, that they shall occupy
for the tyme; and therfor I besech you send me word, how I shold
do in every cause, and my servants also. Sir, your frinds
thinkes that thes indytements ar for you, and it be shewed to
the King or his Counsell. Both my cousin Gascon, and my brother
Elson, as your counsell, gives you so to do. And also I besech
you send me word, as shortly as ye may possibly. No more at this
tyme, but the Trenietie kepe you. From Plompton, on saint
Benedic day.
   By your son,
   William Plompton, Esquier.
[\21 Mar. 1502-3.\]

<Q PLU 1503 GEMERSON>
<A GEORGE EMERSON>
<P 177>
[} [\LETTER CXLIII.\] }] 
(^To his right worshipfull Sir Robart Plompton, knyght, this byl
be delivered.^)
   Right worshipful Sir, after due recommendations had ec=ra=, I
understand by my lady that your mastership hath spoken with the
Kyngs grace, wherof I am very glad. Sir, I wold avise your
mastership, that if the King command your mastership to nayme
any of his counsell, which ye wold shold have examination of
your matters, to refare that matter unto his grace, and that
your mastership name none; for if your mastership shold name
any, peradventure the King wold thinke parcialty in them, and
also your frinds shold be knowne. If yt like your mastership, yt
were best for to shew the Kyngs grace that ye wold refuse none
of his counsell, except Mr. Bray, Mr. Mordaunt, and such other
as are
<P 178>
belonging to Mr. Bray. Sir, at the reverence of God, keepe your
frynds secret to your selfe, for fere that ye leese them. I
remit all these matters to your wisdom, and thus I beseech
Almighty (^Jesu^) send your mastership good speed. At London,
with the hand of your servant,
   George Emerson.
[\Anno 1502-3.\]

<Q PLU 1503 GPOLE>
<A GERMAYN POLE>
<P 178>
[} [\LETTER CXLIV.\] }] 
(^To his right worshipfull and most especiall gud father in law,
Sir Robart Plompton, kt. be thes delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull and my most especiall gud father in law, in
my most umbele maner I recomend me most hartely unto you, and
unto my lady my mother in law, gladly desiringe to have knowledg
of your prousperyte, wellfayre, and harts ease, the which I
besech almyghty (^Jesu^) long to contynew and increase unto his
pleasure, and unto your most joyfull comforth and gladness. Sir,
if it please you to understand, that since my last coming into
Darbyshire, it was infirmed me, that ther was in Staforthshire a
parcell of land, the which should be ther at Combryge and
Cramarsh, that was not receined the recovery of the size at
Nottingham and Derbye. Wherfore, Sir, I toke upon me in your
name to send unto the tenants for as much rent as thay were
behind, since the last payment that was made unto Sir John or
Preston; and they desired my servants to com agane, as that day
sennyt, and they should either have the rent, or be suffered to
streyne on such guds as they fond on the ground. And so they did
com
<P 179>
againe as they had apoynted them, and in the meane season,
thorow the meanes of one Berdall of Assope, ther had bene iiij
of Suttell and Roclife servants, the which wold have had the
rent; and your tenaunts answered, that they knew not wherfore
that they should pay them, and so they went ther way. Howbeit,
they sayd they wold be ther shortly againe, and for that cause
they wold not pay my servant, as for at that tyme. Howbeit, they
promysed them upon ther fayth that they shall not pay one penny
unto the tyme that they have some word from you.
   Furthermore, Sir, if it please you to understand of the great
unkindnes that my grandam hath showed unto me now latly, as the
bringer herof can more planly shew you by muth, to whom I besech
you to take credence on. For be ye sure, Sir, that I was never
so unkindly delt with; all is because that she well know it that
ye are asunder, therfore she thinketh that she may give and sell
all at her owne playsure. I will besech you for the reverence of
(^Jesu^) to be so gud father unto me and my wyfe as to mayntayne
it that is my ryght, and to se a remedy for it, as my speciall
trust is in you above all other creatures livinge. Furthermore,
I wold desire you that I may have knowledge how that you do in
your matters, for I here tell that you dyd well. That wold be
the most joyfull tydings unto me that ever was, or ever shalbe,
as knoweth the blessed Rode of Rodeborne, who save you in his
blessed keepinge. Amen. I will besech you, Sir, that this simple
letter may recomend me unto my brother William, and my brother
Maliverey, with both my sisters, and my sister Eyre, with all
your houshold.
   By your humble son and beadman,
   G. de la Pole.
[\Anno 1503.\]

<Q PLU 1503? GPOLE>
<A GERMAYN POLE>
<P 180>
[} [\LETTER CXLV.\] }] 
(^To his right worshipfull father, Sir Robart Plompton, knyght,
thes letter be delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull and my most singuler good father in law, in
my most humblest maner I recommend me right hartely unto you,
and unto my lady my mother in law, inwardly desiring to have
knowledg of your wellfare and harts ease, the which I besech
almyghty (^Jesu^) of his infinyt mercy and grace shortly to send
you, unto your most joyful comforth, and to the pleasure of your
harte. So it is, Sir, that I understand by the letter that I
received from you, that ye have the Kings protection ryall, the
which is the most joyfullest tydings that ever I hard, since the
tyme that I was borne of my mother. For now, I doubt not but
with dew labor mad unto the Kings grace, and with the gud
counsell of your lovers and frinds, all the vexation and troble
that ye have had now laytly for your matters, by the grace of
the blessed Trenity, shall turne unto your joyfull comforth and
harts ease, considering how falsly, and how unrighteously, the
size is past against you, contrary to the law either of God, or
man. Furthermore, Sir, I have bene at Combrige for your rent at
our tenaunte, William Smith, and I received of him for one
yeares rent xl=s=. the which I send you by the brynger hereof.
Howbeit, I lay at outside ij dayes or I cold have it, he was so
fearfull to pay it because of Sir Robart Shefell and Emson; and
he desireth you to be his gud master and beare him out, that a
be not vexed nor trobled therfore, for be ye sure he is stedfast
unto you. And I wold have had rent in Crakmarsh, but the
tenaunts wold pay me none; and I wold have streaned, but ther
could no man shew me which was
<P 181>
your ground. Wherfore, I supposed that it should have hurt your
matters to have streyned, not knowing your ground from his.
Also, Sir, I desired you in my last letter to be so gud father
unto me, as to com speake with my grandam for diverse matters,
the which longeth unto my profit. Howbeit, I have no gud answere
of you. But now I will desire you, for the reverence of 
(^Jesu^) , to doe for me as I will do for you, if my power were
unto my will, and make it in your way to com speake with hir for
the welfare and profit of your daughter, my wyfe, and me. Many a
gentleman in Darbyshire marvelleth, I being so nere my age, that
ye will not com and speake with hir for my right; and if ye
come, it will save me greatly, more then ye know, in dyvers
matters that I shall shew you of, by the grace of (^Jesu^) , who
have you in his gloryous keeping.
   Your owne son and beadman,
   German de la Pole.
[\Anno 1503.\]

<Q PLU 1503 RTPLUMPTON>
<A ROBENET PLUMPTON>
<P 182>
[} [\LETTER CXLVII.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull master and brother, Sir Robart
Plompton, knyght for the King's body.^)
   After most harty and due recomendations, I recomend me unto
your mastership and brotherhode; and wheras my brother William,
like as I shewed you a byll, hath in his name and myne put
<P 183>
a byll unto the Kings grace agaynst Rocliffe and Suttell, which
hath made answere, as appearethe in the byll I sent you by Ball.
And the Kings counsell comaunded my brother Wylliam to goe and
enter into Ocbroke; and so, in his coming home, he went thether,
and wold have entred, and William Sawcheverell wold not suffer
him. And he shewed the copie of our deed, and he wold not admyt
it; but the tenaunts sayd, if he come againe afor alhallowes,
and bryng the deeds under seale, they shold endever them to pay
us. And I thinke to send Sir Robart North thither with him, in
the weke next afore alhallowmase. Wherfore I pray you that ye
will lett Sir Robart have the ij=d= deed with him in a box,
which is of feoffment, thider, to the intent abousayd; and ye
shall have them delivered againe unto you, or my lady, whether
ye shal please. And if you wyll my brother Wylliam bring them up
to you unto London, I shall bynd me that he shall trewly deliver
you them. And of your gud mynd and pleasure in thes premyses, I
pray you that ye will vochsafe to send me knowledge in wryting.
And, Sir, I understand your adversaries reporteth, your matter
shalbe determyned by the Kyngs Judges and Sergiants, and ther, I
dout me, ye gitt but litle favor. Therfore the sonner ye goe up,
I trust yt be the better for you. And almyghty (^Jesu^) preserve
you, and send you gud speede in all your busines, and that
shalbe my daly prayer, as God knoweth. At York, this Munday.
   Your servant Robart Plompton.
[\Anno 1503.\]

<Q PLU 1504 APLUMPTON>
<A AGNES PLUMPTON>
<P 184>
[} [\LETTER CXLIX.\] }]
(^To the worshipfull Robart Plompton, knight, be this byll
delivered in hast.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, in my most hartie wyse I recomend me
unto you, evermore desiring to here of your prosperytie and
wellfaire, and good sped in your matters, shewyng you that I and
all your children is in good health (blessed be (^Jesu^) ) and
prays you for your blessing. Sir, it is so now that I have made
you thewsans of the money, that ye sent to me for, and I have
sent it you with John Walker at this tyme; the which I shall
shew you how I mayd schift of, at your comminge. And I pray you
that ye be not miscontent that I sent it no sooner, for I have
made the hast that I could that was possible for me to do. And
also, Sir, I will not lett Tho: Croft wife plow nor occupie her
fermeald, but saith she shall not occupy without yer life. And
also I pray you to send me word how you speed in your matters
againe, as soon as ye may; and also to send me word where ye
will your horses to come to you.
<P 185>
No more at this time, but the Trinity keep you. From Plumpton in
hast, the xix=th= day of March.
   By your wife,
   Dame Agnes Plompton.
[\19 March 1503-4.\]

<Q PLU 1504 APLUMPTON>
<A AGNES PLUMPTON>
<P 186>
[} [\LETTER CLI.\] }]
(^To the worshipfull Robart Plompton, knight, be these delivered
in hast.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, in my most hartiest wyse I recomend me
unto you, desiring to here of your prosperytie and welfare, and
good spede in your matters, the which I marvell greatly that I
have no word from you. Sir, I marvell greatly that ye let the
matter rest so long, and labors no better for your selfe, and ye
wold labor it deligently. But it is sayd that ye be lesse
forward, and they underworketh falsly; and it is sene and known
by them, for they thinke to drive it that they may take the
Whitsonday ferme: and so it is sayd all the country about. Sir,
I besech you to remember your great cost and charges, and myne,
and labor the matter that it myght have an end, for they have
taken on (\capias\) and delivered for certayne of your tenants.
And so they have taken Edmund Ward at Knarsbrough and arrest
him; the which is a great nossen in the country, that they shall
get such prosses, and ye dow none to them, but lett them have
there mynd fullfilled in every case. And the other tenaunts
cannot pays ther housses, but they shalbe cagid; and also
willing none of your servants shall not pas the dowers, but they
mon be trobled. And also they have stopped the country, that
ther will no man deale with any of your servants, nether to bye
wod, no nor nothing els. Therfore, I pray you that ye will get
some comandment to the Scherefe that the prosses may be stoped.
Also, Sir, I send you the copy of the letter that came from the
Undersherefe, and the copy of the causes, and the letter that
come from William Elison; the which I had mynd in for loyssing
of Edmund Ward, for I have gotten him forth by the wayes of
William Ellyson. And also, Sir, I am in good health, and all the
children (blessed be (^Jesu^) ), and all your children prayes
you for your daly blessing. And all your servants is in good
health, and prays delygently
<P 187>
for your good speed in your matters. And also it is sayd, that
they have cagments for them that hath bought the wood, that they
dare not deale therwith. For without ye get some comaundement, I
wott not how your house shalbe kept, for I know not wherof to
levy one penyworth. No more at this tyme, but the Trenietie
keepe you. From Plompton in hast, the xii day of Aprill.
   By your wyfe,
   Dame Agnes Plompton.
[\12 April 1504.\]

<Q PLU 1504 APLUMPTON>
<A AGNES PLUMPTON>
<P 187>
[} [\LETTER LETTER CLII.\] }] 
(^To Sir Richard Plompton be thes byl delivered in hast.^)
   Sir Richard Plompton, I recomend me unto you, dessiring and
prayng you that ye will se some remydy for thes prosses, that
they may be stopped; and that ye will goe to my lord Dayrsse,
and make on letter for me in my name, and shew him how they delt
with my housband tenaunts and servants, and ye thinke it be to
dowe. And I pray you that ye will se that nether thes, nor none
other prosses, pas, but be stoppyd, as my speciall trust is in
you. For I have sent up the copy of the (\capias\) , with one
letter from William Elesson and one other from Under Sherife,
that ye may, after the scest of them, labor as ye thinke best by
your mynd. Also, Sir Richard, I pray you to remember my other
[{order{] ; for Thomas Stabill hath taken the west Rod and the
est Rod, and hath mayd the fenses, and so she hath no gresse to
hir cattell; and also they sow hir land, and will not let hir
occupy nothing as yet, and that discomfortheth them much. No
more, but the Trinete kepe you. From Plompton in hast, the xiii
day of Aprill.
   By me Dame Agnes Plompton.
[\13 April 1504.\]

<Q PLU 1504 APLUMPTON>
<A AGNES PLUMPTON>
<P 188>
[} [\LETTER CLIII.\] }]
(^To the worshipfull Robart Plompton, kt. be thes byll delivered
in hast.^)
   Right worshipfull, I in most hartee wyse recomennd me unto
you, desiring to heare of your wellfaire and good speed in your
matters, letting you understand that I am in good helth, with
all your children (blessed be (^Jesu^) ), and pray you of your
daly blessinge; and all your servants is in good health and is
right glad to here of your welfare. Sir, one the eving after the
making of this letter, your servant Edmund Robyson come home,
and so I understond by your letter, that you wold understand if
Sir John Roclife servants have received any ferme in Yorkshire,
but therof I can get no knowledg as yet. But they have sold oke
wood at Nesfeld, and lettes them stand to the tyme of the yere,
one oke that is worth xl=d= for xij=d=; and also they have sold
aches at the same place: and the okes are sold to William
Clapame and Richard Clapame, and the aches to the towards there
about. And also at Idell, they have sold holyn to James Formes
and to Thomas Quentin and William Aches, and herof I can geet no
more certaintie as yet. And also there is no mo of your tenaunts
to get as yet, nor your servants nether, at this tyme; but the
Trenitie have you in his blessed keepinge Scrybbled in hast, the
fryday next after St. Marke day.
   By your wyffe,
   Dame Agnes Plompton.
[\26 April 1504.\]

<Q PLU 1504 EPOLE>
<A ELIZABETH POLE>
<P 190>
[} [\LETTER CLV.\] }] 
[\NO ADDRESS.\] [^TO SIR ROBERT PLUMPTON^]
   Right worshipfull and my singuler good master, in the most
humble and lowly maner that I can or may, I humbly recomend me
unto your good mastership, and unto my good lady your wyfe,
desiryng hartely to here of your welfaire, and also of your good
speed in your weighty and great matters, which I have prayed
for, and shall doe dayly. Sir, I receyved a letter from you,
which bare dayt the viii day of June, and in that letter ye
wrote to me, that it was my sone Germyne mynd, and yours, with
other his frynds, that I should occupie still att Rudburne, as I
have done in tymes, as long as we can agre; upon condition that
I wold be as kynd to my sayd son Germyne, as he intendeth to be
to me. I pray Jesus that I may find him kynd to me, for it is my
full entent and purpose to be kynd and lovyng unto him and his,
whersoever I come. But thus the matter is now, that I have taken
another house within the Freres at Derby, which is but of a
smale charge, and ther I entend to dispose myselfe to serve God
dilygently, and kepe a narrow house and but few of meany; for I
have such discomforth of my son Thomas unfortunate matters, that
it is tyme for me to get me into a litle cornner, and so wyll I
doe. I will besech you and him to take no displeasure with me
for my departing, for it wilbe no otherwyse; my hart is so sett.
Moreover, as touching the custodie of all such evidence, as I
have now in my keeping, concernyng thenherytance of my sayd son
Germyne, a gentleman of your acquantance, Mr. Herry Arden, hath
bene in hand with me for them, and I have shewed him,
<P 191>
whensoever and to whom it shalbe thought by you most convenyent
tyme of the delyverance of them, I wylbe redy to delyver them,
for I will be glad to be discharged of them; for I will flitt at
this next Mighelmas, as I am full mynded, or sonner, with Gods
grace. I pray you contynew my gud master, and owe me never the
worse will therfor; for it ryseth on my owne mynd to give over
grett tuggs of husbandry which I had, and take me to lesse
charge. And with Gods grace I shalbe as kynd to him, and to my
daughter, his wyfe, as ever I was in my life, as well from them,
as with them. With the grace of (^Jesu^) , who ever preserve
you. Wrytten at Rodburne in hast, the x=th= day of July.
   By your poore sister and trew beadwoman,
   Elizabeth Pole.
[\10 July 1504.\]

<Q PLU 1504 GPOLE>
<A GERMAYN POLE>
<P 191>
[} [\LETTER CLVI.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull father-in-law, Sir Robart Plompton,
kt. be this delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull and my most singuler good father-in-law, in
my best maner I hartely recomend me unto you, right glad to here
of your welfare, the which our Lord contynew long unto his
pleasure and your most comforth. Father, the cause of this my
wryting unto you of myn own hand, is for a matter that no man
knoweth
<P 192>
of but onely my wyfe, and I, and the partyes. Father, this is
the matter; ther is a gentleman, the which had maryed one of my
naunts, whose name is Randolpe Manwring, and he beareth great
love and favor unto my sister Ellynor, and she doth likewise
unto him the same. And the gentleman hath desired me to wryte
unto you, to know if ye can be contented that he have hir in
marage to his wyfe; the which if that ye so be, he wilbe glad to
meat you in any plase, that it please you to apoynt, and to have
a communication in the matter. And I thinke in my mynd that he
wilbe contented to take lesse with hir than any man in Inglond
wold doe, being of his avyowre, because of the great love and
favour that is betwyxt them. And, father, this I will say by myn
uncle Manwryng; his land is a c marke, and also he is as godly
and as wyse a gentleman, as any is within a m. myle, of his hed.
And, Sir, all the whole matter lyeth in you and in noe man els;
but if that she were myne owne borne sister, I had lever that
she had him, knowing him as I doe, than a man of vi tymes his
land. Father, how that ye are disposed in this matter, I besech
you that I may have answere, as shortly as ye can; for my sister
Ellynor putteth herselfe utterly unto that thing, that is your
mynd. And my wyfe and I will doe the same, by the grace of
(^Jesu^) , who send you shortly a good end in your matters.
Amen.
   Your son,
   Germayn Pole.
[\Anno 1504.\]

<Q PLU 1504 GPOLE>
<A GERMAYN POLE>
<P 192>
[} [\LETTER CLVII.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull father-in-law, Sir Robart Plompton,
kt. this letter be delivered in hast.^)
   Right worshipfull and my most singuler good father-in-law, in
the best manner that I possibly can I hartely recomend me unto
<P 193>
you with effectuall desire to here of your welfare and gud speed
in your great matters. And likewise, Sir, doth your poore
daughter my wyfe, and my sister Ellynor, desiring to have your
dayly blessing. Father, I have word brought me, by one
Duckmanton of Moginton, from you, that you had a joyfull end in
all your matters, the which were unto me the joyfullest tydings
that cold be thought. Howbeit, Sir, I have had great marvell,
that I have not, since that tyme, hard some word from you.
Father, pleaseth yt you to understand, that I have comuned with
my uncle Maywheryng, according to the effect of your letter; and
veryly, Sir, I can no other wyse perceive by my sayd uncle, but
that he is reasonable in all causes. For first, he wilbe
contented to make hir xx marke joynter; and as for such essew as
God sendeth them, it is noe doubt but he wyll so provyd for
them, that they shall live like gentlemen or gentlewomen,
whichsoever God suffereth. And veryly, father, I am right sure
that my sister Ellynor had rather have hym, you beyng so
content, then a man of far greater lands. And also, father, I
know wher that my sayd uncle myght have great marraiges, both
with great lands, and guds. Wherfore, Sir, yfe yt is your mynd
that the matter goe forward, and the preferment of my syster,
your daughter, in this behalfe, I pray you that I may have
shortly knowledg in writting, what your mind is in this matter,
and what you be worthy to give for his large proffers. And, you
being any thing resanable, I am right sure that ye shall like my
sayd uncle, as well as ever you liked any man, by the grace of
(^Jesu^) , who preserve you. Written at Rodburne in hast upon
Martingmas even.
   By your son-in-law,
   Germayn Pole.
[\10 Nov. 1504.\]

<Q PLU 1506? IPLUMPTON>
<A ISABEL PLUMPTON>
<P 198>
[} [\LETTER CLXII.\] }]
(^To Sir Robart Plompton, kt. be thes letter delivered.^)
   Sir, in the most hartyest wyse that I can, I recomend me unto
you. Sir, I have sent to Wright of Idell for the money that he
promyst you, and he saith he hath it not to len, and makes
choses [\excuses\] and so I can get none nowhere. And as for
wood, ther is none that will bey, for they know ye want money,
and without they myght have it halfe for nought, they will bey
none; for your son, William Plompton, and Thomas Bickerdyke hath
bene every day at wood sence ye went, and they can get no money
for nothing, - for tha will bey none without they have tymmer
tres, and will give nothinge for them: and so shall your wood be
distroyed and get nought for it. Sir, I told you this or ye
went, but ye wold not beleve me. Sir, I have taken of your
tymmer as much as I can get of, or Whitsonday farme forehand;
and that is but litle to do you any good, for ther is but some
that will len so long afor the tyme. And your Lenten stoufe is
to bey, and I wote not what to do, God wote, for I am ever left
of thes fachion. Sir, ther is land in Rybston feild, that
Christofer Chambers wold bey, if ye will sel it; but I am not in
a suerty what he 
<P 199>
will give for it. But if ye will sel it, send word to your son
what ye will doe, for I know nothing els wherwith to help you
with. Sir, for God sake take an end, for we are brought to
begger staffe, for ye have not to defend them withall. Sir, I
send you my mare, and iij=s= iiij=d= by the bearer herof, and I
pray you send me word as sone as ye may. No more at this tyme,
but the Holy Trenyttie send you good speed in all your matters,
and send you sone home. Sir, remember your chillder bookes.
   Be your bedfellow,
   Isabell Plompton.

<Q PLU 1500S? H5PERCY>
<A HENRY PERCY 5TH EARL>
<P 201>
[} [\LETTER CLXIV.\] }] 
(^To my right trusty and welbeloved Cousin, Sir Robart Plompton,
knight.^)
   Cosin Sir Robart Plompton, I commennd me unto you, and am
informed that ye pretend a tytle and clame unto a litle land in
Rybstone, the which without tyme of mynde hath belonged unto the
parson of Spofford the tyme being, and hath alwayes bene at his
disposition to now lait that, as I perceive, ye be aboutward
against all right to imbarr and exclud my Chapleyn, now parsonn
ther, and ... my service of the same; wherof I greatly marvill,
considring his predesessors alway hertofore hath quietly and
peasibly had it. And furthermore, well assured I am, Cousen,
that my chaplayn wold not covit to have it, but for the ...
aforsayd, and in the right of his Church; the which, for that I
... patron thereof, I must and will, in that I can, helpe to
defend, as myne owne inheritaince. Wherefore, I desire and pray
you noe further to intromete you with the sayd land and right of
his church, more then ye have in tyme past, in the dayes of
other his predesessours; and in case ye nedely will, wherof I
wold be right sory, know ye veryly ye cannot have my good will
and favour. And that, morover, it shalbe greatly against my
will, that ye or any other shall wrong me in the right of the
same, whill I live. Written in my mannor of Petworth, the last
day of Januarie.
   Your loving Cousin,
   Hen: Northumberland.

<Q PLU 1506? DPLUMPTON>
<A DOROTHY PLUMPTON>
<P 202>
[} [\LETTER CLXV.\] }]
(^To the right worshipfull and my most entyerly beloved, good,
kind father, Sir Robart Plompton, knyght, lying at Plompton in
Yorkshire, be thes delivered in hast.^)
   Ryght worshipfull father, in the most humble manner that I
can I recommend me to you, and to my lady my mother, and to all
my brethren and sistren, whom I besech almyghtie God to
mayntayne and preserve in prosperus health and encrese of
worship, entyerly requiering you of your daly blessing; letting
you wyt that I send to you mesuage, be Wryghame of Knarsbrugh,
of my mynd, and how that he should desire you in my name to send
for me to come home to you, and as yet I had no answere agane,
the which desire my lady hath gotten knowledg. Wherfore, she is
to me more better lady then ever she was before, insomuch that
she hath promysed me hir good ladyship as long as ever she shall
lyve; and if she or ye can fynd athing meyter for me in this
parties or any other, she will helpe to promoote me to the
uttermost of her puyssaunce. Wherfore, I humbly besech you to be
so good and kind father unto me as to let me know your pleasure,
how that ye will have me ordred, as shortly as it shall like
you. And wryt to my lady, thanking hir good ladyship of hir so
loving and tender kyndnesse shewed unto me, beseching hir
ladyship of good contynewance therof. And therfore, I besech you
to send a servant of yours to my lady and to me, and shew now by
your fatherly kyndnesse that I am your child; for I have sent
you dyverse messuages and wryttings, and I had never answere
againe. Wherfore, yt is thought in this parties, by those
persones that list better to say ill than good, that ye have
litle favor unto me; the which error ye may now quench, yf yt
will like you to be so good and kynd father unto me. Also I
besech you to send me a fine hatt and some good cloth to make me
some kevercheffes.
<P 203>
And thus I besech (^Jesu^) to have you in his blessed keeping to
his pleasure, and your harts desire and comforth. Wryten at the
Hirste, the xviii day of Maye.
   By your loving daughter,
   Dorythe Plompton.

<Q PLU 1515 GPOLE>
<A GERMAYN POLE>
<P 211>
[} [\LETTER CLXXIII.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull father-in-law, Sir Robart Plompton,
kt. be these delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull father, in the most loving maner that I
can, I hartely recomennd me unto you, and to my lady my 
mother-in-law, your wyfe; and likwise my poore wyfe, your
daughter, recomends hir unto you and my sayd lady, and prayeth
you of your daly blessing. And we desire hartely the knowledge
of your prosperous health, worship, and welfare, the which I
besech Almyghty Jesus long to contynue to encrease to his
pleasure, and your comforth. And, father, if you be remembred, I
wrote a letter unto you laytly, and sent it unto you by my
servant; in the which letter I instaunced and desired you to
shew your fatherly kindnes unto my poore wife and me, and to be
so gud father unto us, as to make a sure meane that we myght
peaseably enjoy and occupie the land that I bought of you in
Combryg in Staforthshire, (for I thought, that unles the sayd
land in Combryge were specified in this award, now made betwixt
you and Roclife and the heires of Suttele, or els of a liklyhod
they wold enter upon me and disposses me,) and you send me word,
that you thought they wold not have it, nor medle with it. But
thus it is, that now within this fortnyth ther were servants of
Sir William Parpoints and Sir John Roclifes determined to take
away the goods that they
<P 212>
could find upon the ground; and so had they donne, but that the
tenaunt fortuned to here tell of ther coming, and in all
possible hast came to give me warning. And so, by the helpe of
gud masters and frinds, at the last, by fayre means, with very
great payne, entreated them to spare distreyning, till such tyme
as I had sent unto you to know what remedy you wold provide
herin. Wherfore, at the reverence of God, and for the love that
you owe unto my poore wyfe and me and our children, remember how
we stand unto you, and be so gud and kind father unto us to find
the meane, that we may peasiably occupie that litle land, which
I bought of you and truly payd for; and it shalbe to a discharge
of your conscience and, with Gods grace, comforth in lykewyse,
for it shall ever succeed in your bloud. Father, I besech you
thus to doe, to take the payne upon you to make such labor unto
Sir John Roclife, that he will, at your instauncie and by the
mediacion of such of your frinds as it shall please you to cause
to labor unto him, make a release of that land in Combrig.
Father, if it please you to doe your best herin, I doubt not,
with Gods grace, but you shall well bring this matter to passe,
considring the familiaritie betwixt you and him now, and that is
like to be. Thus doing, you bynd me and all myne ever to do you
that pleasure, that may be in our smale power; and not doyng
thus, all that know you and me myght well speake upon it, that I
should, considryng how I stand unto you, pay such a sume of
money to you, and not to be made sure of my bargen. And beside,
yt wold be to me as great discomforth as lightly cold happen me,
which wold greve much more then the losse of my money, or of my
land. And, as you know right well, I have Slyngsby bonden as
your surty in an obligation of x=li= for the perfirmance of your
bargan, which I have redy in my keping. And the Lord preserve
you. From Redburne in hast, upon Trenetie Munday.
   By your faythfull loving son,
   Germayn Pole.
[\4 June 1515.\]

<Q PLU 1515 GPOLE>
<A GERMAYN POLE>
<P 213>
[} [\LETTER CLXXIV.\] }] 
(^To the right worshipfull and singuler gud father, Sir Robart
Plompton, Kt. be these delivered in hast.^)
   Right worshipfull and my full singuler gud father, in the
most humble and lowly maner that I can, I hartely recomend me
unto you, and to my lady your wyfe, and in lykewise doth your
daughter, my poore wyfe, and hartely prayeth you of your dayly
blessing, desiring the knowledg of your prosperous health and
welfaire. Father, so it is that upon a truth, of thursday last,
oon Richard Bardall of Hessope came in the names of Roclife,
Parpoynte, and Counstable to my tennant in Combryg, and also to
Crake[{marsh{] and in ther names commaunded my tennant that he
should from henceforth pay me no rent, but to make his rent redy
for them, shewing eich one of them wold send a servant thither
for the rent betwixt this and Martynmas; and told him playnly
that they must have the sayd land, because it was nether in ther
wryting, nor in yours. Father, you sent me word laytly by my
servant, that you had made it sure to me without any daunger. Yt
pleaseth you to let him se your wrytings, and, as I understond,
both by you and by him, it is nether expressed in the wrytings
that towch them, nor you. Yet, notwithstanding, upon mine
honestie, they make this sturryng therin, and so yt is to
thinke, that if they may find any hole or colur therin, they
will troble with me for the same; and yt were great pytie that I
shold have ony troble for that thing, that I have bought and
truly payd for. Wherfore, at the reverence of God, and for the
love that you owe to me and my wyfe, and our children, to make a
sure way for me now at this terme at London. And I pray you send
me word what tyme you will goe or send to London, and I will
send one of my servants to meet you or your deputie ther. And
<P 214>
at his comming whom, bringing me word that you have made it sure
to me without daunger or jopartie, forthwith you shal have payd
you that, that myne uncle Sir Alban promysed you, and at all
tymes the best that in me may be to you and all yours, duryng my
natural life, by the sufferance of (^Jesu^) , who have you in
his eternall keeping. From Rodburne in hast, the iij day of
October. Father, I besech you at such tyme as recoveres or
assurances shalbe made, that it will please you to let it be
expressed by name, that they may be avoyded or expulsed from
ther clame therin.
   Your loving son,
   Germayn Pole.
[\3 Oct. 1515.\]

<Q PLU 1515? WGASCOIGNE>
<A WILLIAM GASCOIGNE>
<P 214>
[} [\LETTER CLXXV.\] }] [^TO SIR ROBERT PLUMPTON^]
(^To my uncle Plumpton this letter be delivered in hast.^)
   Uncle Plompton, I commend me unto you. It is so I am like to
have busines for the lordship of Harwood. The Kinge is my good
and gracias Lord, and hath granted it to me, with all the
revenos and profitts thereof, duryng the nowne age of the heire
of Heire Ridman. And as I am enformed, such folkes as be not my
lovers, wold bysie them in the cause; how be it, they have no
matter of law, nor right therin. Wherfore I desire you, if there
be any cause or matter of danger against me in that behalfe,
that ye will be with me, with such company as you can make, at
such tyme as I send to you; at which your comyng ye shall se a
reasonable
<P 215>
suerty to beare me in the cause. And what ye will doe herin, I
pray you send me word in writting be this bearer. And thus our
Lord keepe you. At Gaukthorpe, the xviii day of December.
   Your nephew,
   William Gascoygne.
[\18 Dec. anno circiter 1515.\]

<Q PLU 1520S WGASCOIGNE>
<A WILLIAM GASCOIGNE>
<P 215>
[} [\LETTER CLXXVI.\] }] [^TO SIR ROBERT PLUMPTON^]
(^To my Uncle Plompton be these delivered.^)
   Uncle Plompton, I recomend me unto you, desiring you to call
to your remembrance the byrth of my nephew William Farfax, which
was borne with you at Plompton, and let me have the dayt of his
birth. Also I pray you let me have the dayt of the marraige of
my cosin Hair and your daughter, which ye have in wrytting, as I
am enformed; and ye thus doyng bynds me to doe you as great a
pleasure, which I shalbe glad to doe, with the grace of God, who
preserve you to his pleasure, and thus fare ye well. From
Gawkthrop, the third day of March.
   Your
   William Gascoyne.
[\3 March 15-.\]

<Q PLU 1516 JDODDINGTON>
<A JOHN DODDINGTON>
<P 217>
[} [\LETTER CLXXVIII.\] }] [^JOHN DODDINGTON TO ROBERT
PLUMPTON^]
(^To my right worshipfull master Sir Robart Plompton, kt.
deliver thes in hast.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, in my most humble maner that I can, I
recomend me to your good mastership, and also to my good lady;
letting your mastership understand that Nicholas, the messenger,
hath delivered a byll into the Stare Chamber of all the prevey
seles that he delivered in the north country: and as many as
apereth not, the Counsell derecteth proses against them.
Howbeyt, I made aledgment for your mastership, wherwith they are
content, and hath given day All-hallow day. And they lay to your
charge lxxxiij=li=, that your mastership shold be debtable to
the King for the lordship of Plompton, for ij yeres, in King
Herre the VII=th= dayes. This must be answered at the next
terme. And, Sir, ther is a suyt against your mastership in the
Excheker for introshon. And, Sir, as for my yong master, that
hath none end as yet. Sir, the Kings grace and the queens lyeth
at Wodfeld; and yt is sayd of a certayne that ther comes a lyget
from Rome to my lord Cartdenall, and shall bring to my lord
Cardenall the paypis with full authoryty and power of all maner
of things in the Reame of England. No more to your mastership,
but the Holy Ghost have you in his keping. From London in hast,
the xxviii of June.
   By your servant,
   John D.
[\28 June 1516.\]

<Q PLU 1519? WPLUMPTON>
<A WILLIAM PLUMPTON>
<P 220>
[} [\LETTER CLXXX.\] }]
(^To my right worshipfull and my especiall good father Sir
Robart Plompton, kt. be thes delivered.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, after dew recomendations had, I homly
recomend me unto you and to my lady and mother-in-law, beseching
you for your dayly blessing. Sir, I have bene dyverse tymes
before the judges for my matters, but I can have none end
<P 221>
as yet, except my cousin Babthorp myght have all the lands in
Hemyngbrough ... and I to have Waton, Northcayffe, Medelton,
Wystou, and lands in Beverley to the valow of xl=s=, and forest
land in Selby to the valow of xx=s=, and iij=li= land more, or
lx=li= in money; and to give answer the first day of the next
tearme. Wherfore, Sir, I besech you of your best counsell therin
by this bearer. And as for your owne matter before Master Dance,
Olever hath wrytten to you the scertayntie therof; and as for
Mr. Woyd, I had money so much to do as to stope the outlawery
this terme. Wherfore, Sir, I besech you to make some search
therfore, for yt is a great danger, as the world is at this day,
as (^Jesu^) knowes, who preserve you in health. Wrytten at
Sacum, the x day of June. Sir, I besech you give credence to
this bearer.
   By your owne son to his litle power,
   William Plompton.

<Q PLU 1520S? AABBOT>
<A ANN ABBOT>
<P 229>
[} [\LETTER VIII.\] }] 
(^To my good Lady, Dame Anne Rokesby, be this delivered.^)
   Maddam, after my most louely I recomend me to your ladyship,
evermore desiring to wit of your good wellfare, which is my
dayly prayer to Jesus to inquete to your harts most comfort.
Maddam, I doe wryte to you praying not your ladyship to be wroth
with my husband for the money that he received of my M=rs= your
daughter, that he send not to you by this bearrer. It was my
consent; for in good faith, madam, in a maner we weare eether to
have lost our farme, for M=r= Trey is so trobled in the law,
that he may not forbeare his rent no whyle. Madam, I bad my
husband take your money, and I said, I trust your Ladyship will
not be discontent for your money for a season; the which shall
be befor Lamas, by the grace of God. For in good fayth, madam,
<P 230>
we must have else sold iij of our key, the which had bene a
great hindrance to us. For in good faith we buy that we spend in
our house, and I am faine to eate browne bread and drink small
alle myselfe, and lives as hardly, as God knowes, and must do
for this yeare. I trust to God it shall be ammended the next
yeare; for, I thank God, we had not a better cropp toward this
good whyle. And God reward your Ladyship; we had lived most
hardly, if that your Ladyship had not bene. And I pray you,
madam, let not my M=rs=. your daughter wit of it, for then she
will never trust my husband, nor me. God reward hir, which I am
much bownd unto. I can doe nothing for your Ladyship and hir,
but for to pray for your prosperete. I pray you, madam, let not
my husband know of this letter, and send me word trewly with
this bearrer in a little bill of your owne hand, ij or iij
words, that he know not of your mind. No more, but Jesus kepe
your Ladyship in good health.
   By your power beadwoman,
   Ann Abott.

<Q PLU 1536? RPLUMPTON>
<A ROBERT PLUMPTON>
<P 231>
[} [\LETTER X.\] }] [^TO ISABEL PLUMPTON^]
(^To his mother at Plompton be this letter delivered.^)
   Right worshipful mother, I humbly recommend mee unto you,
desiring you of your dayly blessing, praing (^Jesu^) long to
continew your helth to his pleasur. Mother, I thanke you for the
..... you send mee, for yf you were not, I were not able to
live; for this same Christmasse hath cost mee as much as you
send mee. Wherfore, I am afraid I shal not have money to serve
mee to Easter. Also I wold desire you to send mee word of the
letter that I wrote to my father and you, for to moove my Lady
Gascoin to write to
<P 232>
my lord, her brother, not to bee only his servant, but of his
houshold and attending unto him; for els he wold do as other
lords do, knowes not half their servants. Wherfor, I desire you
that you wil moove my lady Gascoin to write so to my lord, that
I may bee his houshold servant. Also, mother, I wold desire you
to mark wel my letter, that I sent you by Mr. Oughtred; and here
I send you a godly New Testament by this bearer. And yf the
prologue bee so small that ye cannot wel reade them, ther is my
fathers book, and they are bothe one, and my fathers book hath
the prologue printed in bigger letters. Yf it wil please you to
read the introducement, ye shal see marvelous things hyd in it.
And as for the understanding of it, dout not; for God wil give
knowledge to whom he will give knowledg of the Scriptures, as
soon to a shepperd as to a priest, yf he ask knowledg of God
faithfully. Wherfor, pray to God, and desire Jesus Christ to
pray for you and with you. No more to you at this tyme, but God
fill you 
<P 233>
with al spiritual knowledge, to the glory of God, the helth of
your soule, and the profit of your poor nieghbor. Written at the
Temple, the 12 day of ianuary.
   By your sonn,
   Robert Plompton.
[\Anno circa 1536.\]

<Q PLU 1536? RPLUMPTON>
<A ROBERT PLUMPTON>
<P 233>
[} [\LETTER XI.\] }] [^TO ISABEL PLUMPTON^]
(^To his right worshipful mother bee this delivered with
speed.^)
   Right worshipfull mother, I humbly recomende me unto you,
desiringe Jesus longe to continewe your healthe to the pleasure
of God. Worshipfull mother, I am bounde to write to you, yea and
you were not my mother, because it hathe pleased God of his
inestimable goodnes to sende me some understandinge in the
Scriptures; for everie man or woman that it shall please God to
sende knowledge in the Scriptures is bounde to instructe theire
brethren in the lovinge of the Gospell. Wherefore, it is my
dutie to instructe you, most principalle of all other, which
hathe shewed to me so muche kindenes, besides all motherly
kindenes. Wherefore, I desire you, moste deare mother, that ye
will take heede to the teachinge of the Gospell, for it is the
thinge that all wee muste live by; for Christe lefte it that we
shoulde altogether rule our livinge thereby, or els we cannot be
in favour with God. Wherefore, I woulde desire you for the love
of God, that you woulde reade the Newe Testament, which is the
trewe Gospell of God, spoken by the Holy Ghoste. Wherefore,
doubte not of it, dearly beloved mother in the Lorde, I write
not this to bringe you into anie heresies, but to teache you the
cleare light of Goddes doctrine. Wherefore, I will never write
nothinge to you, nor saye nothinge to you, concerninge the
Scriptures, but will dye in the quarrell. Mother, you have muche
to thanke God that it woulde please him to geve you licence to
live untill this time, for the gospell of Christe was never so
trewly preached as it is nowe.
<P 234>
Wherfore, I praye to God that he will geve you grace to have
knowledge of his Scriptures. Ye shall heare perceive what the
profession of our Baptisme is, which profession we muste have
written in our hartes. Which profession standeth in twoe
thinges; the one is the knowledge of the lawe of God,
understandinge it spiritually as Christe expoundeth it, Math. v.
vi. and vii. chapters; so that the roote and life of all lawes
is this, Love thy Lorde God with all thy harte, all thy soule,
all thy mighte, and all thy power, and thy neighboure as thy
selfe for Christes sake. And love onely is the fullfillinge of
the lawe, as saithe S. Paule, and that whatsoever we doe and not
of that love, that same fullfilleth not the lawe in the sighte
of God. And what the lawe doth meane ye shall finde in the
prologue to the Rom: in my fathers booke, called the Newe
Testament. I write unto you because that I knowe you have a
fervent ... and his lawes
[\REST WANTING.\]

<Q PLU 1539? WPLUMPTON>
<A WILLIAM PLUMPTON>
<P 234>
[} [\LETTER XII.\] }]
(^To my welbeloved son Robart Plompton at the Iner Temple in
London be this.^)
   Son Robart Plompton, I hertely recommend me to you, and
sending you and your brother God blesing and mine. The cause of
my writing to you now; that I wold you should helpe this
bearrer, yong Letham, in such buisenes as he hath in the Court
of Augmentation, for certaine power for yong children of one
Berkine, deceased, as conserning one farme hold, late belonging
to the hold of St. Robarts, which you know I did speake to the
Ansurer for the use of the said children, and he permised not to
suit them. That notwithstanding, John Benson would have entred;
<P 235>
and now made many great riots upon the said children, and
therfore he is indited with divers persons with him. And now
forther, he hath brought a preve seale against old Leathom and
yong Leathom, and also the eldest child; and for that divers and
many of ther frinds hath moved me to wryte to you to help them
in the said matter. And if it be that you can make any frinds,
to shew Mr. Chaunceler the planer and through in every thing
(and this bearrer can instruct you), and then, I pray you, do
the best for them. And also I would have you to speak with Mr.
Latham, the goldsmith, Lanlord to Robart Oliver, and shew him
how that he will not make his diches and fences belonging to his
farme, but that my corne and gras is spoyled at Watterton by
that meaner. And if he will not seake remedy therof, let Mr. Fox
enter a action of trespas against the said Robart Oliver for
dispoyling my gras at Watterton to the valew of five mark. And
as far as I fele, Mr. Norton comith not up. I shall make your
rents to be gathered, and send it to you as shortly as I can.
And thus hartely far you well. From Plompton, this 14=th= day of
November.
   By your loving father,
   William Plompton.

<Q PLU 1539 JDODDINGTON>
<A JOHN DODDINGTON>
<P 237>
[} [\LETTER XV.\] }] 
(^Too the right worshipfull and his singuler good master, Mr.
William Plompton, esquire, at Plompton Hall, in the countie of
York, give theis.^)
   Right worshipfull, my deuty to you premised, in my most
hartyest maner I recomend me unto you, and likewise to my good
Mistres your wife, trusting in Jesus that you with all your
children be in good health, the continuence wherof I pray Jesus
increase. It may please you to be advertised I have received
your gentle letters, datted at Plompton the ix of January, by
the which you required
<P 238>
me to helpe Tho: Compton, your nephe, to some honiest ocopation
at London, with him to be bownd prentis; which I wad gladly to
the uttermost of my power and the helpe of my frinds have don,
as I am bownd, in case he had come unto me, as he did not. The
bringer of your said letters informed me that your said nephew
was determend to kepe in his ownhe countrie, and not to cum to
London. And where your pleasure in your said letter is, that I
shold give you notise if theare wear any thing in varience
within your maner or lordship of Sacomp, to the intent you might
send your pleasure therin by your baly, at his next coming to
Sacomp. Sir, thear is one thing in varience for title of
copehold land ther, which one Edward Glidall, your late farmer,
hath; which land was somtimes one Flegs, unto the which one
Flege now maketh title and hath don long times past. And abowt
Chrismas last past, the same Flegge delivered a (\supenea\) to
Glidall for the same, as I am informed, but what is don therin I
know not; of this matter, Settill, your servant, can informe you
better then I. Allso, ther is one Slepe dweling abowt St.
Albones, who at your last Court thear maid clame to a percill of
grownd of your said copehold in the tenner of Marston, of the
which the same Marston hath a cope. Soever the le
[\nevertheless\] , said Slepe aledgeth that his brother, of whom
the said Marston bought the same ground, never maid surrender
therof, according to the custome of your maner; albeit, it
apereth plainely in a bill remaining with the said Merston, that
the brother of the said Slepe sold unto Merston all his intreast
in the said coppehold. The same Slepe at your last court
required your baly ther, with the asent of the said Merston, to
make search in your court rowls if any such surrender wer maid,
acording as it is mentioned in the said copie remaining with the
said Marston, [{which cope, as
<P 239>
I remember, was maide in the fowerth or fifth yeare of the reign
of our Soveraigne Lord the king that now is,{] where the said
rowle could not be found; howbeit, theare was all the rowles of
this King reigne but onely that of that yeare. Sir, as me
thinks, your rowls thear be not kept as they ought to be; the
cofer wherin your said court rowles lieth is nought and the lock
therof not worth a pene, and it standeth in the church at
Sacomp, wheare every man may come at his pleasure. Wherfore, in
my simple mind it should be nesary for you to provide sum other
meane for the safe custody of your said rowles. Also, Sir, sith
the time I have bene your farmer ther, I have paid, and must pay
within tow yeares next to come, vi fiftens for the farme of your
maner of Sacomp, the first payment xxiiij=s=, the second xxx=s=
viii=d=, and either of the other fower yeares xxiiij=s=, which
amounteth in the hole vii=li= x=s= viii=d=. I marvill greatly
that your said manor shold be so highley charged, considering
the hole fiftene of your towne of Sacomp is but lix=s=. I could
never se no writing of the sesment therof, but only by the
report maid of your tennants ther by word of mouth. Sir, I
wright this unto you, because in case you have any sertinty
therof in wryting, I might know it. I wold be sory to charge
your said maner with any more then ought of right to be; and yet
I have paid the same, bycause I am loth to stand in contentions
with my neighbors .... the truth therin be known. Further, I
have received the letter sent to you by Sir Philip Butler,
knight, wherin he wrighteth that you have bene insensed against
him by the report of lewd and evill disposed persons; by whome
he meaneth the same, I may not judge: howbeit, I think rather by
me then any other. His sones ar discontented with me, because I
kepe grey hounds and hownds at your said maner, saieng that it
becometh not me to kepe grey hownds and hownds so near theyr
fathers nose, with many other things
<P 240>
which I remite for lake of time. And whear your pleasure is in
your said letter, that I shold shew Mr. Butler that in case he
wold give you such fine for your milne of Sacomp as your baly
did demaund for the same, you wear contented that he shold be
amited tennant therof; Sir, sith the receit of your said letter
I have not spoken with the said Mr. Butler, because I have bene
and yet am at London, as this bearrer can informe you. Albeit,
at this (^Hillarii^) tearme I spoke with one Mr. Hide, who
maried the said Mr. Butlers daughter, and lieth and continueth
within the said Mr. Butlers, and is the greatest doer about him;
to whome I shewed your pleasure therin, requiring him to informe
Mr. Butler therof, and of your said pleasure. Wherupon the said
Mr. Hide said, that you demaunded an unreasonable fine for the
same, and that his father did ofer you double the fine that ever
was paid by any man for the same. And further he said, that in
case ye wold not take such fine, as shold stand with reason and
good conscience, he trusted that my lord Chauncler of England,
upon the matter hard before him, wold ses such fine for the same
as shold stand with right and good consience. And whear, also,
the said Mr. Butler, amongst other things, wryteth in his said
letters that your tennants thear be daly in his danger, and that
he might put them daly to trobles, if he wold; Sir, I trust ye
have no tennant thear, but that is the Kings trewe subiect, and
obedient to Gods law and his graces. And as long as the be so, I
dought not but that we, having so noble and gratious a King as
we have, power men shal live in rest, doing their deuty to his
grace, as they and all other ar most bownd to do. Sir, Mr.
Butler of himself is a good and gentle knight, in case he wear
not otherwise counciled, as knoweth (^Jesu^) , who ever preserve
you and all
<P 241>
yours in good and prosperus health with long continuance of the
same to his pleasure. From London the xxii day of Febuary.
   Your fermar and servant,
   John Dodington.

<Q PLU 1540 JDODDINGTON>
<A JOHN DODDINGTON>
<P 241>
[} [\LETTER XVI.\] }] [^JOHN DODDINGTON TO ISABEL PLUMPTON^]
(^To the right worshipfull Mrs. Isbell Plompton, this with
speede.^)
   Right worshipfull and my singler good Mistres, my duty to you
premised, in my most hertyest maner I recomend me unto you.
Pleaseth you to understand I have received your letter; by the
which I understand that your pleasure is, that I shuld lett
Edward Glydal have such parcels of ground of your maner of
Sacomburs, as which he think to be nessary for him, and which
parcils I think be minded to be let. Mistres, as yet I have let
no persill of the same your maner to no person. So ever the les,
I have oferd Glidall, that if I let any persill of the sam, that
he shold have the perfirment therof before any other person, and
as farr as I can prevaile, he hath in mind to have ney percill
of the same land. He hath taken a farme of my Lord of Essex, and
that he intendeth to inhabit and dwell; and his eldest son,
which lately dweld in a coppie hold of his father in Sacomb,
hath taken and dwelleth in a farme of Mr. Holts in Lankeshire
abowt Wouden. And the same copiehold the said Edward Glidall
wold have me to
<P 242>
take of him and put in acount therin my self, and that then I
shold and might tack land of the sam your said maner to the said
coppiehold I shuld think expedient; and I as yet am not minded
to take any copehold. Soevertheles, yf Glidall himselfe or his
son be minded to occopie any of the said land that I shall be
minded to let, he shall hav the preferment therof, and your
comaundment in that behalfe, or in any other thing that in me
lieth, to be observyd and kept to the best of my power by the
same, as Jesus [{knoweth{] , who preserve you in good and
prosprus health with long continuance of the same. In hast from
London the xxii=th= of February.
   Your servant and to comaund,
   John Dodington.

<Q PLU 1540? JDODDINGTON>
<A JOHN DODDINGTON>
<P 242>
[} [\LETTER XVII.\] }] 
(^To the right worshipfull and his singuler good Master, Mr.
William Plompton, Esquire, this.^)
   Right worshipfull, in my most hartyest maner I commend me to
you and likewise to my good Mistres your wife, trusting to Jesus
that you and all your children and famila be in good health. And
wheare I perceive by Robart Settell, your servant, that the
perty who oweth the lease you sent unto me to be exemplefied,
thinketh long for the same and suposes the same lease to be
lost; Sir, truth it is, the same lease is and remaineth in the
custody of Mr. Henley of the Court of Augmentation of the King's
Majesties Crown, and is assigned with the hands of Mr. Chauncler
and Counsell of the Court aforsaid, and upon the iiij day of
this present month of June was delivered to Duke, clarke of the
said Councill, to ingross in parchment, and then to be sealed
with the seale of the same Court, which shall be done and
finished within fower or 6 dayes next coming. And shortley also,
I shall send
<P 243>
you the same with a bill of such somes of money, as I have and
shall disburse for the same; so that I trust the said party have
no cause to mistrust the having therof. He may not have that
leases in revertion be sold on Alowed Sent Leasur. And
frindship, as knoweth our Lord God, who ever preserve you.
Scribbled in hast at London the 6=th= day of June.
   Yours to comaund,
   John Dodington.

<Q PLU 1542? JDODDINGTON>
<A JOHN DODDINGTON>
<P 243>
[} [\LETTER XVIII.\] }] 
(^To the right worshipfull Mr. William Plompton, esquire.^)
   Right worshipfull Sir, my deuty to you premised, in my
hartyest maner I commend me unto you and to my Mistres your
wife; pleaseth yt you to understand my Master hath wryten his
letter to Mr. Goldsbrough for a do for your mastership in Bilton
park or the park of Heay at your pleasur. I trust it will be
signed, and if it be not, my Master desires your mastership to
send him word therof. The same letter is herin closed; and I
pray your mastership, if ther be any service that I [{may{] doe
your mastership, it will please you to commaund me as your
servant. And thus Almighty God to preserve you. Scribled in
hast, the vii=th= day of October.
   Your servant to comaund,
   John Dodington.

<Q PLU 1543 JDODDINGTON>
<A JOHN DODDINGTON>
<P 243>
[} [\LETTER XIX.\] }] 
(^To the right worshipfull William Plompton of Plompton, in the
county of York, Esquire, deliver with sped.^)
   Right worshipfull, in my most hertyest maner I commend me
unto you, and likewise to my good Mistres your wife, and very
glad
<P 244>
wold be to heare of your good health and all your children.
Theas be to certifie you that it hat pleased God Almightie to
take into his mercy the late person of Sacomp, Mr. John Petty.
He departed this transetory life upon Easterday last at vii of
the clock before nowne, whose sowle I pray Jesus perdon; and let
us pray that he that shall succede him, be of no worse sorte
than he hath bene. I and all my neighbors hartyly desire your
mastership, iv also he that shall have the same be minded to be
resident and abid upon the same personage, than that you will
move him that cumes [{for{] Sir Christopher Bird, person, who
honestly did kepe the cure under the forsaid late person, and
the maintenment of God service; and may be his depete, as he was
to the other late person, wherof I and all your other tennants
wold be very glad. Sir, I have sent you the Kings writ of
(\dedimus potestatem\) by Mr. Birnand with a letter, sealed in a
box, which I trust is come to your hands; and what your pleasure
shal be to commaund me in the premises, I pray you let me know,
and I shall be glad to accomplish the same. And I pray you have
me hartyle commended to Mr. Robart Plompton, your son, and to my
Mistres his wife, and to Mr. Dinis, your son, and to Mr.
Birnand. And I pray you informe Mr. Birnand his son is mery and
in good health, thanks be to Jesus, who ever preserve you and
all yours. Scribbled in hast at your maner of Sacomp, the Monday
next after Easter day.
   By your to commaund,
   John Dodington.
[\26 Mar. 1543.\]

<Q PLU 1544? HSAVILL>
<A HENRY SAVILL>
<P 246>
[} [\LETTER XXI.\] }] [^TO WILLIAM PLUMPTON^]
(^To my cosen Plompton of Plompton, this deliver with spede.^)
   Cossin Plompton, in as harty manner as I can think I recomend
me to you. First, all your frinds ar in good health heare. I
have bene very sick since ye went, but I am well now, I thank
God. I have vewed Christall; the rent of it, as it is now
letted, x=s= iiij=d= score, xv=li= viii=s=; and Arthington is
above xx=li= at the end of xvi yeares: the will be iij score
pownd above the rent. And the woods, my man sayes, he dar give a
thowsand marke for them, but he thinks without dowt he will make
a thowsand =li=. I have written to my Cossin, Henry Savill of
Lapset, to go thorowgh with my Lord of Canterbury for it.
Acording to the comunication, and ye and my Cossen, John
Gascoyne, shall have a part, if ye will wryte to me that ye will
stike to it; and Robart Savill and Henry Savill of Lapsit will
stand to tow parts. I think the woods will give us our money and
more; and the lease cleare to be gotten, for laying out of the
money till we can make it againe of the woods. I have sent you a
rental of it, what it is, every cloase. I pray you let my
Cossen, John Gascoyne, se this letter and the rentall. Kepe it
secret from all other. I pray God send us merry meting. All
written in my ship, at Timmoth.
   Your asured kinsman,
   Henry Savill.
Cussin Gascoyne, your children ar mery.
[\Anno circa 1543.\]

<Q PLU 1544 HSAVILL>
<A HENRY SAVILL>
<P 247>
[} [\LETTER XXII.\] }] [^TO WILLIAM PLUMPTON^]
(^To my Cossin Plompton of Plompton, this be delivered.^)
   Cossen Plompton, I recomend me to you, and as I perceive by
my son Robart servant, ye say ye will come over and hunt with
me; and it please you so to do, ye shal be as hertyly welcome as
any man that cam heare of a good space. Ye shall se your arrow
fly and your grayhound run, and all thos that comes with you,
winter and somer, when it please you to come, as long as I live.
As for the other matter, I pas not a litle of it; I have yet
waide it with my councill; and as ye shall know at our meting,
as I am informed, and as I take it, thear ar many dowts by yt.
When I speak with you, I will hide nothing from you in this then
in no other cause. When ye intend to come, let me know what
time, or els ye may hape neither to have me then nor my son at
home; but my wife ye shal be sur to find, and she will send som
with you that shall let you se both rid and fallow, if ye will
take the paine. I have killed a hind or tow of late, and they ar
very fatt this yeare, both in the woods at Tankersley and in my
gardin at Thornehill. I thinke ye weare never yet in no grownd
of mine, and I never say no man naye. Therfore, the faut is in
you and not in me; ye may amend the faut when it please you. The
cause of my sending of my servant at this time, is this; he
informes me that in your countrie thear is a man that can kill
otters very
<P 248>
well; wherfor, I have sent him to git him to me for a weke. I
asure you, they do me exceding much harme at divers places, and
especiall at Woodkirk and Thornhill, and lyes in small becks. My
folks se them daly, and I can not kill them; my hownds be not
used to them. From Sothill, the 8 of November.
   By your asured kinsman,
   Henry Savill, knt.
   After the making herof, or it was sealed, cam my son home
from London. Of Wedsday came my Lord of Norfock to the Court.
The Spanish Duke is gon; the earle of Hertfort, the Bishop of
Winchester, with the French Imbasodor, is gon to the Emporor;
the Duke of Sufolk with other remaines at Calisse. The Frenchmen
that wear of sea ar gon to Depe haven, and the Inglish men ar of
the sea, but the cold weather will sufer no man long to continue
of the water. As conserning news of Scotland, give credence to
this bearrer. This is my owne hand.
[\8 Nov. 1544.\]

<Q PLU 1544 HSAVILL>
<A HENRY SAVILL>
<P 248>
[} [\LETTER XXIII.\] }] 
(^To my right worshipfull Coussin, Mr. William Plompton of
Plompton, esquire, this deliver.^)
   Cossin Plompton, I hartely recommend me unto you, thanking
you for all your goodnes at all times. I have received your
letter by Roger Brindell, and wheare that ye wryte thear is no
dowghts
<P 249>
if the matter had come to comunication; ye ar the man that I
trust, and by you I wold have bene ordered: and if ye had so
thought, I wold have confeined myselfe to you. But I perceive
the parte is not minded to commone with him; his wife thinks him
to light. And I think, consider his qualeties, his living, his
posabilete, and confer al together, I think, as good chepe as
this I shall git a living for him, both as good and as fare. And
I am sur ther haith bene comredis won with other far wars then
he, excep one faute. And as for that, ther is and haith bene
many good men with that faut; it is the thing that he cannot
amend. It lets him not to eat, drink, slepe; he can live as well
of it I have given him, as though it had desendit to him. And if
his brother dy without isew, in all by gift he shall have v
hundreth mark land, (and if he wear but inhiretable by the law,
he shold be heir to him, but for defaut of heireship, I thinke
he will not change his estate in this case;) and for defaute of
heires of my body lawfuly begotten, he shall inhirit all that I
have. But in the meane onely, his fault so shall not hirt him in
no profets. Let this matter pas; I hertyle thank you, as much as
if it had come to pase. He is much bownd to you, and, if ever he
be able, to do you pleasure. I trust ye shull se him git a
living, ere the yeare is past. At York, if ye will come and kill
a hind, ye shall be hertyly welcom. Wryten at Sothill, the
xxviii of November. Anno 1544, 36 H. 8.
   Your asured frind, Henry Savill, knt.
[\28 Nov. 1544.\]

<Q PLU 1545 HSAVILL>
<A HENRY SAVILL>
<P 250>
[} [\LETTER XXIV.\] }] 
(^To his right worshipful Coussin, William Plompton, esquire,
this deliver.^)
   Cossin Plompton, after my hartie recommendations; your
servant sheweth me ye were and have bene very sick, wherof I am
very sory. And if your sicknes continue, wheare the commaundment
comes forth, send forth your servants and tennants, and send
forth your excuse to my Lord Lieutennant, with a letter of the
trough of your sicknes, and of the time of the continuance
therof; and being advertised of the truth, he will excep of your
lawfull and reasonable excuse. And thus hertely far you well.
From York, the xxviij of May, Anno 1545, 37 H. 8.
   Your asurred kinsman,
   Henry Savill.
[\27 May 1545.\]

<Q PLU 1546 HSAVILL>
<A HENRY SAVILL>
<P 250>
[} [\LETTER XXV.\] }] [^TO WILLIAM PLUMPTON^]
(^To my Cossin Plompton this be delivered.^)
   Cossin Plompton, I hartely recommend me unto you. The cause
of my wryting to you is, for that Roger Ramy said to me, he
thought ye would aboute Low sonday be at Thornhill. Ye shall
come to a old howse cleane downe, and as yet litle amended; but
ye shall be very welcome, as I can think. I wold be sory that ye
shoold take paine, and I not at home when ye come. Tomorrow
begging thursday, I must of force ride to Tankerslay, viij miles
hence, and mete my Lord of Shrewsburry, who will be thear
tomorrow by ij of the clock, and se a showt at a stage, as my
keper hath sent me wourd. And of monday, tewsday, and wedsday,
theare is apoynted a great number of gentlemen to mette at cocxs
at Sheifeild, whear I intend, God willing, to be, and every
night will ly at Tankerxlay; soe it will be friday or I come to
<P 251>
Thornhill, which is the xviij (xiiij) of May. Wherfore, I desire
you either put of your comming to that day, or take so much
paine to come the viij myles to Tankerxlay, whear I have no
lodging, but you shall have the best bed the keper haith; and ye
shall se a polard or tow, both rid and falow, and se all our
good coxs fight, if it plese you, and se the maner of our
cocking. Ther will be Lanckeshire of one parte, and Derbeshire
of another parte, and Hallomshire of the third parte. I perceive
your cocking varieth from ours, for ye lay but the battell; and
if our battell be but x=li= to v=li=, thear wilbe x=li= to one
laye, or the battell be ended. And whensoever ye come, I require
you take time to hunt with me for one weke; bring bowes and gray
hounds, and at the time of the year, hownds. A polard is swet
now, and I love it best now at this season; and by Whytsonday
this year I shall have fatt bucks. And or any red deare be fatt,
it will be July, as far as my experience serves. Com when ye
will, and such as I have, ye shall se; and bring good stufe, for
I warne you they ar wild about Tankerxlay and ill to cach: and
if all fale, I have that ar tame enough. I make all these brages
to cause you to com, for I never yet did se you in thease parts;
and ye shall come no time wrong, fence-time then other. I have
tame plenty lyeth out; I can make you game at rid and falow, and
stir no rascall. I besich Jesus send us mery meting. Thus
hertyly far ye well. This Wendsday at Thornhill, the v=th= of
May, Anno 1546: 38 H. 8.
   Your asured frind
   Henry Savill, kn=t=.
[\5 May 1546.\]

<Q PLU 1548 WWOODRUFFE>
<A WILLIAM WOODRUFFE>
<P 253>
[} [\LETTER XXVIII.\] }] [^TO ISABEL PLUMPTON^]
(^To the right worshipfull Mrs. Plompton, at Plompton Hall.^)
   With most harty commendations in Christ Jesus, good Mrs.
Plompton, this is to advertis you of the dispatch of such
matters as you did commit unto me at my last being with you,
wheare that I have traveled as I might of, partly by the ade and
help of Mr. Bill, your very frind I think, who hath him most
hartily recommended both to you and Mr. Dynes, and hath sent
your lozengs for a token. You shall allso receive with this
bearrer a letter to Mr. Haymond, feodarry, for your lease,
procurred by Mr. Bill, who shewed me that your charges in the
Cheker is dispacht, and your Cussin Girlington hath brought your
acquitance. And order is taken for you at the Court of the
Wards, and all is well stayd, but yet not paid. Your request was
moved to Sir Arthur Darcy first, who taketh the matter frindly,
as ye shall know. The other gentleman was then by chaunc from
the Court, which was the cause of the first talke with Sir
Arthur. But in such wise as we may, and shall with honesty take
the way which shal be thought the best to you and your frinds.
Because you may se
<P 254>
the effect of my Lord Treasurrers letter for your lease, I have
sent it to you patent and open; and that knowing the effect
therof, then you may send it to the feodary yourselfe, which
were good that you did with spede convenient. Thus I comit you
to the permishion, to him that canne, to will justice, who all
your lawful dedes of honesty desires no dought, who I pray long
to preserve in health. From my lodge at Howell, this Palme
Sunday.
   Yours to my litle power
   William Wodrif.
   The cause that I came not now to you is a broken shin, which
hath much vexed me.
[\25 Mar. 1548.\]

<Q PLU 1549? WWOODRUFFE>
<A WILLIAM WOODRUFFE>
<P 254>
[} [\LETTER XXIX.\] }] [^TO ISABEL PLUMPTON^]
(^To the right worshipfull Mrs. Plomton at Plompton hall,
widow.^)
   Right worshipfull Mistres, in my harty wise I commend me to
you, with thanks given to you for all your gentlenes; certyfying
you that as yet my wife hath not laid her belly, but remaineth
at her wits end. And sinc my being with you I have not had iij
dayes of health; I thank God albeit. I am better now, which
aple, that
<P 255>
I was thinking, by God's helpe, to se you after the holadayes.
In the mean time I have sent this knowen bearrer to you for to
se you, because I am not all well, praying you to advertis me of
your health and wellfare, which I will be glad to hear of, as I
wold be any frind I have, as God knoweth, who have you in his
keping, and so fare ye well. From Howell grang, this Palme
sunday.
   Yours to my litle power withowt gile,
   William Wodrif.
I am sory of the hevines of the death of Mr. Dinis wife.
[\Anno 1549-50.\]



<B RERUM>

[^RERUM BRITANNICARUM MEDII AEVI SCRIPTORES. OR CHRONICLES AND
MEMORIALS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND DURING THE MIDDLE AGES.
LETTERS AND PAPERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE REIGNS OF RICHARD III. &
HENRY VII. VOL. I-II. ED. BY GAIRDNER, JAMES. LONDON: LONGMAN,
GREEN, LONGMAN, AND ROBERTS. 1861, 1863.^]

<Q RER 1483 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,53>
[} [\XVII. RICHARD III. TO JAMES III.\] }]
[\A.D. 1483. 16 Sept.\]
By the King of England.
   Right high and mighti prince, right trusty and welbeloved
cousin, we commaunde us unto you. And where as by your lettres
brought unto us by your pursevaunt Dyngvale, as amongst other
largely shewed that for occasion in tyme past thenterupcion,
breche, and disturbaunce of peas betwixt both realmes, hath
growen thrugh the meanes of evyll disposed persones contrarie to
your mynde and entencioun, and that ye remayne in good purpoos
to thobservaunce of love, peas, and concorde of the same
royalmes to be had, and for that entent have sent, at this tyme,
unto us your said pursuyvant to understande our goode mynde in
that behalve, meovyng us for that cause that certaine your
legates mought come unto us enstructed with your mynde in that
partie; cousyn, we acertaine you our mynde and disposicion is
and ever shalbe confirmable to the will and pleasur of God our
aller Creatour in all resounable and convenient peax, without
fenyng, that shuld be desired of us by any nacion. And if that
your desire and pleasure be to sende hider suche personnages to
treate for thaccomplisshing therof, we, havyng knowlage fro you
of their names, shall yeve unto theim oure sure saufconduyt for
ane resonable nombre and season. And God kepe you, right high
and mighti prince, our right trusty and welbeloved cousyn. Yeven
the xvj=th= day of September.
   To, &c., the King of Scottes.

<Q RER 1484 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,61>
[} [\XXII. RICHARD III. TO JAMES III.\] }]
[\A.D. 1484. 7 Aug.\]
   Right high and mighty prince, right trusty and welbeloved
cousin, we commaunde us unto you in the moost herty wise. And
where it hath pleased your cousinage to addresse unto us nowe of
late your honorable lettres by our trusty servant and squier
Edward Gower, signifiing by the same howe that upon the
retornyng of your trusty and welbeloved cousin and counsaillor
Robert lord Lile from us into your royaume agayne, and by his
relacion and others ye have ben advertised of our mynde as
touching the good of peas and abstinence of werre betwene bothe
royaumes. Whereunto we shewed us wele applied and inclyned in
suche manere as we largely commoned with the same lord Lile and
yave in charge to our said servant topen unto your said
highnesse or to suche lordes of your counsaille as it wold
please you to depute and assigne to here the same. And that
thereupon your said cousinage likewise inclyned, and according
to our pleasire hathe lymited and ordeigned certaine grete
lordes and othre of your counsaille with ful powair and
commission to comme into our towne of Notingham the vij day of
Septembre next to comme, to advyse, common, and conclude upon
treux and abstynence
<P I,62>
of werre to be observed and kept betwix your lieges and oures;
and also upon love and frendship aliaunces and mariages to be
had in your blode and oures, like as in your said lettres it is
conteigned more at large. Right highe and mighty prince, righte
trusty and welbeloved cousin, we late your cousinage wite that
this your loving and toward disposicion is to us right agreable,
trusting that by the mean of this your ambassade instructed in
al the forsaid maters as plenerly as the caas shal require, and
to doo therein as largely in al pointes as ye were present in
propre persone, according to that that is expressed in your said
lettres, suche good weyes shalbe taken betwix bothe royaumes
whereby effusion of Christen blood may be eschewed, love and
tendrenesse growe daily and encreace, aswele betwix you and us
as the inhabitauntes of bothe royaumes, whiche we take God in
witnesse we as hertly have entended with good condicions, and
soo shal hereafter, as any prince lyving cann or may. And to
thentent no thing faille necessary or behoveful to the spedy
execucion of the premisses, nor of your partie ne of oures, we
have passed our lettres patentes of saufconduyt undre our gret
seale for the sure commyng, abiding, and retornyng of your said
ambassade, and the same lettres sent by this berer according to
your desire and pleasure. Right high and mighty prince, right
trusty and welbeloved cosyn, the blessed Trinite have you in his
keping. Yeven undre our signet at our palois of Westminster, the
vijth day of August.
   Ricardus Rex.

<Q RER 1484 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,73>
[^TO THE EARL OF DESMOND^]
[\A.D. 1484. September.\]
To therl of Desmond.
   Right trusty and right welbiloved cousin, we grete you
hertily wele. Lating you wite that nat oonly the zelous desir
and herty affeccion that ye bere unto us according to the duetie
of your ligeance, rapported on your behalve by the reverend
fader in God, our ful trusti counseillor the bisshop of
Enachden, bringer of these, bot also the reteignyng in our mynde
of the manifold benivolent services and kindenesse by our cousin
your fader in sundrie wise to the famous prince of noble memorie
our fader, whom God rest, in 
<P I,74>
seasons of great necessite, and after that to our brother, late
king, doon and shewed, causen us to have and accepte you into
our singler favor and grace. And forasmoch as it hathe pleased
God to sende now the rule of this your reame, to have you the
more tenderly recommended in the same as our said counseillor
hath more plainly to shewe unto you aswele therin as our entent
and pleasure for to have you to use the manere of our English
habite and clothing; for the which cause we sende you by hym a
coller of gold of our liveree and divise with othre apparaill
for your persoune of Thenglish fassion, which we wol ye shal
receyve of hym in our name as we have advised; trusting that at
somme convenient season herafter we shal have you to comme over
unto us hider, and bee more expert, both in the maner and
condicions of us and othre honorable and goodly behavynges of
our subgettes here, as by instruccions we have informed hym
therin more at large. And as touching your demeanyng in mariage,
that for special causes greatly resteth in our mynde and
pleasure, we have in likewise shewed unto hym the same by our
said instruccions, to whom in declaring therof, and of everi
othre thing concernyng the premisses, we desire you to yeve unto
hym ful feith and credence, and with al effect applie and
endevoir you to thexecucion and performyng of the same, as our
great trust is in you. Yeven, &c. the xxix. day of Septembre.

<Q RER 1484 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,74>
[^TO GERALD FITZGERALD^]
[\A.D. 1484. September.\]
To Therle of Kildare.
   Right trusti, &c. Certifieng you that as touching the
lieutenantship of our land of Irland, we have ordeigned and
appointed our entierly biloved nepveu Therl of Lincolne to that
office; and have advised and willed him that ye shalbe his
deputie in the same, wherunto he is agreable, as your servant
besides this 
<P I,75>
can accertaigne you more at large; in the which we pray you to
doo and continue as ye have doon for the good and wele of our
said land. And over this where as we sende at this tyme unto
thoes parties the reverend fader in God our ful trusti
counseillor the bisshop of Enachden, bringer of these, for
certain materes greatly concernyng our pleasure, which by our
commandement he hath to shewe unto you, we desire you therin to
yeve unto hym ful feith and credence, and with al diligence to
the performyng of the same, what great pleasure in soo doing ye
shal ministre unto us oure said counsaillor shal in like wise on
our behalve enforme you. Yeven, &c. the xxij. day of Septembre.

<Q RER 1484 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,75>
[^TO THE LORD BARRY OF MUNSTER^]
To the Lord Barrey of Monyster.
   Right trusti, &c. And where as we bee informed by the
reverend fader in God, our ful trusti counseillor the bisshop of
Enachden, how that in dayes heretofore in parte aswele thorough
your awne negligence for lak of due sute and labor, as
otherwise, ye have ben injured and wronged of certain lyvelode
and landes, that ye clayme of enheritaunce, lieing in Wales; we
assure you that if ye by your self, or any other persone for
you, shalle lust to make diligence for your recovere therof,
after the processe and due ordure of our lawes we shalle shew
you therin any thing that may apperteyne, asferforth as your
said right, and our lawes shalle require in any wise. And over
that for the true hert and feith that by our said counsellor we
understande ye bere unto us according to the dutie of your
liegeaunce be unto you and alle your kynnesmen verray good and
graciouse soverayn lord in any other cause or mater, as we have
commaunded him to shewe unto you in our behalve; to whome herin
ye wille geve playne credence, as our trust is in you. Yoven,
&c. the xx=ti= day of Septembre.

<Q RER 1484 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,76>
[\A.D. 1484. September.\]
To John Power and Piers Power, and aither of them.
   Righte trusty and welbeloved we grete you wele. Latting you
wite that we have understande by the credable reaporte of
reverende fadre in God the bisshop of Enachden of youre fast and
good demeanyng, and specially in repressing and subduyng of our
ennemyes in thoose parties, according to the duetie of your
liegeaunce. For the which and your perfite contynuaunce in the
same we shalbe verrey good and graciouse soverayn lord unto you
and alle your kynnesmen. Desiring you both and aither of you to
see that ye and they deale of oon accorde and unite, advoiding
alle variaunces and stryves amonges you, as ye and they desire
to please us. And our said counsellor hath in our name to shew
unto you more at large concernyng the same, to whome therin ye
will geve pleyne credence, as our trust is in you. Yeven, &c.
the xxij=ti= day of Septembre.

<Q RER 1484 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,76>
[^UNKNOWN RECIPIENT^]
[\A.D. 1484. September.\]
To &c.
   Right trusty and welbeloved, we grete you wele. And have
understanden to oure fulle good pleasur by the reaport of the
reverende fader in God, oure fulle trusty counsellor, the
bisshop of Enachden, this berer, that ye be descended of the
auncien blood and lynage of our auncestres of Wolster, and also
the good feithfulle hert and obeissaunce that ye bere unto us
according to the duetie of your liegeaunce. Reteynyng also in
mynde the noble service that ye and your kynnesmen in dayes past
have doon unto the famouse prince of noble memorie, our fader
(whom Jesu rest), and other our progenitors. For the which we
can you specialle thankes, desiring you in our herty wise
fermely to contynue the same towardes us, and that
<P I,77>
ye of that blood amongest you applie and dispose you to be of
oon demeanyng and unite for the wele of your self and of the
contre there, exhorting other lordes and gentilles, as ferforth
as ye may to doo the same, as our trust is in you. Latting you
wite that we more at large have enstructed our said counsellor
with our ferther mynde and pleasur in our name to shew unto you;
wherein ye will geve unto him plaine credence, and in alle wise
conforme you to thutter accomplisshing therof. For the whiche
soo doyng we assure you to bee good and graciouse soverayn lord
unto you and alle your kynnesmen in any your causes herafter.
Yoven under our signet at Westminster, the xxj. day of
Septembre.

<Q RER 1484 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,77>
To Sir Alexander Plunkett.
   Trusty and welbeloved we grete you wele. And late you wite we
have understande by the credable reaport of the reverend, &c.,
the bisshop of Enachden of your fast and good demeanyng, and
specially in repressing and subduyng of our ennemyes in those
parties, according to the duetie of your liegeaunce, for the
whiche and your perfite contynuaunce in the same we shalbe
verray good and graciouse soverayn lord unto you and alle your
kynnesmen, as our said counsellor hath in our name to shewe unto
you more at large concernyng the same; to whome therin ye will
geve pleyne credence, as our trust is in you. Yoven, &c., the
xx=ti= day of September.

<Q RER 1484 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,78>
[^TO THE LORD BARRY OF MUNSTER^]
[\A.D. 1484. September.\]
To the Lord Barry et Monystre.
   Right trusty and welbeloved, we grete you wele, Latting you
wite we be enformed by the reverende fader, &c., the bisshop of
Enachden, that ye be enhabited in thextreme parties upon our
ennemyes of the wilde Iresshe, and according to your liegeaunce
daily kepe werre with them in the defense of your self and other
our subgiettes there to your gret troubles, hurtes and charges.
For the which we can you gret thankes, desiring you so perfilty
to contynue, whiche we shalle not unremembre, but for the same
be unto you and alle your kynnesmen good and graciouse soverayn
lord in alle your causes herafter, as our said counsellor hath
by our commaundement to shew unto you more at large; to whome
therin ye will geve fulle feith and credence. Yoven, &c., the
xxij day of September.

<Q RER 1484 RICHARD3>
<A RICHARD III>
<P I,87>
[} [\XXIX.\] }] [^TO THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF SALISBURY^]
[\A.D. 1484. 8 Dec.\]
Ricardus Rex.
   By the king.
   Trusty and welbeloved, we grete you wele. And forasmoche as
by calling from this uncertaine and transitory lif of your late
bisshop, ye stande destitute and desolate of a pastoralle hede
and spirituelle governor; for the whiche, by auctoritie of oure
licence royal, ye must hastely procede to theliting of a newe
pastor and bisshop: We, havyng tendre regarde aswele unto the
laudable merites, highe vertues, and profounde
<P I,88>
cunnyng, that the righte reverend fader in God, our righte
trusty and righte welbeloved counsaillor, the bisshop of St.
David, is notarily knowen to be of, as unto othre his notable
desertes, contynued trouthe, and feithful services to us in
sundry wises doon to our singler pleasire, desire and hertly
pray you that in your said eleccion ye wol have him to the said
preemynence and pastoralle dignitie before alle othre especially
recommended and preferred. Wherein we doubte not ye shal not
oonly provyde righte sadly for the wele of the said cure, and
for the honnor of our cathedralle churche there to the pleasire
of God, but also cause us to departe with you the more largely
the favor of our good grace in suche thinges as may be for the
universal wele of you and of our said churche in tyme to come.
Yeven undre our signet at oure palois of Westminster the viijth
day of Decembre.
To our trusty and welbeloved the dean and chapitre of oure
cathedral churche of Sarum.

<Q RER 1491 HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P I,98>
[} [\IV. HENRY VII. TO THE BISHOP OF DURHAM.\] }] [^TO JOHN
SHERWOOD^]
[\A.D. 1491. 5 Feb.\]
By the King.
H. R.
   Right reverend fader in God, right trusty and right
welbeloved, we grete you wel. And have seyn youre writing of the
date of the xxvj. day of January, wherby and other wayes we
understande wel that Sir
<P I,99>
Robert Chambrelayne and diverse personnes with hym in company be
taken at Hertilpole, within the precinct of the fraunchise of
Saint Cuthebert belonging to you and to youre chirche of
Duresme. Wherin ye beseche us humbly that we wol not doo breke,
nor interupte the said franchises. We late you wite that for
thonnor of God and of that glorioux Confessor Saint Cuthebert,
we be and shalbe as good and favorable souverain lord unto you
and to thoes franchises and libertees as any oure noble
progenitors hathe been in tyme passed, and shal moche rather
assist and defende theym then in any wise suffre theym to be
interupted or defeicted. Desiring and hertily praying you that
oure trusty and welbeloved servaunt Sir Edward Pykering, knight
for oure body, may bring the said Sir Robert and thoes other
oure rebelles and traitours to our presence. And if youre
shirief of the bisshopriche have the conveyance according to
your said fraunchise, both of our said servant and of our
rebelles and traitors asfer as the bondes streicheth of youre
said libertiees, for the better saufgard of the same, we shalbe
therwith content and plaised. And astouching the goodes taken
with our said rebelles, we be content also ye have theym, if
that your said fraunchises so require: how be it the lord
Clifford maketh clayme unto theym by raison of certain his
libertees that he pretendeth to have in the lordship of Hert and
Hertilpole forsaid. And inasmoche as for divers grete
considerations it behoveth us to understande what writinges and
othre goodes our said rebelles had with theym, we eftsonnes
praye you that by billes endented betwene you and your officers
on the oon part and our said knight on the other, we may be
certefyed purticulierly and by parcelles of all [{su{]che
writinges and goodes as shalbe founde in their caskettes, males,
tronkkes, or in othre their cariages. Assuring you that our
mynde ys not therby nor othrewise to breke or interupt your said
fraunchises, but rathre 
<P I,100>
to [\LOST BY THE MUTILATION OF THE MS.\] and defende theym as
above. Yeven under our signet at our paloys of Westminster, the
v=th= day of Februarij.
[\ADDRESSED:\] To the Right Reverend Fa[{der in God, our{] right
welbeloved the bi[{shop of Duresme{] .

<Q RER 1505 EDDELAPOLE>
<A EDMUND DE LA POLE>
<P I,253>
[} [\XXX. EDMUND DE LA POLE TO THOMAS KILLINGWORTH.\] }]
[\A.D. 1505.\]
   Tomas Kellengwort, I prae yov goe yn to Breuryrissceles to
the king, and speke yov with my lord Wele, and with ys broder,
and recomand me to them, de serreng them to be my govd frendes
as my spesale treust ys yn them. And that yt veld ples them to
remenber me to the K. And that yt vold ples the K. that ys gras
vold be so god lord to me that I met be hovt of thest manse
hand, for as I her that ale the land saeys planle he vele nat
com to the K. And ef yt be so the K. mae se a lekleode wedder
the dewke vele com at hem or nat; stresting my lord my cosons,
bovthe my lord Vele and my lord Fennes ys broder the vele have
me yn rembererans, as the bovt promes me. I ame her by the
kinges comand ment, and ys as glad to do the K. pleser and
sarves as onne mane. And sae thest vordes them "Ef I vare yn the
fardes yend of the vord, I veld be at ys comand ment to
fovelfele ys plessor and comand ment as hone sarvant of ys ys
hovs." Marke vele thest and do yt vesle, and planle, with govd
and lovle as yov kane.
   Also go to yenker Flovrens, and sae I recommand me to hem;
and sae to hem that I send yov spesale to hem for my heelepe be
chescheng hem to speke to the K. for me, as ys vrytvn be fore;
bovt yov mae nat let my lord Vele chake that yov come 
<P I,254>
to yenker Flovrens, for hon of them lovef nat a nodder. Yov mae
sae I ame her, and that the dewke of Gelder send me no vord vat
I sale do, nor heelpes me nat with notheng, as Petter sale chove
yov, bovt vane yov com therechove the Baster ale your masches
and fale nat the of.
   Vat letters vat that the Baster sent you to Anssterdane vryt
me yt yn Ingles.
   Also I prae the Baster to send the menes I mae have som
remede to have mone, for ther vele none of my frendes vele
heelpe me with a pene, as yov ma chowe hem as yov have haneser
fro Pole welyes I be her with the dewke of Gelder. Also, ef yov
se the K. of the Romes mak me recommand dase anurs to hem, and
as yov yov cheke hove the mater stovd be teven the K. of Romes
and me, chev yt. And sae "the favt vas nat yn my lord, for my
lord provfferd ef yovr gras veld en terten my lord for to monnet
with xij hores, my lord vas vel contend to beed yovr plsser, and
vane my lord vas gone I bod be hend xx days to cheke your
plesser," with ferder as yov thenk best.
   Edmund Suffolk.

<Q RER 1505? EDDELAPOLE>
<A EDMUND DE LA POLE>
<P I,256>
[} [\XXXII. EDMUND DE LA POLE TO THOMAS KILLINGWORTH.\] }]
[\A.D. 1505?\]
   Tomas Kelengvort, I have reseved yovr letter, and also my
schertes, and to cheerges, and a bonete, I thanke Clakes Bakker.
I marvele yov sond me nat my naggeletes, and my haste and bedes.
I toked yov mone for yt, and thenke yov met vele send me that
that I thake yov mone for; bovt I se vele ef I thake yov no mone
yov vold make bovt letaile cheeufe for me. Ther restes in yovr
handes more thane xij. geldranes of the mone that Petter thoke
yov to be my ger, and also the mone vas as gevd mone as coode
be. Yov have done viesle to send Parrelebene to my cousene
Nevele to povt me to more coostes. Yt vas nat my commandment
that yov chovld do so. Me thenke yov do nat viesle nor
honestele. I have notheng bovt bovt yov have yt, and yov povt me
to ale the coste, nat so meches as gakee [\?\] bovt I vas fane
to geevf heme mone for ys retrovre, and yeet yov send nat me my
ger, that I thoke yov mone to be yt. And ale that I marvele nat
so mes as of yov, and of John Grevfovn, that yov send nat me
vord with yn viij daes. A vas yovr a pontement with me. I vas yn
that kas that I vest nat vat vas best to do; for I had vent yov
and John boovt had been trovbovld; and ef yt had ben so,
parraventer
<P I,257>
I vold a found some remedie for my cheelvf, bovt be yovr bout
folles ther met a theng a happenid veches ve ale met a repentte.
Loke vat dae yov a pont me to have vord frome yov. Fale nat the
dae. Ve sal her the K. ys nove cerstond[\...\] Also the capetene
has vord that the K. of Romes has send for me my naggetels iiij.
pore, a nodder rede bonet. Thest ys to lettele a gret dele, my
beddes my chekves for ale thest yov have mone, for the reng I
her no vord of yov.
   Let me have vord for yov with ale hast, as yov have vord form
the marchand, and also as yov her vord of the K. Cheis vele with
the herres for mone for me as veille as yov kane; yov mae sae I
ame vele, and ef I hade mone. Ef you se the Bastard Oskereke,
sae I vort to you that I marled I hard no vord of hem. He chekes
bettst hove I stand her; and ef he be the mane I thenke he be,
me thenke he met best speke that I met have some honestle en
tertanement with mone. And tele hem, thove he has for me, I have
nat fore geet hem. And I strest hones for ale thest to make heme
govd cher with govd maner, and pavt hem to the speches for yt;
bovt be yov nat bee vane he spekes. Also chove hem of my xx
geldrens for the months of xx stevers for the geldrens, and yet
I most bed tele the monthe be hovt or I kane have my gret and
honorerabovle entertanement.
   Yov hade x geldrens for my chertes, and the cherggs veches I
hade, and a geldrans for my caskeet; ver be comes ale the todder
mone? Provf vele for my reng.
   Edmund Suffolk.

<Q RER 1500 HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P II,86>
[} [\XVI. HENRY VII. TO SIR GILBERT TALBOT AND THOMAS CRESSET.\]
}]
[\A.D. 1500. 6 May.\]
By the King.
H. R.
   Trusty and welbeloved, we grete you wele. And late you wit
that oure welbeloved servant Richard Bulkeley yeoman of oure
Crowne hath shewed unto us how that in cessing of the
benyvolence unto us graunted tawardes oure charges in oure last
voiage and jorney into Fraunce, he was appoincted and cessed
either to contente unto us x. poundes, or elles to goo and geve
attendance upon us in the same voiage at his propre costes and
charges. And albee it that the said Richard went and served us
in his personne, yet as he denyeth it not, he receyved oure
wages unto the tyme of our arryvalle from thens into this oure
reame; for the whiche cause the said x. li. is nowe by you
demanded of him according to the said cessing. Wherfor we,
considring that as wele by grete rage of fyre as other
infortunat chaunces he hath susteigned, as he sayeth, right
grete losses, desire and pray you to enquere whether he bee
hable to pay the said money, of fallen in suche povertie as is
above surmysed. And if the same surmyse bee trewe that then ye
certifie us therof; and in the mean tyme see that he bee not
distressed or troubled for the noon payement of the said x. li.
And these oure lettres shalbe your discharge in that behalf.
Yeven undre oure signet at our castell of Dover the vj=th= day
of May.
<P II,87>
   [\ADDRESSED:\] To our trusty and welbeloved counsaillor and
knight for our body, Sir Gilbert Talbot, and Thomas Cresset,
squier. 

<Q RER 1500S? HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P II,179>
[} [\XXXIII. HENRY VII. TO SIR GILBERT TALBOT.\] }]
By the King.
H. R.
   Trusty and right welbiloved, we grete you wele. And for
thinformacion in writing subscribed by you and our servant
Thomas Decon, touching Richard Knight, whiche ye have caused to
bee notified and declared unto us, we geve you our especial
thankes, ascertaignyng you that we have upon knowlege of the
said enformacion, caused the said Richard Knight to bee comitted
to warde w[{ithin{] our Towre of London. Wherfor we, considering
that he had the keping of our towre of [{Ri{]sebanke, wol and
commaund you that fur[{th{]w[{ith{] upon the sight herof ye do
committe unto the said Thomas Decon the custodye of our said
towre, and put hym into the same with noo gretter nombre of
personnes than shal conveniently serve for the suer keping
therof to our
<P II,180>
moost proffit and avauntage, unto the tyme we shal have provided
at convenient leysir a sufficient personne to have the charge
and custodye of the said towre, and also til ye shal have from
us by writing otherwise in commaundement. And that ye faille nat
herof, as we trust you. Yeven under our signet at our manor of
Grenewiche, the xvij=th= day of May.
   [\ADDRESSED:\] To our trusty and right welbiloved counsaillor
and knight for our body, Sir Gilbert Talbot, our deputie of oure
towne and marches of Calays.

<Q RER 1500S? HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P II,180>
[} [\XXXIV. HENRY VII. TO SIR GILBERT TALBOT.\] }]
By the King.
H. R.
   Trusty and right welbiloved, we grete you well. And have
receyved your lettres wherby we conceyve suche newes as our
servant William Woodhouse lately being at the towne of Amyas
hath shewed unto you; whiche newes we have also herd by the
reapport of our pursevant Calays. Thanking you for your diligent
certificat in that behalve. And as like newes shal fortune to
comme unto your knowleage herafter, soo we praye you to certifie
us from tyme to tyme; wherby ye shall ministre unto us right
singlier pleasure. Yeven under our signet at our manor of
Richemount, [{the{] iiij=th= day of July.
   [\ADDRESSED:\] To our trusty and right welbiloved counsaillor
and knight for our body, Sir Gilbert Talbot, our deputie of our
towne and marches of Calays.

<Q RER 1500S? HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P II,181>
[} [\XXXV. HENRY VII. TO SIR GILBERT TALBOT.\] }]
By the King.
H. R.
   Trusty and right welbiloved, we grete you wele. And where as
we understand that a frere Observant called frere Robert
Steward, being a Scottishman, entendith to come out of the
parties of Fraunce into this our reame, [{We for{] certain
causes and consideracions us moving wol and commaunde you that
in ca[{se{] the said frere Robert happen at any season to comme
unto that our towne of Calays, ye in no maner wise suffre hym to
take any passage there, but that ye cause hym furthwith to
retorne again unto his brethern and convent. And that ye faille
not thus to doo as ye tendre our pleasure. Yeven under our
signet at our manor of Grenewiche, the xv. day of Aprill.
   [\ADDRESSED:\] To oure trusty and right welbiloved
counsaillor and knight for our body, Sir Gilbert Talbot, our
deputie of our town and marches of Calays.

<Q RER 1500S? HENRY7>
<A HENRY VII>
<P II,181>
[} [\XXXVI. HENRY VII. TO SIR GILBERT TALBOT.\] }]
By the King.
H. R.
   Trusty and welbiloved, we grete you wele. And where as we
lately by our othre lettres commaunded you to suffre and lette
passe a certain curror whiche
<P II,182>
cam from the corte of Rome to Laurence Bonvice, whom ye stopped,
supposing that he had been the same personne that we certified
you of by our former lettres, whiche shuld bringe down proces
for the alom lately brought in our ship the Souverain. Soo it is
that we have receyved from you certain writinges, sealed with
our seale, whiche the said curror brought according to our
commaundement in our former lettres. How bee it, as we
understand, ye detaigne stil the said curror with his writinges.
Wherupon our mynde and pleasure is that ye permitte and suffre
the said curror incontinently to bee at his libertie, so that he
may comme into this oure reame with his said writinges, your
said restraint notwithstanding. Forseeng alwayes that in caas
any suche personne shal happen to comme to that oure town, out
of the parties of Flaundres, with suche proces as aforsaid, that
than ye use and demean you in that behalf according to our
former lettres without any failling, as our special trust is in
you. Yeven undre our signet at our manor of Grenewiche, the
xvii. daye of August.
   [\ADDRESSED:\] To oure trusty and welbiloved counsaillor and
knight for our body, Sir Gilbert Talbot, our deputie of our
towne and marches of Calays.

<Q RER 1505 TKILLINGWORTH>
<A THOMAS KILLINGWORTH>
<P II,381>
[} [\KILLINGWORTH TO EDMUND DE LA POLE.\] }]
[\A.D. 1505. 20 Dec.\]
   Sir, I humbly beseche your Grace not to bee myscontented that
it is soo long or I have sent Sir Walter unto you, for it was on
Thursday last passed or I could have any answer. 
   Sir, I have delivered your lettres to my Lord Vylle in this
towne thissame day xiiij. daies passed and shewed my credence;
and by his wordes it appereth he is not contented that ye ar
thus dealte with alle; and fromhens he made me goo bifor to
Myddelburgh, to abyde there the kinges commyng and his also,
whiche was vij. dayes after or the king and he camme thyder.
   At Myddelburgh also I delivered your lettres to my Lord
Feynes and suche lettres as camme from my Lord Richard by your
commaund; wheruponn my Lord Vyle and my Lord Fynes spake with
the king, and they ij. have written theruponn to you a lettre,
which I sende unto your Grace by this berer, to the whiche
lettre my lord Shevers is also prevy. 
   Sir, I knowe wel this lettre is of noo effect ner answer to
the weighte of your ease ner helpe, ner of my Lord your broders.
For my Lord Fynes shewed me thise wordes amonges other, that he
is your servaunt to doo for you what he cann, but ye must suffre
pacience tylle the season shal comme; and he wold not that many
wordes shuld bee spoken by your servauntes, for the over many
wordes of the Bastart have doon noo good; and for any helpe for
my Lord your broder there was noon but pacience also; and asfor
K. H. traffykkes they knewe theym wele ynough and better than ye
did. And howe
<P II,382>
the king is your good lord, and alle thinges shalbe openned and
shewed to you by my Lord Shyvers at his commyng, which shalbe, I
thinke, after the Kinges departing, whiche shalbe God knoweth
when. Somm saye he goeth, somm saye naye; but my Lord Fynes
saied to me he was sure ye wold sende me again or the Kinges
going. And if ye sende me to the court, Sir, if it please you,
this is best: cause a lettre of credence to bee made there in
Frenche, or a lettre of your mynd to bee made to my Lord Shyvers
aswele as to the other two, and fele asmuche of his mynd as ye
cann. And asfor the mann with the clobbed fote, he was not in
the courte. He is at Brugges, where I thinke the king is nowe.
Don John axked me howe ye did.
   Sir, for clothes and alle necessaries for your body, my Lord
Fynes shewed me that the king hath commanded my lord Schyvers to
provide theym for you; and also for money for you, my Lord
Schyvers also shal delivere you from tyme to tyme; to whom ye
maye sende from tyme to tyme as it shal please you. And also my
Lord Schyvers hath saied to my Lord Feynes, that he hath sent to
you alle redy both money and clothes, and ye shal have more
money shortely. And my Lord your broder hath noo maner aunswer
by John Coke but alle is referred to your lettre.
   Somm menn saye here that thambassadors ar on thissyde commen,
but surely I here it not: aggreed it is sayed they bee of
suretie, and writing therupon commen hider xiiij. dayes past.
Rennyng noyse also that mariage shalbe bytwix K. H. and my Lady
of Savoye; and that also that a comynycacion there is for
aggrement to bee made bytwix you and K. H.; and if it were soo,
I thinke ye shuld bee prevy to hyt. Toysonn is here commen and
retorneth not, wheder the ambassadors be commen or not.
   Sir, the Bastart have I handelled as ye have commanded me,
and he is verrey sory of your caas, and taketh on hym great
defaulte; but asfor his trowthe ye knowe hit: and I shewed hym
as ye wrote to me, but he besecheth you to have writing of your
own hand touching your plaisir, what ye wol he shal doo. And
muche he hath mervailled that ye sent not to hym neyther William
ner Hans; and the Bastart told me hym sylf that he knewe wel his
wordes did him noo good. 
<P II,383>
   And asfor the hors, William hath hym, and he was not sold.
Bankes and Thomas had their money after, as your Grace
appointed; and William also money of me to disloge his hors, and
they yode toguyder to Arneham. And Yonker Florens recommandeth
hym unto you as your servaunt if it laye in hym to doo you any
service. And he hath sent a lettre to my lord the Bastart of
Burgoyne for to have iiij. of your servauntes into wages; which
lettre I have sent to Bottesford by Mr. Paules. I mette hym in
Berges to thentent Bottesford maye goo with alle to Arneham; and
Mr. Pawles wol take Bottesford ij. guld. Brab. in his purs. And
Edward is wol amended, and goeth up and down in his chamber;
withoute faulte, Mr. Paules telleth me, his legge shalbe hole
made. Hans Nagell and Claus Baker recommande theym humbly unto
you. Jesus preserve you. Written at Andewarpen, the xx. day of
December.
   Your humble servaunt,
   Thomas Kyllyngworth.
   Hans Nagell openned your mynd, as ye knowe, by Gilken, to my
Lordes of Ville and Fynes. He wold goo with alle feyne, by him
sylf or by other; he named Alexander the goldsmyth to me.
   On Wennysday last was, the king made knightes of the Toyson
at Myddelburgh x. or xij., amonges whiche were my Lord Nassou,
Don John Emanuel, Monsieur de Emery, Yonker Florens and Monsieur
de la Layn, etc.; but my Lord of Gheldres wold not comme yn to
receve it.
   And I mighte comme where thambassador with the clobbed fote
is, I wold thinke to knowe somwhat of hym. And Hans Nagell told
me that a servaunt of the Kinges told hym that herde the said
ambassador saye but late, that your pais shuld bee made. Sir, my
newes ar but smalle. Yf ye have any, I beseche you to comforte
me; ye shal perceive many thinges by the maner of menn there;
and that it maye please you that I maye knowe your mynd by this
bringer.



<B ORIGINA2>

[^ORIGINAL LETTERS, ILLUSTRATIVE OF ENGLISH HISTORY; INCLUDING
NUMEROUS ROYAL LETTERS: FROM AUTOGRAPHS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM,
AND ONE OR TWO OTHER COLLECTIONS. VOL II. 2ND EDITION. ED. BY
ELLIS, HENRY. LONDON: HARDING, TRIPHOOK, AND LEPARD. 1825.^]

<Q OR2 1520S TWOLSEY>
<A THOMAS WOLSEY>
<P 1>
[} [\LETTER CII. CARDINAL WOLSEY TO THOMAS CROMWELL.\] }]
   Myn owne enterly belouyd Cromwell, I beseche yow, as ye loue
me and wyl euyr do any thyng for me, repare
<P 2>
hyther thys day as sone as the Parlement ys brokyn vp, leyng
aparte all thyngs for that tyme; for I wold nut onely commynycat
thyngs vnto yow wherin for my comfort and relief I wold haue
your good, sad, dyscret aduyse and counsell, but also opon the
same commytt sertyng thyngs requyryng expedicion to yow, on my
behalf to be solycytyd: this, I pray yow therfor, to hast your
commyng hyther assafore, with owt omyttyng so to do as ye tendyr
my socor, reliff, and comfort, and quyetnes of mynde. And thus
fare ye wel: from Asher, in hast, thys Satyrday, in the mornyng,
with the rude hande and sorowfull hert of your assuryd louer
   T. Car=lis= Ebor.
   I haue also serteyn thyngs consernyng yowr sylf wych I am
suere ye wolbe glad to here and knowe: fayle not therfor to be
here thys nygth, ye may retorne early in the mornyng ageyn yf
nede shul so requyre. (\Et iterum vale.\)
   M. Agusteyn shewyd me how ye had wryttyn onto me a Lettre
wherin ye shuld adu'tyse me of the commyng hyther of the Duke of
Norfolke: I assure yow ther cam to my hands no suche Lettre.

<Q OR2 1520S? TWOLSEY>
<A THOMAS WOLSEY>
<P 3>
[} [\LETTER CIII. CARDINAL WOLSEY TO DR. STEPHEN GARDENER.\] }]
<P 5>
   My owne goode Mastyr Secretary, aftyr my moste herty
recommendacions, with lycke thanks for your goodness towards me,
thes shalbe to advirtyse yow that I have beyn informyd by my
trusty frende Thomas Crowmuell that ye have sygnyfied unto hym
to my synguler consolacions howe that the Kyngs Hyghnes, mouyd
with pity and compassyon, and of his excellent goodnes and
cheryti consyderyng the lamentable condicion and stat that I
stand yn, hath wyllyd yow with other lords and mastyrs of hys
honorable Cownsell to intende to the perfygttyng and absolvyng,
without further tract or delay, of myn end and appoyntment, and
that my pardon shulde be made in the most ample forme that my
cownsell cowde devyse; for thys the Kyngs moste gracyous
remembraunce, procedyng of hymsylf, I accompte my sylf not onely
moste bowndyn to serve and pray for the preservation of hys
moste Royal Majeste, but also thancke God that ye have occasyon
govyn unto you to be a sollycyter and setter forth of such
thyngs as do and shall conserve my said ende, in the makyng and
compownyng whereof myn assuryd trust ys that ye wele shewe the
love and affeccion wych ye have and bere towards me your old
lover and frende. So declaryng your sylf therin that the world
may perceive that by your good meanys the Kyng ys the better
goode Lorde unto me; and that, nowe, newly in maner commyng to
the world, ther may be such respect
<P 6>
had to my poore degre, olde age, and longe contynuyd servys, as
shal be to the Kyngs hygh honor and your gret prayse and laude,
wych undowttydly shal folowe yf ye extende yowr benyvolence
towards me and mine, perceiving that by your wysdom and
dexteryte I shalbe releuyd and in this my calamyte holpyn. At
the reverens therfor of God, myn owne goode M. Secretary and
refuge, nowe set to your hande that I may come to a laudable
ende and reposse; seyng that I may be furnyshyd aftyr suche a
sorte and maner as I may ende my short tyme and lyff to the
honor of Cryst's Churche and the Prince. And, besydys my dayly
prayer and true hert, I shal so requyte your kyndnes as ye shal
haue cause to thyncke the same to be wel imployed, lycke as my
seyde trusty frende shal more amply shewe unto yow to whom yt
may please yow to give for me credens and loving audience: and I
shall pray for the increase of your honor. Wryttyn at Asher with
the tremylling hand and hevy hart of your assuryd lover and
bedysman.
   T. Car=lis= Ebor.
To the rygth honorable and my synguler goode frende Master
Secretary.

<Q OR2 1520S? TWOLSEY>
<A THOMAS WOLSEY>
<P 7>
[} [\LETTER CIV. CARDINAL WOLSEY TO DR. STEPHEN GARDENER.\] }]
   My owne goode mastyr Secretary aftyr my moste herty
commendacons I pray you at the reverens of God to help, that
exspedicion be usyd in my presents, the delay wherof so
replenyssheth my herte with hevynes, that I can take no reste;
nat for any vayne fere, but onely for the miserabli condycion
that I am presently yn, and lyclyhod to contynue in the same
onles that ye, in whom ys myn assuryd truste, do help and releve
me therein; for fyrst contynuyng here in thys moweste and
corrupt eyer, beyng enteryd in to the passyon of the dropsy,
(\cum prostratione appetitus, et continuo insompnus\) , I cannat
lyve; wherfor of necessyte I muste be removyd to summe other
dryer eyer and place, wher I may have comodyte of Physycyans.
Secondly havyng but Yorke, wych ys now decayd by viijC.=li= by
the yeere I can nat tell how to lyve and kepe the poore nombyr
of folks wych I nowe have; my howsys ther be in decay, and of
every thyng mete for howsold onprovidyd and furnyshyd. I have
non apparell for my howsys ther, nor money to bryng me
<P 8>
thether, nor to lyve with tyl the propysse tyme of the year shal
come to remove thither. Thes thyngs consyderyd, M=r=. Secretary,
must nedys make me in agony and hevynes; myn age therwith and
sycknes consyderyd. Alas M=r=. Secretary, ye with other my
lordys shewyd me that I shuld otherwyse be furnyshyd, and seyn
unto. Ye knowe in your lernyng and consyens whether I shuld
forfit my spiritualties of Wynchester or no. Alas the qualytes
of myn offencys consyderyd, with the gret punisshement and losse
of goodes that I have sustignyd, owt to move petyfull hertys.
And the moste nobyl Kyng, to whom yf yt wold please yow of your
cherytabli goodnes to shew the premyses aftyr your accustomable
wysdom and dexteryte, yt ys nat to be dowettyd but hys Hyhnes
wold have consyderacon and compassion, aggmentyng my lyvyng, and
appoyntyng such thyngs as shuld be convenyent for my furniture;
wych to do shalbe to the Kyngs high honer, meryte, and dyscharge
of consyens; and to yow gret praysse for the bryngyng of the
same to passe for your olde brynger up and lovyng frende. Thys
kyndnes exibite from the Kyngs Hyghnes shal prolong my lyff for
sum lytyl whyl, thow yt shall nat be long; by the meane wherof
hys Grace shal take profygtt, and by my deth non. What ys yt to
hys Hyhnes to geve summe convenyent porcion owt of Wynchester
and Seynt Albons, hys Grace takyng with my herty good wyl the
<P 9>
resydue. Remembyr, good M=r=. Secretary, my poore degre and what
servys I have done: and how nowe approchyng to deth I must begyn
the world ageyn. I beseche yow therfor, movyd with pity and
compassyon, soker me in thys my calamyti, and to your power,
wych I do knowe ys gret, releve me: and I with all myn shall not
onely ascrybe thys my relef unto yow, but also pray to God for
the increase of your honor. And as my poore shal increase, so I
shal not fayle to acquyte yo=r= kyndnes. Wryttyn hastely at
Asher with the rude and shackyng hand of your dayly bedysman and
assuryd frende.
   T. Car=lis=. Ebor.
   To the rygth honorable And my assuryd frende Mastyr
Secretary.

<Q OR2 1520S? TWOLSEY>
<A THOMAS WOLSEY>
<P 10>
[} [\LETTER CV. CARDINAL WOLSEY TO SECRETARY GARDENER.\] }]
   My owne goode mastyr Secretary goyng this day owt of my pue
to sey masse, your lettres datyd yesternygth at London wer
delyveryd unto me, by the contynue wherof I undyrstand that the
Kyngs Hyhnes of hys excellent goodnes and cheryte ys contentyd
that I shal inyoy and have the admynistracon of Yorke merly,
with the gyftts of the promocyons spiritual and temporall of the
same; reservyd onely onto hys nobyll Grace the gyft of v or vj
of the best promoco~ns: and that hys pleasure ys I shal leve
Wynchester and Saynt Albons. As hereonto Master Secretary I can
nat expresse howe moche I am bowndyn to the Kyngs Royal Maieste
for thys hys gret and bowntawse liberalyte, reputyng the same to
be moche more than I schal evyr be abyl to deserve. Howbeyt yf
hys Maieste, consyderyng the short and lytyl tyme that I shal
lyve here in thys world, by the reason of suche hevynes as I
have conceyved in my hert, with the minyuose of the olde howsys,
and the decay of the seyd archbyshoprych at the lest to the
summe of viij C marcke yerely, by the reason of the Act passyd
for fynys of testaments; with also min long peynful servys and
poore
<P 11>
degre; and for the declaracion of hys Graces excellent cheryte,
yf hys hyhnes be myndyd I shal leve Wynchester and Saynt Albons
wych I supposyd when I made my Submyssyan, not offendyng in my
treweth towards hys royal parson, dygnyti, or majeste royal, I
shuld not now have deservyd to have left; and moche the more
knowyng hys Graces excellent propensyon to pyte and mercy, and
rememberyng of the francke departyng with of all that I had in
thys world; that I may have summe convenyent pencion reservyd
unto me, suche as the Kyngs hyhnes of hys nobyl charite shal
thynke mete; so orderyng hys that shal succede and my lyvyng,
that the same may be of lyck value yeerly and exstent. Wherat my
trust ys and my herte so gevyth me, that hys Majeste wole make
no dyfficultie yf yt may lycke yow frendly to propone the same;
assuryng yow that I desyre nat thys for any mynde, God ys my
jugge, that I have to accumulat good, or desyre that I have to
the muke of the world; sen God be thankyd, at this ower, I set
no more by the ryches and promocyons of the world than by the
roshe undyr my fote; but onely for the declaration of the Kyngs
honor and hyhe charyte, and to have wherewith, to do good dedys,
and to helpe my poore servants and kynnysfolks. And furthermore
that yt wold please the Kyngs excellent goodnes by your freindly
medyacion, consyderyng how slendyrly I am furnyshyd in my Howse,
nowe specially that the apparell
<P 12>
of Wynchester and Saynt Albons shalbe takyn from me, to geve and
appoynt on to me a convenyent fernyture for the same, (\non ad
pompam sed necessariam honestatem\) : and yf I may have the free
gyft and dyssposycion of the benefyces, yt shalbe gretly to my
comfort. And yet when any of the v or vj princypall shal fortune
to be voyd, the Kyngs Grace beyng myndyd to have any of them,
hys hyhnes shalbe as sure of the same as thougth they wer
reservyd. And thus by hys nobyl and mercyful goodnes delyveryd
owt of extreme calamyte, and restoryd to a newe fredome, I
shall, with Gods mercy and help, so ordyr my lyff, that I trust
hys Majeste shal take special comfort theran, and be pleasyd
with the same. (\Spero quod haec quae peto non videbuntur
magna.\) Howbeyt I moste humbly submyt and refferre all my
petycions, (\immo ipsam vitam\) , to hys gracyous ordynance and
pleasure, prayng yow to declare and sygnyfye the same, supplying
myn indyssposcycon and lack of wyt conceyvyd by reason of my
extreme sorowe and hevynes, that the same may be to the Kyngs
contentacion; whom I had lever be ded than to ofende in worde,
thowgth, or dede. And as towchyng the grantyng of the fee of one
C=li= for M=r=. Nores duryng hys lyff for hys good servys done
unto the Kyng's hyhnes, for the wych I have alweyes lovyd hym,
and for the singler good hert and mynde that I knowe he hath
allweys borne unto me, I am content to make owt my graunte
<P 13>
opon the same, ye and yt wol please the Kyng to inlarge yt to
one C=li= more: and semblably, cause M. Thesauror hath the
kepyng of the Kyngs game nygth to Fernam, I wold gladly yf yt
may stand with the Kyngs pleasure grawnte onto hym the revercion
of such thinges as the lorde Sands hath ther, with the
ampliacion of the fee, above that wych ys oldely accustomyd, to
the summe of xl=li= by the yeer: and also I wold gladly geve to
M=r=. Comptroller a lycke ffee: and to M=r=. Russell anothyr of
xx=li= by the yeere: remyttyng thys and all other my suts to the
Kyng's Hyhnes pleasure, mercy, pity, and compassyon moste holly.
Besechyng hys Hyhnes so nowe gracyously to ordyr me that I may
from hens forth serve God quyetly and with reposse of mynd, and
pray as I am moste bowndyn for the conservacion and increase of
hys most nobyll and royal astat. And thus with my dayly prayer I
byd yow farewell. From Asher hastely, with the rude hand and
moste hevy hert of yowr assuryd frend and bedysman
   T. Car=lis= Ebor.
To the rygth honorable M=r= Secretary, in hast.

<Q OR2 1530S? TFRYSBY>
<A THOMAS FRYSBY>
<P 20>
[} [\LETTER CVIII. THOMAS FRYSBY TO THOMAS CROMWELL.\] }]
<P 21>
   Right worshipfull my singuler good Master my duety humbly
premised with my prayer. Pleasith it your good Mastership of
your goodnes to call to your remembraunce when ye laye here with
us at Launde Abbey some tyme ye wolde take the payne to walke
with me or my brethern abowt owr busynes; and as you and I cam
on day from Withcoke I had a fall backeward in the Snowe in a
place called the Dammes, betwen Launde and Withcoke; and by the
same tokyn I doo send you by this berar vj. Chesys of this
contre makyng, praying you to accepte the same that the old
acquentaunce somme thyng myght be renewed. You shall nott nede
to gyve our M=r=. prior eny thanks for the same. Other newellies
have I not to doo your Mastership pleasur with all, but with my
prayer which all wayes ye shalbe assuryd of to the pleasure of
God, who all wayes have you in his blessid kepyng, to your harts
ease and your worship daily encreasyng. At Laund Abbey this
xiiij=th=. daye of January
   By your beadisman
   Thomas Frysby chanon.
   To the right worshipfull M. Cromwell be this delyvered.

<Q OR2 1533 TCRANMER>
<A THOMAS CRANMER>
<P 33>
[} [\LETTER CXIV. THOMAS CRANMER ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, TO
MR. HAWKYNS THE AMBASSADOR AT THE EMPEROR'S COURT.\] }]
<P 34>
   In my most hartie wise I commende me unto you and even so
woulde be right gladd to here of your welfare, &c. Thes be to
advertise you that inasmoche
<P 35>
as you nowe and than take some paynes in writyng vnto me, I
woulde be lothe you shuld thynke your Labour utterly lost and
forgotten for lake of wrytyng agayne; therefore and bycause I
reken you be somedele desirous of suche newis as hathe byn here
with us of late in the Kyngis Graces matters, I entend to
enforme you a parte therof accordyng to the tenure and purporte
vsyd in that behalf.
   Ande fyrste as towchyng the small determynacion and
concludyng of the matter of devorse betwene my Lady Kateren and
the Kyngs Grace, whiche said matter after the Convocacion in
that behalf hadde determyned and aggreed accordyng to the former
consent of the Vniversites, yt was thowght convenient by the
Kyng and his lernyd Councell that I shuld repayre unto
Dunstable, which ys within iiij. myles vnto Amptell, where the
said Lady Kateren kepeth her howse, and there to call her before
me, to here the fynall Sentance in this said mateir.
Notwithstandyng she would not att all obey therunto, for whan
she was by doctour Lee cited to appear by a daye, she utterly
refused the same, sayinge that inasmoche as her cause was before
the Pope she would have none other judge; and therfore woulde
not take me for her judge. Nevertheless the viij=th= daye of
Maye, accordyng to the said appoyntment, I came vnto Dunstable,
my Lorde of Lyncoln beyng assistante vnto me, and my Lorde of
Wyncehester, Doctour Bell, Doctour
<P 36>
Claybroke, Doctour Trygonnel, Doctour Hewis, Doctour Olyver,
Doctour Brytten, Mr. Bedell, with diuerse other lernyd in the
Lawe beyng councellours in the Lawe for the King's parte: and
soo there at our commyng kepte a Courte for the apperance of the
said Lady Kateren, where were examyned certeyn witnes whiche
testified that she was lawfully cited and called to appere,
whome for fawte of apperance was declared contumax; procedyng in
the said cause agaynste her (\in paenam contumaciam\) as the
processe of the Lawe thereunto belongeth; whiche contynewed xv.
dayes after our cummyng thither. And the morow after Assension
daye I gave finall Sentance therin, howe that it was
indispensable for the Pope to lycense any suche marieges.
   This donne, and after our reiornyng home agayne, the Kings
Highnes prepared al thyngs convenient for the Coronacion of the
Queene, whiche also was after suche a maner as foloweth.
   The Thursdaye nexte before the feaste of Pentecost, the Kyng
and the Queene beyng at Grenewyche, all the Craftes of London
thereunto well appoynted, in severall bargis deckyd after the
most gorgiouse and sumptuous maner, with dyverse pagiantes
thereunto belongyng, repayred and wayted all together upon the
Mayre of London; and so, well furnysshed, cam all vnto
Grenewiche, where they taryed and wayted for
<P 37>
the Queenes commyng to her barge: which so done, they brought
her unto the Tower, tromppets, shambes, and other dyverse
instrumentes all the wayes playng and makyng greate melodie,
which, as ys reported, was a combly donne as neuer was lyke in
any tyme nyghe to our rememberaunce. And so her Grace cam to the
Tower on Thursdaye at nyghte, abowte v. of the clocke, where
also was suche a pele of gonnes as hathe not byn harde lyke a
great while before. And the same nyghte, and Frydaye aldaye, the
Kyng and Queene taryed there; and on Frydaye at nyght the Kyngs
Grace made xviij knyghts of the Bathe, whose creacion was not
alonly so strange to here of, as also their garmentes stranger
to beholde or loke on; whiche said Knightes, the nexte daye,
whiche was Saturday, rydde before the Queene's grace thorowte
the Citie of London towards Westminster palice, over and besyds
the moste parte of the nobles of the Realme, whiche lyke
accompanied her grace thorowe owte the said citie; she syttyng
in her heere, upon a Horse Lytter, rychely appareled, and iiij
knyghtes of the v. ports beryng a Canapye over her hedd. And
after her cam iiij. riche charettes, one of them emptie, and
iij. other furnysshed with diuerse auncient old lades; and after
them cam a great trayne of other Ladies and gyntillwomen: whyche
said Progresse, from the begynnyng to thendyng, extendid
<P 38>
half a myle in leyngthe by estimacion or thereaboute. To whome
also, as she came alongeste the Citie, was shewid many costely
pagiants, with diverse other encomyes spoken of chyldren to her;
wyne also runyng at certeyne Condits plentiously. And so
procedyng thorowte the streats, passid furthe vnto Westminster
Hall, where was a certeyn banket prepared for her, which donne,
she was conveyd owte of the bake syde of the palice into a Barge
and so vnto Yorke Place, where the Kyng's grace was before her
comyng, for this you muste ever presuppose that his Grace came
allwayes before her secretlye in a Barge aswell frome Grenewyche
to the Tower as from the Tower to Yorke place.
   Nowe than on Soundaye was the Coronacion, which allso was of
such a maner.
   In the mornynge ther assembled withe me at Westminster
Churche the bysshop of Yorke, the Bishop of London, the Bishop
of Wynchester, the Bishop of Lyncoln, the Bishop of Bathe, and
the Bishop of Saint Asse, the Abbote of Westminstre with x or
xij moo Abbottes, whiche all revestred ourselfs in our
pontificalibus, and, soo furnysshed, withe our Crosses and
Crossiers, procedid oute of th'Abbey in a procession unto
Westminstre Hall, where we receyved the Queene apareled in a
Robe of purple velvet, and all the ladyes and gentillwomen in
robes and gownes of scarlet accordyng to the maner vsed before
tyme
<P 39>
in suche besynes: and so her Grace sustayned of eche syde with
ij=to= bysshops, the Bysshope of London ande the Bysshop of
Wynchester, came furthe in processyon unto the Churche of
Westminster, she in her here, my Lord of Suffolke berying before
herr the Crowne, and ij=to= other Lords beryng also before her a
Ceptur and a white Rodde, and so entred up into the highe Alter,
where diverse Ceremoneys used aboute her, I did sett the Crowne
on her hedde, and then was songe (\Te Deum\) , &c. And after
that was song a solempne Masse, all which while her grace satt
crowned upon a scaffold whiche was made betwene the Highe Alter
and the Qwyer in Westminstre Churche; which Masse and ceremonyes
donne and fynysshed, all the Assemble of noble men broughte her
into Westminstre Hall agayne, where was kepte a great solempne
feaste all that daye; the good ordre therof were to longe to
wrytte at this tyme to you. But nowe Sir you may nott ymagyn
that this Coronacion was before her mariege, for she was maried
muche about sainte Paules daye last, as the condicion therof
dothe well appere by reason she ys nowe sumwhat bygg with
chylde. Notwithstandyng yt hath byn reported thorowte a greate
parte of the realme that I maried her; whiche was playnly false,
for I myself knewe not therof a fortenyght after yt was donne.
And many other thyngs be also reported of me, whiche be mere
lyes and tales.
<P 40>
   Other newys have we none notable, but that one Fryth, whiche
was in the Tower in pryson, was appoynted by the Kyngs grace to
be examyned befor me, my Lorde of London, my lorde of
Wynchestre, my Lorde of Suffolke, my Lorde Channcelour, and my
Lorde of Wylteshere, whose opynion was so notably erroniouse,
that we culde not dyspache hym but was fayne to leve hym to the
determynacion of his Ordinarye, whiche ys the bishop of London.
His said opynyon ys of suche nature that he thoughte it nat
necessary to be beleved as an Article of our faythe, that ther
ys the very corporall presence of Christe within the Oste and
Sacramente of the Alter, and holdethe of this poynte muste after
the Opynion of Oecolampadious. And suerly I myself sent for hym
iij or iiij tymes to perswade hym to leve that his Imaginacion,
but for all that we could do therin he woulde not applye to any
counsaile, notwithstandyng nowe he ys at a fynall ende with all
examinacions, for my Lorde of London hathe gyven sentance and
delyuerd hym to the secular power, where he loketh every daye to
goo unto the fyer. And ther ys also condempned with hym one
Andrewe a taylour of London for the said self same opynion. [^A
PASSAGE OMITTED^]
   And thus farr you well, from my manor of Croydon the xvij.
daye of June.

<Q OR2 1535 ABOLEYN>
<A ANNE BOLEYN>
<P 45>
[} [\LETTER CXVI. QUEEN ANNE BOLEYN TO THOMAS CROMWELL.\] }]
<P 46>
   Anne the Quene. By the Quene.
   Trustie and right welbiloued we grete you well. And where as
we be crediblie enformed that the berer hereof Richard Herman
marchaunte and citizen of Antwerpe in Brabant was in the tyme of
the late lorde Cardynall put and expelled frome his fredome and
felowshipe of and in the Englishe house there, for nothing ells
(as he affermethe) but oonly for that that he dyd bothe with his
gooddis and pollicie, to his greate hurte and hynderans in this
Worlde, helpe to the settyng forthe of the Newe Testamente in
Englisshe. We therefore desire and instantly praye you that with
all spede and favoure convenient ye woll cause this good and
honeste marchaunt, being my Lordis true faithfull and loving
subjecte, restored to his pristine fredome, libertie, and
felowshipe aforesaid, and the soner at this oure requeste, and
at your good leyser to here hym in suche thinges as he hathe to
make further relacion unto you in this behalf. Yeven undir our
Signete at my Lordis manoure of Grenewiche the xiiij=th= daye of
May.
To our trustie and right welbeloved Thomas Crumwell squyer Chief
Secretary unto my Lorde the Kings Highnes.

<Q OR2 1530S JROCHEFORD>
<A JANE ROCHEFORD>
<P 67>
[} [\LETTER CXXIV. LADY ROCHEFORD TO SECRETARY CROMWELL.\] }]
   Mayster Secretory, as a power desolat wydow wythoute
comffort, as to my specyall trust under God and my Pryns, I have
me most humbly recommendyd unto youe; prayng youe, after your
accustemyd gentyll maner to all them that be in suche
lamentabull case as I ame in, to be meane to the Kyngs gracyous
Hyghnes for me for suche power stuffe and plate as my husbonde
had, whome God pardon; that of hys gracyous and mere lyberalyte
I may have hyt to helpe me to my power lyvyng, whiche to his
Hyghnes ys nothynge to be regardyd, and to me schuld be a most
hygh helpe and souccor. And farther more, where that the
<P 68>
Kyngs Hyghnes and my Lord my father payed great soms of money
for my Joynter to the Errell of Wyltchere to the some off too
thowsand Marks, and I not assuryd of no more duryng the sayd
Errells naturall lyff then one hundreth Marke; whyche ys veary
hard for me to schyffte the worldd wythall. That youe wyll so
specyally tender me in thys behalff as to enforme the Kyngs
Hyghnes of these premysses, wherby I may the more tenderly be
regardyd of hys gracyous persone, youre Worde in thys schall be
to me a sure helpe: and God schall be to youe therfore a sure
reward, whyche dothe promes good to them that dothe helpe powere
forsaken Wydos. And bothe my prayer and servys schall helpe to
thys duryng my naturall lyff, as most bounden so to doo, God my
wyttnes; whoo ever more preserve you.
   Jane Rocheford.

<Q OR2 1537 JMESSYNDYNE>
<A JANE MESSYNDYNE>
<P 74>
[} [\LETTER CXXVII. THE PRIORESS AND CONVENT OF THE CISTERCIAN
NUNNERY OF LEGBORNE IN LINCOLNSHIRE TO THEIR FOUNDER.\] }]
   Right honourable our most synguler Maister and Founder, our
duetie in the humblest wise presupposed, with dayly prayer, as
your perpetuall and religious beedwomen. Please yt your goodnes
to undirstonde, that where as Almyghty God hath indued you w=t=
just title Founder of the Pryory of Legborne to
<P 75>
the great comfort of me and all my systers: we doo and shall
alweyes submit ourselfs to youre most rightuouse commaundement
and ordre, oonly puttyng our comfort in your goodnesse for all
causes concernyng your poure Pryory of Legbourne. And where as
we doo here that a grete nombre of Abbyes shalbe punysshed,
subprest, and put downe bicause of their myslyvyng; and that all
Abbyes and Pryores undir the value of CC=li=. be at our moste
noble Prynce's pleasure to subpresse and put downe. Yet if it
may pleas your goodnes, we trust in God ye shall here no
compleynts agaynst us, nother in our lyvyng nor hospitalitie
kepyng. In consideracion wherof if it may please your goodnes,
in our great necessitie, to be a meane and sewter for your owne
powre Pryory, that it maye be preserved and stond, you shalbe a
more higher Founder to vs than he that first foundid oure Howse.
We have noon othir comfort nor refuge but oonly unto your
goodnes, and we hooly submyt our selfs to the pleasure of God,
to the pleasure of our Prynce, and to the pleasure of you our
Founder; and how soever it shall please God that we shalbe
orderid, we shall continue your faithfull and dayly bedewomen.
As knoweth oure Lorde who ever preserve you to your most
comfort.
   Yo=r= owne dayly beadwomen
   Jane Messyndyne (^Pryores and^) sisters (^of the^) pryory
(^of^) Legborne.

<Q OR2 1530S? JLONDON>
<A JOHN LONDON>
<P 79>
[} [\LETTER CXXIX. DR. JOHN LONDON TO LORD CROMWELL.\] }]
   In my most humble maner I have me commendyd unto yowr gude
lordeschippe, acertenyng the same that I have pullyd down the
Image of o=r= Ladye at Caversham wherunto wasse great
pilgremage. The Image ys platyd over with sylver, and I have
putte yt in a cheste fast lackyd and naylyd uppe, and by the
next bardge that commythe from Reding to London yt shall be
browght to yo=r= Lordeschippe. I have also pullyd down the place
she stode in w=t= all other ceremonyes, as lights, schrds,
crowchys, and imagies of wex hangyng abowt the chapel, and have
defacyed the same thorowly in exchuyng of any farther resortt
thedyr. Thys chapell dydde belong to Notley abbey, and ther
always wasse a chanon of that monastery wiche wasse callyd the
Warden of Caversham, and he songe in thys chapell and hadde the
offerings for hys lyving. He wasse acustomyd to schew many prety
relyks,
<P 80>
among the wiche wer (as he made reportt) the holy dager that
kylled Kinge Henry; and the holy knyfe that kylled Seynt
Edwarde. All thees w=t= many other, with the cots of thys image,
her cappe and here, my servant shall bring unto yo=r=
Lordeshippe thys weke w=t= the Surrendre of the Freers undre
ther covent seale, and ther seale also. I have sent the chanon
home agen to Notleye, and have made fast the doores of the
chapell, wiche ys thorowly well covered with ledde: and if it be
yo=r= lordeships pleasur I shall se yt made suer to the Kings
Grace's use. And if it be nott so orderyd, the chapell stondith
so wildely that the ledde will be stolyn by nyzt, as I wasse
servyd at the Fryers; for as soon as I hadde taken the Fryers
surrendre, the multytude of the poverty of the Town resortyd
thedyr and all thinge that myzt be hadde they stole away:
insomyche that they hadde convayd the very clapers of the
bellys. And saving that M. Fachell, wiche made me great chere at
hys howse, and the Mayer dydde assist me they wolde have made no
litell spoyle. In thys I have don as moche as I cowde do to save
every thing to the Kings graces use, as shall apper to yo=r=
Lordeschippe at the begynnyng of the terme, Godde willing, who
w=t= increse of moche honor long preserve yo=r= gudde
Lordeschippe.
   At Redinge (\xvij=o= Septembris\) .
   At Caversham ys a propre lodginge wher the chanon lay, with a
fayer garden and an orcherd mete to be
<P 81>
bestowed upon som frynde of yo=r= lordeschips in thees parties;
for the chanon had no thing to do ther butt to kepe the chapell
and receyve the offrings.
   I besek your gudde Lordeschippe to admytt me a powr sutar for
thees honest men of Redinge. They have a fayer town and many
gudde occupiers in ytt; butt they lacke that howse necessary, of
the wiche for the mynystration of Justice thay have most nede
of. Ther Town Hall ys a very small Howse and stondith upon the
ryver, wher ys the commyn wassching place of the most part of
the Town; and in the cession dayes and other cowrt dayes ther ys
such betyng with batildores, as oon man can nott here another,
nor the guest here the chardg gevyng. The body of the Church of
the Grey fryers, wiche ys selyd with laths and lyme, wold be a
very commodoise rowme for them. And now I have rydde all the
fasschen of that Churche in parcloses, ymages, and awlters, it
wolde mak a gudly Town Hall. The Mayer of that Town, M=r=
Richard Turner, a very honest jentill person with many other
honest men hathe expressyd unto me ther gref in thys behalf, and
have desyred me to be an humble sutar unto your Lordeschippe for
the same if it schulde be solde. The wallys, besyd the coyne
stonys, be butt chalk and flynt, and the coveryng butt tile. And
if it please the King's Grace to bestow that howse upon any of
hys servants, he may spare the body of the
<P 82>
churche, wich stondith next the strete, very well; and yet have
rowme sufficient for a great man.
   Your most bounden orator and servant,
   John London.

<Q OR2 1530S? JFOSTER>
<A JOHN FOSTER>
<P 111>
[} [\LETTER CXLI. JOHN FOSTER TO LORD CROMWELL.\] }]
   In my most humblyst wyse, I beyng not so bold as to appere
before youre Lordshyp untyll your plesure
<P 112>
ys knowyn, feere sett appartt, nede compellythe me to wrytt.
Thys last Lentt I dyd no lesse then wrytt, and also to your
presence I dyd approche, suyng for your lordschyppys gracious
servyce; but now my sute ys muche other, for my dysfortune hathe
byn to have conceyvyd untruly Goddys worde, and not only with
yntellectyon to have thought yt, but exteryally and really I
have fulfyllyd the same; for I, as then beyng a preste, have
accompleschyd maryage; nothyng pretendyng but as an obedyentt
subyect. For yf the Kyngys Grace could have founde yt lawfull
that prestys mught have byn maryd, they wold have byn to the
Crowne dubbyll and dubbyll faythefull, furst in love, secondly
for fere that the Bysshope of Rome schuld sette yn hys powre
unto ther desolacyon. But now by the noyse of the peopull I
perseyve I have dunne amysce, which saythe that the Kyngy
serudyte yugementt with all hys cowncell temperall and
spyrytuall hathe stableschyd a contrary order, that all prestys
schalbe separat by a day; with which order I have contentyd my
selfe: and as sone as I herd it to be tru, I sentt the woman to
her frendys iij. score mylys from me, and spedely and with all
celeryte I have resorted hether to desyre the Kyngs Hyghtnes of
hys favor and absolucyon for my amysce doyng; prayng and
besechyng your Lordschypps gracyous cumfortt for the optaynyng
of hys gracyous pardon: and I schalbe your bounden servauntt yn
hartt and also yn
<P 113>
contynnuall servyse yf yt schall please your gracyous lordschypp
to accept yt duryng my lyfe: wrythyn the xviij. day of June.
   Your bounden for ever,
   John Foster.

<Q OR2 1540S 10LADIES>
<A TEN LADIES>
<P 126>
[} [\LETTER CXLVI. TEN LADIES OF THE COURT, TO KING HENRY THE
EIGHTH.\] }]
   Most gratiouse and benigne sovraigne Lorde, please it your
Highnes to understonde that wee have seene and beene in your
newe Greate Shippe, and the rest of your shippes at
Portismowth, wiche arr things so goodlie to beeholde, that, in
our liefs wee have not seene (excepting your royall person and
my lord the Prince your sonne) a more pleasaunt sight; for
wiche, and the most bountiful gifts, the chere and most
gratiouse enterteignment, wich your Grace hath vouchsavid to
bestowe upon us your most unworthie and humble servaunts, wee
rendre and send unto the same our most humble and entier thanks
wich wee beseche
<P 127>
your Ma=tie= to acceept in good parte, advertising the same that
there rest nowe but only ij. sorowes; the tone for lacke of
your royall presence that ye might have seene your said Shippes,
nowe at this tyme whan wee might have waited on you here; the
toodre that wee thinke long til it may eftsones lieke you to
have us with you, wiche wee all most hertely beseche our Lord
God may bee shortely; who preserve your most noble person, and
my Lord Prince, and graunte you bothe to reigne over us; Your
Majesty many yeris, His Grace with long continuance but by late
succession, as never Princes did before You. From Your Majesties
havon and towne of Portismowth the iiij=th=. of August.
   Yo=r= Highnes most bounden and humble servaunts, and
beadwomen
   Mabyell Sowthampton Margaret Taylebois, Margrett Howarde,
Alys Browne. Anne Knevytt. Jane Denny. Jane Meows Anne Basset
Elizabeth Tyrwhyt Elsabeth Harvy.

<Q OR2 1546 EDWARD6>
<A EDWARD VI>
<P 131>
[} [\LETTER CXLIX. PRINCE EDWARD TO QUEEN CATHERINE PARR.\] }]
   Most honorable and entirely beloued mother, I have me most
humbli recommended to your Grace w=t= lyke thankes, both for
y=t= your Grace did accepte so gentylly my simple and rude
letters, and also y=t= it pleased your Grace so gentylly to
vowchesaufe to directe unto me your louing and tendre letters,
which do geue me much comfort and encouragement to go forward in
such thinges wherein your Grace bereath me on hand, y=t= I am
alredy entered. I pray God I maie be hable in part to satisfy
the good expectation of the Kings Maiesti my father and of your
Grace, whom God have ever in his most blessed keping.
   Your louing sonne
   E. Prince.

<Q OR2 1547 HRADCLIFFE>
<A HENRY RADCLIFFE>
<P 137>
[} [\LETTER CLV. HENRY RADCLYF, EARL OF SUSSEX, TO HIS
COUNTESS.\] }]
   Madame with most lovyng and hertie commendacions, thies be to
signifie unto you that our late Soveraigne Lord the King
departed at Westminster uppon Friday last the xxviij=ti=. of
this instant Januarie about two of the clock in the mornyng. And
the Kings Majestie that nowe is proclaymed King this present
last day of the same moneth. And lik as for the departure of
th'on wee may lament, so for th'establisshment of thother to all
our comforts we may rejoyce. The names of his Executours ar
th'archbischop of Canterburie, the Lord Wriothesley lord
Chauncelor of Englond, the Lord St. John lord president of the
Counsaile and Gret Master, the Lord Russell Lord Privie Seale,
the Erle of Hertford lord Great Chamberlein of Englond, the
Viscount Lesley lord Admiral, the bishop of Derham, Mr.
Secretarie Paget, Sir Anthonie Denie, Sir Anthonie Browne, Sir
William Herbert, The Chief Justice of the Common Place, Bromley
another Justice ther, Sir Thomas Baker Chauncelor of the
tenthes, Sir Edward North, and divers other aidours to the same,
which for lak of tyme I pretermit.
<P 138>
The Parliament is clerely dissolved: the Terme and all writs
closed. The Court is nowe at the Tower from whens the Kings
Majestie tomorrow shalbe receyved and conducted to his Hous
Derchamplace. His Hyghnes Coronacion shalbe at Shrovetyme.
   For my oone matiers hetherto, thorough the gret and diligent
busines that my lord Chauncelor hath had, I could espye no tyme
mete to the purpoos; but shal nevertheles as sone as oportunitie
may serve set forth the same. And for your repaire hether in
th'end of this weke I shall send unto you Henry Northey, by whom
you shal knowe my determynat pleasur. In the meane tyme I
require you to put all soch things in order as shalbe mete for
you here.
   Thus, good Madame albeit the contents of your Lettres
diverslie at length tending to the lak of good wil in me that
ought to be in a lovyng husband; the same nevertheles as I think
proceding of a good hert might otherwise have bin qualified I
wisse to you my owne hert as to my self. From Eliplace in
Holborne the last day of January in the first yere of the reigne
of our Soveraigne King Edward the Sixeth.
   Your assured lovyng husbond
   Henry Sussex.
   To my wief The Countas of Sussex.

<Q OR2 1550S? ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 145>
[} [\LETTER CLX. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH TO KING EDWARD VI=TH=.\]
}]
   Like as a shipman in stormy wether plukes downe the sailes
tarijnge for bettar winde, so did I, most noble Kinge, in my
vnfortunate chanche a thurday pluk downe the hie sailes of my
ioy and comfort and do trust one day that as troblesome waues
have repulsed me bakwarde, so a gentil winde wil bringe me
forwarde to my hauen. Two chief occasions moued me muche and
griued me gretly, the one for that I douted your Maiesties
helthe, the other bicause for al my longe tarijnge I wente
without that I
<P 146>
came for. Of the first I am releued in a parte, bothe that I
vnderstode of your helthe, and also that your Maiesties loginge
is far from my Lorde Marques chamber. Of my other grief I am not
eased, but the best is that whatsoever other folkes wil
suspect, I intende not to feare your graces goodwil, wiche as I
knowe that I never disarued to faint, so I trust wil stil stike
by me. For if your Graces aduis that I shulde retourne (whos wil
is a commandemente) had not bine, I wold not haue made the halfe
of my way, the ende of my iourney. And thus as one desirous to
hire of your Maiesties helth, thogth vnfortunat to se it, I shal
pray God for euer to preserue you. From Hatfilde this present
Saterday.
   Your Maiesties humble sistar to commandemente Elizabeth.
To the Kinges most excellent Maiestie.

<Q OR2 1550S? ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 146>
[} [\LETTER CLXI. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH TO KING EDWARD
VI=TH=.\] }]
   Like as the richeman that dayly gathereth riches to riches,
and to one bag of mony layeth a greate sort
<P 147>
til it come to infinit, so methinkes your Maiestie, not beinge
suffised withe many benefits and gentilnes shewed to me afore
this time, dothe now increase them in askinge and desiring wher
you may bid and commaunde, requiring a thinge not worthy the
desiringe for it selfe, but made worthy for your Higthnes
request. My pictur I mene, in wiche if the inward good mynde
towarde your grace migth as wel be declared as the outwarde face
and countenaunce shal be seen, I wold nor haue taried the
commandement but preuent it, nor have bine the last to graunt
but the first to offer it. For the face, I graunt, I might wel
blusche to offer, but the mynde I shal neuer be ashamed to
present. For thogth from the grace of the pictur the coulers may
fade by time, may giue by wether, may be spotted by chance; yet
the other nor time with her swift winges shal ouertake, nor the
mistie cloudes with ther loweringes may darken, nor chance with
her slipery fote may ouerthrow. Of this althogth yet the profe
coulde not be greate bicause the occasions hathe bine but smal,
notwithstandinge as a dog hathe a daye, so may I perchaunce have
time to declare it in dides wher now I do write them but in
wordes. And further I shal most humbly beseche your Maiestie
that whan you shal loke on my pictur, you wil witsafe to thinke
that as you haue but the outwarde shadow of the body afore you,
so my inward
<P 148>
minde wischeth that the body it selfe wer oftner in your
presence; howbeit bicause bothe my so beinge I thinke coulde do
your Maiestie litel pleasur, thogth my selfe great good; and
againe bicause I se as yet not the time agreing therunto, I shal
lerne to folow this sainge of Orace, " (\Feras non culpes quod
vitari non potest.\) " And thus I wil (troblinge your Maiestie
I fere) ende with my most humble thankes. Besechinge God longe
to preserue you to his honour, to your comfort, to the realmes
profit, and to my joy. From Hatfilde this 15 day of May.
   Your Maiesties most humbly sistar Elizabeth.

<Q OR2 1550S? EDWARD6>
<A EDWARD VI>
<P 148>
[} [\LETTER CLXII. KING EDWARD THE SIXTH, TO THE DUKE OF
SOMERSET.\] }]
   Derest Vncle, by your lettres and reporte of the messenger,
we have at good length vnderstanded to our great comfort, the
good success it hathe pleased God to graunt vs against the
Scottes by your good courage and wise forsight; for the wich and
other the benefites of God heaped vpon vs, like as we ar most
bounden to yeld him most humble thankes, and to
<P 149>
seke bi all waies we mai his true honour, so do we give unto
you, good Vncle, our most hartie thankes, praying you to thanke
also most hartelie in our name our good Cosin therle of Warwike,
and all the othere of the noble men, gentlemen, and others that
have served in this iournei, of whose service, they shall all be
well assured, we will not (God graunte us lief) shew our selfes
vnmindfull, but be redy ever to consider the same as anie
occasion shall serve. Yeven at our house of Otlandes, the
eighteneth of September.
   Your good neuew Edward.
To our derest Vncle the Duke of Somerset.

<Q OR2 1547 MARY1>
<A QUEEN MARY>
<P 149>
[} [\LETTER CLXIII. THE PRINCESS MARY TO THE LORD ADMIRAL
SEYMOUR.\] }] 
<P 150>
   My lorde after my harty commendacions theyse shalbe to
declare to you that accordyng to your accoustomed gentilnes I
have receyved six warrants from you by your seruant thys berer,
for the whiche I do gyve you my harty thanks; by whom also I
have receyved your lettre, wherin (as me thynketh) I parceyv
strange newes concernyng a sewte you have in hande to the Quene
for maryage; for the soner obtayneng wherof you seme to thynke
that my lettres myghte do you pleasure. My lorde in thys case, I
truste, your wysdome doth consyder, that, if it weer for my
nereste kynsman & dereste frend on lyve, of all other creatures
in the worlde, it standeth lest w=t= my poore honoure to be a
medler in thys matter, consyderyng whose wyef her grace was of
late; and besyds that, if she be mynded to grawnt your sewte, my
lettres shall do you but small pleasure. On the other syde, if
the remembrance of the Kyngs mayestye my father (whose soule God
pardon) wyll not suffre her to grawnt your sewte, I am nothyng
able to perswade her to forget the losse of hyme, who is as yet
very rype in myn owne remembrance. Wherfore I shall moste
earnestlye requyre you (the premysses consydered) to thynke non
vnkyndnes in me, thoughe I refuse to be a medler any wayes in
thys matter, assuryng you, that (woweng matters set aparte,
wherin I beeng a mayde am nothyng connyng) if otherwayes it
shall lye in my litle power to do you playser, I
<P 151>
shalbe as gladde to do it, as you to requyre it, both for hys
blodds sake that you be of, and also for the gentylnes whiche I
have alwayes fownde in you. As knoweth almyghty God, to whose
tuicyon I commytte you. From Wansted thys Saterday at nyghte
beeng the iiij=th= of June.
   Your assured frend to my power, Marye.

<Q OR2 1547 CPARR>
<A CATHERINE PARR>
<P 151>
[} [\LETTER CLXIV. THE QUEEN DOWAGER TO THE LORD ADMIRAL
SEYMOUR.\] }] 
   My lord
   As I gether by your Letter delyvered to my brother Harbert,
ye ar in sum fere how to frame my lord your brother to speke in
your favour; the denyall of yowr request schall make hys foly
more manyfest to the world, wyche wyll more greve me than the
want of hys spekyng. I wold not wyssche yow importune for hys
good wyll, yf yt com nott frankely at the fyrst, yt schalbe
suffycyent ones to have requyre yt, and
<P 152>
after to cesse. I wold desyre ye myght obtayne the Kynge's
Letters in yowre favour, and also the ayde and furtherans of the
moost notable of the Counsell, suche as ye schall thynke
convenyent, wyche thynge obtayned schalbe no small schame to
yowr brother and lovyng syster, in case they do not the lyke. My
Lord where as ye charge me w=t= apromys wryttin w=t= myne one
hand, to chaunge the two yeres into two monethes, I thynke ye
have no suche playne sentence wrytten w=t= my hand; I knowe not
wether ye be aparaphryser or not, yf ye be lerned in that syence
yt ys possyble ye may of one worde make ahole sentence, and yett
nott at all tymes after the true meanyng of the wryter; as yt
aperyth by thys your exposycyon apon my wryttyng. Whan yt shalbe
yowr pleasur to repayre hether ye must take sum payne to come
erly in the mornyng, that ye may be gone agayne by seven aclocke
and so I suppose ye may come without suspect. I pray yow lett me
have knowlege ver nyght at what hower ye wyll come, that yowr
porteresse may wayte at the gate to the feldes for yow. And thus
wyth my most humble and harty comendatyons I take my leve of yow
for thys tyme gyvyng yow lyke thankes for yowr comyng to the
court whan I was there. From Chelsey.
   I wyll kepe in store tyll I speke w=t= yow my lordes
<P 153>
large offer for Fausterne, at wyche tyme I schalbe glad to knowe
your further pleasur therein.
   By her y=t= ys and schalbe yowr humble true and lovyng wyffe
duryng her lyf
   Kateryn the Quene. K. P.

<Q OR2 1548 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 153>
[} [\LETTER CLXV. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH TO THE PROTECTOR
SOMERSET.\] }] 
   My Lorde I have a requeste to make unto your Grace wiche
feare has made me omitte til this time for two causes, the one
bicause I sawe that my request for the rumors wiche were sprede
abrode of me toke so litel place, wiche thinge whan I considered
I thogth I shulde litel profit in any other sute, howbeit now I
<P 154>
understande that ther is a Proclamacion for them (for the wiche
I give your Grace and the rest of the counsel most humble
thankes) I am the bolder to speake for a nother thinge; and the
other was bicause paraventure your Lordeship and the rest of the
Counsel wil thinke that I favor her ivel doinge for whome I shal
speake for, wiche is for Kateryn Aschiley, that it wolde please
your grace and the rest of the Counsel to be good unto her.
Wiche thing I do not to favor her in any ivel, (for that I wolde
be sorye to do,) but for thes consideracions wiche folowe, the
wiche hope dothe teache me in sainge that I ought not to doute
but that your Grace and the rest of the Counsel wil thinke that
I do it for thre other consideracions. First, bicause that she
hathe bene with me a longe time, and manye years, and hathe
taken great labor, and paine in brinkinge of me up in lerninge
and honestie, and therfore I ougth of very dewtye speke for her,
for Saint Gregorie sayeth that we ar more bounde to them that
bringeth us up wel than to our parents, for our parents do that
wiche is natural for them, that is bringeth us into this Worlde;
but our brinkers up ar a cause to make us live wel in it. The
seconde is bicause I thinke that whatsoever she hathe done in my
Lorde Admirals matter as concerninge the marijnge of me, she
dide it bicause knowinge him to be one of the Counsel, she
thogth he wolde not go about any suche thinge without he had the
Counsels consent
<P 155>
therunto; for I have harde her manye times say that she wolde
never have me mary in any place without your Graces and the
Counsels consente. The thirde cause is bicause that it shal and
doth make men thinke that I am not clere of the dide myselfe,
but that it is pardoned in me bicause of my youthe, bicause that
she I loved so wel is in suche a place. Thus hope prevailinge
more with me than feare, hath wone the battel; and I have at
this time gone furth with it. Wiche I pray God be taken no other
wais that it is mente. Writen in hast. Frome Hatfilde this 7 day
of Marche. Also if I may be so bolde not offendinge I beseche
your Grace and the rest of the Counsel to be good to master
Aschiley her husbonde, wiche bicause he is my kindesman I wold
be glad he shulde do well.
   Your assured frende to my litel power Elizabeth.
To my verey good Lorde my Lorde Protector.

<Q OR2 1549 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 155>
[} [\LETTER CLXVI. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH TO THE LORD
PROTECTOR.\] }] 
<P 156>
   My Lorde havinge reseuede your Lordeships letters, I parceve
in them your goodwil towarde me bicause you declare to me
plainlie your mynde in this thinge; and againe for that you
wolde not wische that I shulde do any thinge that shulde not
seme good unto the Counsel, for the wiche thinge I give you most
hartie thankes. And wheras I do understande that you do take in
ivel parte the letters that I did write unto your Lordeshipe, I
am verye sorie that you shulde take them so for my mynde was to
declare unto you plainlie as I thoght in that thinge, wiche I
did also the more willingelye bicause (as I write to you) you
desired me to be plaine with you in al thinges. And as
concerninge that pointe that you write that I seme to stande in
my none witte in beinge so wel assured of my none selfe, I did
assure me of my selfe nomore than I trust the trueth shal trie;
and to say that wiche I knewe of my selfe I did not thinke
shulde have displeased the Counsel or your Grace. And surelye
the cause whie that I was sorye that ther shulde be anye suche
aboute me, was bicause that I thogth the people wil say that I
deserved throwgth my lewde demenure to have such a one, and not
that I mislike any thinge that your Lordeshipe or the Counsel
shal thinke good, for I knowe that you and the Counsel ar
charged with me; or that I tak upon me to rule my selfe, for I
knowe the ar most disceved that trusteth most in themselves,
wherfore I trust you shal never finde that faute in me, to
<P 157>
the wiche thinge I do not se that your Grace has made anye
directe answere at this time, and seinge the make so ivel
reportes alreadie, shalbe but a increasinge of ther ivel tonges.
Howbeit you did write that if I wolde bringe forthe anye that
had reported it, You and the Counsel wolde se it redreste, wiche
thinge thogth I can easelye do it, I wolde be lothe to do it for
bicause it is my none cause; and, againe, that shulde be but a
bridinge of a ivel name of me that am glade to ponesse them, and
so get the ivel wil of the people, wiche thinge I wolde be lothe
to have. But if it mougth so seme good unto your Lordeshipe and
the reste of the Counsel to sende forthe a proclamation in to
the countries that the refraine ther tonges, declaringe how the
tales be but lies, it shulde make bothe the people thinke that
You and the Counsel have great regarde that no suche rumors
shulde be spreade of anye of the Kinges Maiesties Sisters, as I
am, thougth vnwordie, and also I shulde thinke myselfe to receve
suche frendeshipe at your handes as you have promised me,
althogth your Lordeship hathe shewed me greate alreadie. Howbeit
I am aschamed to aske it anye more, bicause I se you ar not so
wel minded therunto. And as concerninge that you saye that I
give folkes occasion to thinke in refusinge the good to vpholde
the ivel, I am not of so simple understandinge, nor I wolde that
your Grace shulde have so ivel a opinion of me that I have so
litel
<P 158>
respecte to my none honestie that I wolde mainteine it if I had
souficiente promis of the same, and so your Grace shal prove me
whan it comes to the pointe. And thus I bid you farewel,
desiringe God alwais to assiste you in al your affaires. Writen
in hast. Frome Hatfelde this 21 of Februarye.
   Your assured frende to my litel power Elizabeth.
To my verey good Lorde my Lorde Protector.

<Q OR2 1551 MARY1>
<A QUEEN MARY>
<P 176>
[} [\LETTER CLXXVI. THE PRINCESS MARY TO KING EDWARD THE
SIXTH.\] }] 
   My dutye moste humbly remembred unto your Majestie. It maye
please the same to be advertysed that I have by my servantes
receaved your moste honorable Letter, the contentes wherof doe
not a litle trouble me, and so much the more for that any of my
servants should move or attempte me in matteres towching my
sowle, which I thinke the meaneste subjecte within your Realme
could evell beare at their servantes hande; havinge for my parte
utterly refused heretofor to talke with them in such matteres,
and of all other persones leaste regarded them therein; to whom
I have declared what I thinke as she which trusted that your
<P 177>
Majestie would have suffered me your poore humble sister and
beadeswoman to have used the accustomed Masse, which the Kinge
your father and myne with all his predecessores evermore used;
wherin also I have been brought upp from my youth, and therunto
my conscyence doth not only bynde me, which by noe meanes will
suffer me to thinke one thing and do another, but also the
promise made to the Emperore by your Majesties Counsell was an
assurance to me that in so doinge I should not offend the Lawes,
although they seeme now to quallefye and deny the thing.
   And at my laste waytinge upon your Majestie I was so bould to
declare my mynd and conscyence to the same, and desired your
Highnes, rather then you should constraine me to leave the
Masse, to take my life, whereunto your Majestie made me a very
gentle answere.
   And nowe I beseche your Highnes to give me leave to write
what I thinke towching your Majesties Letteres. In deed they be
signed with your owne hand, and neverthelesse in my oppinione
not your Majesties in effecte, because it is well knowne (as
heretofore I have declared in the presence of your Highnes) that
althoughe, Our Lorde be praysed, your Majestie hath farre more
knowledge and greater guiftes then otheres of your yeares, yett
it is not possyble that your Highnes can at theis yeares be a
judge in matters of Religeon.
<P 178>
And therefore I take it that the matter in your Letter procedeth
from such as do wish those thinges to take place, which be moste
agreeable to themselves; by whose doinges (your Majestie not
offended) I intend not to rule my Conscyence.
   And thus, without molestynge your Highnes any further, I
humblye beseeche the same ever, for Gods sake, to beare with me
as you have done, and not to thinke that by my doinges or
ensample any inconvenyence might growe to your Majestie or your
Realme; for I use it not after any such soarte; puttyng no
doubte but in tyme to come, whether I live or die, your Majestie
shall perceave myne intente is grownded upon a true love
towardes you, whose royall estate I beseech Almightie God longe
to contynewe, which is and shalbe my daylie prayer, accordinge
to my dutye.
   And after pardon craved of your Majestie for thes rude and
boulde Letteres, yf neither at my humble suite, nor for regard
of the promisse made to the Emperor, your Highnes will suffer
and beare with me, as you have done, tyll your Majestie may be a
Judge herein yourselfe, and right understand their proceedinges,
(of which your goodness yet I dispaire not,) otherwise, rather
then to offend God and my conscyence I offer my bodye at your
will, and death shall be more welcome than lyfe with a
trowbeled conssyence.
<P 179>
   Moste humbly beseching your Majestie to pardon my slowenes in
answeringe your Letteres, for my owlde deseasse would not suffer
me to write any soner. And thus I praye Almightie God to keepe
your Majestie in alle vertue and honor, with good health and
longe lyfe to his pleasure. From my poore howse at Copped Hall
the xix of Auguste.
   Your Majestie's moste humble sistere Mary.

<Q OR2 1553 JGREY>
<A JANE GREY>
<P 183>
[} [\LETTER CLXXVII. THE LADY JANE GRAY, AS QUEEN, TO THE
MARQUIS OF NORTHAMPTON, LIEUTENANT OF THE COUNTY OF SURREY.\] }]
   Jane the quene.
   Right trustie and right welbeloved Cousen, we grete you well,
advertising the same that where yt
<P 184>
hath pleased Almighty God to call to his mercie out of this lief
our derest Cousen the King your late Sovereigne Lorde, by reason
wherof ande suche Ordenances as the said late King did
establishe in his lief tyme for the securitie and welthe of this
Realme, we are entrerid into our rightfull possession of this
Kingdome, as by the last Will of our said derest Cousen, our
late progenitor, and other severall instruments to that effect
signed with his own hande and sealed with the grete Seale of
this Realme in his own presence, wherunto the Nobles of this
realme for the most parte and all our Counsaill and Judges, with
the Mayor and Aldermen of our Cytie of London, and dyvers other
grave personages of this our Realme of England, have also
subscribed there names, as by the same Will and Instrument it
maye more evidently and plainly apere; We therfore doo You to
understand, that by th'ordenance and sufferaunce of the hevenly
Lord and King, and by th'assent and consent of our said Nobles
and Counsellors, and others before specifyed, We doo this daye
make our enterye into our Towre of London as rightfull Quene of
this realme; and have accordingly sett furthe our proclamacions
to all our loving subjects gyvenge them therby to understande
their duties and allegeaunce which they now of right owe unto us
as more amplie by the same you shall briefly perceyve and
understand; nothing doubting, right trustie and right welbeloued
cosen, but that you will
<P 185>
indever yourself in all things to the uttermost of your powre,
not only to defend our just title, but also assist us in our
rightfull possession of this kingdome, and to disturbe, repell,
and resist the fayned and untrue clayme of the Lady Mary basterd
daughter to our grete uncle Henry the Eight of famous memory;
wherein as you shall doo that which to youre honor, truthe, and
dutie aperteyneth, so shall we remembre the same unto you and
yours accordingly. And our further pleasure is that you shall
contynue, doo, and execute every thinge and things as our
Lieutenant within all places, according to the tenor of the
Commission addressed unto you from our late Cousen King Edward
the vj=th= in such and like sorte as if the same hadd byn, as we
mynde shortely it shal be, renued, and by us confirmed under our
grete Seale unto you. Yeven under our Signet at our Tower of
London the xj=th= of July, the furst yere of our Reign.
   To our right trusty and right welbeloved Cousyn and
Counsaillor the Marquiss of Northampton our Lieutenant generall
of our County of Surrey and to our trusty and welbeloved the
Deputes of that Lieutenancy; and the Sheriff, the chief Justices
of Peace and the worshipfull of that Shire.

<Q OR2 1553 JGREY>
<A JANE GREY>
<P 186>
[} [\LETTER CLXXVIII. SECOND LETTER FROM THE LADY JANE AS QUEEN
TO THE LIEUTENANCY OF SURREY.\] }] 
   Jane the Quene. By the Quene.
   Trustie and wilbiloved we grete you well. Albeit that our
estate in this imperiall Crowne wherof we be actually and really
possessed, as partely may appere by our Proclamacion wherin our
tytle is published, is not ne can be in any wise doubtfull to
all suche our good faithfull subjects as, setting blynd
affection apart, do with reason and wysdom consider the very
foundacion and grounde of our tytle, with the grete commodities
therby coming thorough Gods providence to the preservacion of
our Comon Weale and polycie; yet for that we undrestande the
Ladye Marye dothe not cease by Lettres in hir name, provoked
therto by hir adherents, enemyes of this realme, to publishe and
notiefie sklanderously to dyverse of our subjects matter
derogatorye to our title an dignitie royall, withe the slandre
of certen of our Nobilitie and Counsell, We have thought mete to
admonishe and exhorte You, as our true and faithfull subjects,
to remayne fast in your obeysaunce and duetie to the imperiall
Crowne of this Realme, whereof we have justely the possession;
and not to be removed any wise from your duetie by
<P 187>
sklanderous reports or lettres, dispersed abrode either by the
said Lady Marye, or by hir adherence; for truelye like as the
Nobilitie of our Realme, our Counsell, oure Prelats, oure
Judges, and lerned men, and others good wise men, godly and
naturall subjects, do remayne fast and surelye in their
Allegiance towards us, redy to adventure their lives, landes,
and goodes for our defence, so can a greate numbre of the same
Nobilitie, Counsailors, and Judges truely testifye to all the
worlde, with savetye of their conscience, howe carefully and
ernestly the late King of famous memorye our dere Cousen King
Edward the Sixt from tyme to tyme mentioned and provoked them
partelye by perswasion, partely commandements, to have suche
respecte to his succession if God shuld call him to his mercye
without issue, as might be the preservacion of the Crowne in the
hole undefyled English bloud; and therfore of his owne mere
motion, both by graunt of his Lettres patents, and by
declaration of his Will, established the succession as it is
declared by our Proclamacion. And for the testimonye herof to
the satisfaction of suche as shall conceyve any doubt herin, We
understand that certen of our Nobilitie have written at this
present, in some parte to admonishe You of your duties, and to
testifie their knowledge of the truethe of our tytle and right.
Wherfore we leave to procede further therin, being assured in
the goodnes of God that your harts shalbe confirmed to owe your
duetye to us your soveraigne Lady, who
<P 188>
meane to preserve this Crowne of England in the royall blound,
and out of the [\THIS SPACE IS LEFT IN THE ORIGINAL.\] of
straungers and papists, with the defence of all you our good
subjects, your lieves, lands, and goods, in our peace agaynst
the invasions and violence of all forein or inward enemies and
rebells. Yeven under our Signet at our Tower of London the
xvj=th= day of July, in the first yere of our reigne.
   To our Trustie and welbeloved the Shirieff, Justices of
Peace, and other Gentilmen of our Countie of Surrey, and to
every of them.

<Q OR2 1564 HBERKELEY>
<A HENRY LORD BERKELEY>
<P 196>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXII. HENRY LORD BERKELEY TO THE EARL OF
SUSSEX.\] }]
   Right honorable and my very good Lorde, whereas I am informed
by suche as of late are come owte of
<P 197>
Irelande that my Ladye Woormonde my sister is not so well used
by my Lorde her husbande as I would wishe her to be: and nature
movinge me to learne further of the truthe herein, I am so bolde
at this presente (hearinge of your Lordshipps late arrivall owt
of those partes) to desire your Lordship that yt maye please you
by your Lettres to signifye unto me whether you understande
there be anye suche mislikinge betwene them or not, and the
causes thereof, to the ende I maye travell therein accordinglie.
Trustinge also that yf she be not well dealte withall and used
as she ought to be, that then your Lordshippe will make reaporte
of the same to suche of the Councell as maye healpe to redresse
the matter, and my suite to be made for her the better
furthered. And in so doinge I must neades acknowledge myselfe
bothe very moche beholden unto your good Lordshippe, and She
also, for her parte, moste bounden contynuallye to pray to the
Almightie for the preservation of your Lordship with the
encreace of muche honoure. From my Castell of Berkeley, the
xxvj=th=. of Maye, 1564.
   Your Lordshipps assured
   Henry Berkeley.
   To the Right honorable and my very good Lorde the Earle of
Sussex, yeve these.

<Q OR2 1565 TRANDOLPH>
<A THOMAS RANDOLPH>
<P 198>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXIII. THOMAS RANDOLPH TO SIR WILLIAM CECILL.\]
}]
   Your H. desyerethe from tyme to tyme to here of our doyngs
here, and, as the worlde framethe amongeste us, presentlye I
perceave that I shall lacke no matter to wryte of. Yester daye,
beinge Sondaye, the Banes of Matrimonie were askede in S=t=.
Giles Churche betwene thys Quene and the Lord Darlye in that
sorte as I sente your H. a byllet in wrytinge, saving that She
was fyrste named. After dyner, with all the solemnities
requisite, he was created Duke of 
<P 199>
Albanie, so that upon Sondaye nexte withowte all dowte the
mariage goethe forwarde, but yet uncertayne whether yt shalbe in
the Churche whear the Banes were asked, in the Abbie Churche, or
in her owne Chappell.
   Her force remaynethe contynnuallye with herr, and
proclamation made thys daye that no man upon payne of deathe
shall departe owte of the towne for x. dayes.
   The daye of Lawe agaynste the iiij Bourgois men of thys towne
is lyke to holde, for anye thynge that she cane be perswaded to
the contrarie. Yf so be that theie do compere, the protestants
have bounde them selves to assyste them with all the force that
theie are hable to mayke. The daye is upon Thurseday nexte. Thys
Counsell is nowe augmented by one copple mo then were before of
worthye Counsellors, that upon Saterdaye with no smale force
came to thys towne, the Earle Athall and L. Ruthen. So are ther
nowe present the L. Chauncelor, L. Athall, L. Ersken, L. Ruthen,
and the Secretarie; some other are admitted to stonde by, of the
noble men that are here present. My Lord of Murraye hathe
playnelye refused to come amonge their hands whome he hathe so
good occasion to suspecte, and therfore yt was yesterdaye in
consultation whether yt were beste to have hym proclamed rebell
thys daye or not; whear unto some among the Lords dyscented. I
knowe not yet what
<P 200>
will become of yt, nor who their were that dyscented.
   I here saye that the Quene will thys daye despache a man, I
know not yet whome, towards the Quene's Ma=tie=, I thynke some
Frenche man, bycause of the Emb. from whome she hathe all her
intelligens. Ther is one Lassells that dwellethe bysyds Toplyf,
a cunnynge dealer betwene thys Countrye and that. Maye yt please
her Ma=tie= that I may knowe her pleasure for suche Englisshemen
as are here, or others that come. Moste humblye I tayke my
leave. At Edenbourge the xxiiij=th=. of Julye, 1565.
   Yo=r= H. allwayes at commaund
   Tho. Randolphe.
To the right honorable S=r=. William Scicill knight principall
Secretorie to the Q. Ma=tie=.

<Q OR2 1566 TRANDOLPH>
<A THOMAS RANDOLPH>
<P 205>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXV. THOMAS RANDOLPH TO SIR WILLIAM CECIL.\] }]
   Maye yt please yo=r= H. I have receaved the Quene's M=ts=.
lettre of the seconde of this instant, and therby understonde
her Mat=s=. mynde touchynge the Commissioners appoynted by this
Quene according to her Mat=s=. will. I have spoken agayne with
this Quene that some other noble man of lyke qualitie myghte be
appoynted in my Lord Bothewell place, whearunto her Grace hathe
not yet accorded, but hathe promised to conferr with her
Counsell ther in, and to gyve me a resolute answer therof within
iij. or iiij. dayes, w=ch= tyme I do attende, and in the meane
season wolde not that yo=r= H. sholde thynke longe for my
lettres; for with more expedition I cane not bringe these
matters to that passe that is to be desyered. I thoughte good
also t'advertyse yo=r= H. that this daye Roberte Melvin is
despached from hens towards the Quene's Ma=tie= from the Quene.
His cheif Commission is to see what the Quene's Ma=tie= will do
for this Quene towards the succession in favour of my Lord of
Murraye and his complices. He muste also sue for my Ladie Lenox
deliverie, and other wyse see what freindshipe he cane mayke
amonge such as are well wyllinge towards her
<P 206>
and howsbonde, that none be preferred to them in their pretended
righte. The best couller that he cane use is to be suter for the
Lord, and in the meane season maye deale with other as he cane
fynde occasion. Yt is thought that anye thynge that this Quene
cane desyer wilbe the easlyer accordyd for the greate number of
her favorers in the Quenes Ma=ts= reaulme. I shall not neade nor
wyll not be so bolde as t'advise you to stonde harde to yo=r=
centere, but I assure you I see this parte of the circumference
shrewedlye inclined, and to beare a greate swaye to yo=r= hurte,
yf yt be not looked unto. Yt hathe byne openlye saide by this
Quene that she wyll have the Masse free for all men that wyll
here yt. Her howsbonde, his father, Lord Athall, and other, nowe
daylye resorte to yt. The Protestants in suche feare and dowte
of them selves that theie knowe not what shall become of them.
The wyseste so myche meslyke this state and goverment, that
theie desyer nothynge more then the retorne of the Lords, ether
to be receaved in their owne rowmes or ons agayne to put all in
hazarde.
   Yesterdaye the Lord Darlye receaved the Order. The Emb. bothe
dyned and supped with hym. This daye he dynethe with the Quene;
tomorrowe with the Counsell; upon Wensedaye in the Castle; and
Thursedaye departethe. The Solemnitie was greate, the moste
parte of the nobilitie present. Ther went with hym to the masse,
his father, Earles Athall and
<P 207>
Cassels, and Lord Seton. Thus myche I thought good to wryte unto
Your H. attendinge suche answer as I shall gette touchynge the
Commissioners. Moste humblye I tayke my leave. At Edenb. the
x=th=. of Februarie 1565.
   Yo=r= h. bounden at commande
   Tho. Randolphe.
   To the righte honorable S=r=. William Cecill Knighte
Principall Secretarie to the Quenes Ma=tie=.

<Q OR2 1566 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 229>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXIX. QUEEN ELIZABETH TO THE LADY HOBY.\] }] 
   Madam
   Although we heare that since the death of your husband, our
late Ambassador, S=r= Thomas Hoby, you have received, in France,
great and comfortable courtesyes from the French King, the Queen
Mother, the Queen of Navarre and sundry others, yet we made
accompt that all these layd together cannot so satisfye you as
some testimony and sparke of our favour, with the application of
the late service of your Husband, and of your own demeanour
there: wherefore though you shall receive it somewhat lately in
time, yet we assure you the same proceedeth only of the late
knowledge of your return. And therefore we let you know that the
service of your Husband was to us so acceptable, as next
yourself and your children we have not
<P 230>
the meanest loss of so able a Servant in that calling. And yet
since it hath so pleased God to call him in the entry of this
our Service, we take it in the better part, seeing it hath
appeared to be Gods pleasure to call him away, so favourably to
the service of him, especially in the constancy of his duty
towards God, wherein, we hear say, he dyed very commendably.
   And for your self, we cannot but let you know that we hear
out of France such singular good reports of your duty well
accomplished towards your husband, both living and dead, with
other your sober, wise, and discreet behaviour in that Court and
Country, that we think it a part of great contentation to us,
and commendation of our Country, that such a Gentlewoman hath
given so manifest a testimony of virtue in such hard times of
adversity. And therefore though we thought very well of you
before, yet shall we hereafter make a more assured account of
your virtues and gifts, and wherein soever we may conveniantly
do you pleasure, you may be thereof assured. And so we would
have you to rest yourself in quietness, with a firm opinion of
our especiall favour towards you. Given under our Signet at our
City of Oxford the .. of September 1566: the eight year of our
Reign.
   Your loving Friend Elizabeth, R.

<Q OR2 1569 BRANDOLPH>
<A BERNARD RANDOLPH>
<P 254>
[} [\LETTER CXCVII. BERNARD RANDOLPH COMMON SERJEANT OF LONDON,
TO SIR WILLIAM CECIL.\] }] 
   Righte honorable, after my humble duetie to your Honor
remembred, pleasethe the same to be advertised
<P 255>
that I (allthough most unworthie) being by dyvysion lymytted
under your honor and M=r=. Deane to the Citie of Westminster and
lyberties of the same, aswell for thexamynacion of rogues and
sturdye vagabondes and masterlesse men, as also for to punyshe
other enormyties and mysdemeanors theare; to the whiche
precincte above other in the Shire, in th'absence of your honor
(and the said M=r=. Deane) I thinck myself more bounden to have
a vigillant eye then if the same M=r=. Deane weare at home, or
your honor somewhat nearer. And repayring thither this daye (as
comonlie I doo but ones everye fortenight yf I have no especial
cause), but this is the thirde tyme of my goinge thither, to
examyn a lewde persone whoe hathe stolen diverse parcells of
brass and copper that did adorne the Tombe of the late Kinge of
famouse memorie Henrie the Seventhe and Queene Elizabeth his
wife. And at my nowe comynge thither M=r=. Staunton and others
of th'inhabitants of the said Cytie, gave me to understande
thatt there was a great disorder in or near Long Acre, by reason
of certain Games that were proclaymed there to be exercised,
wheare indede theare was none used but one onlie Game, called
Riflinge, by which they saide diverse persons weare spoyled and
utterlie undon. Wheruppon I comaunded M=r=. Colbrande the highe
Constable of the saide Cytie and Lyberties (taking with hym
suche nomber of petit constables and others
<P 256>
as to his discression sholde seme mete, and sendinge before
worde to the constable of S=t=. Gyles in the fieldes to mete hym
theare) to goe thither, and not onlie to apprehende all persones
that sholde be founde theare usinge the same game, but also them
that kepte the same games. And I my self went also thither for
the quieter apprehendinge of them, for I was informed by the
said M=r=. Staunton that theare was a very greate nomber, and
the nomber I thinck was muche the greater by reasone of the
concourse of people thither to se one lyinge theare that was
slayne theare this mornyng. Wheruppon the Keper of the same
Games was broughte before me, but none of them that played
theare: and yet one of my owne Servants, whom I sent pryvylie
thither for that purpose, did see that game of Ryflinge in use
theare at that tyme. But I thincke pryvie warnynge was gyven
when I was perceyved to bende my selfe that waye. Maye it please
your Honor, I commytted the Keper of the same Game to warde,
meanynge nevertheles uppon sute to bayle hym untill the general
Sessions. And forasmuche as he is one of the Quene's Majestie's
Servants, and hathe a Lycence for laufull Games signed by
th'andes of the right honorables the Lorde Stewarde, the Lorde
of Arrundell, and the Lorde of Leicester (the copye wherof I
have taken and intende to kepe the same), and he was in tymes
past servant to the saide Lorde of Arrundell. And for that
before
<P 257>
this tyme I have had some stoute and sharpe wordes when I have
don even favorable justice to honorable mens servants, and
doubting what synister complainte may be now againste me to any
of honorable personages abovenamed, I have thought good to make
your Honor pryvie of this my doinge, humblie praying your good
Honor's ayde if I shall have nede of the same. And beinge verie
sorie to trouble your Honor with this my longe rude Lettre, I
comytt the same to the tuyssion of the Allmightie whoe ever
preserve you in helthe and welthe longe to contynue, with
increase of much honor. Written the fourth of this September
1569.
   Your Honor's to commande to my little power
   Bernard Randolph,
Commen Serjiant of London.
   To the right honorable Sir William Cecyll Knight, principall
Secretarie to the Quene's Majestie be theis gyven withe good
spede.

<Q OR2 1572 FRUSSELL>
<A FRANCIS RUSSELL>
<P 266>
[} [\LETTER CCIII. THE EARL OF BEDFORD TO LORD TREASURER
BURGHLEY.\] }]
   After my hartie comendacions to yo=r= good Lordshippe, here
enclosed I sende you a Lettre of M=r= Asshetones
<P 267>
which shuld have bene delyvered some dayes sythens. [^A PASSAGE
OMITTED^]
   I am now going to prepare for her Ma=ties= coming to Woborne,
which shalbe done in the best and most hartiest maner that I
can. I trust yo=r= L. will have in remembraunce to provide and
helpe that her Ma=ts=. tarieng be not above two nights and a
daye; for, for so long tyme do I prepare. I pray god the Rowmes
and Lodgings there may be to her Ma=ts=. contentacion for the
tyme. If I could make them better upon suche a sodeyn, then wold
I, be assured. They should be better then they be. So w=t= my
hartie thanks to yo=r= good L. remayning alwayes as I have just
cause yo=rs=, do so committ you to Gods keping. From Russell
House this xvj=th=. of July 1572.
   Yo=r= L. right assured
   F. Bedford.
To my verie good Lord the Lord Burghley, Highe Treasurer of
England.

<Q OR2 1582 W1FLEETWOOD>
<A WILLIAM FLEETWOOD 1>
<P 283>
[} [\LETTER CCXII. WILLIAM FLEETWOOD RECORDER OF LONDON, TO LORD
BURGHLEY.\] }] 
   My singuler good Lord, uppon Thursday at even, her Majestie
in her Cooche, near Islyngton, taking of
<P 284>
the aier, her Highnes was environed with a nosmber of Rooges.
One M=r= Stone a footeman cam in all hast to my Lord Maior, and
after to me, and told us of the same. I dyd the same night send
warants owt into the seyd quarters and in to Westminster and the
Duchie: and in the mornyng I went a brood my selff, and I tooke
that daye lxxiiij roogs, whereof some were blynd and yet great
usurers, and very riche: and the same daye towards night I sent
for M=r=. Harrys and M=r=. Smithe and the governors of Bridwell,
and tooke all the names of the roogs; and sent theym frome the
Sessions Hall unto Bridwell where they remayned that night. Upon
Twelff daye in the forenoone, the Master of the Rolls, my selff,
and others receyved a charge before my Lords of the Counsell as
towching roogs and masterles men, and to have a pryvie searche.
The same daye at after dyner (for I dyned at the Rolls) I mett
the governors of Bridwell, and so that after nowne we examined
all the seyd roogs and gave theym substanciall payment. And the
strongest we bestowed in the mylne and the lighters. The rest
wee desmyssed with a promise of a dooble paye if we mett with
theym agayne. Upon Sounday being (\crastino\) of the Twelfth
daye, I dyned with M=r= Deane of Westminster, where I conferred
with hym towching Westminster and the Duchie, and then I tooke
order for Southwarke, Lambeth, and Newyngton, from whence I
receyved a shooll of xl. rooggs, men and women, and
<P 285>
above. I bestowed theym in Bridwell. I dyd the same after nowne
peruse Pooles, where I tooke abowt xx=ti= cloked roogs that
there use to kepe standing. I placed theym also in Bridwell. The
next mornyng, being Mounday, the M=r=: of the Roolls and the
rest tooke order with the Constables for a privie searche
ageynst Thursdaye at night, and to have the offendors browght to
the Sessions Hall upon Frydaye in the mornyng where wee the
Justices shold mete. And agaynst the same tyme my Lo. Maior and
I dyd the lyke in London and Sowthworke. The same afternowne the
Masters of Bridwell and I mett, and, after every man being
examined, eche one receyved his payment according to his
deserts; at whiche tyme the strongest were put to worke and the
other dismissed into theire Countries. The same daye the M=r=.
of the Savoye was with us and sayd he was sworne to lodge "
(\claudicantes, egrotantes, et peregrinantes\) ;" and the next
mornyng I sent the Constables of the Duchie to the Hospitall and
they browght unto me at Bridewell vj. tall fellowes that were
draymen unto bruers and were neither " (\claudicantes,
egrotantes\) , nor (\peregrinantes\) ." The Constables if they
might have had theyre owen wills wold have browght as many moo.
The Master dyd wryte a very curtese letter unto us to produce
theym: and although he wrott charitably unto us, yet were they
all sowndly payed, and sent home to thare
<P 286>
masters. All Tewsday, Weddensdaye, and Thursdaye there cam in
nosmbers of roogs; they were rewarded all according to theire
deserts. Upon Frydaye mornyng, at the Justice Hall, there were
browght in above a C. lewed people taken in the privie searche.
The M=rs=. of Bridwell receyved theym, and immediatly gave theym
punishment. This Satterday, after Causes of Consciens herd by my
Lord Maior and me, I dined and went to Polls and in other places
as well within the libertes as els where, and I founde not one
rooge stirryng. Emongest all these thyngs I dyd note, that we
had not of London, Westm. nor Sowthwarke, nor yet Midd. nor
Surr. above twelve, and those we have taken order for. The
resedew for the most were of Wales, Salop, Cestr. Somerset,
Barks, Oxforde, and Essex; and that fewe or none of thaym had
ben abowt London above iij. or iiij. mownthes. I dyd note also
that we mett not agayne w=th= any in all our searches that had
receyved punishment. The chieff nurserie of all these evell
people is the Savoye, and the brick kilnes nere Islyngton. As
for the brick kylnes, we will take suche order that they shall
be reformed. And I trust by yo=r= good Lordship's help the
Savoye shall be amended; for suerlie, as by experiens I fynd it,
the same place, as it is used, is not converted to a good use or
purpose. And this shall suffice for Roogs.
   Upon Weddensdaye last a Frenche merchaunt, in a bagge sealed,
delivered to a cariers wiff of Norwich
<P 287>
xl=li= to be caried to Norwich. She secretlie conveyed the money
to a howse a good way off frome the Inne, and within half a
quarter of an houre the Frenche merchaunt cam agayne to se his
money packed up. But the woman denyed that ever she received any
one penny with such horrible protestacions as I never herd of
before. M=r=. Secretarie Walsingham wrote me his Letters for the
ayde of the Frenche man, and after great searche made, the money
was founde and restored. She not knowing of the same, I examined
her in my studie privatlie, but by no meanes she wold not
confesse the same, but dyd bequeth her selff to the Devell, both
bodie and sowle, if she had the money or ever sawe it. And this
was her craft that she then had not the money, and in dead she
sayth the trowth, for it was eyther at her frynds where she left
it, or els delyvered. And then I perceyving her fewke, I asked
her whether the Frenche merchant dyd not bring her a bagge
sealed full of metall that was weightie, were it either platts,
coyne, cownters, or suche lyke: then, quoth she, I will aunswer
no further. And then I used my Lo. Maiors advise, and bestowed
her in Bridwell, where the Masters and I sawe her punished; and,
being well whipped, she sayd that the Devell stood at her elbowe
in my studie, and willed her to denye it. But so soon as she was
upon the Crosse to be punished he gave her over. And thus my
singuler good Lo. I end this tragical part of this wicked woman.
<P 288>
   This mornyng the Deputie of Holborne and two of the Wardmot
Enquest browght me this examination. I send for the partie. He
was browght before my Lord Maior and me. And we have commanded
hym to warde expecting yo=r= good Lo. advise as towchinge his
offens.
   Thus most humbly I send unto yo=r= good Lo. this last weeks
Diarye, ceasing at this tyme to troble yo=r= honer any further.
At Bacon howse this 14 of Ja. 1581.
   Your good Lo. most bounden W. Fletewoode.
To the right honorable and my singuler good L. My Lo. High
Treaso=r= of England.

<Q OR2 1583 W1FLEETWOOD>
<A WILLIAM FLEETWOOD 1>
<P 290>
[} [\LETTER CCXIV. M=R= RECORDER FLEETWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY.\]
}] 
   Right honorable
   Sithens your Lo. last being here in London there have ben
twoo great Feasts, the one at the Grosers-hall, the other at the
Haberdashers-hall. At the Haberdashers feast was my Lord Maior,
and divers of his brethern, with myselff, where my Lo. Maior
after the second course come inne dyd take the great standing
Cupp of the gift of Sir William Garrett, being full of Ypocraze,
(and silence being commaunded throwgh all the Tables) all men
being bare-headed, my Lo, before all men dyd use these words
with a convenyent lowd voyce "M=r=. Recorder of London and yow
my good bretherne the Aldermen, beare witnes that I do drynke
unto M=r=. Alderman Massam as Shereff of London and Midd. frome
Mighelmas next comming, for one holl yere; and I do beseche God
to graunt hym as quiett and peaceable a yere with as good and
gratious favor of her Maiestie as I my selff and my brethern the
Shereffs now being have hytherto had, and as I trust shall
have." This spoken, all men desired the same. The Sword-bearer
in hast went to the Grosers
<P 291>
ffeast, where M=r=. Ald=n=. Massam was at dyner; and there dyd
openlie declare the words that my Lo. Maior had used: whereunto
(silens made and all being hushe) the Alderman aunswered verie
modestlie in this sort, "First I thanke God who through his
great goodness haith called me frome a verie poore and meane
degree unto this worshipfull estate. Secondlie I thanke her
Majestie for her gratious goodnes in allowing unto us these
great and ample fraunchises. Thirdlie I thank my Lo. Maior for
having so honorable an opinion of this My Companie of Grocers as
to make choise of me being a poore member of the same." And this
said, bothe he and all the Companie pledged My Lord and gave hym
thanks.
   M. Nowell of the Court haith lately been here in London. He
caused his man to geve a blowe unto a carrman. His man haithe
stricken the carrman with the pumell of his sword and therwith
haith broken his skelle and killed hym. M=r=. Nowell and his man
are lyke to be indicated; whereof I am sure to be muche trobled,
what with lettres and his frynds, and what by other meanes as in
the verie like case heretofore I have byn even with the same
man. Here are sunderie yonge gentilmen that use the Court that
most commonly terme theymselffs (^gyntylmen^) . When any of
these have done any thinge amisse and are compleyned of, or
arrested for debt, they then runne unto me, and no other excuse
or aunswere can they make but saye
<P 292>
" (^I am a Jyntylman, and being a Jyntylman I am not thus to be
used at a slave and a colions handes.^) " I know not what other
parlee M=r=. Nowell can pled; but this I say, the fact is fowle.
God send hym good deliverans. I thinke in my conscience that he
makethe no reckenyng of the matter.
   Hit was my chaunse to examine a matter in the Court holden at
Bridwell. I have ben complayned of to the Counsel bord. I was
sent for. M=r=. Secretary received my Aunswer, and told the
compleynaunts that they had deserved to be hanged And this is
the Case. Abraham of Abraham a gentilman of an hundred pound
land in com. Lanc. put his dawghter and heire unto my lady
Gerrerd of the Brenne. Sir Thomas and my lady being here in
London, one Dwelles, a fenser nere Cicell howse, and his wiff,
by indirect meanes, being of kyn to the girle, dyd invite all my
Lady's children and gentilwomen unto a breakfast. They cam
thether, and at theire commyng the yowthes and servingmen were
caried up to the ffens skolle. My Ladys dowghters and
gentilwomen must nedes play at the cardes, will they nill they.
The girle Abraham, by the wiff of the howse, was conveyghed in
to a chamber, and shut the dowre after her and there left her.
The Girl found in the Chamber iiij. or v. tall men. She knew
theym not. And ymediatlie the girle fell into a great ffeare
seyng them to compasse her about. Then began an old priest to
read upon a
<P 293>
booke, his words she understood not, saving these words "I Henry
take the Suzane to my wedded wiff" &c. This done they charged
the wenche never to discover this to any body lyving: and so
sent her downe to her fellowes. And dyner being done the wenche
told to her fellowes very lamentably what had ben donne; and
they over to S=r=. Tho. and my La. And upon complaynt I sent for
the ffensers wiff who wold confesse nothyng. I went with her my
self to Bridwell, where there was a full Court, and thether cam
Sir Thomas with the wenche, and there we bolted owt the wholl
matter and dyd no more. The ffensers wyff is retorned to the
Cownter. The wenche is with my La. Gerrerd. She was never in
Bridwell, as the ffenser and one Poollwhele dyd avouche to some
of my Lords. The wenche was there to accuse the fensers wiff in
open Court. My Lo. this being the fact, and the trew case
thereof, I fynd the same to be ffellonie by A=o=. 3. st. 7. ca.
2. And therefore me thinketh suche companyons as this fenser and
his wiff are, owght not to be allowed to deface suche poore men
as I am, in suche order, before the Lords. Thus most humbly I
take my leave of yo=r= good Lo. this 18 of Julie 1583.
   Yo=r= good Lo. most bounden
   W. Fletewoode.
"To the right honorable and my singuler good Lord Treasourer of
England."

<Q OR2 1585 W1FLEETWOOD>
<A WILLIAM FLEETWOOD 1>
<P 295>
[} [\LETTER CCXVI. M=R=. RECORDER FLEETWOOD TO LORD TREASURER
BURGHLEY.\] }] 
<P 296>
   Right honorable and my verie good Lord, uppon Thursdaye
laste, beinge the crastinn of Trinitie Terme, we kepte a
Sessions of Inquyrie in London in the forenone, and in the
afternone we kepte the lyke att Fynsburie for Middlesex, in
which two severall Sessionses all such as were to be arrayegned
for felonye at the Gaole deliverye were indyted. Uppon Frydaie
last we sate at the Justice hall att Newgate from vij in the
morninge untill vij att night, where were condempned
<P 297>
certen horstealers, cutpurses, and such lyke, to the nusmber of
x., whereof ix. were executed, and the tenthe stayed by a meanes
from the Courte. These were executed uppon Saterdaye in the
morninge. There was a Showmaker also condempned for wyllfull
murder commytted in the Blacke ffryers, who was executed uppon
Mondaie in the morninge. The same daye my Lord Maior beinge
absent abowte the goods of the Spannyards, and also all my Lords
the Justices of the Benches beinge also awaye, we fewe that were
there did spend the same daie abowte the searchinge out of
sundrye that were receptors of ffelons, where we fownd a greate
manye aswell in London, Westminster, Sowthwarke, as in all other
places abowte the same. Amongest our travells this one matter
tumbled owt by the waye, that one Wotton a gentilman borne, and
sometyme a marchauntt man of good credyte, who fallinge by tyme
into decaye, kepte an Alehowse att Smarts keye neere
Byllingesgate, and after, for some mysdemeanor beinge put downe,
he reared upp a newe trade of lyffe, and in the same Howse he
procured all the Cuttpurses abowt this Cittie to repaire to his
said howse. There, was as schole howse sett upp to learne younge
boyes to cutt purses. There were hung up two devises, the one
was a pockett, the other was a purse. The pockett had in yt
certen cownters and was hunge abowte with hawkes bells, and over
the toppe did hannge a litle sacring bell; and he that could
take owt a cownter without any noyse, was allowed to
<P 298>
be (^a publique ffoyster^) : and he that could take a peece of
sylver owt of the purse without the noyse of any of the bells,
he was adjudged (^a judiciall Nypper^) . Nota that a ffoister is
a Pick-pockett, and a Nypper is termed a Pickepurse, or a
Cutpurse. And as concerninge this matter, I will sett downe noe
more in this place, but referr your Lordship to the paper herein
enclosed.
   Saterdaye and Sondaie beinge past, uppon Mondaie my Lord
Maior, my Lord Buckhurste, the M=r=. of the Rooles, my Lord
Anderson, M=r=. Sackford Master of the Requests, S=r=. Rowland
Hayward, my selffe, M=r=. Owen, and M=r=. Younge, with the
assystaunce of M=r=. Attorney and M=r=. Solicitor, did arraigne
one Awfeild, Webley, and Crabbe, for sparcinge abrood certen
lewed, sedicious, and traytorous bookes; Awfeild did most
trayterously maynteyne the booke, with longe tedious and
frivolous wordes and speaches. Webley did affirme as much as
Awfeild had uttered. They are both executed thorough Gods
goodnes and yo=r= Lordshipps good helpe, as M=r=. Younge told
me. There came a Letter to reprive Awfeild, yt was not well
digested of as many as knewe of yt, but after all was well
taken. When he was executed, his bodye was brought into S=t=.
Pulchers to be buryed, but the parishioners would not suffer a
Traytor's corpes to be layed in the earthe where theire parents,
wyeffs, chyldren, kynred, maisters, and old neighbors did rest:
and so his carcase was retourned to the buryall grounde neere
Tyborne, and there I leave yt. Crabbe surelye
<P 299>
did renownce the Pope, and my Lords and the rest of the Benche
moved M=r=. Attorney and M=r=. Solicitor to be a meane to her
Maiestie for him, and for that cause he was stayed. Trewelye my
Lord it is nothinge needfull to wrytte for the staye of any to
be repryved, for there is not any in our Commyssion of London or
Middlesex but we are desirous to save or staye any poore
wretche, yf by color of any lawe or reason we maye doe ytt. My
singler good Lord my Lord William of Wynchester was wonte to
saye, "when the Courte is furthest from London, then is there
the best justice done in all England." I once hard as great a
parsonage in office and authoritye as ever He was, and yett
lyvinge, saye the same wordes. Yt is growen for a trade nowe in
the Courte to make meanes for repryves, twentie pownd for a
reprive is nothinge, although it be but for bare tenn daies. I
see it will not be holpen onles one honored gentilman, who many
tymes is abused by wronge informacion (and suerlie uppon my
sowle, not uppon any evill meaninge) do staye his penn. I have
not one Letter for the staye of a theiffe from your Lordshippe.
Fearinge that I trouble your Lordship with my tedious Lettres I
end, this vij=th=. of Julie 1585.
   Your good Lordships moste humbly bownden
   W. Fletewoode.
<P 300>
   At the endinge of this Lettre I received an othere, the which
I will aunswere owt of hand.
   Upon Tewsdaie I satt in Jugement in the hustings, where M=r=.
Cure and his corporate bretherne the Sadlers recovered xl=li=.
land in a writ of right (\'lon le mise fint ioyne sur le mere
droit'\) against one Beale.
   Upon Weddensday wee satt in Southwark abowt the Goneres where
my cossen Holcroft accused and (\'de repetundis'\) &c.
   (^Archana.^)
   There was one that is called M=r=. Abarrowe that was at the
takynge of the Erle of Arundell, and had gotten into his hands
of his nere abowte ccc=li=. in gold. He was commanded to brynge
the same to the LL. of the Sterre Chamber. His man carried it
after hym even to the Sterre chamber doore and soddenly his man
sterted away and tooke a boote, past into Sowthwarke, devyded
the money, and there by my warrant was taken, and in effect all
the money was had agayne. M=r=. Abarrowe his Master was the
lothest man in England to have his man towched for this offence.
I caused hym to be indicted and arreigned. My lord Anderson
tooke it to be no fellonye because his master delyvered hym the
money. I sayd it was felonye by the common lawe, because the
custodie and bearing of the money in his masters presens was
adjuged to
<P 301>
be as if it had ben in his masters owen custodie. As if my
butler, my horse keper, my sheperd, or the yoman of my warderobe
do steale and imbesell any thinge in his charge this is felonye,
and even so is it of my purse bearer. And if it were not
felonye by the comen lawe then was it by the statute, if the
somme were above xl=s=. But I fearynge the matter might be
called before my Lords, beinge a thing so notoriusly knowen, I
caused the Jurie to fynd the speciall matter, and so it resteth.
I do lerne sithens that the ffelow had ben in tymes past servant
to M=r=. Smith the Clerk of the Pype, &c.
[^LIST OF NAMES OMITTED^]
<P 303>
   Memorand. That in Wotton's howse at Smarts Keye are wrytten
in a table divers Poysies, and among the rest one is this
   (^Si spie sporte, si non spie, tunc steale.^)
Another thus
   (^Si spie, si non spie, ffoyste, nyppe, lyfte, shave and
spare not.^)
   Note that (^ffoyste^) is to cutt a pockett, (^nyppe^) is to
cutt a purse, (^lyft^) is to robbe a shoppe or a gentilmans
chamber, (^shave^) is to ffylche a clooke, a sword, a sylver
sponne or such like, that is negligentlie looked unto. Nota,
that (^mylken ken^) is to commytt a roborie or burgularie in the
night in a dwelling howse, &c.
   To the Right honourable and my synguler good Lord the Lord
Highe Treasorer of England.

<Q OR2 1586 W1FLEETWOOD>
<A WILLIAM FLEETWOOD 1>
<P 306>
[} [\LETTER CCXVIII. SERJEANT FLEETWOOD TO LORD BURGHLEY.\] }] 
   Right Honorable and my singuler good Lord, this present daye
from two of the clocke until syx, my Lo. Maior, with some of his
bretherne th'Aldermen and myselffe, dyd examyne certene
Apprentices for conspiringe an insurrection in this Cittie
agaynst the Frenche and Dutche, but speciallie against the
<P 307>
Frenche; a thinge as lyke unto yll Maye daie as could be devysed
in all manner of circumstaunces, (\mutatis mutandis\) , ther
wanted nothinge but execucion. We have taken fyve, all of an
age, yet all under xxj=tie=: fower of them Darbishier borne; the
fyrste borne in Norhamshier. We are searchinge and seekinge for
the principall Captayne; we hope we shall heare of him this
night, for he hath ben workinge all this daie in the Whyt hall
at Westminster, and at his cominge home we trust to have him. We
have this night sett a standinge watche armed, from nyne until
seven in the morninge, and doe meane to contynewe the same soe
longe as yt shalbe thought convenient unto your honor and the
resydewe of my Lords.
   M=r=. Alderman Woodcocke, who maryed the wydowe of M=r=.
Lanyson shalbe buried uppon Moundaye next. S=r= Rowland Hayward
is exstreame sicke and greatlie distressed (our Lord comfort
him). My Ladie his wieffe is likewise verie sicke.
   This night M=r=. Attorney Generall sent his man unto me to
sett my hand and seale unto a warrant to summon a Quest of
enquirie to appeare to morowe att Westminster Hall. The
Citizens, when they shall heare of yt, will lyke thereof verie
well, for they all crye owt that justice maye be done uppon
these Treators. The foresaid Apprentices, being of the Mysterie
of Plastorers, are commytted unto Newgate uppon the Quenes
Highnes and her Councells commaundement, where
<P 308>
they are lyke to remayne untill they be delivered by speciall
warrant. 
   Here is presentlie noe other thinge worthie of writinge.
Wherefore I beseech God to preserve first her Ma=tie=, and then
yo=r= Lordship, from all these Treators and such other wicked
people. From the Guylde hall this present Twesdaie the sixt of
September at seaven of the clocke in the eveninge 1586.
   Yo=r= Lo: most humble bownden
   W. Fletewoode.
   Att the sendinge away of my man this Weddensday mornynge all
the bells of London do ring for ioye, that, upon the 7 of this
monethe, beinge as this daie, A=o= 25 H. 8. her Grace was borne.
There wilbe this daie but specially great ffeastinge at supper.
I have ben bidden owt this night to supper in vj. or vij.
places.
   To the Right Honorable and my singuler good Lo. the Lo.
Treasorer of England, at the Courte.



<B HUTTON>

[^THE CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. MATTHEW HUTTON, ARCHBISHOP OF YORK.
WITH A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS, ETC. OF SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON,
KNT., HIS SON; AND MATTHEW HUTTON, ESQ., HIS GRANDSON. ED. BY
RAINE, JAMES. THE PUBLICATIONS OF THE SURTEES SOCIETY 17.
1843.^]

<Q HUT 1566 EGRINDALL>
<A EDMUND GRINDALL>
<P 54>
[} [\LETTER II.\] DR. E. GRINDALL, BISHOP OF LONDON, TO DR.
HUTTON.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\15 Sep. 1566.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) Wheras I appoynted you to preache att
Paules Crosse the 3 off November nexte: becawse the Parlament
dothe holde, and therfore it is lyke that the Bisshops shall
occupie the rowme those Sundays in the myddes off the tearme, I
muste entreate you to prevente your daye, and to preach Dominica
17=a=, which is the 6 off October nexte. The tyme, thowghe it
may be somewhatt shorte, is longe enoughe for you; and I am
destitute. It is the firste Sundaye off the Parlament, and
therfore I labour to have one learned for thatt daye. I praye
you fayle nott, and certiffie me w=th= conveniente spede agayne.
Fare ye well. Frome Fulham, 15 Septemb. 1566.
   Yo=r= in Christe,
   Edm. London.
   To my lovinge frende, M=r=. Doctor Hutton, M=r=. off
Pembrooke Halle in Cambrige.

<Q HUT 1575 KHASTINGS>
<A LADY HUNTINGDON>
<P 56>
[} [\LETTER IV.\] LADY HUNTINGDON TO MR. DEANE OF YORKE.}] [^TO
DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\Julie 21, 1575.\]
   After my verye hartie commendacions. Forasmuch as a kinsman
of my lorde and a cosen of myne doe intend, by the grace of God,
to marrye together vppon Sondaye nexte, I am therefore bould to
desyre you, that you would take the paynes to be here againste
that tyme, and to bestowe a shorte sermon vppon vs, suche as for
the short warning you have maye suffise for that audience. The
which ended, or before, att your discretion, I muste further
intreate you to helpe to sollempnize that mariage. And even soe,
being bould to truble you, I doe bidd you hartelye fare well.
Att York, this xxj=th= of Julye, 1575.
   Your frend in the Lord,
   K. Huntingdon.
   Good Mr. Deane, refuse not to take this paines in being heare
against Sondaie; which I shall thinke my sealfe beholdine to you
for the same, and will be redie to pleasure you in any thing I
maie.
   To my very loving frend, M=r= Deane of York.

<Q HUT 1577 EGRINDALL>
<A EDMUND GRINDALL>
<P 56>
[} [\LETTER V.\] EDMUND GRINDALL, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, TO
DR. MATTHEW HUTTON, DEAN OF YORK.}] 
[\25 April, 1577.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I hartely thanke ye for your favour
extendett towards this bringer W. Allen. I perswade my selfe
that ye shewed him favour for my sake in the office bestowed
<P 57>
vpon him, and thatt ye had remembrance off my sute made vnto ye
for him heretofore, and therefore I thanke ye accordynglye. Iff
I had hadde anie speciall creditte when Durham and Carl. were
bestowed, some hadde not spedde so well: but blame your selfe
and Sir Tho: Garg: ye 2 comendett him, to be rydde off him: and
nowe Simon is as goodd as Peter. This geare wolde make a man
synge (\"Mei autem pene` moti sunt pedes," &c.\)
   Off myne owne present state I thynke ye can nott be ignorant:
it maye be, that evell reports flye abroade agaynste me; my
meanynge is goode. The ende is in Goddes handes, to whose grace
I hartely commende you; with my salutations to M=r=. Palmer, and
the reste off myne olde Chapleyns Prebendaries off your chirche.
Lambethe, 25 Aprilis, 1577.
   Yours in Christe,
   E. Cant.
   To my lovinge frende M=r=. Doctor Hutton, Deane off Yorke.

<Q HUT 1577 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 57>
[} [\LETTER VI.\] CECYLL LORD BURGHLEY TO MR. DEANE OF YORKE.}]
[^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\August 12, 1577.\]
   Good Mr. Deane, I most hartely thank [{you{] for your harty
commendations, which this berer M=r=. Ramsden delyveyred me,
with a token in gold, being the monument of the good elect kyng
Edward my master, whom God took seasonably for his soule to be a
kyng in heaven, and onseasonably from this his erthely kyngdom,
therby blessing hym, and scourgyng vs. God favor vs now in the
reigne of our Soverayn with more of his
<P 58>
marcy, though I feare our offences ar gretar ...
From Buxton, the xii=th= of August, 1577.
   Your most assured loving Frend,
   W. Burghley.
   God contynew his graces in you, by which your liff and
actions ar reported very good of all your neighbors; and in
sekyng to reform those that ar ovt of the waye, the ordinary
waye to reduce them which I heare you vse is, by gentle
instruction of them first to se and fele ther palpable errors,
and so to prepare them to se the truth.
   To my very louing ffrend M=r=. Doctor Hutton, Deane of the
Cathedrall Churche at Yorke.

<Q HUT 1577 EGRINDALL>
<A EDMUND GRINDALL>
<P 58>
[} [\LETTER VII.\] GRYNDALL, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, TO DR.
HUTTON, DEAN OF YORK.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\2 Dec. 1577.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) This bringer can informe you
somethinge off my state bothe for my healthe off my bodye and
other my trobles. Aboute 6 weeks agoe, and so on further tyll
the 26 off November, I was putt in assured hoape off libertie,
&c. Abowte thatt tyme arose a sudeyn contrarie tempest, which
hadde browghte me to have appeared in the Starre Chamber 29
Novembris last, iff God had nott layed me up 2 dayes before off
myne olde disease the stoane. By thatt occasion my apparence was
respitted, and I now remayne as a man in suspense (\inter spem
metumque\) , butt yett hoape that God wille in the ende turne
all to the beste. I thanke ye for your manifold significations
off your goode wille towarde me and myne. I praye
<P 59>
ye be goode to the bringer in that ye maye lawfullye, commende
me as ye knowe. God kepe you. 2 December, 1577.
   Yours in Christe,
   E. C.
   To my lovinge frende, M=r=. Deane off Yorke.

<Q HUT 1578 HHASTINGS>
<A EARL OF HUNTINGDON>
<P 59>
[} [\LETTER VIII.\] THE EARLE OF HUNTINGDON TO MR. DEANE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\Maie 20, 1578.\]
   (\Salutem in Domino, &c.!\) I am sorrye to vnderstand of your
falle and harme you have therbye, but I trust God will shortelye
restore you to your olde good state agayne. Of my Lord of
Canterburie I heare nothyng but thys; I wyll sette downe the
verrye wordes as they bee wrytten to me: - "My Lord of
Canterburie dyd stande now at thys present vpon hys delyuerye by
the good meanes of M=r=. Vycechamberlyne, and now at thys
present the bysshoppes of Durram and Yorke have wryttyn to hyr
Majesty of soche sectes and puritanes that ys in those cuntryes,
that hathe made a staye of hys delyuerance."
   Even nowe the Lord Archebishop was heare, and I tolde hym a
peece of thys matter, but sayde no worde of Canterburie, and I
dyd aske hym what infection he founde in all hys dyoces,
especyallye for puritanisme as they tearme yt. He aunsweryd,
that he founde none to offend that way, neythyr, sayth he, have
I wryttyn any thynge thereof; but in my letters to the Quene,
sayth he, I dyd wryte that a younge man in a sermon at the
assyses dyd sumwhat straye, but he hathe been before me and
hathe promysyd to repayre the faute, etc. Also of one at Hulle
who made sum scruple at sum matters, but now yealdeth and
promysyth conformytee. Of other matters he dyd not wryte, but of
the increasynge of the papystes, etc. By thys I see som sparkes
have floane abrode. Your wrytar hathe desyryd me to sent hym
worde what ys trew touchinge these reaportes. And now by
warrante from my Lord's grace I may saye hys dyoces ys cleare of
thys faulte. For other occuranttes I referre
<P 60>
you to the letter inclosyd, wherof I dyd imparte the laste
parte, as I was desyryd. God make us all pure in hys syghte
thorrowe Chryste, and confounde all poperye and counterfayte
gospellynge, etc. And so I commytte you to the Lord. At Yorke,
thys 26 of May, 1578.
   Your assured frend (\in Domino\) ,
   H. Huntyngdon.
   To the assemblie at Smalcald her Maiestie hath sent certeine
persons to dissuade and stay the proceedings, &c. D. Humfrey of
Oxford, D. Wilson of Worcester, D. Still of Cambridge, and D.
Hamond, a civilian, ar appointed for this purpose; and, if hast
had not required, your Deane Mr. Hutton should have bene the
principall, and so ought he to have bene allowed. Grenewich, xx
Maij, 1578.

<Q HUT 1579 EGRINDALL>
<A EDMUND GRINDALL>
<P 60>
[} [\LETTER IX.\] GRYNDALL, ARCHB. CANT. [\TO DOCTOR MATTHEW
HUTTON, DEAN OF YORK.\] }]
[\18 Feb. 1578-9.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) This bringer can enforme you that I
am (thanks be to God!) in reasonable goode healthe. My case
dependeth longe, as ye see, and some repulse off sute latelye
made hathe bene geven; and yett, iff a man maye beleve in courte
promesses, I was att no tyme so neare an ende off my trobles as
att this present. (\Domini voluntas fiat.\) I praye you shew
favor to the bringer for perfitinge off his longe travells.
<P 61>
S. Peter is a goode man, and lendeth freelye; the marchante
allwayes harpeth apon interest. He will engage all to S. Peter
or some off his deputies. Surelye the thinge will proove to an
vndoubted beniffitte bothe publicke and private. Yff I had
remayned with you, I wolde have helped him in this case;
especiallye nowe when the matter is growen rype, etc.
   Howe the worlde goeth here, ye shall heare by other men. I
wolde ye hadde a goode arrande to London, that I mighte see you.
I thanke you for my poore kinsfolkes and servants. God kepe you.
18 Feb., 1578.
   E. C. (\tuus\)
   To my lovinge frende M=r=. Deane off Yorke.

<Q HUT 1582 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 63>
[} [\LETTER XII.\] A LETTER FROM DEAN HUTTON TO THE EARL OF
HUNTINGDON.}] [^TO HENRY HASTINGS^]
[\8 May, 1582.\]
   My most humble duitie remembred to your Honour, &c. M=r=.
Doctor Gibson hath obteined a dispensation to keepe his livinge
in our church, whereof I am verie gladd. But in the same
dispensation he hath obtained another dispensation; that he
beinge absent, and keeping no residence, may have and enjoye all
the commodities due to a residentiarie: for the which I am verie
sorrie; not onelie because it is contrarie to our statutes,
whereunto we are all sworne, and shall be taken out of the
livinge of the residenciaries, some being not well hable to
spare it; but also because it doth open a window, which (if it
be not speedelie shutt) is like utterlie to overthrow the state
of our churche. We think that her Majesty's meaninge was, that
he should enjoie his livinge hereafter quietlie, which now by
the space of fyve or six yeares he hath bene in some feare to be
deprived of; and not to gyve him a new livinge taken furth of
other men's lyvyngs; and for the which they are bound to keepe
residence xxvi. weeks yearlie to their great charge. Yet,
because we love quietness and hate contention, we have neither
joyned nor conferred with his enemies; but have sent M=r=.
Slater, one of our companie, to my Lord his Grace of
Canterburie, Doctor Gibson's good Lord and ours, prayinge him to
make some quiet end betweene him and us, becawse we wold be
lothe to joyne with Doctor Gibson's
<P 64>
adversaries against hym. And my humble suit, in myne owne name
and in the name of the whole Churche, unto your Honour is, to
beseeche you that you wold be a meane to my Lord of Canterburye,
and to join with him to componde the matter, least it grow to
some extremitie of suit; which thinge I have alwaies hated. Ffor
myne owne part, I could be content, and so I know wold the rest,
yt were referred unto yourselfe to heare and determine at your
cominge into the country, yf my Lord his Grace of Canterburie
doe not now end it by your Lordshipp's good meanes, as we hope
he will. We have written to my Lord Treasurar, and to Sir
Francis Walsingham, beseechinge them to have a speciall care,
and to be meanes, that suche like suites be not graunted
hereafter, which tend to the decaye and ruine of the churches of
the old fundation. Yff the matter be not quietlie ended, we make
no doubte but to make good proofe to the Lords of the Counsell,
that so muche of the dispensation as is hurtfull to the churche,
and taketh from other men, and gyveth unto hym which he never
hadd before, did procede upon wronge information. M=r=. Doctor
Gibson is my good frend, and I have alwaies wished him well, and
verie lothe wold I be to joyne with his enemies; which had bene
done before this time yf it could have bene compassed. And
therefore am I so earnest with your Lordship that the matter may
be stayed, now at the begyninge. Thus, beseechinge God to send
your Honour and my good Ladie shortlie into the countrie, I take
my leave. From Yorke, the viij=th= of Maye, 1582.
   Your Honour's in Christ to comaunde,
   Matth. Hutton.
   To the Right Honorable his especiall good Lord, therle of
Huntingdon, Lord praesident of her Majesty's Counsell in the
North parts.

<Q HUT 1582 EGRINDALL>
<A EDMUND GRINDALL>
<P 66>
[} [\LETTER XIV.\] GRYNDALL, ARCHBYSHOP OF CANTERBURIE, [\TO
DOCTOR HUTTON, DEAN OF YORK.\] }] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\19 May, 1582.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) Yf I hadd not this daye ben trobled
with muche writinge and some busines of great weight, I wolde
have written to you my particuler letter at more length
concernynge Doctor Gibson's case; but I praie you beare with me
for this tyme, and for a few daies more, till Doctor Gibson come
downe, and at his comyinge I truste to have better leasure and
quyetnes to write my mynde in some thinge more at large unto
you. I have written a generall letter to you and to the Chapter,
which I praie you to accept well of, and not to judge hastelie
before the tyme. So I take my leave, and commendinge you to the
grace of Godd. From Lambeth, this xix=th= of Maye, 1582.
   Yours in Christe,
   E. Cant.
   To my verie lovinge ffrende, Mr. Doctor Hutton, Deane of
Yorke.

<Q HUT 1582 EGRINDALL>
<A EDMUND GRINDALL>
<P 67>
[} [\LETTER XV.\] GRYNDALL, ARCHB. CANTERBURY, [\TO THE DEAN AND
CHAPTER OF YORK.\] }] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\19 May, 1582.\]
   After my verie hartie commendacions. Whereas some matter of
difference hath growen of late betwene you and M=r=. Doctor
Gibson concernynge a graunte obtayned by him of her Majestie for
enioyinge the profitts of residence within your churche as well
absente as presente, I doe understande, aswell by your owne
letters to me directed, as by the reporte and commission of
M=r=. Slater and M=r=. Lyndlie your mandatories, that you are
contented to referre the said controversie or difference to my
order, and in suche sorte as the matter shall goe no furder. I
hartelie thanke you for the truste and confidence which you
repose in me, and wolde be sorie to geve you any cause to the
contrarie; for I love your churche well in generalle, and wishe
well unto everie one of your in particuler. And notwithstandinge
the orderinge and determynacion of the matter aforesaid nowe in
question is symplie committed vnto me by consente of bothe
partes, yet I have learned partelie by myne owne experience, and
partelie by the experience of other notable persons which have
ben more experte in suche cases then I have ben, not to sett
downe in suche cases any precise or absolute order withowt the
good likinge and assent of bothe the parties: wherefore, for
your better satisfaccion in this behalf, I will sende downe
Doctor Gibson to you, betwene this and Whitsontyde, to treat
with you in reasonable and frendlie order for a finall ende of
this difference; which if it may be obteyned at the first by
your mutuall consents in suche sorte as shalbe by him moved and
declared unto you, and here thought by divers learned men
agreable to lawe and not unreasonable, I shalbe verie gladd. And
if it shall chaunce that the condicions offered by the said
Doctor Gibson shall not be lyked of you, I will take suche
further order with the said Doctor Gibson when he cometh downe,
that he shall offer you other condicions which ye can not in
reason mislike. And so, praienge you to beare with patience a
little respite
<P 68>
of tyme for a few daies, I promise you, as I have done to your
deputies M=r=. Lyndlye and M=r=. Slater, that I will make a
quyet ende of this controversie. And therefore I have willed
them not to deliver those letters which they hadd from you to
divers honorable personages, because I wolde have the matter to
goe no further, as thinkinge my self to have sufficient
commission from you by vertue of your letters so to doe. So I
take my leave, and hartelie commende you to the grace of Godd.
From Lambeth this xix=th= of Maye, 1582.
   Yours in Christe,
   E. Cant.
   To my verie lovinge ffrends M=r=. Doctor Hutton, Deane of
Yorke, and to the rest of the Chapter of the same churche.

<Q HUT 1582 EGRINDALL>
<A EDMUND GRINDALL>
<P 68>
[} [\LETTER XVI.\] THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY TO THE DEAN OF
YORK.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\26 May, 1582.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) Accordinge unto my promise made unto
you and the Chapter, I have sente downe M=r=. Doctor Gibson,
bringer hereof, to make a finall ende of the difference betwene
you and him concernyng the matter of residence. And whatsoever I
write unto you in this letter, I will praye you that it maye be,
as the olde terme is, (\sub sigillo confessionis\) , and not to
be imparted to any creature, unlesse you your self first have a
good lykinge of the motion herein by me made, and be also
assured that your Chapter will have the lyke; ffor I wolde be
sorye that any motion made by me sholde come to your Chapter and
there suffer repulse. Therefore I have chosen privately and
frendlye to deale with you, who is the headd of the Chapter and
knoweth verie well the disposition of the reste. After I hadd
received your letters of commission to arbitrate the matter of
residence aforesaid, I thought it verye requisite first to
understande of what validitie M=r=. Doctor Gibson's graunte was
by lawe, and for that purpose I charged Doctor Drewrye and
Doctor Awbrey that they sholde, withowt respect of persons,
<P 69>
geve me their opynions in writinge; which they dyd under there
hands in a letter, the copie of which letter I sende unto you
enclosed herein. After that, I fell to treatye with M=r=. Slater
and M=r=. Lyndley to understande the determynacion of you and
the Chapter, what you wolde geve M=r=. Gybson in yerely pencion
till suche tyme as he entered actuall residence; nothinge
dowtinge but they hadd sufficient commission and instruccions to
geve answere in that matter. They offered first xx=tie= nobles a
yere, and after that x=li=, and at length with muche adoe they
came to xx=tie= markes a yere, which I thought was to litle, and
Doctor Gibson did utterly myslike of it; and I then thought as
nowe I will utter my mynde frankly unto you, that in suche a
case forty markes a yere, for a yere, two, or three, till he
entered into actuall residence, was litle enough, the particuler
porcions of your commodities of the residensarye (which are to
me reasonably well knowen) beinge considered. But findinge your
deputies not willinge to goe any further than xx=tie= markes,
and peradventure not havinge commission to doe any otherwise, I
dyd not name any summe unto them, but differred the matter till
Doctor Gibson's commynge, as you knowe. Nowe, good M=r=. Deane,
if you can condiscende to this fortye markes for a yere or two
till Doctor Gibson can be better provided and furnished for
residence, and be assured that your Chapter withowt difficultie
will assente unto the same, I praye you move it to your Chapter;
which if you and they doe graunte, I shall take it in verie
thankfull parte, as done the rather at my requeste. But if you
fynde either any scruple in your self, or thinke there wilbe
difficultie in the Chapter in the grauntinge of the same, then I
praye you of all frendshipp that this my letter maye be utterlye
suppressed, and not divulged to any creature. And, that beinge
done, I have taken order with Doctor Gibson that he shall enter
into a new treatye with you particulerlye, which maye afterwarde
be communycated to your Chapter, which also I truste wilbe
thought bothe of you and them verye reasonable. And thus,
takinge my leave for this tyme, I hartely commende you unto the
grace of Godd. From Croydon, this xxvi=th= of Maye, 1582. Yours
in Christe, as of olde,
   E. Cant.
   To my verie lovinge ffrende Mr. Doctor Hutton, Deane of York.

<Q HUT 1582 EGRINDALL>
<A EDMUND GRINDALL>
<P 70>
[} [\LETTER XVII.\] ARCHBISHOP GRINDALL TO THE DEAN OF YORK.}]
[^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\26 May, 1582.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) M=r=. Deane, I have taken order with
M=r=. Doctor Gibson, that if the request of my former letter, by
him nowe sente and unto you at his first conference with you
delivered, were of you any waye mislyked, or that you dowted any
thinge of the free and willinge assent of your Chapter without
any difficultie thereunto, that then he shall deliver unto you
this my seconde letter; wherein I signifie unto you, that, the
cause of your mislikinge standinge as afore, I have concluded
with Doctor Gibson that he shall offer unto you and your Chapter
to enter into ordinarye residence, and bear all charges for the
same as is requysite, notwithstandinge that the said entrie
into residence at this tyme will be verie muche to his
hinderance. And so I truste bothe all inconvenyances alledged by
your letters and deputies shalbe clearly removed, and the desire
of you and your Chapter declared unto me by your said deputies
shall be fully satisfied, and so all controversies, I truste,
perfectlie ended. And I shall furder praye you that my former
letter at this praesente delyvered by M=r=. Doctor Gibson may be
immediately, upon the receipte of this, toren in pieces and
utterlye destroyed in the sight of the said Doctor Gibson,
because I wolde not have any matter of diversitie in opynion
betwene you, your Chapter, and me, to be extante under my hande;
not onely hartely praienge you, but also as it were adjuringe
you, not to revele the contents of my said letter to any boddye.
So, referringe the rest unto M=r=. Doctor Gibson's owne reporte,
once againe I take my leave, and commende you with all my harte
to the grace of Godd. From Croydon, this xxvi=th= of May, 1582.
   Yours in Christe, as of olde; remayning still blynde, with
ffather Tobyas, and yet hoping assuredlye by the grace of Godd
to recover sight againe, as he dyd in tyme.
   E. Cant.
   To my verie lovinge ffrende, M=r=. Doctor Hutton, Deane of
Yorke.

<Q HUT 1582 KHASTINGS>
<A LADY HUNTINGDON>
<P 71>
[} [\LETTER XVIII.\] LADY HUNTINGDON TO MR. DEANE OF YORKE.}]
[^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\8=ber= 22, 1582.\]
   Good M=r=. Deane, Allthowgh I have not writen to you since mi
coming from Yorke about the matter I had to speak with mi
brother of Lecester of, because I have bin so often coming doune
mi self, which I have bin ever staied bi one occasion or other;
and nowe that mi Lord will not lett me come doune before
Chrismus, I will not defere any longer to lett you knowe I did
remember that matter presently upon mi comming up, of whom I had
so good an awnswere, with so manie good words, and of his verie
good opinion of you, as in truth I was most glad to here. Of
this matter I wold have writen to you longe before this time,
but that I was in good hope to have bin at Yorke mi self, and so
to have told you what I had done in that same; but that can not
be so sone as in deed I do wish and desire it: and therfore I
thought it good to troble you with this mi bad scribling, though
it hath ben long a cominge, that you maie knowe I was not
forgetfull of you. I am to geve you great thanks for my aunt
Comten, and the rest of mi wemen, whom [{I{] perceive you have
bin trobled with all. And so, good M=r=. Deane, I must hastely
bid you fare well, and wish there were any thing here I might do
you plesure in: you shuld finde me verie redie to do it. From
Stoke, the 22 of October, 1582.
   Your verie frend in the Lorde,
   K. Huntingdon.

<Q HUT 1583 JWHITGIFT>
<A JOHN WHITGIFT>
<P 71>
[} [\LETTER XIX.\] THE BYSHOP OF WORSTRE, ELECT CANT., TO MR.
DEANE OF YORK.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\17 Sept. 1583.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I hartelie thangk you, good M=r=.
Dene, for your frendlie letters, where in you shoe that assured
good
<P 72>
wyll which I have ever fownd in you towards me. The burden layed
uppon me ys verie heavie and great; yet, bycause yt ys God's
owne doeing who hath wrogght yt in her Majestie's hart, my trust
ys that he wyll also furnish me with gyfts and graces
necessarie, that I may, without faynting, performe that
whereunto he hath so called me; and the rather thorowe your good
prayers, whereof I assuer my self. I have not hard anie thing of
you or M=r=. Cheke touching that matter, nether wyll I beleave
yt yf yt shold be reported, knoweng you bothe so well as I doe.
For your nephew, I wyll be glad to do the best I can, as
occasion shal serve. To stay you there, I wyll do my endevor,
onlesse yt be for some better preforment: but assuer your self
that I wyll not cease to labor you frome thens, yf yt may be to
such a place as wyll countervale that, and wherein you may doe
more good. Towching the last poynt of your letters, nothing
shalbe omytted that lieth in me: yt ys a wonde in dede, God
graunte yt may be healed. Her Majestie ys moste gratiouslie
affected therein, and there ys hope to bring yt to passe: there
are, God be thangked, manie learned and worthie men, so that
there lacketh no choise; I besech God that such respect may be
had to there praeferment as the Church may be furnished with
worthie men, and others thereby encoraged. Thus, with my hartie
commendations, I committ you to the tuition of Almyghtie God.
Frome Lambeth, the 17 of September, 1583.
   Yours as hys owne,
   Jo. Wigorn. Elect. Cant.
   To my assuered and loving frend, Mr. Doctor Hutten, Dene of
York.

<Q HUT 1583 JWHITGIFT>
<A JOHN WHITGIFT>
<P 73>
[} [\LETTER XX.\] LETTER FROM ABP. WHITGIFT TO DEAN HUTTON.}]
[^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\23 August, 1586.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I am verie sorie that it is no better
betwixt my Lord of York and you, and that his bitternesse
continueth still against you, which I doe also perceave by his
owne lettres written to my self. I pray you consider, for the
redeeming of peace and quietnesse, and the avoiding of publick
offense, whether it were not better for you and the rest to
yeeld unto him in one or both his patents. (\E duobus malis,
&c.\) But I referre the consideration hereof to yourself. Many
thinges are to be done and suffered for peace sake. His Grace
writeth unto mee, that you and your frendes geve it out howe
well you were used at my handes, howe sure a frende I am unto
you, and what favour you found with Lordes, &c., and many other
thinges. But I knowe theis are but reportes brought unto him by
suche as could bee content to have you at oddes still. For myne
owne parte, I wish you bothe so well, that, to make you frendes
and to reconcile you together, I would bee content, yf it so
pleased her Majesty, to ryde from Croydon to York, yea, to
Barwick, or fyve tymes furder. (\Vale in Christo!\) From my
house at Croydon, this xxiij=th= of August 1586.
   Your assured lovinge frende,
   Jo. Cantuar.
   To the right worshippful my verie loving frende, M=r=. Doctor
Hutton, Dean of York.

<Q HUT 1590 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 77>
[} [\LETTER XXVI.\] LORD BURGHLEY TO MY LORD OF DURESME.}] [^TO
DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\Aug. 21, 1590.\]
   After my vearie hartie commendacions to your Lordship. I have
received your Lordship's lettre, whearebie youe move mee to
graunt to your dawghter, the widowe of M=r=. D. Slater, one
<P 78>
of the Prebendaries of the churche of Yorke, latelie decessed,
the wardshippe of hir child, with the custodie of the land, and
patronage of the rectorie of Bainton, which it semeth he had
purchased, whearein I shall be verie well contented to pleisure
your Lordship; althowgh theire hath been suite made unto mee
both by M=r=. Osborne of the eschecquer for the said personage
for Archdeacon Remington, a man verie well lerned as he
informeth mee, and whoe hath also married another of your
dawghters; and the like suite hath been made to mee heare by the
Deane of Yorke, whoe offreth for the same to resyne a benefice
he hath in this parte in the southe; and yet nevertheles the
same shall be soe disposed as your Lordship shall require. And
so I verye hartelie commend mee to your Lordship. From the Cort,
this xxi=st= of August, 1590.
   Your Lordship's verie lovinge frend,
   W. Burghley.
   To the Reverend Father in God, my vearie good Lord the Bishop
of Durham.

<Q HUT 1600 RCECIL>
<A ROBERT CECIL>
<P 78>
[} [\LETTER XXVII.\] SIR ROB. CECYLL TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\September 1.\] [^1600.^]
   May it please your Grace: Althoughe, when I dyd wryte my
letters unto you in favour of M=r=. Fant, I labored not to
presse your Grace with any ernestnes of wordes, because her
Majestie's letters were so gracyously and effectually wrytten at
that tyme, which seemed to be of strenghte sufficient to
prevayle in so reasonable a matter; yet, uppon your aunsweare,
and viewe of that which hath synce fallen out in the prosecution
of his sute with my cosen Stanhoppe, (by whom I am sorry it was
his happe to be in that sort crossed,) I have bethought me howe
by your Grace's meanes, bothe my cosen may retayne the hold he
hathe already, as you ernestly desyre he should, and the
gentleman lykewyse be otherwyse in some reasonable manner
satisfyed. And
<P 79>
that is, that it would please your Grace to fynde out some other
lease belonging to that sea, wherein you may make him an estate
(\de bene esse\) , (suche as it is knowen your Grace may doe,)
without any other scruple of conscience, or hinderance to your
selfe; so it be a thing that may in some good measure be
answerable to his former expectancy, which nowe he will
thereuppon be content to relinquishe. For your Grace may very
well conceave, that her Majestie, by the great ernestnes and
charge that her lettres caryed, had a most gratyous meaninge
towards hym for the effecting of his desyre; which albeit it may
in the particuler receave some stoppe, (and the rather in that
place where it dyd,) yet would I be loth she should understand
that her lettres dyd ether become frustrate, or not receave such
entertainment at your Grace's hands as they do well deserve, and
the present occasyon requyreth. I doe therefore pray your Grace
to conferre with my cosen, to th' end something may be effected
agreable to that her Majestie intended towards hym; whether it
be by graunt of a lease, or some porcyon of money to be raysed
uppon some tennants that seeke to have their estates renewed,
(in which kynde it seemethe your Grace had a purpose to gyve him
contentment,) so that the sayd somme may recompence in a good
proporcyon the losse of his former hope; which, being of a thing
partly in his owne possessyon, was therefore so well grounded,
as in regarde thereof, and also of the great meanes he hath
used, together with his charge and travayle therein, deserveth
suche good respect and consideracion as may be any wayes
expected from your Grace, who have ever shewed your selfe most
willing to accomplish her Majestie's demaunds when they have ben
nether so ernestly written, nor in a more reasonable cause then
this, wherin her gracyous desposycion should not so lightly be
passed over. And so, hoping to receave your comfortable
aunsweare, which is expected, I commend your Grace to God's
protecion. From the Cort at Oateland's, the first of Sept. 1600.
   Your Grace's very loving and assured friend,
   Ro. Cecyll.
   To the most reverent Father in God, my very good Lorde the
Lord
Archbishop of Yorke's Grace, one of the Counsell established in
the north parte.

<Q HUT 1594 RCECIL>
<A ROBERT CECIL>
<P 86>
[} [\LETTER XXXII.\] SIR ROB. CECYLL TO MY LORD OF DURESME.}]
[^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\October 13, 1594.\]
   My good Lorde, I have understoode by your lettre with what
willingnes your Lordship hath bestowed on me the righte you have
in the wardeshipp of one Buckle, wherin your Lordship writeth
lykewyse to me to nominate some such personne in whose name I
would have the same to passe. For the first I doe returne your
Lordship my very hartie thankes, assuring you, that in any
occasion offred me I will make requittall therof towards your
Lordship or any or yours; and for the other matter, because
there is some lykelihood that he may be found lykewise a warde
to the Queene by the tenure of some lands hereabout, I have
procured a graunt of her Majesty's tytle if there be any suche
proved. And nowe, to the intent I mought receave from your
Lordship such a graunt as may be of validitie unto me, I am
desirous to have the deed made by the advise of some of my
councell, and therfore doe most hartely pray your Lordship to
send me up a copie of the inquisicion taken in that contrye,
wherby suche particularites may be knowen here as shalbe fytt to
be inserted into the graunt; which course I knowe shalbe to your
Lordship all one (seing you meane to give); that the gifte may
be so framed as may not be subject to questyon hereafter: and
for the more expedicion hereof I pray your Lordship that it may
be sent up by some of the ordynary posts that runne betwene
Duresme and the Court. It is very true that I am fullie
persuaded that there wilbe a title found for the Queene, wherin
(althoughe it so fallinge out) your Lordship's graunt
<P 87>
shall not be needfull; yet shall my thankes be as due unto you,
and my readynes to requytt the same in any thinge wherin I may
have occasion. And so I commend your Lordship to God's
favourable proteccion. From my house in the Strand, the xiij=th=
of Octobre, 1594.
   Your Lordship's very loving and assured friende,
   Ro: Cecyll.
   To the Reverend Father in God, my very good Lorde, the Lorde
Bushopp of Duresme.

<Q HUT 1594 JWHITGIFT>
<A JOHN WHITGIFT>
<P 87>
[} [\LETTER XXXIII.\] A LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP WHITGIFT TO
BISHOP HUTTON.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\4 Nov. 1594.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I dowte not but that your Lordship
understandeth of her Majestie's disposition to remove you to
Yorke. I have signifyed to her Highnesse that you are better, in
respect of living, now where you are placed, and that I thowght
you wold be lothe to remove. She answered that you shal remove,
and that you are well able to bere the charges thereof: so that
you must prepare yourself thereto, if this resolution hold, as I
think it will. I wold not have written to you of this matter
until yt had bene fullie concluded, but for the importunitie of
your man. And so, with my verie hartie commendations, I commit
you to the tuition of Almyghtie God. From Lamb. the 4 of Novemb.
1594.
   Your Lordship's loving brother and frend,
   Jo: Cantuar.
   To the Right Reverend in Christe my verie good Lord and
brother, the Bishop of Durham.

<Q HUT 1594 JWHITGIFT>
<A JOHN WHITGIFT>
<P 88>
[} [\LETTER XXXIV.\] WHYTGYFT, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, TO THE
BISHOP OF DURHAM.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\2 Dec. 1594.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) Yesterday, beeng the first of this
monethe, her Majestie in the praesens of all her cousell did
nominate such as are to be placed in the bishoppricks voyde and
to be voyde: as namelie your self to York; D=r=. Matthew to
Durham; the bishop of Wigorn to London; and M=r=. Day, dene of
Windsor, to Wigorne. The bishop of Lincolne to Winton; the
bishop of Chester to Lincolne; the bishop of Bangor to Chester;
and one D=r=. Vaughan, an honest and learned man, to Bangor.
M=r=. Redman, archdeacon of Canterbury, to Norwich; the bishop
of Landafe to Exitor. God be thangked, as good a choyse as can
be desyered. There is order gyvne for the consecration, and
therefore your Lordship shal do well to send upp some to followe
your businesse here. And I am glad that there ys so good a cause
to bring you hether so sone. (\Vale in Christo!\) Frome Lamb.
the 2 of Decemb. 1594.
   Your Lordship's loving frend and brother,
   Jo: Cantuar.
   To the Reverend Father in God, my verie good Lord and
brother, the Bishop of Durham.

<Q HUT 1594 TMATTHEW>
<A TOBIE MATTHEW>
<P 91>
[} [\LETTER XXXVII.\] DR. TOBIE MATTHEW, DEAN OF DURHAM, TO DR.
MATTHEW HUTTON, BISHOP OF DURHAM.}]
[\6 Dec. 1594.\]
   My bounden dutie humbly and heartily remembred to your good
Lordship, with manie lyk thanks for my last and best
intertainment, beyond the expectation of some that would needes
make me beleve otherwise then nowe I see and fynde that there
was cause. But I send your Lordship in liewe thereof (having not
of myne owne to requite your Lordship's great favor therein)
these included from your Lordship's verie good Lord and myne,
the Lord Chamberlaine, and therwithall the predominant prelacie
of this province. God geve your Lordship longe and muche
prosperitie therein, and make me worthie to be your successor
here in tyme, which his Lordship signifieth unto me to be her
Majestie's pleasure also. Wherein if it please God to place me,
your Lordship shall have as obedient and faithfull a successor
as any whatsoever could have been nominated therunto; whiche
tyme, the mother of truth, shall prove. I have hitherto silenced
this present busines both your Lordship's and myne, for that I
knowe not whether your Lordship will have it knowen as yet.
Thus, humbly desyring the continuance of your Lordship's good
opinion and favor, I betake your Lordship to the grace of God,
who reward our most gratious soveraigne and many many yeres
preserve her Majestie! At Duresme, 6 December, 1594. In haste as
is required.
   Your Lordship's humble and assured at commandement,
   Tobie Matthew.
   My humble commendacions to good M=rs=. Hutton.
   To the Right Reverend Father in God, and my verie good Lord,
my Lord Bushopp of Duresme at Awkeland, with spede.

<Q HUT 1594 TMATTHEW>
<A TOBIE MATTHEW>
<P 92>
[} [\LETTER XXXIX.\] DR. TOBIE MATTHEW, DEAN OF DURHAM, TO DR.
MATTHEW HUTTON, BISHOP OF DURHAM.}] 
[\31 Dec. 1594.\]
   My verie honorable good Lord and father, Being glad to heare
that your Lordship is hable so strongly to wreastle with your
coulde, I have presumed to present this booke of figures to your
<P 93>
Lordship, fitt for your eies to passe awaie the tyme, while you
have better healthe to reade greater maters, but yet not of
greater persons. Your Lordship's letters I take in dutifull and
thankefull parte, and according to my bounden dutie doe and will
ever (whether you think good to remove or abyde) wisshe your
Lordship and good M=rs=. Hutton the renewing of many happie
yeares, everie one more happie then other, to the pleasure of
Almightie God, that Ancient of daies, and to the comfort of all
that depend upon you here and elsewhere. Thus humbly for this
present taking leave of your Lordship. At Duresme, (\ult.
Decemb.\) 1594.
   Your reverend Lordship's most humble in Christ,
   Tobie Matthew.
   To the Right Reverend Father in God, and my verie good Lord,
my Lord Bushop of Duresme, at Awkland.

<Q HUT 1595 TMATTHEW>
<A TOBIE MATTHEW>
<P 95>
[} [\LETTER XLI.\] DR. TOBIE MATTHEW TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON,
BISHOP OF DURHAM.}] 
[\29 Jan. 1594-5.\]
   My bounden dutie and thankfulnes remembred to your good
Lordship. I receaved yesterdaie from my Lord Lieutenant these
enclosed from M=r=. Dethick by poste, wherwith I thought meete
to acquaint your Lordship, that yow maie therby partely perceave
how thinges goe and come. My brother D. wanteth good advise in
myne opinion. For myne owne parte, I must and doe referre my
selfe wholely to the divine providence of God, to her Majestie's
gratious favor, still continewed for ought I can learne, and to
your Lordship's good furtherance as tyme and occasion shall
serve, which I humbly desyre and will unfainedly seeke to
deserve alwaies. Your Lordship is godlie wise; you will doe
nothin but what you maie doe with a good conscience and with
honorable credit. What that is no man can judge of better then
your self, having therunto all the helpes that maie be. (\Sed
noli justus esse nimium\) : yet I knowe also what followeth.
Your Lordship, I presume, will geve me leave - 
   (\"Si bene quid facias, facias cito: nam cito factum Gratum
erit, ingratum gratia tarda facit."\)
God loveth, and so doe princes, a cherefull gever. (\Noli
perdere substantiam propter accidens.\) Thinges be not as they
be, but as they be taken. Olde frendes loke to be used after the
olde fasshion. Newe frendes are not like the olde, neither so
well knowen, nor so easily kept, nor so assuredly to be trusted,
if and when a man hath or maie nede them. Sy. Comyn, my man, is
about the churche's affayres to goe toward London upon
<P 96>
Frydaie next. If your Lordship have any letters or busines that
he can doe, I dare undertake he shall doe it carefully and
faithfully. Thus, humbly craving pardon if I have exceeded, and
hoping your Lordship will impute it rather to the plainnesse of
my heart toward you then to any presumption, I wisshe your
Lordship longe to live and prosper, to God's glorie, and comfort
of all this province. At Duresme, 29 Jan. 1594.
   Your Lordship's most humble assured alwaies,
   Tobie Matthew.
   To the Right Honorable and Right Reverend Father in God, the
Lord Bushop of Duresme, my verie good Lord, at Awkeland.

<Q HUT 1595 RCECIL>
<A ROBERT CECIL>
<P 101>
[} [\LETTER XLVI.\] SIR ROB. CECYLL TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\16 April, 1595.\]
   May it please your Grace. Becawse I knoe it was and shalbe
her Majestie's honour to grace so reverent a prelate as your
Grace is, especially in such a case as this, I have thoght good
to use my best oportunity to remember to her Majesty the pardon
for the Lady Nevyll, by whose example as others I hope may be
induced to shew the like conformity, so will this her Majestie's
lenity stopp the liing tongs of them that wold insinuate by
lybells and raylings that her Majestie's mercy is to seldome
shewed; whereof, God be thanked, no kingdome hath under any of
God's ministers ever tasted so many good fruicts: and therfore,
seing I knew it wold be expected that you shold bring it with
you as God's instrument of this woork, I was glad to finish it
so as you might be assured to affirme that it was don, and
therfore have I thoght it not amiss by these presents to assure
your Grace that this very houre her Majesty hath signed it unto
me; and, but that I do knoe it must pass the seales, I wold have
sent it after you with this. I have therfore sent it to M=r=.
Roger Manners, who I think wyll cawse it to be followed. If you
wyll have it otherwise, your Grace may wryte back; and to whom
you wyll have it comitted over, it shalbe. Her Majesty hath also
promised a pension of 40=li= a-yeare, which I will also see
finished. And thus, in hast, I wish your Grace a good journey,
and remaine your loving poor freend assuredly,
   Ro. Cecyll.
   I have receaved a lettre from your Grace concerning my
brother Brook.
   For her Majesty's affaires. To the most Reverend ffather in
God, my very good Lord, the Lord Archbushop of Yorke, his Grace
Metrapolitane of England.
   Hast, post hast, hast, hast, hast!
   At Whitehall, 16 April, at past 7 at night. 
   Ro. Cecyll.

<Q HUT 1595 JWHITGIFT>
<A JOHN WHITGIFT>
<P 104>
[} [\LETTER XLVIII.\] A LETTER FROM THE ARCHBYSHOP OF CANTERBURY
TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\19 Aug. 1595.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) My very good Lord, I must become an
earnest suiter to you in the behalf of M=r=. Edwyn Sandys for
the continuance and increase of your Grace's good favor towards
him. I doubt not but that you doe hold him in that accompt which
hee very well deserves. Notwithstanding, for the great care
which I have that he may doe well and bee incouraged by all
meanes in his good and studiouse endevours, I praye you most
hartelye that he may both have your good countenance and
comforte in those partes, and cheeflye that for such leases as
hee holdes of your Grace (being the chiefe stay of his lyving)
hee may renue them at your handes for his reasonable ffine with
favoure. I doubte not but my request will seme to your
reasonable, and the gentleman so worthie to be cherished and
encouraged, that I shall not need to use with you anie further
perswasion. And so, with my hartie commendacions, I committ yow
to the tuicion of Allmightie God. From Croydon, the xix=th= of
August, 1595.
   Your Grace's loving brother in Christe,
   Jo. Cantuar.
   I pray you send me youre resolution (together with youre
opinion of the recantation) of these poyntes: (\An sola Dei
voluntas, absque respectu aliquo ad peccatum, sit causa
reprobationis?\)
   And whether yt be ether hereticall or popisch to say, (\quod
electi debent esse certi de salute, sed non securi\) . And
likewise:
<P 105>
(\quod electi possunt cadere totaliter a fide ad tempus, sed non
finaliter\) .
   (\Tuus\) , Jo. Cantuar.
   To the moste Reverend ffather in God, my verie good Lord and
brother, the Archbishopp of Yorke his Grace.

<Q HUT 1596 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 105>
[} [\LETTER XLIX.\] CECYLL LORD BURGHLEY TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\March 6, 1595-6.\]
   May it please your Grace. Yesterdaye by my letters I
advertised my expectation to have hard from you of the receipt
of the Quene's commission; which I am now gladd to parceave, by
a letter syned by your Grace and the rest of the Quene's learned
Counsell there the first of this moneth, that the same
commission came to you the daye before: wherein I do note some
negligence of the poste, for I did entend it should have come
there some dayes before; but I am gladd that it served to hold
your sessions the first. By a private letter of your Grace, as
I thynk written at the same tyme (though the daye be not dated
by the negligence of your Secretary), I parceave you have made
sute for the comission ecclesiasticall 3 quarters of a yeare,
and that it nowe remayneth in Doctor Caesar's hand unsyned, whom
I will dyrect to procure it to be syned. Of other matters, which
I did impart unto you by my letter dated yesterday, I require
some answer. And so I bid your Grace verie hartie farewell. From
the Court at Richmond, the vi=th= of Marche, 1595.
   Your Grace's at com[{mand{] , 
   W. Burghley.
   I doubt not but the Receyvor of Yorkshire hath geven order
for the payment of money for the dyette, for that he had his
warrant both for that which was done in the Erl's tyme, and from
thence forward. But I take it that hir Majestie meaneth not to
be at charge with the Erl's howshold servauntes from the
<P 106>
tyme of this your commission, and so it is reason you should
give them warninge; and yett I pitty their estate, considering I
can fynd nobody to take care for the buryall of their master, as
yesterday I did write unto you, and yett I am desirous to hear
from you how the body of the nobleman is ordered, and where it
resteth, and what nomber they are, and of what condicion, that
attend the same.
   To the moste Reverend ffather in God, my varie good Lord, the
Archbishopp of York his Grace.

<Q HUT 1596 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 106>
[} [\LETTER L.\] CECYLL LORD BURGHLEY TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\April, 1596.\]
   After my verie commendacions to your Grace [\SIC\] , and to
the rest. I have received a letter of the xxiij=th= of this
monethe, signed by your Grace and some others of the Counsell,
wherebie yow certifie unto me that my Lord of Huntingdon hath
signified unto yow hir Majestie's pleisure towching the buryell
of the late Erl of Huntingdon's body at Ashbie in
Leicestershire, which I knowe to be true, and to be donne with
hir Majestie's verie good liking of the now Erl of Huntingdon,
for that he hath undertaken to performe the same; and for myne
owne parte, as I do thinke that it is verie honorablie donne of
my Lord, and the place verie fitt for the buryall, so I do
thinke it verie well donne of yow, M=r=. Puresye, and Mr.
Stanhopp, if yow take the paynes to repaire to Ashbie with such
of the late Erl's servaunts as may convenientlie traveil thither
to performe the last dutie of your love towards him. And whereas
I fynd by your letter that by reason of the greate nomber of the
late Erl's houshold servaunts, and longer contynuance of them
together then was thought, the expences have growen farr greater
then that which hath bene received from hir Majestie's Receyvour
by the warrant dyrected unto him, of the which yow require to
have allowance, and to
<P 107>
have order given for the payment thereof, that remboursement may
be made to the late Erl's steward, who hath disbursed a good
some of money for their dyett; I can make no other answer
hereunto but that I can not help the same otherwise then uppon
the ordinarye, and therfore do wishe that good husbandrie may be
used hereafter to repayre and recover the former expences. And,
as towching the place where the dyett shalbe provided for that
Counsell at their sitting, (which hitherto hath bene, as yow
write, in the minster garthe,) I am of opynion that it is more
convenient to be kept within hir Majestie's howse, the late
Erl's good being safelye lockd upp in some private place, as
your Grace writes; and therfore I do require your Grace that
order may be taken accordinglie. And, lastlie, towching your
Grace's private letter to me, wherein your Grace doth earnestlie
wishe and desire (for the reasons therein sett downe) that there
may be some fitt nobleman appointed by hir Majestie and sent
downe to be President and Liuetenant there, your Grace shall
understand that I do as earnestlie desire it as your Grace doth,
and will further it the best I can; but, by reason of my want of
healthe, can neither do it nor write unto your Grace as
frequentlie as otherwise I would do, wherein I pray your Grace
to hold me excused. And so I bidd your Grace verie hartely
farewell. From the Courte at Grenewiche, the [^BLANK IN
EDITION^] of April, 1596.
   Your Grace's verie lovinge frend,
   W. Burghley.
   To the most Reverend ffather in God, my verie good Lord, the
Archbishop of Yorke his Grace, and to the Counsell established
in the northe parts.

<Q HUT 1596 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 108>
[} [\LETTER LI.\] CECYLL LORD BURGHLEY TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\Maie 15, 1596.\]
   After my verie hartie commendacions to your Grace. As it hath
bene thought good and expedient that nowe, uppon the departure
of hir Majestie's royall navie at sea, under the conduct of the
Erl of Essex and H. Admirale, that some declaration should be
published in prynt to the world of the causes moving hir
Majestie thereunto, for the manifestation of the justnes of hir
procedinge; so I have thought good to send unto your Grace 3 of
them, 2 in Englishe and one in Latyn, both for your Grace's owne
satisfaction and for the better notifying the same unto that
countrie, who wilbe gladd to heare of it, and by your Grace's
report will quicklie and easilye be divulged thereaboute. And
so, not doubting but that our armye shall have your Grace's good
prayers to God for their good successe in this expedition
againste his professed ennemyse and ours, I bidd your Grace
verie hartely farewell. From the Court at Grenewich, the xv=th=
of Maye, 1596.
   Your Grace's verie assured lovinge frend,
   W. Burghley.
   (^For hir Majestie's spetiall affayres.^)
   To the moste Reverend Father in God, my verye good Lord, the
Archbishopp of Yorke his Grace.
   (^W. Burghley.^)
   15 May, '96, 8 at nighte.
   Hast, hast, post hast!

<Q HUT 1596 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 109>
[} [\LETTER LII.\] LORD BURGLEY TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF YORKE.}]
[^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\Maie 20, 1596.\]
   After my verie hartie commendacions to your Grace. I have
received your Grace's letter of the xv=th= of this monethe,
together with the coppie of Sir Chr. Hylliard's letter to yow
and that Counsell, inferinge that a certein Scottishman (as was
suspected), by the meanes of one Richard Beningham, a bad
fellowe, had taken into his shipp, lying nere the Spurne within
Humber, a C. quarters of beanes, which he meant to have stayd,
supposing he had no lycence to transport them; wherein what is
the trothe I knowe not. But this I thought good to lett your
Grace understand, that I have of late graunted severall warrants
for transportacion of a good round quantitie beanes and pease
into Scotland, whereof the greatest part was by hir Majestie's
lycence, graunted at the suite of the Scottishe Ambasseder now
residing here; a part also was graunted to one Hunter, a
Scottishman, in lieu of a lycence graunted to him above a yeare
past for the transportacion of v=c=. quarters of wheate, whereof
he never took any benefitt; and another part unto 2 merchaunts
of Hull, uppon good and reasonable cause, being recommended to
me from the Maior and Aldermen of that towne. Nevertheles your
Grace shall understand that I had not assented to any
transportacion at all, if I had not formerlie received letters
from the Maior, Aldermen, and Officers of the towne of Hull,
that there was not onlie greate plentie of that grayne there in
these parts, which might well be spared, and the prises at so
lowe a rate as it might be transported without any hurt to the
countrie, but also that there were many Scotts there that had
browght in good comodities, and had no other comoditie to
imploye their money in but in beanes and pease. I received also,
synce that time, a letter from diverse Justics of peace, both of
that countie, and Yorke, and Lincoln, as namelie, M=r=. Pellham,
M=r=. Hotham, M=r=. Skippwithe, M=r=. Gats, and M=r=. Alred,
agreing in report with the others towching the plentie of that
grayne and the lowe prises thereof, and that it would be a
benefitt to the
<P 110>
countrie and to the poore husbandmen thereaboute to have lycence
to transport the same; and this was the cause that moved me to
graunt the said warrants. Nevertheles I added a proviso, that,
uppon informacion that the prises of the said grayne should be
enhansed by reason of the said lycences, I would take order for
the staye of them. From my howse at Westminster, the xx=th= of
Maye, 1596.
   Your Grace's verie lovinge frend,
   W. Burghley.
   Postcript. - Towching the defects of beacons, pouder, piks,
etc., mencioned in the end of Sir Ch. Hylliard's letter, I
thinke the towne of Hull either are bound, or in reason ought,
to supplie them, in respect of the benefitt they receyve from
hir Majestie; I therfore pray your Grace send for some of them
(which yow shall think fitt) and deale with them to that end, or
otherwise lett me understand from yow your opynion by whom it is
fitt they should be supplied.
   To the moste Reverend Father in God, my verie good Lord, the
Archbishopp of Yorke his Grace.

<Q HUT 1596 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 111>
[} [\LETTER LIV.\] CECYLL LORD BURGHLEY TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\Aug. 2, 1596.\]
   Maie it please your Grace. By your late lettres I perceave
what a good Christian act yow have done in reducing of the
Popish priest Dawson from his errors, who, lewdlie denying the
authorities by your Grace alledged against him, in the end was
justlie convinced. And bycause no mention is made in your
lettres of his blind reasons for his defence, nor of your
assertions of authorities to disprove him, I am desirous to have
a report of them; both for my better informacion, wherein I pray
your Grace to satisfy me by your next writings; and likewise of
his manner of acknowledging his error, and profession of
amendement under his hand writing. I desire also to heare from
your Grace the particular aunswers made to such articles of
complaints as I did send unto yow, conteyning the greevances of
the country, against many proceedings of that Counsell; wherein
if yow have satisfyed the justices of assise, I am verie glad,
for I assure your Grace some of them made the like complaint to
mee. The good newes that are commonlie reported of the great
victorie of hir Majestie's army and navy in Spayne is so
certainlie confirmed by the generalls as it is ment that both in
the province of Canterbury and of yours at York there should be
publick prayer and thankesgiving
<P 112>
for the same, whereof your Grace shall shortlie heare. And so I
comend mee verie hartelie to your Grace. From the Court, the 2
of August, 1596.
   Your Grace's assured loving frend,
   W. Burghley.
   To the most Reverend Father in God, my veary good Lord, the
Archbishop's Grace of York.

<Q HUT 1597 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 112>
[} [\LETTER LV.\] CECYLL LORD BURGHLEY TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\30 Jan. 1596-7.\]
   May it please your Grace. I have by M=r=. Ferne recyved your
Grace's lettres of the 8=th= of this monethe, wherby you do
advertise me of lettres you have recyved from the Lord Keper of
the greate seale, whereby he sheweth a dislike that your Grace
and the Counsell should dyrect proces to staye suites commenced
in the Chauncerye; wherein you have written to his Lordship for
your defence that it hath bene so used by the Court in former
tymes. And hearein I have had some speache with M=r=. Ferne, and
have shewed my opynion that I thinke it against good reason,
that where a suite is begonne in the Chauncery by any plantife,
that he should be restrayned from following his suite at the
request of the defendant; which my conceipt hath moved me to
forbeare herein to deale with my Lord Keper. But if M=r=. Ferne
shall, as he saith he will, shewe me some presidente of the
yelding of the Chauncery to such request, I will theruppon deale
with my Lord Keper, having some coulour therby to presse the
same; otherwise I shalbe loath to deale, contrary to myne owne
opynion. I wish hir Majestie would provide you of some noble man
sufficient for authoritie and wisdome to be the president there
of that Counsell; but hir Majestie in this and like causes
delayeth her resolution for want, as is supposed, of mete
persons for such offices, wherof I am sory to see such
scarsitie, as is over apparant: yett I will not fayle to
<P 113>
sollicite hir Majestie to determyne hereuppon. And so, referring
the report of suche good newes as M=r=. Ferne can bring you of
an overthrow given by Count Morrice and other Englishe forces
comanded by Sir Robert Sidney and Sir Frauncis Vere of a nomber
of the King of Spayn's auncient soldiars, as the like hath not
happened with such successe to the states synce the begyning of
their warrs, I bidd your Grace verie hartely farewell. From the
Court at Whitehall, the xxx=th= of Jan. 1596.
   Your Grace's assuredly at command,
   W. Burghley.
   To the most Reverend Father in God, my verye good Lord, the
Archbishopp of Yorke his Grace.

<Q HUT 1597 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 113>
[} [\LETTER LVI.\] LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP HUTTON TO LORD
BURGHLEY.}] [^TO WILLIAM CECIL^]
[\11 March, 1596-7.\]
   My most honorable good Lord, I have beene often times bold to
pray your good Lordship to move her Majestie for a Lord
President here. In your last letters you shewe as the cheffe
cause that her Highnes doth not resolve to be the great want off
fitt men for that place. I am right sorie to know so much
myself, (\sed in eo non sunt omnia\) ; but rather this is the
chefe cause, that, the ranke of nobilitie beinge taken away whom
her Majestie founde at the beginninge off her reigne, the
nobilitie that now is growinge up under her shee by her great
wisdome and experience doth know them (\intus et in cute\) ,
themselfes, their families, ther defects and informities
whatsoever: but, under reservation, this oght not to cause her
Majestie to be so irresolute; for, as Solomon saith, (\qui
observat ventum non seminabit, et qui considerat nubes non
metet\) . For I make no doubt but yf it please her Highnes to
resolve, her Majestie's commission, the instructions, the
ordinarie proceedings in this court knowen to
<P 114>
the learned Counsell here, will sufficientlie inhable him. My
Lord of Huntingdon when he came downe here was verie raw, but
havinge a resolute wit to serve God and her Majestie, he grewe
to great experience; so, no dowte, yf her Majestie resolve off
anie that feareth God and loveth the present state, God will
inhable him. Thus, beseeching God to blesse her Majestie and the
whole realme with your Lordship's long life and good health, I
humblie take my leave. March 11, 1596.
   Post Script. - I pray you to be a mean that there be no
amovation in the office of the examiners here, and vouchsafe
this bearer, M=r=. Cole, your Lordship's favour.

<Q HUT 1597 RCECIL>
<A ROBERT CECIL>
<P 114>
[} [\LETTER LVII.\] SIR ROB. CECYLL TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\March 18, 1596-7.\]
   My good Lorde, I have made knowen to her Majestie with what
willingnes you have performed to my brother-in-lawe what
formerly you had promised to her Majestie, and howe in every
circumstance you have shewed bothe regarde to her pleasure and
affection to the persone recommended. I am commanded for this to
be the messenger of her Majestie's gratious acceptation, as a
thinge exceedinglie pleasinge her, the rather for that by your
voluntarie and speedie performance her Majestie had present
opportunitie, thoughe in a trifle, to give comfort to the younge
gentleman in the instant of his great losses of his best and
dearest frendes; wherin as I confesse my spirit and body dothe
participate with a feelinge ( (\secundum naturam\) )
insupportable, so do I confesse myself interessed in an
exceeding obligation of gratefulnes to you, as being done to him
whom for his neernes in bloodd and vertue to my deare wief I can
but hold in principall accoumpt; the requittall wherof I shall
make good to you whensoever opportunitie shall afforde me
occasion. And so for this tyme
<P 115>
I take my leave. From the Court, this xviij=th= of Marche, 1596.
   Your Grace's poore frende at command, 
   Ro. Cecyll.
   To the most Reverend Father in God, my very good Lorde, the
Lorde Archbushoppe of Yorke his Grace.

<Q HUT 1597 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 115>
[} [\LETTER LVIII.\] LORD BURGHLEY TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF YORKE
AND THE COUNCILL THERE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\March 19, 1596-7.\]
   After my vearie hartie commendacions to your Grace and the
rest. I have received your letters written the xi=th= of this
monethe, mentioninge the apprehencion of one Joseph Constable, a
brother of Sir Henry Constable's, with some others with him,
beinge, as it semeth, common receivers of seminaries and such
like bad persons; movinge mee by the same your letter to direct
youe mine opinion in what corse and with what speed yow should
proceade against the said Constable; whearein I cannot direct
youe aniethinge, but must leave the same to your selves: onelie
I have thowght good to lett youe understand, that uppon the
dowbt conceived by you, Mr. Ferne, of the validitie of his
inditement, I have, in the absence of the judges, required the
opinion of hir Majestie's attorney-generall; whose awnsweare yow
shall perceive by his letter to mee, which I doe send heare
inclosed to yow, with the copie of his inditement, by which yow
will finde the same to be erronious. And wheare yowe require to
understand mine opinion for his sendinge upp, I see noe such
cawse to have him to be sent hither. And so
<P 116>
I bid your Grace and the rest hartelie farewell. From my howse
in the Strand, this xix=th= of Marche, 1596.
   Your Grace's assured lovinge frend,
   W. Burghley.
   Your Grace's letter to me, shewyng your desyre and opinion
for a President, hath bene greatly lyked by hir Majesty for your
syncere advice.
   To the most Reverend Father in God, my verie good Lord, the
Archbishop of Yorke, and the rest of the Counsell there.

<Q HUT 1597 JWHITGIFT>
<A JOHN WHITGIFT>
<P 117>
[} [\LETTER LX.\] WHYTGYFT, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, [\TO THE
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK.\] }] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\2 May, 1597.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) It hath pleased her Majesty to
bestowe the bishoprick of London upon D=r=. Bancroft; the
bishoprick of Winchester upon D=r=. Bilson, Bishop of Worcester;
and the bishoprick of Chester upon D=r=. Vaughan, now Bishop of
Bangor. And, forasmuch as it would be verye great trouble and
charges to him to come or send downe for his confirmation there,
he hath intreated mee to move you to be content to direct your
commission to some here for the perfourming of the same; which
you may very well doe to some of the doctors of the Arches,
suche as you shall best lyke of. The bishoprick is but small,
and your Lordship knoweth that after his confirmation he must
doe his homage here in person, and take care for his
restitution; and therefore I hartelye praye yow to showe unto
him what favor you may.
   The last lettres written from your selfe and the Councell
there, touching certeyn papists and recusants, are very well
taken, and you are lyke to receave thancks for the same,
especiallie for your paynes in conference with some of them to
so good an effect. In one of the lettres there was putt
Christes-tyde for Christen-mass, which because of the noveltie
thereof (being latelye used onely by some nice persons more
curiouse in termes then in deeds) was by some of your best
frends mislyked; and I marvell how it escaped you, being so
farre from allowing suche novelties. Our brother, your
successor, hath scarcelye delt brotherlie with mee in some
lettres latelye written concerning Tempest's wiffe and Hedleyes
of Newcastle; but of suche dealings I make small accompte. I
have no especiall newes to write unto you. Rumors and reportes
varie
<P 118>
daylie. (\Vale in Christo!\) At Lambeth, the second of May,
1597.
   Your Grace's assured loving frend and brother,
   Jo. Cantuar.
   To the moste Reverend Father in God, my very good Lord and
brother, the Archbishoppe of Yorke his Grace.

<Q HUT 1598 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 120>
[} [\LETTER LXIII.\] LORD TREASURER [\BURGHLEY TO THE ARCHBISHOP
OF YORK).\] }] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\21 Feb. 1597-8.\]
   After my vearie hartie commendacions to your Grace. The same
shall understand that at the present theare is, by order of the
King of Scottes, the person of Sir Robert Carre, otherwise
<P 121>
called the Lord of Sesford, Warden of the Est Marches of
Scotland, delivered to the Warden of the Est Marches of England,
for aunswearinge of divers attempts and wrongs done by the part
of Scotland; whoe is to remaine in England untill a nomber of
pledges maie be delivered into England for satisfaccion of the
wronges done to England in that wardenrie. This man is of great
accompt both by his birthe and by office, and one hable to be
either a good or a bad neighbour to England: for which purpose
hir Majestie hath thowght it necessarie that he should be
browght and staid in som remote part in England from the Border;
and for that purpose hir Majestie hath recommended me to
signifie to your Grace hir pleisance and command that he should
be browght unto you; and that he should be committed to the
charge of sum trustie persons, to see him forthcominge at your
howse of Busshopsthrope, or sum othir place owt of the citie of
York, so as he showld not have anie accesse of strangers to him.
And, accordinge to this hir Majestie's commandment, I have at
this present signified hir Majestie's pleasance to Sir Robert
Careie, Warden of the Estmarche, whoe hath him in his custodie
at this time, and will send him to your Grace. And so I take my
leave. From the Cort, this xxi of Februarye, 1597.
   Your Grace's assured lovinge frende,
   W. Burghley.
   To the most Reverend Father in God, my very good Lord, the
Archbishop of York.

<Q HUT 1598 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 121>
[} [\LETTER LXIV.\] LORD TREASORER [\BURGHLEY TO THE ARCHBISHOP
OF YORK).\] }] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\1 Mar. 1597-8.\]
   After my vearie hartie commendacions to your Grace. I have
received your letter, dated the xxv=th= daie of the last moneth,
<P 122>
signifieng thereby the receipt of mine of the xxj=th=, whearebie
I gave your Grace to understand of hir Majestie's purpose to
have the Lord of Sesford to be sent unto yowe, to be safelie
kept at Busshopsthorp, or some other place without the citie.
And wheare by this you lettre yowe move three questions, I will
in one word awnswere them all, which is, that hir Majestie's
express pleisure and commaundment is that he shall not be
browght at all to Yorke, or kept at hir Majestie's howse theare;
but that he showld be kept at Bishopsthrop, and theare to be
kept as a close prisoner, without resort to him, or walking
abroade, otherwise then privately neare the howse; and
thearefore I doe not dowbt but, nowe your Grace understandeth
hir Majestie's pleisure therein, yowe will be carefull to tak
order with him accordingly, and that he maie be safelie garded
and kept. And so I commend mee hartelie to your Grace. From
Cort, this first of Marche, 1597.
   Your Grace's assured loving frend,
   W. Burghley.
   To the most Reverend Father in God, my veary good Lord, the
Archbishop's Grace of Yorke.

<Q HUT 1598 PBERTIE>
<A PEREGRINE BERTIE>
<P 128>
[} [\LETTER LXX.\] LORD WILLUGHBIE [\TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF
YORK).\] }] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\4 May, 1598.\]
   My very goode Lord, I receaved the Queene's Majestie's
packett and your Grace's letter this fourth of May about six in
the morning, and by her Highnes' letters had the very like
directions as it seemed by your Grace's to me you had concerning
the delivery of Sir Robert Kerr Lord Sesforde, and upon the same
conditions. But, before the coming of these letters, there was
nother man nor mention of any thing touching the same, more then
a secretary of his came to me to have pasport to ryde to your
Grace and informe his master that his pledges were ready; which
when I had graunted him, he left the same behynde him, and so
departed. It seemeth that her Majestie's plesure is, before
Sesford should be inlarged, there should be putt into my handes
the brother of the said Sesford, with two persons of kynn to
him, to remayne prisoners in some suche place as shalbe
appoynted thereunto, untill these pledges that ar to be given in
by the indent of the late Commissioners on both sydes for the
border causes shalbe accordingly entered; and with this caution
also before he be dismissed from your Lordship, that he gyve in
writing under his hand and seale, that if, after his brother and
kinsfolkes shalbe delivered into my handes, he doe not within
one moneth next after following recover and deliver in those
pledges which by the said Commissioners' indent ought on his
part to be entered, he shall then return to Barwick and yeald
himself prisoner into my handes, to be kept in such places of
these north partes as to her Majestie shalbe thought fitt,
untill he shall have performed on his part that which by the
sayd indent was agreed should be done. Wherfore it may please
your Grace to deale effectually with Sir R. Kerr Lord Sesford,
to take order to proceade herin according to her Majestye's
pleasure; and, assone as ever his brother and kinsfolkes
<P 129>
apoynted shalbe delivered into my handes, I shall send your
Grace present word, and thinck it very convenient that then you
send him to Duresme by such gentlemen of your choyse of that
country (myself being altogether unacquaynted in those partes)
as you shall thinke meete, acording to your Grace's owne project
in your postscript. And I would willingly entreat you to give me
your opinion what manner of persons were fitt to be sent from me
for his receaving there, whether martiall men for a guard, or
civill politique men for entring into his counsell; whether
many, or fewe; with great countenance, or with ordinary
complement; for in these things I would be glad nether to doe
too much nor too little, but, as I have direction by mutuall
correspondency with your Lordship, that which might be most
acceptable service. And so I humbly take my leave. From Barwick,
the 4=th= of May, 1598.
   Your Grace's assured,
   P. Wyllughby.
   To the Right Reverend Father in God, the Lord Archbishop of
Yorke his Grace.

<Q HUT 1598 PBERTIE>
<A PEREGRINE BERTIE>
<P 129>
[} [\LETTER LXXI.\] LORD WILLUGHBIE [\TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF
YORK).\] }] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\8 May, 1598.\]
   My honorable good Lord, I receaved your Grace's letter this
day at noone, in conveyance whereof the postes have used great
negligence, it coming to Duresme at eight in the morning, and to
Newcastle not till foure in the evening: to punish this slacknes
(least it be committed in more important services), I must
desyre your Lordship to concurr with me. I am of your Grace's
opinion that Sir Robert Kerr will not make any escape, yet much
water passeth the mill that the
<P 130>
miller knoweth not, and there may be secretes herin unknown to
your Lordship and me; so that, till his pledges be delivered, it
wilbe good to have a heedefull eye to him. And wishing your
Lordship much hapines, I rest
   Your Grace's assured,
   P. Wyllughby.
   Barwick, the viij=th= of May, 1598.
   Since my letter written, Sir R. Kerr's pledges arrived here
at foure afternoone. I must desyre your Grace to advertise me
two dayes before he comes to Duresme, that I may take order with
those who I shall apoynt to meete him.
   To the Right Reverend Father in God, the Lord Archbishop's
Grace of Yorke.

<Q HUT 1598 PBERTIE>
<A PEREGRINE BERTIE>
<P 130>
[} [\LETTER LXXII.\] LORD WILLOUGHBY TO THE LORD OF SESFORDE.}]
[^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\8 May, 1598.\]
   Sir, I would have bene glad to have seene you in your retorn
in this towne; but, her Majestye havinge otherwyse appoynted
your jurney, I wyll, yf I cann, mete you at M=r=. Graye's, and
purpose to send some gentleman to convey you from Durham
thether. I am sory I shall not intertaigne your brother and
hostages, beinge unfurnished as a stranger yet my selfe, but
what I may shalbe afforded them; hopinge you wyll hasten to
deliver the pledges accordinge to the indent for ther
releivinge. Thus, wishinge you well in any thinge becomes me, I
rest accordingly,
   Your lovinge freind to my uttermoste,
   P. Wyllughby.
   Barwick, this 8=th= of May.
   To the Honorable Knight, Sir Robert Carre, Lord Warden of the
Easte Marshes of Scottlande.

<Q HUT 1598 PBERTIE>
<A PEREGRINE BERTIE>
<P 131>
[} [\LETTER LXXIII.\] LORD WILUGHBIE [\TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF
YORK).\] }] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\13 May, 1598.\]
   I am sure, howsoever I measurd by the cold clime Aprill for
a late May, or missed to signe my name, I omitted it not for
want of grace, but for hast; which shall be at layzure mended.
The hand as I take it was, as this, my owne, and therefore my
owne, and not my secretarie's fault; and I confesse I love to
write no dobles of letters, but will affirm my hand and it
whansoever your Grace shall nede to call uppon it. In the meane
season, as the French pronouncing Latin shorten it mutch, and
with their quickness excuse the cadence of sillables, so
excusing my selfe, and leaving it to your gratious construction,
I rest in better things at your Grace's commawnd,
   P. Wyllughby.
   Barwick, the 13 of May.
   The poste-masters have in this pacquet of your Grace's
slacked their duty mutch; I complayne, but I shall be better
hard when the witnes is (\ex ore duorum\) . If your Grace send
me the letter as it is, I will set to my hand: I can hardly
beleave but that I signed the letter; but, if it be not signed,
at any time I will subscribe it for you. My people shall attend
at Durham according to your Grace's appoint.
   To the Right Reverend Father in God, the Lord Archbishop's
Grace of Yorke.

<Q HUT 1598 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 133>
[} [\LETTER LXXV.\] LORD TREASORER [\BURGHLEY TO THE ARCHBISHOP
OF YORK\] .}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\23 May, 1598.\]
   After my vearie hartie commendacions to your Grace. Wheare by
your letter dated the xv=th= daie of this moneth, derected to
myself and my Lord Marshall, yowe require to understand what
yowe shall doe with the bond which yowe have taken of the Lord
of Sessford, (whereof yowe sent hither a copie,) as either to
send it hither, or to the Lord Willowghbie; your Grace shall
understaund that it is ment that your Grace should send it to
the Lord Willowghbie, so as it maie be delivered back uppon the
performance of the condicion thereof; and thearefore I praie
your Grace forthwith to send it to his Lordship. And so I
recommend mee heartelie to your Grace. From the Cort, this xxiii
of Maye, 1598.
   Your Grace's assured loving frend,
   W. Burghley.
   To the most Reverend Father in God, my very good Lord, the
Archbishop's Grace of Yorke.

<Q HUT 1598 TMATTHEW>
<A TOBIE MATTHEW>
<P 136>
[} [\LETTER LXXIX.\] MY LORD OF DURESME [\DR. MATTHEW\] .}] [^TO
DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\17 June, 1598.\]
   May it please your Grace and the rest. Finding by letters
from the Lords and others of her Majestie's most honorable Prevy
Counsell that the pledges lately delivered by Sir Robert
<P 137>
Kerr to the Lord Governor of Barwick are thence to be conveyed
and guarded to York; and by a letter from M=r=. William Fenwick,
the Deputie Warden of the Middle Marshes, that he is to recceave
them upon Mondaie next about noone at Alnewick; at whose hand
the Sherif of this countie is to receave them at Gatesheade on
Tuesdaie next about the same houre, and purposeth to deliver
them to the Sherif of Yorkshire at Croftbridge upon Wednesdaie
next by one of the clock in the afternoone, being the usuall
place betwene that countie and this to deliver and receave all
maner of prisoners (\hinc inde\) : These may be to certifie your
Grace of the premisses, to the end that the said tyme and place
may forthwith be signified to the Sherif of Yorkshire, whereby
he may addresse himself for the more certayne execution, with
expedition, of this her Majestie's extraordinary service of
great importaunce; wherewith I perceave your Grace and your
associats have been made acquainted already from above. And so I
humbly betake your Grace and the rest of that honorable Counsell
to the tuition of the Almightie. At B. Awkland, this xvij=th= of
June, 1598.
   Your Grace's humblie at commaundment,
   Tobie Duresm.
   To the most Reverende ffather in God, and my very good Lord,
the Archebusshop's Grace of York, and the rest of her Majestie's
Counsell established there.

<Q HUT 1598 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 143>
[} [\LETTER LXXXV.\] THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK TO TIMOTHY HUTTON,
HIS SON.}] 
[\16 Aug. 1598.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I am glad to heare that you and your
wife bend and buckle your selves so well towards thryvinge. God
blesse you bothe, and yours, and geve yow much comfort of them.
Yow are put in the commission of peace within the Northridinge,
and I referr it unto your choice, whether you will come to take
th' oath before the judges at th' assises, or afterwardes. There
are so few justices in that part of the countrie that I feare
there will be some resorte unto yow, which in this tyme of th'
infection may be daingerous. Commend me to my daughter, and move
hir to continue as she hath well begunne to hir comforte and
commendation. And so I commend yow bothe to the blessed
direction of the best Director. At Yorke, the xvj=th= of August,
1598.
   Your loving father,
   Matth. Ebor.
   [\POSTSCRIPT.\] More safetie not to coome, but more present
credit to come, and be sworne openlie: (\utere tuo juditio\) .
Yf you coome, you shalbe welcome; yf you come not, I will not
take it in evill part. (\Vale in Domino!\)
   (\Tuus ut suus,\)
   Matth. Ebor.
   To my lovinge sonne, Timithie Hutton, at Marske.

<Q HUT 1599 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 145>
[} [\LETTER LXXXVII.\] THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORKE TO TIMOTHY
HUTTON.}] 
[\25 Feb. 1598-9.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I thank yow for your letter, and I
pray yow thanke M=r=. Lawson hartely, and tell him I am not
hable to deale with all these thinges; notwithstanding, if the
milnes be fitt for your house, I would be glad to serve my
frends. It is not like they be of that worth which he settes
downe, because there be other milnes in the towne; yet if yow
understand certainely the worth, the value, the tenure, the
reparations, and the price, I will tell you more. Thus,
beseachinge God to blesse yow and youres with his manifold
graces, I bid yow hartelie farewell. From Yorke, in haste,
Februar. 25, 1598.
   Your loving father,
   Matth. Ebor.
   To my lovinge sonne, Timothie Hutton, at Marske, with speede.

<Q HUT 1599 JWHITGIFT>
<A JOHN WHITGIFT>
<P 147>
[} [\LETTER LXXXIX.\] LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP WHITGIFT TO
ARCHBISHOP HUTTON.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\27 Aug. 1599.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) Wee here have the like writts frome
the Exchequer to certifie, as wee are also bownde to doe by the
commission ytself. The bonds wee take wee dulie certifie into
the Exchequer, when they are forfayted; nether can wee otherwise
bestowe or imploy them. Owte of the fines wee defray necessarie
charges, which are nott greate; the rest we return also into the
Exchequer; but owre fines are nott greate nor manie. Towching
your self, I have not at anie time hard her Majestie to have
apprehended anie complaintes against you, or to have conceaved
otherwise then well of you; but here hathe bene informations
gyven that recusants are of late increased in that province, and
that you are to milde with them. Some of your ministers doe also
affirme the same to be trewe. My advice therefore ys, that your
Lordship make a true declaration in writing how that province
standeth in that poynte and this tyme; for it may be some men's
pollicie to make things worse then they are, to effect there
desyers and to winn the commendation to themselfes. Assuer
yourself that I will do my best to satisfye all objections, yf
anie shalbe, especiallie so far as I knowe and shalbe
instructed. I can testifie, with manie others, how desirious you
were to leave that troublesome place of government, whereof in
my opinion you are happilie rydd. You cannot but here what
alarams we have had, and yet have, of the Spanyerds approching.
It hath bene, and ys, a greate charges to the clergie of this
province: you and your clergie are not trowbled therewith. And
so, with my verie hartie commendations, I committ you to the
tuition of Allmightie God. Frome Croidon, the 27 of Aug. 1599.
   Your Grace's assuered loving frend and brother,
   Jo. Cantuar.
   To the most Reverend in Christe, my verie good Lord and
brother, the Lord Archbishopp of York his Grace.

<Q HUT 1599 RCECIL>
<A ROBERT CECIL>
<P 149>
[} [\LETTER XCI.\] SIR ROB. CECYLL TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF
YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\December 26, 1599.\]
   After my very harty commendacions to your Grace. Where her
Majestie hath ben informed of the deathe of M=r=. Do. Binge, who
in his liefe tyme enioyed a prebend in this churche, which nowe
is become voyde by that accydent; fforsomuch as it pleased her
Majestie to use her recommendacion unto your Grace for a lease
to be made to my brother-in-lawe M=r=. George Brooke, whereunto
you dyd not assent, but in lieu thereof you made hym a graunt of
the next prebend that should fall voyd and be in your Grace's
dysposycion, I have thought good to let you knowe that her
Majestie (uppon this occasion) dothe expect from you a
confyrmacion of that which you have begonne and intended towerds
the gentleman, being one of whom her Majestie maketh
extraordynary estymacion, bothe in regard of the affeccion which
she hathe heretofore borne to his parents, and the partyculer
quallities and good partes wherwith himself is quallyfyed. Thes
being all I have to wryte unto your Grace for the present, I
take my leave. From the Cort at Richmond, the xxvj=th= of
Decem., 1599.
   Your Grace's very loving and assured freind,
   Ro. Cecyll.
   To the most Reverent ffather in God, my very good Lord, the
Lord Archbishopp of York's Grace.

<Q HUT 1600 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 153>
[} [\LETTER XCVI.\] A LETTER FROM THE LORD ARCHBYSHOP OF YORKE
TO THE LORD ARCHBYSHOP OF CANTERBURIE.}] [^TO JOHN WHITGIFT^]
[\Maie 20, 1600.\]
   (\Salutem in Aucthore salutis!\) I am verie sorie that, after
so manie yeres of moste wise and happie government, manifest
displeasures appear among so worthie Counsellors. God grant it 
<P 154>
be not a prognostication of some great storme to this noble
kingdome.
   Three thinges there be which threaten daingers, if not ruine,
to Commonweals, (\privatum commodum, latens odium, juvenile
consilium\) .
   The first perverteth justice and upright dealing.
   The second seeketh revenge, though it be with dainger: (\Haec
ipsa pollens inclyti Pelopis domus ruat vel in me, dummodo in
fratrem ruat.\)
   The third, by not forecasting future events, hathe through
temerity turned manie States, - (\Cedo, qui` vestram rempublicam
tantam amisistis tam cito? respondentur alia, e`t haec in
primis, Proveniebant oratores novi, &c. stulti adolescentuli,\)
- especially when these three doe concurr together, and that in
the fullness of time when God hath appointed to alter states,
and when the sinne of the people is ripe. The palme of the hand
that writt on the wall (^Mene^) and (^Tekel^) , added also
(^Phares^) ; because, whensoever the fulnes of time and repenes
of sinne doe meete together, then doeth God exequute his
judgement upon kingdomes, as he did then, &c. The two first of
these are knowne onelie to God. The third, when it cometh, is
like to be knowne, seene, and felt to manie. We loke to the
second causes, and by them guess (\de futuris contingentibus\) ,
as, (\concordia res parvae crescunt, discordia maximae
dilabuntur\) . I praie God the jarring at home doe not incorage
the rebelles in Ireland and elsewhere. I take it to be against
good policy for a great prince to keepe a longe and lingeringe
warr with a subject nation, though the people be never so base;
for it teacheth them to be skilfull, stout, and resolute, as
appeareth by the Low Countries. God graunt it may not appeare by
Ireland! The people there are growne verie valiant and
desperate, and, being hable to abide all kind of hardines, take
the benefite of the contrie, of woods and bogges, and are like
to hould out a long time, without the losse of more noblemen and
captaines then may be well spared in England. Besides that,
manie of our English nation ( (\nescio quomodo\) ) are verie
unwilling to go thither; and many tall men at home, when they
come there, prove cowards, and the verie contry consumeth them.
Therefore (in myne opinion) it were not amisse for yow of hir
Majestie's Counsell to thinke rather of an honorable peace, than
<P 155>
to indainger so manie noblemen, valiant captaines, and dutifull
subjects, and perhaps (in time) the losse of that kingdome. Yow
and I are men of peace, and therefore I am bould to write unto
yow, being nere to hir Majestie, &c. It would comfort a verie
great nombre of hir Majestie's best subjects if shee would be
pleased to stretch forthe the goulden scepter to that noble
gentleman now abiding the frownes of fortune, and to cause a
sure and hartie reconciliation. The parties are verie wise and
most worthie Counsellors. They are raised almoste wholly by hir
Majestie, therefore (no doubt) wilbe ruled willingly; and shee
hathe bene moste gratious unto bothe parties, therefore may and
should rule and overrule bothe parties. Hir Majestie, by long
experience, hathe gotten the verie (\habitum\) of deepe and
sound wisdome, and all heroicall vertues; so that I make no
doubt but that shee will, of hir owne inclynation, shew
clemencie and mercy, &c. The Lord for his mercies' sake blesse
this land with hir Majestie's long and prosperous reigne, and
yow also, that yow may long serve hir, to the good of his
Church. From Cawood, the xx=th= of Maie, 1600.
   Your Grace's in Christe most assured,
   Matth. Ebor.

<Q HUT 1600 JWHITGIFT>
<A JOHN WHITGIFT>
<P 155>
[} [\LETTER XCVII.\] THE LORD OF CANTERBURY'S LETTER TO MY
LORD'S GRACE OF YORK.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\7=o= Junii 1600.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I have receaved both your letters;
that by your sonne-in-lawe M=r=. Bowes, and the other of the
xxv=th= of May. I would to God your Grace's advise and desier in
the first might take place, as I hope it will, there appearing
no evident token to the contrary. I have perused the copie of
the letter which you writt to the noble man, and his answere;
wherein I note the spirite of suche humours as those are
possessed witheall to whom (as it is thought) hee doeth too 
<P 156>
muche inclyne. (\Scientia non habet inimicum nisi ignorantem.\)
A man had better take upon him to perswade xx=ty= learned men
that are not (\propositi defensores\) , then one suche. I have
receaved the copie of a sermon preached there in the defense (as
it seemeth) of the haling of your recusantes to sermons; but his
name I knowe not. Hee alleageth both scriptures and doctors; but
nothing to the purpose in myne opinion. You knowe that Christe's
(\compelle intrare\) , and suche like phrases in the Newe
Testament, are farre from meaning of any suche violence. And so
is St. Augustine's (\si terrerentur et non docerentur\) , and
the rest of the places of his and others the doctors alleaged in
that sermon. True it is (as you knowe) that St. Augustine and
others doo allowe, in suche cases, ponishment and compulsion;
but not in that sorte. Neither did I ever reade that any
Christian prince or magistrate drewe any ethnickes or heretikes
either to preaching or praying; nor to my remembraunce was it
used in Queen Marie's tyme to the professors of the Gospell: but
I reade that heathenish princes have in that maner drawen
Christians to their sacrifices. But everie man aboundes in his
owne sense. Yf good come of it, it is well, and they have to
glorie in their dooinge; yf otherwise, then experience, which is
(\stultorum magistra\) , will teach them to see their owne
error. In the meane tyme I would not wish your Lordship to
contend with them in that matter, least they say that zeale is
quenched in you, and that you doate in your old age, as it
pleaseth some here to say of mee; and yet, peradventure, when
wee are gone, they will wish us alyve agayne. I am here verie
much troubled with the appeasing of newe controversies about
praedestination, justification, (\liberum arbitrium\) , the
state of the Fathers before the coming of Christe, inhaerent
justice, and suche like matters, never doubted of by any
professor of the Gospell during all the tyme of your aboade and
myne in the universitie. But suche is the malice of the devil,
and pryde of men glorieng in their owne wittes. My Lord of
London is not yet retourned from Embden, neither have I heard
from him but once since their arryval there. Upon Thurseday last
the Earle of Essex was called before the Lords of the Counsile,
and diverse others appointed by her Majesty to sitt with us, for
the hearing of the cause; as, the
<P 157>
Erles of Shrewesburie, Worcestre, Comberland, and Huntington;
the Lordes Zouche and Darcie; the Lord Chief Justice of the
Common Pleas, the Lord Chief Baron, Justice Gawdie, and Justice
Walmesley: the totall number of Counsellors and others were
xviij. The place of sitting was at the Lord Keeper's in York
house, where wee sate from viij of the clock in the morning till
it was almost ix at night, without ether eating, drinking, or
rysing. The Earle was charged by the Queene's learned Counseile,
who objected against him and urged v thinges especially, viz.:
the placing of the Earle of Southampton lieutenant of the
horsse, against her Majestie's commaundement; the making of so
many knightes, contrarie to her pleasure likewise; the not going
into the North partes against the rebell while our forces were
strong, according to the direction geven him here before hee
went and his owne consent, and contrarie to directions sent him
from hence after his arryvall in Ireland, &c.; his parleeing
with the rebell, &c.; and his coming over from thense, against
the Queene's expresse commaundement. The Earle aunswered with
great submission, and, after a vehement protestation of his
loyaltie and true harte to the Queene and the State, hee
confessed his error in all theis poyntes, and did forbeare to
make any qualifieng of them, or to contest with her Majesty
touching the same; saving in some particulars, wherein the Lords
were desierouse to bee satisfied. Hereupon wee proceeded to
judgement, every man gevinge his censure particularly from the
first to the last; and all agreed in this sentence, that my Lord
should retourne to his owne house, from whence he came, and
there remayne as he did beefore, during her Majestie's pleasure;
that hee should deale no more in matters of Counseile, nor take
himself to bee a Counseiler; that hee should not meddle himself
in causes belonging to the Earle Marshall, nor in the office of
Master of the Ordinaunce. And this was the end of that action.
You may think yourself beholden unto mee for writing so long a
letter, having so litle leasure; but I thought you were
desierouse to have myne opinion in the first, and to knowe the
trueth in the latter. My Lorde's frendes doo hope that this her
Majestie's mylde and mercifull proceeding with him will in
shorte tyme work his further good, according to her accustomed
clemencie, wh[{erein{]
<P 158>
she doeth excell. (\Vale in Christo!\) From Lambehith, the
vij=th= of June, 1600.
   (\Tuus in Christo,\)
   Jo. Cantuar.
   To [{...{] rend in Ch[{...{] he good Lorde [{...{] brother,
the Archebishopp of York his Grace.

<Q HUT 1600 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 160>
[} [\LETTER XCIX.\] MY LORD'S GRACE HYS LETTER [\TO TIMOTHY
HUTTON, HIS SON.\] }] 
[\Octob. 2, 1600\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I like your letter, but I doe feare
your brother will prove a carelesse unthrefft. My Lord Latimer
claimeth the milnes at Richmonde. I pray you talke with old
M=r=. Pepper, whose father boght the milnes off M=r=. John
Philips, and learne off him off whom M=r=. Philips did buie
them, and off whom that man did buie them, and so upward as
longe before as you can; and also what title my Lord Latimer
maketh unto them an the others milnes there, and he reporteth
the M=r=. Lawson hath compounded with him, and did offer unto me
to compounde, &c., for the land in Wensdale ... and Marske
latelie purchased. I thinke the Quene's auditor wilbe desyrous
to see your purchase, &c.; they cost me vij=c= and lx=li=. I
must have xx wethers everie Easter, untill I can make better
provision. Your sonne is well, God be thanked, and this day in
the minster garthe off his owne accord did aske Jackson howe his
grandsier did. Commend me to my doghter and to yours also.
Yorke, the 2 off October, 1600.
   Your lovinge father,
   Matth. Ebor.

<Q HUT 1602 JWHITGIFT>
<A JOHN WHITGIFT>
<P 162>
[} [\LETTER CII.\] MY LORD OF CANTERBURIE'S LETTER TO MY LORD'S
GRACE OF YORKE.}] [^TO DR. MATTHEW HUTTON^]
[\17 May, 1602.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I had speach of late with the Lord
Burghley towching your self. His Lordship did gyve verie good
<P 163>
testimonie of you, onelie he fownde hymself discontented that
you seme to estrange your self frome hym by absenting your self
from York when he is there, saying that your praesens sometymes
there wold do much good; he wished also that you wold take
paynes now and then to here causes your self, and not to committ
them wholie to your other officers. Your Grace knoweth how
althings prosper where there is concorde, and what effects the
same dothe work bothe in Church and civill government; and
therefore I do wisch and assuer my self that you will have an
especiall care thereof. (\Vis unita fortior.\) My Lord semethe
to be of a good nature, and I know that you were never delited
with separation; and therefore, in my pore opinion, you shal do
well to conferr with hym and to be reconciled. I know that he
for hys parte will willinglie embrace yt, and yt can not be but
a great comforth to you; besides, that both God and her Majestie
shal by that meanes be better served. This I write of my self
unto you, bycause I wold lett you understand in what state
things are. As for hearing of matters your self with others in
commission with you, I shal not nede to write of; I am suer you
do so, and thingk yt to be necessarie for you so to doe. Her
Majestie hath bestowed the denerie of Powle's upon D=r=.
Overall, reader of the divinitie lecter in Chambridge and M=r=.
of Kateren-hall; and the denerie of Chester upon D=r=. Barloe.
The bishopprick of Hereford hangeth as yet in suspence betwixt
the Bishop of Chester and D=r=. Bennet, Dene of Windsor. (\Vale
in Christo!\) Frome Lamb. the 17 of May, 1602.
   Your Grace's loving frend and brother,
   Jo. Cantuar.
   To the most Reverend in Christ, my verie good Lord and
brother, the Archbishop of Yorke.

<Q HUT 1602 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 164>
[} [\LETTER CIII.\] MY LORD'S GRACE HYS APOLOGIE TO THE LORDS
CONCERNING PRECEDENCIE.}]
[\Maie 30, 1602.\]
   Right Honorable, It may please you to understand that the
xx=th= of this moneth I received a letter from your Honors of
the ix=th= of the same, which I did reade with griefe, that you
should conceive so hard an opinion of me as to censure me that I
have neglected your Honors' directions in my certificate
concerning place of the Vice-President at the Assizes, &c.; and
it would have greeved me more, but that I have the testimony of
a good conscience. I beseach yow therefore to heare my answere
with favorable construction.
   (\Objectio 1.\) - First, it is misliked that I did certifie
alone apart, without Sir Thomas Fairfax, Sir Edward Stanhope,
and M=r=. Atturney of the Wards; which three, or two of them,
should have joined with me.
   (\Respons. a.\) - I answere, (^ffirst^) , that (under
reformation) there is no such direction in your letters that I
should joyne them in my certificate. I appeall to your Honors
better informed, and referr my self to your later letter,
wherein brefely and most truely is recited the effect and
meaning of the former letter, viz., that I should use the
assistance and advise of Sir Thomas Fairfax, Sir Edward
Stanhope, and M=r=. Atturney of the Wardes, or any two of them,
and all convenient means, to informe my self what place the
Vice-President had by the space of 25 or 30 yeres, &c., and to
advertise your Honors; and, if my health did not serve me, then
to put it over to those three gentlemen or two of them, and they
to advertise yow, &c. Here is, that I should use their advise
and assistance to discover the trueth (as in deede I did), but
not to joine in certificate with them.
   (^b. Secondly.^) - If I had bene required so to doe, yet
could I not have any two of them to joine with me in
certificate: for, before the Judges came to Yorke, M=r=.
Atturney departed, and not yet retourned; Sir Thomas Fairfax
also went away before I could certifie; and Sir Edward (who
hathe taken great paines in this matter) was in the contrie, I
did not know where, nor
<P 165>
when he would retourne; and therefore sent the certificate.
Within two or three daies after, Sir Edward came and shewed me a
note out of the recordes of the Counsell, shewing who was 
Vice- President everie sitting many yeres, but what was fund in
the records of the Assises neither he nor any of the Counsell
did informe me; albeit Sir Edward seemed sorie that my
certificate was sent before he did retourne. Yet, before their
departure, I had the assistance here of Sir Edward and M=r=.
Atturney, and their advise that I should write to my Lord Darcy
to know what place to take, and to learne of auncient men the
usage, &c.; which I did accordingly.
   (\Objectio 2.\) - But the other three gentlemen have made
certificate differing from myne, &c.
   (\Respon.\) - I answere, that, after the letter of the 5=th=
of March directed to me, there came an other letter of the 21 of
the same from your Lordship to me and the rest of the Counsell
of Yorke, whereby authoritie was geven to search the recordes of
the Assises, before denyed; and, bicause my health did not well
serve me, I sent to my Lord of Limerike M=r=. Hales and M=r=.
Ferne, who then onely were at Yorke, praying them to send for
the Clarke of the Assises to search the records of that court,
which I understand was done verie diligently. And, after the
Clarke had retourned his search to the Counsell, subscribed with
his hand, my Lord of Limerike and others then at Yorke did
subscribe their names, and sent it up; neither Sir Thomas
Fairfax nor M=r=. Atturney being then at Yorke. But what they
found, and what they certified, they did not make me privie
neither before their certificate nor after; yet since (I hear)
they found in the records that the late Lord Ewre toke place of
them once or twice, and the same confirmed by some witnesses,
which is said to differ much from my certificate. But (under
reformation) albeit there is contradiction betwene those whom I
did examine by vertue of the first letter, and those that were
examined by the Counsell at Yorke by the later, yet there is no
contradiction betwene the certificates, but a difference onely
(\secundum magis et minus\) , for bothe may be true, &c.
   (\Objectio 3.\) - But, immediately upon receipt of your
Lordships' letter, I writt a private letter to Sir Edward and
M=r=. Atturney, that my opinion was that Barons Vice-Presidents
should take place, &c.
<P 166>
   (\Respon.\) - And I answere, that my opinion was then, and
yet is, that they should have place, if the gaole-deliverie be
kept by the commission dormant to the Lord President and
Counsell. Which is not contrarie to my certificate, wherein by
your direction I was required to certifie what I could learne of
the usage, not what I thought convenient, &c.
   (\Object. 4.\) - But I my self toke the place, &c.
   (\Respon.\) - I answere, that, as I was not President, so was
I not Vice-President, but appointed by hir Majestie's commission
under the great seall to supply the place, which the worthie
late Lord Treasorer advertised me was like to continue untill
hir Highness should resolve of a worthie man to succead the good
Erle of Huntingdon. I did lye at the mannor, and kept the diett
for the Counsell, and the Judges came allwaies to me at their
coming to Yorke, as they did to former Lords Presidents, and now
doe to my Lord now President, and I did sitt betwene them on the
bench, onely when the commissions were in reading and the
chardge in geveing. But (under reformation) I take it, this
maketh nothinge for everie Vice-President: for, the Lord
President may appoint any of the Cousell to be Vice-President,
and Doctor Rokebie, one of the Prebendaries of Yorke, was 
Vice-President; and yet it had not bene convenient that he
should have taken place of the Judges, who are knowne to be wise
and great lawyers, and come with great authoritie for the great
good of the subject, and therefore deserve all honor that may be
geven them without injurie to higher authoritie.
   (\Object. 5.\) - But I gave to much credit to the Lord
Darcie's letter, who, about two yeres before, had written to the
contrary, &c.
   (\Respon.\) - I answere, that what he writt before I can not
tell; but since, he being desired by my Lord of Limerick and
M=r=. Ferne to certifie what place he toke, signified by his
letter to them more plainly then he did to me, viz., that he
gave place to them, bothe in the church and on the bench.
   (\Object. 6.\) - That I have geven the Lord President cause
of exception against me, and therefore it pleaseth your Honors
to use me no more in this particular.
   (\Respon.\) - I answere, that I geve your Honors humble and
heartie thanks, and wish I had not bene used at all. But (I
protest before God) I never meant to crosse my Lord President,
<P 167>
whom I allwaies loved, and doe honor with all my hart, not onely
for his place which he houldeth under hir Majestie, but also for
the deserved great good will I did ever bear to my verie good
Lord his noble father, as worthie a counsellor as ever England
bredd. Thus, beseaching God to blesse this kingdome with hir
Majestie's long and prosperous reigne, and all your Honors with
his manifold graces, long to serve so gratious a sovereigne, to
the great good of this Church and common wealth, I humbly take
leave. From Bishopthorp, the xxx=th= of Maie, 1602.
   Your Honors' in Christe to be commaunded,
   Matth. Ebor.

<Q HUT 1602 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 167>
[} [\LETTER CIV.\] A COPYE OF MY LORD ARCHBISHOP'S LETTER UNTO
THE LORD PRESIDENT.}] [^TO EDMUND SHEFFIELD^]
[\30 Aug. 1602.\]
   Right Honorable, I thanke your Lordship hartely for the booke
and newes you sent me by my Chancellor. The booke I have redd,
and mislike that it should come to the hands either of the
papists (whom it will confirme in their error), or of the simple
protestants, whom I fear it will weaken in their faith, &c.;
ffor, albeit these traitors vomit their poison one against an
other, yet they joine together in casting out poison against
religion and the State. As for hir Majestie's entertainment at
my Lord Keeper's house, I am glad to heare it was to hir good
likinge and best contentment; and (in deede) it could not be
otherwise, ffor, besides the loyall and chearefull harts of the
master of the house and his good ladie (well knowne to hir
Highnes before, and then speciallie shewed), two of the first
creatures that ever God made, and so now two of th' ouldest,
Time and Place, forgetting their yeres, 5564, did (as it were)
caste awaie their crutches and frame themselves to the present
worlde to speake (\placentia\) , concurring, consenting, and
conspiring to cheare and solace hir Highnes, by whose wise and
happie government bothe time and place themselves
<P 168>
have bene much graced. These two are verie nere of kinne to two
oulde predicaments as ould as them selves, (\quando et ubi\) ,
which I praie God may allwaies and everie where likewise concurr
to serve her Majestie; that, whensoever and wheresoever shee
taketh anie thinge in hand, God's holie hande and powerfull
spirit may direct it to his glorie, and hir happines and
comforte, bothe in this world and in the world to come. Thus,
beseaching God to blesse your Lordship, my good Ladie, and all
youres with his manifould graces, I bid you moste hartelie
farewell. From Bishopthorpe, the xxx of August, 1602.
   Your Lordship's in Christe moste assuredly,
   Matth. Ebor.

<Q HUT 1603 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 169>
[} [\LETTER CVI.\] ARCHBISHOP HUTTON TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}] 
[\13 Julii, 1603.\]
   (\Salutem in Sal. &c.!\) I like not in any case that yow
should go to London, the sicknes is so dispersed. Since your
boyes coming hither, I perceaive by a letter from D=r=. Benet
that the coronation is like to hould as was appointed, but with
lesse solemnitie then was expected. I thinke verie fewe will go.
I will write to D=r=. Benet to excuse yow. The Lord blesse yow
and youres with his manifould graces. At Bishopthorp, the
xiij=th= of Julie, 1603.
   Your loving father,
   Matth. Ebor.

<Q HUT 1604 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 170>
[} [\LETTER CVIII.\] MY LORDE'S GRACE [\TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON,
HIS SON.\] }] 
[\18 May, 1604.\]
   (\Salutem, &c.!\) I have kept your sonne Math. here these 4
or 5 daies, fearing the dainger of the sicknes, &c. And now,
being informed that it spreadeth abrode and increaseth in Yorke,
I hould it best that you take him to you, for that I doubt he
can not so well stay here without dainger or great fear so nere
th' infected places and among so manie in this great familie.
And so, praying God to blesse you and all youres with his
manifould graces, with hartie commendations to my good daughter,
I end. Bishopthorp, this xviij=th= of Maie, 1604.
   Youre loving father,
   Matth. Ebor.
<P 171>
   You shall do well either to fetch him or send for him, and
also a toward scholar, a pretie boy, M=r=. Rawson's kinsman,
that waiteth on him. You need send the fewer, because I hear
that M=r=. Crawthorne and Th. Stirkai stay till he comes, and
all my horses are at grasse.
   To my verie loveing sonne, Timothie Hutton, at Marske, with
speede.

<Q HUT 1594 TMATTHEW>
<A TOBIE MATTHEW>
<P 188>
[} [\LETTER CXIV.\] TOBIE MATHEW, DEANE OF DURESME, [\TO MR.
TIMOTHY HUTTON.\] }] 
[\Ult. Dec. 1594.\]
   Sir, I am geven to understand you fall to your studies
againe, and thereof am I glad to heare; especially that you take
a speciall delight in historie, the witnes of tyme and memorie
of life, yea after death. Let me recommend to your diligent
reading the book I send you herewith, a translation of a most
excellent author by a great learned frend of myne. You shall in
myne opinion profit and please yourself muche in the perusing
thereof, attending it well, and using with the text the
annotacions, but, of all other thinges, preferring here and
there your Christian judgement before the profane pollicie of
the originall writer. No merveile, for what booke all faltlesse
but the Book of God? And so, hartily wisshing you and yours
longe and prosperously to enjoye the yeares, lyfe, and land of
your honorable and reverend father, I betake you and gentle
M=rs=. Hutton to the grace of God. At Duresme, (\ult. Decemb.\)
1594.
   Your assured loving frend,
   Tobie Matthew.
   To my worshipful and verie loving frende M=r=. Timothie
Hutton, at Awkeland.

<Q HUT 1608 ACAREW>
<A ADRIAN CAREW>
<P 208>
[} [\LETTER CXXVII.\] ADRIAN CAREW, MASTER OF WARTON SCHOOL, TO
SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}] 
[\July 27, 1608.\]
   Right worshipfull, my humble dutie remembred, &c. Sir, I
receaved a letter of reprehension of late from my dearest cousen
Sherrard for not wrighting unto you by the returne of John
Ellow, which time would not permitt; yet his legate discovereth
the effectuous zeale of a mind fraught plenteouslie in him with
the bewtie of memorable thankfullnes. He knowes that (\malum non
recedet e domo ingrati\) ; of which I was nither unmindfull,
nither yet do I anie waie distast his grave and strict
admonition in the same. His lines alltogeather incited me to
thankfullnes; yea, thankfullnes to you, to whose extraordinarie
favour I never can be sufficientlie enough thankfull, and, to
use his owne saying, (\Grates persolvere dignas non opis est
nostrae\) , from the bountie of whose charitable palme I
receaved a refuge against all schollars' common enimie, viperous
necessetie, yea a cataplasme carefullie carefullie [\SIC\]
imploid against the frequent wound of this ulcerous world's
unregard of the Muses. Sir, I am not unthankfull, God that knows
my hart is assured. Nither, were that within the limitts of my
power to be procured which should shew it, I would rack my self
to leavie the arrerage, I would not owe it: not that my
<P 209>
shallownes in judgement can intimate anie thing that you expect
other at my hands then a hartie care, and a hand to office that
hart in the true pourtracture of the same care; but because I
would not through my oversight work anie uneavenes in that path
which you so divine wiselie, honourablie, humanelie,
charitablie, and humblie have laid before my deare cousen's
feete; my deare dearest cousen, who hath consented often to my
thought, and I to his, in this (and that without assentation),
you are a man made up of divine wisedome, honour, humanitie,
charitie, and one in whose rank it is rare to find the like for
true humillitie, humilitie the fayre ornament of all grace and
vertue. Sir, I will be thankfull, and my verie soule is
allreadie resolved into a myriad of thanks for your marveylous
respects laid upon us and bounteous effects: but my hart is
ashamed, and I doubt the acceptance; for, being of late sick of
some abuse, my choller willfullie pursued for an untimelie
medicine, having forgotten that (\morbis nihil est magis
periculosum\) then (\immatura medicina\) ; by which I have done
that which will undoe the kind knot of your favour towards me.
The matter I refer to my cousen's lips, being loath to regester
the unhappie cause of my recession in that which should be the
record of my progression in the vertue which you have busied me
in; when he hath spoken it, beleve it (I beseech you), he shall
speake the truth. Credit, I humbly praie you, no vulgar tongue,
for (\Plebi non judicium, non veritas\) . (\Non est consilium in
vulgo, non ratio, non discrimen: ex opinione multa, ex veritate
pauca judicat.\) Nither too much to our predecessors, though
they have bene kind; for no doubt (\Aegris oculis alienam
faelicitatem intuentur\) . And then, I beseech you, give me
leave to be my owne judge. My selfe have done the offence most
against my selfe, for which I will exile my selfe from all hope
of your abused favour; and, I most humblie beseech you, respect
my cousen nothing the worse, in whom you are nothing deceaved.
What you have done for me praie permitt me to resigne againe to
his brothers, whose sufficient lerning for Greeke and Latin can
well discharge this, and a greater charge then this. Their
modestie and civillitie is as their brother's. I doubt not but
you will be pleased in their dilligence, pacience, and
temperance. I will thankfullie make restitution to them of all
that I receaved, except your favour, which I have willfullie
lost. (\Una salus victis nullam sperare salutem.\)
<P 210>
Ireland, which hath begun my griefe, shall ease it, or end it,
as God shall please. For those that have abused me here, God
forgive them. I cannot with pacience live anie longer among
them. (\Nec amissos colores lana refert medicata fuco.\) God
forgive my offence towards you; to redeeme the which, I will
taxe all the actions of my hands, and thoughts of my hart. Yea,
my hart, hands, life, lerning, all that I have, shall be alwaies
readie to be exposed to the honour of you and your most
honourable ladie. I onlie request this one thing at your hands,
your favourable report. I will sowe the seedes of true
repentance for my rash oversight, by the which I hope againe in
time to regaine grace at your honourable hands. (\Multo firmior
est fides quam reponit poenitentia.\) Not forgetting my dutie to
your singular good ladie, your excellent chilldren, the
ingenuous offspring of right generous parents, I a thousand
times recall all your curtesies, readie to take my leave of
discourteous Lancashier. Warton, (\Julii 27=o=\) , 1608.
   Obliged to your worship in all the offices of humilitie and
thankfullnes,
   Adrian Carew.
   To the right worshipful my most worthie good frend, Sir
Timothie Hutton, at Mask, give these with speede.

<Q HUT 1617 T1HUTTON>
<A TIMOTHY HUTTON 1>
<P 217>
[} [\LETTER CXXXIV.\] A COPPIE OF MY LETTER TO MR. DEANE OF
YORKE.}]
[\Julie 8, 1617.\]
   Sir, I must and doe acknowledg, as I ame a poore sonne of a
Levite, that yt had becomd me eare now (yf I held not some
particulars of my poore estate of you) to have tendred the dutye
that I doe owe unto your hollie trybe: but my place of beeing
alderman in thys poore towne of Richmond, wheare I dwell, hath
prevented dyvers intented tymes which I had purposed to have
wayted on you. I would entreate you that myne attendance may be
acceptable in the assyse weeke, at which tyme I doubt not but to
gyve you contentment for such leases as I hould of you; beeing a
greate part of the portion which my deare father left unto my
selfe and manye of my lyttle selves. I have noe reason to press
you for extraordinarye favoure, bycause I have not deserved
anything of you, but to be used as you use others; and I cannot
doubt of that, bycause I heare of your true worth everye way:
humblye thanking God even for the glorye of hys word, and the
good of that church, that he hath sent such an one amongst us.
God is my wyttnes that I speake yt without adulation, yt beeing
a thing very farre from my playne dysposition; and I doe detest
yt either in myselfe or anye. I doe eftsoones entreate your
<P 218>
favoure for thys tyme prefyxed, at which tyme (God wylling) I
wyll attend you; tyll when, and then, and always,
   I rest, &c.
   To M=r=. Deane of Yorke.
   Julie 8, 1617.

<Q HUT 1620 T2HUTTON>
<A TIMOTHY HUTTON 2>
<P 225>
[} [\LETTER CXLII.\] TIM. HUTTON, MY KYNSMAN.}] [^TO SIR TIMOTHY
HUTTON^]
[\June 29, 1620.\]
   Right Worshipfull,
   My humble duty remembred; with my thankfullnesse for your
late, as yet, undeserved favor and helpe in the tyme of my
greate nede; with my daylye prayer to the Almighty for your
reward, and contynuall health and happnes, to his best will and
pleasure. May it please you to pardon my bouldnes in that I ame
constrayned to trouble you by reason of my myssefortune, as I
understand by my deare ffreind M=r=. Robert Fort you are fully
made acquaynted with; whose love hath ben such to me that,
unlesse he had byn ordayned of God to worke my good, beinge to
me a straynger, I can see no reasson that I should receve such
kindnesses from him as I have obtyned, in somuch that they have
semed to savor more lyker the deedes of a ffather then a
ffrinde; wherby he, to worke my peace and quiett, hath taken
most of my debtes upon him selfe, and disburssed much mony for
me, and ordered althinges in that forme, beinge a man of good
cappassitie, that, with the help which I understand he did
wright unto you to be pleassed to doe for me in the behalfe of
my good, which to my joy, as I understand, you have promysed to
doe for me, I may be rayssed from nothing to be able to repaye
your former deede, worthey of me to be remembred, and lykewisse
lyve of my selfe to the rejoysement of all my good ffreindes,
and especyally not forget from whence all my good cometh; the
tyme being very short which muste establish my hoppes, which
only relye upon your helpe in the forme M=r=. Fort hath shewed
your worship, the which I refer to your worthy consyderacion.
And so, as my bounden duty commandeth, I shall never seasse to
pray to the Allmighty God, whoe is the sender of all goodnes
upon his servants, to multyply
<P 226>
and increasse your worship with all the contents of this world
and the joyes of the etternall worlde to come; and thus I sease
at thes tyme to trouble your worship any ffurther, humbly
desiring your answer. From the Blew Ancker in Feld Lane, London,
June the 29=th= day.
   Your lovinge servant, and at your worship's command.
   Timothie Hutton.

<Q HUT 1621 T2HUTTON>
<A TIMOTHY HUTTON 2>
<P 228>
[} [\LETTER CXLV.\] TIM. HUTTON, MY KYNSMAN, TO JO. ELLOW.}]
[^TO JOHN ELLOW^]
[\Maie 31, 1621.\]
   Kinde John Ellow, my best love and harty commondationes
remembred unto you. This is to certifie you that I have receved
your letter, and M=r=. Forte another ffrom Sir Timothie, for the
which I give you many thoussand thankes; intreating you to
deliver M=r=. Forte's letter to Sir Timothie, and to further me
in my affares: thus desiring your love to speake to Sir Timothie
for me to stand my frend at this time, and I shall be mad for
ever, and my fortunes raised againe. M=r=. Forte and his wife
and Susan remembers their loves to you. Soe I end, leavinge you
to the protection of Allmightie God. Frome the Blew Ancker in
Feld Lane, London, May the 31=th= day.
   Your loving ffrind to his power in what I may,
   Timothie Hutton.
   To his assured and very lovinge ffrind, John Ellow, dewelling
with Sir Timothie Hutton, knight, at Maske, deliver this.

<Q HUT 1621 T2HUTTON>
<A TIMOTHY HUTTON 2>
<P 228>
[} [\LETTER CXLVI.\] TIM. HUTTON, MY KYNSMAN, TO JO. ELLOW.}]
[^TO JOHN ELLOW^]
[\June 14, 1621.\]
   Kind John Elow, my best love and harty commendations
remembred unto you; hopping of your good health, with all the
rest of my good ffrinds. This is to certyfie you the cause of my
wrighting unto you is to intreat you to speake to Sir Timothie
for me; and that he would be pleased to doe somthing for me at
this tyme, for I never had more ned in all my lyfe. I doe owe
M=r=. Fort +L10. 12 (^s.^) , which doth greave me very sore, he
having layd out the most of it out of his purse to keppe me from
prisson; and now he will doe no more, and I cannot blame him,
for, had not he bene, I had ben dead in prisson afore now. Kind
John Elow, speake to Sir Timothie that he would be pleased to
lend
<P 229>
me +L10 12 (^s.^) to pay him, and I shall thinke my selfe happy,
and be bound to pray for his worship, and in tyme pay his
worship agayne. Soe I would intreat you to showe Sir Timothie
this letter, wherby he may understand my wants at this tyme, for
they wear never more. No more at this tyme, but, intreating your
answer, I commit you to the protection of Allmighty God. From
the Blew Anchor in Fild Lane, London, June the 14=th=.
   Susan hath sent you a token for a remembrance, of hir owne
makinge.
   Your loving ffrind to his power,
   Timothie Hutton.

<Q HUT 1623 WALDBROUGH>
<A WILLIAM ALDBROUGH>
<P 231>
[} [\LETTER CLI.\] WILL. ALDBROUGH [\TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON\] .}]
[\Januarie 15, 1622-3.\]
   Ryght Worshippful.
   Forasmuch as I am not able in bodye to come to your sessions
at this instant, having formerly bene att the sessions at
Hemsley; therfore I thought fitt to signifie unto you, thatt yf
yt stand with your good-likinge, that, according to his
Majestie's orders, there shall be a division of our selves into
sundry wapentakes for the spede preventing and remidinge of the
dearth of corne and other victualls according to the said
orders, I shall be redye for the spede execucion of the said
service to joyne with those of our assosiats as you shall think
fitting for the execucion of the said service within the
wapentake of Hallikell and Hangeast, upon notice of the tyme and
place which I thinke fitting afore your departure from sessions
to be sett downe, and notice therof to be geven to the head
constable now present at your sessions. The place I think
fitting to be att Burneston; the tyme as shortly as you can; the
charge to bee that the pettie constable and bring [\SIC\] a note
of all brewsters lycensed and lycensed maltsters, and the
malsters to be present, all badgers and ingrossers
<P 232>
of corne, and whatt further derections you will sett downe.
Thus, upon notice of your pleasures hearein, I will be redye to
the best of my knowledg to do his Majesty service, both now and
all other tymes.
   Yours in all kindenes,
   Will. Aldiburgh.
   Ellingthorp, Januarij 15, 1622.
   William Rey of Kirbie super Moram, I hold him not fitting to
tiple, for that he doth harbour by a whole weak to gether
contemptououse persons to the law; therefore I pray you lett him
be disallowed by sessions.

<Q HUT 1623 T1HUTTON>
<A TIMOTHY HUTTON 1>
<P 236>
[} [\LETTER CLV.\] A COPIE OF MY LETTER TO MR. RYGGE.}]
[\Aug. 18, 1623.\]
   Sir, I suppose you are nott ygnorant of a match which was
intended betwyxt my maugh Cleburne hys eldest sonne Edmund and
my daughter. I doe protest unto you (in the word of truth) that
the breach thereof is no smale dyscontentment unto me; and that
I must needs cleare the young gentleman soe farre, that there
was noe fault neither in hym selfe nor on hys syde, but onely
the dysaffaction of my foolysh daughter, whoe is lyke (and
shall) to pay for hyr follye.
   I understand that there hath beene conference betwyxt hym and
you touching hys sonne with your daughter, whearein (yf ytt
shall please God that yt goe forward) I shall nott be a lyttle
glad that he shall match with one of such integretye as you are
reported to be. Hys estate is fayre, and such as (with a lyttle
tyme) will free hym from all incombrances: and bycause I know
you cannott but be desyrous to know them, I have delyvared a
note of them unto my maugh (the bearer heareof) which he wyll
shew you. As for myne owne mony, which I have payd, I wyll nott
take one pennye for use, butt that I may have ytt upon one
quarter's warning yf of necessytye I must requyre ytt; which I
thinke wyll nott be hastely, for my daughter is nott much above
fowarteene yeares ould. As for other bonds which I am entred
into for hym to supply hys occasions, I hope noe reasonable man
wyll thinke ytt unreasonable to desyre securitye for myne
indemnitye.
   I wyll wyllinglye release any interest that I have in hys
estate, upon such securitye as shalbe reasonablye requyred; and
that the covenants for the good of the chyldren be parformed,
for I must profess that I wyll never betray that trust that is
reposed in others with myself for them whylst I lyve.
   These things performed, and that there be an agreement
betwyxt you, (which I beseach God to dyrect and bless,) I shalbe
verye desyrous that the busynes may receave an overture,
<P 237>
and wylbe wylling to meate whensoever and whearesoever you or
any shall please to prefyx. And thus I rest,
   Your verrye loving freind, 
   T. H.
   Marske, Aug. 18, 1623.
   My letter to Mr. Rygge.

<Q HUT 1623 T1HUTTON>
<A TIMOTHY HUTTON 1>
<P 245>
[} [\LETTER CLIX.\] MY LETTER TO MY LORD'S GRACE OF YORKE FOR
MR. SHERRARD.}] [^TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK^]
[\8ber ult. 1623.\]
   My dutye remembred, &c.
   I made bould att my last beeing att Byshoppthorp humblye to
entreate your Grace's favoure in the behalfe of thys bearer
M=r=. Sherrard; and I dyd then intimate unto your Grace that
(with your favourable acceptance) I would wryte with hym unto
you att such tyme as he brought the booke which your Grace
requyred hym to wryte.
   I must acknowledg that I have nott deserved to obtayne any
sute of you; yett such is the nature of necessytye that yt
oftentymes presumeth upon (\non erubescunt literae\) . And, now
that I have begunne to speake unto my Lord, (\"ne quaeso
accendatur ira Domini, si loquar tantum hac vice"\) . Good my
Lord, even for God's sake, hys glorie, and the good of hys
Church, lett me beseech and humbly beg your favour for hym,
whose integretye of lyfe I know, and whose learning you know,
and for both I know nott many such.
   I know your Grace hath many worthye Chaplaynes, whoe depend
on you for there preferrement; butt myne humble sute is, that
(as God hath made them fyshers of men) your Grace would bestow
such a poore flye on hym as your Chaplaynes happelie wyll nott
vouchsafe to bate there hookes withall. The poore meanes that he
hath is nott worth twentye pownds (\per annum\) (I speake of the
most), having a wyfe, twoe chyldren and one half (I speake of
the least); and such is the myserie of the tyme, and my desyre
to wyshe hym good, as I would wyllingly gyve out of my poore
estate one, twoe, or three hundreth powndes to buye hym a lyving
yf I knew how to come by ytt: butt thys I make bould to wryte
unto your Grace to shew my symple condition to hym as a learned
mynyster, and as I am myselfe a poore sonne of a Levyte; your
Grace's honorable and free dysposition to all schollars beeing
known unto all. Thus,
<P 246>
loath to add tediousnes to bouldnes, and humblye craving pardon
for the same, I doe rest,
   Humblye at your Grace's comandment,
   T. H.
   Richmund, (\8=bris= ult.\) [\1623.\]

<Q HUT 1623 T1HUTTON>
<A TIMOTHY HUTTON 1>
<P 246>
[} [\LETTER CLX.\] MY LETTER TO MR. DODSWORTH, CHANCELLOR, FOR
ETHERINGTON.}] 
[\9ber 22, 1623.\]
   Sir, I have made bould heeretofore to entreate your lawfull
favour for Tho. Cooke, alias Etherington, in hys tedious and
chardgeable sute; which now I heare is to be sentenced upon
Thursday next. If you please to remember, I was att your owne
howse, when and wheare I shewed you all the evydences which
weare taken upon oath for the King, and they prooved strongly
for hym; otherwyse he had been condemned att the last assises,
and had suffered death, which had gyven an end to all hys
trobles: butt now, whatt with the hanging of cause soe long, and
that yf sentence goe agaynst hym, ytt wylbe worse then death
unto hym, beeing utterlye undon allreadye.
   And, good Sir, gyve me leave to remember you, that, when I
shewed you the depositions, you sayd that you had beene
stronglye enformed of the heynousnes of the fact, and that you
never heard soe much to the contrarye before; and that, yf they
weare true, there would be no doubt but the cause would goe well
enough on hys syde.
   Sir, nott to interpose my poore opynyon with your reverend
judgment, I doe proteste unto you even upon my conscience and
knowledg ytt is as conscionable a cause (whearein I beseech your
favour) as ever I knew in my lyfe.
   I would nott wrongfullye intimate thus much unto you, bycause
if the cause goe agaynst hym ytt is hys undoing (as he is
allreadye), yea though ytt weare upon the hazard of myne owne
overthrow, for all the worlde; butt onlye that I cannott
contayne but in soe conscionable a case to entreate your lawfull
and just censure.
<P 247>
   And the rather for that I have heard ( (\nescio quo\) ) that
you are resolved to gyve sentence agaynst hym; which I doe
rather wonder att then beleave, knowing that the judgement of a
judge is (untyll ytt be delyvered) (\in scrinio pectoris\) .
   He hath beene mooved by dyvers to appeale further, but I have
styll dyswaded hym from ytt; assuring hym of your upryghtnes and
lawfull favoure, wheareof I doubt not, and whearein you shall
fynd hym an humble and thankefull remembrancer of the same. And
thus, loath to add tediousnes to bouldnes,
   I rest your ever loving frend,
   T. H.
   (\9ber\) 22, 1623.

<Q HUT 1624 WALDBROUGH>
<A WILLIAM ALDEBROUGH>
<P 248>
[} [\LETTER CLXII.\] WILL. ALDEBROUGH [\TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON\]
COM. PRO RECUSAN.}] 
[\5 Sep. 1624.\]
   Syr Tymothie, I would desire you, as convenienly as you
could, to send me word what tyme and place you appoynte for the
executione of his Majestie's commission to us and others
directed for the levying of his Majestie's fines for the fynes
of the recusants. It is lett me understand (but I am nott
certayne) that the Commissiners have setten upon the said
commisson in all devisions save Richmondshire; so I would desyre
you that wee might not be slacke therin, and that you would
appoynt a place within twelfe myles, for I am not able further
to travill. Thus, with my love and kinde wishes to you, my
ladye, and your children, I committ you to God.
   Yours in all kindenes,
   Will. Aldeburgh.
   Ellingthorpe, the 5=th= Sept. 1624.

<Q HUT 1637 JJACKSON>
<A JOHN JACKSON>
<P 259>
[} [\LETTER CLXVI.\] JOHN JACKSON, RECTOR OF MASKE, [\TO MATTHEW
HUTTON, ESQ.\] }] 
[\June 2, 1637.\]
   Good Sir, I do so thirst for your returne, and languish so
thorough my defeated hope of having enjoyed yow heere this
night, that I have neither mind ne power to write more than two
words. And (indeed) to be cramped with reading a short letter is
less torment then to be putt on the rack with a long. Touching
your sweet self-multiplyed ones (of which yow desire to heare in
the first place), M=r=. Jones, in your absence, hath bene as
carefull of them as one could be of a christall glass. They are
all three as your owne harts could wish them; that is, very
well, save that Jacky laboureth a little in his eyes. Babby
(whose innocent actions carry theyr warrant with them) cheeres
us all with her warme and moyst kisses. Touching the mony yow
wrote about, I can say nothing but as the day shall bring forth.
You know who is to be the paymaster of the greater part of it;
one who, if all the rules of physiognomy be not false, will not
pay just at his day. The bearer heereof will also beare yow all
the regreets that yow can expect from your owne family. I send
yow mine heere under seale, not so much for the secrecy as for
the sureness thereof. Also to M=rs=. Hutton and M=rs=. Rothy
more harty affection then poetry can feigne or oratory vary;
also to
<P 260>
yow all this short but full prayer, Jesu be your Jesus! From
Marske, a place seated betweene 4 great hills, or (as yow may
properly speake) the English Alpes; which, though it be our
habitation, yet, in your so long absence, our place of
banishment.
   Yours verily, to be ever commanded,
   Joh. Jackson.
   June 2=o=, 1637.

<Q HUT 1638 JJACKSON>
<A JOHN JACKSON>
<P 260>
[} [\LETTER CLXVII.\] JOHN JACKSON [\TO MATTHEW HUTTON, ESQ.\]
}] 
[\March 1637-8.\]
   Good S=r=, We now begin to grow impatient of your long
absence from us: so, as I am a generall suitour to pray yow to
fold upp your businesses and make hast northe-ward. By our
neighbour, M=r=. Nicholson, I wrote to yow. By your servant, Th.
Cl., I receaved a kind letter from yow, for which I owe yow much
thancks; whereby I perceave yow have very notably fitted mee
with a trilingue psalterium, which indeed is just such an one as
I would have (if it be well printed). For the Chaldee or Syriack
I care not, and only mentioned them because I thought yow would
hardly gett one of the three tongues only. I pray, Sir, let it
be preserved even as it is, without alteration of binding, if
already yow have not delivered it over to be broken by the
bookbinder. So as the book yow had upp with yow being fayrely
bound, and that only brought downe, yow have fully therein
concurred with my desires. I hope by this tyme M=r=. Bulwer's
debet is payed yow. I must needs, in the behalf of my wife, pray
yow also to buy her 2 fayr and usefull bone combes, about 16 or
18=d=. a piece. God send us yow saffe home is a piece of our
March leiturgy, and of
   Yo=r= very fr. and servant,
   Jo. Jackson.

<Q HUT 1604 M1HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 1>
<P 304>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXII.\] THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK TO THE BISHOP OF
DURHAM.}] [^TO TOBIE MATTHEW^]
[\7 Mar. 1603-4.\]
   (\Salutem in Christo!\) I think my self very much beholden
unto your Lordship for your many pitthie kind letters. Your
former good advertisements towching the late Conference and
Commissioners, &c. did pass somewhat slowlie; but your woeful
letter of the heavie news of the death of that most reverend and
worthy Archbishop, brought to me on Saturday last, came too, too
soon, the Lord God knoweth. Many (no doubt) may, and do lament,
that his Majesty hath lost a faithful, good counsillor; the
Church a great and notable pillar and patron; and my self also
have special cause to sorrow for the want of such an auncient,
constant, and dear friend. It is a singular comfort and
incouragement to us all, that his Highness vouchsafed so
graciouslie to visit him; wherein, as in many other excellent
vertues and things, he doth imitate his late dear sister, worthy
Queen Elizabeth, who did alway bear and shew a special good
affection toward him. God move his Majestyes royal and religious
heart (the sooner the better) to make special choice of one to
succeed him; and I think that either your Lordship, or my Lord
of Winchester, is like to have the place: albeit the dealing
with the Sec [\Secular\] Priests against the Jesuits in his
Majesty's time is now said to be a good service, and that it was
done only to advance his Majesty's title against the Spanish
faction.
   I send you and my Lord of London my proxy, jointly and
severally, lest your Lordship should happen to be sick, &c. I
pray you help Sir John Bennet to such copies or things as are to
be sent hither, and must be confirmed by Convocation. Thus,
beseeching God to bless your Lordship with His manifold graces,
and that I may never see you more (though I love you entyrely)
but that you may be placed there, to God's glory, the good of
<P 305>
His church, and your own contentment, I bid you most hartily
farewel. From Bishopthorp, the vii=th= of March, 1603.
   Your Lordship's very assured loving friend and brother,
   Matth. Ebor.
   To the Right Reverend Father, my very good Lord and Brother,
the Bishop of Duresme.

<Q HUT 1623 THBOWES>
<A THOMAS BOWES>
<P 308>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXVI.\] THOMAS BOWES TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}] 
[\4 May, 1623.\]
   Sir, I have beene at Newcastle and at Sir Wm. Wrey's, but Sir
Wm. Wrey was gone into Yorkshire. I stande in doubt I shall not
gitt money in tyme. I have spoken with one M=r=. Coale; his
answere is delatorye. He seemes as thoughe he woulde buy yt; but
he hath an offer of Folansbye by my nephew Hiltone, that lyes
nearer to Newcastle, and therefore he will not part with his
money untill he be resolved for yt: yet he hath promised me an
answere this weeke by our carryers that goes to Newcastle. Upon
his words I went to the east of Bishoppricke to have spoken with
my nephew John Hilton, but I missed of
<P 309>
him; and his wife tells me that she thinkes yt is not of sale. I
shall have answere from John Hilton tomorrow, as I expecte. I
have written to Sir Wm. Wrey by this bearer: what yt will worke
with him I know not; but, yf he please to doe me the favour he
may doe, I shall rest ever beholden to him. If he returne me any
answere, call for yt and see yt, yf you please; and, howesoever
he please to doe, I will not cease to labor to procure this
money at some hand, and therefore I staye tomorrow at home to
heare from him. I have ridden downe my grasse horses in this
journey, otherwise I would have come over; but I must needs ease
them to-daye, to have them readye upon Tuesday. Thus,
commendinge my love to you, I rest
   Your assured lovinge brother,
   Thomas Bowes.

<Q HUT 1624 THBOWES>
<A THOMAS BOWES>
<P 309>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXVII.\] THOMAS BOWES TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}] 
[\3 Jan. 1623-4.\]
   Sir, I praye you let me intreate you to enter bond agayne to
my cosin Wycliffe for the 50=li= that you stand bound for with
M=r=. Blackborne. I intreated my cosin Wycliffe to put in my
name; but yt seemes his sonne hath mistaken yt, for my cosin
Wycliffe haith sent his sonne and a bond onelye with your name
and John Blackburn's. I have intreated M=r=. Blackburn to stand
bound agayne, and he is come to our house, where wee expect the
bond; and, when he hath sealed yt, I will come up with my cosin
Ascoughe to you. Soe, comendinge my love to you, I rest
   Your assured lovinge brother,
   Thomas Bowes.
   Januarye 3=d=, 1623.

<Q HUT 1624 THBOWES>
<A THOMAS BOWES>
<P 310>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXVIII.\] THOMAS BOWES TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}] 
[\31 Oct. 1624.\]
   Sir, I praye you be pleased either to send one to Sir Conyers
Darcye for the deed, that he wilbe pleased to bringe it to you
tomorrow to Bedall, or send your man from Bedall for yt
tomorrow; for I can not call upon Tuesday with any conveniency
at Horneby, beinge to speake with M=r=. Davill that morninge,
for sooner I can't gett to him. I goe this night to Streatlam
for my sister's joyntur, and return tomorrow, and soe to Yorke.
I praye you therefore eyther send your man in the morninge to
Sir Conyers for yt, or from Bedall for yt. Soe in hast
comendinge my love to you I rest
   Your assured lovinge brother,
   Thomas Bowes.
   Oct. 31=st=. [\ENDORSED\] 1624.

<Q HUT 1625 M2HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 2>
<P 310>
[} [\LETTER CLXXXIX.\] MATTHEW HUTTON TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}] 
[\After 27 Mar. 1625.\]
   Sir, My duty bindes me to this observance, as to give you a
weekely accompt of our parliamentary proceedinges. My last
letters acquainted you with such passages as had had there
overture in my absence, since which time (\"sic se res habet"\)
. A select committee of 12 spent the beginninge of this weeke
(the House in the mean time not sitting) in examininge all the
phisitions and surgeons that attended of our late King att his
death, about a potion which was given by the Duke of Buckingham
to the King, and a plaister applyed by his directions; both of
them being contrary to the general directions of all the
phisitions, and absolutely disliked and gainesaid by some, by
name D=r=. Ramsey (who since his examination is committed):
which act of the Duke was judged, first by the judgement of the
12, and afterwards upon report to the House, to be and act of a
transcendent presumption,
<P 311>
and of a dangerous consequence; and so resolved to be annexed to
the Duke's charge. Montagu is, for his booke, transmitted to the
higher House; and his booke judged to be contrary to some of the
articles maintained by our Church. The Earle of Bristow was sent
for, as was supposed, as a delinquent; but must first come into
the higher House as a Peere: this 'generally thought the King
will be his accuser. (\Caetera quis nescit?\) His sonne, this
morninge, presented our House with a petition containinge many
articles against the Duke; and those of such consequence, that
it is probable that one of them will suffer. I intend (God
willinge) to put in my bill of Thursday next; I pray God send
itt good success. Sir John Bennett is not yet come to towne,
neyther can I make any certainty of any money. M=r=. Sotherne is
content that we shall have a parley, but what it will produce I
cannot as yett imagine; I am advised both by M=r=. Justice
Hutton and others to buy him out, though we pay deer for itt:
and therefore, good Sir, acquaint my unkles with the dangers,
that they may be motives for them to allow of our composition;
for, when we shall have both Marbury his recognizance, and these
two statutes in our owne power to extend upon the estate, we
need not doubt but that all subsequent securityes will be glad
of reasonable composition. And thus, with an humble tender of my
duty, I rest
   Your obedient sonne,
   Matthew Hutton.
   Fleet Street, att the signe of the Ship, neere Temple Barr.

<Q HUT 1625 THBOWES>
<A THOMAS BOWES>
<P 311>
[} [\LETTER CXC.\] THOMAS BOWES TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}] 
[\20 May, 1625.\]
   Sir, I have beene diverse wayes to have gott money, but as
yet I cannot finde any that hath money or will finde money:
onelye M=r=. Dawson of Newcastle hath ready money, but he hath
gone throw with M=r=. Trolopp for his land, and payes him this
<P 312>
day +L1,900; that bargayne was once gone back, but they are now
agreed. I know M=r=. Robinson woulde gladly buy some lande, and
yett I cannot gett him to buy myne: and in good faythe he shall
have yt free of all troubles, by God's grace, yf he will buy;
and he shall have yt leased, yf he like, for 21 yeares. I have
sought diverse wayes, and yet will looke for more, that I may
satisfy your last kindnes, as all your other, with what
conveniency I can; and I praye you, yf he have any occasion to
come to you, that you will speake to Williamson of Barton to buy
parte of yt. I entreated my nephew Dodsworth to speake with him
in that kinde. Thus, commendinge my love to you, desirous to see
you shortly, I rest
   Your assured lovinge brother,
   Thomas Bowes.
   Streatlam, the 20=th= May, 1625.

<Q HUT 1626 M2HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 2>
<P 312>
[} [\LETTER CXCI.\] MATTHEW HUTTON TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}]
[\23 Sep. 1626.\]
   Sir, M=r=. Sotherne hath falsifyed his trust, and this
morninge before I gott to towne arrested my unckle Thomas; who,
for any thing I can gather from him, is content to undergoe the
extreamity of the law, and that out of willfulnes rather then
necessity. He intendeth, yf he can prevayl with the 
Under- Sheriff, to see you in his way; in which respect I have
made bold humbly to intreat your forbearance of any further
engaging yourselfe untill all such to whom any preceding
incumbrances do appertaine be called in, to knowe what security
they will be content to accept off, that so we may know the
uttermost of our dangers before we engage ourselves any further.
I intend this night to know Sir Talbot his intention, and
presently after you shall partake the same. Thus cravinge pardon
for my boldness, humbly cravinge your blessing for
   Your dutifull sonne
   Matthew Hutton.
   Rich. 23=th= 7=ber=, 1626.
   To his lovinge father, S=r= Timothy Hutton, K=t=., att
Popleton, be these del. The bearer is satisffyed.

<Q HUT 1626 THBOWES>
<A THOMAS BOWES>
<P 313>
[} [\LETTER CXCII.\] THOMAS BOWES TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}]
[\25 Sep. 1626.\]
   Sir, M=r=. Sotherne has arrested me upon the first statute,
being 600=li=. I am now here in the castle at Yorke, and came
hither yesterday; I could gitt neyther paper nor inke untill my
man came, for otherwise I had written to you yesterday. I think
I must give bond for my true imprisonment; and therefore I have
made bolde to write theese to you, and to intreate you to joyne
with me for security, and my sonne shall give you what bonde you
please to keepe you harmeles of that bonde. I came upon such a
sudden that I am unprovided of money; I praye you therefore that
you will be pleased to lend me tenn pounds for sixe weeks, and
you shall then have yt repayed. I have not as yet spoken with
M=r=. Blawithe what bond he will require: but, require what he
will, I hope you are persuaded I will not offer to doe my self
or frends wrong in yt; yt beinge nowe way beneficiall to me, but
hurtfull. Thus, comendinge my love to you and the Ladye Hutton,
I rest
   Your assured lovinge brother
   Thomas Bowes.
   From the Castle at Yorke, this 25=th= of Sept. 1626.

<Q HUT 1627 TABOWES>
<A SIR TALBOT BOWES>
<P 314>
[} [\LETTER CXCIV.\] SIR TALBOT BOWES TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}]
[\20 Jan. 1626-7.\]
   Maugh! I perceyve by my sister, that, though sundrye of my
supposed freindes be lyke doves that forsake ruinous houses, yet
yowe contynue still the same yowe alwayes were; our declininge
fortunes have made no alteration in your affection. I have now
no meanes of requitall of any your least favours, but onelye to
gyve youe thankes for all togyther. If I shoulde enter into
particulars, I know not where to beginne; but that which is in
present use is freshest in memorye: and therefore, first, I
thank you for your tabacco sent to my wyf; for I owe as much
thankes as she, bycause I participate with her in the takying of
yt. I cannot be unmyndefull to gyve you thankes for your sonne
Phillip's companye with us, for he gave us a sermon wherein we
receyved muche comfort and great cause of rejoycinge. In good
fayth, I am verye glad to see his good proofs; and, the rather,
bycause I doubte not but yt will gyve you an extraordinarye
contentment. I have had a great desyre to come to see you; and
it is not distance of place, nor unseasonableness of weather, or
yet wayes, that coulde keepe me from you: but my brother's
misfortune makes me afrayd to fall into the same danger, and so
I hope you will take yt. How thinges stand between Richard
Fletcher and us, my sister hath related to you. I intend the
next weeke to wryte to him, and what answere he gyves me you
shall heare so soon as I can. In the mean tyme I will saye noe
more but hast, hast; lappinge up in sylence what I cannot
expresse in wordes. And among my manye afflictions, next after
my spirituall comfort, this is my last consolation, that you do
still accept me into your good
<P 315>
opinion; whiche I will ever seeke to preserve, that I maye be
still reputed
   Your brother-in-law and true love,
   Talbot Bowes.
   Streatlam, the 29=th= of Januarye, 1626.
   To the Ryght Worshippfull my verie lovinge brother, Sir
Tymothye Hutton, Knight, gyve these.

<Q HUT 1627 M2HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 2>
<P 315>
[} [\LETTER CXCV.\] MATT. HUTTON [\TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON, HIS
FATHER\] .}]
[\9=ber= 2, 1627.\]
   Sir, I thanke God I am safely arrived att Marske, and left my
wyfe (as wee thinke and hope) past all danger; for the 9=th= day
was past ere I left her, and they att the height. I intend to
goe to Littleburne to her of Tuesday, in hope to bringe her home
(with the help of the coach) the latter end of that weeke: yf
she be not able to ride, then I must leave her. And immediately
after Martinmas day I will hasten to Popleton to observe your
directions, and follow the advice of counsell in takinge
security for such further engagementes as we shall engage our
selves for my unckles. And thus, with the tender of my duty to
your selfe, and my service to my Lady and M=r=. Weekes, I rest
   Your dutifull sonne,
   Matth. Hutton.
   Marske, 2=d= (\9=ber=\) , 1627.

<Q HUT 1627 TABOWES>
<A SIR TALBOT BOWES>
<P 315>
[} [\LETTER CXCVI.\] SIR TALBOT BOWES TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON.}]
[\18 Nov. 1627.\]
   Sir, I was muche comforted and refreshed with hope that, by
your good meanes and your sonne's, my brother should have had
present delyverye from his long and tedious imprisonment: but I
perceyve yt is God's will yet to trye me further how I can beare
his hand; for of late I receyved a letter from my nephew
Matthew, wherein he desyred that with patience his jorney to
London
<P 316>
for that occasion might be deferred till Candlemas terme, in
respect both of his owne weaknes and his wyf's dangerous
sicknes, whom to leave so soone in suche a case woulde be to her
a great discomfort and discouragement. I returned him answere,
that God forbyd I shoulde intreate him to anythinge that was
eyther an impayringe of his owne health or a discomfort to his
wyfe; and, in good fayth, I then writ truely and ingeniouslye as
I thought: but since I hear that his wyf is pretylye well
recovered, and I hope he himselfe may undertake suche a jorney
without danger; whiche yf yt may be, then I woulde intreate your
furtherance thereunto. It is true that my brother's imprisonment
is greevous unto me, in respect he is my brother; and yt is
augmented by this, that yt is generally apprehended to be for my
cause. I have no freinde in the world whom I dare intreate in so
great a busines as his deliverye but your self alone; and yet I
am not so thirstye to compasse myne owne desyre, nor so
respectlesse of the wellfare of yourself and your posterytye, as
to intreate you to anythinge unlesse you first see yourself
freed from feare of future danger. But, yf that may be done,
then myne earnest desyre is for expedition in the busines; for I
perceyve delayes wilbe a great discomfort to my brother, and in
that respect too grevous to my self. I will saye no more, but
the experience of your former love hath made me adventure upon
this request; and, yf there be any cause of my presence to make
securytye, upon notice thereof I will not fayle to come to
Yorke: and in the mean tyme thinke this of me, I beseeche you,
that I will never forget what you have done for
   Your distressed brother-in-lawe and love,
   Talbot Bowes.
   Streatlam, the 18=th= of November, 1627.

<Q HUT 1628 M2HUTTON>
<A MATTHEW HUTTON 2>
<P 316>
[} [\LETTER CXCVII.\] MATTHEW HUTTON TO SIR TIMOTHY HUTTON, HIS
FATHER.}]
[\6 Feb. 1627-8.\]
   Sir, Tis now certainly agreed that there shall be a
parliament, and to begin upon the 17=th= of March. Good Sir,
sollicite the
<P 317>
towne that wee may continew our places, that I may endeavour the
prosecution of that course which I formerly intended as the
onely meanes we have to attaine our ease and comfort. Yf my
cosin Christopher Wandesford be not off the House, I fear we
shall not effect our desires; and therefore, yf S=r=. Talbot
will not be perswaded to desist, I pray you lett my cosin have
the place rather then myselfe. I was in hope to have gott out of
towne this weeke, but I fear I shall not; for some of the
gentlemen with whom I am to treat be out of towne, and I must
stay there returne. I have placed my brother Thomas with M=r=.
Farmer: the indentures are not yet sealed, so as I cannot send
you the conditions. My brother Phillip prosecutes his suit, but
I much fear the success will not answear his paines. The 20=li=,
as dew upon your accompt, we must take order to pay; but we hope
to gett my order from the Barons of the Exchequer to stay the
seisure for the 60=li= till there come a charge demonstratinge
the particulars, which they thinke will be (\ad Graecas
calendas\) . And thus, with the tender of my duty to your selfe,
and my service to my Ladye (whose freindes are all well), I rest
   Your dutifull sonne,
   Matth. Hutton.
   London, 6=th= Feb. 1627.
   I am summoned by the bell to doe the last offices of a friend
to M=r=. Christopher Brooke.

<Q HUT 1629 ABOWES>
<A ANNE BOWES>
<P 317>
[} [\LETTER CXCVIII.\] ANNE, WIFE OF THOMAS BOWES, TO MATTHEW
HUTTON.}] [^TO MATTHEW HUTTON, ESQ.^]
[\1629.\]
   Good Nephew, Let me intreat you to looke amongst your
writings for the articles that was last agreed upon betwixt Sir
Gorge Bowes and mi husband, for I think you have them; for, if
you cannot helpe me to them, I knowe not what to doe: for Sir
Gorge Bowes wil not pay the rent charg which was due at
Martinmas last, but still puts me of that there is some
reckening betwixt his unckell and him, which I knowe not how to
answer till I se the
<P 318>
articles: for, if there be anything in them unperformd, so it
is; for, since the time those was maid, I am sure we neither
bought nor tooke any thing of him. Good Sir, for God sake
perrues the articles, and, as you find them, let me have your
best adviss what to doe, for I would be verie loth to doe Sir
Gorge any wrong; and yet mi owne necesseties presethe me so,
that, if it be due, I would have it. There is tow-and-fortie
shillings more which Sir Gorge should have paid me mor than a
year since, but I canot get one peny from him. The rent charg
was assined me to pay for that ground I hav of Will Dowethwat at
Barforth, and it much greves me that I should be soe ill a
tenant as not to paye my rent when it is due; for I only desird
that I might hav that rent charg assind me to discharg that rent
at Barforth, thinkin it would alwaies hav bene surly payd at
such times as it was due: but he stil delaies, and forceth me to
wrong you for your rent. Thus, hoping you will excuse me at this
time, promising hereafter to be a better tanant, I rest with mi
true and due respect to you and all yours, desiring still to
remain
   Your faithfull loving aunt to her pore,
   Anne Bowes.
   [\NO DIRECTION.\]

<Q HUT 1630 THBOWES>
<A THOMAS BOWES>
<P 318>
[} [\LETTER CXCIX.\] THOMAS BOWES TO MATTHEW HUTTON.}] [^TO
MATTHEW HUTTON, ESQ.^]
[\27 June, 1630.\]
   Sir, Upon perusall of your counsell opinion, I finde that he
insists much upon a deede made from Sir George Bowes to you of
the castle, mannor, and lordship of Streatlam, (\anno\) 1629.
Sir George Bowes att that time hadd nothing to doe with the
castle or mannor, but I shall not dispute eyther his right or
ours at a distance: onely give me leave to acquainte you, that,
unlesse you will be pleased to come over accordinge to your
agrement and mine, the tenants will drive your tenants' goods;
which I should be loath should be done untill wee had a fuller
understandinge of the busines.
<P 319>
   My cozen Cleburne went this morninge to Thornton from hence:
she expected to have mett you here; but faylinge, she desired me
to acquaint you, that you will heare of her eyther att Cillerby
or there. Be assured none is more unwillinge that any trouble
should fall out betwixt you and my brother then your
affectionate cozen,
   Thomas Bowes.
   June 27=th=, 1630.
   For his kinde cozen Mathew Hutton, Esq. these.

<Q HUT 1633 THBOWES>
<A THOMAS BOWES>
<P 320>
[} [\LETTER CCI.\] THOMAS BOWES TO MATTHEW HUTTON.}] [^TO
MATTHEW HUTTON, ESQ.^]
[\5 June, 1633.\]
   Sir, I have but relation of Sir George Bowes' busines,
concernynge which, as he says, is this: he hath payed, as he
reports, 1200=li= of the money, and had the rest there readye to
paye; of which summe my nephew Thomas Delavale brought 700=li=
from his sister-in-lawe, with direction from her to bringe it
againe; for, Sir George Bowes not havinge credite to procure the
whole summe, he and his ladye went to Seaton, and dealt there
with his sister Barbarye for 700=li= until Pentecost, and that
she shoulde have securitye out of Bradley to have her money
repayed then. After this he writt agayne to his sister-in-law
not to fayle him at the tyme, for that she shoulde have her
money returned agayne; whereupon she sent the money with her
brother, my nephew Thomas Delavale, and I thinke the whole summe
was tendred: but, M=r=. Eurye having some speach with Mr.
Delavale, yt was perceived that the 700=li= must not be payed:
whereupon the Lady Eurye broke off, and woulde doe nothinge
without all her money. M=r=. Delavale was laboured both by Tobye
and John Ewbanke to lend yt untill Pentecost, and they would
then repaye; but he would not goo from her direction. Sir George
did promise securitye
<P 321>
out of the land; and, when the deed came to be seene, yt is
sayde that land was to passe in Sir George Bowes' sonne's name.
Soe all is wronge there. John Ewbanke hath an estate, as yt is
said, of Cleatlam, and haith his goodes there; and Sir George
Bowes is glad to take some part of yt of him, and the house. He
is now at Newcastle; and yt seemes he thinkes his money will
never have an end, for he is making matches with the lordes of
horse-courses, and, as we heare, hath made 2 matches, the one
for 40=li=, thother for 100=li=; soe that wee feare he will make
an end of all soone: and yt is given out that they intend to goe
and live at London at Michaelmas, and live there upon the
interest of their money. I heare the Ladye Eurye is cuttinge
down such wood as there is there, and Sir George Bowes sent to
forbid them; but this forbiddinge will take noe place: so that
wee see noe good to be doone for him, yf he cannot gett yt by
lawe.
   In good fayth, I could not tell you any thinge touchinge my
brother Warcop's performance with you, neyther knew I any thinge
of his abilitye; and seldom do I see him.
   Yo write that yo have sent me the bill of charges touchinge
the judgment to Christ. Peacock. I asked your man yf he had any
other writinge to me than your lettre, and his answer ys that he
hath none: soe that I have see noe such note. Your tenant
Parmely had a cowe driven by baylies. As for my contempt, when I
was at York, I caused the court to be sought, and noe such
thinge is there to be found against me; and the truth is, I
never had a lettre served upon me wherbye suche contempts should
accrue: so that I thinke yo may have a very good amendes of the
bailyes; for, yf it had bene soe that I had beene in contempt,
they must take my owne goods for it, and not an other's. I shall
disburse none to drawe your fine, but both I and my sonne will
perform what is ryght to be doone yf the fine be accordinge to
Sir George Bowes' deed for the demaine. Thus in hast I have
written yo an answer to all your enquiries, soe well as I can;
but the truth is, wee of Streatlam are mere strangers to Sir
George Bowes' businesses. And soe, commendinge my love to yo, I
rest
   Your assured lovinge uncle,
   Thomas Bowes.
   June the 5=th=, 1633.
   To the Right Worshipful my assured lovinge nephew, Mathew
Hutton, Esq., at Maske, theese be dd.



<B LEYCESTE>

[^CORRESPONDENCE OF ROBERT DUDLEY, EARL OF LEYCESTER, DURING HIS
GOVERNMENT OF THE LOW COUNTRIES, IN THE YEARS 1585 AND 1586. ED.
BY BRUCE, JOHN. CAMDEN FIRST SERIES 27. 1844.^]

<Q LEY 1585 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 4>
[} [\LETTER I. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 26TH SEPTEMBER, 1585.\] }]
   My verry good lord, her majestie sent me woorde by M=r= Da
[^EDITOR HAS NOT IDENTIFIED THE ABBREVIATED NAME^] that I shoold
speak unto your lordship that her plesure is you forbeare to
proceed in your preparatyons untyll you speake with her. How
this commethe abowt I know not. The matter is to be kept
secreat. Thes chaynges here may woorke somme sooche chaynges in
the Lowe Contrye as may prove irreparable. God give her majestye
an othur mynde and resolution then in proceadyng otherwyse yt
wyll woorke bothe hers and best
<P 5>
affected subiects ruine. And so I most humbly take my leave. At
the courte, the 26. September, 1585.
   Your lordships to command,
   Fra: Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1585 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 5>
[} [\LETTER II. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 27TH SEPTEMBER, 1585.\] }]
   Sir,
   I have this night, at j a clok, received your letter, which
doth signyfie that her majesties pleasure ys, I shuld stey my
preperations untyll I doe speake with her. I wyll lett you knowe
how farr I have gonne, and than I shall obey hir majesties
comandment, being knowen from you, for stey of the rest, and to
undoe of that ys donn, as hir wyll shalbe.
   First; uppon hir first order geven, both from hir self and
also confirmyd further by your letters by hir majesties
comandment, I dyspached, betwene Thursday night and yesternight
iiij a cloke, above ij=c= lettres to my servaunts, and sondry my
frends, to prepare themselves, according to the order I had my
self, with all the spede the could possible, to serve hir
majestie, under me, in the Low Countreys. I am sure ther be a c
of these alredy delyvered, and the rest wylbe before I can
revoke them; having apointed the xviij. and xx. of the next
month for ther repayr hether with
<P 6>
all ther furnyture. I have since, and before I cam my self to
the Tower, taken upp both armours and stele saddelles, as many
as must cost me a good pece of money. I have sett in hand sondry
furnytures also for my self. I have taken upp ij or iij vessells
to carry away presently certen provissions, as bear and other
necessaryes, which must be ther before me.
   And, lastly, that I am most sorry for, the states that were
at court cam hether to me this morning by ix a cloke, and spent
ij owres with me, touching my dyspach, in so much as they werr
reddy to knele to me for to make what hast for my none aryvall
on the other syde that I could possibly, yea by all perswasions
pressing me that I wold not stey tyll my full preparations werr
made, and my companyes, but to be knowen once to be aryved at
Mydelborow, or Flushing, with such as may sonest be reddy, for
by that meanes I shuld be the cause of stey of greter matters
than wold be wyshed thorow longer delay, for, they sayd, yt was
very long alredy. They offerd me with all, that many things
shuld be ther made reddy to receave me, even so sone as yf I
went within vj days I shuld be prepared for. I did, hereuppon,
tell them what streyt comandment I had received from hir
majestie to hast me over, and what good wyll they shuld now fynd
in me to performe the same. We agreed that I shuld send som
servant of myne to have ther lettres over to se all things made
ther reddy for me, yf I shuld followe within 14 or 15 days; I
dyd so, and sent D. Doyly, whome ye know, who hath ther lettres,
and, except my messenger find him, he ys gonn this morning tyde
before iij a cloke; yet have I, uppon the sight of your lettre,
sent one to seke him and to stey him. This farr alredy have I
proceded. I told the states, also, that I steyd hereabout tyll I
shuld prepare for my owne speedyer dyspach.
   Whereuppon this sudden change doth groe, M=r= secretary, I
<P 7>
can not imagin, nether wyll I meddell withall, but must obey her
majesties pleasure yf she have determyned any alteration, which
I desyer to hear from you, for yf I com to the court yt must
more easyly breake out, as yt wyll notwithstanding, and I can
but greve at the myserable estate of the pore aflycted; as for
my owne, hit must be as the potters vessell, &c.
   For that I know this forenoon some of the estates wyll com
ageyn to me about this cause, I wylbe absent somwhear tyll after
none, by which tyme I wyll hope to receive further dyrectyon
from you, which God grant to be best for her majesties own
servyce and hir realme, by whose wysdom and government we are
all lyke ether to stand or faule. Thus in much hast, praing you
to excuse the imperfectyon of yt, being scrybled in my bed this
Monday morning almost ij a clok.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To the right honourable M=r= secretary
Walsingham, hast, hast, hast.

<Q LEY 1585 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 7>
[} [\LETTER III. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 27TH SEPTEMBER, 1585.\] }]
This ys one of the strangest dealings in the world. I find yf
<P 8>
any lytle stey be longer, the alteration on the other syde wylbe
past remedy. They ar so importunatt uppon me as I was feyn to
promys them to be reddy my self to goe within xv days. I have
don as I have wrytten, both in dyspach of my lettres and taking
upp of the other necessaryes, which comes to no smale som, and
now, was I in my money matters, and have my frends abrode for
yt! What must be thought of such an alteration! For my parte, I
am wery of lyfe and all. I pray you let me hear with spede. I
will goe this morning to Wansted, to se som horses I have ther,
where I wyll tary tyll iij a clok, and than retorn hether ageyn,
and, yf the matter alter, I can have no hart to com at court, or
look uppon any man, for yt wylbe thought some myslyking in me
doth stey the matter. Send Philip to me, and God kepe you, and,
yf you can possible, lern out the cause of this change.
   Your assured,
   R. L.

<Q LEY 1585 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 8>
[} [\LETTER IV. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 27TH SEPTEMBER, 1585.\] }]
   My verry good lord, I wyll not fayle to acquaynt her majestye
with the great compforte your lordship tooke thorrough her
<P 9>
grateowse dealyng towardes you, at sooche time as she dyd
delyver her plesure unto you towching the imployment of you in
the Lowe Contryes.
   My lords have semed to be verry wyllyng to further any thinge
your lordship shall require for the advauncement of the servyce.
But yf your lordships requests shall mynister matter of charge,
thowghe yt be for publycke servyce, the impedyment wyll be
fownde in her majestye, with whom I have had verry sharpe
conflyctes abowt the Scottyshe causes, and all for charges.
   I wyll excuse your lordships absence in respecte of the
necessytye of your being at London for the better expedytyon of
your preparatyons. Sir Amyas Paulet proceaded forther in the
preparatyons at Chartley then I lookd for. I wyll doe what I can
to staye the intended remove thither, but I feare neyther ser
Wat. Ashetons howse, nor Gyffordes, wyll be founde so apt. I
wyll cause a sayll to be made of the felling of the quenes
woodes, and of the used of hir stuffe.
   I fynde by the comyssyoners that they desyre greatly your
presence on the other syde the seae, for that they dowbt, in
respect of the present confusyon of governement, and the
practyces in hand to drawe them to gyve eare to the prince of
Parma, ther may faule owt somme dayngerowse alteratyon in thos
contryes.
   I knowe your lordship wyll make what speed you may, and yf
your good wyll myght have taken place, the daynger they feare by
delaye had ben avoyded.
   I wyll doe my best indevor to see your lordship somme tyme to
morrowe, or next daye, at your howse in London, and so, in the
<P 10>
meane tyme, I most humbly take my leave. At the courte the
xxvij=th= of September, 1585.
   Your lordships to command,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
I woold be glad to undarstande whether your lordship hathe had
sir Thomas Cicell in remembraunce. 
[\ADDRESSED.\] To the right honorable my very good lord the
earle of Leycester.

<Q LEY 1585 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 10>
[} [\LETTER V. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM.\] }]
   Sir, I doe not meane to make any request that shall encreace
any neu chardge, albeyt hir majesty, I trust, shalbe well
provided to have hir own chardges saved in the end. You know
what my sutes ar lyke to be, only to se me go accompanyd with
such suffycyent
<P 11>
persones as shalbe requysytt in so weighty a servyce as this ys.
And herein, good Mr. secretary, stand fast to me in dede; for I
wyll seke nothing, by my jorney, in this world, but to doe
servyce to hir majestie and this realme, and nothing I am in
sure hope wyll hinder yt but letting me from such able persons
as I shall desyer. I gave my nephew Philip this morning som
notes to conferr with you about.
   I hope, sir, I may have that I made you acquantyd with v or
vj c of my owne tenauntes, whom I wyll make as good reconing of
a[{s{] of 1000 of any that ar yet gonn over, and no way to
encreace hir majesties chardges, and whan I shall speak with
you, which I much desier, I wyll further satysfye you.
   Sir, my lord of Hunsdon hath sent his comandment, uppon his
sonn Hobbyes informacion, for a bayly of Hersam, who had a book
concerning ther own lybertyes and myne also, delyvered them by a
stuard of myne only for a tyme to pleasure them, and now they
have retornyd the booke ageyn to my offycer, and my lord, he
sends, wyll comytt him for yt, but I trust that justyce wyll not
be, for I must rather inform hir majesty; and this being the
truth of the cause, I pray you, sir, help to kepe the pore man
from prison, as I know yf you send to my lord that the party
hath opened the cause to you, I know he wyll forbear him. I am
<P 12>
loth to have squares with him now. God kepe you, and so I rest
your assured,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my honorable good frend Mr. secretary
Walsingham.

<Q LEY 1585 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 21>
[} [\LETTER XI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. 5TH
DECEMBER 1585.\] }]
   My very good lord, I am sorry I could not take my leave of
you before my departure, but I hard, which I am sorry for, that
<P 22>
your lordships paines encreaced after my going from the court,
and dyd lett your intended coming to London; but, seing that
oportunyty taken away, I have thought yt my parte to byd your
lordship fare well by these fewe lynes, whearin I shall wyshe
your lordship perfect health, and many yeres to serve hir
majesty, comending you for the same to the mightye protectyon of
the Lord.
   My good lord, I may not, having this occasion, be unmyndfull
of these thinges also, which I did think at my leave taking to
have remembred to your lordship, albeyt I know the care you
always have of hir majesties good servyces. Your lordship can
not but remember the cause for which hit hath pleased hir
majesty to send me into the Low Countreyes. Hit was not only by
your lordship, but by the hole nombre of councellors agreed
uppon, how mete and necessary hit was for hir highnes to yeld
ayd and assistance for the relyfe of those aflicted countreys,
her neghbours and most auncyent frendes: hit hath grown synce to
nerer termes and resolucyons, aswell by hir majesties own wordes
of comfort to them, as by contractes sett down betwen hir and
them, by hir majesties comyssioners apointed for the purpose. I
trust, my good lord, now that I have taken this voyage uppon me
to serve hir majestie as she hath commanded, your lordship will
be myndfull of me, poore man, but of the cause comytted now to
my delinge chifely.
   Albeyt I have no mystrust but in so great absence, and such a
servyce, I might greatly relye uppon your partyculer good wyll
and regard of my self, but in this case I desier no respect nor
regard of me, but of the cause, which I besech you, my lord, I
may at this farewell recomend to your wysdome and great care.
Hit cannott be but whatsoever lack shall happen to me in this
servyce, but the want must turn to hir majestie; and, as ther
can
<P 23>
no good, or honor, fall to this actyon, but yt must be wholy to
the prayse and honour of hir majestie, so whatsoever disgrace or
dyshonor shall happen (growing for lacke of our good
maintenaunce) but yt wyll redownde to hir majestie also. Hir
majestie, I se, my Lord, often tymes doth fall into myslyke of
this cause, and sondrye opinions yt may brede in hir with all,
but I trust in the Lord, seing hir highnes hath thus farr
resolvyd and groen also to this farr executyon as she hath, and
that myne and other mennes pore lyves and substances ar
adventured for hir sake, and by hir comaundement, that she wyll
fortefie and mainteyn hir owen actyon to the full performance of
that she hath agreed on. Than shall ther be no dowbt, but
assured hope, of all good success, to the glorye of God and
perpetuall honour to hir majestie.
   My good lord, you may conceave my meaning without more wordes
used to you, and the rather for that I desiered Mr. secretary to
imparte a lettre to yow I wrote to him. I besech your lordship
have this cause even to your hart, as yt doth appear yow have
donn by consentynge to the adventure of your eldeth sonne in
this servyce; for this I must say to you, yf hir majesty fayle
with such suplye and maintenance as shalbe fytt, all she hath
donn hetherto wylbe utterly lost and cast away, and wee hir pore
subiectes no better than abiectes. And, good my Lord, for my
last, have me only thus farr in your care, that in these thinges
which hir Majesty and yow all have agreed and confirmed for me
to doe, that I be not made a metamorphocys, that I shall not
know what to doe.
   And so the Lord have you in his keping, preserve hir majestie
for ever, and send me good spede in this servyce. In som hast
this 5th of December, on my way to the sey syde;
   by your lordships assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
   My lord, no man feleth comfort but they that have cause of
<P 24>
grefe, and no men have so much nede of relyfe and comfort as
those that goe in these dowbtfull servyces. I pray you, my lord,
help us to be kept in comfort, for we wyll hazard our lyves for
yt. 
[\ADDRESSED.\] To the right honourable my very good lord, the
lord Burley, lord treasurer of England.

<Q LEY 1585 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 24>
[} [\LETTER XII. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 6TH
DECEMBER 1585.\] }]
My very good lord, I have receaved your courtess [^MS BURNT^]
letter, wherein your lordship doth commend to me your honorable
ca [^MS BURNT^] that your state and service now in hand doth
require, whereof truly, my lord, I do assure yow, no less a
portion of my care and travell for many respects to the
furtherance of your own honor than if I war a most neare kynsman
in bloode; and for the avancement of the action, if I should not
with all the powers of my hart contynually both wish and work
avancement therunto, I war to be an accursed person in the sight
of God; consideryng the endes of this action tend to the glory
of God, to the savety of the queens person, to the preservation
of this realme in a perpetuall quietnes, wherin for my
particular interest, both for my self and
<P 25>
my posterite, I have as much interest as any of my degree. And
this I pray yow, my lord, mak a perfect accompt of me and for my
doyngs. I referr the report to Mr. secretary, who hath this
afternoone hard me, in most ernest sort, dell with hir majesty
to favor and maynteane you and your action, as the only meanes
at this tyme to bryng hir to savety.
   From my couch in my chamber, not yet hable to rise from it.
God send your lordship a spedy good passadg. This vi. of
December, 1585.
   Your lordships assured as any,
   W. Burghley.
 
<Q LEY 1585 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 25>
[} [\LETTER XIII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 15TH DECEMBER 1585.\] }]
   Sir, I have not the contract which passed betwene hir majesty
and the states, which you promysed me I shuld have, and of
necessyty I must nedes have yt sent to me, and, yf yt may be,
the
<P 26>
very oryginall ys best, whearatt ther handes be; you may cause
the coppye to be exemplyfied yf ye lyst.
   I have also perused the rates for the armye, which you sent
me by Lloyd my secretarye, wherein you sett down my rate as
generall without my ordynary company, as a gard, phisytyon,
chaplen, clerkes, drom, fyfe, and such lyke, as other
lyvetenauntes had, and as you dyd delyver me before, at the
beginning; for all other great offycers, as marshall and such
lyke, you told me yt must be alowed by this countrey chardges;
which I meane to deale accordingly, &c.
   You sett doun all Mr. Kyllegrew and Mr. D. Clerk lx=s= a pece
(\per dyem\) , which ys more than the governors of Flushing and
Bryall have, and, as I remember, you told me that their
allowance shuld be xl=s= a pece. I pray you lett me be answered
of these iij matters with as much spede as may be.
   My laste is, to hear from you as ofte as may be, and to take
ordre for your ordynary passenger on that syde, and to lett me
hear how hir majesty acceptes of my doinges and wrytinges.
   The longer the winde doth holde our shipps the more occasion
I shall howerly have to wryte. The greatest of all ys, first, to
pray you to gett hir majestys favor that I may have vj=c=. or a
1000 of your Iresh idell men, such as be not only in her
majestyes pay but very mete to be out of that countrey. The
cause of my desier to have them ys, for that they be hard, and
wyll abyde more pains than our men, tyll they have byn well
trayned with hardnes as they have byn. My desier only ys, that
hir majesty wryte a letter to my lord deputye to gyve such leave
to come as he shall not imploye ther, and to further the beror
that ys sent thether in all reasonable sort for his conveying
and transportacion of them, without any chardge to hir majesty.
Herein ye shall [\do\] hir majesty very great servyce, for I
assure you ther be many dedd of
<P 27>
our souldyeres, and the enymye hath contynevall intellygence
from us, only they think I have brought a mervelous suply, by
the nomber of vesselles that cam over with me, and the rest that
went into Holland, thinking my company ther and her ys not under
iiij=m= at least. Ther be tyckettes also sent from London hether
which no dowbtes past to the enymye quykly, and wyll doe no
hurt, setting done the names of such as com with me, wherein
there ys ij=c=. names of my none gentlemen sett down, and they,
hearing I have so many gentlemen in my company, imagyn they are
not without servauntes, and so owr nomber must be great; which
opinion hath doon no harm, but yet yt wyll not long hold, and
therfore, I pray you Mr. secretary, ether gett me this suply or
elles 6 or 700 at the least out of England, to fill up our
bandes, elsewyse you wyll be sorry to hear of the want and
dyshonor that ys lyke to follow.
   Ther ys an other matter which I wold gladly be asuered of; I
wrote yt in an other lettre, touching the allowance of the
souldyer, at what rate he shalbe payd, whether after viij=d= the
day stirling, or after Flemysh money, which maketh much adoe
here.
   For our selues here, also, I trust you wyll remember, you
ther may hereafter have cause to fele that we doe, and shall
doe; therefore doe as you wold be done unto.
   Ther ys a pore matter of my none I left with you, Mr.
secretary, which ys, a byll for ij leases, an ordinary matter,
and I wyll pay for them; but my chefe care ys, there ys a
statute of forfeture uppon yt of iij.=m= li., or ij=m=. li. at
least, yf yt be not gotten before Crystmas day and delyvered to
the party. I dyd once tell you of yt, as also comandyd Tho.
Dudley to inform you therof; I pray you, sir, doe me the favor
to dyspach yt, or yf hir majesty think you styll to partyall
toward me, I pray you desier and beseche certeyn to do yt; yt
standeth me so much uppon me as I tell you.
   I wrote somwhat of sir Aldagond to you in putting his case;
but this ys certeyn, I have the coppy of his very letters sent
hether to
<P 28>
practyce the peace not ij days before I cam, and this day one
hath told me, that loves him well, that he hates our countreymen
unrecouerably. I am sorry for yt. So the Lord kepe you this
Wenysday the xv. of December.
   Your loving frend,
   R. Leycester.
   I pray you, sir, lett me know whether I shall have sir
Wylliam Pellam, or no; for I hear he sayth he dowbteth now whan.

<Q LEY 1585 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 28> 
[} [\LETTER XIV. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. 17TH
DECEMBER 1585.\] }]
My very good lord, the love and affection that I finde in this
people of Middelbourch to my souveraigne, and the good will and
desier they shewe to do me honour for her majesties sake, do the
rather persuad me to recommend unto your good lordship a cause
of certain merchantes of this towne, towchinge a ship of
Vlussingue that was loaden with oyles and cottens, and bond for
New Haven, but mett by the way, in their course, by three
Englishe shippes, and by them taken, and carried into England.
This was donn within these fifteene dayes; but because the
marchantes have one their that doth follow and solicite the
cause, and will wayte upon your lordship to impart the
particulars hereof unto you, I will not troble you therwithall.
I hartely praye your good lordship to
<P 29>
shewe them your good favour for the releasing of their shippe,
and recovering of their goods, and the rather at my earnest
request unto your lordship, for which you shall allwaies find me
very thankefull in all I maye. I am now here amongst them, where
I wold be very glad to requite their good wille, and to
contynewe their affection, by accomplishing their reasonable
requestes, and therfore once againe I am bold to put your
lordship in mynd of my request. Thus leaving your good lordship
to God, who send you as well and as good health as to my self, I
end. At Middelbourgh, this xvij=th= of December 1585.
   Your lordships ever assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To the right honorable my very good lord, the
lord Burghley, lord high treasurer of England.

<Q LEY 1585 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 29>
[} [\LETTER XV. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 26TH DECEMBER 1585.\] }]
Mr. secretary, albeyt I wrote lately to you from Dordrick,
having
<P 30>
thes convenyent messengeres, who doth meane to goe presently
into Englande, I wold [\not\] lett them pass without letting you
know where I am, and how greatly hir majesty ys in all places
reverenced and honored, of all sortes of people, from hiest to
the lowest, assuring themselves alredy, now they have hir
majestyes good countenance, to beatt all the Spanyards out of
their countrey ageyn. Never was ther people I think in that
jollyty that these be. I could be content to loose a lymme that
hir majesty dyd se these contreys and towens as I have; she wold
than think a hole subsedye well spent, but only to have the good
assurance and commandment of a few of these townes. I think ther
be not the lyke places agayn for England to be founde. I am now
going to the Hage, whear I shall have matter to wryte to hir
majesty shortly. In the meane tyme I meane not to trowble hir
majesty with any lettre, having written from Dort also unto hir.
   Thys sute I am to recomend unto you most ernestly. Ther ys a
gentleman, one Jacob Muys Van Holy, who ys one of the ablest men
in all these partes to serve hir majesty, both for his credytt
and wysedome. He hath a sonne prisoner with the enymye, and very
yll used. He besought me, yf ther were any Spanyard taken among
our seamen, as he heareth ther ys, he wold be a proude man to
have him, or any, to redeme his sonne, for they wyll not sett
him at any ransom, for the hate to his father; who in dede hath,
by his credytt, donn notable service in this cause, and no man
better able at this day to serve her majesty. I assure you, in
my opinion, hit were a good tern to bestow Seburo uppon him, and
yt ys my sute; I know it shall doe more good with all than xx=m=
crowns in money. He ys chefe bayly of Dordryght, where they have
ij=m= and iiij=c= able soldyers
<P 31>
of the very townes men as ever I saw in any place, and the
kindest people; beside there ys belonging above ij=m= maryners
to this town alone. I assure you yf such a parte might com to
him uppon the sudden, with a letter of thankes to the hole towne
besides, for ther honorable usage of me, hir majesties
lyvetenant here, you shall wynn her more frends withall thorow
all this countrey than a c Spanyardes be worth.
   I must besech hir majesty, also, that ther may be partyculer
letters wrytten of thankes to those towns who have so honorably
and chargeably receaved me in hir majesty's name, as Dordryght,
Rotradame, and this towne Delf, which ar all iij notable fair
towns, and all trafyquers with England. Flushing and Mydelborow
had letters, which makes me the bolder to craye these. The worst
of these towns presented me with xv=c= shott and armed men, at
the least, and dyd conduct me from town to town with vj and
vij=c= shott.
   This town ys an other London almost for bewty and fairnes,
and have used me most honorably, as these berors can tell you;
with the greatest shewes that ever I sawe. The mett me along the
ryver as I cam, v=c= shott ij myles of; at my landing ther was
not so few as xv=c= shott more, standing in a row from my
landing tyll I cam to my lodging, which was nere a long myle; by
the way, in the great merkett place, they had sett a squadron,
at the leaste of viij=c= or a 1000 pikes, all armyd, which was a
mervellous fayr sight, and tall able personages as ever I saw.
Ther was such a noyse, both here, at Rotradame, and Dordryght,
in crying, "God save queen Elisabeth," as yf she had ben in
Chepesyde, with the most harty countenances that ever I sawe;
and therfore, whatsoever hath byn sayd to hir majesty, I beleave
she never bestowed hir favor uppon
<P 32>
more thankfull people than these countryes of Holland; for the
states dare not but be queen Elyzabethes, for, by the lyving
God, yf ther shuld fall but the least unkindness, thorow ther
default, the people wold kyll them, for these towns woll take no
dyrectyon but from the queen of England, I assure you; and yf
hir majesty had not taken them at this nede, but forsaken them,
she had lost them for ever and ever, and now hath she them, yf
she wyll kepe them, as the cyttysens of London, in all love and
affectyon.
   All our horses, that have byn uppon the water at London and
here above xxvj days, ar as well aryved as yf they had never byn
travelled, and not so fayr when they wer shipt as they be now.
   Lastly, sir, I besech send me a pursevant; he that I
apointed, and desyered to goe, made sute a day before I cam away
to tarry at [{home,{] with xx excuses, his name ys Segar. I prey
you, sir, lett some one, and an able boddy, be apointed with
spede. Yf you call for clarencius he wyll name some fytt man to
you. I have great nede of such a one. Yf he have French, or
Duch, or Latyn, yt shall suffyce.
   I perceave not only these people here dowbtyd of hir majesty
dealing thus with the king of Spayn, but the princes of Germany
also, of whome one yesterday hath told me, that they know alredy
of my coming, and so mervell at yt as he thinkes her majesty
shall fynd them in an other tune than ever she found them yet;
shortly I shall hear more, and, uppon this, yf the matter of
Segaro werr satysfyed touching Cassamere, she wold shortly
dyrect them all. I speak yt not for any respect for my self (God
ys judge), but you wyll not beleave what a reputacion this
dealing in the Low Countreys hath alredy gotten hir.
   I have most cause to complayn, that was sent out as I was,
and yet stand, without help, or assistance, of such persons as I
hoped for. I hear nothing of Sir William Pellam, nor Mr.
Kylligrew,
<P 33>
and, for my parte, yf I lak them one weke longer, I had as leave
the taryed styll, for now am I at the worst, even at the first;
for now wyll all the busynes be: yt were to much pytty to lose
so great good thinges for lack of some help at the first. Yf yt
were not for Mr. Davison I shold be very farr to seke, God
knows.
   I find no great stuffe in my lytle colleage, nothing that I
looked for. Yt ys a pytty you have no more of his profession
able men to serve. This man hath good wyll, and a pretty
skollers wytt; but he ys to lytle for these bygg felloues, as
heavy as hir majesty thinks them to be. I wold she had but one
or ij such as the worst of half skore here be.
   I find Ruddykyrke a very grave, wyse, honest man; now, in the
fayth, he confesseth, he was almost out of belefe of hir
majesties goodnes. Walke dealeth most honestly and painfully.
Paule Buys I find greatly envyed and myslyked; but he must nedes
be had, albyt all devyces ar used to putt him out from being a
councellor.
   Now a few wordes for St. Aldegonde. I wyll besech hir majesty
to stay hir judgement tyll I wryte nest. Yf the man be as he now
semeth, hit were petty to loose him, for he is in dede
mervelously frended. Hir majesty wyll think, I know, I am easily
pacyfied, or ledd, in such a matter, but I trust so to deall as
she shall gyve me thankes. He hath made my nephew and Mr.
Davison deall with me; he hath sent his sonn, also, to me, to
gyve him to me, but I forbare, tyll I had good advyce in dede,
to send one to him, which was Gilpyn, and doe looke every oure
to
<P 34>
hear from him agayn. Once yf he doe offer servyce yt ys sure
inough, for he ys esteemed that way above all the men in this
countrey, for his word yf he gyve yt. His most enymyes here
procure me to wynne him, for sure just matter for his lyfe ther
ys none. He wold fayn come into Englond; so farr he ys com
alredy, and doth extoll hir majesty for this work of hirs to
heaven, and confesseth, tyll now, an angell could not make him
beleave yt. Well, I hope you shall hear that wyll not myslyke
you hearin. Fare you well, this Sonday morning, at Delph.
   Your assured,
   R. Leycester.
   I never herd out of Englond yet synce I cam away.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my honourable good frend sir Francis
Walsingham, knight, her majesties principall secretarie.

<Q LEY 1585 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 34>
[} [\LETTER XVI. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. DECEMBER, 1585.\] }]
   My verie good lord, your letters sent by Mr. Henrie Astell
and your servante Underhill, I have receaved, by the which I am
verie
<P 35>
gladd to understand that your lordship hath ben so honourably
used in those places where you nowe are, and that they stand so
greatlie devoted towardes her majestie as by all owtward shewe
dothe manyfestly appeare, which ought to move her majestie to
like the better of the actyon, and to countenance the same in
such sorte as maie both encourage your lordship and increase the
love and goodwill towardes her, of those well affected people.
But, as farre as I can learne by such of my frendes as are
acquainted with our court proceadinges, it wourketh not that
good effect that were to be wished, so unpleasant are all
thinges that mynister matter of charges. I praie God frame an
other minde in her majestie, as well for her owne honour and
safetie, as for the encouragement of such as are emploied in
publicke service.
   I am verie gladd that the promised contribution by the states
carrieth likelyhood of perfourmance, which stoppeth the mouthes
and practises of those that sought to wourke an other conceipt
in her majestie, by bearinge her in hand that she was abused,
and that the burthen of the charges would light uppon her, or at
least that she should in the ende be forced, in respecte of
charges, to geve over the cause. I would to God their meanes
might have ben found such as some parte of her owne charges
might have ben diminished, whereby she might have ben the rather
encouraged to have put on a resolution to have proceded
constantlie in the maintenance of the cause.
   As your lordship heareth out of Germanie that this enterprise
of her majesties hath greatlie encreased her reputation in those
partes, so do we here the like out of Italie, and I thincke
that, if they might stand assured that her majestie would
throughlie prosecute the cause, they might be drawne in some
sorte both to yeald supporte and to kyndell some fyer ther; so
necessarie do they find it that the king of Spaynes greatnes
should be abated in respect of their owne perryll.
   I perceave by your lordships letters that if you had not come
<P 36>
at that tyme you did, there would have fallen out some
dangerouse alteration in that countrie, and therefore all honest
and well affected subiectes here have cause to thancke God that
you arrived there so seasonablie as you did; for, houesoever we
mislike of the enterprise here, all England should have smarted
if the same had not ben taken in hand.
   If the princes of Germanie could be drawne to congratulate
your lordships repayre into those partes, as your lordship is
put in hope they will doe, it will greatlie countenance the
cause.
   Touchinge your lordships request to have Sebur gewen in
exchange for the bayliffe of Dortrechtes sonne, I will doe my
uttermost endevor to bringe the same to effecte, wherein I hope
there wilbe found no great difficulty, for that his releasement,
beinge a man of no great capacitie thoughe otherwise
malliciouslie affected, can wourke no great preiudice to this
estate.
   This daye, I understood by Mr. vice-chamberlaine, who came to
vissitt me, that her majesties mislikes towardes St. Aldegonde
contynuethe, and that she taketh offence that he was not
restrained of his libertie by your lordships order. I did
acquainte him with the letter he wrote unto your lordship, which
carryinge a true picture of an afflicted mynde, cannot but move
an honest harte, weyinge the rare partes the gentleman is endued
withall, but to pittie his distressed estate, and to procure him
releif and comforte, which Mr. vice-chamberlaine hath promised
on his parte to perfourme. I thought good to send St. Aldegondes
letter unto the lord threasurer, who heretofor hathe carryed a
harde conceipt of the gentleman, hopinge that the viewe of his
letter will breed in his lordship some remorse towards him. I
have also praied his lordship, if he see cause, to acquainte her
majestie with the said letter.
   Sorie I am that your lordship should have that iust cause you
<P 37>
have to complaine of lacke of assistance. There falleth out
daylie, as I am informed, newe discoverie of abuses touchinge
the office of the ordenance, as that there should be a hundred
brasse peeces missinge, which doth so much agravatt her
majesties displeasure against sir William Pelham, in that he did
neglect, with that care that appertained, to oversea the
inferiour officers, as she can hardely endure anie man to deale
for him. Yett, notwithstandinge, my lord threasurer hathe of
late sent the gentleman woordd, that he is nowe in some hoape
that her majestie wilbe content to extend some grace towardes
him, whereby he maie be sent unto your lordship, who canne never
come to late, in respecte of the contynuall use your lordship
shall have of his advice and assistance, so longe as you shalbe
emploied in those countries in a martyall coorse.
   Touchinge a coppye of the originall contracte that your
lordship writeth of, I am assured the same was delyvered either
to Mr. Atye, or to Mr. Fludde; in the meane tyme, until the same
maie be found, your lordship maie use a coppie I delyvered to
Mr. Killegrewe, who hathe been long at the seae syde for a
wynde.
   The allowance gewen to doctour Clarcke and Mr. Killegrewe is
mistaken by the writer, for that it ought to be onlie 40 (^s.^)
(\per diem\) . And, as touchinge your lordships allowance as
generall, it is true that the enterteinement due to all such
necessarie attendantes all other generalls have had, was
omitted. Your lordship therefore shall do well to write a joynte
letter to the lord threasurer and to me, to move the rest of the
counsell to geive warrant to the threasurer for the paiement
thereof.
   The letters of thanckes your lordship desireth unto the
townes of Dortrecth, Rotterdam, and Delft, I will not faile to
procure: as also that ther maie be provided a passage boate for
the transportation of letters.

<Q LEY 1585 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 38>
[} [\LETTER XVII. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 26TH
DECEMBER, 1585.\] }]
   My very good lord, sence the retorn of Mr. Gorge from your
lordship, who cam the next daye after his shippyng, we have not
hard from your lordship, nether I thynk hath your lordship hard
from hence; the lack of both hath bene in default of passages.
And now, as soone as any shippyng cold be made redy, which,
though I wryte these letters this Mo[\nday\] being the 26. yet,
untill Wednesday, the officers of the admyralte say, the
shippyng cannot be redy, and if it than shall be, I d[{oubt{] of
nothyng but want of wynd to bryng over to your lordship a gret
nombre of your good frendes and servantes, and amongst them my
son, who hath bene hable and redy these x dayes, if he cold have
gotten shippyng, which he cold not get untill your shippes
retorned.
   By Mr. Gorge and others I receaved two letters from you, the
on of the xj=th= the other of the xiij=th=, both wrytten at
Midelburg. By the former, your lordship signefyeth your saff
arryvall, and the perswasion that your coming hath wrought in
that nation of hir majesty's mynd to help them, wherof they war
in doubt afor. By the second, your lordship wryteth in what
state Sluse and
<P 39>
Ostend ar, and how much yow fynd above your formar opynion the
importance of those ij places ar for the service ageynst the
enemy, and therfor your lordship hath entred into consideration
how to releve ther wantes; wherin, in my opynion, I think your
lordship hath no on thyng, now at your first coming, mor
nedefull for avoyding of that danger, which, if it shuld happen,
will not be remedyed without gret charges and hazard. For I have
allweise thought, that ther was nothyng more nedefull for the
kyng of Spayn than to have mo and better places on Flanders syde
than he yet hath for shippyng, as well to send ayde of men,
mony, and victells, from Spayne, or from France by frendshipp,
as to kepe shippes of warr to offend all passengers betwixt
England and Zelland or Holland; as, by experience, the
possessyng of Dunkyrk haven hath served, with a few beggarly
vessells, to have done gret dammage by sea, presyng of men,
shippes, merchandise, and victells; and suerly, my lord, if
Sluse shuld be lost, the Spanyards might incress ther strength
by sea with shippyng hable to overmach both Flussyngars and a
good nombre of our shippes, for if the haven shuld be thers,
they might kepe as well j=c= sayle as x., and what cost will a
kyng of Spayn spare, to be a master on the sea, wher he now is
commanded? But I am to long herin, although I might wryte much
more; but I know and perceave by your lordships own wrytyng, yow
look depely into this matter, which in dede can not be to
spedely looked unto, that both these places he victelled,
manned, and ther weaknes also spedely strengthened, and, in my
opinion, the states ought, at this tyme, more largly to
contribut to this chardg than to a doosen of other towns in any
part of Holland, and therfor, good my lord, as you have begon to
take care hereof, so procure the states to yeld monny
plentifully, to pay a sufficient nombre there whylest the
imperfections of the places may be reenforced, and than the
<P 40>
nombers may be the fewar afterward. I wold to God that your
lordship cold procure such a releff, as ether of those ij towns
might have but j=c= horsmen, who, joyning togither, might ether
spoyle the country, or might cause the ennemy bryng a great
force to that frontyer, wherby ther own nombres shuld also
dammag ther own towns, as Bruges, Newport, &c. by reason of ther
lack of victells.
   Mr. Wylford wrote a letter to Partridg of Kent, to help send
hym some victells, and therwith he sent a letter of your
lordship to the commissioners of Kent, and so I have procured
letters from the counsell to the commissioners, to authorise on
Mr. Avyer to send it over, with bond to have it saffly sent,
wherof Mr. Brown your lordships servant is by me made prive.
   Your said servant also required my warrant for sendyng of
ce[{rtain{] victell uppon your lordships letters wrytten to hym,
and I was v[{ery{] willyng so to have doone of myn own
authorite, but I am otherwise directed by a warrant signed by
hir majesty afor your lordship departed, wherof, it is sayd,
that your lordship was prive; but it bredeth, in [\my\] opinion,
some hyndrance with the circumstances; for, first, it is by the
warrant apoynted, that your lordship must, first, by your
letters to me, signefy what quantite yow require, and than ther
must be an other letter procured from four of the counsell to
me, also, for allowance therof, and than am I authorised to gyve
warrant to the portes, but yet with condition that bondes must
be put into the chequer for the retorn of trew certificat from
that syde. With all these circumstances I am circumscribed more
than in former tymes hath bene thought necessary, but I fynd no
lack in that I am so directed, but sometyme ther will be
required more spede than this manner doth prescribe. Of this Mr.
Brown is now prive, and yet I have ventured to gyve hym warrant,
havyng also gotten a letter from the counsell, for such a
proportion as he required, which was, for j=m= quarters of
<P 41>
wheat, as much malt, j=c= ton of beare, xl bulloks, vj oxen,
j=c= shepe, vj barrells of tallow candells, a hoy with wood and
cole. And he sayth, he will wryte to your lordship to have yow
hereafter to signefy your mynd in particular wrytyng to me, for
such thynges as yow shall have nede, wherin I wish your lordship
caused accompt to be made of the charges of our prises, with
charges of transportation, with the lyk kyndes there to be had,
for I here report that manny thynges ar to be had ther with
easyer prices, and, of those thynges, I doot not but your
lordship will forbeare to require any provision from hence,
which will also be good for our country, wher, by collor of
these provisions, prises will ryse without reason.
   I heare also, my lord, that there is gret gayne made of our
coyn, both of gold and silvar ther, to the loss of our
countrymen uttryng the same for that country monnyes, and the
gayn sought by merchants both of that country and of England, by
choppyng and changyng therof under the trew vallew; for, in
truth, our monny, both gold and silver, is worth in eschange
above xxxiiij=s=. the pownd, and yet the marchant holdeth the
eschange but at xxxiij=s=. iiij=d=, and therfor, my lord, yow
may do a good dede to cause some honnest skillfull men to make a
trew assaye of the monnyes of that countrye, and rate both our
gold and silver at the same price, and to cause our people to be
well instructed at what prices they ought to utter our monnyes
for the monnyes of those con[{tryes{] . In this matter, I thynk
a servant of alderman Martyns, that went over with the tresorer,
can inform your lordship, or any of your counsell ther, what
order war to be taken.
   And I wish, also, that your lordship wold deale with the
counsell of the states for reformation of ther myntes, which,
being many in nombre, serve only by fraude to gayne to them that
ar the officers of the myntes, and to the decept of the people.
   Your lordship, also, is to be advertised, which I do by hir
majesties direction, that she understandeth very certenly, that
the king of Spayn maketh all the provision that he can possible,
to mak a
<P 42>
mighty navy for a great army to come by sea, to annoy hir
majesty, and, for the furniture therof, beside his own shippes
and gallyes, both of Spayne and Itally, in Millan, Naples, and
Sicilly, he is promised ayd of men and gallyes from the pope and
the dukes of Savoy and Florence, and, some report, from the
Venetians, but therof I dout, so as, in conclusion, it is here
found most necessary that hir majesty shall also make
preparation of all the strength that she can mak by sea, and,
for that purpooss, it is here resolved, that hir own shippes
shall be removed to Portesmouth in March next, and a gret nombre
of hir subjectes shippes shall also be made redy to come, ether
to Portesmouth, or to Plymmouth, or to other places in our west
partes, as, by further intelligence of the king of Spayns
preparations, shall be requeset. And for this purpooss hir
majesty thynketh it most nedefull that your lordship shuld
presently procure some persons of understandyng, such as here is
named, Mr. Nicholas Gorge, to repayre to the portes of Holland
and Zelland, ether with the pryvety of the states or without it,
as your lordship shall thynk best, and to attayn to a certen
knolledg of the nombre of shippes provisable for warre, as to be
about ij=c= tons or vij or viij=xx=, and of ther furnitur, and
what nombre of marrynors ar also in every port, and whyther any
nombre of marrynors might be had to be hyred, to help to supply
our lack that may happen in the queen's navy, wherof we have
cause to dowt, because of the gret nombre absent with Sir
Francis Drak, and abrod with our merchantes shippes being
adventurers, and after that your lordship shall have
understandyng hereof, than hir majesty wold have your lordship
to impart to the states, or to ther counsell, how and in what
sort hir majesty looketh to be this sommer, and that very tymly
in the
<P 43>
spryng, assayled by a gret army of the king of Spayns, and how
nedefull it is, that all meanes possible be used to have a navy
hable to withstand the same, and specially to impeach the
comming of this Spanish navy towardes those Low Countryes, for
which purpoos, as hir majesty will spare no chardg to arm hir
own navy to the seas, and hir subjectes also, which must prove
an unknowen chardg, so wold she have your lordship to exhort
them, accordyng to the necessite of this tyme, to put in order
spedely as gret a navy as maye be by them fully furnished, to be
redy to come to the narrow seas by the end of March, or the midd
of Aprill, if by the king of Spaynes hasty preparations hir
majesty shall be therto so spedely provoked. And though, by an
article of the treaty, they ar bound hereunto in a certain
quantite, as by the article wherof I send your lordship a copy,
(I know not whyther you have the same,) yet the tyme requiring
all help possible, to match with so puissant army as the king
prepareth, your lordship may with reason soll[{icit{] them to a
farder proportion, if it may be. And hir majesty is desyrous to
be advertised hereof with such spede as your lordship may
procure.
   Thus, my lord, consideryng Mr. Aty maketh hast to depart, and
I am as yet not so hable to wryte as I have bene, I pray your
lordship that I may mak an end, with my assurance to your
lordship that, in any thyng that in my power lyeth to plesure
you and furder your service, I will be as redy as any frend that
is here behynd yow. And to conclud, I hartely thank your
lordship for the trust you have committed to me joyntly with my
lord chancellor for your office of the forrest, but we must have
some directions from your lordship what to do, or els we shall
not know what to doo.
   I nede not wryte to yow of our common news here, because so
<P 44>
many come over at this tyme fully fornished with such matters.
From Grenwich, the 26th of December, 1585.
   Your lordships to be commanded,
   W. Burghley.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To the right honorable my very good lord the erle
of Lecester, lord [{lieutenant of{] the queens majestys forces
[{in the{] Low Countres of Holland, Zelland, &c. and of hir
majesty's prive counsell in England.

<Q LEY 1585 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 44>
[} [\LETTER XVIII. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 27TH
DECEMBER, 1585.\] }]
   My very good lord, whan I wrote my letters on Sonday, which I
do send by Mr. Aty, I wrote the same in hast, as I am forced by
multitude of causes to do allweis, but the rather because Mr.
Aty told me, that he wold come for them as yesterday, and
depart, which, fyndyng hym not to come, as I thynk by some
necessary lett, and havyng my sonn here redy to pass towardes
his shippyng, I have thought good to wryte a few thynges by hym.
   First, I am so assured, and my sonn also, of your lordships
honorable good will towardes hym, more than in common sort, as I
forbeare to wryte any more, but, breffly, to recommend hym to
your protection, and to wish [\him\] Godes grace to do as well
as I am sure your lordship will wish hym.
<P 45>
   My lord, now Mr. secretary being absent, I am occasioned to
deale with hir majesty in manny thynges, and suerly I am gretly
discoraged with lack of hir resolutions. For Mr. Pelham, I have
delt ernestly with hir majesty to dismiss hym with hir favor to
come thyther to your lordship, but hir majesty refuseth ether to
pardon hym, wherof he hath most nede, or to stall his dett,
which he also requireth, yea to take as much of his land as
resonably may satisfy his dett, so as he may, with the rest,
live and pay his other dettes, but hir majesty peremptorely
commandeth me to chardg hym to depart, and to hope uppon hir
favor at his retorne. Herwith he is so discontented as he
offreth rather to go to the Tower: in this hard terme his cause
resteth. Hir majesty sayth, he nede be at no chardg ther, for he
shall bot as a privat man attend on your lordship. I saye, I
thynk your lordship meaneth to mak hym marshall. She sayth, that
therin she will not deale, for she will charg hym with no
service, but only to attend on yow. In these termes is this
poore gentleman; and yet I will continew, with all importunite I
can, to obteyne hir majestys more favorable opinion of hym,
because I know how nedefull his service is to your lordship.
   Good my lord, serche the intention of the works in Antwerp by
the carpynters that work uppon shipps, in secret sort. I feare
ther is ment to mak some multitude of fatt botes to bryng people
into the flatt seas, to attempt Tergooss and Zyrecksea. Uppon
the purposs of the ennemy your lordship is to provyde some
conterwork to withstand such enterprises. I have hard that ther
ar manny papistes in Tergooss.
   And thus, the tyde callyng my sonn awey, maketh me and my
letter in hast. At Grenwych, 27 December, 1585.
   Your lordships at command,
   W. Burghley.

<Q LEY 1585 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 46>
[} [\LETTER XIX. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 31ST DECEMBER, 1585.\] }]
   Mr. Secretary, I cam hether to the Hay, uppon Monday last,
whear I was very honorably receaved, all the states being
assembled together for that purpose, to make as much shew as
they could devyse of their good wylles to hir majesty, as in
many orations, pagentes, and such lyke, was expressyd, besyde
the people with great joye cryed, "God save the quene, God save
the quene," in every place of the stretes as I passed.
   The next day all the hole states generall cam to me, and ther
openly ageyn ther chauncelor Leonius (some call him Longonius)
made a longe oratyon in thankes and prayses to the quenes
majesty for hir great clemency, bounty, and goodnes, shewyd to
these pore aflycted countreys; attrybuting all their good and
happines, under God, to hir majesty only. As sone as he had donn
than cam comyssioners from partyculer provinces, as from
Utrycht, Geldars, and Fresland, besides sondry spetyall towens,
as Ansterdam, Leydon, Auchuson, and others, all which must nedes
use ther gratulacion, with oratyons, as the other dede, and much
to the same effect all with thankes and prayse to hir majesty.
<P 47>
   At all this cerymony-doing was ther a French secretary, sent
hether v or vj [\days\] before with lettres from the king. He
sayd yt was about merchantes matters, but in dede contrary, only
to have impeched, yf he could, this bynding themselves to hir
majesty as they doe. But the states gave him no audyence all the
while, alleaging they were occupied about the servyce of the
quene of Englond, which they wold dyspach before all princes in
the world. This fellow, being present at all this solemne
dealing with me, tooke yt in such snuffe as he cam prowdly to
the states, and offred his letters, saing: "Now I trust you have
donn all your sacrafyces to the quene of Englond, and may yeld
me some leysure to rede my masters letters." They so shooke him
upp, and with such termes, naming hir majesty in skorn, as they
tooke yt, as they hurld him his letters, and bidd him content
himself, they wold first dischardge all the least dewtyes
whatsoever to hir majesty before they wold hear him. So they
have every day synce sett about the contract with hir majesty,
spetyally how to gyve me answere for hir full satysfaction
touching ther abyllytye to maynteyn ther warrs, whearin I hear
credybly hir majesty shalbe well satysfied, and further then any
of us looked for. And both roundlye and frankley they goe to
worke, that ye shall se they wyll doe indede more than ever they
promysed, considering her majestes denyall [\of\] the
souerauntye and name of protector. For they meane, and must doe
yt, for the hole people wyll have yt, that hir majesty shall
have in hir handes the hole bestowing aswell of ther money and
contrybucions as of ther men of warr; and the desire no longer
hir good favour to them than they shall deall in all sincerytye
with hir. Wherein yt apperes that all the comyssioners have
wonderfully sett fourth her majesty to them all here, and Paull
Buys hath donn his parte thorowly, so hath Walk also. And all
thinges alredy [{are carried on{] with the most unyversall
obedyence of hir majestys name that ever I sawe. And
<P 48>
flatly yt apperes now, they wyll no other authorytye but under
hir majesty, nor that their treasure nor lyves shalbe at the
dysposing of any but hir majesty, which, yf you saw that we se
here, ye would wonder at [\what\] these people doe, and ar able
to doe, and yf God had not moved hir majesty to send when she
dyd, the prince of Parma had byn by this tyme in the best and
greatest tounes they have; but ye shall hear others in this and
not me.
   And as I wrote before how hir majestyes dealinges here ar
alredy blowen into Germany, so this day the elector brought me
letters agayn newly com there, whereby they wryte most honorably
of hir majesty, and the duke of Sax geues much better eye than
he did, synce his wyfes death, and lyke to marry ageyn with the
hows of Hanalt, a great protestant and a great howse. He hath
sent to speak with Seiguro, and very lyke to joyn with the other
princes, who ar agreed, not only to send a messenger to the
French king, but to lett him know, that they will com to the ayd
of the king of Navare, who ys most iniuriously delt withall by
the practyce of the pope and king of Spayn. The ellector vowede
to me that they have donn more in these causes within this xx
dayes, synce they understood of her majesties resolucyon agaynst
the king of Spayn, aswell by Sir Francis Drakes going into the
Indyes as her sending into these countreys, than they have don
this x yeres, or wold have don this twelmonths yet. God send hir
majesty to think of his mercyfull dealinges accordingly. The
king of Denmark also hath joyned and encouraged greatly these
princes. Hit ys told me by the elector that dyvers of them meane
to send hether to me, to congratulate hir majestyes gracious
doings toward this countrey.
   I have no other nues tyll these states have fully ended ther
consultacions, which wylbe to morrow, as I hear, and wholy,
without contradyctyon, to be at the devotyon and dispocyon of
hir
<P 49>
majesty absolutly. Of this ye shall hear as sone as I shall know
ther further answere. Two of our men of warr of Flushing hath
taken ij Dunkirk men; one sonk and drouned all the souldyers and
maryners. Thus fare ye well, sir, this last of December.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
   Hit ys sayd that the princes ar resolvyd to entreate
Cassymere to be generall, and shall have xxv=m= men levyed by
the princes to goe with him into France.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 49>
[} [\LETTER XX. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 3RD JANUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   Good Mr. secretarie. I had forgotten in my former letters to
send unto you theis letters which I therein mencioned, which I
presently send unto you herinclosed; and so committ you to the
blessed tuicion of the Almightie. From Leyden, this iij. of
Januarie, 1585.
   Your assured loving frend,
   R. Leycester.
[^POSTCRIPT AUTOGRAPH^]
   I leave yt to your self whether you think yt good hir majesty
se St. Aldagondys letter or no. I cam hether to Leydon whilst
the states ar fynyshing all thinges ageinst my retorn, which
wylbe to morrow: this ys a goodly town and very strong, and most
loving people. Cassimers letter ys not here.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To the right honourable my very good frend, sir
Francis Walsingham, knight, principall secretary to her majesty.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 50>
[} [\LETTER XXI. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 12TH
JANUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   My very good lord, though ther ar manny difficulties both for
your lordship ther, and for us here, to concurr to the
furderaunce of this noble necessary service under your chardg,
yet ther is no on thyng that more annoyeth the expedition than
the advers wyndes, that somtyme kepeth us from understandyng of
your procedynges, not many dayes but manny wekes; but, that most
greveth us, the contrariete also of the wyndes stayeth us from
sendyng to your lordship, not only of letters but of men, horse,
victells, and monny. Amongst which evill accidentes my son,
Thomas Cecill, feleth at this tyme the burden and greff therof,
as he shuld have bene less damnefyed with an agew of on or two
monthes. As soone as he had recovered his evill fate he went
towardes the sea syde, the secound day after Christmas daye,
shipped about lx horses and ij=c= foote men, besyde lx other
servantes and followers, about the tyme your lordships
secretary, Mr. Aty, went also as I thynk with some monny of your
lordships. Henry Killigrew, also,
<P 51>
and William Knolls and sir Thomas Parrot went anon after. All
these have lyne at Margat in Kent ever sence, to this 12. of
January, for any thyng that I can heir to the contrary, savyng
they have bene on to the seas three or four sondry tymes, and
put back, ether with chang of wyndes or lack of wyndes, and, at
this present, we have had these five or six dayes constant
esterly wyndes with frostes, so as I feare a longer contynuance
of the impedimentes, but hereof ther is no remedy. Whan God
shall please to send them passadg, your lordship shall of ther
own report here more particularetyes of ther incommodytes.
   My son feleth very gret charges herby, for, as he wryteth
hyther, victellis ar dearer wher he lyeth than at London, and,
as he thynketh, at the Brill. He kepeth at his chardg, with his
horses, his band of footemen being ij hundredth, and with his
howshold servantes, and dyvers gentillmen that accompany hym,
above iij=c= mouthes. If your lordship be not good lord to hym
for allowance, ether for wages or for charges of this
transportation, or rather, I may saye, of this retardation by
occasion of the lack of wyndes, he shall mak a shipwrack of his
jornaye; but I wryte not this to move your lordship to do more
than I knowe you will of your self consider what is mete, and
what you may doo.
   Now, my lord, I will leave this long preface, and come to
some matters in my former letters. Whan Mr. Aty went from hence
I wrote, that hir majesty was desyroos to have your lordship to
deale with the states to put ther navy in order to joyne with
hirs, which shall be at Portesmouth in March next. Hir majesty
also wold that your lordship shuld procure knolledg of the state
of ther shippes mete for warr in every of the portes, and what
nombre of marryners might be spared from thence, if the navy of
England shuld have nede therof, which we dowte of, because of a
gret nombre gon with Sir Francis Drake, from whom, sence he
departed from the cost of Spayn, we never hard word, nether do
we
<P 52>
look to here afor March. In lik sort, to your lordship to have
inquisition made in Antwerp to what purpooss the vessells war
made by a nombre of shipwryghtes that lately cam out of Itally,
from Janua. These thynges I do repete to your lordship, not
knowyng how my formar letters may come to your handes.
   Now the rest that shall follow ar of thynges not mentioned
before. The queens majesty hath yelded to procure a some of
monny to be on hir part redy at Frankforth, towardes the levy of
an army that, we hope, don Cassymyr will conduct into France,
for the releff of the king of Navarr and Christes flock ther
persequuted; hereof monsieur de Grytry, that cam from Germanny
afor your lordship departed, will inform your lordship.
   In Scotland, to outward apparance, all thynges procede well.
The kyng hath kept a parlement at Lythquoo, wher the lords that
war bannished ar restored to ther states, and ar by the kyng
cleared of the crymes imputed. He hath sent a gentleman of his
chamber, named Kyth, therof to advertise her majesty, and to
offer all frendship that he can to his power yeld to hir
majesty; he desyreth to have the leag that was begon to be
fynished. Arrayn, now called but James Stuard, lyveth on the
west seas, hoveryng ther, from whom the kyng requireth his
jewells, which he, at his fleyng away, took out of Edenburgh
castell, but he will not delyver them without a pardon to come
back, which is denyed, but with condition that he will appeare
to justyce, which he as yet declyneth. Mr. Randolf is to go to
the Scottish kyng, and so the treaty, as I thynk, shall go
forward. Tyme must trye these thynges, for we fynd that the
French kyng hath sent, by sea, a baron of France, the son in law
of Pynartes, a man of gret lyvyng but of lytle understandyng,
and therfor he hath a shrewd instrument with hym, called
Courselles, whom your lordship did, I
<P 53>
thynke, know here with Malvesyn, a notable servitor to the
Scottish quene and the house of Guise, and, addyng to this, that
we understand how Lyddyngton, the secretary in Scotland, and
Robert Melvyn, who both remayn in good creditt with the kyng, ar
devoted to the kinges mother and to France, we may dout of the
eventes.
   Sence the puttyng of our shippes in order ageynst March, it
was ment to have sent this next month ten shippes of warr,
wherof five of hir majesty's and five marchantes, to have lyne
uppon the cost of Spayn, to have impeached the coming togither
from sondry portes of ther victells and shippyng, and also to
have discovered the truth of the reportes of the gret
preparations of a Spanish navy and army, accompted for iij=c=
sayle of shippes and gallyes and nere to iij=xx= thousand men,
by meanes of the helps out of Itally, from the pope, the duke of
Florence, duke of Savoye, from Naples and Sicilly; but, lately,
advertisement is come out of Itally, that ther is no such
preparation made there, nether of men nor shippes, but whyther
we be duly advertised I am yet in dout. Nevertheless, I did
never thynk it lykly that any such nombres, ether of men or
shippes, cold be sett forth by the king of Spayn as was
reported, specially for want of victells for such a nomber; but
hir majesty, uppon this advertisementes, stayeth the sending
forth of the sayd ten shippes, but yet both they, and all the
rest of the navy, contynew ther equippage to be in Portesmouth
afor the end of March.
   Now, my lord, I will resort to a speciall matter, whereof hir
majesty hath sent me chardg to wryte sence I began this letter.
A gentleman of the duk of Bullyon, whom your lordship knoweth,
named de Sevilly, cam two dayes past to hir majesty from the
duk, to inform hir of a gret preparation of grayn and other
victell provyded in Louvayn and Champayny, for to be sent down
by the ryver of Maze to the Lowe Countreys, for the prince
<P 54>
of Parma's army, which mass of victell is to come by the dukes
castell of Sedan, under his bridg; and though he have good will
to stay it, yet he dar not so doo, for feare of offence to be
intended ageynst hym, but if he cold devise how to by it of the
owners, with collor to serve both for his own provisions to
store his own castells and houses, and to distribut amongst his
neighbours that do want, he sayth he wold aventur the staye with
that collor, and though the vallew may be, as it is thought,
above j=c= thousand crowns, yet his desyre is to borrow but
forty, or thirty, or, I thynk, twenty thousand crowns, towardes
that purpos. And herin hir majesty hath gret lykyng to have this
stayd, as a matter of very gret moment, as your lordship hath
gret cause so to thynk by the want of victells presently in
Flaunders and Br[\abant\] , but hir Majesty, fyndyng hir charges
otherwise so great, she doth not yeld to this loone, but hath
thought of some other meanes, as hereafter followeth.
   First, she wold have your lordship to impart this matter, as
you shall thynk mete, to the states ther, in secret sort, for
which purpos the gentillman Sevilly offreth to come to your
lordship, as he sayth he also ment to have doone, as sent from
the duk his master, and hir majesty thynketh this intention to
stay this provision of such a moment to weaken the adversaryes
forces, as, in very truth, a power of men ageynst them hyred
with j=c= thowsand crowns cold not so much annoy the
adversaryes, and, if the states might yeld to the loone of the
some of xxx thousand crowns to this purpooss, hir majesty wold
thynk very well of them, the consideration wherof hir majesty
hath willed me, in hir name, to be left to your lordship.
   And besyde this meane, as if it shold not take place, hir
majesty hath also commanded me to instruct our ambassador in
France to understand the duke of Bullions mynd, whyther he shall
not lyk that the French kyng be moved from hir majesty, very
ernestly, ether to impeach this great convoye, consideryng the
great derth of victells in France, or consideryng how hir
majesty
<P 55>
hath bene hertofore animated to enter into this action, to save
the Low Countreys from the conquest of the Spanyardes, and to
impeach the king of Spayns gretnes; and, therfor, to move hym,
in honor, to prohibitt the frequent convoy of victells out of
France, or els that he will not mislyk if the duke of Bullion
can stey this convoye. And in these two sortes, hir majesty hath
thought to devise meanes to stay this convoy, but whyther the
same will be stayd I do dout, and yet, truly, I know not how the
adversary might receave a greter blow, without drawyng of any
weapon.
   Wher your lordship hath had gret desyre to have had sir
William Pellham, and also my lord Graye, your lordship shall
understand that I have done my uttermost for Mr. Pellham, but
hir majestes offence appeareth such towardes hym as she wold in
no wise yeld ether to acquit hym of his dett, or to stall it as
he desyred, and so he, alledgyng his dishabillite to passe for
want of furnytur, though he confessed to me, and some others,
that he had receaved v=cl= of your lordship towardes his
furnytur, which he had layd out, and so was indetted to your
lordship; but his gretest impedyment was, that he did ow to
other persons about v=Ml= which he cold not pay, as he had a
desyre, by sellyng of some landes, but that no man wold by of
hym whylest he was in hir majesties dett; and in this sort his
stey remayned xv or xvj dayes, notwithstandyng that I never
cessed, I thynk, any iij whole dayes together, without movyng
and intreatyng of hir majesty to shew hym favor, in remittyng
part and stallyng the rest, but I cold not obteyn my request,
and yet she willed that he shuld be commanded to depart; whereto
he answered, that, as a privat soldier, he wold go, so
commanded, but to tak any chardg, he was so unhable, as he
offred hymself to be ether a prisoner or a banished man. In this
sorte the poore gentillman being afflicted, he fell sodaynly and
daungeriosely sick, whereof I informed hir majesty, and thereby
to have pitte of hym. Wheruppon hir majesty yelded only to have
his dett stalled, without remission of any part, addyng that he
shuld not go over to your lordship, but
<P 56>
that the lord Gray shuld come to yow, whose case I also reported
for his dett to hir majesty, but therunto she hath yelded to
remytt hym a part, and to stall the some that he borrowed whan
he went into Ireland, which was ij=Ml=. Hereof I have even this
daye wrytten to Mr. secretary, to advertise my lord Graye.
   My lord, all this letter I have bene forced to wryte in my
bed, which I have kept these two dayes, not, as your lordship
hath knowen, for payne of my gout, but in dede havyng seven
dayes past rubbed of a good deale of skyn uppon my shyn, I did
neglect the healyng of it whan I shuld, and so am I now forced
to kepe my bed without any hose, or without any salve, hopyng
within two dayes more to have it whole; and, therefore, I pray
your lordship to accept my scriblyng in a rude sort in good
part, and, doutyng of passadg, I mynd to dooble this letter, and
to send it by some others. From the court at Grenwych, 12.
January, 1585.
   Your lordships most assured,
   W. Burghley.
   After I had wrytten this letter thus farr, I have hard of the
takyng of a hoye of Holland, wherin are taken ten or twelve
horses of my sons. God send better luck for his own passadg.
   My lord, we heare dayly that the Hollanders carry vyctells to
Calliss under pretence of cockettes to come to England. I assure
your lordship ther can be no more care taken than is to stey
carryadg out of England.
   W. Burghley.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 57>
[} [\LETTER XXII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. 14TH
JANUARY, 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretarie, I know yow think long to hear of some certein
proceeding here, which, for my parte, I doe as greatly hasten,
assuring yow, that, since I came to the Hage, I have not ceassed
calling upon the states for their resolution, which they will in
no wise make other then that I must be absolute governour, both
of warre and peace, over all their provinces.
   As upon new yeers day in the morning they came all to me, and
brought with them a heralt and trumpettes, meaning as soone as
they had delyvered their speech, which D. Leoninus had to make
for them, which was to offer to me, with many good woordes for
her majesties sake, the absolute governement of the whole
provinces, and to proclaime the same immediatly. I was skarce
readie, when one brought me woord of their being all in my great
chamber, desyring to speake with me. Not knowing or thinking it
had ben for any such matter, I made haste to goe to them, and so
did, having the best of my company there with me. As soone as I
came to them, by and by Leoninus began an oration to me, and,
even as he began, one told me in mine eare, that they were
<P 58>
come to offer this matter, and had brought heralt and all, &c. I
was so bold presently to interrupt the chauncelour, telling him,
that I heard he had some matter rather to deale more privately
in, than so openly, and therfore prayed him and the rest, to
come in with me to my chamber, where they should have a more
convenient place. He turned abowt and said, "Yow hear my lord
desyers us to withdraw with him into his chamber," and so they
all went with me into my bedchamber, and I called such of the
best of my companie as I thought meetest for v or vj, wherof Mr.
Davison and Mr. Dr. Clerk were ij.
   And there the chauncelour began again, and proceeded with his
matter, which was, indeed, after a long discourse of her
majesties goodnes, of the love of the country to her, of the
trust they had in her above all the world, of the necessity they
had for safetie of their state and countreys, albeit her
majestie would not take the soveraigntie upon her, which they
yet desyred might be, to choose some person of honour and
creditt to be their governour. And as there was no prince in the
world whom they ought obedience and duety unto, but to her
majestie, so seing the creditt and trust it pleased her to putt
me in here alredie, and the favour, creditt, and I cannot tell
what, so many good woordes they used of me, they tooke knowledge
of that I had long had at her majesties handes, with manie yeers
contynuaunce in her service, as appeered, they said, both now by
her own commendation by lettres, as also to their commissioners
in England, that had reported the same of her own mouthe: they
did not know any person whom they could desyre so much to take
this office in hand as my self, and, therfore, with one whole
consent they did there beseech me, even for the love her
majestie bare them, and for the help of so afflicted a countrey,
that was ever a faithfull frend to the crowne of England, that I
would take the place and name of absolute governour, and
generall of all their forces and souldiers, with their whole
revenues, taxes, composicions, and all manner of benefittes that
they have, or may have, to be putt freely and absolutely into my
<P 59>
handes, disposicion and order, with so ample woords and termes
as here were too long to recite, seing I will shortly send you
the whole by Mr. Davison.
   As soone as he had ended I aunswered by Mr. Davison, whom I
required to delyver it in French, as they all speak only French,
that, as this was a matter unlooked for, being further then had
past in the contract with her most excellent majestie
heretofore, so was I presently very farre unprovided to give
them aunswer to this matter, albeit, in her majesties behaulf,
greatly to thank them for their ernest goodwills and great
affeccion borne to her majestie; and very true it was they did
all acknowledge, that her highnes had shewed herself a most
loving princesse and neighbour to them, as did well appeer to
their embassadors in England, that what she did was only for the
good will she bare to this afflicted countrey, and for no
private respect or commoditie to her self. I did also give them
most hartie thankes for myself, that did conceive so well of me,
being but a straunger to them, that they would hazard so great a
matter upon me, as all their state, both well and ill dooing,
should depend therupon. But as her majesties gracious favour
towardes me ledd them to this conceite of my abilitie, farre
more then was in me to deale in any such cause, so I prayed them
not to take it in ill parte, that I desyred at their handes, to
proceed with them in thoes cawses which I had to doe in her
majesties behaulf with them, and give me time, or els some of
them to come unto me, to hear what I had to delyver unto them
touching the contract alredy past betwixt her majestie and them,
wherin I thought they should finde I had more alredy layed upon
me, than so weake shoulders were able to bear, and well to goe
thorow withall. That her majestie had sent me only to serve
them, and so I promised I would, both faithfully and honestly,
even as her majestie had commaunded and willed me to doe. So
they returned, after Mr. Davison had made this aunswer for me,
not leaving, at their departure, to insist upon their former
request very ernestly.
   The next morning they appointed v or vj to come to me, which
<P 60>
were of the chief of them, and, leaving the former matter, as
not to speak of it at all, I delt with them upon certain pointes
and questions, such as her majestie had willed me principally to
remember; as, first, to know what their forces were, who were
their chief governours, and had charge of townes and fortes,
what meanes they had to contynue and mainteyne their forces, how
their people and garrisons were paied, what debtes they were in
to their souldiers. Theis, and sundry other, which are sett
downe for her majestie, ye shall receive: leying before them
what a mighty enemy they had against them, it behooved them to
shew good force and good means to withstand such an enemy. To
theis thinges, and all other questions, I think their wilbe good
satisfaction given to her majestie, to cawse her think their
state not so hard as hath ben doubted, nor for her majestie to
repent her cost or charge adventured for them. I doe assure
myself it will proove the best expences that ever shee bestowed
in her life, and the best repayed againe to her coffers, if God
overthrow not the world.
   I did never see greater probability in my life of assured
good successe, and protest unto you, I like the matter xx tymes
better then I did in England, and so I beleeve any man here of
judgement doth the like. And yet is it nowe at the verie woorst,
as well for the decaie of our men, as for the season of this
time, which is such as we cannot, till the wether break, send by
water or land almost to any place. I could not hear owt of
Zeland but by long seas, all the ryvers be ycie and frozen, but
not to bear any horse or cariage.
   Th'enemy hath attempted sundry places, but repulsed at all,
and I dare presume thus much for her majesties name only, that
if her comfort had not come, yow had heard of many a revolt er
this daie, and the poor garrison-men, the straungers chiefly,
suffer presently the greatest miserie in the world for all
thinges, and yet send good comfort daily hither to me, that for
the queen of Englandes sake they will suffer more yet. The queen
of England
<P 61>
they would serve as their mistris, and under me as her minister
here, with a better will then ever they served under the prince
of Orange; yet they loved him well, but they never hoped of the
libertie of this countrey till now.
   It is assured me the states are verie well able to perfourme
their charge, and with great ease. The count Hollock [\is\]
surely a wise, gallant gentleman, and a right souldier, and
verie well esteemed with many of the capteins and souldiers; he
hath only one fault, which is, drinking, but good hope that he
will amend it. Some make me believe I shalbe able to doe much
with him, and I meane to doe my best, for I see no man that
knowes all theis countreys, and the people of all sortes, like
him, and this fault overthrowes all. Here is another little
fellow, as litle as may be, but one of the gravest and wisest
young men that ever I spake withall; it is the count Guilialme
of Nassau, he governes Frizeland; I would every province had
such another. He had noe lettre from her majestie yet, nor his
father, but that makes not so great matter as for this young
gentleman. Her majestie may doe well also to contynue some
kindenes from time to tyme with this howse of Nassau, especially
to shew to take care for the count Maurice, who hath ben greatly
laboured to have harkened to a composition, I can tell you, and
I see him much discontented with the states for certein. He hath
a sullen, deep witt, and shrewd counsellours of his fathers
abowt him, now that they see the hope of Holland and Zeland
taken awaie, which was the marke was wholy by the father shotte
at, and almost hitt, as I am sure you have heard. The young
gentleman is yet to be wonne only to her majestie, I perceive,
of his owne inclination. The howse is merveilous poor, and litle
regarded
<P 62>
by the states hitherto, and if they gett any thing it is like to
be by her majestie, which I wishe should be altogether, and she
maie easily doe for him to wynne him sure; I will undertake it.
   Well, now I will returne a litle backe again, to tell you
what followed since my former conference with the states. They
went to their fellowes and told them what had passed; they
aunswered me again, and brought me an act sett downe in writing
by them all, that I should be pryvie to all their state, as well
for their forces as their means, and that I should see very
flatly that they abused not her majestie, neither with the offer
of sovereigntie, nor yet with the state of their abilitie to
mainteine their cawse, but better then ever they told her of,
and referred to me what I thought of the strength and force of
theis countreys. "Well, now we will say, and make your lordship
know," say they, "the people bearing the love wee see they doe
to her majestie, if she had taken the sovereignty over us, she
should have had monethly 300,000 florens, certeinly payed to her
purse, which is 30,000=li= sterling, every moneth, beside the
customes of merchauntes, and Flaunders if it might be recovered,
which did yeeld as much and more alone; and her majestie should
doe more good, and defend th'enemy farr easilyer, with 100,000
than we shall with 200,000, for the obedience and reverence to
her majestie would be as great as in England, and that we doe is
even with feare and force among them, which bringeth such
confusion as there is no remedie, but either your lordship must
take the whole governement upon you, at our humble suite, and at
the request of all the rest, or els all wilbe yet lost;"
confessing that confusion of officers hath undoon their
governement, and not to be recovered but by som one to take it
that is so backt as I should be by the countenaunce of her
majestie, whom the people only trust and love, for unto no other
will they committ that which they will to her majestie, or one
of hirs; and so doe they flatly conclude the matter upon me.
   All the lords here have ben in like sort with me, and all the
captens, and governors, and magistrates of townes, pressing me
<P 63>
most earnestly, if I love her majestie, if I love the good of
England, and theis countryes, to take it, and that forthwith,
bycawse the souldiers be unpayed, and no man will contribute any
longer but to her majesties minister, and to him all places doe
promis, and have sent their procuratours, as they told me
alredy, to bind themselves and all their townes for the payment
of ij=c= m. florens monethly, beside the admiraltie to be
discharged by their customes, as it is alredy. They will also
make their oath to me, and all officers, to returne presently to
paie all sommes to me. Thus it standeth presently, as either all
must be hazarded and lost, or els I must take it, which, as
farre as I can see, and all here with me, as the case enforceth
it, must needes be best for her majesties service everie waie.
   The reasons Mr. Davison shall delyver you, who hath seen how
I have proceeded, and upon what necessitie either this waie must
be taken, or els all overthrowne. It is doon for the best, and
if so her majestie accept of it, all wilbe to the best. I have
had none other scope herein, nor shall have, but her majesties
service above all worldly respectes, and well knowne to the
wisest here with me, how desperatly both the lords and capteins
were and are bent, if I should not take this upon me, to have
left and given over the whole service of theis states, which had
made an easie conquest for th'enemie, but a most dangerous for
her majestie. Thus referring the full declaration of our doinges
here to Mr. Davison, who shall shortly be with you, doe take my
leave, and commytt you to the Lords protectyon. At Leyden, this
xiiij. of January.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 64>
[} [\LETTER XXIII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 15TH JANUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretary, as you shall shortly hear of our hole
procedinges by Mr. Davyson, so must I entreat you most ernestly,
even as the well doing of my poore servyce here may be tendred,
but spetyally for the honor and servyce of hir majestie, that
you wyll be meanes that ther may be a good quantytye of money
sent over, as ther ys behind of the hole some her majestie dyd
sett done, as I take yt, above lxx=m=li. So you wyll procure, as
much as in [\you\] may lye, that the most parte may be sent
over. Hit shalbe the worst, and the most, she shalbe charged
with, but, at the beginning, xx=m=li. shall stand in more stead
than xl=m=li. iiij monthys hence, and I am well perswaded, as
you shall se at Mr. Davysons coming, that they here have good
meanes to maynteyn ther warrs, and when we make reconing at home
of a defencyble warr, hit must be so defencyble, as we must be
able to have always vj or vij=m= men, horse and footemen, to
frunt the enymye, who, all this hard wether, hath gon from place
to place with iiij=m= footemen and xv=c= horse, and at this day
he kepes the fyld, and hath putt in danger iij or iiij townes of
great importance, as Brabee, Wenloe, Vianna, and Bomeley, as
also now he ys come uppon Zeland syde, and wyll doe what he can
to Lylle and Lyskinshook, whear ther hath byn much decay of
soldyers, but ther ys doing all that ys possible for defence,
for otherwyse we ar no way able to resist them, which they know,
<P 65>
and doth make them presume the more at this tyme. But the states
have agreed, and doe find ther ys no remedy, but we must erect a
camp to brydell this lyberty of the enymye, or ells he wyll kepe
a warr this xx yere, and make us all wery, and, this way being
taken, I warrant ye we wyll shortly wery him as well, and yet
never hazard any battell, which he wyll be as loth to come to as
we.
   I am in hope of an enterpryse to tak place shortly which ye
wylbe gladd to hear of. God send yt to fall out as I looke for,
and that ye may provyde us spedyly with a good some of money,
being all one to hir majestye, and I wyll undertake she shall
com to no furder chardge whatsoever. I wyll help to ease hir,
before the end, of a good parte of this, yf she doe but contynew
hir favour and good countenaunce to this cause only, as I trust
she wyll, or elles she knoweth not the lacke she wyll fynd of
the frendshipp of these countreys. As, uppon my honour and truth
to you, they were almost utterly gonn yf I had not aryved when I
dyd.
   Thus, referring ye for the rest to Mr. Davyson at his coming,
I wyll take my leave, protestyng my hole care and endeavour his
to doe hir majestie acceptable servyce, or elles God not to lett
me lyve, yf otherwyse yt shuld be. In much hast this xv. of
Januery,
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my very honorable good frend sir Francis
Walsingham knight, principall secretarye to her majesty.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 66>
[} [\XXIV. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 17TH JANUARY,
1585-6.\] }]
   My very good lord, as matters do rise so I am bold to wryte
unto yow, and yet I se so many misaventures in savety of
arryvall of lettres, as I se it necessary to repete thynges in
second lettres, wherewith your lordship may be troobled by
readyng, but I had rather, so woole your lordship, than leave it
undoone.
   In my former lettres I have shewed yow that hir majesty wold
have your lordship to cause inquisition to be made of the nombre
and power of the shippes of warr in Holland and Zelland, and
with what nombre they wold be content, uppon ther charges, to
serve this yere with hir majesties navy agaynst the king of
Spaynes power, which hath bene reported greater than I can
beleev, but hir majesty is resolved to have hir navy redy at
Portesmouth before the end of March. Hir majesty, also, wold
gladly have your lordship discover to what purpooss the Itallien
carpyntors do work, as it is sayd, very secretly in chirches, in
Antwerp, about shippes or gallyes.
   Of late Ortell, that remayneth here agent for the states,
propounded certain questions uppon the trade to be used by the
shippars of Holland and Zelland; the articles I do send herewith
to your lordship, with an answer by us here gyven, under your
lordships advise, uppon conference with the states. We fynd
here, that, under collor of any trade with merchants to any part
of Pycardy, the enemy is succored. Nevertheless, as your
lordship
<P 67>
shall ther fynd the states conformable, we here will prescribe
that same order to be kept. Truly, my lord, it is most necessary
that all kind of victells, or matters for shippyng, be utterly
forbydden.
   We have advertisementes from Lyshborn by sondry come from
thence, that all English men ar at liberty ther, and that the
preparation is as yett not grett, only all manner of great
hulkes ar stayd. And so I end from any farther trooblyng of your
lordship. 17. January, at Grenwych.
   Your lordships most assuredly,
   W. Burghley.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To the right honorable my very good lord, the
erle of Lecester, lieutenant generall for all hir majesties
forces in the Low Contreys.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 67>
[} [\LETTER XXV. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 22ND JANUARY, 1585-6.\] }]
<P 68>
   Mr. secretary, I can wryte nothing to ye touching the state
of the tresure or tresorer. I wyll not blame him yet, nor excuse
him, but I dowbt he hath a conning under-tresorer. This vj wekes
can I gett no reckoning, nor the awdytor any bookes from them,
tyl this last weke. Our money goeth very low, and I beleive ye
will not be best pleased with the former expences, and yet am I
forst to dysburs much of this money for relyfe of the souldyers
not payd, and, as I wrote of late to you, so doe I now also to
my lord tresorer by Mr. Davyson, to besech ye both, yf ye wyll
have any hope of good of our servyce here, to gett us a good
pece, or rather the hole somme, of that ys behind of hir
majestys allowance. Yf hit be not well ordered and husbanded,
lett the blame light hevyly uppon me.
   My thinkes I hear your answere alredy, that no man knoweth
better than I the dyffycultye to gett money from hir majesty,
and so I must satysfye myself. But, as I confes yt ys hard to
procure great sommes from hir majesty, so must I lett you know,
and more now than whan I was partaker of those dyffycultyes ther
with you, that yf hir majesty doe not deall now gratyously and
princely with these people, and consider how infynyttly hit doth
import her highness to bring these causes to a good end, whan yt
ys in such forwardnes as they be, and that yt ys only the
expence of a lytle money, and no more than she hath alreddy
contractyd and agreed with them for, and for which she hath such
a pawen as she may assure hirself, by them alone, to have all
hir charges ageyn, yf the worst fall owt that can be. And here I
say to ye Mr. secretary, and I speak yt in the presence of God,
I am veryly perswaded, yf hir majesty had not donn this she hath
donn, these hole countreys had byn gonn by this day; and, se the
good providence of God! yf I had not come when I dyd, the wynd
<P 69>
turned the next daye, and hath so contyneued ever synce, that,
this being the xlij day since my aryvall, I never hard word from
Englonde; I trust, therfore, whan yt comes yt shalbe good. But,
if I had steyd tyll this day, all hope had byn gone of hir
majesty, and all the practyces of the enymye had byn sett
afoote, for I founde them very well onward at my aryvall; yet, I
testyfye a truth, as sone as hir majestys favour hether was sene
and known, I thinke from the beginning of these trowbles the
people were never hotter ageinst the enemye than at this day,
nor better devotyd to hir; in so much as she may now dyspose of
all, and dyrect all, that otherwyse had lost all, both countryes
and credytt, yea, with a mortall hate for ever to our natyon;
and yf the case be thus for hir majesty, for Gods sake lett hir
comfort all here, and lett hir be sure the enymye was never so
dowbtfull, nor so perplexed, as he ys at this day; for he stoode
in great hope, before my coming, to have had certen places
delyvered unto him of great importance, and I think hit was so
promysed to him in dede, but as sone as the souldyers hard of
hir majesty taking the cause in hand, and that I was com, they
setled themselves wholy this way, and so doe contyneue, and have
resisted the enymyes attemptes most faythfully; yet have they
not byn payd a long while, nether wold have trusted the states
but for hir majesty, takyng my word only that they shalbe payd;
and so they shalbe forthwith, I have wroght so for them. Nether
wold they wyllingly trust the states touching hir majesty, but
that I must have the absolute government, and the recept of
their reveneues, or elles they wold not be pacyfyed, nor trust
to their paymentes more; which suerly hath byn yll handled, for
they have meanes and meanes ageyn to meyntayn all these charges,
but their careless imploying of yt hath hindred all; but this
requyres a hole wekes informacion of Mr. Davison, who hath donn
hir majesty notable servyce here, and doe pray ye, and as ever
ye tender the success of this servyce, retorn him hither, with
the more credytt the better, for without him I confes myself
quyte maymed. His
<P 70>
credytt ys mervelous great here that ever I sawe of any stranger
in any countrey, in my lyfe, and he lyves lyke a gentleman and
chargeably every way. And my nephew Sydney, I assure ye, ys
notably estemed, and I think within a few months shalbe able to
doe hir majesty here other manner of servyce than may well be
looked for.
   The prince of Parma, uppon my aryvall, and hearing of the
dysposicion of these countreys wholy bent to shew their good
trust of hir majesty, by comytting all chardge and confydence to
me, being hir servaunt and subiect, he assembled the counsell,
the presydent &c. ther opened the matter, shewing the great
dyffycultyes happened unto them unlooked for, for yt was a
matter assured them that the queen of England wold never attempt
any thing, ether here or elleswhere, but he saw now yt was
otherwyse, and that she had sent Drake to the Indyes, and the
erll of Leycester into the Lowe Countreys, alleaging all he
could do. The president answered him: "Now sir," quod he, "ye
may se what yt was for the king our master to forsake the
councell was geven him, and the offer the people made of these
countreys to have had a peace, and whether yt had byn better to
[\have\] accepted that, or elles to consume his treasure and
people in vayn; for yt was never other lyke whan all such meanes
as the queen of England made accompt of was taken away, as the
prince of Orange that was at hir devotyon, and Monsieur who was
in stryct league with hir, but she wold rather defend and kepe
these countreys hir frendes, then suffer our master to enioye
them, being afreyd of his greatnes to be so nere hir as these
countreys shuld be, except there were better love betwene them
than ther ys. But refusing that peace his people offred him to
have had religyon fre, was the cause of all these warrs, and
losse now of thes countreys, which than he had byn sure of, yea,
and, after a while, to be sure also to have putt down the
herytykes and protestantes, as he might have used the matter;
but now," saythe [\he\] , "yt ys to late for councell, the queen
of Englond ys not so easy to be removyd, being received as she
ys
<P 71>
among them, nether doe I ever looke now for so good an end
ageyn."
   Synce that, ther cam within these ij daies one from Antwerp,
beside here ar sondry letters from thence of yt, (which ys donn
of purpose to bring this people in dowbt of hir majestys dealing
for them,) that there was a howse in Antwerp, the Englysh howse,
preparing for me; that she made but a shew of warr, her
intentyon ys only to make a peace, and that I had instructyons
to prepare the myndes of the states to conformetye, and to be
reconcyled to the king. I assure ye a pestylent practyce yt ys,
and no one thing under heaven so lykely to cutt my throte, but
yt doth agre well with a tale that was wrytten also from
Bruxelles to the cont de Hollock here. That the prince of Parma,
hearing of my aryvall, chaft very much, and semed greatly to be
deceaved that hir majesty wold send as she hath donn, "but,"
sayth he, "ther ys no remedye but one; we must gyve out brutes
that the queen of England hath offerd talk of peace, which wyll
brede presently jelosye in the states heads, and some devyces we
must have to make devyssion among them, to breake this
resolucyon to lett the government be at the queen of Englands
dyspocytion." This letter cam to him, which he shewyd me, above
iij wekes agoe, and, as the cont sayd, from a very credyble
place; so that he presumeth styll of the umore of Englond. But
God defend hir majesty shuld loose the honor, credytt, and
saftye, she ys in so good way to obteyn, and lett me have
shamfull death and utter reproch, yf hir majesty goe princely
and couragiously forward, yf ever she receive the lyke porcyon
of all these as she shall doe by this actyon here. And I assure
you yf ye saw these places, with the dysposicion of the people,
as I doe, ye wold think, even for hir majestys own safty sake,
but for her own tyme only, beside the respect of Englond, that
more money than yet she hath leyd out to be most happely spent
yf ther were no gage or hope to have yt payd ageyn.
<P 72>
Lett me retorn, therfore, once ageyn, to pray ye, and entreat
ye, to stand ernestly for the spedye sending away of money; and
to send yt by dryblettes causeth yt to be consumed to lytle
purpose, and no honour or credytt, nor yet relyfe in dede of the
soldyer. Touching this I have wrytten in a scedule enclosed,
which I pray ye break after ye have redd yt.
   And touching the opinion of a defensyve warr, I know ye wyll
now chang yt, for ther ys no wey to overthrow this state but
that. Experience doth teach yt, for the enymye goeth where he
wyll, he makyth skours now in every place; as, ferst, in
Flanders, about Ostend and Sluce, he hath made so many, as no
man can sturr out to anoye the enymye any way, nether can they
be taken with all the garasons ther. He hath byn synce about
Grave, a place of great importanee for us, not farr from Bolduke
in Brabant; he hath attemptyd yt iiij or v tymes this frost, but
myshing of yt, he hath buylt iij or iiij forts about yt, that no
vyttell can com to yt. He hath donn the lyke at Venlou, and ys
presently in doing ther, and hath ther iij=m= men and a 1000
hors; all the garasons we have ther ys not able to deale with
him. So from this place he wyll to some other, but yf he follow
these ij so strongly as he may doe, I se no way we ar able to
mach him yet in the fild to relyve them, and, lett him alone, he
wyll surely have them. Therfore ther ys no remedye for us but to
make a camp, which wylbe, with those we have alredy, without any
great chardg donn, whereby we may be masters of the fild, for he
dares not draw his garasons fourth of his great towens, so shall
we relyve the places thus beseged, and recover the skonces and
fortes he hath buylt to anoye us. Besides he doth spoyll all
countreys that ar most frutefull and help us most, by his
contynewall incursions which is a great matter I se here, to
loose the servyce of the bours, and yt ys also a dyscouraging
warr to this people that ar dayly charged with taxes and
contrybucions, to se an endles warr,
<P 73>
as they caule yt when yt ys altogether defensyve, and so yt ys
in dede; and we ar sure the enymy ys more ferfull to adventure
than we ar, for yf we loose, we have styll strong townes able to
defend, yf he loose, he hath no townes to hold him, for all he
hath ys alredy by the force of his garasons.
   I have sent to ye, sir, also, for leave that sondry gentlemen
may have leave to take upp som men in Englond, without any peny
charge ether to hir majesty or the countrey, and our enymyes ar
the bolder for that they know the decaye of our soldyers. I wold
be gladde, also, to have leave for v=c= of my none servantes
more, not in Wales alone, but of my other tenantes, where I
shall think mete; for I tooke but iiii=c= of the v=c= hir
majesty dyd graunt, and I wyll not gyve those iiii=c= for the
best v=c= & l. that I se or can hear of here, nether shall ther
any man have charge, by my good wyll, but such as shall have
good cause to care for his men. I think xv=c= wyll skant well
furnyshe all the bandes decayd here, and I wold ernestly desier
ij=m= more, such as wyll wyllingly com. Ye have people to many,
and ye nede not fear any attempt to Englond in assaling yt by
force, as long as hir majesty hath these countreys, I warant ye;
therfore help us yf ye wyll styll be quyett. And yf I may be
able to wander a while with ij=m= horse, and 4 or 5000 footemen,
about Easter ye shall hear, without any meting withall, all
those skonces shalbe caught, our own places putt in good sewrty,
and the enymye as well spoyled. And I pray ye, for these things,
beleave us pore men that serve, and have best cause to know what
course in reason ys best.
   When Mr. Davyson comes he shall tell ye at lardge of some
partyculer thinges ye wold have lytle beleved, but I know them
to be most true. That Vyliers ys a most vyle trayterous knave,
and doth abuse a young nobleman here extremely, the conte Morys;
for all his religion he ys a more ernest perswader secretly to
have him yeld to a reconcylliacion than St. Allagonde was, and
hath an instrument about the young gentleman, one that pleasyth
his affectyons, that ys a very dangerous man. The young man
<P 74>
hath a solem, slye wytt; but, in troth, yf any be to be dowbtyd
toward the king of Spain, yt ys he and his counsellers, for they
have byn altogether so farr French, and so farr in myslyke with
Englond, as they cannot almost hide yt, and this umore ys styll
kindled by this prest, and some say yet St. Allegonde, but I doe
not beleve yt, for that he hath geven his word for yt to me. The
other shall not tarry ten dayes nether in Holland nor Zeland; he
ys greatly hated here of all sortes. And yt shall goe hard but I
wyll wynn the young conte, and gett the knave about him removed,
whose name ys Mallorey, one the prince himself dowbtyd of before
his deth.
   Old Medykyrk was farr gonn ageinst hir majesty, and our
natyon also, and so farr dowbtyd, as now, at the nomynacion of
councellors, I named him for one, thinking he had good credytt
among the states, and I found them all ageinst him, and made
request to me to leave him out, which I mervelled at, and doe
plainly chardge him with his yll mynd to hir majesty. Paule
Buys, I lern, certenly was putt from his offyce in Holland only
for standing agenst the French, and preferring Englond alweys,
and indede he passeth them all for skyll and judgement.
   The cont Hollock deserveth great countenaunce at hir majestys
handes, for he ys a plaine gentleman, and one that always delt
flatly with the prince for the French, even tyll his death; and
was also so reddy and had best power to delyver both Flushing
and the Bryll into hir majestys handes, and yt ys most true that
he was greatly pressed to stand agenst yt, and the yong count
was not wyllyng to have yt rendred, only by Vyllyers meanes, and
the cont Hollock perceving told the cont Morrys, in a great
rage, that yf he tooke any other course than the queen of
Englond, and swear by no beggers he would drouen his prest in
the haven before his face, and turne himself and his
mother-in-law out of there howse there, and thereuppon went with
Mr. Davyson to the delyvery of yt. This man must be cheryshed;
he ys sound and faythfull, and hath indede all the chife holdes
in his handes, and at his comandment. Ye shall doe well to
procure him a letter of
<P 75>
thankes, taking knoledge in generall of his good wyll to hir
majesty. He ys a right Almayn in manner and fashion, fre of his
purse and of his drynk, yet doe I wysh him hir majestyes
pencyoner before any prince in Germany, for he loves hir, and
able to serve hir, and doth desyer to be knowen hir servant. He
hath byn sought and labored by his nerest kinsfolkes and best
frendes in Germany, to have left the states, and to have the
king of Spaines pencyon, and very great reward, but he wold not.
A cheyn of ij=c= li. wold be well bestowd uppon him in the meane
tyme; and uppon his further desart, which I think wylbe shortly,
I trust hir majesty wyll accept of his offer to be hir servaunt
during his lyfe, being in dede a very noble soldyer. He hath
some matters a-brewing which he hopeth well of; for my parte I
have an other, brought to me by Mr. Davyson, which yf yt fall
out as I verylye looke for yt, that wylbe worth 'God a mercye!'
and nerer home, and of exceding great consequence for hir
majesty and this cause, and or xx days ye shall hear of yt, I
trust in God.
   Ther ys another matter and I must trowble you withall, and
full fayn I wold have yt redressed; hit ys my lord North. Hir
majesty hath comaunded him hether in my company; he doth
certenly doe me all the honor he can devyse, and he hath not the
best boddy for such a place, spetyally he having no chardge, nor
any allowance in the world, and surely his expences cannott be
lytle, albeyt his grefe must be more to have no countenance at
all but his own estate, and a man of his yeres and long servyce.
He doth take yt hir majesty doth place him for some respect of
myne, which wyll gender an inward grudge to me at length. I am
not the cause of yt. He ys a wyse gentleman, and for any nede I
se I shall have of Mr. Bartholomew Clerk, I assure ye I had farr
rather have my lord Northes councell and assistance; and for
lawe here ys one, the other lytle Clerk, who ys much beyond
Bartholomew
<P 76>
in all lerninges of lawe, as hath well appered here alredy. Yf
at Mr. Davysons coming ye can, ether with honour and allowance
kepe my lord here, or elles in some good sort by hir majesty
cauled for home, rather than to attend here without any charge
or countenaunce, I wold gladly wysh yt. That in the mean tyme yt
wyll lyke ye to wryte to my lord how carefull and myndfull I
have byn of him, shall doe me a great pleassur. And thus having
bin long, as I cannott others chuse having so much to imparte to
you, I wyll byd ye farewell, longing styll to hear from ye. At
the Hage, this xxij. of January.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
   Bycause I se how the wynd kepes back all hearing from ye,
being xlij days synce I hard from England, sir, Grant Herns hath
a man that doth bring dayly fishe from this cost, and when no
shipp goeth out he wyll shift ageinst the wynd, and he comes
very safely. I pray ye bear with the faultes of my letter, hit
ys so long I cannott peruse yt.
   I am afrayd ye will compare me shortly to Wylliam Herll.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To Mr. secretary Walsingham.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 76>
[} [\LETTER XXVI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 31ST JANUARY 1585-6.\] }]
<P 77>
   Mr. secretary, Mr. Davyson doth now retorn home, which I
coulde hardly have yelded unto but only to have hir majesty
fully answered and satysfyed touching all our proceedinges here
synce my aryvall, and noe man able to doe yt but himself, praing
ye, good Mr. secretary, yf hir majesty wyll shew me any favour,
that thys may be one, to have Mr. Davyson retorn ageyn to me,
who I assure you ys the most sufficient man to serve hir majesty
that I know of all our nation; for he knoweth all partes of
these countreyes, and all persones of any accompt, with all ther
umores, and hath great credytt among them all here. And the
better servyce shall he be able to doe yf yt may please hir
majesty to gyve him such countenaunce as may encrease his
credytt here, for here hath byn many brutes and reportes of hir
good intentyon toward him, and he wyll deserve any goodnes she
shall bestow uppon him, whatsoever yt be.
<P 78>
   As for sir Wylliam Pellam, I look not for him; I se his
delayes be such. When I departyd thence he promysed me
faythfully that he wold follow me, what end soever he had, and
theruppon he had v=c=li. prest, but I se his joynders and
reioynders doth seke all delay, and spetyally that I saw in his
letter to hir majesty of late wrytten, wherein he asketh ageyn a
new suply of hir majesty, to sett him furth; a matter I know, of
old, what yt wyll doe. Therfore, sir, yf you find this
diffyculty styll, lett me no longer expect his uncerteinty. My
lord Grey for many respectes I wold be gladd of, but I can as
lytle hope of him, and except I might have one of them by the
end of this month, I shall after not much nede any of them, and
therfore I thought good to signyfye thus much unto ye; and the
only cause I wysh for my lord Grey, yf God call me, ther might
be such a one reddy here to command as he ys: but lett me know,
I beseche ye, with spede, what to trust unto.
   Now, sir, to my old sute, and more than tyme that yt were
grantyd, or rather here, which ys, for money; for I told ye,
before my coming, ther was no more payd than wold serve the end
of this month of February next, and you all there made a stryckt
reckoning how farr all your money wold strech, not accompting
the horsmen, nor sondry other charges leid out by all your
warrants to the tresorer before yt cam over, and yf we had the
full of that was delyvered for the armye, without these
paymentes, yet had yt payd no further than the end of February.
And I pray ye remember what I wrote touching the tresorer and
his deputye; I doe send over the audytor to you, who I take to
be an honest man, he wyll tell ye as much as I wrote, for I had
yt of him. But yf yt wyll please hir majesty to send over the
hole some behind for the yere, yf I make yt not strech as farr
as possibly yt may, and to serve the torn for this yere, lett yt
lye uppon me and all that I have to answer yt. But yt shalbe
otherwyse
<P 79>
handled than this was. Ther ys to to much pryvatt gayn soght,
more than ever I wold have beleavyd, and all leyd uppon hir
majesty, for hir proffytt, they say.
   Touching any procedinges here for the matters of this state,
I leave to Mr. Davyson to declare to you. I trust very shortly
to send ye some good nues of some enterprise uppon our enymyes,
who of late, in the frost, went into Freseland, and ther
overthrew iij or iiij=c= of conte Wylliams soldyers, and tooke
sondry boores prisoners. Synce that, Schenk hath mett twyce with
them; at the first, he overthrew a cornett of Italians, and
tooke xl horse and men prisoners; the second tyme, being this
last weke, he overthrew v=c= of the bravest soldyers they had,
and kyld iij=c= in the place, and took a captain and xv
prisoners. I doe not hear of any man that dealeth so lustyly
with the enymye as he doth. I wyll cherysh him accordingly, and
wyll shortly be at Utryck and vyssett those places. Albeyt I
hope ye shall here some nues from me ye look not for or I com
thether.
   I assure ye Wylford ys to busye in advertysinge of that place
at Ostend; hit ys in good case, and yet have I taken order for
to better yt: he ys not to have credytt to all hys wrytinges.
The soldyers ther of late have taken uppon the river vj boates,
loden with corn and other vyttelles coming from Dunkirk and
Calles.
   My lord thesorer wrote to me to know, what nombre of shipps
and maryners here be to be had, yf nede werr. I have wrytten to
my lord, here be many more than hir majesty shall nede to beat
<P 80>
the king of Spain and all his frendes. Uppon small warning ye
shall not want inough to serve hir majesty, I warrant ye. I pray
ye make more of the merchantes of these countrey people ther;
they begyn a lytle to complayn of some hard dealing, but I have
satysfied these for this tyme. Ye wyll find these people are
worthe the cheryshing. So farewell, good Mr. secretary, in much
hast, this last of Januery.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
   I will have care to do for captain Veall, your servant.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my honourable good frende sir Fraunces
Walsingham knight, principall secretarye to the queenes
majestie.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 80>
[} [\LETTER XXVII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. DAVISON.
FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
Remembrances for Mr. Davison.
   First, how all the states here in every place, from my first
aryvall, receaved me as well for there generall and governour as
for hir majesties, pressing me very ernestly at my coming to the
Hage, to take uppon me the same absolute goverment of all these
provinces unyted; nevertheless I deferred yt by as many meanes
as I could, tyll I was fully informyd by the knoledge and meanes
which Mr. Davison had gotten of ther estate and abyllytye,
<P 81>
whereby beinge fully satysfied, hit was thought best service for
hir majestye any way to accept ther ernest offer.
   The causes which moved me to accept this place werr these. By
hir majesties apointement, I was hir generall of all hir forces
in these countreys, and by a contract, lykewyse generall of
their armye, and ther first counsellor. The confusion that was
amonge the states-generall bredd many dysorders almost uncurable
amonge them, as the discontentation of the captens, governors
and soldyers, in all places becom desperatt for lack of pay, the
yll imploying of ther treasure, whereby all matters most
necessary for the warrs and defence of the countrey was utterly
neglectyd, the unyversall hate and myslyke which both these and
all the people had conceaved ageinst them, being such as, yf hir
majesty had not sent when she dyd, ether they must have chosen
some one governor, to have taken this charge in hande to remedy
there confusions, or elles have reconcyled themselves to the
enyme, for avoyding the further ruyn and hazard of themselves.
And yf they had had any other governor then myself, hit ys most
certen hir majesty could not have these countreys so fully at
her commandment as now she ys lyke to have. Nether might she
convenyently have kept, ether an armye, or any nobleman here, to
be hir generall, but must have byn at the directyon and
dysposytion of that governor. Besides, how the contractes and
agrementes could be so well kept, ether for paymentes or
otherwyse, that ys betwene hir majesty and these countreys, ys
as dowbtful, or rather owt of dowbt. Beside yt had byn by that
meanes also very dangerous that a peace might have byn procured
and concluded with the enymye without hir majesties consent or
prevety, hir people and captens, and towns delyvered for hir
seurty, in great danger to be all lost. The enymye offeryng any
revenge to any hir majesties domynions she might be depryved
also of such helps and succors as these countreys may well asist
hir now withall, the governor being at hir majestie comandment,
with all other services lykewyse, But, the governor being at hir
majesties dysposytyon
<P 82>
and dyrectyon, these wantes aforeseyd ar provyded for and
suplyed; hir people ar to be in all sewrty and to be well
treatyd; hir contractes and agrementes ar always to be well
observyd and kept to hir majesties most advantage. He also,
having the placyng and disposing of these garysons, the
paymentes and other condycyons toward hir majesty ar most lyke
to be better kept. No treaty or peace to be made or delt in but
by hir majesty. No attempt can be made by the enymye ageinst hir
majesties domynyons, but she may dyspose and have all such
succors as shalbe nedefull for hir. The last, and chefe, ys,
that hir majesty having hir one servant, whome she may comaunde,
to be ther governor and comaunder, she ys sure to comande them
as absolutly as he hath his authorytye from them to comand other
under his charge. So for this first parte, these ar reasons that
perswaded the acceptance of this goverment, seing of necessyty
this state dyd require one, and hir majesty having so nerely
placed me therein before, and being so farr interressed in these
countreys as she ys alredy.
   For the secound, which was the reconcylliacion to the enymye,
hit nedeth no argument; he ys sensles that conceaveth not that
yf the king of Spain had these countreys at his comandment, lett
hir majesty have the best peace that ever was or can be made,
and wee shall find, as the world now standeth, that he wyll
force the queen of England and Englond to be at his dysposytion.
What with Spain for the west and what with these countreys for
the est, England shall traffyqe no furder any of these ways than
he shall gyve leave, without every voyage shall aske the charge
of a whole navye to pass withall.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 83>
[} [\LETTER XXVIII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM 1ST FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretorye, amongest my manye letters unto you of other
matters, I have forgotten one. I would gladly have Daniell
Rogers here, for some good services which I thincke he is fitt
for. Yf you fynde that her majestie meane to continue me in
service here, I hartely pray you that Daniell Rogers may be sent
to me. And so, with my right harty commendacions, I bid you
farewell. From the Haghe, the first of February, 1585.
   Your very loving frende,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my honorable good frende sir Fraunces
Walsingham knight, principall secretory to the quenes majestie.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 86>
[} [\LETTER XXX. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 3RD FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretory, I have written to my lord treasourour for his
healpe to procure that I may have one thousand pioners out of
Englande, men very necessary for the service here, and not to be
well had in these partes. Whereof one hundred I would have to be
myners, and have written to Sir Walter Rawleighe to healpe
procure them out of his jurisdiction in Cornwall and Devon. For
the other nyne hundred, I hartely pray you to conferre with my
lord treasourour, and to put to your healpe that they may be had
out of dyvers shyres in Englande, here and there, where you
shall thincke they may be best taken. There was abuse in the
levye of those that were sent before, many of them being
househoulders, and maryed men, and of bodye not fit for this
service. I pray you lett there be care had in these, that they
may be single men and of apt bodyes. And I woulde be gladde to
heare from you with speade, whether they be to be had or not,
that I may cause mony to be readye at London for them. And yf
they be to be had, yf the taking of them up may be gone in hande
with in the
<P 87>
meane tyme it shalbe well, for I would have them here abowt the
ende of Aprill, and not before. And so with my right harty
commendacions, I bid you farewell. From the Haghe in Hollande,
the 3d. of February, 1585.
   Your very loving frende,
   R. Leycester.
[^POSTSCRIPT AUTOGRAPH^]
   Yf I may have these pioners, I desier to have them in a
redynes agenst the mydst of May.
   I besech ye lett me hear oftener from you.
   I must lett ye know all our tresure ys gonne, and have leyd
out iij or iiij=m= li. beside my expences, only for the causes
and service here. And how the tresure hath byn payd out lett the
awdytor tell ye, and yet he ys not able to tell ye all, but
before I cam, all was gonn, and many debts owing, and the
soldyers reddy to sterte, yet yt was thought that ther had byn
inough here tyll the end of Decembre, of the first money; nether
cam ther, as I now I find, over with the treasurer above 14,000
li. of the xx=m=., and he had but warant of me for 2,000 or
therabout, whereof xvij=c= li. was for our shipping, yet he
sayth he broght but 14,000 with him.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my honourable good frende sir Fraunces
Walsingham knight, principall secretorye to the queenes
majestie.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 87>
[} [\LETTER XXXI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 4TH FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
<P 88>
   Good Mr. secretary, even as ye love the furtherance of this
servyce, send us money with all spede, for, as you shall
understand by Mr. Davyson, all our treasure ys gonn, and ye may
se, by experyence, how dowbtfull the wyndes ar to pass at your
wyll. I pray you also that you wyll obteyn lycence that we may
have men, and the captens I have sent over may be dyspached only
with hir majestys authorytye for the leavy of them.
   Mr. Norrys doth this day departe hence to Utrycht, whether
also I send all my horsmen. Yf we may have money and men from
Englond only to abyde the first brunt this sommer, I trust you
shall hear of great servyce to the honour and quyett of hir
majesty.
   The prince of Parma gyves yt out styll, and hath sent ageyn
to Antwerp, to provyde for hir majesties embassador, ether to
com thether or to Brusselles, only to make shew of yt, to brede
busses in these mens heddes here. The preparacion at Antwerp for
shipping ys not as ye have hard, for certen, nether his forces
to be feared, spetyally yf we may once gett before hand with our
men this spring. Here ys a man that doth offer to cure your
decease uppon loss of his lyffe. Fare ye well; in much hast,
this 4. of February.
   Yours assured,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my honourable good frende Mr. secretory
Walsingham.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 89>
[} [\LETTER XXXII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 6TH FEBRUARY, 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretory, this bearer, monsieur Civile, retourneth well
inoughe, I thincke, satisfyed with the dealinges here. Yet do
not the estates thincke good to goe throughe with the matter
offred by him on the duke his master his behaulfe, partly
because they do not take it to be of so great importaunce as the
duke thincketh, and more specially because mony at this present
groweth skant with them, being to satisfye me for my allowaunce
monethly, and to paye their ould debtes, (which I covenanted
they shoulde do before I would take the gouvernment on me,) and
having some other payementes to make; so that, by their former
desordre and confusion in all thinges, a litle money is nowe at
the first more unto them then a great deal wilbe hereafter, when
they have overpassed these paymentes, and thinges shalbe settled
in good ordre. I have a meaning also to do the duke ere longe
some pleasure an other waye, which I hope shalbe well to his
lyking. And so, with my right harty commendacions, I bid you
farewell. From the Haghe, in Hollande, the vjth of February
1585.
   Your very loving frende,
   R. Leycester.
[^POSTSCRIPT AUTOGRAPH^]
   I have partly remembred my lord tresorer of a matter wherein
I have at large wrytten to my lord admyrall, wherein both you
there and we here may be better servyd, and hir majesty farr
less charged. I pray you further yt to my lord admyrall, who I
know wylbe very reddy therto.
<P 90>
   And for those portes here, I can assure you they have doun
great servyce, both in taking and burning of sondry of the
Dunkerkers, as also in reskewing dyvers shipps taken by the
enymye, both Englysh and Flemysh, and ij of the best and
greatest were cast away uppon the Goodwyns lately, with all ther
men and artyllery, save 4 or 5 maryners; iij small barkes on
your side wold ease all, as ther ys also on this side as many
and moe sett out, but ther ys more trust x tymes to ours to kepe
Dunkirk, than these here, for they mete with many frendes whom
they lett slypp.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my honourable good frende sir Francis
Walsingham knight, principall secretory to the queenes majestie.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 90>
[} [\LETTER XXXIII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. 7TH
FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   My lord, there are two marchaunts of this countree, the one
of Middlebourge, called Mr. Jehan Cooman, bourgmaster of that
towne, the other, Jehan Berrhee, eschevin and senatour of
Amsterdam, who have a shipp with merchaundise taken coming from
St. Lucars in Spayne, by certeine shipps of warre of England in
October last, under pretence that they were the goods of the
king of Spaynes subjects, because there was found in the shipp a
bill of lading making mention that the goodes appertayned to a
marchaunt of Anwerp, which indeade was done to thintent that the
goodes should not be confiscat in Spayne; for that, since the
<P 91>
taking of Anwerp, all Anwerp-men are free from arrestes in
Spayne, and this manner of lading in other mens names is used
here, and allowed by an order of the estates, to thintent
thereby the goods and monie of this countreemen arrested in
Spayne and Portugall maie be gotten thence, and that those that
are here against the king maie have some kynd of trade thither.
   Theise two marchaunts are verie honest men, of good religion,
devoted to her majestie, and have suffred verie much for theis
countrees service. He in Anwerp, though he dwell in Anwerp, and
be therefore taken as reconcyled to the king of Spayne, yet is
he an honest man accompted, and doth no hurt but great good to
the cause. Theire humble suite to me is, to be meane to your
lordship that the said goodes, being a 100 pypes of oyle and 19
balles of cotton, maie either be delivered to themselves upon
good caution and assuraunce, or at least sequestred till
sentence be geven, doubting greatlie least yf their adversaries,
who are John Bird, Jo. Wattes, and John Stokes, should gett the
possession of them, they would distract them at meane pryces,
and dryve of thise men with long processe; which request seemeth
to me verie reasonable. I doe earnestlie praye your lordship to
cause good consideracion to be had of it, the rather the men
being so well affected. And so, with my right hartie
commendacions, I comitt your lordship to thallmightie. From the
Hage in Holland, the 7th of February 1585.
   Your lordships loving frende,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To the right honourable my very good lord, the
lord Burghley, lord highe treasourour of Englande, knight of
thordre, one of the lords of her majesties privie counsaile, and
master of her highnes wardes and liveryes.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 92>
[} [\LETTER XXXIV. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 7TH FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   This vij. of February I receive your letter, with a pece of
lead in yt lyke a patern of a booke; I know not what yt meanes,
nether have ye wrytten any word of yt.
   The master of the hoye that lost Sir Thomas Cecylles hors, I
have putt him in prison, and great presumtyons ar ageinst him,
which shalbe tryed to the uttermost, for such felloes have doon
much harme, but no more than your great recourse to Calles now
of your merchauntes doe, which ys so notable as wyll cause all
here to runne at lyberty yf ye hold yt on, for all thinges doth
pass to Calles. I besech ye consider of yt.
<P 93>
   For the duke of Bullyns matter I wrote somwhat to ye of yt,
but ther ys no aparaunce in dede that yt can be trew that so
much vyttell can come to that place. I beleave ther ys some
other matter in yt.
   I am sorry hir majestie wyll not suffer the Ireshe soldyers
to come hether; hir majestie shuld not have byn at a peny charge
for them; ther servyce in Ireland wyll not doe hir that servyce
that ther want here wyll hinder hir in a hier degre.
   I fear the brutes the prince of Parma doth gyve out wyll
prove trew, which ys, that hir majesty lookes rather for a peace
than to goe any further into any warr, and making no questyon at
all, whan he doth se the worst we can doe, but to have what
peace he wyll at hir handes, at all tymes. What hurt yt doth, ye
wyll, I fear, se to sone, for yf [\it\] be once setledd in these
mens heddes, I warant ye they wold provyde for themselves, yf
they had ther forces in ther handes, well inough; yt ys the
thing hir majestie nedeth least desier, and sonest wylbe offred
hir, yf she hold fast a lytle for the warr; otherwyse, farewell
all these countreys, and ye shall never have peace but a
shamfull one. And yf that shalbe thought mete, yf I bring not an
offer, and a seking to hir for peace, or half the rest of hir
money be spent, lett me loose hir favour and my credytt with hir
majestie. But to make shew of your parte to desier a peace, and
procede not in manyfest actyon of warr first, and with that
ernest shew indede which apperteynes to so weighty a cause, look
for no peace for England, whosoever elles can have yt: and be
not deceaved, for I know yt, and doe fear the sequell of yt.
   The enymye doth as asuredly know what conferences have byn
about sir Jo. Smyth's imbassage, and how ernest hir majesty ys
for peace, how hardly she hath spoken ageinst the councellors of
this enterprise of the Low Countreys, as any ye that ar at home;
and by devyces ys brought hether, to corrupt men of best
<P 94>
credytt. But finding by my preparatyon to the contrary, and my
sending for men into England, doth hold them all here back from
any thought yet that waye, wherein someway I know I endanger
myself at the enymyes handes, for his practyces to my none hurt,
for he ys perswaded that I am a great hinderar to peace, and
much of this here donn leyd uppon me. Beside, he hath
intelligences partyculer out of Englond of me, whereby yt may
the rather provoke him to seke my ryddance. But I am resolvyd of
the protectyon of the Almighty ageinst all devylls and his
enymyes, and that he wyll defend all that constantly trust in
him. I have no interest, God doth know, in desier of warr; but
the state of our prince and countrey requyring that ys done to
be for there safty, I think this lyfe well imployd for there
servyce, and xx tymes shall I be more wylling to be imployed in
an honorable and good peace for them, which may be, I think, yf
hir majesty take the way and follow yt.
   Some flyng tale hath byn told me here, that hir majesty shuld
myslyke with the name of "excellencye." Suerly I know the great
encreace hit hath geven me, but that I had the same at all
straungeres handes that ever cam into England, synce I was made
by hir majesty an erll, and abrode where she hath sent me. Yf I
had delighted, or wold have received tytles, I refused a tytle
hyer than excellency, as Mr. Davyson, yf you ask him, wyll tell
ye; and that I my none self refused most ernestly that, and, yf
I might have donn yt, this also, but I have had this both
wrytten and spoken to me whan I used but the place of hir
majesties master of hir horse, and both then and now asmuch to
hir majesties honor as any advauncement to me, as one that
desyreth no name but my none name, longer than I may serve hir
majesty to hir honour and good lyking.
   I have sent the audytor over with the accomptes here, and, yf
hir majesty wyll looke for my good servyce, there must be hast
of
<P 95>
money hether, for here ys none left, and we have now above
viij=c= horse to pay.
   So, in som hast, I comytt ye to God; at the Hage, this vij.
of February.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To Mr. secretary Walsingham.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 95>
[} [\LETTER XXXV. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO THE LORD TREASURER,
THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN, THE VICE CHAMBERLAIN, AND MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 8TH FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   My very good lords, I have to my great discomfourt receyved
from you her majesties great mislyke of my acceptaunce of this
<P 96>
gouvernment, and that she will by no meanes avowe, but rather
disavowe wholy, that which is done therein. I was somewayes a
very unfortunat man, I must confesse, that founde scant of her
majesties wonted favour towardes me before my going to take so
great and weightye a charge as this in hande, not being ignorant
of the infinite hazardes that I must put my own poore estate
unto, bothe lyfe and all. Neverthelesse, the Lord God doth
knowe, unto whose mercye I do appeale, the very aboundaunce of
my faithfull harty love, borne even to the preservation of her
sacred person, and the care of her prosperous raigne over our
poore endaungered countrye, was only cause thereof. But, my
lords, thus muche hope had I allwayes notwithstanding, in the
great goodnes of her majestie, that in so weightye a cause as
this is, her majestie would, before she had condemned me so
farre, have hearde what reasons have moved me to do this I have
done, above her commission or commaundement. And I doubt not but
her majestie and you all shall well fynde, that I have
adventured more to do her majestie acceptable service thereby,
then to do my selfe eyther honour or good. And as your lordships
have had good experience heretofore of the uncertaintyes of
these passages; so was I here xliij dayes before I did once
heare worde out of Englande.
   And, for this matter, to satisfye eyther her majestie or your
lordships as it ought to do, must stand upon sondry reasons
which necessitye brought fourthe at this tyme to cause me to
accept of this gouvernment, which I had delivered to Mr. Davison
to declare bothe to her and to your lordships, I do moste humbly
beseche your good lordships to examine all those reasons but
indifferently. Yf they seame to your wisdomes other then suche
as might well move a true and a faythfull carefull man to her
majestie to do as I have done, I do desire for my mistaking
offense to beare the burden of it, which can be no greater then
that which her majestie hathe allreadye decreed, to disavowe me
with all displeasure and disgrace; a matter of as great reproche
and griefe as ever can
<P 97>
happen to any man. And according to her will, which I perceyve
is ment by her majestie, I wilbe readye (seeing it is not
otherwise to be presently used) to obey her pleasure, yf it were
presently to give it, without any more adoe, over agayne to
them. But respecting what hinderaunce it may be to her majesties
service at this tyme, and to the whole cause, I trust I shall
not offende your lordships, nor her majestie, to give this
simple advise, that it may pleas her to send somme nobleman with
all speade whome it shall lyke her to supply my place, according
to her first meaning, and to revoke me, which I will humbly
obey, and take it as a matter from God, who can and will correct
the wayes of synners, protesting in his presence, and by the
beliefe I have in Chryste, that I have done nothing in this
matter, but, to my iudgement, of suche consequence for her
majesties service, besides the furderaunce of the cause here,
as, yf lyfe, lande and goodes had lyne upon it, I must have
adventured it as for an acceptable service. And yet when I sett
my foote on lande I no more imagined of any suche matter to be
offred me, or more then was by her majesty and the estates
contracted, then I thought to be king of Spayne; nor till I came
to this town xij dayes after: and yet was there some were
affinitye with this by that contracted betwene her and the
estates.
   I have no cause to have played the foole thus farre for
myselfe; first, to have her majesties displeasure, which no
kyngedome in the worlde culd make me willingly to deserve; next,
to undoe myselfe in my later dayes; to consume all that should
have kept me all my lyfe, in one haulfe-yeare. And so muche
gayne have I heare by it as I have lyved and spent only of my
own since I came, without ever having pennye or groate from
them, neyther shall gett so muche by them all here, yf I had
served them this xij monethes, as I have spent since I sawe her
majestie and your lordships laste. But I must thancke God of
all, and am most hartely grieved at her majesties heavy
displeasure. I neyther desire to lyve, nor to see my country,
with it. For yf I have not done her majesty good service at this
tyme, I shall never hope to do her
<P 98>
any, but will withdrawe me into some out-corner of the worlde,
where I will languishe out the rest of my fewe, to many, dayes,
prayng ever for her majesties longe and prosperous lyfe, and
with this only comforte to lyve an exile, that this disgrace
hathe happened for no other cause but for my mere regarde of her
majesties estate, being driven to this choyse, eyther to put
myselfe into her handes for doing that which was moste probably
best for her service, or elles loose her that advantage which,
at that present lett slippe, was not possibly to be gotten for
her agayne.
   I doubt not but ere this Mr. Davison hathe presented to her
majestie my own letter, and acquaynted all your lordships with
suche reasons as have moved me to deale as I have done, who was
dispatched hence fower dayes before I receyved your lordships
letters, leaving me in opinion yf her majestie had not thus
conceaved of it as she nowe dothe, that I would have thought my
service had deserved more thanckes. I shall nowe attend her
majesties furder pleasure, not daring wryte to herselfe being
thus offended, but will humbly desire your lordships good
constructions of my doinges to hir highnes, yf you shall fynde
the consideration worthie, with your honourable and frendly
meanes in my behaulfe, being a man absent, but moste faythfull
and loyall to my moste dread soveraigne mistres, and so wilbe to
my lyves ende, and to my power humbly thanckefull to your
lordships all, for the good favour you shall shewe herein
towardes me. And so will pray unto God to keape you all in his
feare with longe lyfe. From the Haghe, the 8=th= of Februarye,
1585.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honourable my very good lords the
lord highe treasourour of Englande and the lord chamberlayne,
and my very good frendes Mr. vice-chamberlaine and Mr. secretory
Walsingham, and to every of them.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 99>
[} [\LETTER XXXVI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 8TH FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretary, being lothe to trouble my lords with to longe
a letter, maketh me thus bould to use some addition to you,
being not only grieved but wounded to the harte. For it is more
then death unto me, that her majestie should be thus ready to
interpret allwayes hardly of my service, specially before it
might pleas her to understande my reasons for that I do. For my
own parte, I am perswaded hitherto there could not any better
service be done unto her majestie in these partes, and yf some
other man had done it, yt coulde not be but it had bene muche
better accepted: at the least I thinke she would never have so
condemned any [\other\] man before she had heard him. And, undre
her highnes pardon and favour, I dare referre the judgement of
this matter, when it shalbe duely examined and hearde, to her
majesties own selfe, or to my worst enemyes, wheresoever they
be, muche rather to any or to all her privye counsayle. All her
majestie can laye to my charge
<P 100>
ys going a little furder then she gave me commission for. Yf the
matter be well considered, the steppe forwarde is not so great,
yf my authoritye contracted before betwene her majestie and the
states be well perused, and I thancke God there is no
treachourye nor falshoode in this I am blamed for. The Lord
graunt her majestie paciently to consider by this my doing
wherein she is any waye damnefyed, or furdur engaged to the
estates then she was before.
   Her majestie I do remember well indeade, and so may you, howe
before all my lords she seamed to mislyke that I should take any
other charge then as her generall, or to make any othe to them
here, any manner of waye. I tould her majestie lykewyse, in the
same presence, it was then to no purpose for me to goe into
these countryes; for yf it were but to be her generall only of
v=m=. men, Mr. Norrise had that charge alreadye, and better able
to discharge it then I. I did lykewise put her bothe in
remembrance of her contract with the states, which had allowed
me farre more authoritye then that, and of the dealing of my
lord treasourour and of yourselfe also with them abowt a furder
enterteignment for me, as in respect I should be their officer
as well as her majesties, in which I referre myselfe to both
your reportes, being then present. For they alwayes aunswered
me, there was no doubt but they would deale with me as well as
ever they did with the prince of Orange. But her majestie indead
then would not heare of it, thoughe I made petition to be
discharged of the journey. Yet, afterwards, in speaking with
her, I founde her very well content I should receyve any thinge
from their handes whatsoever, so it mought not proceade from
herselfe, but of themselves. I did desire you, sir, at that
tyme, to move her majestie most earnestly for my stay at home,
telling you howe much I should undoe myself, and do her majestie
no service, going after that manner. And, yf I be not
forgeatfull, it seamed then to you lykewise, that her majestie
was willing inoughe that I should receyve suche charge and
enterteignment as, of themselves, the
<P 101>
estates would lay upon me and give me: but I will not stande
greatly hereupon.
   But, admitt me to be even acccording as her majestie did
contract with the estates, ys it not there agreed I should be
the generall of their warres and armyes, as well as of her
majesties? Was I not there placed as chiefe counsailour of the
estate amonge them, and two nominated also by her majestie to
assist me? I suppose in this place it was not ment, neyther for
me nor them, as counsailours for the warres only, for then I am
sure there should have bene named more famous captaines to
assist me. Besides, I am there authorized to deale in monye
matters, and myntes, with such lyke, which are mere civile
causes. Yf, then, it be so that this authoritye was given me
before, by her majesties and the estates contract, and that they
would, partly for the honour borne to hir majestie, and partly
for that they would have the worlde knowe they relye wholy upon
her, make choyse of me, so farre interessed allreadye amonge
them, and give me a tytle and place which some other must have
had, as shall playnly appeare to her majestie by Mr. Davison,
and that hir majesty is neyther furder charged therby, nor by
any means drawen into any furder action or bonde, then she was
before, and that of necessitye some one must have had the place,
I woulde fayne knowe, yf any other had had it but one wholye hir
majesties, whether she had not bene disappointed of every parte
of that she looked for: specially for a good peace for herselfe
and Englande? And whether the sure payement of her waged
souldiors by them, or the strengthe of all the garrisons placed
by them, or the navye and mariners of these countreyes, had
bene, without this authoritye to one of hers, at hir majesties
commaundement or no? Yf then, by taking this place upon me, hir
majestie being thereby no waye to be charged, eyther by the king
of Spayne or otherwise, since it was the estates own election,
and a matter merly done by themselves, to offre these great
advauntages to one of her own, methinckes it should not receyve
so harde a construction, seing by the placing of me, the
<P 102>
only benefite and greatest honour dothe growe to hir majesties
selfe every waye.
   For my own particular, I knowe it had bene farre better
another had had it then I. But for hir majestie, yf hir gracious
good opinion were not prejudiced allready against me in this
matter, bothe hirself and all others must thincke it is muche
better for hir service in the handes of one of hir own, then of
any other whosoever. But yet I am nowe sory that ever I was
employed in this service. For yf any man of a great nomber elles
had brought suche a matter to passe for hir, I am sure he should
have had, instead of displeasure, many thanckes. But suche is
nowe my wretched case, as for my faythfull, true and loving
harte to hir majestie and my countrye, I have utterly undone
myselfe; for favour, I have disgrace; and for rewarde, utter
spoyle and ruyne. I could have taken warning of this before, yf
I would have doubted so muche of hir majesties goodnes, or have
cared more for my quyet and ease at home then for hir service
abroade. And I am not so riche but I might bothe well have
spared my charge, and saved the labour of so daungerous a
journey.
   But, to conclude, yf to make hir majestie to have the whole
commaundement of all these provinces, of their forces by sea and
lande, of their townes and of their treasure, with knowledge of
all the secrettes of their estate, yea and to have brought her
what peace she woulde, besides divers wayes and meanes lykely to
have eased a great parte of her charges, only by taking upon me
the name of gouvernour, is so eveill taken as it hathe deserved
dishonour, discredite, disfavour, with all grefes that may be
laide upon a man, I must receyve it as deserved of God and not
of my quene, whome I have reverenced with all humilitye, and
whome I have loved with all fydelitye. Hit shall ende thus, that
as I fynde myselfe moste deapely wounded, and seeing hir
majesties good favour and good opinion drawen from me, that she
conceyveth I have or do belyke seake rather my own glorye then
her true service, not forgetting that some suche wordes were
used of me when
<P 103>
I made suyte to her majesty to have a fewe lords over with me, I
do humbly beseche her majestie by you, for I know my wryting to
hirselfe having these conceipts of me shall but trouble her, to
graunt me leave, as soone as she shall appoint one here to
supplye my place for her better service, which I desire with all
speade, and the sooner the better, to go lyve in somme obscure
corner of the earthe, where I will ende these grievous dayes in
true prayer to God for her. And, as the Lord doth knowe, when
she thought me any way touched with vayne glorye, I had no cause
of vayne glorye to boste of. Yf I may glorye in any thinge, it
must be, I see, in the crosses of this worlde, whiche allmightye
God strengthen me unto. And so, thincking every daye a yeare
till I may receave ordre and dispatche of this place, I bid you
hartily farewell. From the Haghe in Hollande, the 8=th= of
February 1585.
   Your loving frende.
[\ADDRESSED\] To my honourable good frende sir Fraunces
Walsingham, knight, principall secretorye to the queenes
majestie.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 103>
[} [\LETTER XXXVII. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 7TH
FEBRUARY, 1585-6.\] }]
   My very good lord, Your last letters come to my hands war by
your lordship written at the Hage the 29. of January, by which I
<P 104>
was glad to perceave [\you\] had receaved my letters sent by Mr.
Atye and my son; which war made old letters by the contrary
wynd, which of late hath bene so constant to hang long in on
cost, as ether your lordship there have cause, or we heare, to
wish it; for it holdeth strongly ether west, which pleseth vs to
send, but not to heare; or els in the est, which discontenteth
ether of vs in contrary manner.
   By your lordships letters I fynd manny thyngs of my letters
answered, and so I shall be hable to satisfye hir majesty; but,
to be playn with your lordship, in a few words, I, and other
your lordships poore frends, find hir majesty so discontent with
your acceptation of the government ther, befor you had
advertised and had hir majestys opinion, that, althovgh I, for
my own part, judg this action both honorable and profitable, yet
hir majesty will not endure to heare any speche in defence
therof. Nevertheless, I hope a small tyme shall alter this hard
concept in hir majesty, whereunto I have allredy and shall not
desist to oppose myself, with good and sound reasons to move hir
majesty to alter her hard opinion.
   But, to end this wrytyng, I could not but to accompany this
gentilman, Horatio Palavicino, with my letter, whom, for his
<P 105>
wisdom and all other good quallites, I nede not to commend to
your lordship, being so well knowen and approved to your
lordship as he is. From my house in Westminster, 7. February
1585.
   Your lordships assuredly at command,
   W. Burghley.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 114>
[} [\LETTER XLI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 14TH FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretory, this gentleman, sir Robert Jarmine, hathe in
my knowledge causes of great weight which force him at this tyme
to come over. He myndeth to retourne hither within a moneth or
therabowtes, and for that tyme he may be best spared hence. I
<P 115>
have founde him to be very wise and stowt, and most willing and
ready to this service, and he hathe come hither as well
appointed as any that hathe commen over. I very hartely pray you
to accompt of him as of one specially recommended to you from
me, and yf he shall neade your favour in his causes, that you
will the rather affourd it him for my sake: I wilbe behoulden to
you for it. And so with my right harty commendacions I committ
you to the Allmightye. From the Haghe in Hollande, the xiiijth
of February, 1585.
   Your very loving frende,
   R. Leycester.
[^POSTSCRIPT AUTOGRAPH^]
   I nede not commend this gentleman to ye, but assuredly he ys
gretly to be estemed. I besech further him yf he shall nede your
favour.
   I did wryte very ernestly to ye, and I think to my lord
tresurer also, touching a request one munsieur de Meux made unto
me at Dort; he ys the hye-bayly ther, a very honest, religious,
constant, stout gentleman, one that hath gonn thorow all these
troubles with great constancy. His only sonn ys taken by the
enymye; they wyll not release him, nor sett him at any ransome,
for the fathers sake. He desyred Saburo, by whose meanes he
hoped to redeme him. The gentleman ys worthy of a greater
favour, and able to serve hir majesty many ways in this
countrey; he thinkes some lack in me that he receaves no answere
or comfort all thys while. I pray ye, sir, favour him further,
and ye shall do hir majesty a good service in yt, and yet I dout
not to get some other in Dunkirk also with him.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my honourable good frende sir Francis
Walsingham knight, principall secretorye to the queenes
majestie.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 116>
[} [\LETTER XLII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 15TH FEBRUARY, 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretorye, I opened the packett which this bearer
comming from my lord Willoughbye will deliver you, because there
was a letter in it for me. By that letter I fynde but doubtfull
aunsweres from the king of Denmarcke, and therefore do thincke
it not amisse yf you staye the imparting to her majestie of the
contents of these letters, untill her pleasure shalbe fully
knowen touching the matters of these countryes, nowe after the
arrivall of Mr. Davison. Yf she go throughly on with these
causes, she shall not need to make doubt of having frendes
inowe. So, with my harty commendacions, I bid you fare well.
From the Haghe the xvth of February, 1585.
   Your very loving frende,
   R. Leycester.
   If sir William Pellham be not hastened hither, or some suche
man of judgement in martiall affayres, we shall hardly do that
good I wishe for here.
[\ADDRESSED.\] To my honourable good frende sir Francis
Walsingham knight, principall secretorye to the queenes
majestie.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 126>
[} [\LETTER XLIV. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 18TH FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretary, these men here doe very ernestly press me to
be a sutor to hir majesty, that hit will please her to consider
of the traffyq of hir marchauntes for clothes, whether these
tounes in Holland and Zeland may not be thought convenyent
places for the
<P 127>
utterance of ther clothes, as they hope all yt wyll; and, yf yt
so be found good, than wold they be sutors to have them com
hether, offring all manner of good usage, and in what place or
places so ever the merchantes wyll lyke best they shalbe
provyded for to ther contentacions, without tax, or talliage, or
any manner of charges uppon ther merchandyzes. For my none parte
I have somewhat travelled to understand what vent they may have,
and I find plainly, yf you hold your hand from lycenses, and
forbid going to any other places eastward from Hamboro
hetherward, and to the Haunces but only some suche nomber of
clothes as heretofore ye have allowed them, that here wylbe a
notable mart for them.
   Amsterdame, or Enchuson (a place I lyke best for some
causes), or Rotradame, any of these iij, wylbe very apt places,
and, with Mydelborow in Zeland, ye shall not only be sure our
clothes shall have spedy utterance but greatly content these
people, and I am perswaded yf all other places be well examyned
ye wyll fynd this the surest every way. For alredy our clothes
goe away apace from Mydelborow, but yf the hole trade come
hether, all the east partes wyll seke hether, and here ys no
fear of any arestes or exactyons, except we offer them to to
much wrong. I pray ye, sir, consider of yt, and with some spede,
for that the king of Denmark hath promysed to deall for the
Stedes, and ye had nede take hede of them, the king of Spain
hath a great hand over them, spetyally of the Count de Embden,
who, I can assure you, ys wholy at his comaundment; his letters
hath byn taken.
   These men, also, doe offer some place, or places, for your
woll of England, and wyll deall with nether French nor Spanyesh
woolles yf hir majesty wyll, and ye may utter here a great
quantyty to those that make sayes, and bayes, and other wollen
workes, which shall only spend our Englysh wooll: and I wyll
warrant your merchantes never found such markettes for ther
clothes as they shall doe here, yf they wyll not skatter to
other places. Thys being a matter of great weight I thought to
wryte yt to ye, and that I may hear from ye as sone as may be,
at least that hit be
<P 128>
not forgotten to these folkes, howsoever ye deall with the lord
lyvetenant here. God preserve and kepe hir majesty from all
evyll, and with longest and happiest yeres to rayne. From the
Hage, this xviij. of February.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
   Hit is thought, that yf our woolles cam over hether into
Holland, that yt wold draw a great nomber out of Flaunders
hether that occupie wollen occupacions from the parte of the
enemye. For God's sake remember money, with all possible spede;
and sir Wylliam Pellam,
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my honourable good frende sir Fraunces
Walsingham, knight, principall secretorye to the queenes
majestie.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 128>
[} [\LETTER XLV. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 21 FEBRUARY, 1585-6.\] }]
   This Monday, the xxj. of February, after I had dyspatched my
other letters to ye, my lord Wyllowby aryved here very well, and
doth tell me how very well affected he hath left the king of
Denmarke toward hir majesty, that, for hir owen service, he wyll
mak warr uppon any prince, and ys content, uppon any least word
from
<P 129>
me, to lett ij=m= of the best horsmen in all his countrey to com
to me, and they may better com that way, I find, than any way
out of Jermanye, to serve this countrey, spetyally in East
Fresland and Gelderland.
   I perceave, also, that the princes of Germany ar mervellosly
gladd of hir majesties dealing with the king of Spayn. The duke
of Sax ys becom a new man synce his mariage, and hath sent very
playn messages to the emperour; he hath lykewyse agreed with
sondry princes to send to the French king, and to perswade him
to leave his prosecuting the king of Navare and the
protestantes; yf not, they protest not only to stey all succors
for him out of Germany, but to ayd and asyst the sayd king of
Navare, with all the force they may.
   I fynd yt plainly, yf her majesty send any man of countenance
now to them, and to com this way, though yt werr but boddeleye,
I dare warrant ye shall find them in an other manner of tune
then ever they werr yet, synce hir majesties tyme.
   The ellector of Culloyn received letters ij days [\ago\] to
the same effect, touching the princes of Germanyes devotyon, as
also of the duke of Sax August.
   The count of Emden ys stark naught, and the king of Spains
for lyfe, only I wyshe hir majesty to send some one to his
brother, count John, whos hart ys almost kyld synce he was in
England, and languysheth in great mallincholly, finding so small
comfort ther, as he sayth, yf hir majesty had geven him any good
comfort, his brother shuld never have don any thing but what she
wold. He is so decayd and out of comfort, as yt ys thought his
brother wyll shortly gett the Nort, and another place next the
sea called Gryte, of good importance, but the other called
Denord ys able to doe very great servyce agenst the enymye now,
yf yt werr at hir majesties dewtye, but ther must be no tyme
lost in yt.
   Hamborow ys a villanous town, and wholy the king of Spaynes;
<P 130>
my lord Wyllouby was in great danger to be taken in their
territorye. But, yf yt please hir majesty to bestow hir
merchants in other places, I beleive veryly more to their
proffytt but far more for ther surety, which, yf yt may be, I
besech ye give me but a spedy incling.
   We ar here in good forwardnes as well for sea as land; ye
shall hear shortly that our contrybutions wylbe very much
encreased, spetyally yf her majesties countenance contynew. I
have wonne them to dyvers very large pointes alredy, for they se
I only serve hir majesty and ther cause, and do venture both my
lyfe and my lyving for them, and I assure ye I find great favour
with them, spetyally with the honest councellors and the comon
people.
   Paule Buys ys a very vyllayn, a dissembler, an athest, and a
practyser to make himself rych and great, and no boddy elles;
but ye shall see I wyll doe well inough with him, and that
shortly. He ys the most hated man generally that ever I knew in
any state: but kepe this, I pray ye, to yourself. Ortell ys holy
his, and he hath alredye newes of hir majesties myslyke of me,
and I warrant ye he hath taken advantage of yt, and yet wyll not
seme to me to know any thing; but I am here every way to hard
for him. He wold seme altogether to be for Englond, and in troth
he doth skorn us.
   Hir majestie never had such a waye unto the world to daunt
hir enymys as she hath now. I pray God she may take the offers
of hir parliament in tyme: she wyll find herself happy. And, in
hast, fare ye well, the shypp steying this beror.
   Your most assured,
   R. Leycester.
To my honourable good frend sir Frauncis Walsingham, knight, her
majesties principall secretarie.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 131>
[} [\LETTER XLVI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 22ND FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   I must nedes trowble ye as oft as occasion may serve, albeyt
I can hear nothing from you, whether I shall contynew in my
servyce or be cashed, and being loth to loose tyme whilst I am
hear, I have alredy proceded with these men for the leavy of an
army, as the only way in dede to help and save all; for,
whatsoever discourse men may make to you ther, I find by all the
wysest and best experymented men here, that if we stand but
uppon a defensyve warr, all wyll be lost, as all was almost
quyte gonne when I cam hether, as I wrote unto you, and chifely
for that men were out of hope to resyst the enymye in the fyld,
but he had way to doe what he lysted in all places; he was able
both to besiege towens and to anoye all places where he lysted,
and no man to make hedd with force ageinst him, every man
looking but to his singell charge, in this towen and that towen,
and none to commaunde or dyrect for the hole: and ye shall se
now, that a meane comander shalbe able to doe more than was donn
this good while.
   We have alredy, concluded and in making reddy, almost xl good
shippes and good cromsters, beside xxv smaler vesselles to runne
upp and down the ryvers, well furnyshed; so that, for the sea,
we wyll provyde well inough.
<P 132>
   For the land hit ys almost concluded, also, that we shall
leavye iiij=m= horse, the most reyters, beside those we have
alredy, for yf we may mach the enymye with horse, I dowbt not
for the rest; yet he hath iij=m=. Spanyardes aryved a month
agoe, and I hear he ys preparing men in Germany.
   Much adoe have I had with these men to bring them to consider
of this matter, for they imagyn ther places inpregnyble, and doe
not remember how the people groe wery of ther contynewall
burden, and standing only uppon defence. They contynewally lost
towens, cyttyes, and almost ij hole provynces, Flanders and
Brabant, all which, yf they had had but vj=m= men in the fyld,
they had saved; but I may boldly say it, for I am well informyd
of yt, they were both carelesly and neglegently lost, and
assuredly many more had byn gonn but for hir majesties comfort
and countenance, and yet wylbe, yf we shall doe but as others
have donn. Wherefore I have byn very round, and the rounder, to
be playn with ye, that I wold rather torn myself out of service
for such a cause than to be torned owt otherwyse, as perhapps ye
among ye ther have resolyd. And my dealing hath taken such good
success, as now they procede very willingly in all thinges that
I move to them for ther defence, and every man wylling to
contrybute, and to enlardge their contrybutyons, now they hope
somwhat shall be donn for ther money, as, God wylling, ther
shall, yf I tarry by yt; praing ye, ageyn and ageyn, to send
away sir Wylliam Pellam. They here have hard so much of him as
almost they beleave in him.
   Hir majesty must think that this servyce standes hir more
uppon than all hir debtes, yf they be a C=m= li., and the
prosperity therof must bring hir, not only safetye to hir state
and person, but the saving of many a C=m= li. hereafter. Besyde,
sir, yf my poore advyce may be hard, as I have wrytten yt to ye
and my lord tresorer heretofore, hir [\majesty\] shuld send with
all spede into Germany to the princes, to encourage them,
spetyally a gentleman of some quallyty to the duke of Sax, to
congratulatt his mariag
<P 133>
with the howse of Hawnalt, who is the ablest and noblest
gentleman in all Germany and a great prince; and, beside that he
wyll take himself bound to hir majesty, the old duke wyll take
it most kindly, for he loveth his yong wyffe so well as
whosoever sendes to him therabout he useth all the thankfullnes
in the world to him. He hath sent of late a stout messag to the
emperour, and hath refused to gyve any audyence or access to the
French kinges comyssary. Seguro hath ben greatly enterteyned at
his handes, and loged in his own howse.
   Yf Palavasyn com not away ye marr all. Gyttory ys almost
madd, having wrytten into Germany of hir majesties gracyous
dealing in their cause, and that Pallavasyn and he were both on
the way; now Gyttory lyeth styll at Harlem, and almost
desperatt, yet doe I comfort him by messages, to lett him know
that I myselfe have not hard this month from England. God send
them better whan they com next.
   The king of Denmark doth marvellously love hir majesty, as my
lord Wyllowby telles me; he hath sent me very kind messages by
my lord, and doth offer to let me have ij=m= of his best
horsmen, and best captens to lead them; and lykewise to send his
own sonne, yf I think yt good, and that it may any way advance
hir majesties servyce.
   Thus ye may se how greatly hir majesty may further both hir
own good servyce and the servyce of all christendome, yf hit
shall please hir. And bycause she hath alwayes harped uppon a
peace, lett all wyse men judge whether ther be any way in the
world for hir majesty to have a good peace but this way; yea,
and the more show of princes good wylles that she may procure,
the better and surer must yt be for hir. Well, I can doe no more
but open my pore conceattes, and pray to God to dyrect hir
majesties hart to doe that which may be most for his glorye and
best for hirselfe and realme, and so commytt you to his safe
protectyon. At the
<P 134>
Hage, from whence I goe toward Utrycht uppon Saturday next; this
xxij. of February.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
   I besech ye, Mr. secretary, lett not the pore soldyers be
forgotten, and the rather for that we shall goe very shortly to
the fyld; at the least to have a flying camp of iij or 4000 men,
to doe very necessary and nedefull servyce.
   The count Hollock ys a most wylling and obedient servant, and
surely wyll doe well, and begyns to leave his drynking. Hir
majesty is much beholden to the elector Truxy, and he ys able to
doe great servyce; he ys very pore but very wyse.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my honourable good frend Mr. secretarye
Walsingham.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 134>
[} [\LETTER XLVII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 24TH FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   The messenger which had my last letters was reternyd back by
whether ageyn, which causeth me to make my letters as freshe to
ye as may be, styll; and, touching the encrease of allowance to
<P 135>
our former rate sett down, which was ij=cm= florins by the
month; fynding yt very skant to descharge that which this sommer
servyces shall require, I have procured at the states handes,
and with best wyll at the countreyes handes, to gyve for iiij
monthes ij=cm= florins more, with which I trust ther wylbe good
servyce donn, and I have not byn idell nor neglygent in cauling
uppon these men for this matter, and other very nedefull, though
I find many of them slak inough in furthering those thinges that
be nedefull for themselves. I cannott blame the countreys to
myslyke with them as they have donn. Well, I hope now the
gretest matter ys past, this money being so redyly agreed unto
at length; and whosoever shall suplye the place for hir majesty
here, shall find a good preparation.
   I have, lykewyse, mustered all our men, and to be payd untyll
the xij. of February, but not our horsemen. I stey tyll I com to
Utryght, which shalbe within viij days after this, yf wether
wyll suffer me. I have changed many garisons upon some smale
suspition, but, I thank God, I find all men wylling to serve for
hir majesties sake, and I trust no place at this day to be
feared, where any garyson ys. I am about to make Lylle and
Lyfskynhose somwhat stronger; places of great importance. I have
lerned to be of a good nature synce I cam hether, for I hope to
sett the French king and the king of Spain together by the
eares, as well as they love, or this day month, and cost hir
majesty never a grote. I trust ye shall very shortly hear of som
towns of importance to be had into our handes.
   I find by the muster-master that the bandes be wonderfully
decayed, though many sleyttes were used, as he saith, to deceave
him, and wyll save hir majesty a good deall, I think; he ys not
yet retornyd, but a very wyse stout fellow he ys, and very
carefull to serve thorouly hir majesty. I am gladd I named him
to yt. I wold he had byn here at the beginning; but yf I tarry
here I
<P 136>
wyll be sure we wyll have men for our money. Hetherto I was not
able to use the servyce of v=c=. Englyshe soldyers beside the
garrysons of Flushing and Bryll, which places I styrr not. Ther
are ij lytle places which I meane to gett the government of, and
shalbe no charge to hir majesty, and yet of as great importance
as any of the other almost.
   These men be mervellously pleasyd with me that they perceave
I prepare forces for the fyld, for yt ys the only way to brydell
and overthrow the enymy, and to putt in hart these people, who
care not what they gyve so they know they have men in the fyld
to defend them, spetyally in the somer tyme. Wherefore, Mr.
secretary, yf hir majesty wyll looke for honour and good
servyce, send away Mr. Pellam; we have no such man to govern the
armye of all the men they have here, nor any comparable to those
I have brought alredy. They have very few that ar any thing
able. I wold I had the ij Italians that Pallavasyn promysed me;
but, seing I trust the Spanish shall have no cause to trowble
Irland, I wold, yf I shuld tarry here, gyve one of my fingers to
have Mr. Bingam here but iiij months. I dyd think ther had byn
both more and better choyce of captens than I can find here, and
therfore ther ys the more nede of such as he ys, for surely I am
in very good opinion of happy success, I find all men so willing
to this servyce. I besech ye, yf ye find hir majesty well
disposyd, remember Bingam, but first dispatch away sir William
Pellam, whose abode one month now may hinder us greatly here.
   There ys an other matter concerning Emden of very great
importance; I have wrytten alredy thereabout to ye; he ys a very
enymye to this countrey, and fast to the king of Spayn, and doth
chifely vyttell the enymye; yf he were not, we shuld get
Groyning in xx days, and all that part of Freseland the enymye
now holdeth.
<P 137>
Thus, having scrybled in much hast, I comytt you to the Lord. At
the Hag this xxiiij. of February.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
   I pray you remember that I may receive answere to the partes
of my letters, for I have no coppy of my requestes. Forget not
money, money; and I wyll never press for any more than hir
majesty hath promysed these countreys alredy for this yere.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my honourable good frend Mr. secretary
Walsingham.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 137>
[} [\LETTER XLVIII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSINGHAM, 26TH FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretary, yesterday being the xxv. of February, I wrote
unto you. This day, having occasion of a messenger going over, I
thought good to lett you knowe, that there came one of this
councell to me, and in verye honest sort told me, that I could
not forgett what brutes the prince of Parma had geven out
touching hir majestyes disposytion for to have peace with the
king of Spain. "I have received," sayth he, "now a lettre from a
frend of myne in London, who dothe wryte, that a Spanish
marchant, one Lewis de Pace, was gonn into Spain with all hast,
uppon a sudden, a month agon, and thought to be not without the
knowledge of some councellor, and that some secretly devyned,
that hit was to procure
<P 138>
some spech of peace, but," sayth he, "I wyll not beleave yt, for
yf hir majesty had had that minde, I am suer she wold never have
gon thus farr with us here, nether can all the Paces in England
or Spain cause the king of Spain to speake or seke a pece so
sone as this course she doth take with him. And we trust that
hir majesty wyll never doe herself so much dyshonour, nor us
that have comytted ourselves unto hir so much wronge, as to take
any such course whereby that king shall receive so great
encouragement, to hir owen harme and ours; for," quod he, "hir
majesty knoweth not the pryde of the Spaniard, yf he be any way
sought unto, how inderectly soever. I doe not beleave it, nether
wyll I speake of yt, but to tell your lordship of yt, to know yf
ye have hard any such thing."
   I told him, uppon my truth, no, (no more dyd I in dede) nor I
could not beleave yt whosoever shuld wryte yt, bycause I knew
hir majesty had meanes inowe offred hir to have herkened to a
peace or this, yf she had lysted; and he and the rest here might
assure themselves she wyll never deall or herken to peace but
their parte wylbe in yt as well as for hirself. "Seurly," sayth
he, "I wyll beleave so, for hir majesty hath bounde us by treaty
and contract that we shall no waye speake of peace without her
pryvytye fyrst, which, God wylling, wylbe truly observed. For
now ys yt in her majesties power both to save us, next unto God,
or to undoe us for ever." I dyd all I could to putt any such
conceatt out of hys head, for I wold be as loth to have yt in
myne owen, knowing how utterly hit wold both overthrow hir
majesty and thes countreys also; and how easily hir highnes ys
like at all tymes, whansoever she wyll, to have a peace at that
kinges hand. Nevertheless I could not be quyett but to advertyse
you hereof, trusting that ther wylbe no such matter in hand but
you wyll gyve your frend som knoledge wherby to govern himself
the better, and I wold be sorry my credytt werr so yll, seing I
dyd putt hir majesty in a better hope, and wyll perform yt, when
any good cause shalbe, than by such a meane to bring hir to a
peace. And so
<P 139>
having donn all my arrand for this tyme, I wyll byd you farewell
this xxvj. of February.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
   Yf Pallavasyn come not, Gyttery wyll home to his master, and
com into England as he goeth, and so to his master. He wyll not
into Germany. He ys wonderfully greved, but I satysfie him all I
can, with the lacke of wynd to com out of England.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my very honorable good frend sir Francis
Walsingham, knight, principall secretary [\to\] her majesty.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 139>
[} [\LETTER XLIX. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 27TH FEBRUARY 1585-6.\] }]
   This day, being the xxvij. of February, having wrytten
yesterday another letter unto you, I have received intelligence
from Gelderland. Coronell Shenkes hath ageyn donn a notable pece
of servyce. He hath taken a towen and castle of great importance
for impeching the enemye in those partes, a place we have bynn
busye about this good while to gett, and now by his dyllygence
and dyscrete handling brought to effect. Hit ys a town in
Westfalia,
<P 140>
the principall town of all that provynce, called Werle,
belonging to the byshop of Colloyn, but in the enymyes handes,
and dyd us here great dyspleasure. This good fortune, God be
thankyd, ys now com to us.
   Beside, the count de Meurs hath donn a notable pece of
servyce very lately uppon a lettre I wrote unto him, beinge
discovered unto me from a man of Deventer that was one of their
councell and of the religyon, a place of mervellous importance
to this state, who opened a full conspyracye of certen
magystrates of that town to delyver yt upp to the enymye, and
had sworne a company among themselves for the purpose. The
honest mans letter I sent to the count, who presently without
delaye repayred thether, at whose coming they wold not lett him
entre but with vj persons, for indede they wold never yet
receive garyson into the towen, albeyt they held for this state
always, and beside they had comytted the party that wrote to me
to pryson before the countes coming, for that he semed to refuse
to joyn with the rest, being one of the chefe of the towen, in
this conspyracye. And the count hath so well behaved himself, as
he hath overthrowen all this practyce, and hath changed all the
magystrates, to the great lykyng of all the towen and the full
assurance of the same as at any tyme before, which, God wylling,
shall [\be\] better assured or long, uppon this occasion. I
trust ye shall hear of other manner of places taken or long.
   Myself had byn at Utrycht or now, but expecting styll hir
majesties pleasure from England, which tyll this day I hear
nothing; and yt ys most requysytt that I repayr into those
partes about Utrycht, for, tyll the houer of hir majesties
pleasure knowen, I wyll not neglect the servyce of this aflycted
countrey, which God, I trust, wyll prosper, yf not by me, yet by
som other that hir majesty shall apoint more fytt. For very
fezeable yt ys at this present, yf God putt into hir majesties
hart to procede in geving hir good countenance to them. I dare
undertake this v yeres they werr not in so good towardnes of
well doing as synce they tasted
<P 141>
of her majestys good favour, which God Almighty styll contynew
her in toward them.
   I am thretned to be used as the prince of Orang was, but I am
at a point for that, and yet, yf yt be founde that hir majesty
wyll go thorow with all how many soever shalbe so delt withall,
they wyll leave those practyces. I besech you procure a gracious
lettre, first to the count de Meurs, and next to coronell
Shenkes, who hath notably deservyd synce my coming; he hath now
donn iij exployttes uppon the enymye synce I cam to the Hagu,
and he desyers nothing more than to have her majestye know his
good hart toward hir. The count de Meurs, whome som call
Newener, ys lykwyse very greatly affected to hir majesty, and he
ys the best protestant that I here of in all these partes, and
doth most earnestly deall in causes of relygyon. And those at
Utrycht begynne excedingly to encreace in relygyon, who werr
lately the worst of all these provinces. Even synce my coming
they have shewed great frutes of yt; and so hath some other
places, also, that lyved newtraly before. The mynesters begynn
to be bolder than then they durst be before hir majesties
authoryty was here, for fewe did care for relygyon in dede, and
they have prospered accordingly, but only the meaner sort, and
God be thanked they be manny, and the work of God doth appeare
in them, by ther trade of lyfe from all others. The mynysters be
not many lernyd, but those that be ar very honest and dylligent,
and I am perswaded, within vj months, you shuld heare that these
provynces wylbe equall with any countrey for religyon, they doe
so dayly encreace.
   Thus, for this tyme, meaning to goe to morrow toward
Amsterdam and so to Utrycht, I wyll byd you farewell; in much
hast, trusting shortly to send you more as good newes as this.
At the Hag, this xxvij. of February.
   Your most assured,
   R. Leycester.
   I pray you bear with my scrybling; this berer can informe ye
of
<P 142>
all our state here. I wold hir majesty had many such, and so
able men, and of lyke good wyll. 
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honorable my very good frend sir
Francis Walsingham, knight, principall secretary to her majesty.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 145>
[} [\LETTER LI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO THE LORDS OF THE
COUNCIL. 1ST MARCH 1585-6.\] }]
   My very good lords, I remember, a while ere my cominge over,
upon certayne requestes and articles delivered over to the
councell-boarde by the governor of the marchaunts-adventurers
for enlargment in some respect of theire priviledges, theire
booke was committed to the view of her majesties solliciter and
attorney, whose aunswere and advice thereupon had, fyndinge the
sute reasonable and allowable, I movyd her majestie, in the
marchauntes behalfe, in hope to have obteyned that desyred; but,
ere her highnes pleasure knowne thereof, I departed thince
towards these contries, leavinge yt unresolved. Now, forsomuch
as the marchaunts of Myddleborowe have made earnest sute unto
me, declaringe how diverslye there trade is hyndered, and they
endomaged,
<P 146>
by thindirect and coullorable dealings of interlopers and
disorderlye bretheren of theire societie, contrary to the trewe
meaninge and construction of the priviledges by her majesties
charter geven them; which they could not remedye, unlesse by the
favor of her majestie they might be assisted to bare a hande and
hynder sutch disorderous courses; consideringe theire demaund
founded on reason, and knowinge the sarvice duringe theire
beinge a corporation doun to their prince and contrie, also
theire willing readines to continew in the lyke, thought good to
recomend theire cause unto your lordships, most earnestlie
desyringe [\you\] to be so favorable unto them as to deale so
effectuallye with her majestie that theire longinge and wished
desyre may take effect, and your lordshipps shall not only, in
my opinion, do a good deed, but also bynd them to do their
indebvor by all meanes to be most readye allwayes at
commaundment. Wherwith, expecting some good aunswere from you, I
ende, and comytt your lordships to the tuition of thalmightie.
From Harlem, this first March, 1586.
   Your lordshippes to commaunde,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the moste honorable my very good lordes the
lordes of her majesties most honorable privy councell.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 147>
[} [\LETTER LII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 1ST MARCH 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretarye, I wryte presentlye to my lords of her
majesties counsell, in the behalfe and for the furderinge of the
marchaunt-adventurers sute, touchinge the inlargment of theire
priviledges. The cause is to you sufficientlie knowne, and of
yourself recommended, for the good-will you bare them, and yett,
thinkinge that my commendation may stand them in some steed unto
you, I was willinge, at theire sute, by a fewe written lynes to
desyre, that, the rather at this my request, you will stand
theire honorable freend in preferringe theire booke and
petition, and speake so effectually with fytt oportunitie, that
her highnes graunt may the sooner passe. And, besydes the good
which you shall doe unto them, which I am sure they will
indebvor themselves by sarvice to desarve, I shall also take yt
very freendlye, and wilbe as willinge to pleasure any at your
desyre in the lyke or otherwyse. Wherewith I ende, and commytt
your honour to the tuition of the Almightie. From Harlem this
first March, 1586.
   Your lovinge assuryd freend,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my honorable freend sir Frauncys Walsingham,
knight, her majesties chief secretarye.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 148>
[} [\LETTER LIII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 3RD MARCH, 1585-6.\] }]
   I have received intelligence this day, from a very honest man
that hath remayned in Bruges tyll now he ys retyred to
Myddelborow, that ther ys a man, called Hyman, somtyme pencyonar
of Bruges, and was the dealer for the Fleminges in London v or
vj yeres agoe. Thys Hyman ys now sent by the prince of Parma,
into England, to some servyce of his, and hath undertaken
somwhat. He was once an offycer of the councell of state here
among them, and did than great servyce for the king of Spain,
for which he ys much esteemed. And this man that hath dyscovered
this ys one that redd with his eyes the offer this Heman made to
the prince for his servyce in England, and therin used wordes
which did shew that matters of great secresye had passed from
him when he was in England. You shall do well to enquire for
him, and yf he be ther, you may be bold to clapp him upp. I
understand credybly, that the Prince fedes himself in great
jolytye that hir majesty doth rather myslyke than allowe of our
doinges here, which, yf yt be trewe, lett hir be sure hir own
suete self shall first smart, and, as I hear, he doth now
provyde accordingly. Fare you well, in all hast, at Harlem, this
3. of March.
   Your assured,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my honourable good frend sir Francis
Walsingham, knight, her majesties principall secretarie.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 152>
[} [\LETTER LVI. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 6TH
MARCH, 1585-6.\] }]
   My very good lord, I shuld be ashamed greatly for not oftenar
wrytyng to your lordship of late, having receaved so manny from
yow, but that I have an excuse more sufficient than I lyke of,
which also this beror can inform yow of.
   Since Mr. Hennadg was sent from hence, who tarryed very long
at the sea-cost, for want of convenient wynd, hir majesty wold
never be content to have to any speeche of the state of thinges
nedefull to be knowen for your chardg. I have not desisted to
move hir to gyve eare, but she contynued hir offence as in no
sort I cold attayn to any answer mete to be given to your
lordship. And now of late having had a myshap by a fall, wherby
I have bene and still am to kepe my bed, I have at sondry tymes
wrytten to hir majesty. I have also sent my mynd by Mr.
vice-chamberlen, who hath ernestly vsed my name to hir majesty,
specially to send monny and men to supply the broken bandes, but
no answer to purpooss can be had, and yet I mynd not so to cess,
but, being pushed thereto with conscience and with care of hir
honor, yea, of her savety, I will still sollicit hir majesty,
hopyng that God will move hir to harken to necessary motions,
pryncipally for hirself.
<P 153>
   Now, my good lord, though I can gyve yow no answer to many
thynges, for lack of her majesties good disposition, yet I will
remembre the matters conteaned in your lordships lettres, and
wryte somewhat therof, in another paper her included, with my
mans hand, because, in very truth, the payne of my broosed forad
dishableth my hand to wryte as I wold.
   My lord, I imparted to hir majesty the secret offer made to
yow for to yield to hir majesty the gayn of xxx or xl=m= pounds
by the yere, for the permission to coyne the ross-nobles ther,
but hir majesty wold not be tempted therwith; and suerly, my
lord, I marvell how such a gayn can be made therof, for though
for a reasonable porcion to be coyned there, at the first
uttrance the same might be uttred for great gayn, yet when ther
should be any plenty, the gredynes of them will be stayd, and
the trew vallewe wold be knowen, and the estymation would abate.
   It wold be knowen to what quantitie he wold monthely or
quarterly coyne, and if it should be taken in hand, and within a
few months quayle for want of uttrance, the matter wold be evil
spoken of, to erect up a coynadg in a forrayn country of our
currant monny; but if the gayne might be suer, the proffit wold
answer the speeche. As I may heare more from your lordship, so
will I procede herin.
   And so I tak my leave of your lordship, praying yow to take
in good part my devyding of my lettre, by wryting part with myn
own hand and part with my servantes.
   From the court at Greenwych, the 6=th= of March, 1585.
   Your lordships allways assured,
   W. Burghley.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 154>
[} [\LETTER LVII. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 6TH
MARCH 1585-6.\] }]
   An awnsweare of divers matters mentioned in sondrie lettres
of the erle of Leicesters.
Lettres sent by Mr. Davison, 1=o= Feb.
   I have informed hir majestie, that his lordship is assured
that theire maye be shippes and mariners enough to be hired to
serve hir majestie uppon reasonable warning, whearein is
required to be understood, what nombres of shipps of warre may
be had to joine in consort with hir majesties shippes uppon the
seas, and wheather it be not ment the same shall be at the charg
of the states, otherwise hir majesty hath noe meaning to
increase hir charge; and though, at the first, it was thowght
meete, for supplie of our lacke of mariners, to hire sum from
thence for the navie of Englande, yet nowe, my lord-admirall and
the officers doe resolutelie awnsweare, theie will never have
anie mariners, being strangers, to be matched with the Englishe.
As for the request that M=r=. Davison might retorne, I find noe
likelood to geve your lordship anye hope thereof.
<P 155>
   The awditor Hunt hath shewed a forme of an accompt of the
treasurer for the expence of the treasure delivered to him,
which commeth to lij=m li=, with v=m li= delivered to M=r=. John
Norris at the beginning. In this accompt theare [\are\] sondrie
thinges dowbtfull, spetiall for manie paimentes made by the
treasurer withowt anie warrant either from M=r=. Norris or from
your lordship. Theare is, also, noe good reckoning made by the
treasurer of the v=m li= first delivered to M=r=. Norris, whie
the same is not repaid by the states; neither of such monie as
he hath laide owt for the pioners serving the states; other
particular dowbtes theare be whereof M=r=. secretarie hath made
a colleccion, which shall be, either by Hunt the awditor or sum
other, sent over thither to be awnsweared; but that which I waie
more of than all this is, that I find certainelie, uppon the
vewe of this accompt, that the treasurer had not sufficient for
a monethes paie before the end of Januarie, so as he lacketh
both for Februarie and for this present moneth of Marche, for
which purpose it is more than good time the treasure weare on
the waie thither.
   I have informed hir majestie of the 200,000 florins accorded
to be monethlie paid by the states, to be clearelie expended,
besides discharge of their former debtes, and the charges of the
sea; thes thinges weare mentioned in the former lettre.

Lettres of 2. February.
   A matter concerning coinage shall be awnswered in a lettre of
mine owne handes, yet your lordship shall understand what
bargaine hath been made heare before the threasurers departure,
with him and alderman Martin, that is, that hir majesty should
be awnsweared for the coinage of everie pownd, vizt. of gold in
rozenobles, the summ of xxx=s=, wheare before theare ware paid
for the coinage but vj=s=. so as nowe the encrease is
xxiiij=s=., which by reckoning cometh in tale to x=d=. for every
xx=s=., that before was but ij=d=.; thus much for matters of the
second lettre.
<P 156>
Lettres of the 3d. February.
   Concerninge the levienge and sending of 1000 pioners, of
[{whom{] one hundred to be miners, bicause I thinke it weare
verie necessarie for your service theare, I have furthered it
the best of my power, but howe it proceadeth your lordship shall
understand from M=r=. secretarye.
   That which your lordship writeth of the comte of Embdens
affection to Spaigne I am sorie to thinke it to trewe, although
since your lordships departure from hence the comte sent
spetiall lettres to hir majestie, with grevous complaintes
against the Hollanders by spoilinge of his people with their
shippes in the river of Emps, requiringe hir majestie to write
hir lettres to the states in Holland to reforme the abuses of
their shippes and men of warre, with an offer to showe his good
will to the cawse which hir majestie had taken in hand for them,
and, for this purpose, hir majestie wrote hir lettres unto him
of cumfort to procure the redresse, and lettres to them of
Holland to performe the same; at which time, also, theare weare
lettres written to your lordship to [{take{] sum meanes to
compound the same controversie betwixt them, [{all{] which
lettres as I thinke Ortellius had to send into Holland; what was
done thearebie I knowe not, but yet, within a few daies, Ortell
reported, that all thinges weare well compounded betwixt [{the
states{] of Holland and the comte, and so I thought thei had
been, untill nowe that I doe otherwise understand from your
lordship, as likewise sir Thomas Shurlee reporteth the same.

Lettres of 12. February.
   I find that our merchant-men doe greatlie misuse themselves
in enhaunsing up the prices of armour theare, and, according to
your advise, I wishe the provision that is to be made for hir
majestie might be made from thence with your assistaunce.
   Your lordship writeth to have one Seburo, a Spaniard that is
a presonar heare, to be delivered in exchange for the sonne of
the bailif
<P 157>
of Dort, whearein what to awnsweare your lordship at this time I
knowe not, for that theare hath been great motion made to
procure for him the deliverie of Stephen le Sire, which I thinke
M=r=. secretarie hath furthered. And if he might free them both
[{it{] weare noe ill bargaine for England, for that Seburo is a
man of small valeue to do either good or hurt, onelie his
kin[{sman{] the governour of Dunkirke doth desire him for
frendshipp.

Lettres of 15. February.
   Your lordship moveth to have our merchantes to trade into
Holland with theare cloathes, and also with theire woolles,
which thing hath been moved unto them heretofore, and theie of
the staple for wooll have alledged, that theie have noe hope to
have anie great vent for theire woolle, considering theie have
had good quantetye of theire woolles lieng long at
Middleborough, for the which, theie saie, thei never could have
vent but to their great losse: and I moved them to change their
staple to Brill, according to the request of the towne of Brill
sent hither the last sommer by M=r=. Davison, but I could not at
that time induce them to loke thereof. Nevertheles, I will
assaie them nowe uppon your lordships newe motion, with the
offer of the Hollanders that theie will leave draping of the
Spanish woolles and occupiours, whearebie I thinke, in truthe,
our woolle maie have good utterance. For the
merchaunte-adventurers, I will also deale with them for theire
trade thither, with theire cloathes, considering neither
Hamborough nor Embden are fitt places for them as the worlde
shapeth, but I feare the greatest lett will be, that theire will
be noe safe passag for theire cloathes to be carried upp into
Germanie by the river of the Rhein, speteallie considering the
towne of Newmeggen is in the enemies hand, and the convoies of
such against the streame will be subject to dangers in divers
places, being waited for by the enemie: but if our merchantes
could be content to keape theire martes in thes Lowe Countries,
withowt seeking to conveie them upp into Germanie themselves, it
is likelie that both
<P 158>
Italians and Germaines would com into thos cuntries and buie
them at the first hand themselves, and by meanes of safe
conductes would make theire passages free. By this your lettre,
also, your lordship doth confirme your opinion of the comte
Embden to be Spanishe.

Lettre of the 18. of February.
   I was glad to perceive that your lordship hath obtained a
grawnt of 100,000 florins more for fowre monethes, and yet I am
gladde to understand, by report of sir Thomas Shurleie, that yt
should be 200,000, so as then your lordship shall have by the
moneth xl=m li=. sterling, which surelie is a great yeld, and an
argument of the liking of your government. I am glad, also, that
you have obtained the erecting of the howse of finances,
whearein I dowbt not but you have men of sufficient conning for
the guiding thereof: but I feare theire subteltie, for theire be
noe people can better skill to make a gaine of coinage than thos
Lowe Countriemen.
   In that your lordship is so desirous to have sir William
Pelham theare, I thinke you have great reason, for, in truthe, I
knowe noe one man borne in England of more sufficiencie than he
is, but the lett of his not comming I thinke this bearer can
fullie informe yowe, which, for my part, I have sowght to
remedie in all that I can, as well for the releef of the
gentleman himself, as for the proffit of the service that might
growe by his being with you.
   I am glad that yowe have the use of my brother Killegrewe,
who, as he is of great experience, so I knowe he doth of verie,
meere affection towardes your lordship serve theare at this
time, which otherwise noe reward could provoke him, such desire
I knowe he hath to live privatelie and unoccupied.
[^THE REST OF THE LETTER AUTOGRAPH^]
   My good lord, in this sort hytherto have I eased myn own hand
to releve my evill forhed. And now, since sir Thomas Shyrleys
<P 159>
coming, which was on Fryday at night, I must leave to hym to
send yow report of his actions. Hopyng, that, within some few
dayes, he shall have more matter to wryte of than that he hath.
And so I end at this tyme, overcom with feare of sham that I may
have to wryte but on lettre, to so manny as I have receaved from
your lordship, and manny of them of your hand: but the fault is
not lack of good will to wryte oftenar, if oftenar I might have
a subject of matter. I dout not but by M=r=. secretory your
lordship doth understand of the proceadynges both forward and
syde-wey in Scotland, of which variete truly the cheff cause
cometh from hence. God amend it, whan it shall please hym to
thynk us worthy of better. From the court at Grenwych the 6. of
March, 1585.
   Your lordships assuredly, as anye,
   W. Burghley.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 162>
[} [\LETTER LIX. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO THE LORDS OF THE
COUNCIL. 9TH MARCH, 1585-6.\] }]
   My verye singuler good lords, I am to render most hartye and
humble thankes unto you, for that, I am informyd, hit hath
pleaside you to be meanes to hir most excellent majesty, to
quallyfye hir hard conceatt agenst my pore servyce donne here.
   I wyll not excuse myself of a great fault, that I dyd not
first aquaint her highness before I dyd accept this office, and
to receave hir good pleasure therin, but what I may alleage for
myself I trust Mr. Davison hath delyvered, or elles hath he
greatly both deceaved me and broken promys with me. How ernest I
was, not only to aquaint hir majesty, but, imedyatly, uppon the
first mocion made here by the states, to send him over to hir
majesty with my letters and his report of the whole state of
these matters, I dowbt not but he wyll truly affyrme for me,
yea, and how farr ageinst my wyll it was, notwithstanding any
reasons delyvered me, that he and others persisted in, to have
me accept first of this place. Albeyt, I must confes, all that
he dyd, presuming the exstremytye of the cace to be such as he
thought himself fully hable to satysfie hir majesty, as a matter
either than to be taken without all delaye or to fall utterlye
to the ground, and his knowledge therof I know to be farr beyond
myne, having byn contynewally
<P 163>
beaten here among them, long before my coming, and most carefull
was he to bring all to the best pass for hir servyce. Uppon
which exstremytye of the cace, as yt was, and being perswaded
that Mr. Davyson might better have satysfyed hir majestie than I
perceave he can, caused me, nether arrogantly nor
contemptuouslye, but even merely and faythfully, to doe hir
majesty the best servyce. And as I say not thys to worke any
blame to Mr. Davyson, whose most sincere honest minde toward hir
servyce I must acknowledge, so yet may I not leave so greatt a
conceatt remayne in hir majestyes minde of my undewtyfullnes,
whan I did not only remember my dewty as I have told you, but
dyd urge the performance therof as I have wrytten. But my
yelding was my none fault, whatsoever his perswasions, or any
others, might be, seing the reasons be no more acceptyd of hir
majesty than they be; but farr from a contemptuous hart, or
elles God pluck out both hart and bowelles, with utter shame.
   And finding hit thus hardly to light uppon me, which I
thought should have wonne a more favorable constructyon, the
doing having wholye tended to the advauncement of hir majesties
most honorable servyce, as all men here hath and doth see, I doe
most humbly besech your good lordships, to contynew your good
favors towards me, and to wey whereuppon hir majesties offence
hath groen, only uppon presuming to much of hir good opinion of
my fidellytye toward hir, and partly by Mr. Davisons over-great
slacknes to have answered soner and better for me, as he
promysed he wold. And being greatly dyscouraged, albeyt I could
allege for the cause and place very much to satysfie your
lordships for my honest servyce therby to hir majesty, yet wyll
I not seme to travell ageinst the groundes of hir majestyes so
depe conceatt, but leave yt to God and your lordships most
frendly medyation to conceave, that I am hir most loyall
faythfull bondman, and had never ether contemptuous or unworthy
thought of hir sacred majesty, but as becam so bounded a servant
and subject as I am, and
<P 164>
ever wylbe to hir, lett hir use me as shall please hir. And, yf
withowt offence and with hir favour, hit ys not only the leaving
of this place I shall humbly desier, but to serve hir majesty
where elles soever by my humble and dayly prayer, which shall
never ceas for hir most happie preservacion and long
contynewance, finding myself very unfytt and unable to wade in
so weighty a cause as this ys, which ought to have much more
comfort than I shall ether find or desarve. Thus, beseching God
to bless and govern all your councelles to his glorye and hir
majestyes best servyce, I humbly take my leave. At Harlem this
ix. of March, 1586.
   Your lordships most assured pore frend,
   R. Leycester.
   As far as I can perceave, hir majesty doth think, that by
this place I tooke I have engaged hir in some further sort than
she was before, but your lordships shall find, I did both forsee
that, and ther ys no such cause to think yt; for yt ys most
certen, ther ys no more donn on hir majestyes parte than hir
owne contract doth bynd hir, only she hath hir own servant to
comaund here, whear some one other must, which wold, I think,
more have myslyked hir.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honourable my very good lords, the
lords of her majesties moste honourable privye counsaile.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 165>
[} [\LETTER LX. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 9TH MARCH, 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretary, I thank you for your letters, though you can
send me no comfort; I trust God wyll not leave those that meane
truly, and trust in him. Hir majesty doth deall hardly to
beleave so yll of me. Hyt is true that I faulted, bycause I dyd
not advertyse hir majesty first or I shuld take such an
authorytye uppon me, but she doth not consider what comodyttyes
she hath withall, and hirself no way engaged for yt, either one
way or other, as Mr. Davison myght have better declaryd yt, yf
yt had pleasd him. And I must thank him only for my blame, and
so he wyll confess to you, for, I protest before God, no
necessyty here could have made me leave hir majesty unacquantyd
with the cause before I wold have acceptyd of yt, but only his
so ernest pressing me, with his faythfull assured promys to
dischardge me, howsoever hir majesty shuld take yt. For you all
se ther, she had no other cause to be offended but this, and, by
the Lord, he was the only cause, albeyt yt ys no suffycyent
allegacion, being as I am.
   And as for the importance of the cause I did adventure, so
considering the importance of hindering the cause thorow the
dyspleasure that doth fall uppon me, hit had byn an honest part
yet to have lett hir majesty know how ernest I was, and how
resolute,
<P 166>
to acquaint hir with the cause or I would have taken the place;
and hit could not have had any blame almost, doing yt, as he did
indeede, for hir great servyce, and assuredly all had byn lost
yf I had not than acceptyd of yt as I dyd, and, accepting yt as
I dyd, with my former resolucyon and myndfullnes to advertyse
hir, he had, I think, saved all to have told hir, as he promysed
me. But now yt ys leyd uppon me, God send the cause to take no
harm, my grefe must be the less; though yt toucheth me as nere
as doth hir majesties so hard dyspleasure, yet have I no way, I
thank God, tyed hir majesty to any inconvenyence by my
acceptance. How farr Mr. Henneages comyssion shall deface me
here I know not; he ys wary to observe hys comyssyon, and I
content withall. I know the tyme wylbe hir majesty wyll be sorry
for yt. In the meane tyme I am to to wery of the high dygnyty, I
wold any that could serve hir majesty werr placed in yt and I to
sytt down with all my losses.
   I assure you, uppon my fidelity, I have spent and leyd out
for hir majesty's servyce above 11,000=li= sterling alredy, in
these iij months. I thought yt wold have served me v months
longer here. I tell you truly my howse alone hath cost me a
1000=li= a month, and some month more. I have also payd hetherto
v=c= and l. men; of my owne purse these, and furnyshed them of
my none chardges. And for the horsmen, I am sure all these
countreys enymyes, or other, have not such vj=c=. horse as I
have. I receavyd but for iiij=c=. as you know, and I have payd,
both for the other ij=c=. and, synce I cam hether, a c. and l.
more; so that I have above iij=c=. and l. that myself hath
raysed, above the iiij=c=. hir majesty payd for at London. And
all this ys lyke to light uppon me, instead of better happ. I am
sure ther hath not a gentleman past hence, ether of my none or
otherwyse, but the least hath had x=li=. some xx=li=., some
xxx=li=., and the most xx. Well, so I might have gott any more
money for my land that ys left, I wold as well have spent more,
for ther be many here have spent much.
   But, sir, whatsoever become of me, gyve me leave to speake
for
<P 167>
the pore soldyeres. Yf they be not better mainteyned, being in
this strang countrey, ther wyll nether be good service donn, nor
be without great dishonour to hir majesty, and the less she
shall send at once the more unproffytable for hir, and she shall
find yt so, and xx=m li=. to send now, I doe assure you yt ys
all dew alredy, and you se what lettes you have by the wynd.
Ther was no soldyer yet able to buy himselfe a pair of hose, and
yt ys to to great shame to se how they goe, and hit kills ther
hartes to shew themselves among men. Well, you se the wantes,
and hit ys one cause that wyll gladde me to be rydd of this hevy
high cauling, and wyshe me at my pore cottage ageyn, yf any I
shall find. But, lett hir majesty pay them well, and apoint such
a man as sir William Pellam to govern them, and she never wann
more honour than these men here wyll doe, I am perswaded.
   For newes, I wrote you of late that Shenkes had taken a town
and castle in Westfalia called Werl. Synce that, the enymyes of
that countrey gathered together, both the gentlemen and ablest
men, and offred a kind of siege of the towne, but Shenkes
issewed out and sett uppon them, slewe that [\there\] ley ded in
the fild 2500 persons; he toke a great nomber prisoners, among
which wer 25 of very good cauling, and the ij chife captens
beside. Surely this ys a noble fellow, having done this he fecht
in all ther vyttells, and vytteled the towen and castell, and
left a good garison, and putt himself now safe into Nuse, which
we doubtyd to be besiged shortly. Ostend ys thought wylbe
beseged, but I fear yt not.
   Thus, having spent my paper and all my news, I betake you to
God, &c. At Harlem 9. March.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my honorable good frend sir Francis
Walsingham, knight, principall secretary to her majesty.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 177>
[} [\LETTER LXIII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 17TH MARCH 1585-6.\] }]
   Mr. secretorye, touching Pointes, of whome you wryte, I am
sory he is sent any other waye. I delivered him an hundred
poundes, and he promised me to have gone into the enemyes campe.
And so, with my harty commendacions, fare you well. From
Amsterdame the xvij. of Marche.
   Your very loving frende,
   R. Leycester.
[^POSTSCRIPT AUTOGRAPH^]
   I am forst to use a secretary, but yet, perhapps, you wyll
not very plainly understand whome I meane; hit ys Anto. Poyntz,
whome I sent over to gyve you knoledge how I had imployed him to
the enymyes camp, a matter of most nede for me, and I mervelled
that I never hard from [{him,{] and within these iiij. days, my
nephew Phillip told me he received a letter from him that you
had sent him into Spayn, whereof I am hartyly sorry, having
greatly dysapointyd me, having not one to suply that place nowe,
and a great tyme lost, also, that you dyd not at the first gyve
me knoledge of yt.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my honourable good frende Mr. secretory
Walsingham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 178>
[} [\LETTER LXIV. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 20TH MARCH 1585-6.\] }]
   My verry good lord, theire is [{all con{]venient speed used
in the prepa[{ration{] and putting in a ready[{ness{] the money
resolved on by her majestye to bee sent over, which I am sorrye
fawleth not owt in proportyon large as the necessytie of the
servyce requirethe, so that your lordship, contrarye to your own
lyking, shall be forced to stand uppon a defencyve warre: yt
wyll be verry discompfortable to the people of thos contryes,
espetyally when they shall see there townes lost, which your
lordship for lacke of hennowghe assistance, shall not be able to
prevent.
   Suche gentlemen as your lordship appoynted to levye men ar
tyred with long attendaunce here, for that her majestye cannot
be drawn to resolve therin. Her awnswer is, that shee wyll see
an accompt of thos allreadye sent over, before she yeld her
assent to the sending over of any more, I shewed un[\to\] her
highness the hard estate the towne of Grave stands in, which
coold not be releeved withowt an encrease of forces, which moved
your lordship to presse my lords of the cownsell here to take
some care for the speedye dyspatche of the gentlemen. I dyd also
shew unto her, that the losse of that towne woold woorke some
changing in the peoples hartes, when they shoold see themselves
subject
<P 179>
to lyke misfortune as they were before her majestye tooke uppon
her to protect them. But nothing that can be alleaged can drawe
her majestye to yeld to any thing that tendeth to the
furtheraunce of the servyce there, otherwyse then led by mere
necessytye.
   I fynde her dysposed to lyke that certeyn cashed bandes in
Ierland, uppon dowbt that otherwyse they wyll put her to some
charge here, shall be transported into the Lowe Countreys, so yt
may be don withowt her burden. I have caused Mr. Davison [\to\]
sette downe with what charge the same may be performed, which I
wyll send unto your lordship.
   Seing her majestye is no better dysposed to send over her
owne subiectes, I thinke your lordship, in case you resolve to
contynewe your servyce there, shall doe well to take part of the
master of Grayes offer, whoe, as my cosyn Randollph sendethe me
woord, sendethe an expresse gentleman unto your lordship to
knowe your lordships resolutyon therin. I fynde the gentlemen
that your lordship hath appoynted to make the levye are lothe to
take upon them that charge with the allowance of xx=s=. the man,
and herof your lordship shall doe well, in case her majestie may
be drawen to assent that any levyes shall be made here, to move
the states to increase the somme.
   By the inclosed copy of sir Edward Staffordes letter your
lordship shall see, howe resolutely the king ther is bent to
prosecute the warre, with the uttermost of his power, agaynst
thos of the relygyon.
   Ther hath ben certeyn offers made unto her majestye, and by
her rejected, and yet of no great charge, that carryed great
probabylytie
<P 180>
to have withstoode both Godes and her enemyes. I praye God, the
lacke of fealing and compassion of others myseryes, doe not
drawe uppon us hys heavye hande; to whos protection I commyt
your lordship, most humbly takyng my leave. At the coorte, 20.
Marche, 1585.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra. Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 184>
[} [\LETTER LXVI. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 21ST MARCH, 1585-6.\] }]
   My very good lord, thincloased hath of late [{been{] written
unto me by the duke of Nevers, conteyning a r[{equest{] , as
your lordship may perceave by the same, that, by my means, the
subjectes of his dutchy may obteyne licence to be served of
salte for their owne necessarye use out of the countryes of
Holland and Zelland, with sufficient ca[{ution{] that the sayd
salte shall by no meanes come into the [{hands{] of thenemy. The
nobleman is one to whom I [{was{] greatly behoulding in the tyme
of my imployement [{in{] Fraunce, for the which I would be glad
to shew [{my{] self thanckfull towardes him with any service I
[{can{] do him, which moveth me earnestly to pray your lordship,
that, uppon consideracion of the said request, and communicating
of the same to the states, yt may please you to returne an
aunswer unto me, whether yt [{can{] be graunted or no, to thend
I may accordinglye satisfye the duke, according to his
expectacion and myne owne promise. And so I humbly take my
leave. At Grenwich the xxj=th= of March.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra. Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 185>
[} [\LETTER LXVII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 21ST MARCH, 1585-6.\] }]
   My very good lord, there are einowe here who [{having{]
knowledg that hir majesty is intent that there shalbe a [{levy{]
made in Ireland for the states, have offered ther services
[{to{] take that chardg uppon them, nevertheless understanding
[{from{] sir Thomas Shirley that your lordship meant the sayd
chardg unto sir [{William{] Stanley, I have theruppon geven all
others their answer. And, because your lordship, as I suppose,
cannot well spare sir William Stanley himself from thence, to
come and make the sayd leavye [{in{] Ireland, I have thought
good to move you in the behalfe of Mr. Dautry, who offireth his
service in that imployement. He may, withall, have the chardg of
lieutenant-coronell [{for sir{] William Stanley of thes Irish
troopes. The gentleman [{is{] one that loveth sir William
Stanley well, who I heare [{doth{] also make verye good accompt
of him. I have conferred with him about the chardges of the
leavy, his demaund is [{three{] pound a man, and myn offer but
fifty shillinges, he sayeth, [{that{] part therof may be
defalked out of their enterteynment, [{and{] he telleth me, that
two thousand maie well be had out [{of the{] countrie where he
is to make the leavy, by meanes of [{sir{] Henry Harringtons
credit, who is hable to make up [{two{] thowsand.
<P 186>
Yt may please your lordship to returne aunswer of [{the{] states
disposicion, whether they can be content to be servid with
[{that{] country people, and how many they are willing to
enterteyne; [{and{] what chardges they shall yeld to allowe for
the leavyeng of them.
   The master of Gray hath lately sent one captain Tiry hether,
[{to{] sollicit your lordships aunswer to thoffer he hath
hertofor made to [{find{] fower or fyve thowsand Scottes to the
service of the states under your lordship, with direction ether
to stay here or to passe [{over to{] your lordship for this
purpose, as I should advise him. And, for I am uncerten how your
lordship may be resolvid touching your continuance or
discontinuance in that service, uppon occasion of the late
accident that hath fallen out, I have therfor directid the party
to stay untill I may heare from your lordship, wherof I pray
your lordship to [{be{] myndfull, for the better satisfaction of
the master. And so I now humbly take my leave. At Grenwich this
xxj=th= of March.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra. Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 186>
[} [\LETTER LXVIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 24TH MARCH, 1585-6.\] }]
   Your lordships of the 3. of this [{present{] sent by your
servant Wyllyam, I have receyved, by the [{which{] you desyre
<P 187>
that an eye be [{given{] unto Iman; yt may please your lordship
to understand, that Iman, abowt a two monthes past, was at
Callas, and sent over for a save-conduct, which being denied
unto him, he stayed his commyng into this realme.
   I doe daylye sollycyt her majesty for the lycensyng of sooche
gentlemen as were recommended by your lordship to make ther
levyes of [{such{] nombers as were by you appoynted, but she
delayethe her resolucyon therin untyll she heare from sir Thomas
Henneage, whos letteres are not yet come to this coort, thowghe,
as I understande, master Vavaser, to whom they were commytted,
was dyspatched from thence the 10=th= of this present. Mr.
Warde, whoe was dyspatched thence about that tyme, arryved the
xx=th=. He imbarked at the Brill, and Mr. Vavaser went to
Flusshing, wharby he lost the benefyt of the wynde.
   By letters of 17. of Marche owt of Scotlande, we heare, that
the king there dothe yelde all satysfactyon unto her majestyes
mynister, Mr. Randolphe, and contrarye measure unto the Frenche
kinges mynister, which he takethe in extreme yll parte. I wyll
send your lordship the coppie of soche letteres as we have
receavyd from Mr. Randolphe, whoe receyvethe at the kinges
handes far better usage then he looked for. I praye God this
opportunytye be not lost, as others before have ben. I fynde a
greater cowldenes then the state of the present time requyrethe.
   The Spanishe preparatyons, as they reporte that came from
Lysbon the x=th=. of this present, wyll prove nothing this
yeare, and I hope lesse the next, yf yt be trewe that is wrytten
also from the Spanishe coorte to an Englyshman in Andelesya. The
substaunce [{is\] , that sir Francis Drake hath 6000 Semironets
repayred unto him, whoe have chosen and crowned him king, and
that he hathe great store of them sure. I doe not desyre to be
awthor of thes news for that methinkes they are [{too{] good to
be trewe.
<P 188>
Somewhat I am induced to belyve them for that Don Antonio de Cas
[\...\] , late imbassator for the cardynall-king of Portugall,
hathe [{made{] , by letters dyrected unto my[{self{] , some
overture for a peace, wherein he desyrethe to be imployed, for
that he fyndeth the king of Spayne, as he saith, desyerowse
thereof. I [{would{] to God her majestye woold put on a good
cowntenaunce for only fowre monethes, and I dowbt not but Spayne
woold seake peace greatly to her majestyes honor and advantage.
But God for owre synnes sake wyll not suffer us to doe that
which myght owre most good. And so I most humbly take my leave.
At the coorte the 24=th=. of Marche, 1585.
   Your lordships to command,
   Fra. Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 188>
[} [\LETTER LXIX. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO THE LORDS OF THE
COUNCIL. 27TH MARCH, 1585-6.\] }]
   My verie good lords, althoughe I doe expect her majesties
good pleasure daily for my revocacion hence, yet will I not
waie,
<P 189>
in the meane time, neglect my duety to my service in the charge
committed by her highnes to me, nor leave your good lordships
unadvertised what hath past since my last letters, which as I
remember was from Harlem upon the arryvall of sir Thomas
Heneage, before whoes coming I had determined this journey to
Utrecht, and was onward so farre in my waie.
   And, for that sir Thomas Heneage would not proceed with any
resolucion here with the states touching his commission, till he
had received againe hir majesties pleasure, nor yet thought good
I should staie my journey, bycause it was of verie great
consequence, and the assembly of all our souldiers that maie be
spared owt of garrison, as well horse as foot, appointed here by
a certein daie, I did follow the former determinacion
accordingly, the rather being commaunded by her majestie to take
my direccion from sir Thomas Heneage, who in any wise wished me
to proceed on, till I should hear again from her majestie. So I
went to Amsterdam, and there remained iiij or v dayes, and from
thence hither to Utrecht, where I am taking order for the
present service now to be sett foorth, which is for the releef
of a town called Grave, a place of verie great importaunce. We
have other places to deale in like sort with, as also to doe
what I can to drawe thenemies forces owt of Brabant and Flanders
hitherward, which it is like they will, for the defense of such
fortes as they have left garded, and by which indeed they doe
besiege Grave, albeit they have layed no battry to it, for there
be five skonces that they built abowt it before I arryved here:
yet have I by stelth intelligence from thence, and, upon some
good oportunitie, have cawsed it to be both vitteiled and 300
men putt into it, notwithstanding their skonces: and now I hope
it shalbe fully releeved. I have sent the horsemen alredie
onward, being 1500, very strong. The footmen are also marching
to the randevous, and wilbe there too morrow night, all of them,
being dryven to separate them for a time, and, till the service
of Grave be past, our horsemen lie at a village called Nycark,
and our footmen at Amaron.
   Now am I most ernestly to recommend to your good lordships
<P 190>
the nedefull estate of the capteins and souldiers here. I have
ben driven to borrow for their relief and for this journey, to
helpe them, 4000=li=. of the merchantes of Middleburghe, and
what I have disbursed of mine own purse is not unknown here, I
thinke, to all men. I would the full estate of the disbursing of
her majesties treasure heretofore were certeinly knowne to your
lordships. I wishe it for sundrie respectes, but it will requier
a very skillfull man to examine it. Her majesty cannot loose by
it &c., and yt wold be a very good satysfactyon to me. And thus,
prainge to the almighty God to preserve all your good lordships,
do take my leave. At Utrycht, this 27. of March.
   Your good lordships always to comaunde,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honourable my verie good lords, the
lords of her majesties most honourable pryvie councell.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 190>
[} [\LETTER LXX. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 28TH MARCH, 1586.\] }]
<P 191>
   Your lordships of the ix=th= of [{this present{] and of the
xx=th=, the one sent [{by{] Mr. Vavisor, the other by [^NAME NOT
GIVEN^] , I have receyved.
   The choyce of Mr. Vavasor, [{who is{] a person very agreable
unto her majestye, hathe wrowght in [{her{] a better conceipt
towardes your lordship then any other sent from the[{nce{] .
Besydes, the gentleman hath performed the charge commytted unto
hym by your lordship in so goode sorte as owre stormes begin to
caulme, so as I hope I shall have cause to chaynge my style,
which heretofore hath ben verry dyscompfortable unto your
lordship. Her majestye hathe not yet read the letters browght by
Mr. Vavisor, being trobled with an exstreeme cowld and defluxion
into her eyes, so as she cannot indure to reade any thing.
   The treasure departs hence to morrowe, but no increase of the
somme, nor non doe I looke for, howesoever the stormes be
overblowen. Yf the inconvenience lykely to insue therbye be not
helped thorrowghe sir Francis Drakes good successe, which is a
matter accydentall, I feare your lordship shall receave very
scarce measure from hence, for you wyll not beleve how the
sparing humor doth increase uppon us.
   The audytor retornethe with the threasure, whoe is dyrected,
with sooche assystaunce as your lordship shall thinke meate to
yeld unto him, to examyn strycktly the imparfect items of the
threasorers accompt, who, yf he shall not yeld good
satysfactyon, as I thinke he can in no sorte performe, then is
yt meant that he shall no longer supplye the place.
   Ther are letters wrytten unto hym, that he shall make no
dysbursementes but as he shall be dyrected by your lordship,
and, yf he shall doe contrary wyse, he can no way be dyscharged,
for that withowt your lordships warrant he owght to make no
payement.
<P 192>
   Towching the governement of the Bryll, which your lordship
wyssheth unto the lord Northe, I fynde her [{majesty{] most
resolute that sir Thomas [{Cycell{] after the recoverye of his
[{health{] shall returne thither. I think she coold lyke better
of the removing of sir Philip Sydney [{towards{] whom she hathe
put on a very hard conceypt. The lord thresorer dothe
some[{what{] complayne that there hathe ben better contentement
yelded to other garrysons then that of [{the{] Bryll, which I
fynde he taketh unkyndely. Of late her majestye shewed me a
letter wrytten from sir Thomas Cycell, to as goode purpose in
defence of your lordships acceptinge of the governement as any
other I have seene wrytten by any thence.
   The opynion of my partyalytie conytnewethe noryshed by
factyon, which makethe me weerye of the place I serve in, and to
wysshe myself emongst the trewe harted Swy [^EDITOR HAS NOT
IDENTIFIED THE ABBREVIATED NAME^] . And so in hast I most humbly
take my leave. At the coorte this xxviij=th= of Marche, 1585.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra. Walsyngham.
   The inclosed towching Ryngowt cam from a person of good
credyt, and therfor your lordship shall doe well to have an eye
to his doinges.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 196>
[} [\LETTER LXXIII. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 31
MARCH 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, although of late many crossees or stormes
<P 197>
have happened to trooble your lordships mynd, to the hyndrance
of the commen utillite of the servyce of God and of hir majesty
in that countrye, yet sence your conscience doth testefy and
warrant your doynges to have bene ment for the furderance of the
weale therof, and the successes also, exceptyng the thwartes
from hence, do make good proffe that your actions do prosper, I
wish your lordship to contynew your disposition, and to comfort
yourself with your own integrite, which God will not have
oppressed, though he may exercise your patience, and prove the
fortitude of your mynd to contynew well-doyng and suffer
reprooff for a time. Thus much for a small preface, and now to
the matter.
   I dout not but this bearor shall come with some better
satisfaction, both for yourself and for the cause, than the
enemyes therof have looked for. Suerly unto Mr. Vavasor cam, we
here that ment well both to yourself and the cause found dayly
litle comfort, and yet suerly your frendes here did not omitt
any opportunite. But, uppon such conference as I had with hym,
of the doutfull state of that country, I, in presence of Mr.
secretory, used some boldnes with hir majesty, and protested to
hir as a counsellor, that for discharg both of my conscience and
of my oth of hir counsellor, I cold not forbeare to lett her
know, that this couers that she held ageynst your lordship was
lyk to endaunger hir in honor, suerty, and profitt; and that, if
she contynued the same, I prayed hir majesty that I might be
discharged of the place I held, and both afor God and man, be
fre from the shame and perill that I sawe cold not be avoided. I
used boldly such bold language in this matter as I found hir
dowtfull whyther to chardg me with presumption, which partly she
did, or with some astonishment of my round speche, which truly
was no other than my conscience did move me, even (\in
amaritudine animae\) . And then hir majesty began to be more
calm than befor, and, as I conceaved, redyar to quallefy hir
displesur and hir opinion. And so, finding sir Thomas Shyrley
redy to wryte, about three dayes past, I willed hym to advertise
your lordship, that I douted not
<P 198>
but that matters wold not contynew in that evill state wherin
they were; and so, as he can tell yow, he did wryte, but stayd
the sendyng therof on daye, in which tyme, to my great greff,
lookyng for some good resolution, I and Mr. secretory found hir
gon backward, as on that had bene by some adverse counsell
seduced, to thynk that all shuld do well in those countryes
though your lordship war displaced; and so he with greff stayd
his wrytyng.
   But yet, I did not thus leave the matter, and so, yesterday,
Mr. secretory and I aventured very boldly to declare our
censures of perill to come, which no councell nor action shuld
recover, and hereuppon, we obteyned a favorable answer, though
not to our full lykyng, but yet such as she commanded to put in
wrytyng, and so we war therin occupyed. And then, unlooked for,
cam a letter of your lordship to Mr. vice-chamberlen, wherewith
he made hir majesty acqueynted, and she told hym, that she had
declared hir resolution to Mr. secretory and me, and so willed
hym to come to my chamber, and so he did, and there we fyndyng
some new occasion to seek a better resolution of hir majesty, we
all three went to hir majesty, and there I told hir very
playnly, that I did see that if she used not spede to content
the states and the people of those countryes, she wold not only
lose them, but hir honor in the world, and she shuld fynd
certenly as gret daunger from those countryes, as she had looked
for comfort. Herewith she was greatly troobled, and so being
thereto moved, she assented to do any thyng that she might with
hir honour.
   In fyne, we moved hir to assent that your lordship shuld
contynew your office for some tyme, untill the state of the
matter might be better consydered by hir, and so letters were
appointed to be spedely wrytten, both to your lordship and the
counsell of the states, and that Mr. Shyrley might be sent awey
with all spede. And whan the letters war redy wrytten, came
Poyntes from Mr. Hennadg, with letters from your lordship to me,
includyng a letter to hir majesty, which I spedely delyvered
with such good speches as in honesty becam me for your excuse.
She red your letter, and, in very truth, I found hir princely
<P 199>
hart touched with favorable interpretation of your actions,
affyrming them only offensyve to hir in that she was not made
prive, not now mislykyng that you had the authorite. Suerly I
had cause, and so I did, commend hir pryncely nature, in this
sort, of allowing both of yow for your good intention and
excusing yow of any spott of evill meaning. And having hir
majesty in this sort calmed, though it was not possible to mak
your lordship amendes, yet I thought good to hasten hir
resolution, which your lordship must now tak to come from a
favourable good mistress, for so truly she doth profess, and yow
must stryve with your natur to throw over your sholders that
which is past. Thus your lordship seeth I have bene somewhat
long, to shew you the course to bryng this honest gentleman, sir
Thomas Shyrley to this messadg, who suerly hath very honestly
behaved hymself for your lordship, and truly so hath Mr.
vice-chamberlen, and Mr. secretory, and bydden many stormy
speches. And now I will write no more hereof, but of some other
particular advises, the consideration whereof I leave to your
lordship as leisure may serve yow.
   My lord, untill the state of the queenes army by muster book,
and hir monthly charges, may appear more cleare, here will be no
further meanes for any more monney. At this present ther is paid
24,000 (^l.^) and that, added to hir majestyes former chardg of
52,000 (^l.^) maketh 76,000 (^l.^) which some hir majesty doth
often repeat with gret offence.
   My lord, I am very glad to see a disposytion of sendyng some
shippes from thence to impeach the Spanish king towards his
Indyes. It is a matter that many yers past I did project to the
princes of Oranges ministers to have been attempted. We here
that sir Francis Drake is a fearfull man to the king, and that
the king cold have been content that sir Francis had taken the
last yers flete, so as he had not gone forward to his Indies. We
here that he hath taken seven rych shippes on the coast of the
Indyes. I wish they war saf in the Thamiss.
<P 200>
   We ar here troubled to understand, that from Hamborg, and
Dansk, Lubeck, &c., there ar a gret nombre of hulkes laden for
Spayn, and do meane to pass about Scotland and Irland, as some
of them did this last yere, which they do attempt to avoyd all
steyss in our narrow seas. I wold to God your flete, now
intended from these countryes, cold mak a good prize of them,
for so shuld the king of Spain be unhable to defend his seas, or
to offend any other.
   My lord, wher yow wryte to me of that yow heare of
Champygnyes arantes, I will tell yow what I know thereof, and
what els is knowen to any other, I cannot wryt of. There is an
Itallion merchant in Antwerp that pretendeth acqueyntance with
Champigny, and he hath wrytten hither to another merchant to
know, whyther hir majesty can be content to come to peace with
the king of Spayn. The answer is made, that, by the publication
published, it is to be sene wherfor hir majesty hath sent hir
forces into the Low Countreys, and, if the king of Spayn shall
satisfye hir majesty in honor, accordyng to hir protestation, by
restoryng to these countryes liberty and peace, and remove all
men of warr from thence, and restore to hir own subjectes ther
losses, she can be content to heare any honorable offer from the
king, and otherwise, she myndeth to persist in defence of hir
neighbors, and recovery of hir subjectes losses. This answer is
made by wordes only, but not from hir majesty, and whyther
Champigny will any farther procede I know not, but suer I am, he
hath no cause to make any avant hereof, and I trust ther nede
shall mak them sooner yeld than any cause to come of this
answer.
   It may be that ther are other lyke motions made to hir
majesty, but I thynk suerly hir majesty myndeth not to show any
yelding, for, God be thanked, she hath no cause but to expect
the yelding to come from the king of Spayn and his mynisters.
   And, wher your lordship wryteth, that the comming of my son
from the Bryll in this tyme may brede some dowt in mens
concepts,
<P 201>
suerly, my lord, sir Thomas Shyrley can tell yow, that, uppon
his report of his sickness, with daunger not to recover without
changyng the ayre to come into England, the queens majesty
hearyng therof, without any motion of me, commanded Mr.
secretory to send hym hir licenss, with all possible spede, and,
as I understand from hymself, he is much discomforted with the
noysomes of the place, wher the water is not only brakkish, but,
being heated on the fyre it stynketh. He also fyndeth the town
in a manner utterly unfurnished of ordonnance, and without
powder and bollets, so as, in very truth, it was as good out of
hir majestyes handes, by reason of the chardg, as to have it
only in a name. But how this should be remedyed I know not, for
hir majesty will not yeld to any more chardg, and I see the
states unwillyng to paye that which they ow; and by a clause in
the treaty, they ar bound to furnish both the towns of Flushyng
and Brill uppon your lordships demand, as hir majestyes
governor-generall, and, if there be any hope furder, it must
procede from your lordship as governor of the provynces with the
counsell of the state. I thynk sir Philip Sidney hath also some
want of ordonnance, but nothyng lyk to that of the Brill, wher
ther ar not above seven peces, few ynough for one bullwark, but
the daunger is not to be feared as long as your lordship shall
prosper in your government. My son, also, brought thyther two
hundred footmen and tifty horss, but he never cold get penny for
them, nor on penny to that garrison sence he had the chardg; and
yet it may be that hath had some help of late, for the tresorer
did wryte that your lordship gave hym order to help them with
some monny. I am now in dowt to wryte any furder for troublyng
of your lordship, knowing how infinitt your occupations be to
wryte and to reade, besides contynuall actions.
   By such letters as shall come from hir majesty you shall fynd
as much comfort from hir majesty as you have receaved
discomfort, though ther be gret differencees in the effect, for
the former I know hath depely wounded your hart, and these
cannot sodenly
<P 202>
synk so low as the wond is, but your lordship must add to this
your own fortitud of mynd. And so I most hartely wish yow to be
strengthened by Godes speciale grace.
   Your lordships most assuredly,
   W. Burghley.
   31. Martii, 1586.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 202>
[} [\LETTER LXXIV. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. MARCH OR APRIL, 1586.\] }]
   Sir, I have mett with dyvers letters and inteligences that
the pope hath greatly labored some desperatt persons to doe
vyolence to hir majesty. The prince of Parma of late dyd use
very brode speches, saying, that he dyd not fear the Englyssh
ayd, yt wold not contynew many wekes, meaning hir majesties
lyfe. I wold not putt yt into my letters for yt wold [\fear\]
hir majesty I know, albeyt I doe not mystrust yt, yf you hold a
good course at home. God hath and wyll defend hir, I dowbt not,
but gett hir from London into som countrey well affected for
this somer, and the soner the better. Woodstock wer a good
place, and a holsome, or to Farnam, for yt ys hard for any
suspected persons to com so farr but som or other wyll gyve
knoledge; and, as I hear, hit ys plent now to use some
straunger, and, under collor of merchants, to make sute at the
court, and an Italian that cam iiij days past from Antwerp told
me, that a dere frend of his declared to him,
<P 203>
that ther wer two jesuyttes of Bruges, one a Walloun, and the
other of those partes lykewyse, had undertaken a great
enterprise in Englond, and did say they had pretences inow to
com to the court. I am promysed they shalbe dyscrybed to me, but
you must banyshe your popish Low Countreymen that suckes all
honye ther and be lazy drones and worse, and lett good wach be
leyd among the merchantes for such ij fellowes. They be yong
men, and seme as merchantes, but very lewd and wyked. I besech
you, for Godes sake, lett no respect of comodyus lying about
London cause hir saftye to be neglected, and albeyt she is in
all places in the handes of God, yet yt ys good to advoyd the
most lykliest places for harme. Ther be few careful about hir.
And you kepe hir tyll Mychelmas, by the grace of God, all ys
past for those thinges.
   Yf hir majestie meane to use my servyce, I trust you will
send som boddy, that yt may appere here to men that you sett a
lytle more store by me than hetherto ther ys cause for them to
think, for ther was never yet so much as a letter wrytten to any
person here of any thankes for those curtesies I had received
before you hard any thing of this place. And, how yll soever hir
majestie may conceave of me, yet these men have deservyd great
thankes for there good wyll to hir, as ever any people could
doe. And these many letters you must remember; first, to the
states generall, than to the councell of estate, and one to the
councell and towen of Utryght. I wold fayn have more but I fear
yt wyll hinder the rest. The rest may be hereafter.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 204>
[} [\LETTER LXXV. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 1ST
APRIL 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, aftir that I had yesterday wrytten my
letter unto yow, being perswaded that sir Thomas Shyrley shuld
tak his leave that morning, as hir majesty promised over night,
whan she also agreed uppon certen letters redy to be signed, as
they war joyntly by Mr. secretory [{and{] me devised to content
hir, I went to London, and comyng back this morning, I found by
Mr. secretory a chaung of the former nightes resolution
alltogither very absurd and perilloose.
   And so this morning, at sermon tyme, we cam to hir majesty,
and, for myn own part, I told hir majesty, that I marvelled she
should so chaung to the worss, but, after manny argumentes, she
yelded [{to{] alter ageyn to hir formar resolution, as by the
letters sent both to yourself, to sir Thomas Hennadg, and to the
counsell of [{the{] states, may particularly appeare, which,
though all be [{not{] as I wold, yet it is as neare therto as
hir majesty [{can{] be brought unto; for wher hir majesty, by
hir alteration yesterdaye, wold have yow assembled the generall
states, and [{upon{] ther advise to have gyven you a quallefyed
power, without any other title than as hir lieutenant, I found
that both peri[{lous{] and absurd, and therfor did draw to this
form, that yow [{should{] contynew in your office untill the
counsell of states cold devise how to quallefy this matter. And,
for that I presume that [{they{] cannot in any congruete, nor,
with the good quietnes of ther state, devise any such, I rest
satisfyed in opinion [{that{] the country shall contynew
<P 205>
in your government, for the m[{ost{] benefitt of the country
itself.
   My son is at Gravessend, but not hable to com to the court; I
am sorry of the cause of his comming. He sendeth me word, that,
for want of monny, he hath left a lamentable company of his
soldiers at Bryll, and he hath disbursed of his own so much, as
he cam home with v=li=. The tresor is redy to be imbarked this
evening. From Grenwich, (\primo Aprilis\) , 1586.
   Your lordships most assured,
   W. Burghley.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honorable my very good lord, the
erle of Leicester, lieutenant and governor-general of her
majesties forces in the Low Contryes.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 205>
[} [\LETTER LXXVI. MR. SECRETARY WALSINGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 1ST APRIL 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, I pray [{that{] the compfort you now
receyve
<P 206>
come [{not{] to late bothe for your selve and [{the{] cause. I
never knewe her [{majesty{] better affected towardes you
[{than{] she seemethe to be nowe, [{and{] , for that she dothe
now testefye [{the{] same unto you by her letter wrytten with
her owne hand, I shall not need to dwell uppon that matter. I
pray [{that{] this favor may be accompag[{ned{] with effectes by
well farth[{ering{] of the cause.
   She h[{ath{] alreadye assented to the [{levy{] of
voluntaryes, but [{still{] she wyll be fownde strayte [{in the{]
supplye of threasure. [{Your{] lordship shall doe well by your
letters to herselve to lay [{before{] her the dysproffyt she
[{receiveth{] by sending over threasure [{in such{] scant
measure as ther [{can be{] no full paye made. The [^NAME NOT
GIVEN^] that regardethe more his pu[{rse than{] his dutye
lykethe better of [{credit{] then of thorroughe paymentes.
   I may not forget to tell you, that sir Thomas Henneage hath
dealt towardes your lordship [{like a{] most honest faythefull
gentleman, having left nothing undon, by letters and message,
that might woorke your good towardes her majestye, whom, next
after God, I doe assure your lordship I thinke you have cause to
esteem to be a pryncypall instrument in the recovarye of her
favor, in that compfortable measure you now receyve the same.
This I wryte uppon verry goode grownde, to the ende your
lordship may use the gentleman with that thankefulnes that
apperteynethe, and as he worthely deservathe.
   Poore Mr. Davyson dothe take yt verry grevowsely that your
lordship shoolde conceyve so hardly of him as you doe, whoe I
doe beleve, by the great protestatyons he hathe made unto me,
hathe acquyted himselve honestly towardes your lordship. I fynde
the conceapt of your lordships dysfavor hath greatly dejected
him. At sooche time as he [{arrived{] her majestye was so
incensed agaynst your lordship as all the argumentes and orators
in the world could not have wrought any satysfactyon; and yt
[{may{] be ther hathe ben some [{yll{] reporte made unto your
lordship of the poore gentleman from [{hence.{]
<P 207>
   At the tyme of her majestye [{sig{]ning of the dyspatche she
let me understand, that Rawley, hearing of some [{rumours{]
geven owt here in coorte [{that{] he had ben an yll
inst[{rument{] towardes her agaynst [{your{] lordship, dyd
humbly desyre [{to{] have ben sent awaye w[{ith this{]
dyspatche, to the ende [{he might{] have justefyed himselfe
towardes your lordship, in case [{any{] sooche synister
[{information{] had ben gyven unto you agaynst him: which her
[{wish{] was that I shoold signe[{fy unto{] your lordship, and
to assure you, [{upon{] her honor, that the gentleman hathe don
good offices [{for you{] , and that, in the tyme of hir
dyspleasure, he dealt as earnestly for you as any other in this
world that professythe most good wyll towardes your lordship.
This I wryte by her majesties commaundment, and therfor I praye
your lordship to take knowledge therof, in suche sorte as you
shall thinke good.
   Touching the qualyficatyon her majesty so greatly affectethe,
I woold to God yt could be brought to passe accordingly as she
desyrethe, but I feare sooche a motyon at this present may breed
in the peoples heades there somme unnecessary jealowsye;
espetyally for that yt can not be don withowt an assembly of the
states generall. For her majesties contentement yt shall be well
don for the counsell of estate to sett downe sooche reasons as
may shew the inconveniences lykely to insue uppon sooche a
motyon, and to delyver them unto sir Tho. Henneage at the tyme
of his departure from thence. And I dowbt not but [{your{]
lordship wyll in tyme doe yo[{ur{] indeavor to brynge this to
[{pass{] which her majesty desyrethe, [{and that{] you wyll by
your next [{letters{] put her in compforte [{thereof{] , yf your
lordship shall see [{any{] lykelyhode to perfor[{m the same{] .
   Ther are dyvers here [{frequently{] with me to know what
[{allow{]aunce will be gyven for [{the{] levye of voluntaryes,
wherein I woold be glad to know from your lordship [{how{] to
answer.
   The gentleman that the [{master of Gray{] sent unto you
meanethe to repayre [{unto{] you owt of hande [{for{] your full
resolutyon towching his masters [{offer{] .
<P 208>
   The lord-admyrall com[{plaineth{] that the commyssions your
[{lordship{] grawntethe to her majesty[{es sub{]jects which
hawnt those [{countries{] dothe woorke somme [{prejudice{] to
his jurysdyetyon. He [{would{] be lothe any waye to offend your
lordship, and wyll be [{ready{] , for the savyng of his ryght,
to grawnte hys commyssyon to any that your lordship shall
recommend unto him.
   Towchyng the party that is gon to Spayne, whom your lordship
wysshed rather to have ben imployed emongest the malcontentes,
yt grewe of himselfe, uppon a conceypt that, being recommended
by the kyng of Spayn unto the prince of Parma, he shall be the
better able to serve your lordships torne.
   And so, prayeing your lordship to exscuse thes scrybled
lynes, wrytten with bothe a tyred head and hande, I most humbly
take my leave. At the coort, the fyrst day of Aprill, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra. Walsyngham.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honorable my very good lord thearle
of Leicester, lieutenant-generall of her majestyes forces in the
Lowe Countreys.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 221>
[} [\LETTER LXXXI. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 11TH APRIL 1586.\] }]
<P 222>
   My very good lord, as I have alwaies thowght, sythence your
lordships first entrie into the charge you now howld, the
assystance of sir William Pelham most necessarye for your
lordship, so have I just cause, wayghing the late mutiny
happened at Utreck by a bande perteyning unto coronel Norryce,
to thinke the removing of the one as necessarye as the placyng
of the other. I see some reason to dowbt that the grownde of the
seyd coronells caryag of himself towardes your lordship grew by
practyce from hence. The nurishing of factyon at home and
abroade is thowght here the best coorse of pollecye, but the
myschefe yt wyll breed I feare wyll prove irreparable.
   I fynde, as your lordship wrytethe, that the partyes that doe
chefely possesse the coronell are but bad instrumentes, thowghe
I must neades confes that I have ben a chefe preferrer of somme
of them unto him. I woold to God that with his valewe and
courage he carryed the mynde and reputation of a relygyowse
sowldyer. The chefe exsperyence and nuryture that he hathe
receyved in the warre hathe ben in thos contryes where neyther
dyscyplin-mylytarye nor relygyon carryed any swaye, and therefor
yt hathe tawght him nothing elles but a kynde of a lycensyowse
and corrupt governement, sooche as being weyed eyther in
pollecye or relygyon can never prosper. I wyll, therfor, doe my
best indeavor, as well in respect of the cause as for the honor
and love I professe to bare unto your lordship, to procure the
speedye sending over of sir William Pealham, hoping that, nowe
your lordship standeth in verry gratyowse termes with her
majestye, she wyll be pleased, for your sake and her owne
servyce, to send him over.
   I feare your lordship shall be greatly dysapoynted in the
leavye of the voluntarye men, bothe in respect that many of the
partyes appoynted by your lordship to make the seyd levyes have
no
<P 223>
abylytye nor meanes to furnishe them, as also for that there are
verry harde brutes geven owt here of evyll usage of sowldyers
there, and of the great pauwryll and exstremytye they endure. Yf
your lordship coold fynde the meanes to furnishe the master of
Graye with an imprest of 2000=li=, to be sent hether, he myght
be able to bryng over with him 3000 footmen and 200 lyght horse.
I am of opynion that your lordship shoold be more readyly served
from that, than owt of this realme. Besydes the imployment of
that natyon in thos cuntryes (the same being with the good
allowaunce of the king) cannot but greatly further and grace the
cause, for, as I am informed, the brute thereof, as also that
there shoold be an offre made of certeyn reysters to be sent by
the king of Denmarke to serve under your lordship, doth verry
greatly troble the prince of Parma. The provysyons of money
promysed him owt of Spayn faule not owt accordyng to his
expectatyon.
   The enterpryse of sir Francis Drake layethe open the present
weakenes of the king of Spayn, for of late he hathe sollycyted
the pope and the dukes of Florence and Savoye for a loane of
500,000 [\Ducats\] , but cannot obteyne neyther the whole nor
parte of the sayd somme. The Genuoyse merchauntes that were wont
to furnishe him with money in tyme of necessytye, for that they
feare a revolt of the Indians, begyn to drawe backe.
   The repayre of thos of Bomel and Deventrye unto your
lordship, to offer themselves ther servyce and obedyence unto
her majestye, dothe shewe most manyfestly, that yf the cause
myght have ben thorrowghly countenaunced, the most part of the
provynces now possessed by the enemye woold have revolted er
this. But we heare are so greadye of a peace, in respect of the
charges of the warres, as in the procuring thereof we neyther
weyghe honor nor savetie. Somewhat here is a dealing under
hande, wherin ther is great care taken that I shoold not be made
acquaynted withall.
   I wyll not fayle, according to your lordships request, to
take order for the apprehensyon of Salesberye immedyatly uppon
his
<P 224>
returne hether. I have alwaye held a dowbtfull opynion of him,
having received somme informatyons ageynst him that gave just
cause of suspytyon. According as your lordship desyerethe I have
an espetyall care of sooche letters as your lordship desyerethe
to have pryvat to myselve, and therfor am perswaded that parte
of the adverticement your lordship maketh mentyon of, taken owt
of somme letter of yours sent hyther, was, I dare assure your
lordship, owt of non of thos sent unto me, and therfor I praye
your lordship caul to mynde to whom you dyd wryte to lyke
effect. For the proceadings in Fraunce and Scotlande I refer
your lordship unto the inclosed coppyes, and so I most humbly
take my leave.
   At the coorte, the xj=th= of Aprell, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra. Walsyngham.
   Sir Art. Basset, and Sir Jhon Chichester, and thre justices
more in Devonshire, are dead thorrowghe the infectyon of the
gaole. Baron Flowerdewe, one of the justyces of that cyrcute, is
also dead. The takyng awaye of well affected men in this corrupt
tyme shewethe that God is angrye with us.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 229>
[} [\LETTER LXXXIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 21ST APRIL, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, [{I am glad to perceive the{] great
chaynge
<P 230>
in your lordships letters, the one wrytten the v=th= the other
the vij=th= of this present, the fyrst full of dyspayre in
respect of the harde coorse helde here, the other full of
compfort uppon the receypt of her majesties gratyous letters,
and the happye success in the late conflyckt with the ennemye. I
doe assure your lordship I think her majesty tooke as muche joye
uppon the viewe of your letter, in seing you restored to your
former compforte grownded uppon her favor, as she dyd [{in{] the
overthrowghe of the enemye.
   Her highness is now pleased that [{a{] comyssyon be gyven for
the levy of the 300 men in northe . . wherin before she made
great dyffycultye. She hathe also commanded that all dylygence
be used in the sending over of the voluntarye men. I dowbt
greatly for lacke of money the captain wyll not be able to levye
them, and yf your lordship, besydes the imprest of the 1000=li=
I caused sir William Stanley to be furnyshed withall, doe not
also gyve order for a supplye of 500=li= to be sent unto him, he
shall never be able to brynge them of Irelande. He cannot get
them to be transported under xx=s= the man.
   I am earnestly desyred by Mr. Edward Dyer to move your
lordship that his brother Andrewe, thorrowe your good favor, may
be allowed after xx=s= the man for sooche nombers as he shall
bryng over. The states have offered unto him, by Mr. Ortell,
only xiij=s= iiij=d= the man, wheras in verry deede they cannot
be sett owt in that good sorte yt were fytt under xxx=s= the
man; and yt were muche better to have an armye compounded of
10,000 well furnished men, then 15,000 in sooche slender sorte
as heretofore they have been sent from hence. I doe heare, by
somme come from thence, that the harde allowance now made for
the levyes intended hathe growen owt of coronell Norryce advyce,
whoe notwithstanding, as he himself towld me, hathe ben allowed
by the states heretofore for all manner of charges after the
rate of . . . the man, which is verry skant.
   To the ende your lordship may see what instrumentes are used
<P 231>
in owre medyatyon of peace, I sende you the coppyes of certeyn
letters by good happ come to my handes. I have let her majesty
understande howe dangerowse and dyshonorable yt is for her to
have sooche base and yll affected mynisters used therin.
Norryce, the controwlers man, is bothe a notable papist and
hathe served Mounsyer heretofore as a spye. Yf eyther your
lordship or myselfe shoold use sooche instrumentes I knowe we
shoold beare no small reproche: but yt is the good happ of
hollow and dowbtfull men to be best thowght of. But, to returne
to the desyred peace, your lordship shall understand that
Grafini, sometymes Spinolas servaunt, having ben of late at
Antwerp is nowe returned, whoe reportethe that the prince of
Parma, understanding that he was to returne into England, sent
for him, and, after long speeche had of the awntyent amytye
betwen the howse of Burgundye and this crowne, the great
myschefe that bothe contryes were lyke to indure by the coorse
nowe held, and of the great good wyll he bare unto her majestye,
he prayed him to let eyther her majestye or somme of her
cownsell understande, that, althowghe he myght be thowghte more
inclyned rather to contynewe the warres then to affect peace,
yet no man woold be more wyllyng then himselve to be a medyator
therof, and, for that purpose, yf he myght understand that her
majestye wold lyke therof, he woold send somme well chosen
instrumentes unto her to make some sooche overture in that
behalf as she shoold have cause to lyke of. He dyd, for the
incoragement of Grafyni, assure him that the king shoold bestowe
some honorable rewarde on him, so as he coold bryng the same to
passe that some myght be sent over with her majestyes good
lykyng. He dyd, also, let him understande that Champigny tooke
uppon him [{too much{] in the matter, and that he had
intellygence with some person of qualytye within this realme
[{of{] the same, but that he dyd not lyke that he shoold be a
dealer therin, but woold rather imploy a contryman of his owne.
This myche have I receyved from her majestye towching Grafyinis
proceading, wherwith her plesure was I shoold acquaynt your
lordship, whoe doth
<P 232>
think meet that you shoold, yf you shall see no cause to the
contrarye, acquaynt the cownsell of the state there, that
certeyn overtures for peace are dayly made unto her, but that
she meanethe not to proceade therein without ther good lyking
and privyty, being perswaded that ther can be no peace made
profitable or suer for her that shall [{not{] also stande with
ther savetye, [{and{] that she dothe acknowledge [{hers{] to be
so lynked with thers as [{nothing{] can faule owt to ther
prejudyce but she must be partaker of theire harme. Her pleasure
ys, that you shall not acquaynt them with the partycularyties of
the overture, but woold have you deale with them in generall
termes, usyng the matter in sooche sorte as they may not enter
into any jealouse conceypt of any alyenation of her good meaning
towards them.
   I am glad that Kerseys trechery was dyscovered in tyme; I
praye God ther be no more of that crewe as lewdly dysposed as
he. I feare the lyttle hope that owre martyall men have of
rewarde wyll drawe somme of them to fayle in their dutye, and
therfore yt wyll behove your lordship to have a watchefull eye
of the looser sorte of the capteyns. But, to returne ageyn to
the peace, seing her majesty is so inclyned unto yt, and is
fownde altogether unapt to prosecute the warres, I cannot but
wyshe your lordship to be a pryncypall dealer therin, as well in
respect of your own honor as that I hope yt wyll be performed
with bothe honorable and profytable condytyons: wheras I dowbt,
yf yt passe to others hands, yt wyll not be so carefully dealt
in.
   I cannot but let your lordship understande that the
lord-chamberlyn hathe dealt verry honorably and frenly towards
your lordship of late, in causyng Weldon, sometyme pensyoner, to
be punished for delyvering, as he is charged thowghe by him
denyed, lewd speeches of your lordship. I fynde that bothe the
lord-admirall and he doe take yt verry kyndly that your lordship
dothe wryte so at large unto them, as you have of late don.
<P 233>
   Her majestye dothe longe to heare what is don uppon the last
dyrectyon geven to sir Thomas Henneage. I praye God owre nyce
dealyng therin doe not more harme, in respect of the lewde
brutes geven owt there, then may afterwarde be well repayred.
   I cannot but put your lordship in mynd to returne your speedy
awnswer to the master of Graye, towching the imprest I last
wrote of, for the levye. I wyll seeke to satysfye the duke of
Nevers towching the salt, in sooche sorte as he shall
notwithstanding thinke himselve behowlding unto your lordship.
   The Flusshingers have dealt hardely bothe with the 
lord-admyrall and me; wee shall be forced, for the relefe of
Thomson, to take some other waye of redresse. Eyther her
majestye must increase her garyson in that towne, or elles ther
must be somme devyce to imploye thos rude barbarouse maryners in
some longe vyage. And so, fearing I have over-tyred your
lordship with thes scrybled lines, I most humbly take my leave.
At the coorte, the xxj=th= of Aprill, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra: Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 236>
[} [\LETTER LXXXVI. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 25TH APRIL, 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, the news browght by sir William Russell
was verry welcom unto her majestye, yet dyd she not greatly lyke
to be pressed for the supplye of horsemen agreable with the
contract; she styll harpethe after peace, bothe in respect of
charges, as of some dowbt she hathe that somewhat wyll be
attempted ageynst her own person, and, therfor, seing she dothe
so greatly thirst after yt, I cannot, as I wrote unto you in my
former, but
<P 237>
wyshe your lordship to be a chefe dealer therin; yt were a grete
wronge, consydering the brunte and burden of warres your
lordship susteynethe, that peace shoold be made withowt you. Yt
were not amysse that your lordship tooke somme apt occasyon, by
your owne letters unto her majestye, to let her understand no
les.
   I have let my lords here understande, how unkyndly your lord
ship takethe yt that you heare so seldom from them, and that
sythence your charge there you never receyved any letter of
advyce from them. They awnswer, as yt is trothe, that, her
majestye reteyning the whole dyrectyon of the causes of that
contrye to herself and sooche advyce as she receyvethe
underhand, they knowe not what to wryte or to advyce. She can by
no meanes, as I have heretofore wrytten unto your lordship,
indure that the causes of that contrye shoold be subiect to any
debate in cownsell, otherwyse than as she herself shall dyrect,
and therfor men forbear to doe that which otherwyse they woold.
   I sende your lordship sooche thinges as were yesterdaye
propounded to ther lordships in cownsell, with theire
resolutyons taken thereuppon. Mr. Dawtrye tellethe me, who
attendethe here by sir William Stanleys appoyntment, your
lordships resolutyon towching a further supplye of money besydes
the 1000=li= alreadye delyvered unto sir William Stanley, that
they cannot be conveyed owt of Ireland under xl=s=. the man. The
only transportatyon will cost a 1000=li=. Yf your lordship
cannot drawe the states to yeld that allowance, then were yt
meet sir William Stanley were speedyly made acquaynted withall,
to the end he may forbeare further proceading.
   I learne by letters owt of Flawnders, that the enemye
meanethe to sende all his forces towardes Guelderlande, in hope
to drawe you to a fyght, which I hope your lordship wyll geve
order that the same shall be avoyded, unles yt shall be uppon a
mervaylowse advawntage. Yf an overthrowghe shoold happen yt
woold put in hazarde the whole cause, for we are not armed here
with that constancy that shoold endure sooche a revers without
dysmay.
<P 238>
My lords mean shortely to sende sir William Pelham unto you with
there best advyce in this wayghtye poynte. I thinke yf your
lordship dyd convert some of your soldyeres into pyoners, you
shoold have great use of them, bothe for defence and to bryng
you to fyght uppon advauntage.
   And so, having for the present no other thinge to imparte
unto your lordship, I most humbly take my leave. At the coorte,
the xxvth of Aprill, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
   Ther hathe fawlen owt no electyon this S=t=. Georges feast.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honourable my verie good [\lord\]
the earle of Leycester, lord lieutenaunt-generall of her
majesties forces in the Lowe Countries.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 239>
[} [\LETTER LXXXVII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 26TH APRIL, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, howe this unlooked for alteratyon
happenethe at this tyme, when the goodnes of God, thorrowghe the
most happye coorse and successe thinges take there, owght to
have led her majestye to have proceaded most resolutely in the
cause, I knowe not, nor can by no meanes imagen how the same
shoold be wrowght. Ther was only cauled unto the resolutyon the
lord thresorer and I. He moved her to staye the resolutyon
untyll sir Thomas Henneages returne; he shewed her that ther was
nothing don contrarye to her dyrectyon; he protested unto her,
that, yf she dyd goo forwarde with the resolutyon, yt woold
utterly overthrowghe
<P 240>
the cause. She grewe so passyonat in the matter as she forbad
him to argue any more. Suerly there is somme trecherye amongest
owreselves, for I cannot thinke that she woold doe this of her
owne heade. I conceyve also, that ther are bad offyces don from
thence by secreat letters sent hether, by the which they doe
advertyce that the states shall not be able to yeld the
contrybutyons promysed, so as the burden of the warres wyll
lyght on her majestye. She is the rather confyrmed in this
opinion, for that your lordship dyd sygnefye unto her, that the
contrybutyons came verry slowly in. Now hereuppon I gather, that
her majestye, dowbtyng that a greater charge wyll be cast uppon
her then she shall be able to beare, wherby she shall be forced
to abandon the actyon, she conceyveth yt may be don with lesse
dyshonor, being an assyster, then when her mynister shall carrye
the tytle of absolute governor. I conjecture also, yt may growe
upon a hope of a peace; for that, as I am secreatly informed,
ther is a save-conduct sent over unto Champigny, eyther for
himselve or some other, that shall secreatly repayre into this
realme. Sorrye I am, that your lordship shoold be so yll
handeled as not to be made acquaynted with the proceadinges
here, having ingaged yourselve so far as you have don for her
majestyes servyce. I looked that her majestye woold have wrytten
letters of thankes, bothe unto your lordship and others there of
good desert, bothe strayngers and her own subiectes, but we are
more apt to wownde then to compfort. God geve your lordship
pacyence to beare thes crosses, to whos protectyon I commyt you,
most humbly takyng my leave. At the coorte, the xxvj=th= of
Aprell, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honourable my verie good lorde the
earle of Leycester, lord lieutenant-generall of her majesties
forces in the Lowe Countries.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 248>
[} [\LETTER XCI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 30TH APRIL, 1586.\] }]
<P 249>
   Mr. secretary, I did writt ij dayes past to you at some
lenght, and in that letter by chaunce haue answered some thinges
that your last letter of the xxj=th= of Aprill doth require,
which letter I receaued this last of Aprill; but one thinge I
must cheifly remember and thanke you for, which is, that I neuer
receaued letter, or word, of comfort from you, since I came
over, but by this letter. I would be sorrie my enemie, much
lesse my freind, should suffer such a time as I did, almost
foure monethes together; but the blessednes of England I see
hath made manie forgett the miseries of others. God grant me his
grace to strengthen me in this service, and that he will send
her majestie victorie over all her enemyes; and that poore men,
whoe doe hazard there life, honor, and liveing, maie be better
remembred then I haue bine. But now that her majesties good
favor is promised me, and is the onlye worldlie thinge I begge
of God, I doe greatlie quiet myself, and doe protest, even
before the majestie of the eternall judge, that I haue sought
nothinge in this service of mine, but, first, the glory of God,
and, next, the saftye and service of her majestie, for which
respect He doth knowe, and I doe feele, I haue lost the sweet
comfort of her majesties presence, my most gratious soueraigne,
the safe protection of my happy countrey, the contented life
among my deere and loveinge freinds, and the libertye with all
comfort in a most blessed state. What I purchase here, insteed
<P 250>
of all theis, lett my companies and beholders witnes. But if x
times worse were possible to be felt, and maie doe my gratious
mistress but half the service I desire, with enioying her favor,
all would be pleasure, ioy, and comfort; for I knowe, if God be
pleased, this accion must needs turne to her majesties great
securitie, or ells was I vnhappy to enter into it. Well, sir, I
thanke you now, at last, that I receaued some lines of comfort
from you; as that her majestie is my good ladye, that she will
assist me in her service here, with licensinge of voluntary men
to come over, in favoring sir Wylliam Stanleys fechinge men out
of Ireland, in imparting to me the offers for peace.
   For the voluntaries, I trust noe way to chardge her majestie,
but shall all be borne here, and shortlie to send moneie over;
there are v or vj=c= come already, whoe had prestes out of my
owne purse.
   For sir William Stanley, also, I will speedily send over to
you for that you haue prested, as also to send him a further
prest, wishing of God that it had pleased her majestie to haue
sent, or yet to send, sir William Pelham over. I knowe, I say I
knowe it, that all the debt he oweth had bine saved another way
if he had bine here, beside the great service to the whole
cause, as you shall find in a tickett, &c.
   Touching the matter of peace, I haue, I thinke, said in my
other letter as much as I now can say. And I doe most humbly
beseech her majestie to consider well of it. I perceaue that I
heard here is true, and confirmed by your letter, soe that there
is dealing for peace as well by Grefyne as others, which
intelligences being so knowen caused me to take that course
which I perceaue her majestie doth will me, which is, to let the
councellers vnderstand of the meanes which are offered her
majestie, as, in very troth, I haue done but to the wisest sort
of them, alwaies to
<P 251>
prevent the hearing of it; for theie be very subtill, and as
suspicious people as ever I delt withall, which made me to vse
some speech of this matter to them; how greatly her majestie is
sought for peace, and how carefull I knowe she wilbe to doe anie
thing to their hurt. And theie beleeue she is soe, for I tell
you theie knowe it, and I am sorry I haue not heard sooner, for
I haue often writen what I haue heard of this matter, that I
might haue authority to say somethinge, as, I thanke God, I did
it sondry times of myself, to avoid the iealousye. And I knowe
it hath done great good, and sir Thomas Henneage declaracion
thereof, also, did exceeding much good, and confirmed in good
time, and fully, that I had said before to them.
   But to the peace, what I thinke I referre you to my other
letter, protesting, before God, I desire nothing more in this
world then a good and sure peace for her majestye, being I knowe
most agreable to her best liking, whome, next God, I would in
all dewtifull service most please, and, beside, I am most
perswaded that all good Christians ought to seeke and preferre.
My onlie advice doth tend to haue her majestie haue as sure
peace as in reason may be gotten. And I doe verilie thinke, as
matters stand here, if her majestie will vse her advantage, she
shall bringe the kinge, and specially this prince of Perma, to
seeke it in other sort then by waie of merchantes. I can assure
you he was never soe deiected, nor soe mallancholy, since he
came into these countreys, as he is at this daye, nor so far owt
of courage. I protest vnto you, I would gage my life and
creditt, if I were supplied as were but reasonable, I would haue
Antwerpe towne and Burges or midd June. This last overthrow is
greater then you there can imagin, with the vitelling of Grave,
being a towne of greatest importance of all the places we hould
in theis provinces, for Brabant, Gelders, Vtryckt, and Over
Isell, being the very passage into all those places, saving into
Gelders the enemie maie goe another way, but far worse and more
discomodious, and the prince made as sure accompt of it as ever
he did of anie skonce that he
<P 252>
tooke in hand. His men doe marvellously beginn to mutinie; manie
run away, specially Spaniards.
   I thinke I wrot to you, how Shenks lieutenant very latlie
again hath overthrowen, nere Mustryckt, aboue v=c= footmen,
whereof onlie l are kild, and a c with their cheif ainsynes
taken and brought awaie, with losse of five or sixe at most; he
himself was, and is, here with me, about a service presentlye to
be done, in building a fort whereby we will choke vpp Newmeagen,
and stopp all vittells that waie to the enemie.
   The count Hollocke is here also, a most noble gentleman, and,
to deale plainlie, geuing every man his right, he was the cheife
cause, vnder God, of our days victorye, wherein, beside his
valiant behaviour, he delt as like a good souldier as ever I
heard of, and afterwards, for the vitellinge the towen, in his
person he did most desperatlye adventure it, and went into it
himself, where he past a 1000 shott of muskett and caliver, and
a c shott of cannon and great ordinance; surelye he is to be
honored and cherished. Shenks is a worthy fellow. I made ij
knights as theie shuld be, one having a bloodye wound, thother
not whole of a shott thorow his thigh at the overthrow at Werll,
where he slew almost iij=m= men of the enemies, which was
Shenke, thother Mr. John Norris, whoe was but newly hurt, and is
as valiant a gentleman as ever liued, and he giues this
commendacion to the count Hollock that I tell you for that dayes
service, whome, before his face, he saw kill a Spaniard with his
pistell, when thother was ready to throst his pike thorow him;
these two knights deserved it well.
   I am likewise in assured hope to drawe awaie from the enemie
furthwith ij=c= of his best Albanesines, whoe be his cheif
<P 253>
horsmen. I haue spoken this daie with the capten, whoe is
secretlie stollen hether to me, being within a dayes iourney or
litle more of their troupes, being not farr of Grave; he is as
manlike a gentleman as euer I looked vppon, and Shenks tels me,
the onlie leader among them. He asketh me nothing till he brings
his bandes to me. I assure you there cannot be a thinge will
frett the prince more at the heart. This man doth tell me for
all troth, vppon his owne knowlege, that there is three hundred
Italians and Spaniards of his best cauallery gone to the duke of
Guise against his will, and that he hath written to the duke
against them, but he keeps them, and hath done this moneth. This
capten was in hight of the fraye at Grave, but the waters kept
all the horsmen off; he doth assure me that there was not so few
as vj=c= Spaniards kild, and the verie flowre of all their
campe, but don John de Aquilau is alive, whoe we thought was
kild; soe that for peace, you maie see whether it be not like
that it wilbe sought in better sort at her majesties hands then
by merchants. I am borne in hand of all, the lords and cheif
gentlemen of Heynalt, Arteyes, and Flaunders will seeke it, and
presse the prince for it, and there is one that will giue me
knowlege verie shortlie thereof, and, if I be not abused, the
prince and kinge both will dailie, as longe as theie can, to
entertain, talke of peace, and to discourage these countreys
thereby, before theie will either harken indeed to a peace, or
to treat of anie. And, vnder corection be it spoken, if these
men here conceave once her majestie to be in hand with a peace,
theie are gone without once looking back, and will make their
men, and overthrow her majesties, or lett me suffer for it. God
I take to record, vppon that I haue conceaued, and what you haue
written, of her majesties disposition, I would creepe vppon the
ground as farr as my hands and knees would bere me, to haue a
good peace for her majestie, but my care is to haue a peace
indeed, and not a shew of it to devid her freinds and her
insonder; they loaue her not that wish that kind of weake
dealing. Yf all the Spanish faction in England
<P 254>
procure her majestie a peace fitt for hir, in any respect, lett
me be hanged for it. Nay I thinke, if you or I should shew to
haue so much creditt that waie as some doe as I heare of in
England, I doubt whether we should be thought worthy to be
hanged or noe; but I haue not to doe with other mens doings, God
preserve her majestie, and send her trew faithfull councellors.
And the best waie for a good peace, I thinke still, is to bring
it by a good sharp warr; and if I had monie, noe more but that
her majestie hath promised to imploye here for this yeare, if
her majestie be not sought and sought againe, as she should be,
lett me beare the blame. But, soe long as pedlers and merchantes
be seking and paultringe in so weighty a cause, the enemy will
make his profitt of it, or, if it were knowen that I did but
advise thus much, the enemy would be in the greatest prid in the
world, and hold out to the vttermost houre, whereas now, hard
handling must doe the feate, without conceat of hasty or easy
beleeuing. Thus, I pray you beare with my tedious writinge, and
lett me certenly knowe her majesties will and pleasure therein
indeed, for what her will is must be obeyed, and, after I knowe
it, I will deall accordingly, by the grace of God, to the
vttermost of all my witt.
   I receaue even now a lettre from Amsterdam, by which it is
written, that the kinge of Denmark hath stayed in the Sound a
great nomber of shipps, and will suffer none to passe except he
promise, or put in bands, not to goe either to Spaine or to
Portugall; if it be true, as I doe verilie hope it is, hit is a
verie happy matter for her majestie.
   I thinke it will fall out plainely that [\John\] Jentile
which I wrote to you of, that came to the princes of Symeye,
seming to discouer that he was hired to poison her from her
husband, came onlie to doe it to me; all circumstances of his
speeches leanes to it. He was not yet put to anie torture, but
he shalbe, his tales
<P 255>
be so full of contrarietyes and doubtes as he beginnes now to
wish himself dead, and craves mercye. He confesseth now his
meaning was to serve me, and he doubteth there be others that
haue comission for the matter, though he hath not; but all is
one for him or anie other, my God hath chardge of me, and will
not suffer their malice to take place. Yf it should, welcome be
his blessed will, hit is for a good cause and soe I am at a
point, and yet will I be as carefull as I may be. Thus God haue
you in his good keeping. From Vtrickt this last of Aprill.
   Your assured freind.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 258>
[} [\LETTER XCIV. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 6TH MAY, 1586.\] }]
   Mr. secretary, I could not answere your letter which came by
the pursevant before this, for that I haue bine two dayes busie
at the musters, and giuing order for the paiment of soldiours,
which falleth out soe short as hit is pitty to see it; but I am
going now into the feild with such forces as I am able to make.
The cheifest cause, to withstand the prince of Permas
enterprises in these parts, coming, as I am credibly aduertised,
in person, with xviij cannons to batter Grave, which if he doe,
I trust to prevent his intention. Some other causes there be of
great necessitye to settell these partes, and I see, except I
goe myself with these companies, this campe will hardly be
mainteined or kept together. There is some emulacion amonge the
commandours, and captens over-hard to their souldiors, and, by
my will, there shalbe noe advantage giuen the enemye throwe our
disorder. I will take the more paine myself among them, by the
grace of God.
   For the matter your pursevant brought, I haue answered in a
letter by Aty to her majestie. I will not faill to obey her
comandement very precisely. And, for my owne parte, I was at the
point at the first time sir Thomas Henneage came, and offered
most
<P 259>
reddily to satisfye her majesties comandement, but much more now
I trust her majestie is not offended with me, and I care not how
sone I be deliuered of this burthen, speciallie since I find it
noe way acceptable to hir majestie, the service of this
countrey, for, I thanke God, I haue neither done her majestie
anie dishonour here, nor haue had anie ill successe for her
service, yet haue I had as little thankes, and as great blame,
as he that had lost a countrey or a battell. Well! for the
obseruing of her majesties pleasure for this last commandement,
albeit we had very good warrant for it, hit shalbe done, as
soone as sir Thomas Henneage comes. And if I maie find anie
grace to be honestly revoked, I will take it more thankfullie
then some men that should receave x=m=.=li= for a reward.
   I trust in this voyage, if God lett me liue, to settell all
these partes thorowly for a good while. I will then retorne to
Hage except I heare of anie sege, either of Berges or Ostend. Of
Ostend I cannot thinke; Berges is more like, and yet if he take
it not in 2 dayes, which I thinke he shall never, without
treason bringe aboue ij=c= men in it, I will warrant we will
reliue it well enough.
   There be allready viij or ix=c= men come over, and the states
will entertaine them all, and the rest that come, and I am in
good hope the meanes will rise verie great for the maintenance
of all theire charges here, yf her majestie will goe thorow with
this matter. I would God my lord Gray, or some other noblemen,
were here to supply this place, not doubting but theie should
farr better accomplish this service then I can, and their
service farr better accepted then mine is. Hit sufficeth me that
my conscience doth witnes with me that I doe serve her majestie
as in the presence of the Almightie; I pray God send me but her
majesties reasonable fauor for it.
   I am sorry I had not knowledge enough to send you worde of
the great embassage the kinge of Denmark doth send to her
majestie, which, as it is reported, is the greatest that euer
went
<P 260>
out of the east countreys; his expectacion is great of her
majesties forwardnes in their causes. I praie God he maie
receaue that comfort I wish. He hath again made offer to me of
his ij=m= royters, and I beseech you, sir, lett it be
acknowledged there to his embassador.
   I am here perplexed in my soule for the vntowardly dealing
for our money. I assure you here is not a full moneth to pay the
soldiours at this time, and there is none paid but Brill,
Ostend, and Flushing. I doe protest to you, if I were as well
encouraged to serve as ever I was, I would not deale anie more
with her majesties servants here, hauing such disbursers of the
monie. I doe assure you it is enough to ouerthrow all our whole
service here, and there is noe speaking nor warning, theie
presume either vppon chaunge or favour, or som what, for never
man hath dealt soe playnely nor soe rigorously as I haue done,
but theie care not one pennie for it; theie say theie must and
will answere it. You shall doe well, whosoeuer haue the chardge
here, to direct the treasor to his chardge vntoucht or vnbroken
vpp, and thin the treasorer to make his reconing, and to receaue
out, that which is due to be paid, and that which remaines to be
locked vpp vnder ij keys; for my parte if anie come before my
departure, surely I will neither make pay nor warrant if he
delivered any penny before yt come to me. The auditor is both
simple and fearefull, and, except you appoint another comission,
I dare vndertake her majestie shall loose xx=m= mark, at least,
in this already past. What a thinge is this, Mr. secretary, that
the poore stervid wreches that have susteined penury this iiij
monethes almost full, shall haue but one moneths pay, and not
that, now to goe to the feild. Withall, by your leaue, I must
say it againe, you did her majestie and yourself
<P 261>
wronge, when you appointed such officers, so vnited, as you did,
specially being interessed as theie were. For my parte, I trust
I shall stay noe time here; yf I should, I would never agree to
haue this man deall with the money agein, I will command noe
souldiours [{...{] and, as the souldiers hath noe pay but for a
moneth, soe is there no officer in the feild paid anie thinge
but myself. It is verie late, yet I wish there were care in
time.
   As for peace, I am at a point. My care was for hir majestie
and the realme, and I wilbe hanged when she shall haue a good
peace but as I wrote to you, and therefor there needes noe hast,
matters going as theie doe; but I am noe fitt councellor in
this. God speed it well, and keep you alwaies. At Hamersford
this 6. of May.
   Your assured freind.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 264>
[} [\LETTER XCVI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 9TH MAY, 1586.\] }]
   I am sorry to trouble you with the discomfortable dealings of
of our treasurer here; I assure you it passeth, and our auditor
a foole in comparison to mete with there subtelties. I saw this
day an abstract. I see there is yet due to souldiers aboue
x=m=.=li= when all this monie almost shalbe paid that cam last.
This coronel Norris doth match the late earle of Sussex, of all
men that euer I haue sene, for such matters, and sett
countenaunce withall vppon them. I trust you will provide for my
speedye cominge home; but, if I tarrie, either lett an other
dispencer of the monie be appointed, or lett it be deliuered
into my custodye, that their be noe paiments made before a
perfect reckoning cast vpp; for, if it goe on with the rest as
with this past, I will warrant a full third parte lost
<P 265>
from her majestie and the souldiers now. I haue so often spoken
I haue done, for I will not beare anie burthen at the souldiers
and captens hands, for all the treasure in this countrey. And
howsoeuer the matter is, the treasurer hath some back hope, and
little doth care what fault I find.
   This day I heard for certen, that, vpon the new supplie of
men I caused to be sett into Grave, which was 350 with 4 or 5
very good captens, the enemye attemptinge to take and spoyle a
subvrbe to Grave, being about 1000 Spaniards, theie haue lost
dead in the place 400, all Spaniards, such as they lost before
for gallant fellowes, soe that there is a good abatment of them
of late. We heare the prince doth meane to follow that seige
still, but now I little feare that place, for this 350 fresh
lusty souldiers having vittels, store, and munition, is a good
assurance; beside, the place is stronge, and well fortified, and
hath more with these last, beside burgers, which are stout and
willing fellowes and well trained. Their is 1000 able souldiers,
and the burgers stronge 800. And I am now here, provided to
rescue anie place the prince shall attempt. I am v=m=. footmen
and 1500 hors. This day I haue sent most of my horsmen into the
Betowe toward Newmeagin. I sent Shenks two daies since with 1000
footmen
<P 266>
to take a peice of ground called Mellin, where I haue appointed
a fort to be made, which shall stopp all cariage by watter
betwene Newmeagin and their campe at Grave. It maie be that I
will putt that towne in hazard, at the least I will [\leave\]
them noe places to hinder vs vppon the Reyne betwene Newes and
this towne. Yf the enemie attempt Burges vp Some, as a brute
there is, I will sone relieve it, by the grace of God, and yet
there is both good store of men and victells in it, neither doe
I greatlie mistrust anie place now that I am in the feild, that,
either by watter or land, I can recover anie place, nether doe I
thinke that the prince can well tell what yet to doe. God send
me good successe this iorney, and well to acquit me of this
countrey, and some happier man to stepp into it. Soe God be with
you, and to morow I will lodge toward Newmeagin, with my
companie altogether, from whence you shall heare as occasion
will serve. In some hast at Arnham, this ix. of May, without
money or ware.
   Your assured freind.
   Yf you send not speedlye a nimbler fellow then this auditor
there will neuer fault appere.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 266>
[} [\LETTER XCVII. LORD BURGHLEY TO SIR THOMAS HENEAGE. 13TH
MAY, 1586.\] }]
<P 267>
   Good Mr. threasurer, although theare is heare matter mines
[\tiring?\] plentifullie to write uppon concerning the subiect
of your charge, yet, bicause the same conteineth noe such
resolucion as both I have advised and wished, I doe forbeare to
enlarge the discours thereof by particulers, and breefelie doe
concurr with Mr. vice-chamberlaine, whoe nowe writeth to youe
such an imperfect resolucion as hir majesty hath delivered unto
him, nothing agreable to our advises.
   Uppon manie urgent and poignant cawses, as I maie so terme
them, I have advised hir majesty to permitt my lord of Leicester
to continue in the gouverment of thos cuntries, wherein God hath
latelie prospered him, and that you, being sick, might retorne
without following that hazardous course that is appointed to
you: but hir majestie will neither allowe of the one nor of the
other, but she saith, that you shall goe backe, and doe that she
hath commaunded you, which she is content to interprete in this
sort, that though she still misliketh that my lord of Leicester
hath accepted the title of governor-generall of thos provinces,
yet she meanethe not that he should presentlie or hastelie leave
it, bicause of the inconveniences that might happen to the
publique cawse by want of gouverment; and yet hir mind is, that
you should conferre with his lordship and the counsell theare,
yea, you should also further the same, that it might be devised
there by authoritie of the states, howe my lord might forbeare
the title and absolute authoritie of the gouvernor of thos
provinces, and yet, remaining with the title and authoritie of
her majesties lieutenant-generall,
<P 268>
to have, by the graunt of the estates, authoritye according to
the articles of the mutuall treatie with the counsell of the
states, to order, governe, reforme, and direct the martiall
affaires in like sort as his lordship nowe maie doe, by the
comission of the states whearebie he is made theire 
governour-generall; and this is that hir majestie desyreth, and
wisheth to be done, and, to that ende, would have by your meanes
conference had betwixt my lord and the counsell, howe this maie
be brought to passe, and thowgh, if it can be so compassed, it
cannot by anie likelood be browght to passe without sum length
of tyme, and manie circumstances and difficulties, yet hir
majesty willeth you to retorne, with the report of such
conclusion as shall fall owt uppon this conference betwixt my
lord, yourself, and the counsell of the states: and further,
also, hir majestie plainely saith, that she would not have my
lord to leave this authoritie untill she shall, uppon your
retorne, understand howe, and in what manner, this devise shall
be thowght faisible to be done, withowt anie evident danger of
the common cawse. In this sort you see howe I take hir majesties
wordes and mind, and so also I thinke you shall perceive the
like, or equivallent, from Mr. vice-chamberlaine and Mr.
secretarie, for with noe other would hir majestie deale in this
cawse, as I could understand.
   This matter hath been more cumbersome and more severe to me
and others that hath at sundrie times delt therin with hir
majesty, than any whatsoever since I was a counselor; the will
of God be, to bring it to some better resolucion, both for his
owne glorie and for the quiet and weale of hir majestie and hir
estate, to which ende I se my praiers must be hereafter
accommodated to God rather then advise as a counselor to hir
majestie, and yet I mind not to leave either of them as God will
geve me grace. I praie you praie my lord to excuse me for my
short writing, and my lord North for my not writing, for truelie
I am at this time overtoiled. 13=o= Maij 1586.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 269>
[} [\LETTER XCVIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 14TH MAY, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, I had hoped that your letters sent by Mr.
Atye woold have drawen her majestye to have revoked sir Thomas
Henneage, and to have stayed the motyon for the qualyficatyon of
the tytle, in respect of the alteratyon that the same is lykely
to woorke there. But nothing that can be sayd can woorke any
staye here, so resolutely is her majesty bent to have the matter
propounded to the counsell of state ther; whoe, I doe assure
myself, wyll be greatly perplexed with the motyon, and, as I
take yt, they have no awthorytye to treate uppon yt, but must
refer the consyderation therof unto an assembly of the states,
which wyll woorke sooche a busse in the peoples heades, and
mynister to the evyl-affected there sooche a plotte to woorke
on, as to mans judgement may perryll the whole cause. Ther hathe
ben as muche sayd towching the daynger as myght be alleaged. And
truly, my good lord, I am now perswaded that thys straynge
proceading growethe from her majestye selve. I have prayed this
gentleman, who is honest, to acquaynt your lordship with my
opinion herin; and so I most humbly take my leave. At the
coorte, the xiij=th=. of Maye, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
   By the coppye of Mr. Randolphes letter your lordship may see
the present state of Scoteland.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 272>
[} [\LETTER C. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 20TH MAY, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, her majestye hathe made me acquaynted
with the letter she wrytethe with her owne hande unto your
lordship, and where she chargethe your lordship with the
acquaynting the cownsell of state there with the overture of
peace made unto her by the prince of Parma as a faulte, herin
your lordship is wronged: for the fault is myne, yf any were
commytted, but, in verry trothe, she gave me commaundment to
dyrect you to acquaynt them withall, thowghe nowe she dothe
denye yt. I have receyved within thes fewe dayes many of thes
harde measures.
   Her majestie dothe, also, revoke her resolutyon towching the
sendyng over of voluntary men in sooch nomberes as doe nowe goe;
she saythe, she was content that a 1000 or 2000 shoold be
permytted to goe, but no greater nombers. Sooch as are alreadye
levyed shall, notwithstanding, be permytted to passe, but the
rest are ordred to be stayed. This chayng as I learne growethe
uppon
<P 273>
a malytyouse informatyon, that the subiectes of this realme
shoold murmore greatly at the imployement of so many people of
this realme in defence of others, to the weakening of the seyd
realme; wheras, contrarywyse, all men of judgement, lookyng into
the persons that are imployed, being for the moste parte loose
men and having nothing to take to, or into the present dearthe,
doe thinke her majestie happye to have so apt an occasyon to
imploye them in so necessary a servyce. So lyttle love is
carryed to the contynewaunce of this actyon as the weakest
argument that may be used wyll suffyce to woorke an hinderaunce
to the cause. I wyll, therfor, doe my best indevor to procure
your lordships revocatyon.
   The thre last letters your lordship sent unto me, by Browne
the messenger, I thowght good, for sundrye causes, to shewe them
unto her majestye, but espetyally to the end she myght see the
yll husbandrye used by the thresorer, and how necessary yt was,
both for her proffyt and her servyce, to have another
substytuted in his place. I fownde her disposed to geve good
eare thereunto, and thereuppon I moved her for the sendyng of
sir Valentyn Browne, for that your lordship fownde the audytor
nowe imployed there verry weake, but coold not drawe her to any
resolutyon. For, fyrst, towching sir Valentyn Browne, she
alleaged two impedymentes; the one, that she was necessarily to
use his present servyce in Ireland abowt the peoplyng of
Monster. The other, that yt woold be a matter of great charg to
have two audytors imployed there at one tyme. For the fyrst, yt
is trewe that he cannot be well spared, being, as he is, best
acquaynted with the plott for the peopling of Monster; towching
the charge, I shewed how that the benefyt she shoold reape
therby woold verry largely requyt the charge. The audytors here
be so softspryted men as I dowbt there wyll not any one be
fownde owt emongest them more suffytyent then he that is now
imployed. I fynde her majestyes dysposytyon to be sooche, as
rather than she wyll entre into an extraordynarye charge of an
hundrethe pownd
<P 274>
she can be content to be deceyved of 5000=li=. I suppose when
the thresorer shall be dysplaced your lordship wyll make choyse
of sir Thomas Shurley, whoe, I doe assure your lordship, is a
most constant affected gentleman unto you, and deservethe an
extraordinary good usage at your lordships handes.
   This daye the lord-thresorer and I dealt with her majestie
for the sendyng over of money, in sooche a proportyon as ther
may be a thorrowghe paye made, which we shewed her woold proffyt
her at the least thre thowsand pownd; but we coold no waye
prevayle, she styll standethe uppon the returne of the accompt
of the threasure last sent. Your lordship therfore shall doe
well to hasten the sending over of the same. The next threasure
that shall be sent over shall be chested under two lockes, as
your lordship advysed, to the ende you may be assured to see the
imployement thereof.
   I doe rejoyce greatly, notwithstanding the dyscowntenancyng
of your lordship every waye, that God dothe blesse your care and
travayle with most happye successe, which suerly faulethe owt so
myche the better for that your lordship hathe cause to ascrybe
the same to the goodnes of Almyghtie God, to whos protectyon I
commyt your lordship. At the coorte, the xx=th= of Maye, 1586.
   Your lordships to command,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honorable my verie good lord the
earle of Leycester.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 275>
[} [\LETTER CI. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 20TH MAY, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, fyndinge the uncerteyn coorse helde
[{here{] towchyng thos cuntrye causes, [{and{] that her majestye
dothe rather [{wish{] to weaken then strengthen your awthorytye
there, I [{have{] dyswaded the master of Graye from his further
proceading [{in{] his preparatyon for thos cuntryes, lettyng him
playnly understand howe greatly your servyce is crossed, wherby
your lordship shall not be able to perform that good usage, both
towards himselve and sooche troopes as he shoold bryng with him,
as you desyre, for lacke of cowntenaunce and awthorytye;
[{and,{] for his better satysfactyon therein, I have sent unto
my cosyn Randolphe one of your last letters, by the which your
lordship desyreth to be revoked, wherby he may see that ther is
no cause whye your lordship shoold incorage him to imbarque
himselve in the servyce, seing you mynde yourselve to geve it
over. I have desyred sir Philip Sydney to put your lordship in
mynde to wryte somme letter of thankes to the master of Graye,
and to assure him of your good affectyon towards him.
   How hazardowsly her majestye dealethe in causes of Scotland
your lordship may perceyve both by Mr. Randolphe and the coppye
of the kinges owne letter unto hir majestye. The master of Graye
dothe assure me, that she never had so weake a partye in
Scotland as she hathe nowe. I fynde yt a verry harde matter
<P 276>
to conserve the amytye of that contrye in the coorse now held
heare, and what daynger may growe by the losse thereof, a verry
mean-wytted man may see. She greatly presumethe [{on{] fortune,
which is but a [{very{] weake foundatyon to buylde uppon. I
woold she dyd buyld and depend uppon God, and then all good men
shoold have les cause to feare any chaynge of her former good
happ.
   The myserye growethe so great in Flaunders and Brabant, as,
yf the Dunkerkers might be restrayned, yt woold owt of hande
woorke a great chaynge there. I hope the G[{...{] wyll doe more
good in one monethe, then the shyppes set owt by her majestye
hathe don all this year. Ther is daylye carryed owt of Holland
and Zelland both merchandyce and vyctualls to Calles, which
dothe greatly offende oure merchauntes here that are restrayned.
I wishe to God ther coold be some coorse taken to prevent this
mischefe of transportyng of vyctualles. And so I most humbly
take my leave. At the corte the xx=th= of Maye, 1586.
   Your lordships to commande,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honorable my [{very good{] lord the
earl of Leycester, lord [{lieutenant-gene{]rall of hir majesties
forces in the Low Countryes.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 278>
[} [\LETTER CIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 23RD MAY, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, sythence I last wrote unto your lordship
there is nothing come to my knowledge worthye to be imparted
<P 279>
unto your lordship, and yet, having so convenient a messenger, I
woold not suffer him to passe without a fewe lynes. There is no
man here dealethe more honorably and faythefully towardes your
lordship then this bearers master, and yet, as he tould me
secreatly yesternight, he hathe ben informed that there are some
that seeke malytyowsely to [{persuade{] your lordship to
conceyve otherwyse of him. But he reposethe that confydence in
your sownd conceypt of him as yt dothe not greatly troble him.
   I begyn now to put on an opinion that the only thwartes your
lordship receyvethe growethe owt of her majestyes owne
dysposytyon, whom I doe fynde dayly more and more unapt to
imbrase any matter of weyght. And, wheras I dyd by Mr. Barker
let your lordship to understande, that I thowght you were
crossed under-hand by some great personage, I doe nowe quyte him
of yt, and am perswaded that he dealethe honestly in the cause.
   The imbassator of Denmarke departythe hence within a daye or
two. He hath ben honorably used. I doe not fynde by him that his
master is greatly inclyned to doe any thing that may offend
Spayne, or to attempt any thing in favor of the king of Navar.
By late letters from Palavicino her majestye is advertysed, that
thinges goe cowldly forwarde in Germany. By former letters from
him we were in better hope. The wyne is so weake this yeare as
yt dothe not revyve ther spirytes.
   The king of Navar is drawen towardes Rochell. And so I most
humbly take my leave. At the coorte, the xxiij=th= of Maye,
1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra: Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 281>
[} [\LETTER CV. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 26TH MAY, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, I send your lordship her encloased such
letters as I have lately receavid from the master of Gray. In
aunswer wherof, fynding hir majesty so couldly disposed still
towardes that action, I have thought good to acquaint him
directly with the change of her majesties resolution towching
the continuaunce of your authoritye, being a matter not secreat
but oppen and common, which I do tell him proceadeth thorough
the practise of ill instrumentes here, that favour the Spanish
proceedinges, and seeke to crosse your lordship, letting him
withall
<P 282>
understand, that your authoritye be[\ing\] by such meanes so
weakened as you shall not nowe be hable to yeld him that
satisfaction and good enterteynement for himself and his company
that aperteyne, you have just cause not to encourage him to come
over to the service, least, yf he should fynd any want, yt
[\might\] geve him occasion to blame your lordship, and breede
in his company a mislyke of him that had brought them to so
[\bad\] a bargayn. This aunswir in effect I have made to the
master, to whom my lord thresurer hath also written to lyke
purpose. His lordship and I have dealt earnestly with her
majesty about the matter of the masters imployement, letting her
understand how necessary yt weare that hould weare taken of his
offer, in respect of thimbarking of the king his master into the
action, which, we tould hir majesty, could not be don, unles yt
might pleas hir to mayntayne your lordships authoritye in the
title of governement geven you there, but she conceaveth still
that the matter might well enough be performid by vertue of your
authority of generall only. And so I humbly take my leave of
your lordship. At Grenwich, the xxvj=th= of May, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra: Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 286>
[} [\LETTER CVIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 3RD JUNE, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good [{lord, I think{] good by the opportunyte of
this gentleman to let your [{lordship{] understande, that I am
advartysed that the prince of Parma is determyned to attempt
somewhat agaynst Sluse, which maketh me to doubt that he hathe
some intellygence within that towne. He meanethe to commit the
executyon of the matter unto the count of Egmonde, goyernor of
Flaunders, and unto La Mota, in whom [{he{] reposethe his
chefest trust. I am greatly affrayde, unless ther shall be some
Englishmen placed there, that that towne wyll be lost. By
[{sir{] William Pelham your [{lordship{] shall understande howe
greatly yt importethe her majestye to kepe the porte townes owt
[{of{] the Spaniards handes. And so I most humbly take my leave.
At the Barnealmes, 3. June, 1586.
   Your lordships to command,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
   This gentleman hathe verry well acquited sooche favor as yt
hathe pleased your lordship to shewe him. He was verry desyrowse
to have levyed a bande of footemen, but could not performe yt
for lacke of meanes.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 306>
[} [\LETTER CXIV. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 10TH
JUNE, 1586.\] }] 
   My very good lord, though I wrote late on Wednesday at night
to your lordship, uppon Mr. Nicolas Gorge comming to me with
<P 307>
signification that he was to depart erly in the next morning,
and therfor I wrote more hastely, yet now, being lykwise moved
by Mr. Unton, the beror hereof, to know if I would have any
thyng to your lordship, who is also moved to tak shipp this
evening, with commodite of a western wynd, I am also occasioned
to wryte in lyk hast, and yet, as the tyme falleth out, if I had
mor leasur, I shuld not wryte of such matters as war mete,
because I am here at Westminster, being Fryday, and have hard
that sir Thomas Hennadg cam to hir majesty yesternight, and
that, in a generall report, I here that hir majesty is very well
contented with hym and his messadg; for which cawse, untill I
shall be at the court, which I mynd to be to morrow at nyght, I
am unfurnished what to wryte of such matters as his retorn shall
minister cause, so as, untill that tyme, I cannot so
conveniently wryte to your lordship as Mr. Hennadg and others at
the court may doe.
   But yet, my lord, I have thought good to lett you know, that
I had, by hir majestyes commandment, on Teusday last, treated
with our marchantes-adventurers to mak payment ther, on that
syde, of the some of xxx=m li=. wherby to stey the carriadg out
of monny in specie, and, about the same tyme, I did also deale
with some marchantes straungers to the same effect, that, if
they cold mak payment ther of some good somes of monny, I wold
repay the lyk here, and herof I was in good hope to have spedd,
by the manner of ther answers, so as our monnyes, namely our
aungell and xij=d=. might be ther stablished at ther just
valleus in certenty, namly, the aungell at xvj=s=. viij=d=. and
our xij=d=. at xx=d=., and so ratably other monnyes, wherof I
gave them hope, uppon report made, that your lordship was
purposed to publish a placard ther for the lyk purpooss. And to
comfort our merchantes, I did also promiss payment of the v=m
li=. presently, that was last payd ther by your lordships
request, though the same was not payable befor the last of this
month; but yesterday, both our own and the straungers cam to me,
with declaration, that, by this mishapp of Grave, they both, but
specially the straungers, cold not possibly perform that which I
required of them; and
<P 308>
so I was perplexed, and yet I so pressed our 
marchantes-adventurors as I told them, if they wold not now
strayn ther credittes to pay ther xx=m li=. within xiiij dayes,
I wold procure from hir majesty a licenss for the straungers to
carry out clothes undressed, wherby I hoped both to vent our
clothes, which is a thyng very nedefull in this tyme, and to
obteyne my request for payment of monny. By this threatning of
them they have bene styrred to mete togither, and do offer to
send awey this night a post to provide xx=m li=. to be ther
within xiiij dayes, if it be possible, and, for certenty, they
offer, that monthly they will be hable to paye x=m li=. Thus
your lordship seeth how uncerten thynges pass here, but knowyng
how great nede ther is to have monny ther, rather than ther
shuld be want any long tyme, I will press hir majesty that monny
may be sent in specie, wherof you lordship shall shortly here.
   Our marchantes do alledg another gret difficulte, in that
ther shippes can not have fre passadg to Embden by reason of the
Hollanders shippes in that ryver, wherof I have gyven them hope
that your lordship had delt therin betwixt the cont of Embden
and the Hollanders, and so I hope your lordship hath doone some
good therin, for so indede our marchantes shuld be more hable to
pay you monny from thence than at Midleburgh.
   I wish your lordship that good success that yow cold mak the
ryver of the Rhen free, as by your late takyng of the sconce in
the duke of Cleves contrey, I hope a gret furderance.
   And so now, prayeng your lordship to accept this my hasty
kynd of wrytyng in good part, I wish you success of all your
honorable actions.
   Your lordships most assuredly,
   W. Burghley.
   10 Junii, 1586.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honorable my very good lord, the
erle of Leicester, lieutenant-generall of hir majesties forces
in the Lowe Cuntries.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 318>
[} [\LETTER CXVIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 22ND JUNE, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, I am to recommend unto your honorable
favor this bearer, my servaunt, that by your lordships good
meanes he may enioye lyke benefyt of his offyce of water-bayly
in Flusshing, as the water-baylye in Bryll dothe presently
enioye. I hope he wyll deserve any favor yt shall please you to
bestowe on him, and I shall thinke myselve greatly bownde unto
you for the same. And so I most humbly take my leave. At the
coorte, the xxij=th= of June, 1586.
   Your lordships to command,
   Fra: Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 318>
[} [\LETTER CXIX. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 24TH JUNE, 1586.\] }]
<P 319>
   My very good lord, yt may please your lordship to hould me
excused yf I use the hand of annother in writing unto you, being
[\at\] this present meself overburthened with other busynes. The
cause of this my dispatch is to acquainte your lordship with the
late comming of Augustin Grafigna and Bodenham from the prince
of Parma with some overture of a peace, though but in generall
termes, having only yet delyvered, that, yf the king of Spayne
can lyke to have a peace, the prince, for his part, who hath now
receaved honner enough in that countrye, will very willingly
undertake to becom an instrument and dealer in yt, for which
purpose he meaneth to send over hether some personage of quality
yf the matter go forward, but to other particularityes they
descend not. And whether the prince have any commission or
authoritye from the king to treate appeareth not. Bodenham
seemeth to have some further directions, and a letter for her
majestyes self, theffect whereof your lordship shalbe made
acquainted withall so soone as yt is knowen.
   Grafigna telleth me, that he was lodged in Cosmos lodging
when Skinck and Roger Williams gave the camisado to the campe,
and,
<P 320>
by that meanes, was prevye that the disorder and confusion was
so great as there appeared no smaule lykelyhood, that, yf they
had ben followed by their horsemen, the whole campe might have
ben overthrowen; and yet that there weare not so many slayne as
was otherwyse reported, the whole number being not above three
or fower score, and of our people betwin thirty and forty taken
and slayne, which happened for that, by reason of their longe
taryeing, they gave the prince tyme to pursue them with his
horsemen. They gave our men the prayse to have guided
thenterprise with no lesse skill and good discretion then yt was
hazardously undertaken. He telleth me, that, to shunne the
danger of Berges up Zome, he was constrayned to returne by
Mastrich, Liege, and thos quarters, where he understood that the
people had violently resistid the carriadg of the intended
provisions of vittalls to the campe, in respect of their owne
want and necessitye; by meanes wherof the prince cannot long
continue before Venloo. He understood that the merquis of
Pescara, who was looked for with 1500 horse and 3000 footmen,
bringeth now with him butan hundreth and fyfty horse and eight
hundreth footemen. The prince of Parma, as he telleth me, was
informed, that your lordship should have 18,000 fotmen and 3,000
horse, wheruppon, calling his captens to counsell, yt was, at
the first, advised to go from Ventloo and hazard the battell
with your lordship, and in thend resolved to leave some strength
before Venloo, and yet go forward with their purpose to
<P 321>
bid your lordship battell; wherof I have thought good to geve
your lordship speedy knowledge. And so I most humbly take my
leave. At Greenwich, the xxiiij=th= of Juin, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
[^THE POSTSCRIPT AUTOGRAPH^]
   The prince of Parma, in his letter to her majestye, which I
have seene, doth use the matter in sooche sortt as thowghe
sooche as have ben dealors in this peace had sowght the same at
his hands in her majesties name, which is taken most offensyvely
agaynst both the prince and the mynisters; for her highnes
protestythe, that she naver gave any sooche commyssyon. The
prince protestethe, that he hathe not any comyssyon, neyther
generally nor perticularly, to deale in the matter, and yet, yf
her majestye shall be dysposed to have the seyd peace proceaded
in, uppon knowledg in what sorte she wyll have the same
performed, he wyll be ready to further so good a worke. Your
lordship may see what effectes are wrowght by sooche weake
mynisters. They that have ben the imployers of them are ashamed
of the matter. I praye your lordship that this advertycement
towching the contents of the prynces letter may not be made
publycke.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 329>
[} [\LETTER CXXIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 30TH JUNE, 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, upon knowledge receaved from Mr. Aty here,
of a motion made by your lordship, that, in case it would please
hir majestie to write some letters to certein of the townes in
that countrey, it could not but in all lykelyhoode be a thinge
of good consequence, and very expedient for the comforting and
encouragement of the saied townes: my lord threasurer and I,
acquainting hir majestie with the mater, have founde hir very
well enclyned to yeeld therunto, as your lordship may perceyve
by the enclosed, which is a copie of the five letters that are
sent herwith, signed by hir majestie; wherin if your lordship
shall thincke good to have any thinge added or altered, or any
more letters to be
<P 330>
written to the same effect, I will not faile, upon knowledge of
your pleasure and desire herin, to procure the same to be
dispatched with expedition. And so I humbly take my leave of
your lordship. From the court at Grenewich the xxx=th= of June,
1586.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
[^THE POSTSCRIPT AUTOGRAPH^]
   The brethern of yong Mr. Kyngesmell being geven to
understande that he shold be of late taken prysonar, have
desyred me most earnestly [{to represent the same{] unto your
lordship, that by your favorable meanes his libertye may be
procured. They can be content, rather then he shoold remayn long
prysoner, to paye sume reasonable ransom. It is left to your
lordship to direct the letters as you shall thincke meete.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 337>
[} [\LETTER CXXVII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 8TH JULY, 1586.\] }]
   Yt is like you shall heare of it before this comes to you,
that we haue taken Axell, a towne in Flaunders, nere Ternous, a
forte of our side. Your sonne Philip with his bands had the
leadinge and entringe the towne, which was notably handled, for
theie caused xxx or xl to swime over the ditch, and so gett vpp
the wall and opened the gate; yet, or theie could enter half
their nombers, the souldiers were in armes, and came to resist
our men,
<P 338>
but they were overthrowen, and most of them slaine, being vj=c=,
as I heare, souldiers in that towne, beside burgers; iiij
scon[\c\]es beside are taken. The count Morrice was there, and
my lord Willoowby, and young Mr. Hatton, for his first
nuselinge. God send we may hold it, vittell is so hard to come
by there; but all is done that can be possible.
   I see wee shall starue on everie side. I here now, that there
is x=m li= sent over by exchange, and other x=m= in the middest
of August; you wrote vnto me that her majestie had appointed
xxxij=m li= to come over. It is no marvell our men runn fast
awaye. I am ashamed to write it, there was v=c= ran away in two
dayes, and a great manie to the enemye, of which sort I haue
taken sixe, and Welch is taken, that went with Pigott, where the
count Hollock and Robin Sidney overthrew a good cornett of horse
of Camilles, beside Breda, kild and tooke 28 prisoners, and
horse. This Welch was one. There is of our runagates ij=c=
brought againe from the coast-side. Divers I hanged before the
rest, and I assure you theie could haue bine content all to haue
bine hanged rather then tarry. Our old ragged roggues here hath
soe discouraged our new men as, I protest to you, theie looke
like
<P 339>
dead men. God once deliuer me well of this charge, and I will
hange to, yf I take charge of men and not be sure of better pay
a forehand. I assure you it will frett me to death or longe, to
see my souldiers in this case, and canot help them. I cry now,
peace! peace! for neuer was there such a warr, and a cause so
slenderly countenanced; but God will help vs I trust. And you
must looke to yourselues there what you will doe, you see the
yeare runns on apace.
   I will not now hold you longer; but, Mr. secretary, I tell
you, if our people shalbe noe better releiued, by the Lord, I
looke for the fowlest mutiny that euer was made, both of our men
and these countrey souldiers, and I am sure I can doe as much
with them as ever anie man could, and I doe but wonder to see
theie doe not rather kill vs all then runn away, God help vs!
And I would God you were all here one moneth, to see our
handling from ourselues. I doe assure you, if our paiments come
thus, you must looke to heare I and theie shalbe come shortly
Martin Rous and his companie, for men will not starue, and for
such monie as the states owe I look verie shortlie to haue
[\it\] . The enemie doth vse his old practice; he hath conveied
above ij=c= of our men by Callice, and I beseech cause good wait
at Dover, and Sandwish, for such as come without my pasport, and
that some example be made, or we shall never keep them here.
   I haue good hope of the count Hollock. Paul Buis, a very
knave, more and more.
   The opinion conceaued that you will leave vs will vndoe all,
and past help shortlye. Yf help doe come in sort to pull out
this late deep-rooted conceat, lett me loose life, and all I
haue in the world, yf these countries be not brought free of
this warr within one yere, and, before the Lord I speake, I doe
thinke it had bine this yere if matters had bine well followed
and supplied; but, as you deall, I knowe not what to say, nor
what councell to giue, but
<P 340>
to pray to God, and looke for ruin of all here or longe, for you
must thinke these conceats cause matters to alter more in a
weeke then heretofore in iij monthes. And yet is there life. God
be with you. In hast this 8. of July.
   Your assured.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 340>
[} [\LETTER CXXVIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 9TH JULY, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, your [{last{] letters unto her majestye
[{in{] which your lordship hathe layd before her the present
alteratyon [{in that{] cuntrye, as well in the gene[{ral{]
thorroughe the losse of Grave and Venlewe, as also in
[{certain{] partyculer persons of [{...{] cauling there, as the
count [{Maurice{] and count Hollocke, for somme knowen
respectes, hathe g[{reatly{] perplexed her, and the [{more{] for
that she gatherethe uppon the vyewe of your lordships letter,
that the only salve to cure this sore is to [{make{] herselve
propryetarye [{of{] that cuntrye, and to put [{in{] sooche an
armye into the [{same{] as may be able to make head to the
ennemyes. The[{se{] two thinges being so contrarye to her
majestyes dysposytyon, the one, for that yt breedethe a dowbt of
a perpetuall
<P 341>
war, the other, for that yt requireth an increas of charges,
dothe merveylousely dystrackt her, and make her repent that ever
she entred into the actyon.
   She hathe only made the lord-thresorer and Mr. 
vyce-chamberlyn acquaynted, as they tell me, with parte of thos
letters, and gave them order to consyder what wer fyt to be don
uppon this alteratyon. To this conference by her majestyes order
I was cauled. The resolutyon is not yet taken, but hangethe in
susspence for that the lord-thresorer, being trobled with the
gowte in his hande, canot repayre unto her. The advyce that wyll
be gyven her wyll faule owt to be this; fyrst, that she must
prosecute the actyon without respect of charges; secondaryly,
that a gentleman of sound judgement be sent over unto your
lordship, to confer with you howe bothe the generall and
pertyculer dyscontentment reygning theare may be removed, as,
also, to be informed of dyvers poynts towching the state of that
cuntrye; and, lastly, that yt shall in no sorte be fyt for her
majestye to take a[{ny{] resolutyon in the cause until sir
Francis Drakes returne, at lest untyll the successe of his vyage
be seene; wheruppon, in verry trothe, dependethe the lyfe and
deathe of the cause according to mans judgment. She is also
advysed, in the mean tyme, to make no shewe of her dyslyke, but
rather to countenaunce the cause by all owtwarde meanes she may,
which, contrarye to her naturall dysposytyon, she doth verry
well performe, [\forced thereto by mere necessytye upon the
dyscoverye of some matter of importaunce in the hyest degree
thorrowghe my traveyl and cost, CROSSED OUT\] by the which yt
apperethe unto her most playn, that, unles she had entred into
the actyon, she had ben utterly undon, and that, yf she doe not
prosecute the same, she cannot contynewe.
   I have acquaynted this gentleman with the secreat to the ende
he may imparte the same unto your lordship. [\I dare make
<P 342>
none of my servants here privy thereunto. My only feare is, that
her majestye will not use the matter with that secreacye that
apperteynethe, thowgh yt import yt as greatly as ever any thing
dyd sythence she cam to this crown, CROSSED OUT\] and suerly, yf
the matter be well handeled, yt wyll breacke the necke of all
dayngerowse practyces duryng her majestyes reygne. [\I pray your
lordship make this letter an heretyke after you have read the
same. CROSSED OUT\] I mean, whan the matter is growen to a full
ripenes, to send some confydential person unto you, to acquaynt
you fully with the matter. And so, in the mean tyme, I most
humbly take my leave. At the coorte, the ix=th= of Julye, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra: Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 342>
[} [\LETTER CXXIX. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 11TH JULY, 1586.\] }]
<P 343>
   My verry good lord, by my last [\letter\] , by sir William
Pelham, I dyd let your lordship understand what advyce I thowght
woold be gyven to her majestye, uppon the poyntes of your
lordships last letters unto her; sythence which tyme, reporte
thereof hathe ben made unto her, but she not resolved as yet,
what advyce to geve unto your lordship uppon the sayd poyntes.
She is lothe to sende a spetyall person to your lordship and the
counsell of state there, in respect of charges; and y[{et{] , in
the ende, for that the matter is of wayght, I thinke she wyll be
drawen to assent thereunto. I suppose Mr. Wolley or Mr. Wylkes
wyll be used in that servyce. She seemethe to be dysposed to
make Mr. Davyson my assystaunt in the place I serve. The
gentleman is very muche greeved with the dyslyke he
understandethe your lordship hathe of him. For my own parte, I
doe not fynde but that he hathe dealt well, bothe for the cause
and [\also\] towards your lordship, whos good opinion and favor
he dothe greatly desyre.
   The v=th= of this present captain Haggarston arryved here,
whoe departed hence the daye following.
   He had accesse unto her majestye, and was verry gratyousely
used by her. He layd before her sondrye reasons to move her to
thinke that the master of Grayes imployement in the Lowe
Contreys myght yeld more proffyt to the generall cause, and
furtheraunce to her servyce, by imbarquing the king his
soverayn, then his contynewaunce in Scotlande. But nothing that
he coold saye coold lead her majestye to be of his opinion,
being perswaded that his absence from thence may breed some
dayngerowse alteratyon in that realme. I fynde, bothe by the
master of Graye and captain Haggerston, that, without he goe in
person, he shall not be able to send over sooche nombers as your
lordship desyrethe, and, therfor, I have thowght good to staye
the sending of the 2000=li=. untyll I heare from them.
   Her majestye styll makes verry great dayntye to send over any
of her own subjects to serve, eyther as pyoners or sowldiers. My
lord-thresurer, Mr. vyce-chamberlyn and I dyd deale verry
effecttually
<P 344>
with her for the sending over of the 600 pyoners, but coold not
wyn her to assent thereunto. The pyoners provyded by Mr. Rauley
are nowe come to London and are readye to imbarque.
   Sir William Stanley, as the lord-deputye and secretary Fenton
doe advertyce me, hathe ben greatly hyndered and crossed by
dyvers malytyowse and sedytyowse brutes geven owt in that
realme, in the levye of the 1000 men, as thowgh ther were an
intent and meaning to bryng them to the butchery. Were yt not
that the deputye dothe assyst him to the uttermost of his power
he shoold not, as I am informed, be able to rayse halfe the
nombre. I hope the next westerly wynde wyll bryng him and his
troopes unto your lordship.
   What resolutyon is taken for the thresorer your lordship may
perceyve by the coppye of a letter wrytten by her majestye unto
yourself. By sir Thomas Shurley your lordship shall receyve the
originaule letter, as also sooche matters as the sayd thresurer
hathe ben charged withall, and Leyster his deputye, together
with ther awntswers. And, for that ther are certeyn espetyall
matters wherwith he standethe charged, and are by him denied, yt
is, therfor, thowght meet, that they shoold be examyned there. I
suppose he wyll himselve be a suter to be dyscharged of the
place, and the rather yf coronell Norryce returne, whos frendes
are verrye earnest for his revocatyon, in respect of the dyslyke
your lordship hathe of him. Her majestie dothe yet oppose
herselve thereunto, but I hope, in the ende, wyll be drawen to
assent, which shall not lacke any furtheraunce I can yelde, for,
being a person dyscontented, and not lyked of by the most part
of the marshall men serving there, his contynewance in that
servyce cannot but doe a great deale of harme, by maynteyning of
factyon. I wyshe also bothe his brethern here, in case he leave
the servyce, espetyally Edwarde, whoe I dowbt dothe advertyce
but hardly of the proceadinges there.
   Towchyng the 1500=li= dysbursed by your lordship in the
levyeing of the 650 horse, over and besydes the 8000=li=
alreadye receyved,
<P 345>
I doe assure your lordship that the contrybutyon of the
recusentes, and the charges, dothe not suffyce to supplye the
sayd somme of 8000=li= dysbursed by her majestye. And owr people
in this realme, by the malytyowse practyces of the yllaffected,
begyn to murmure at the warres, so as yt is thowght meet for a
tyme to staye the makyng of any newe levyes, eyther of men or
money. I doe assure your lordship there are very dangerowse
humors reygnyng here amongest us, and we not dysposed to take
sooche a pryncely coorse to kepe the yll-dysposed under, as the
present tyme requireth.
   I praye your lordship, for that her majestye dothe geve owt
that the count of Hollocks dyscontentment growethe in respect he
was removed from the coronellshipp of the footemen serving in
Zeland, and the same bestowed uppon sir Philip Sydney, that her
majestye may be satysfyed in that poynte, for that she layethe
the blame uppon sir Philip, as a thing by him ambytyowsely
sowght. I see her majestye verry apt uppon every lyght occasyon
to fynde fault with him.
   Owre treatye in Scotland was concluded the vj=th= of this
present, and the commyssyoners dysmyssed with good contentement.
Sooche advertycementes as I hav lately receyved owt of France,
Flaunders, and the ennemyes camp, I send your lordship herwith.
And so I most humbly take my leave. At Barnelms, the xj=th= of
Julye, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra: Wal.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 353>
[} [\LETTER CXXXIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 20TH JULY, 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, I understand by this gentleman, her
majesties thresorer there, that he cannot have coronnell Morgans
acquittances to be delyverid, [\as\] usually unto him by all the
captens and others that have chardg vppon receipt of their paye,
for that yt is required that a defalcacion be made out of his
enterteynement for the armour of his companyes, as hath be don
to the other captens, which the coronnell refuseth to yeld unto,
alleadging that he hathe sent backe the armour providid by the
countrye, and furnished his companyes himself. Whereuppon the
gentleman standeth chardgid with so much as the sayd paye
amounteth unto, and hath nothing to shew for the same, that may
dischardg him in his accomptes. I pray your lordship therfore to
geve order, that Mr. Morgan maye delyver unto him his
acquitaunces, as aperteyneth for his indemnitye; and, towching
the matter ytself, the armour that he hath sent backe being
refused by the country, I do not see howe he can be releevid
unles some vent maye be found for the same, or that he will come
over himself to make suite and take some order in yt. And so I
most humbly take my leave. At Richmond, the xx=th= of July,
1586.
   Your lordships to commaunde,
   Fra: Walsyngham.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honorable my very good lord, thearle
of Leycester, lieutenant-generall of her majesties forces in the
Lowe Countryes.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 354>
[} [\LETTER CXXXIV. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 21ST
JULY, 1586.\] }]
   My verie good lord, I will first beginne to awnsweare your
[\lordships\] letter of the xviij=th= of June, which doth
conteine your advise verie circumst[{antially{] geven for my
sonne to have consideration of the matter that hath been
[{moved{] to your lordship from hence, for the change of Brill
for Harlingham, and for that [{he{] was come over thither before
the receipt of your [\lordships\] letter, I could not conferre
with him theareuppon, but if I had, by the reasons alledged in
your lordships letters, which are verie manie, I should have
counseled him to have continued in the Brill, than to have gon
so farre of as Harlingham is, being owt of the limits both of
Holland and Zeland; and the rather, also, I would have advised
him to have continued at the Brill, bicause I perceive by your
lordships letter, you can be content
<P 355>
that, with the Brill, he maie have the governement of the iland,
which maie be very commodious for him, for the strengthening of
the place; and so nowe, meaning not to trowble your lordship
with this matter, I dowbt not but he himself hath commoditye to
receive your lordships resolucion thearein, which I leave to
himselfe to accept, and conforme himselfe to your advise.
   In the postscript of your sayd letter I perceive, that by the
establishing of the chamber of finances your lordship shall be
more hable to make necessarie paimentes for all thinges
requisite under your charge then heretofore you have been, the
opinion of which lack hath most cheeflye bread dowbt in hir
majestie of the good sequel of the cawse; and therefore the
sooner your lordship maie make it appeare to hir majesty, that
the contribucions heretofore offred by the states maie be nowe
performed, which spetiallie will be best credited by hir
majestie if she maie perceive, that such sommes of monie as have
been paiable by the states to yourself for your enterteinement,
and to satisfie the debtes due to hir majestie for hir treasure
defraied to their uses, [{have been paid,{] the more resolute
shall you find hir majestie to stand fast and firme in the
prosecution of this action.
   Your lordship doth in that end of the letter, also as in
manie others, make mention of your desire to have sir William
Pelham theare, which surelie hath not been by me omitted, nor by
himself delaied, but as now he can tell your lordship, whoe I
trust hath arrived theare sum fewe daies past, in whom the lett
hath been, partlie for not yelding to the acquitall of his
debtes, and partlie, as hir majestie did often awnsweare us,
that she could not well spare such a man from the service in the
office that he hath, considering both the absence of sir Philip
Sidney, and the unhabilitye of my lord of Warwick, your brother,
to travell. But my awnswere was theareto, that, for anie
spetiall service in the field at home, in that kind of office, I
thowght, as longe as you weare well occupied in thos cuntries
against the common enemie, and might
<P 356>
prosper theare, we should not have any great neade of his
presence heare.
   Nowe, my lord, for awnsweare of sum matters conteined in your
other longe letter. Your lordship writeth, that I, in my former
letter, did sett a rate of the angell and the shillinge, the one
at xv=s= the other at xx=d=, and you did doubt wheather I ment
it to be the valewe of sterling or otherwise. But I did, and doe
still meane it, to have our angell, that is heare x=s=, to be
currant theare for xv=s= Flemishe, and our sterling shilling
that is heare xij=d=, to be theare currant for xx=d= Flemishe.
And wheare the great rose-noble was theare in estimation farre
above his valewe, and nowe is fallen out of that reputacion, I
was ever of that minde, and shall be, that newe coine in anie
cuntrie wheare knowledg is of minting, will have a higher
estimacion than his ritches will yeld him, and so I think your
lordship should have proved. The experience of him that offred
yowe so great sommes for the coinage of the rose-nobles in that
cuntrye would have tended to a fall of his great offer within
one moneth or lesse; for, trewlie, it is a natural reason in all
thinges, that (\ex nihilo nihil fit\) , and noe great gaine can
ever be made to last, but wheare the cawse and grounde of the
gaine shall last. We had heare the like experience for a while,
of an offer made by alderman Martin, to yeld to hir majestie for
the coinage of everye pownd weight of gold into rose-nobles the
sum of xxx=s=, wher otherwise was never paid above iiij=s=, for
other the best gold; and, having commission to coine the same,
he was forced to leave of within the monethe, for that the
estimacion of them did sodenlie decaie, and so the coinage
perforce did staie, and yet, for that short time, her majestye
had awnswered unto hir neare m=li= for coinage. I perceive your
lordship hath the stampes of the said rose-nobles which your
offerer had provided, and, I thinke, if the matter weare renewed
unto him againe, he could not mainteine any reason to yeld unto
your lordship anie extraordinarie proffett by coinage of them,
more then of other gold of like
<P 357>
fines, whearein I praie your lordship cawse him to be tempted
anewe, and lett me knowe his awnsweare, for if hir majestie
might have the gaine thearebie, I should be right glad thereof,
and would also further it, so as it might be sett downe to what
quantitie the coinage should be.
   And, for that I sent your lordship word of summ shillinges
coined in that cuntrie, the partie that browght them unto me
said, he had them from Amsterdam, as being coined theare; but,
as your lordship writeth, it might be at summ other towne, as
Gorcum, or such like: but this maie be held for a rule generall,
that whearesoever our monies, either gold or silver, be coined
in anie other cuntrie, if the same coines be in waight and fines
as good as ours, theare will be noe longe continuance of coinage
thereof; for the proffett of the coinage, which is the
sufferantie to the prince, is so small as [\it is\] hard for
privatt men to continue such coinage; but if, otherwise, theie
be coined of lesse valewe, then, thowgh for summ time, people
may be abused to receive them, yet such monies will not have
longe continuance in theire estimacion.
   Your lordship maketh mention of my writing that I had delt
with the merchantes-adventurers to paie ther xxx=m li=, which
indeade theie weare contented to promise, at that time when I
did write so, but, afterward, uppon the losse of Grave and
Venlo, theie semed to have had intelligence from there factors
on [{that{] side the seas, that the trade of merchandize began
to change [{and{] staie, and so theie started from theire
promise: and yet, after that, theie helped your lordship with
v=m li= which was verie happelie taken upp [{by{] your lordship,
in that it semeth, though the some weare little, the poore
soldiers weare more releved with that small portion than theie
had been with the paie of a great deale more before. And,
trewlie, if your lordship could bring it to pass, that the poore
soldiers might be paied by [\the\] poll, sometimes one monethes
paie would doe more good in that sort, than two monethes paie to
the capteine, and, in like sort, I see your lordship hath care,
that theie which shall have the disposing of the
<P 358>
treasure [\may\] be directed so to dispose it as it maie cum
trewlie and indifferentlie to the use of the soldier.
   The paiment made to the states of monie by the threasurer,
whereof your lordship maketh mencion that it was paied without
your warrant or assignment, hath been hard to be excused,
[\any\] otherwise then that the threasurer saith, he made the
warrant by the forme of another, written before by Mr. Atye,
your lordships secretarie. I am of opinion, as your lordship is,
that the states would not agree [\to\] make the rembursement of
these thinges, if your lordships warrant had not past for the
same; and one thing I find hath been greatlie forgot theare,
that, according to an article of the contract, the states
commissaries have not been made privie to our musters and
paiements, whearebie the issue will be, respondence for
repaiment to bee made [\here\]after to hir majesty. At this time
hir majestie hath appointed sir Thomas Shurleie to cum over with
the threasurer, and to be privie of all receiptes of monie that
he shall have, heare or theare, and shall joine with the
threasurer in all paimentes to be directed by your lordship, and
not otherwise, so as it shall be in your lordships power, for
this time, to see and have perfect knowledg to whome anie monie
shall be paid, and how much he shall have to paie, and, uppon
the paiments of this money now delivered to them both in charge,
the threasurer is determined to leave the place, and so I have
of long time advised him, and would have had him so to have done
heare, by ending his whole accompt [\on\] this side, but hir
majestie would have him come over to make an ende of his broken
paimentes theare, whereof, uppon his accompt heare, many dowbtes
have been made, and he left in suspence and respect almost of
xi=m li=, though he showeth divers matters for his warrantiz to
be allowed thereof, as by his peticions which at this time are
sent over thither by sir Thomas Shurleie, maie appeare: which
are of sundrie natures, for that he sheweth good warrantes for
paiment of divers sommes, but noe perfect acquittances of the
receivors,
<P 359>
though he saie theie be left theare on that side now to be
produced, and, for sum part, he sheweth acquittances of sommes
due and paied but hath not heare shewed warrantes for the same,
for the which he is to receive your lordships favour, as the
justice of the paimentes shall require.
   Your lordship maketh mention of the sending of William Herle
to Embden, from whome, at the writing of your letter, your
lordship had noe awnswere. But nowe of late I have seen, in Mr.
secretaries handes, the whole negotiation of William Herle, by
objecting and expostulating with the comte of Embden for verie
manie thinges, and of the awnsweares made thereunto; whearebie
it appearethe, that manie thinges have been spread otherwise to
his condemnacion than was trewe. But yet, I see the sequell will
be, that, although our merchantes maie have traffique thither,
yet he will keape still a newtralitie, both towardes the king of
Spayne and thos provinces, for aiding and victualing of either
of them. I wishe he might be otherwise recovered in favor of
thos states, consideringe the benefitt that might growe to thos
provinces under your government, if the river of Ems might be
kept free from the trade of the Spanishe side, whoe surelie have
great cawse to attaine to the possession of that river,
thearebie to have sum passage open to the sea, as well to have
entrance from the sea thither as to passe to the sea from
thence, the lack of which commoditye is one of the principall
impedimentes that impeacheth the king of Spaines actions.
Having, for all his great cuntries in that part of christendome,
noe commoditye to passe and repasse the seas but by Graueling,
which is not worth naming, and by Dunkirke, and Newport, which
two, in my opiniong weare of as great moment to be wonn from him
as either Gant, or Bruges, or both. And, if I knew howe to geve
counsell for such an enterprise, I would preferre it before anie
other in this time, for I doe conclude that the king of Spaine
never can be a full master of thos cuntries without he have sum
owt-gate and in-gate by the sea. And, whilest I am writing thus,
I praie your lordship thinke
<P 360>
howe such service might be done by your maritime forces and
flie-boates theare, that are fittest to impeche thos kind of
havens. Thus having been longe in trowbling your lordship,
withowt anie great matter of substaunce, but uppon conclusions
taken by perusing your lordships letters, and nowe, considering
what thinges have hapned since the writinge of your letters, I
will breefly make sum mention of thinges latelie passed.
   By sum late letters written from your lordship to hir
majestie, and by sum conference had with Coxe, whoe browght the
same letters, hir majestye hath had sondrie ernest consultacions
with Mr. vice-chamberlaine, Mr. secretarie, and me, uppon divers
thinges contained in your lordships letters, and for that hir
majestie perceiveth you are verie desirous to be advised and
directed by hir for your governement in that place, which is
accompanied with manie great difficulties at this time,
thearefore, after longe debate had before hir majestie, it was
thowght most necessarie to send one spetiallie from hir majestie
unto your lordship, having named two or three, but in the ende,
hir majesty made choise of Mr. Wilkes, the bearer of thes my
letters, whoe is instructed, not onelie by sum writings, as
memorialls, delivered unto him, but, also, by longe speches of
hir majestie hirself, which she hath recorded in hir owne
tables, and nevertheles caused him to putt the same more at
length in writing, so that he commeth verie well informed of hir
majesties mind, and appointed also to be informed by your
lordship of manie necessarie thinges for satisfaction of hir
majestie. And, besides thes, he hath letters from hir majestie
for assuraunce of hir constant persisting in this common action,
and, bicause your lordship shall at length understand by himself
the matters committed to his charge, I doe thearefore forbeare
to make any further mention thereof.
   At the writinge hereof sir William Stanley was come hither,
and meaneth with hast to repaire to your lordship, judging that
his men are before this time at Flushing.
   Mr. secretarie, I thinke, doth advertise you of the dowbtfull
estate of the affaires in Fraunce, altogether in great
calamitie.
<P 361>
And, which is most of us to be dowbted and feared, by the long
delaie of the armie to cum owt of Almaign, we maie dowbt that
the king of Navarre will yeld to sum peace not profitable for
the religion, but yet unprofitable for the Frenche king, for
that the duke of Guise and all his partye, by sum mediation of
the duke of Nevers and Montmorency, offer great frendshipp to
the king of Navarre, meaning to seperatt themselves both from
depending uppon the Frenche king or his mother, against whome
the duke of Guise professeth open hatred, as thinking himself
also secretlie hated by the king. And so, by thes strange
accidentes, it cannot be but France must suffer great
calamities, and so as the poore flock of Christ might be safe,
whilest thes great bulls of Bazan shall rage one against the
other, I care not for the rest that maie followe to that wicked
nation.
[^THE REST OF THE LETTER AUTOGRAPH, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE
ADDRESS^]
   I understand by Mr. secretory, that the master of Gray in
Scotland contynueth his purposs to send forces out of Scotland
to your lordship, and myndeth to come unto England first hyther.
But I dout how he shall be helped with that mony that I had
purpoossly stayd, being ij=m li= for hym, for that, as Mr.
Shyrley can tell your lordship, hir majesty was grevoussly
offended with me for steying of it; and, even this daye, I moved
hir majesty ageyn, that it might be stayd, or otherwise the
master of Gray shuld be disapoynted therof, but in no wise she
wold yeld, as Mr. secretary can advertise your lordship.
   And so, with a good hart and yet an evill head, I am forced
to end, besechyng God to prosper yow, and enhable yow to hold
the feld, but I wish not that yow shuld hazard any fight, for,
as your case is, a small loss may be a gretar to yow than the
lyk to the ennemy. From Rychmont, the 21. of July, 1586.
   Your lordships most assuredly,
   W. Burghley.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honorable my verie good lord, the
erle of Leicester, lieutennant-generall for hir majesties
forces, and governor of the provinces united.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 382>
[} [\LETTER CXXXVIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 30TH JULY, 1586.\] }]
   My verie good lord, whereas my servant Brune hath, since sir
John Norryces departure last out of this realme, employed
himself in victualling a great part of hir majesties forces in
the Lowe Countries, and for that purpose hath been at great
charges, as hee advertiseth me, in erectinge bruehouses and
bakehowses, whereby the souldier is much better served,
especiallye in drincke and bread, than otherwise hee would bee,
so it is, that I am enformed, there bee some whiche intend to
sue to your lordship for a commyssion to authorize them
speciallye to serve in those victualling causes, whereby my sayd
servant is lyke to bee undone. Wherefore, as before I have
recommended my servant to your lordship, so I humblye praye you
to continewe your honorable favour in suche sort towardes him as
he maye not bee forbidden, but permitted still to vittall the
souldiers as hee hath done; for whiche I shall thincke myself
beehoulding to your lordship, and so I humblye take my leave.
From the court, the xxx=th= of Julye, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaund.
   Fra: Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 395>
[} [\LETTER CXLIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 15TH AUGUST, 1586.\] }]
<P 396>
   My very good lord, by thincloased from the master of 
[{Gray{] , your lordship maye perceave howe much yt doth importe
her majestyes [{service{] and his own credit, that the intended
imployment of hym in the Lowe Countryes do take place, the
consideracion whereof hath now movid hir majesty to geve hir
resolut consent therunto, for that she seeth thinconveniences
that are otherwise lykely to grow, yf she do not imploy him, and
judgeth very necessary for her owne behoof to have his credit in
Scotland and devotyon towardes her mayntayned and continued, and
therfor your lordship shall do a thing very acceptable to hir
majesty, to have a spetyall care that he may fynd [{...{] of
enterteynement, and receave that welcom and good [{...{] both
for himself and those that accompanye him, that may satisfye his
expectation and encourag him in his good disposicion. I have
also movid hir majesty for an advance for him of the two
thowsand poundes that he desyreth, [{which she is{] content to
graunt a warraunt unto my lord-threasurer to disburse the same
out of the next treasure that shalbe yssued for them ther, to be
repayd agayn unto your lordship by the states, and [{...{] shall
the somme be notwithstanding presentlye furnished to serve the
masters present and necessary turne, as he desireth; and so I
humbly take my leave of your lordship. At Barnelmes, xv=th= of
August, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra: Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 396>
[} [\LETTER CXLIV. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEICESTER. 18TH
AUGUST, 1586.\] }]
<P 397>
   My very good lord, I have forborn to wryte to your lordship
of any thyng sence Mr. Wylkes depeche, and sir Thomas Shyrley
with Mr. Hudleston, and so contynued in expectation of some
matter from that syde uppon their arryvall, and so we here did
thynk the lack of hearyng from thence cam by contynvance of
contrary wynds, and yet nevertheless yesterday cam, [\in\] on
instant, two from your lordship, Mr. Haydon and Mr. Killigrew,
and by Mr. Haydon I receaved your lordships letters of the
29=th= of July from the Hage, which war wrytten befor the
arryvall of Mr. Wilkes and sir Thomas Shyrley, so as by those
your lordships letters I cold not understand any thyng in answer
to matters committed to ther severall charges, but yet by a
lettre of the 6. of August from sir Thomas Shyrley at Tyrgowss,
I perceaved that he had spoken with your lordship, and at that
tyme he had understandyng that the prince of Parma was not at
Antwerp, as before was reported, but that he was gon to besege
Berk, and that, as he thought, your lordship would prepare
yourself to follow with an army. And whan I consider your
letter, how difficultly you bryng the states and the contrye to
yeld to yow monny, accordyng to their manny promises, for
mayntenance of so great an important service, tendyng to
preserve themselves out of the Spanish bondage, I do truly
lament your case, to be so wrapped into the cause as for hir
majesties securety you may not leave it soddenly, nor yet
without more redy helpe of monny can prosequut the action with
that lyff as it ought to be. And no on thyng doth more hynder
hir majesties forwardnes than an old rooted opinion that she
hath, that all this warr will be torned uppon hir chardg, by the
backwardnes in payement by the states, ageynst which I did
allweys oppose in answeryng to comfort hir majesty, that I was
assured, so as she wold contynew redy payement for hir nombres
accorded, yow wold not fayle but recover such somes from the
states, monthly, as they had promised your lordship shortly
uppon the committyng of the government to your lordship; and so
suerly I contynued my hope, although, in truth,
<P 398>
manny privat persons did advertise it very dowtfull, and so I am
sorry to se it, as I do by your own letters, very difficult to
be gotten. And yet I will not leave my hope, consideryng I
presume your lordship will look into [\the\] impedimentes, which
I thynk ar not the lack of good will in the people to yeld the
aydes promised, but in the maliciouss covetoosness of such as ar
knytt and confederat with the states, who, I thynk, fynding ther
lack of ther former gaynes, wold, if they cold, attayn to ther
government ageyn, and for that purpooss seke to stopp the
payment, therby to weary your lordship, and to induce yow to
remitt the government, which suerly cannot be doon but with the
ruyn of the whole cause, to the gretest daunger of hir majesties
suerty.
   Your lordship hath don very honorably and proffitably to our
country in procuryng oppen passadg for our marchantes to Embden,
and yet, in the end of your lordships letter, your lordship
wryteth that the ambassador for Embden will not assent to the
matter, except the ryver may be fre for all other marchantes
besyde English, but, I thynk, if it be well stycked unto, the
conte of Embden will, [\for\] his own proffitt, consent to our
merchantes access, though others shuld not come but by
permission of the Hollanders. Suerly if ther might be passadge
oppen by the Rhen out of Holland, I wold less care for our trade
at Embden, for than our merchantes saye they wold make a great
trade by Holland, but yet, with the condition that our
marchandise be not burthened with great taxes, for your lordship
knoweth that nothyng is so great a hyndrance to trade of
merchantes as new toles and impositions, wherof our staplers of
late complayned for the burden layd uppon ther wares at
Midleborough. And yet, I confess, it is hard to gyve advise
herin, for as resort of merchauntes to those countreys is
proffitable, so how the common cause that is maynteaned by taxes
may yeld a forbearance of taxes uppon marchandise, I gretly
dout.
   I thynk by the accompt of Englishmen of late monthes past out
of this realme, ther ar besyde the queenes own army, above
<P 399>
vj=m= footemen, so as, if your lordship may have wherwith to pay
them, I would think your lordship shuld be hable so to kepe the
feld as the prince of Parma shuld not be hable to contynew any
sege to any town of strength, being also well-manned. And
suerly, my lord, without yow shall be hable to kepe the feld,
ther is no town so strong but the prynce with his battery will
wyn it.
   I am very glad that the town of Axell serveth to so good a
purpooss. I am suer, if the prynce did not follow theise seges
in Gelderland, &c. your lordship wold advance some horssmen to
Sluse and Ostend to spoyle the countreys about Bruuges and Gant,
which also wold make them revolt. Now, my lord, I dowt not but
Mr. secretory doth at lardg acqueynt yow with the discovery of
the late traytorooss conspyracies, the authors wherof, as farr
furth as we do esteme, we have, savyng only ij, Thomas Salisbury
and Edward Abyndon, both which ar fled, but pursued. My
lord-chancellor and I ar here contynuyng at London, dayly
occupyed, first in procuryng ther apprehension, and now in
examyning, &c.
   And so, my good lord, being urged with a weak gouty righthand
to leave wryting, I pray your lordship to accept these lynes, so
evill scribled, in good part.
   Your lordships most assured,
   W. Burghley.
From my houss at Strond, 18 Aug. 1586.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 403>
[} [\LETTER CXLVI. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 2ND SEPTEMBER, 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, this gentleman hathe verry carefully and
dyscretely executed the charge commytted unto him. In what good
termes your lordship standethe with her majestie he can shewe
you, I praye God contynewe yt, and that she may dyscerne the
yll-affected from the sownde.
   Sorrye I am to see your lordship trobled with the pertyculer
quarrels of thos that ought to be best united. The Lord geve you
wysdome to appeese them, and patyence to beare this crosse!
   The lord-treasurer hathe promysed to ioyne with me in the
<P 404>
revokyng of sir Ihon Norryce. I have imparted unto this bearer
what is intended agaynst the Scottish queen. He is commanded to
departe with speed, and my leysure wyll afoorde no more lynes,
and therfore I most humbly take my leave. London, 2. September,
1586.
   Your lordships to command,
   Fra: Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 404>
[} [\LETTER CXLVII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. SEPTEMBER 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, [{...{] can wytnesse unto you [{how{]
greatly I was busyed at the tyme of his departure in the
dyscoverye of the complyces of the late conspiracye, wherof I
praye God her majestye may make [{more{] proffyt then of lyke
opportunytyes thorrowghe Gods godnes appered unto h[{er{] . I
knowe your lordships good advyce can greatly further the matter.
She dyd never make greater [{speech{] of her love towardes you,
[{or{] of the trust she reposethe [{in{] you then at this
present; therfor your lordships good cownecell will work good
effects.
   Your last sent by young [{Gor{]ge of the vij=th= of this
present
<P 405>
I think meete to be communicated unto her majestye, that she may
see howe hardely she dealethe with her best-affected servaunts.
   I am very glad that your lordship is growen to so good a
lykyng of my cosyn Jhon Norryce. I praye God he may styll carrye
himself towardes your lordship in sooche [{sort{] as may
increase your good opynion conceyved of him.
   I have not been unmyndfull of your lordships request both for
Danyell Rogers and your servant Bodley. Poor Rogers is forced to
staye here to sollycyt the contrybution of the bishops towardes
his ransom, which he fyndethe himselve bound in conscyence to
see awntswered to sooche as became bounde for the same. I fynde
the man well bent to serve your lordship yf this impedyment were
not. Touching your servant Bodley, he hathe been owt of the
towne a long whyle but is dayly looked for, at whos returne I
will not fayle to deale with him.
   Touchyng her majestyes goodnes to be exstende towards the
elector Truxies I wyll not fayle to sollycyt, thowghe [{with{]
no great hoape thereof. And so I most humbly. [\NO CONCLUSION OR
DATE\]

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 405>
[} [\LETTER CXLVIII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 4TH SEPTEMBER, 1586.\] }]
<P 406>
   Good Mr. secretary, remember Seburo, my honour and creditt
lieth vppon it.
   The manner of our proceeding Mr. Gorge shall tell you, from
our first going fourth of this iourney till he departed after
the wyning of Dorsborge, which was happilie gotten, being so
well walled and double ditched as it was, for the prince was
come as farr as Eltons with his forces to reskew it, but he came
to late, for the same day we had it. Hit is the first towne wonn
by the cannon for the states these ix yeres, and it is a towne
as fitt for vs as can be, for Zutphin can now little harme vs,
for it is environed of
<P 407>
euerye side; Deventer and othir townes beneth it, and this towne
and Arnham aboue it, all vppon one river.
   The marshall, I thanke God, mends verie well, and shall carye
a bullett in his bellie as long as he liues. God hath
wonderfully delt for his saving aliue, and I escaped well, I
thanke Him, the same instant. For saving me he had it, as I
wrote vnto you, for I first spied the wall to be verie nere, and
he found he was past his marke, and stept before me, at which
verie stepp he receaued the blow, which perhapps had lighted
more daingerous vppon me, being higher then he, but God can
defend whoe he will.
   Roger Williams hath gott a blow thorow the arme, one evil
fire. I warned him of it, being in trench with me, and would
need run vpp and downe so oft out of the trench, with a great
plume of feathers in his gylt morion, as so many shott coming at
him he could hardlie escape with soe little hurt. He saw ther
was [{some went out{] of my trench to gaze and were strait hit,
and on kild out-right, that were [{n{]euer such marks as he was,
and within point-blanke of a caliver. God be thanked, all things
considered, that we lost noe more. I thinke there is not xij
kild since we came before the towne, and I beleeue never men
lodged so nere a towne the first day as we did, and began our
trench the first night, which had like to haue bine costly to
some. We attend here looking for the enemie, but our stay is to
strengthen the towne better, or I departe.
   This day I received letters from the count Newenor who is
with the rutters, and tells me theie will march further with all
[\speed\] . He sends me worde that old Ramelius was sent vnto
him by the kinge of Denmarke, to will the count to send me word,
that, if the rutters stay, or vse delay, that he will furnish
him with ij=m= of his best horse and iij=m= footmen, and shalbe
with him within xv dayes; and that her majestie had sent vnto
him that he should help me if there were occasion, and her
majestie should see he
<P 408>
was at her comandement. Though the yere be to far past now to
levy those countrei horsmen, yet her majestie may see that
kinges good devotion, which I pray you, sir, to remember to her
majestie, that the kinge maie receaue thanks, and to keepe him
in [\t\]his mind still; for, if her majestie doe goe forward
with this cause, than his offer will serue well against the
springe, for, noe doubts, against that time, the kinge of Spaine
will sett vpp his rest; and truly, but for this armie of her
majesties, at this time, now, the prince had prevailed this
yere, to the verie townes of Holland. All these parts, Gelders,
Overisell, the Vellow, Vtrickt, and Freseland, had bine gone
cleane or this day, and for all the men that came over so fast,
I doe assure you at Elten, our last campe, we had not 4,500
English footmen, nor xiij=c= horse, English, Duch, and all, nor
aboue 1,100 Scotts and Duch foote. All which [\is\] a small army
to defend such an enemie, as is at the lest at this howre 3,000
horse, and 8,000 footmen, if not 10,000. Neuerthelesse, I trust
not only to keepe all these parts safe, but, if our rutters come
in time, make him seeke a new coast to dwell in. In the meane
time, I am glad as he got ij townes of ours by reason, we haue
gotten ij of his by force, and honorably, and, vppon my word,
the states will not change these ij for iiij such as thother,
theie be so fitt to annoy the enemie, as you will not beleeue
the hurt Axell hath done him, and now we haue this towne,
Zutphin wilbe nothing, considering how it shalbe beseiged by
Deventer and this towne. We haue the whole river of Isell save
Zuttphin, and the prince must now gett him another place for
provion then Cullen, for Cassamer hath forbidden anie vittell to
passe his countrey, either to Cullen or that waye. Soe that
Cullen beginns to growe weary of the prince, and so doth the
duke of Cleave, albeit he and his sonne hath giuen him all the
help theie can, as well in deliuering vpp their towne to him, as
euerie [\way\] ells, but he will double smart for it, the
rutters once being come.
<P 409>
   I receaued a letter from sir Edward Stafford, wherin he doth
giue me warning of one Caesar, an Italian, that is gon into
England, and doth meane to come over to me for some myschief. By
his description it should be a surgion, for their were ij
Italians, both surgions, and both their names Caesars, and be
both of Rome, and very villaines, yet found theie great fauor of
me in England. Yf it be either of them, as he sayth this man
confessed he serued me, it were not amisse he [\and\] his
companion were staid there, or ells, if theie desire earnistly
to come over to me, give me warninge and write your letters by
them to me, and then I will handle them well enough here; in the
meane time, if theie linger there, for feare of her majestie
clapp them vpp, for she is their principall mark.
   I trust, after Wilks be come home, I shall heare of her
majesties resolucion. If she leaue of her hold that is offerd,
all is gon; and except she take vppon her all, all wilbe gon,
and that shortly. For my none parte, I trust not to leaue anie
dishonour behind me for her majestie; and except she take the
cause princly in hand, and call her parliament, and accept that
hir subiects will offer her to maintayne this charge, hit will
but consume her treasor and loose the countries. Yet better were
it to make some secret confederacye first with Denmark, and, if
I knew her pleasure onlie, I could deall by the count Hollock
with the king of Denmark, quickly to knowe his mind. High time
it is that her majestie did resolue one way or other, for our
states growe stately, and wilbe high or low as God shall dispose
of this iourney, for theie yet feare her majesties acceptacion
further, and hir continuance with this charge doubtfull. Theie
be iumbling vnderhand, I dowbt. Theie doe send to hir majestie,
as Wilks can tell you, touchinge this point. Menyn and Walke be
appointed; Valk is a shrewd fellowe and a fine; Menyn is the
deper man indeed, and I thinke the honester, and being well vsed
the ablest man of all the states to serue her. He hath great
credit as anie one man.
<P 410>
Lett him be inwardly vsed; and he is but poore, which you must
consider, but with great secrecy. Thus far you well; in hast,
this 4th September.
   Your assured freind.
   I doubt not but her majestie will shewe my letter touching
these causes.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 411>
[} [\LETTER CL. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 15TH
SEPTEMBER, 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, Mr. Wylkes is come wherby hir majesty
falleth into consideration of the state of those countryes,
which suerly requireth no small consultation, the lett wherof
is, at this tyme, more than is convenient, that we of the
counsell ar throghly
<P 412>
occupyed, some at London, some here, and some abrode, to deale
partly in tryall of traytors, in serching for more, in lookyng
to the sea-costes, to withstand the landyng of certen Spanish
shippes of warr which ar come to Brest, but as yet we know not
to what end. Some thynk they cam to have bene in redynes to have
landed in ayde of this late conspyracy intended, some to joyn
with the French in the recovery of Rochell. Within a few dayes
we shall se what they meane.
   I understood your lordship did favorably stey, amongst
others, my son from goyng to the assault of Dewsborogh. I do
thank your lordship therfor, although I can be content that both
he and I shuld spend our lyves for the queen and our countrye,
but I wish it in a matter of more moment; and yet I judg the
wyning of the town very necessary as the tyme was, but most of
all if therby Zutphan might be gotten, which I thynk must be by
perill of famyn.
   The queen of Scottes is lykly to come to Fodryngham castell
the 27. hereof, and I thynk a nombre of the counsellors and
others of the nobilitie shall have commission, accordyng to the
late statute 27=o=, to heare and judg hir cause ther, so as in
the next parlement, to begyn uppon a new summons the xv. of
October, further order may be taken with that queen accordyng to
part of hir desertes. Your lordship and I war very great motes
in the traytors eies, for your lordship ther, and I here, shuld
first, abowt on tyme, have bene killed; of your lordship they
thought rather of poysoning than slayeng. After us ij gon, they
purposed hir majesties deth, but God our defendor hath
graciously prevented ther mallyce, and I hope will contynew his
favor to mak voyd the relliques of ther mallyce.
   I will not fayle but remembre your lordships sute for the
forfayted
<P 413>
less of Salisbury at Denbigh, being the land [\of\] your
lordship.
   I can wryte no more at this tyme, wishyng to heare some
comfortable news of Berk, ether of fredom from the sege or
resonable composition for our people ther.
   From Wyndsor, xvth of September, 1586.
   Your lordships most assuredly,
   W. Burghley.
   Seaburo, the Spanyard, hath bene redy this month to be sent
to your lordship, and so I told Mr. Dudley iij wekes past.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 418>
[} [\LETTER CLIII. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO LORD BURGHLEY. 29TH
SEPTEMBER, 1586.\] }]
   My lord, I wrote to you before of certain commissionours
appointed to be sent to her majestie by the estates: who nowe I
thinke wilbe very shortly with you. One cause of their comming
wilbe, to advertise her majestie of their estate, and to be
humble suytours to knowe her highness pleasure for the
continewaunce of her gracious favour to them. But withall, a
spetiall cause of their message wilbe, to borrow of her majestie
a furder somme of monye, wherein I can saye litle. But according
as her majestie shall lyke of the proceading with the cause, so
must the advise be. And I do wishe, yf her majestie mynde to
deale furder in this cause, and do thincke the maintenance of it
to concerne the savetye of her own estate and realme, as it
hathe bene allwayes so thought hitherto, that then bothe some
loane of monye in this necessitye and all other effectuall
courses were taken that may best furder the same. As,
principallye, a parliament to be called, and that her highness
do use the good willes of her subjectes to a francke
contribution therto, to the which I nothing doubt but they wilbe
founde moste agreeable and willinge. And no doubtes the case was
never so good to deale in as nowe, and, as I trust you shall
furder perceyve, yf other mayntenaunce fayle not nowe, being in
good estate. But to goe on in suche sorte as it hathe hitherto
<P 419>
bene proceaded in, is to lose all that is and shalbe spent, and,
by litle and litle, to undoe the whole countrye, which the wise
here see, and surely will do what they can to prevent in tyme,
and it must neades be daungerous to her majesties estate, to
lett it be thus weakelye dealt in on bothe sydes. For my own
parte, I will not endure suche another yeares service, with so
many crosses and wantes, and so litle asistaunce every waye, yf
I were sure to gayne as muche as all these provinces are worthe.
I hope God will put into her majesties and your lordships
myndes, to do that which shalbe moste for his glorye, for the
savety of her majestie, and benefite of her realme. And so,
desirous to know with all spede some piece of her majesties
resolucion, being hye tyme, I myselfe wilbe moste readye to
performe the parte of a most duetifull servant, and obey all her
commandementes. And so, with my right hartye commendacions, I do
bid your good lordship farewell. At the campe before Zutphen,
the 29=th= of September, 1586.
   Your lordships very loving frende,
   R. Leycester.
   To the right honourable my very good lord, the lord
high-treasourour of Englande.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 420>
[} [\LETTER CLV. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 1ST
OCTOBER, 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, uppon this bearers [{...{] Killygrews
sodden departure, I cannot wryte so much as I wold; nether if he
had lesur to tarry, cold I at this present wryte to myn own
satisfaction. I dout not but Mr. Cavendish, whom I fynd a most
ernest devoted creatur to your lordship, will, havyng lesur,
wryt at length how he fyndeth her majesty disposed. For the
commen causes ther under your government, Mr. Wylkes is to come
from hence within these few dayes, instructed from hir majesty.
   For the gretest matter here in hand, we fynd the cause so
manifest ageynst the party, the party so daungerous to our
quene, our countrye, and, that is of most importance, to the
whole cause of Godes chirch thrugh christendom, as without a
direct and spedy
<P 421>
procedyng it had bene less daunger to have concealed then
revealed this gret conspyracy. I hope that God, which hath gyven
us the light to discover it, woll also give asistance to punish
it, for it was intended not only ageynst hir majesties person,
and yours, and myne, but utterly to have overthrown the glory of
Christes chirch, and to have erected the synagog of Antychrist.
I nede not to debate this argument.
   My lord, for a particular plesur, I thank you for licensyng
[{my son{] to come home, for suerly otherwise his carcass had
never bene brought alyve hyther; he is yet, by the opinion of
the physicians, not out of perrill, his ageu still contynuing
uppon hym.
   And so, my lord, forbearyng untill Mr. Wylkes coming, I take
my leave of your good lordship, whom I wish so to end your
jornay in the feldes, as you may retorn hyther without daunger
to the commen cause ther, a thyng so nedefull, as suerly,
without your presence here, I know not how hir majesty will or
can resolve uppon hir manner of procedyng. From Wyndsor castle,
the first of October, 1586.
   Your lordships most assured,
   W. Burghley.
   I hope well that Cassimyre shall enter into France.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To the right honorable my very good lord the erle
of Lecestre lieutenant-generall for the queens majesty of
England in the Low Countryes.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 421>
[} [\LETTER CLVI. THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY
WALSYNGHAM. 2ND OCTOBER, 1586.\] }]
<P 422>
   Good Mr. secretary, I trust now you shall have longer
enioying of your sonne, for all the worst days be past, as both
surgeons and phisytians have informyd me, and he amends as well
as ys possible in this tyme, and himselfe fyndes yt, for he
slepes and restes well, and hath a good stomack to eate, without
feare, or any distemper at all. I thank God for yt.
   Ther be certen personns desired to be sent to hir majesty,
one of the states, which ys Mening, another of the councell,
which ys Valk. I have thought good to have Mr. doctor Clerk goe
also, who wyll deall truly with hir majesty, and he hath byn a
dilligent observer of all that hath past among them.
   But I haue thought yt good for spetyall causes to send one
Burgrave, and joyned him with the other, who of my knoledge ys a
wyse, honest, and religious personn, and not one now amonge them
that ys of better understanding of all the matters of this state
than he ys, and whatsoever he doth know he wyll deall plainly
with hir majesty, whome I pray you help he may haue conference
with hir, and with you. You shall fynd him a substanciall wyse
man. He was, in the princes tyme, one of the chife for Flanders;
he hath byn also one of the prevey councell of estate, and used
almost in all ther great causes. Since my coming he served first
as master of requestes, after audyencer, and first secretary of
the councell of estate. He ys born in Flaunders, and therefore
those of Holland have byn lothe to lett him groe into to
<P 423>
much credytt. Paul Buys could never lyke of this man, as one
afrayd of him, for he ys a depe fellow; yet wold this man never
speak yll of him to hurt him, and yet no man can tell more of
his doinges than this man, and he can tell you whether I dyd use
Paul Buis, and deservyd well at his handes, or no. This man I
recomend to you, as one best able to satysfye you what courses
may be best to procede for the present, yf hir majesty doe meane
to deall any further in these causes, but, except you think the
cause worthye to be taken thorowly and princely in hand, never
pach it upp any more; rather take your owne courses betyme, and
leave these to God, than to deall so as nether part shalbe the
better; for most faythfully I assure you, the fear among
themselves, with the dowbt of hir majesties proceding, hath
almost mard the fashyon of this actyon. And yet, what hart and
contentacion the shew of hir majesties favor to these countreys
hath bredd doth appeare by the king of Denmarkes and other
princes furtherance hereof. And, no doubtes, yf hir majesty wyll
goe to the chardge but for ij yeres, she may as assuredly
stablysh these countreys as she shall please, as yf ther
[\were\] no enymye able to gaynsay yt.
   Now, whether you ther conceave styll as you have done, that
these countreys be of consequence for hir majesties safty and
servyce, to be kept at hir devotyon, I must leave to yourselves;
but yf you be, than doth now your opportunytye well serve you,
both to move hir majestye and to ease hir own charges. Yf that
opinione be changed, then ether must you entertein them with
hope, tyll you can know whether Denmark wyll deall or no, or to
make a good peace or a bad peace for hir and them. And, albeyt I
wyll never councell that way which may bring but a present shew
of peace for a tyme than a perfect peace in dede, yet yf others
shall think and perswade that way as a necessarye way, than I
say, I think hir majesty may have what peace she will at the
king of Spains handes nowe. For the prince ys at his wyttes end
at thys time, and a sounde and princely preparacion made for hym
this wynter wold breake his backe the next yere, using such
other meanes as hir majesty may with the king of Denmarke and
the
<P 424>
princes of Germany, with whome she may have the greatest
reputacion of any prince in the world.
   These thinges I must leave, as he that must be dyrected; and
yf hir majesty doe procede with these men in the cause, you must
nedes than have another manner of comission than was last, and
otherwyse delt withall, both for hir majesties assurance here
and a more fyrme establyshment of the government; and as these
men, all but Burgrave, are sent not only for to seke relyfe, but
chyfely to dyscover and understand hir majesties very full
dysposytion in this cause, so ys hir majesty to consider with
herself what she wyll doe, that she may use them accordinglye.
   Of those ij, Mening and Valk, Meninge ys the abler man every
way, and I think the better affected to hir majesty. I dyd gyve
him a cheyn, one of those you sent; he was no lytle proud man to
think himselfe remembered of hir majesty. For my owne parte, my
credytt hath byn craked ever synce hir majesty sent sir Thomas
Henege hether, as all men can tell you, for indede the
government they semed they had geven from themselves to me stok
in ther stomackes always, and but to have pleased hir majesty
and satysfie the people, they wold never have donn yt. On the
other syde, the towens and people they never could, nor yet can,
well consent to be overuled by their bakers, and bruers, and
hired advocattes, having byn always governed under some prince,
and now spetyally under hir majesty, for so dyd they, and doe
the most parte, yet take it, that they be only under hir
majesties goverment and not the states, for, lett me never be
trusted, yf, as sone as they shall finde that they be not under
her majestyes government, that they doe not refuse to obey the
states, or to lyve under the name of ther goverment iij monthes.
I know they hate them, and therin Paul Buys sought to wynn his
credytt wyth the people ageyn, to make that shew he dyd, as
indede he dyd above all other men here, to advance hir majesties
goverment, by joyning with them to press yt so uppon me, as,
unless that werr donn, they wold have no goverment by the states
by no meanes. Of this you hard inough, but I never found yt was
well conceavyd yet, for your owne
<P 425>
authoryty from Englond was such as gave them all good cause both
to thinke hir majesty ment yt, and for them to offer yt, and
confyrm yt uppon me.
   Touching all these matters for these countres, I wyll referr
you to Mr. Burgrave. I pray you make much of him, for he ys very
religious indede, and so ar not many here. Mening ys therin
better than his fellow, and one you may deall withall frely, but
yet you know he ys one of the states. Valk is subtyll, and
seketh wholy to content the states ever synce my authorytye cam
in questyon, for, before they hard of hir majesties myslyke,
they all of the councell werr sworn to me as governour. After
Mr. Henege cam, they all secretly sought to the states, and
tooke new patentes from them, saving ij, who plainly answered
that they wer sworn to me as governour over all the provinces,
and they wold no other patentes from any boddy.
   The states have challenged those of Utryckt, also, for that
they have contynewed themselves only obedyent to my authoryty,
refusing any other comandment of ther states-generall; and
herein did Paul Buys deall most badly with me, and with hir
majesty also, that knowing hir good pleasure, after did always
seke to make wrangling and debates among us, yet did I never any
thing but by his advice, and used him above all other
councellors here. I hear yt ys reportyd that he gave upp all
offyces in the princes tyme for standing against Monsieur and
for hir majesty, and how trew that ys all men here know, and
that he had a course than in hand, nether for Monsieur nor hir
majesty, but only for these countreys for the prince himselfe;
and whan he was dedd wold have had him buryed as erll of Holland
and Zeland, and wrought all the states of the countrey in the
heyt of yt to chuse his sonne governor, which being delayed, he,
being in England, was the chife cause to hasten the confyrmacion
of yt, and was donn indede, as you know, and none semed to
myslyke yt so much as he, and yet he chifely procured yt. His
reason than was, for that he feared hir majesty wold not goe
forward, and than he ment to prevent all other practyces for
<P 426>
the French; and yet whan I cam he only sought to make a pyke
between count Morris and me, and byd me take hede of him for he
was only French. Indede I here that after the prince was ded,
and [\he\] saw that his practyce that way was ended, he stoode
for hir majesty before the French, for he knew the French was
advertysed that he was the dealer against Monsieur; but
otherwyse yf he ether lost offyce or credytt for hir majesties
sake, lett my credytt be lost with you and all the frendes I
have; so well have I enquyred of his doinges. But lett him and
all these pass. I pray you lett spedy care be taken what course
hir majesty wyll take, as a thing most nedefull, and tyme ys
most precyous.
   And, though I have not byn wylling to make the worst of
thinges, yet wyll I not be thought so yll an husband as some I
hear wold make me, that I have received of these states not only
all the ordynarye allowed beforehand, but also the
extraordinarye to the somme of 400,000=li= sterling. First, I
wyll say, I never received the therd parte of the ordinary, and
for the extraordinary, hit was 400,000 florins, and not poundes,
which shuld have byn payd in March, Aprill, May, and June; but
the first of that we never received before August, and of that
ther ys one 100,000 dewe yet; and of the 300,000 disbursed, yf
ther hath byn paid in money 70,000 to the soldyers hit hath byn
a myllion. But they doe make reckoning of all ther vyttell, of
ther armour, and wepon, and of their lyke provissions, for which
I dare asure yt to you, they have v, vj, viij month day for
payment, and yet these provissions be of some their owen. Than
judge you, what dealing this ys, or whether these sommes may be
said "delivered" to us in money, or no. For the same tyme they
take with the marchant for vyttell and munytion, the same might
they use for the benyfyt of the soldyer; for, before vj or v
months come out, they myght make other money reddy for to pay
the marchant, and relyve the soldyer in the meane tyme with that
which they turn to their own benyfytt; but they deny all this,
albeyt yt be playnly knowen.
   So, praing to the Lord to dyrect all your councelles to his
glory
<P 427>
and hir majesties saftye, I comytt you to his protectyon. In
hast, this 2. of October.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my honourable good frend sir Francis
Walsingham, knight, her majesties principall secretarie.

<Q LEY 1586 WCECIL>
<A WILLIAM CECIL>
<P 449>
[} [\LETTER CLXVI. LORD BURGHLEY TO THE EARL OF LEYCESTER. 4TH
NOVEMBER, 1586.\] }]
   My very good lord, this gentleman, Mr. Gorge, commeth thyther
with such hast, as I have no lesur to wryte as otherwise I wold,
but breffly. I have, accordyng to your lordships late lettres,
moved hir majesty for your lordships licenss to retorn, wherunto
hir majesty is of hirself very willyng, as well for the desyre
she hath to se your lordship, as for the dout she also hath that
thys wyntar season yow might fall into some sycknes; but yet
herwith she also is very carefull how those countrees may be
governed without harm to the public cause, and how hir own army,
consistyng of hir people, might also be ruled and directed; of
both which, though hir majesty hath had some kind of speches,
yet she myndeth not to mak any resolution but by your lordships
advise. Yet, for the government of hir army, I perceave she will
laye the chardg uppon my lord Gray, who will shun it I am sure
as much as he may, and yet I have perswaded hir majesty to
encorradg hym with the remission of an Irish det that, in
conscience, he ought not to paye.
   I told Mr. Gorge by speche, that seing ther is treasur sent
over, wherof your lordship had no knolledg at your late wrytyng,
I wold
<P 450>
wish your lordship to se the same, or the gretar part, issued
out wher is most nede, but specially to mak full payes to some
day certen.
   For the government ther in your lordships absence we here
cannot gyve any advise, but, consideryng your lordships great
experience there, whatsoever your lordship shall declare to be
mete I will assent therto, and by my advise to hir majesty
furder it as reason is. Some spek of namyng the count Morrice to
be governor alon in your absence, and as to have the rule under
your lordship; some wish that the count Moryce shuld be joyned
with the lord Graye. The queenes majesty wold that it war in the
states direction ageyn as it was befor they committed it to your
lordship, with the direction of the lord Graye as lieutenant of
hir army; but suerly I feare greatly the success hereof, for the
generall evill opinion conceaved, both by the people and the men
of warr, ageynst the particular persons representyng the states,
except ther might be a new election by the severall provynces of
new and more upright persons to represent the states.
   My lord, though presently it semeth your lordship to be
greved with the sondry mislykynges of hir majesty signefyed by
her privat lettres, for sondry thynges wherof your lordship hath
sufficient matter to discharg yourself, yet I dowt not but uppon
your lordships retorn to hir presence, she will be fully
satisfyed by your lordships own good answers, for so I myself do
conceave the issew will so be proved. And so, by reason of Mr.
Gorges hasty departure, I am compelled to end. From Westminster,
4. November, 1586.
   Yesterday all we commissioners [\perfected\] our sentence
against the Scottish quene, with on full assent, but I feare
more slackness in hir majesty than will stand ether with hir
suerty or with ours. God direct hir hart to follow faythfull
counsell.
   Your lordships most assured to my power,
   W. Burghley.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 453>
[} [\LETTER CLXVIII. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 5TH NOVEMBER, 1586.\] }]
   I humbly beseeche your lordship, that this bearer may receyve
your honorable assystaunce in the recovarye of sooch imprestes
as have been made by his late master unto sooche as served under
him. Sir Philip hathe lefte a great nombur of poore credytors;
what order he hathe taken by his wyll for ther satysfactyon I
<P 454>
knowe not. Yt is trewe, that, immedyatly after the deathe of his
father, he sent me a letter of attorney for the sale of sooche
portyon of lande as myght content his credytors, wherin there
was nothing don, before his deathe. I have payde, and must paye,
for him above 6,000=li=, which I doe assure your lordship hath
browght me into a most harde and desperat state, which I waighe
nothing in respeact of the losse of the gentleman, whoe was my
chefe worldly compforte. Sorry I am to take any occasyon to
revyve the memorye of him to the renewing of your lordships
grefe, for the which I praye pardon, and so I most humbly take
my leave. At Barne ealmes, the v=th= of November, 1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra. Walsyngham.

<Q LEY 1586 FWALSINGHAM>
<A FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM>
<P 456>
[} [\LETTER CLXX. MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM TO THE EARL OF
LEYCESTER. 6TH NOVEMBER, 1586.\] }]
   My verry good lord, even as I had gyven this bearer his
dyspatche I receaved a letter from Mr. Davyson, by the which he
dyd sygnefye unto me that her majesties pleasure was, that I
shoold wryte unto your lordship to stay the commyng of the
commyssioners, for that she is in no sort wyllyng to be pressed
in a matter that she is alreadye resolved not to procead in.
Thes be the verry wordes of his letter, which I refer to your
lordships consideratyon. Monsieur Burgrave is alreadye come to
London. I have appoynted on Mondaye next to speake with him, and
wyll, for your lordships sake and the good commendatyon you gave
him, use him with all the favor I may.
   I have caused sir Philip Sydneys wyll to be consydered of by
certeyn learned in the lawes, and I fynd the same imperfect
towching the sale of his land for the satysfyeng of his poore
credytors, which I doe assure your lordship doth greatly afflyct
me, [{that{] a
<P 457>
gentleman that hath lyved so unspotted [{a{] reputatyon, and had
so great care to see all men satysfyed, shoold be so [{exposed{]
to the owtcrye of his creditors. His goodes wyll not suffyce to
awnsware a third parte of his debtes alreadye knowen. This hard
estate of this noble gentleman makethe me staye to take order
for his buryall untyll your lordships returne. I doe not see
howe the same can be performed with that solempnytye that
apperteynethe withowt the utter undoing of his credytors, which
is to be weyed [\in\] conscyence. Sorrye I am to troble your
lordship with these unplesaunt matters, but that a necessitye
movethe me therto. And so hoping to see your lordship here, I
most humbly take my leave. At Barne elmes the vj. of November,
1586.
   Your lordships to commaund,
   Fra. Walsingham.
[\ADDRESSED,\] For her majestyes speciall affaires. To the right
honoorable my verie good lord the erle of Leicester, lord
lieutenaunt-generall of hir majestyes forces in the Lowe
Countries, &c.
   W. Davison.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 480>
[} [\THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM. 22ND
DECEMBER, 1586.\] }]
   I am hartyly sorry for any further vysitacion to com to that
howse, for I must every way be partaker therof. But you and I
must yeld to His gracious chastysment who knoweth best what ys
fytt for us both.
   I confes that I se what you fynde, and I fele lyke you have
founde. The Lord that inflycteth us here with sharpnes can, and
I know wyll, recompence us elleswhere x, xx and xxx fold, to our
everlasting joye and comfort. Wherfore I pray for you, as for
myself, that the same Lord wyll contynew us in strength, and
strengthen us in pacyence to receyve His blessyd wyll, as
becomyth us. The lettre you sent me I wyll suspend my
<P 481>
opinion, albeytt I fear he ys not the man we thought him. God
grant us his peace, and the rest of our yeres to pass in his
fear, and so to his blessyd protectyon I leave ye. Hast this 22
of December, 1586.
   Yours assured,
   R. Leycester.
[\ADDRESSED\] To my honorable frend Mr. secretarye Walsingham.

<Q LEY 1586 RDUDLEY>
<A ROBERT DUDLEY>
<P 481>
[} [\THE EARL OF LEYCESTER TO MR. SECRETARY WALSYNGHAM. 23RD
DECEMBER, 1586.\] }]
   I cannott be quyett tyll I may know how my daughter doth
amend, wyshing hir even as to my none child, which, God wylling,
I shall always esteme hir to be. I wold gladly make a start to
you, but to morrow king Antonio comes hether, but my hart ys
ther with you, and my prayers shall goe to God for you and for
yours. Ther ys a lettre com from the Scottish queen that hath
wroght tears, but I trust shall doe no further harm, albeyt the
delay ys so daungerous. Of all thinges that ys to be advertysed
I know Mr. secretary Davyson doth wryte to you, therefore I wyll
leave to trowble you, and commytt you to the Lord. From Grenwich
xxiij of December.
   Your assured frend,
   R. Leycester.
   Bycause I dowbt of your spedy repayr hether I pray you send
my ij leases, Mr. Secretary, to se what may be donn.
[\ADDRESSED\] To the right honorable Mr. secretary Walsingham.



<B ROYAL1>

[^LETTERS OF QUEEN ELIZABETH AND KING JAMES VI. OF SCOTLAND;
SOME OF THEM PRINTED FROM ORIGINALS IN THE POSSESSION OF THE
REV. EDWARD RYDER, AND OTHERS FROM A MS. WHICH FORMERLY BELONGED
TO SIR PETER THOMPSON, KT. ED. BY BRUCE, JOHN. CAMDEN FIRST
SERIES 46. 1849.^]

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 10>
[} [\NO. VI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January 1584-5.\]
<P 11>
   I mynde not deale, my deare brother, as wise men commenly
counsel, to try my trust with trifles first, and therby iuge of
like event, but haue agried to make my first assay of your many
promises and desires that you might knowe the way to please me
most; and therfor do require, that a question may, upon
allegeance, be demanded by yourselfe of the mastar Gray, whether
he knoweth not the prise of my bloude, wiche shuld be spild by
bloudy hande of a murtherar, wiche some of your nere-a-kin did
graunt. A sore question, you may suppose, but no other act than
suche as I am assured he knowes, and therfor I hope he wyl not
dare deny you a truthe; but yet I beseche you let it not seme to
come from me, to whom I made no semblance but ignorance. Let him
suppose that you receaued it elzwhere. O most wicked treachere,
to gusche the droppes of innocent bloud, yea, of suche as
perhaps hath saued often thers! As this toucheth me nearest, so
use it with best commodity, and let the answer be speded after a
thre or foure dayes after his retourne. It
<P 12>
may please you, aske it no sonar, lest he suspect it come of me,
from whom, according to trust, let it be kept.
   Your most assured sistar and cousin,
   [\UNSIGNED\] .
   God euer kepe you from al daungerous attempts, and graunt you
many yeres to liue and raigne.
[\ADDRESSED,\] (\Au roy d'Escose, mon bon frere et cousin.\)

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 12>
[} [\No. VII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES\] }] 
[\January or February 1584-5.\]
   I haue, right deare brother, receaued your frendly and
affectionat letters, in wiche I perceaue the mastar Grayes
halfe, limping answer, wiche is lame in thes respectz: the one,
for that I se not that he told you who bade him talke with
Morgan of the price of my bloude, wiche he knowes, I am assured,
right wel; nor yet hathe named the man that shuld be the
murtherar of my life. You wel perceaue that nothing may nearelar
touche me than this cause, and therfor, accordinge to the bond
of nature and the promes of strikte frindeship, let me coniure
you that this vilanye may be confest. I hope I may
<P 13>
stand you in bettar sted than that you wyl shew you uncareful of
suche a treason.
   And because I desiar that no cause be giuen of your part to
make me, or the lokers on, to slandar your good wyl, I heare,
out of my realme of Ireland, that Skotz assemble in great
troupes. Giue you charge immediatly, I most hartely require you,
that, upon paine of treason, the desist from suche action, and
so shal you bind me to recompence suche honorable traictment.
   And wher I perceaue that you expected the erles departur from
the bordars, it is true, vpon my honor, that I dispached
furthewith a charge unto them, wiche the answered, after a wekes
leasur, that the wer so indetted to my subiectz that the could
not, but I am sure by this time the ar departed. As for ther not
banisment out of my realme, I haue, by my secretary, signified
to the mastar Gray what reasons necessary to be considered moues
me therunto, specially sins the offar to submit themselues to
suffar as if the wer my subiectz offending me, and to take
condigne pain if, while the bid in my gouernement, the disobay
ther alegiance to you. And this, with the rest, I trust wyl
content you, as one that I wyll take as great care of, for your
honor and your surty, as whosoever may giue you more golden
promes with leaden performance.
   I beseche you let your answer be retournid me with your best
spede and most commoditye. Thus, not willing to molest you, I,
with my humblest deuotion, intreat the Almighty to protect you
from al inconveniens, and grant you many happy yeares.
   Your most assured sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] (\A monsieur mon bon frere et cousin le roy
d'Escosse.\)

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 16>
[} [\NO. X ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\June or July, 1585.\]
<P 17>
   Right deare brother, Your gladsome acceptance of my offred
amitie, togither with the desiar you seem to have ingraven in
your mynde to make merites correspondant, makes me in ful
opinion that some ennemis to our good wyl shal loose muche
travel, with making frustrat thar baiting stratagemes, whiche I
knowe to be many and by sondry meanes to be explored. I cannot
halt with you so muche as to denye that I haue seen suche
euident shewes of your contrarious dealings, that if I mad not
my rekening the bettar of the moneths, I might condemne you as
unworthy of suche as I mynd to shewe myselfe toward you, and
therfor I am wel pleased to take any coulor to defend your
honor, and hope that you wyl remember, that who seaketh two
stringes to one bowe, the may shute strong, but neuer strait;
and if you suppose that princes causes be vailed so couvertly
that no intelligence may bewraye them, deceave not yourselfe; we
old foxes can find shiftes to saue ourselves by others malice,
and come by knowledge of greattest secreat, spetiallye if it
touche our freholde. It becometh, therfor, all our rencq to
deale sincerely, lest, if we use it not, whan we do it, we be
hardly beleaved. I write not this, my deare brother, for dout
but for remembrances. My ambassador writes so muche of your
honorable traitment of him and of Alexandar, that I belive the
be convertid Scotes. You oblige me for them, for wiche I rendar
you a milion of most intire thankes, as she that meaneth to
desarue many a good thoght in your brest throwe good desart. And
for that your request is so honorable, retaining so muche
reason, I wer out of [{my{] sences if I shuld not suspend of any
hiresay til the answer of your owne action, wiche the actor
ought best to knowe, and so assure yourselfe I meane and vowe to
do; with this request, that you wyl affourd me the reciproque.
And thus, with my many petitions to the Almighty for your long
life and preservation, I ende thes skribled lines.
   Your verey assured lovinge sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
   (\A mon bon frere le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 19>
[} [\NO. XII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\August 1585.\]
   Right deare brother, I find to true the Frenche adage,
(\Qu'un mal ne vint jamais seul\) ; for as the horrible and
soudain murdar of my most faithful subiect and most vaillant
baron was unto me a heartsore and grivous tidinges, so was it
tenfold redoubled with knowelege that a Skot shuld dare violate
his handes on any of our noble bloude, in a peacable concord,
whan our frendship shuld haue sent out his hotest beames to the
kindeling of the entier affection of bothe realmes; that any of
that nation shuld ons dare haue had a thoght to maculate suche a
contract of amitie. I perceive, by my ambassador, that your
grief is litel les than suche a hap deserveth, and do perceaue
that you haue not spared your wel-fauored, to cause him answer
suche a suspicion. I thinke myselfe, therfor, greatly
<P 20>
obliged unto your care for my satisfaction, and therin I thanke
you for being so considerast of your owne honor, wiche, I assure
you, lieth a-bleding in the bowels of many an Inglas man, until
ful rayson be made for suche a treacherye. God send us bettar
luck after our league be finished than this bloudy beginninge
may geue calendes of, elz many a red side wil folowe suche
demerites. But I hope you wyl spare no man that may be douted of
suche a meaning. I meane, not only of the murdar but of the
breaking out upon our borderars, wiche commonly ar the
beginnings of our quarelz. I dout nothinge of your curious care
in this behalfe, and for that the warden of that marche hathe
bine the open and commen fosterar and compagnion of the traitor
Westmarland and his complices in France and Scotland, I hope you
wil agrie to send him to my handes, wher he shal neuer receaue
iniurie nor ivel measure. And thus, desiring [{you{] to credit
my ambassador in certain particularites that he shal impart unto
you as to myselfe, I recommend you to Gods safe tuition, who
graunt you many gladsome yeres.
   Your most affectionat sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED\] (\A mon bon frere et cousin, le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1585 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 22>
[} [\NO. XV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\November 1585.\]
<P 23>
   Right deare brother, the strangenes of harde accidens that ar
arrived here, of unloked for, or unsuspected, attemps in
Skotland, euen by some suche as lately issued out of our lande,
constraineth me, as wel for the care we have of your person as
of the discharge of our owne honor and consciense, to send you
immediatly this gentleman, one that appartaineth to us in bloud,
bothe to offer you all assistance of helpe as al good indeuor of
counceil, and to make hit plaine that we delt plainly. Thes
lordes makeng great outcryes that I wold not or coulde helpe
them to be restored; I, by ther great importunitie, yelded, that
if I might be fried of my assurance given unto you for ther safe
kiping, I wold consent to ther departure, and so, after your
answer, as my thoght most honorable, that the might take ther
way to Germany with your gracious graunt of some livelode, after
a weekes space I gaue them my pasport and so dismissed them,
without, I swere unto you, ons the sight of any one of them.
Now, whan I way how suddenly, beyond my expectation, this suddan
stur ariseth, and fering lest some ivel and wicked person might
surmise that this was not without my forsight, I beseche you
trust my actions accordinge the measure of my formar dealings
for your safety, and ansuerable to the rule of reason, and you
shal find, that few princes wyl agrye to constraint of ther
equalz, muche les with compulsion of ther subiects. Juge of me,
therfor, as of a kinge that caries no abiect nature, and thinke
this of me, that, rather than your daungier, I wyl ventur myne;
and albeit I must confesse that it is daungerous for a prince to
irritast to muche, through iuel aduise, the generalitie of great
subiectz, so might you or now haue folowed my aduise, that wold
neuer betray you with unsound counceil; and now to conclude,
making hast, I pray you be plain with this bearar, that I may
knowe
<P 24>
what you wold that I should do, without excuse hireafter, that
constrained you did hit, for I dare assure you of his secresye,
and therof be you bold. For the lord Russelz dethe, and other
thinges, I referre me to this gentilman, who I dare promis is of
no faction beside my wyl. God blesse you in al safety as I
wysche myself.
   Your tru assured cousin and sistar,
   Elizabeth R.
   Feare not, for your life must be thers, or els the shal smart
wel, euery mothers son of them.
[\ADDRESSED,\] (\A mon trescher frere le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 26>
[} [\NO. XVII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January 1585-6.\]
   Right deare brother, I am not a litel satisfaict of many a
carefull thoght that my mynde tossed up and downe, with doutes
what care might do to a kings brest, invirunned of a seubdain
with so vnlooked for an accident; my thankes, therfor, may
sca[{r{]se be contained in this paper for your most acceptable
messanger, whom it pleased you to commaund [{for{] my
satisfaction of your good estat, togither with your good liking
of the lordes and ther action, whom I
<P 27>
beseche God no longar preserue in life, than the be ready for
your preservation to spend all thers; so far wer euer my intentz
from any trechery towarde you. And wheras your desiar seameth
great that the league in hand myght come to ende, I am
addressing a gentilman vnto you for the same purpose, and wyl
delay no time for so good a intent, trusting than, that no
whispering treason shal haue credit in your eare to retarde or
cut of so nideful an action. Suppose suche, I pray you, to
resemble a golden houke that oft deceaues the vnwary fische, and
makes him receaue his worst in lieu of bettar hope.
   Amidz al thes kind dealings of yours, let me not forget how
litel care the worlde shal thinke you prise me at, if in middest
of greatest frindship, my los of honor be no whit repaired for
the shamful murther of the baron Russell. Pondar it depely, I
beseche you, for hit striketh nere me, so publik an iniurye to
haue no redres, without we shewe the thoght, wiche God alone
reserues his part. The like answer was neuer yet giuen, and
[{I{] hope for bettar paiment.
   For your churche matters, I do bothe admire and reioise to
see your wise paraphrase, wiche far excedeth ther texte. Since
God hathe made kinges, let them not unmake ther authorite, and
let brokes and smal rivers acknowledge ther springes, and flowe
no furdar than ther bankes. I praise God that you uphold euer a
regal rule.
   For all other matters wiche this gentilman hathe told me, I
wil hope stil that your faithful profession of constantie in my
behalfe shal far surmount the devellishe practises and suttel
iniquitie of those wiche, undar pretence of your aduancement,
wil skanten your best fortiune. And albeit I am aduertised, even
from amonge themselves, that your assurance to them doth shewe,
that al my faire offers from you be (\ad Ephesios\) and
ridiculus, meaning wholy to folow them and temporise with me,
yet I mynd to (\peccare in meliorem\) if I must nides be
begiled, and mynd not to trust them til I see you faile me, and
than (\deceptis ad decipientem digne vertitur\) . Til than, I
wyl trust your worde, and dare assure you shal neuer, on my
behalfe, haue cause to
<P 28>
repent your woues, meaning you no les good than I pray God euer
to afourde me, prayinge him longe to conserve you. And to ende
this lettar, let me not forget to recommend this gentlemans good
behavor in this his charge, hauing used it to your honor and his
great praise. Thus I finische to troble you, but do rest,
   Your most assuredzt louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deerest brother and cousin the king of
Scotts.

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 28>
[} [\NO. XVIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\February 1585-6.\]
   Right deare brother, Determining with myselfe to sende you
some one of whose affection I had profe towarde your estat and
parson, have resolved of this gentilman, who in your childesche
yeres sought all menes of your preservation, and was the
instrument to have you served by them that folowed no other
rular than your raigne, and for that cause suffred hard
assaultes, yea to the present peril of life, wiche was soght
sondry wayes, and ons by bullet of pistol, as he had to shew.
Suppose you that suche a one, so used, wold be hasty to go on
this viage, wer it not my spetiall charge, wiche only I do for
the longe experience that he hathe had of that country, and so
the bettar able to serve us bothe, for I dare swere he hathe no
other scope than to kipe us frendes, and increase that bond. And
if he
<P 29>
find any opposite against so good a worke, he wyl obviat it if
he may, and wyl serve you in any thing that may advance your
honor and quiat, according to his commission; praying you to
have regard unto him and his honorable traictment, that I may
haue no cause to reuenge his wronge; not douting but if you knew
his nature and honesty, as I do, you wold not estime him menely.
I assure you he is of muche valeur bothe for wit and discretion;
in whom ther was never found trechery. Thus I end, with my
prayers to God for your long continuance.
   Your assured sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] (\A mon bon frere le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 29>
[} [\NO. XIX. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }]
[\March 1585-6.\] 
   The expertist seamen, my deare brother, makes vant of ther
best shippes whan the pas the highest bellowes without yelding,
and broke nimlest the roughest stormes. The like profe, I
suppose, may best be made, and surest boste, of frindes, whan
greatest persuasions and mightiest ennemis oppose themselues for
parties. If than a constant
<P 30>
irremouable good wyll appere, thar is best triall made. And for
that I knowe ther is no worse orator for truthe than malice, nor
shwredar invahar than envye, and that I am sure you haue wanted
nether, to assaile your mynde to win it from our frindeship; if
not auailing all thes minars, you kipe the hold of your promised
inward affection, as Randol at lengthe haue told me and your
owne lettars assure me, I dare thus boldly affirme, that you
shall haue the bettar part in this bargain. For when you way in
equal balance, with no palsey hande, the very ground of ther
desires that wold withdrawe you, it is but roote of mischif to
peril your selfe, with hope to harme her who euer hathe
preserued you; and sins you may be sure that Skotland, nor
yourself, be so potent, as for your greatnes the seake you, nor
neuer did, but to iniure a thirde; and if you rede the
histories, ther is no great cause of bost for many conquests,
thogh your contry sarued ther malice. This you see the beginning
why euer Skotland hathe bine sought. Now, to come to my ground
worke, only natural affection (\ab incunabulis\) sturrid me to
saue you from the murderars of your father, and the peril that
ther complices might brede you. Thus, as in no counterfait
miroir, you may behold without maske the faces of bothe
beginnars. It is for you to juge what ar like to be the best
euent of bothe, and therafter I pray God you may use your best
choise to your surest good, no semblant false to begile. And as
I reioyse to haue had, iven in this hammering worlde, suche
presant profe of your sincerite, so shal you be sure to imploye
it upon no gileful person, nor suche as wil not take as muche
regard of your good as of her owne.
   Tochinge an "instrument," as your secretarye terme it, that
you desiar to haue me signe, I assure you, thogh I can play of
some, and haue bine broght up to know musike, yet this disscord
wold be so grose as wer not fit for so wel-tuned musicke. Must
so great dout be made of fre good wyl, and gift be so
mistrusted, that our signe Emanuel must assure? No, my deere
brother. Teache your new rawe
<P 31>
counselars bettar manner than to aduis you such a paringe of
ample meninge. Who shuld doute performance of kinges offer? What
dishonor may that be demed? Folowe next your owne nature, for
this neuer came out of your shoppe. But, for your ful
satisfaction, and to plucke from the wicked the weapon the wold
use to brede your doubt of meanings, thes the be. First, I wil,
as longe as you with iuel desart alter not your course, take
care for your safety, helpe your nide, and shun al actes that
may damnifie you in any sort, ether in present or future time;
and for the portion of relife, I minde neuer to lessen, thogh,
as I see cause, I wil rather augment. And this I hope may stand
you in as muche assuranse as my name in parchement, and no les
for bothe our honors.
   I can not omit, also, to request you, of all amitie betwine
us, to haue good regard of the longe-waiting expectation that
all our subjectes lokes after, that some persons be deliuered in
to my handes for some repaire of my honor thogh no redres for
his dethe, according as my ambassador Randol shal signifie, and
that ther be no more delais, wiche haue bine ouer many already.
And thus I end my trobling you. Comittinge you to the tuition of
the living God, who graunt you many yeres of prosperous raigne.
   Your most assured louinge sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 33>
[} [\NO. XXI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES VI.\] }] 
[\May, 1586.\]
   I muse muche, right deare brother, how possiblie my wel-ment
lettar, prociding from so fauteles a hart, could be ether
misliked or misconstred; and first, for my promis made of
reciproke usage in all amicable maner, I trust I nether haue,
nor neuer shall, make fraction of in the lest scruple; and as
for doute of your perfourmance of your vowe made me, I assure
you, if I did not trust your wordes, I shuld estime but at smale
valew your writings, and if you please to reade againe my last
lettar, you shall perceaue how muche I prise your tried
constancy for all the many assaultes that, I am sure, your eares
haue bin assailled with, and therfor I am far from dout, whan
suche profe is made, and you might worthely forthinke you to
haue bestowed so muche faithful dealinge upon one that ether had
smal iugement or muche ingratitude, and therof I may clerely
purge me from suche crime, for I haue more iust cause to
acknowelege thankefulnis manifold, than, in any part, to ouerrun
my owne wit to leue it behind me.
   And for the some that you suppose my many affaires made me
forget, togither with the maner of the instrument, or lettar,
(\quocunque
<P 34>
nomine datur\) . For the first, I assure you I never gaue
commission for more. Some other might mistake, as Raudol wil tel
you. And for the lettar, some wordes and fourme was suche as
fitted not our two frindeships, as Randol also can shewe you,
but I haue sent you a lettar that I am sure containes all you
desired in spetiall wordes. I trust it shal content you;
although I must say for myselfe this muche, that the pithe and
effect of all you receiued afore; and beseche you thinke, that I
finde it my greatest fault that I remember but to well, yea,
many times more than I wolde, but never aught that may be for
your behoffe, ether in honor or contentation, shal euer slip out
of my mind, but wil take so good regarde unto it as that it euer
shal nerely touche myselfe; as knoweth God, who euer preserue
you from deceitful counseil, and graunt you true knowlege of
your assured, with longe and many yeres to raigne.
   Your most affectionate and assured louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED\] (\A mon bon frere et cousin le roy d'Escosse.\)

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 37>
[} [\NO. XXIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\4th October, 1586.\]
<P 38>
   I hope, my deare brother, that my many waighty affayres in
present may make my lawful excuse for the retardance of the
answer to your ambassadeurs charge, but I doute not but you shal
be honorably satisfaict in all the pointz of his commission, and
next, after my owne errand done, I must rendar you my
innumerable thankes for suche amicable offers as hit hathe
pleased you make, making you assured that, with Gods grace, you
shal neuer have cause to regrat your good thoghtz of my meaninge
to deserue as muche good wil and affection as euer one prince
owed another, wisching all meanes that may maintaine your
faithful trust in me, that neuer wyl seake aught but the
increase of your honor and safty. I was in mynd to haue sent you
suche accidentz as this late monethe brought furthe, but the
sufficientie of mastar Archebal made me retaine him, and do
rendar you many loving thankes for the joy you take of my narow
escape from the chawes of dethe, to wiche I might easely haue
fallen but that the hand of the hiest saued me from that snare.
   And for that the curse of that desaing rose up from the
wicked sucgestion of the Jesuites, wiche make hit an axceptable
sacrifice to God, and meritorieus to themselfe, that a kinge not
of ther profession shuld be murthered, therfor I could kipe my
pen no longar from discharging my care of your person, that you
suffer not suche vipars to inhabite your lande. The say you gaue
leue undar your hand that the might safely come and go. For Gods
loue regard your surety aboue all perswations, and account him
no subiect that intertaines them. Make not edictz for skorne,
but to be obserued. Let them be rebelles, and so pronunsed, that
preserue them.
   For my part, I am sorier that the cast away so many goodly
gentilmen than that the soght my ruine. I thanke God I haue
taken
<P 39>
more dolor for some that ar gilty of this murther than beare
them malice that the soght my dethe. I protest hit before God.
But suche iniquitie will not be hide, be hit neuer so craftely
handeled; and yet, whan you shal here all, you wyl wondar that
one accownted wise wyl use suche matter so fondly. But no
marvel, for whan the ar giuen to a reprobat sence the offen make
suche slip.
   I haue bine so tedious that I take pitie of your paine, and
so wyl ende this skribling, praying you beliue that you could
neuer haue chosen a more sure trust that wil neuer begile than
myself, who dayly prayes to God for your longe prosperitie.
   Your most assured louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED\] (\A mounsieur mon bon frere et cousin le roy
d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1586 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 39>
[} [\NO. XXIV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES\] }] 
[\15th October, 1586.\]
<P 40>
   My deare brother, Hit hathe sufficiently infourmed me of your
singular care of my estat and brething that you haue sent one,
in suche diligence, to understand the circumstancis of the
treasons wiche lately wer lewdly attempted and miraculously
vttred. Of whiche I had made participant your embassador afor
your lettars came. And now am I to shewe you, that, as I haue
receaved many writings from you of great kindnis, yet this last
was fraughted with so careful passion, and so effectuall
utterance of all best wisches for my safety, and offer of as
muche as I could haue desired, that I confes, if I shuld not
seake to decerue it, and by merites tye you to continuance, I
wer ivell-wordy suche a frind; and, as the thankes my hart
yeldes my pen may skant rendar you, so shal the ownar euer
decerue to shewe hit not ivel imploied, but on suche a prince as
shall requite your good wyl, and kipe a wacheful yee to all
doings that may conserne you.
   And whereas you offer to send me any traitor of myne residing
in your land, I shal not faille but expect th'accomplischement
of the same in case any suche shal be, and require you, in the
menetime, that spidy deliuerye may be maid of the Cars, wiche
toucheth bothe my conscience and honor.
   I thanke God that you beware so sone of Jesuites, that haue
bine the source of al thes trecheries in this realme, and wyl
sprede, like an iuel, wide, if at the first the be not wided
out. I wold I had had Prometheus for companion, for Epimetheus
had like have bine myne to sone. What religion is this, that the
say the way to saluation is to kil the prince for a merit
meritorious? This is that the haue all confessed without tortur
or menace. I swere hit, on my worde.
<P 41>
   Far be hit from Skotland to harbor any suche, and therfor I
wische your good providence may be duly executed, for elz lawes
resemble cobwebbes, whens great bees get out by breaking, and
small flies stiks fast for wekenis.
   As concerning the retarding of your answers to al pointz of
your ambassadors charge, you had receved them or now but that
matters of that weight that I am sure you wold willingly knowe
can not as yet receaue a conclusion, and til that mastar Douglas
doth tarye; and with his retourne I hope you shal receaue
honorable requital of his amicable embassade, so as you shal
have no cause to regret his arrival; as knoweth the Lord, whom
ever I beseche to send you many joiful dayes of raigne and life.
   Your most assured louing and faithful sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
   I must giue you many thankes for this poore subject of myne,
for whom I wil not stik to do al pleasure for your request, and
wold wische him undar the grond if he shuld not serue you with
greatest faithe that any seruant may. I haue wylled him tel you
some thinges from me; I beseche you heare them fauorablie.
[\ADDRESSED\] (\A mon bon frere e cousin le roy d'Escose.\)

<Q RO1 1587 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 41>
[} [\NO. XXV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January, 1586-7.\]
<P 42>
   I finde myselfe so trobled lest sinistar tales might delude
you, my good brother, that I haue willingly found out this
messanger, whom I knowe most sincere to you and a true subiect
to me, to carry unto you my most sincere meaning toward you, and
to request this iust desiar, that you neuer dout my intiere good
wyll in your behalfe; and do protest, that, if you knewe, even
sins the arrivall of your commissionars, (wiche if the list the
may tell you,) the exstreme dangier my life was in, by an
embassadors honest silence, if not invention, and suche good
complices as haue themselues, by Godz permission, unfolded the
hole conspiratie, and haue aduouched hit befor his face, thoght
hit be the peril of ther owne lives, yet voluntaryly, one of
them neuer beinge suspected brake hit with a councelar to make
me acquanted therwith. You may see whither I kipe the serpent
that poisons me, whan the confes to haue reward. By sauing of
her life the wold haue had mine. Do I not make myself, trowe ye,
a goodly
<P 43>
pray for euery wretche to deuour? Transfigure yourself into my
state, and suppose what you aught to do, and therafter way my
life, and reiect the care of murdar, and shun all baites that
may untie our amities, and let all men knowe, that princes knowe
best their owne lawes, and misiuge not that you knowe not. For
my part, I wyl not liue to wronge the menest. And so I conclude
you with your owne wordes, you wyl prosecute or mislike as muche
thos that seake my ruine as yf the sought your hart bloud, and
wold I had none in myne if I wold not do the like; as God
knoweth, to whom I make my humble prayers to inspire you with
best desiars.
   Your most affectionated sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
   I am sending you a gentilman fourwith, the other being fallen
sick, who I trust shal yeld you good reason of my actions.
[\ADDRESSED\] To my verey good brother and cousin, the king of
Skotz.

<Q RO1 1587 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 43>
[} [\NO. XXVI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\About 1st February, 1586-7.\]
   Be not caried away, my deare brother, with the lewd
perswations of suche, as insteade of infowrming you of my to
nideful and helpeles
<P 44>
cause of defending the brethe that God hath given me, to be
better spent than spilt by the bloudy invention of traitors
handz, may perhaps make you belive, that ether the offense was
not so great, or if that cannot serue them, for the
over-manifest triall wiche in publik and by the greatest and
most in this land hathe bine manifestly proved, yet the wyl make
that her life may be saved and myne safe, wiche wold God wer
true, for whan you make vewe of my long danger indured thes
fowre - wel ny fiue - moneths time to make a tast of, the
greatest witz amongs my owne, and than of French, and last of
you, wyl graunt with me, that if nide wer not mor than my malice
she shuld not have her merite.
   And now for a good conclusion of my long-taried-for answer.
Your commissionars telz me, that I may trust her in the hande of
some indifferent prince, and have all her cousins and allies
promis she wil no more seake my ruine. Deare brother and cousin,
way in true and equal balance wither the lak not muche good
ground whan suche stuf serves for ther bilding. Suppose you I am
so mad to truste my life in anothers hand and send hit out of my
owne? If the young master of Gray, for curring faueur with you,
might fortune say hit, yet old master Mylvin hath yeres ynough
to teache him more wisdome than tel a prince of any jugement
suche a contrarious frivolous maimed reason. Let your
councelors, for your honour, discharge ther duty so muche to you
as to declaire the absurditie of such an offer; and, for my
part, I do assure myselfe to muche of your wisdome, as, thogh
like a most naturall good son you charged them to seake all
meanes the could deuis with wit or jugement to save her life,
yet I can not, nor do not, allege any fault to you of thes
persuations, for I take hit that you wil remember, that advis or
desiars aught ever agree with the surtye of the party sent to
and honor of the sendar, wiche whan bothe you way, I doute not
but your wisdome wil excuse my nide, and waite my necessitie,
and not accuse me ether of malice or of hate.
   And now to conclude. Make account, I pray you, of my firme
frindeship loue and care, of which you may make sure accownt, as
one
<P 45>
that never mindz to faile from my worde, nor swarve from our
league, but wyl increase, by all good meanes, any action that
may make true shewe of my stable amitie; from wiche, my deare
brother, let no sinistar whisperars, nor busy troblars of
princis states, persuade to leave your surest, and stike to
vnstable staies. Suppose them to be but the ecchos to suche whos
stipendaries the be, and wyl do more for ther gaine than your
good. And so, God hold you ever in his blessed kiping, and make
you see your tru frinds. Excuse my not writing sonar, for paine
in one of my yees was only the cause.
   Your most assured lovinge sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED\] To my deare brother and cousin, the kinge of
Skotz.

<Q RO1 1588 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 47>
[} [\NO. XXVIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\RECEIVED 15 MAY, 1588.\]
   My pen, my deare brother, hathe remained so long dry as I
suppose hit hardly wold have taken ynke againe, but, mollefied
by the good justice that with your owne person you have bine
pleased to execute, togither with the large assurance that your
wordes have
<P 48>
given to some of my ministars, wiche all dothe make me ready to
drinke most willingly a large draught of the rivar of Lethe,
never minding to thinke of unkindnes, but to turne my yees to
the making vp of that sure amitie and stanche good wyll wiche
may be presently concluded in ending our league, that so
unhappyly, to my harts grife, was delaied and differd, assuring
you, on the faith of a christian and worde of a king, that my
hart cannot accuse my conscience of one thoght that might
infringe our frindship, or let so good a worke. God the chersar
of all harts euer so haue misericorde of my soule as my
innocencye in that mattar deserveth, and no otherwise; wiche
invocation wer to dangerous for a gilty conscience; as I have
commanded this bearar more at large to tel you. And for your
part, my deare brother, thinke, and that with most truith, that,
if I find you willing to imbrase hit, you shal find of me the
carefulst prince of your quiet gouuernment, ready to assist you
with forse, with treasor, counsel, or any thing you shal haue
nede of, as muche as in honor you can require, or upon cause you
shal nede. You may the more soundly trust my vowes, for never
yet wer the stained, nether wil I make you the first on whom I
shal bestowe untruthe, wiche God wyl not suffer me live unto.
   I have millions of thankes to rendar you, that so frankely
told to Cary suche offers as wer made you, wiche I doute not but
you shall euer haue cause to reioyse that you refuse; for wher
the meane to weken your surest frind, so be you assured the
intended to subiect you and yours. For you see how the deale
euen with ther owne in al countries lessar than ther one, and
therfor God, for your best, I assure myselfe, wil not let you
faule into suche an aperte daunger, undar the cloke, for al
that, of harming other and aduansing you; but I hope you wil
take Ulisses wexe to saue you from suche sirenes. Hit wer most
honorable for you, if so hit please you, to let them knowe that
you neuer sent for ther horse, thogh some of your lords (to bold
with you in many ther notions and over sawsy in this) made them
beliue you consented to ther message, wiche the themselues
desired your pardon for. This wyl make them feare you more
hereafter, and make them
<P 49>
affraid to attempt you to weaken your assured frind. If I
deserue not your amitie persecute me as your foe; but being
yours, use me like a prince who feareth none but God.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To our good brother and cousin, the king of
Scotland.

<Q RO1 1588 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 49>
[} [\NO. XXIX. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\About 1st July, 1588.\]
<P 50>
   I am greatly satisfied, my deare brother, that I find, by
your owne graunt, that you bilive the trothe of my actions so
manifestly openly proved, and thanke you infinitely that you
profes so constant defence of your country, togither [{with{]
myne, from all Spaniardz or strangers; a matter fur otherwise
given out by bothe our enemies, withe blotting your fame with
assurance of doble dealing, as thogh you assured them under-hand
to betake you to ther course; wiche, what a stain hit wer in a
princis honor, you yourselfe in jugement can wel deme. For my
part, I wyl ever trust your word, til I be so sure of the
contrary. Right wel am I persuaded that your greatest daunger
shuld chanche you by crossing your strait pathes, for he that
hathe two stringes to his bowe may shoute stronger, but never
strait; and he that hathe no sure foundation cannot but ruine.
God kipe you ever therefor in your wel-begone pathe.
   I have sent you this gentleman, as wel to declare my good
agrement to send some finischars of our leage, as other matters
wiche he hathe to communicate unto you, if hit please you to
heare him; as my desiar of answering your good frindeship and
amitie in as ample sort as with honor I may, as one that never
seakes more of you than that wiche shal be best for your selfe.
Assure your selfe of me, therfor, and shewe by dides ever to
mantaine hit, and never was ther in christendome betwine two
princes surar amitie nor soundar dealing. I vowe hit, and wil
performe hit.
   And for that you speake oft of satisfaction, I haue much
vrged, as now againe I do, to knowe what therby is ment, sins I
bothe mynde, and also do, whatsoever may honorably be required
of suche as I profes myselfe; and therfor, I require you therin
to answer me. And so, trusting that all your protestations
lately made me by Cary shalbe readely performed, togither with
your constant resolute cours of late professed, I end to molest
you longar, but, with my thankes to God that any your offendars
be entred to your hands, and not the les not having bine done
without some of our helpe, whiche glads me no les than [{if it
had{] happened to our selfe, whose forse shal never faile you in
all leaful causes: as knoweth God,
<P 51>
who euer bles you from all malignant spiritz, and increas your
happy yeres.
   Your most assurest sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To our right deere brother, the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1588 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 52>
[} [\NO. XXXI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\August, 1588.\]
<P 53>
   Now may appeare, my deare brother, how malice conioined with
might strivest to make a shameful end to a vilanous beginning,
for, by Godz singular fauor, having ther flete wel-beaten in our
narow seas, and pressing, with all violence, to atcheue some
watering place, to continue ther pretended invation, the windz
have carried them to your costes, wher I dout not the shal
receaue smal succor and les welcome; vnles thos lordz that, so
traitors like, wold belie ther owne prince, and promis another
king reliefe in your name, be suffred to live at libertye, to
dishonor you, peril you, and aduance some other (wiche God
forbid you suffer them live to do). Therfor I send you this
gentilman, a rare younge man and a wise, to declare unto yov my
ful opinion in this greate cause, as one that neuer wyl abuse
you to serve my owne turne; nor wyl you do aught that myselfe
wold not perfourme if I wer in your place. You may assure
yourselfe that, for my part, I dout no whit but that all this
tirannical prowd and brainsick attempt wil be the beginning,
thogh not the end, of the ruine of that king, that, most
unkingly, euen in midz of treating peace, begins this wrongful
war. He hathe procured my greatest glory that ment my sorest
wrack, and hathe so dimmed the light of his svnshine, that who
hathe a wyl to obtaine shame let them kipe his forses companye.
But for al this, for yourselfe sake, let not the frendz of Spain
be suffred to yeld them forse; for thogh I feare not in the end
the sequele, yet if, by leaving them unhelped, you may increase
the Englisch hartz unto you, you shal not do the worst dede for
your behalfe; for if aught shuld be done, your excuse wyl play
the (\boiteux\) ; if you make not sure worke with the likely men
to do hit. Looke wel unto hit, I besiche you.
   The necessity of this matter makes my skribling the more
spidye,
<P 54>
hoping that you wyl mesure my good affection with the right
balance of my actions, wiche to you shalbe euer suche as I haue
professed, not douting of the reciproque of your behalfe,
according as my last messengier unto you hathe at large
signefied, for the wiche I rendar you a milion of grateful
thankes togither, for the last general prohibition to your
subiectz not to fostar nor ayde our general foe, of wiche I dout
not the obseruation if the ringeleaders be safe in your handz;
as knoweth God, who euer haue you in his blessed kiping, with
many happy yeres of raigne.
   Your most assured louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
To my verey good brother the king of Scottz.

<Q RO1 1589 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 55>
[} [\NO. XXXIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\September, 1589.\]
<P 56>
   As no tidinges, my most deare brother, can euer come out of
season to me that may brede you honor or contentement, so this
last newes, thogh soudaine, of the aproching neare of your
coming quene, bids me so muche to bode you all the best
blessings that the mighty God can send you, as in witnis therof
to salute you bothe with an embassader, and some tokens, for
signe of the happinis I wische that feast, and the gladnis my
hart shuld haue receued if hit wer as lawfull to honor hit with
my presence as hit is sure that I bles hit with my orasonns. And
for that the spide of suche a bargen was far greatar than the
expectation of her arrivall, you wyll, I trust, blame yourselfe,
and impute no neglect to me, that my messangers come after the
solempnites; for I assure you, but for my honor sake, my wyl
wold haue hied ther post with smaller company than fitz my
place. And in meane while, let hit content you to giue me so
muche right as to assure yourselfe no witnis ther of so princely
a pact shall wische hit more succes, nor greatar lasting joy,
than myselfe, that wischeth sign king no longar while than to
see the perfourmance of suche alliance, hauinge besides
yourself, wiche is the principall, an inward zele, wiche, sins
my childhold, I haue borne to the parentes of your honorable
quene, to whome I desiar all felicitie, and neuer shal skrape
from my memorye the intire loue the bare me; as knoweth God, who
euer bles you and gide you.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deare brother the king of Skotes.

<Q RO1 1590 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 57>
[} [\NO. XXXIV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\1590.\]
   Althogh my faithe stands me, my deare brother, in so good
stede, as, without assurance by any one [{but{] your owne
hand-worke, I do beliue that God hathe, of his goodnes more than
your hide, prosperd to good end your vntimely and, if I dare tel
truthe, ivel-seasoned journey, yet I may no longar, thogh my
courage could stay me til you first began, that best hathe cause
to acknowelege thankfulnes, stay but let you knowe, what humble
sacrifice of thankes I yeld to the Omnipotent for your safest
stop for al your hard cours, and am so bold to chalenge some
part of that seurty to my heartiest oraisons powred out of no
fained lippes, wiche best is pleasing to his eares. And do
beseche the same to send you, in this noble-raced linage, suche
lasting joy as the continuance may yeld you bothe happy.
   And now to talke with you frely as paper may vttar conceit.
Eccept my howrely care for your broken countrey, to to muche
infected with the maladie of strangers humors, and to receue no
medecin so wel compounded as if the owner make the mixture
appropriatted to the qualetye of the siknes. Knowe you, my deare
brother, for certaine,
<P 58>
that thos ulcers that wer to muche skined with the doulcenes of
your applications wer but falsly shaded, and wer within filled
with suche venom as hathe burst out sins your departure with
most lewd offers to another king to enter your land, with
declaration of ther assured perfourmance of ther by-passed
helpes, and numbars great to take ether part. If with my yees I
had not vewed thes treasons, I would be aschamed to write them
you. And shal I tel you my thoght herein? I assure you, you ar
wel worthy of suche traitors, that, whan you knewe them, and had
them, you betraied your owne seurty in fauoring ther liues. Good
Lord! who but yourself wold haue left suche peple to be abel to
do you wrong. Giue ordar with spide that suche skape not your
correction, and hie your retourne, that is more your honor than
a other mans land, without you mynde to make you seme innocent
of your realmes ruine, whan absence wil sarue but for your bad
excuse. Sild recouvers kings ther dominion whan greattar posses
hit, yea, suche as ther owne skars may indure for ther tirany.
   My deare brother, you see how fur my intire care drawes me
out of the limites that anothers affaires shuld plucke me to,
but all suche error I hope you wyl impute to affection, not my
curiositie, and beare with ouerplaine imputation, sins hit
springs of so good a roote. I craue of you, for your owne best,
to authorize, yea, animate, your faithfulst and giltles of this
conspiratie, that the feare not to apprehend in time (I pray God
not to late), all suche as any way the may suspect or knowe to
be pertakers of this faction. Beliue no more to dandel such
babies, as may, or they come to honestie, shake your chaire, for
you haue had to sowre experience what suche vane opinions hath
bred you. I wyl not faile, from time to other, to warne suche as
I may thinke most clere of this infection of all my knowelege in
this dangerous season, daring so muche in your absence as to
animat them not to lingar this great mattar til your retourne,
for I knowe that wer to late; the dayes that the haue giuen ar
shortar than to expect so longe. If my prayers wer not more than
my good [{writing{] , I shuld be sory to retaine your yees on so
rude skribling, wherfor I
<P 59>
end, with my incessant prayers to God for your safe kiping and
ioyful retourne.
   Your most affectionat lovinge sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deere brother and cousin the king of
Scotland.
   After the finisching of my lettar, ther came to my handz an
overtur that makes me suppose hit could not, nor durst not, haue
bine offerd me without your consent, albeit for hit I nether saw
your commission nor receued from you one word therof, but for al
that, hit makes me see that your sight serues you not alone for
present vewe, but makes you to beholde the state of distant
countries wiche do fele the smart of my vndeserued hate, and
makes the innocent bloud cal for reuenge of euel-framed
iniuries. And thogh my conscience cannot accuse my thoghts to
haue by any cause procured suche an ennemy, and that he hathe to
plainlye soght my life and kingdome, yet, I think myselfe
obliged to you that wold make end of so uniust a war, and
acknowelege the ded king of famous memorie more happy in suche
faithful councelars than I see many kings in ther liuing
seruantz. And for that they offer me, I wyl euer cronicle them
amonge the iust fulfillars of true trust. And albeit my wrongs
be suche as nature of a king aught rather, for ther particular,
dye than not reuenge, yet the top of my courage shal neuer
ouerstreche my hart from care of christian bloud, and for that
alone, no feare of him, I protest to God, from whom bothe iust
quarel, faithful subjectz, and valiant acts I dout not wil
defend: yet, am I thus content that you shal folowe the
wel-deuised methode, and if he wyl giue playne grant without a
gileful meaning, I wil make knowen that in me the lack of so
good a worke shal neuer be found.

<Q RO1 1590 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 60>
[} [\NO. XXXV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\May 1590.\]
   The strife is great, my deare brother, wiche shuld win, ether
the care of your perilous journey or the joy of your safe
retourne, but, leuing them in ther batail, I assure you I can
scars giue a tru verdit who is the victorar, but only this I
dare say, that no one that liveth thankes God more deuoutly for
al your eskapes, nor is more joyful of your sure arrivall than
myself, who could not stay but salute you, togither with your
honorable espouse, and by this ambassade make you know how
grateful suche newes wer to me, besichen God to bles you withe
suche benedictions as he bestoith with largist giftes, and make
your contentementz long and prosperous.
   And now that you bied wher yourself, I doubt not, wyl haue an
accownt of what in your absence hathe bine ordred, I hope you
wyl not be careles of suche practisis as hathe passed from any
of yours without your commission, spetially suche attemptz as
might ruin your realme and danger you. If any respect whatever
make you neglect so expedient a worke, I am affraid your careles
hide wil worke your unlooked danger. Thinke not but I knowe how
some had the vewe of my lettars, in wiche you did your selfe les
honor than to me harme, and yet you see hit warnes me not ynough
from againe to ventur the like hap. But as no hate to any of
them (God I cal to witnis) procured me hireto, so only care of
your sure gouuernement hathe made me deale this far, and, if I
see al admonition so uaine, I wil hireafter wische al wel, but
counsel no more at all. I can not
<P 61>
forget to reiterat my thankes for suche your offars as hit
pleased you by justice-clarke to make me, and as I shal hire
more therof from you I shal concur with you in so holy an
action. And thus I end troubling you with my skribling, with my
prayers to the Almighty for al prosperitie in your dayes.
   Your most affectionat sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To our deere and loving brother the king of
Scotland. 

<Q RO1 1590 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 63>
[} [\NO. XXXVII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\6th July, 1590.\]
   Greatar promises, more affection, and grauntz of more
acknowelegings of receued good turnes, my deare brother, none
can bettar remember than this gentilman by your charge hathe
made me understand; wherby I thinke all my endeuors wel
recompensed, that see them so wel acknoweleged; and do trust
that my counseles, if the so muche content you, wil serue for
memorialz to turne your actions to serue the turne of your safe
gouernement, and make the lookars-on honor your worthe, and
reuerence suche a rular.
   And lest fayre semblance, that easely may begile, do not
brede your ignorance of suche persons as ether pretend religion
or dissemble deuotion, let me warne you that ther is risen,
bothe in your realme and myne, a secte of perilous consequence,
suche as wold haue no kings but a presbitrye, and take our place
while the inioy our privilege, with a shade of Godes word, wiche
non is juged to folow right without by ther censure the be so
demed. Yea, looke we wel unto them. Whan the haue made in our
peoples hartz a doubt of our religion, and that we erre if the
say so, what perilous
<P 64>
issue this may make I rather thinke than mynde to write.
(\Sapienti pauca.\) I pray you stap the mouthes, or make shortar
the toungz, of suche ministars as dare presume to make oraison
in ther pulpitz for the persecuted in Ingland for the gospel.
   Suppose you, my deare brother, that I can tollerat suche
scandalz of my sincere gouuernement? No. I hope, howsoeuer you
be pleased to beare with ther audacitie towards your selfe, yet
you wil not suffar a strange king receaue that indignitie at
suche caterpilars hand, that, instede of fruit, I am affraid wil
stuf your realme with venom. Of this I haue particularisd more
to this bearar, togither with other answers to his charge,
besiching you to heare them, and not to giue more harbor-rome to
vacabond traitors and seditious inventors, but to returne them
to me, or banische them your land. And thus, with my many
thankes for your honorable intertainementz of my late embassade,
I commit you to God, who euer preserue you com al iuel counsel,
and send you grace to folow the best.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deere brother, the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1591 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 64>
[} [\NO. XXXVIII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\April 1591.\]
<P 65>
   My deare brother, As ther is naught that bredes more
for-thinking repentance and agrived thoughtes than good turnes
to harme the giuers ayde, so hathe no bonde euer tied more
honorable mynds, than the shewes of any acquital by grateful
acknowelegement in plain actions; for wordes be leues and dides
the fruites. Wiche I may not forget to remember in your present
fact, granted so frely, in deliuering up my lewde rebel, whose
person and forse, thogh nether be aught worthe, as who, for his
greatnes, being a base varlet, drawes few for sequel, nor his
birthe so great as a meanar than a prince nides feare, yet I
wold haue bine agrived that so lewde a mynd shuld haue found
fauor in so deare a brothers dominion, and do assure you, that I
wil lay this part in the safest cornar of my memorye, to serue
me for example of a like acquital, if suche ivel accident shuld
happen you. And in meane while, thanke myselfe, not you alone,
that haue made so good a choise of so sounde an election upon
whom to spend the chifest care of my endeuors, as I hope you
haue hiretofore tried, and this may make increase.
   The two gentilmen, I trust, shal receaue your thanke for
perfourming so wel ther charge, wiche, I beseche you for my
sake, the may receaue; not a litel wondring why your subiectz of
Glasco shuld doute the stop of ther trafique for so poore a
caytife, who was neuer of abilitie to make or giue trafique. The
ar sorely misinfourmed of his greatnes. A few sort of outlawes
fils up his traine, and of the meanest sort. I trust you wyl
make them knowe your faithful ministars must not be niknamed
"the English feade men."
<P 66>
I protest I haue no suche in your realme, for, if the principal
faile me, I shal neuer care for (\adiacentia\) .
   I rendar for this my most loving and deare thankes,
acknoweleging the kinnes more than the act, and bothe so
honorable as shal neuer be blotted out of my thankefulst mynde,
adding therto the sincere ordar giuen for our bordars matters;
tokens sufficient to shewe your grateful hart and princely mynd,
wiche I meane to requite and acknowlege, as knoweth the liuing
God, who I am sure wyl make your subiectz the surar that you
abhor anothers traitors. Among wiche, I must not forget your
most kind vsage in the answer that my arche-rebel, Westmarland,
shal receue from you, wiche shal serue him, and all suche, to
knowe that ther neuer shal remane with you ether helpe or hap
for suche wicked members of a kingly rule. This shal retourne to
you with triple fold of good regard amonge your owne, if the see
your justice to anothers traitor, yea to suche a one as made me
knowe a traitor in my land. I wyl end to troble your yees with
my skribling, but neuer end to care for you and yours as for my
owne. God euer bles you, and make you kipe your regal
authoritie, and make yours knowe you.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my verey good brother, the king of Scotz. d.
d.

<Q RO1 1592 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 69>
[} [\NO. XLI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January 1591-2.\]
<P 70>
   My deare brother, Thogh the heringe of your most daungerous
peril be that thing that I most reuerently rendar my most lowly
thankes to God that you, by his mighty hand, hath skaped, yet
hathe hit bine no other hazard than suche as bothe hathe bine
forsien and fortold; but Cassandra was neuer credited til the
mishap had rather chanched than was prevented. The poore man
who, against his wyl, was intercepted with all suche epistelz as
traitors sent and receved, was for reward put to the bootes; so
litel was any thing regarded that procided from your best frind,
and yet the matter made to aparant, or many days after, throw
the traiterous assembly of your euidant rebelz, that with banner
displaied and again you in the fild. Thes wer the calendes of
this late attempt. I knowe not what to write, so litel do I like
to loose labor in vaine; for if I saw counsel auaill, or aught
pursued in due time or season, I shuld thinke my time fortunatly
spent to make you reape the due fruit of right oportunitie; but
I see you haue no luk to helpe your state, nor to assure you
from treasons leasur. You giue to muche respit to rid your harme
and shorten others hast. Wel, I wyl pray for you, that God wyl
unseal your yees, that to long haue bin shut, and do require you
thinke that none shal more joy therat than myselfe, that most I
am sure grives the contrary. Aston hathe told me some of your
request, to wiche I haue made so reasonable answer as in reason
may wel content. Praying God to defend you from all mishap or
treason,
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my right deare brother the king of Skotz. d.
d.

<Q RO1 1593 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 71>
[} [\NO. XLII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January 1592-3.\]
   My most deare brother, Wondars and marvelles do so assaill my
conceatz, as that the long expecting of your nideful answer to
matters of suche waight as my late lettars caried nides not
seame strange. Thogh I knowe the aught be more regardid, and
spidely performed, yet suche I see the emminent danger and
wel-ny ready approche of your states ruin, your liues peril, and
naighbors wrong, as I may not (to kipe you company) neglect what
I shuld, thogh you forget that you aught. I am sory I am driuen
from warninge to heed, and from to muche trust to seake a tru
way how your dides, not your wordz, may make me assurance that
you be no way gilty
<P 72>
of your owne decay and other danger. Receue, therfor, in short,
what cours I mynd to hold, and how you may make bold of my
unfained loue and euer constant regard.
   You knowe, my deare brother, that, sins you first brethed, I
regarded alwais to conserue hit as my womb hit had bine you
bare. Yea, I withstode the handz and helps of a mighty king to
make you safe, iven gained by the bloud of many my deare
subiectz liues. I made myself the bulwark bitwixt you and your
harmes whan many a wyle was invented to stele you from your
land, and making other posses your soile. Whan your best holdz
wer in my handz, did I retaine them? Nay, I bothe conserved them
and rendred them to you. Could I indure (thogh to my great
expence) that forennars shuld haue foteing in your kingdome,
albeit ther was than some lawfull semblance to make other
suppose (that cared not as I did) that ther was no danger ment?
No. I neuer left til all the Frenche that kept ther life parted
from your soile, and so hit pleased the Hiest to bles me in that
action, as you haue euer sins raigned void of other nation than
your owne. Now, to preserue this, you haue overslipt so many
soundry and dangerous attemps, in nether uniting with them whan
you knewe them, nor cutting them of whan you had them, that if
you hast no bettar now than hiretofor, hit wyl be to late to
helpe whan non shal avale you.
   Let me remember you how wel I was thanked, or he rewarded,
that ons broght all the lettars of all thos wicked conspirators
of the Spanische faction, even the selfe same that yet stil you
haue, to your eminent peril, conserued in ther estates. Was I
not so muche douted as hit was thoght an Italian invention to
make you holde me dearer, and contrived of malice, not don by
cause; and, in that respect, the poore man, that knewe no other
of his taking but as if thiues had assailed him, he most cruelly
soufert so giltles a marterdome as his tormentors douted his
life; so sore had he the bootes, whan the wer ivelworthy life
that bade hit. See what good incouragement I receved for many
wacheful cares for your best safty! Wel, did this so discomfort
my good wyl as, for al this, did I not euer serue for your true
espiall, iven whan you left your land and yours ready, wel-ny,
<P 73>
to receaue suche foraine forsis as the required and wer
promised; wiche, if you had pleased to knowe, was and is to
evident to be proved. But what of all this, if he who most
aught, did naught to assure him, or to requite them?
   Now, of late, by a fortunate good hap, a lewd felowe hathe
bine apprehended with lettars and instructions. I pray God he be
so wel handeled as he may confes all his knowlege in the
Spanische conspiracie, and that you use not this man as slightly
as you don the ringeleaders of this treason. I vowe, if you do
not rake hit to the botome, you wyl verefie what many a wise man
hathe (vewing your procidings) judged of your gilttines of your
owne wrack; with a wining, that the wyl you no harme in inabling
you with so riche a protector, that wyl prove, in the ende, a
destroiar.
   I haue beheld, of late, a strange, dishonorable, and
dangerous pardon, wiche if hit be true, you haue not only
neglected yourselfe but wronged me, that haue to muche procured
your good to be so ivelguerdoned with suche a wrong, as to haue
a fre forgiuenes of aught conspired against my person and estat.
Suppose you, my deare brother, that thes be not rather enseignes
of an enemy than the tast of a frinde? I require, therfor, to al
this, a resolute answer, wiche I chalenge of right, that may be
dides, bothe by spidy apprehension with bisy regard, and not in
sort as publik rumor may precede present action, but rather that
the be intrapped or the do looke therfor; for I may make deme
you wold not haue [{them{] taken, and what wyl folowe than, you
shal see whan lest you looke. Think me, I pray you, not ignorant
what becometh a king to do, and that wyl I never omit; praying
you to trust Bowes in the rest as myselfe. I am ashamed that so
disordard coursis makes my pen excide a lettar, and so drives me
to molest your yees with my to long skribling, and therfor end,
with my ernest prayers to God that he wyl inspire you to do, in
best time, al for your best.
   Your loving affectionat sistar,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] For our deare brother the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1593 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 81>
[} [\NO. XLVII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\May 1593.\]
   No sample bettar triar of truthe, my deare beloued brother,
than whan dides dothe give a right sequel to wordes precedant,
the report of wiche profe sins your actions make me, iven in the
last just handeling of that wicked traitor Westmerland, whom
many benefitz of life and lande, besides all other kind and
louinge traictmentz, could neuer let but he wold nides make his
name the first traitor that euer my raigne had; to whom, nether
cause, nor iniury, nor pouerty, nor il vsage, gaue euer shadowe
of mene to moue suche a thoght, but wer hit not that he liueth
by my meanes (whom many wold, for the horror of his fact, or now
haue dispached), (\securus propter contemptum\) , els hit had
not bine possible for him to haue liued to this howre; but I
dout not but your answer to his treasonable lettar wyl make him,
and suche like, knowe that you not only hate the treason, but do
owe as muche to the traitor; and, I assure you, I wil neuer
suffer that this fact of yours shal retourne void, but wil euer
recompence you withe the like, with my million of thankes for
suche kinglike part.
   And, now, I heare that some nobleman hath bine accused of so
<P 82>
horrible a crime as my hart rues to remember. For Godz loue,
look throw no spectacles to your owne safety. Your yees be
younge, you nideth not haue a clere sight in your so nye a
cause, and let your counseil see that you wyl not easely be
begiled in making to smal regard of that wiche toucheth life -
yea, of a king! For overgreat audacitie wyl brede, to a mynde
that may be sone perswaded that all is wel, to do the boldlar a
wicked act. Hard is the skul that may serue in place of suche a
danger, nay hit may bride hit to neglect hit. You haue had many
treasons wiche to tendarly you haue wrapt vp. I pray God the
cindars of suche a fire bride not one day your ruine. God is
witnes I malice none, but for your seurty is only the care of my
writing. I desiar no bloude, but God saue yours. Only this my
long experience teacheth me; whan a king neglectes himself, who
wyl make them enemis for him? Let this serve you for a
(\caveat\) . You wil beare with the fault that affection
commiteth, and use the profit to your best good. For wiche I wyl
euer pray to God, who long defend you from al treachery.
   Your most assured loving sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
   While Bodewel is in this case, give ordar, I beseche you,
that the ordars so wel begone may be perfourmed, and so
continued, and that no man haue rule ther that taketh not to
hart the quiet of bothe realmes.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deare brother the king of Skotz.

<Q RO1 1593 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 90>
[} [\NO. LI. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\October 1593.\]
   My deare brother, If the variablenis of Skottis affayres had
not invred me with to olde a custom, I shuld neuer leue wondring
at suche strange and vncought actions, but I haue so oft with
careful yees foresine the ivel-comming harmes, and with my
watche for-met
<P 91>
with chifest attemptz, and see them ether not belived or not
redrest, that I wex faint vndar suche burdain, and wery of
fruictles labour. One while, I receue a wright of obliuion and
forgiuenes, than a revocation, with new additions of latelar
consideration; sometimes, some you cal traitors with proclame,
and anone, ther must be no profe allowed, thogh neuer so
apparent, against them. Yea, if one lewd aduocat, perchance
hired for the nonest, dar pronounce a sentence for them, thogh
one of like state denye the same, his word must not take place.
Hit semes a paradoxe to me, that, if of two plaidars one be for
the king, the equal number shal not serue for a king. I muse how
any so lewd a man hathe bine chosen for suche a place, as durst
come in open vew pleade against his mastar. Ther office is, as
to do right so do the soueraine no wronge. If he had douted, as
no honest man could, he ought bine absent rather than ther to
play so vnfitting a part, thogh secretly he had told hit you. He
is happy he is no Englis man. You shuld haue hard other newes of
him than.
   Old Meluin, I perceaue, hathe told you a pece of a tale and
left out the principal. My wordes wer thes: "I heare say the
offending lordz hopes by ther frindz to skape ther paine; I
suppose your king to wise to be so unmindful of his peril to
suffar vnprosecuted suche as wold tral ther country to strangers
curtesy, hauing knowen hit so plain and so long, for this is not
ther first offence. But if his powre serued not to apprehend,
yet to condempne I douted not, for if euer he wold pardon them,
wiche I could hardly counseil, yet I could not thinke without
some obligation to some other prince, that, for ther request, he
wold do hit."
   Now to this great cause that toucheth us bothe so muche.
First, considar of what profession the be; next, to whom the
haue made vowe for religion, the wiche I call christian treason,
under what cloke so neuer. I haue oft told you I was neuer
horsleche for bloude, but rather than your ouer-trust shuld
peril the creditor, I wold wische them ther worst desart. Than
how to credit that so oft hathe deceued? My braines be to shalow
to fadom that botome. How hardly
<P 92>
remedies be aplied to helpe inveteratid maladies! I haue small
skil of suche surgery. In fine, I see nether jugement, counseil,
nor sure affection in so betrayinge advis as to giue your selfe
suche a lasche that the shal be bothe vncondemned and saued.
What thanke may the giue your marcy whan no crime is tried? What
bond shal tye ther profert loyalty if no precedent offencis past
be acknoweleged by confession? Shal the leue to adhere to that
party wiche the neuer made? Or what othe shal be sure to suche
as ther profession skars thinkes lawful for a trust? I vowe to
the liuinge Lord, that no malice to any, nor turbulent spirit,
but your tru seurty and realmes fredom, inforseth my so plain
discours, wiche cannot omit that ther be left so great a blot to
your honor as the receuing them uncondemned to your grace.
   And for Bodwel, Jesus! did euer any muse more than I, that
you could so quietly put up so temerous, indigne, a fact, and
yet by your hand receving assurance that all was pardoned and
finisched. I refer me to my owne lettar what dome I gaue therof.
And now to heare al reuoked, and ether skanted or denied, and
the wheele to turne to as il a spouke. I can say, bad is the
best, but yet of iuelz the lest is [{to{] be taken. And if I wer
in your place, I wold, or he departed, make him try himself no
sutar for ther fauor whos persons let him persecute, so shal you
best knowe him, for ther be liars if depely the have not sought
him or now.
   But that I way most is the smal regard that your sure party
may make [{of{] you, whan the see you adhere to your owne foes,
habandoning the others seruise. I feare me the fame blowes to
fur that you wyl not pursue the side of wiche you be, what so
your wordes do sound. And this conceat may brede, if not
already, more unsound hartz than al the paching of thes bad
matters can worke you pleasure. You ar supposed (I must be
plain, for dissemble I wyl not,) to haue receued this heretical
opinion, that foreign forse shal strengthen you, not indanger
you, and that al thes lordes seake your greatnes not your decay.
O, how wicked sirenes songes! wiche, in first shewe, pleas; in
ende, ruines and destroies. Wax ynough of Godz raison befal
<P 93>
you to resist so distroing aduis, and be so wel lightned as not
so dark a clowde may dim you from the sight of your best good,
wiche cannot be more shunned than by the not yelding to so
betrainge deceat; from the wiche I wil incessantly pray for your
deliuerance. Wisching you many days of raigne, and long.
   Your most assured sistar,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my good brother the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1594 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 103>
[} [\NO. LV. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\May 1594.\]
   Thogh by the effectz, I sild see, my good brother, that euer
my aduisis be folowed, yet you haue whitsafed to giue them the
reding I wel understand, having made some of them the theme of
your last, thogh, God knowes, applied fur awry from ther true
sence or right desart; for if I bin in abuse, I claime you the
author of my deceat, in beliving more good than the sequele
hathe told me. For I haue great wronge if you suppose that any
perswation from whomsoeuer can make me haue one iuel opinion of
your actions, if themselues be not the cause. I confes that
diuers be the affections of many men, some to one, some to
another, but my rule of trust shal neuer faile me,
<P 104>
whan it is grounded, not on the sandes of euery mans humor, but
on the stedy rock of approued fact. I shuld condemne my wicked
disposition to founde any amytie promised upon so tikel ground
that others hate might breake the boundz of my loue, and upon
others jugementz to bild my confidence. For Bodwelz bold and
unruly entrance into my bordars, I am so fur from gilt of suche
a faulte, as I protest if I had receaued an answer, in seuentene
wekes space, of my lettar that contained his offer to reveale
unto you the treason of the lordz with forennars, I could sone
haue banished him from thens; and next, he came with your owne
hand to warant that no offence was imputed, wiche made the
borderars readiar to receaue him; but after I had not left
unpunist some of his receatars, I could not haue beliued the
durst haue procurid the pane due for suche desart, and
minde to make them affraid to ventur suche a crime agane; and if
ordar giuen now to all the wardens do not suffice, I vowe ther
bodies and pursis shal wel suffar therfor.
   I wil not troble you with recital of what this gentilman
hathe hard in all the other pointz, but this toucheth me so nere
as I must answer, that my desartz to you haue bine so sincere as
shal neuer nide a threte of hel to her that hathe euer procured
your blis. And, that you may knowe I am that prince that neuer
can indure a menace at my ennemys hand, muche les of one so
dearly traictid, I wyl giue you this bond, that affection and
kind traictement shal euer preuaile, but feare or doute shal
neuer procure aught from me; and do advowe, that if you do aught
by forainers, wiche I knowe in ende worst for yourselfe and
country, hit shal be the worst aide that euer king had, and I
feare may make me do more than you wyl cal back in haste. Deare
brother, use suche a frende, therfor, as she is worthe and giue
her euer cause to remaine suche a one, as her affection hathe
euer merited, whos raschenes is no suche as neglect ther owne so
nere if the wil not forgo ther best and shun ther owne mishaps,
whom non can at my hand procure but your owne factz. Thus,
hoping that this bearar wyl tel you my faithful mening and
sincere
<P 105>
professions, with al the rest that I haue committed to him, I
leue this skribling, besiching God euer more to preserue you.
   Your most affectionate sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To our good brother the king of Skotts.

<Q RO1 1594 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 108>
[} [\NO. LVII. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\October 1594.\]
   My most deare brother, Thogh I wold haue wisched that your
sound counsels oft-giuen you, and my many lettars intercepted
wiche made to plain a shewe of that hye treason that to late you
beliued, might haue prevented your ouer great peril and to muche
hazarde, yet I rejoys with who is most gladlist, that at lengh
(thogh I confes almost to late) hit pleseth you so kingly and
valiantly to resist with your parson ther (\oulter-cuidant\)
malignant attempt, in wiche you haue honord your selfe, reioysed
your frends, and confound, I hope, your proud rebelz. You may
see, my deare brother, what danger it bredes a king to glorifie
to hie and to soudanly a boy of
<P 109>
yeres and counduict, whos untimely age for discretion bredes
rasche consent to undesent actions. Suche speke or the way, and
attempt or the considar. The waight of a kingly state is of more
poix than the shalownis of a rasche yonge mans hed can waigh,
therfor I trust that the causeles zele that you haue borne the
hed of this presumption shal rather cary you to extirpe so
ingratius a roote, in finding so sowre fruite to springe of your
many fauors ivel-acquited, rather than to suffer your goodnis to
be abused with his many skusis for coulors of his good menings.
Though at the first your carire was not the best, yet I hope
your stop will crowne all. If you now do not cut of clerely any
future hope to your nobilitie, through this example, neuer to
combine with forenars, or compact amonge themselues to your
danger, I wowe to God you wyl neuer posses your dignitie long.
Wedes in fildes, if the be suffred, wil quickly ouergrowe the
corne, but subiectz, being dandeled, wil make ther owne raignes,
and for-let an other raigne. My affection to your surty bredes
my plannes, wiche I dout not but by your sower experience you
wil fully beliue hireafter, hauing so lately proued the
sincerite of my dealings. God so prosper me in my affaires as I
maligne none of your subiectz, nor euer wold exaggerat any
matter but for your seurty, whom I mind to take euer as great a
care of as if only the interest of my life and person consisted
theron.
   This gentelman, the lord of Wemes, I find a most careful
subiect of his prince, and one most curius to atcheue as muche
as you committed to him, in wiche I dout not but I haue
satisfied you in honor, as time and comoditie serue, with wiche
I wil not molest you more than refer me to his declaration, with
this only, that no one answer to al but procideth from a most
parfaict good affection toward you, and so I desire, with most
affection, that you interprete hit.
   I must not omit, for conscience sake, to speke a few wordz of
the mastar of Gray, with whom I haue had long discours, in wiche
I find him the most gridiest to do you acceptable seruise that I
haue euer hard any, and dothe lay none of his disgracis,
banismentz, nor los, in any part to you, but only to perswations
of suche as ment his ruine,
<P 110>
and hopes, with his good indeuors, to merite your formar grace;
and for my owne [{part{] , I am nothing partiall to him for his
particular, but this I must confes, being as honest as he is
sufficient, I thinke your realme possesseth not his secound. I
nowe speake upon my knowelege, therfor lose not so good an
instrument for your affaires, if you knowe no more against him
than I can lerne. You will pardon my audacious writing, as one
whos yeres teacheth more than her wit, neuer ceasing to lift up
my handes and hart with deuout [{prayers{] for your most
prosperous safe and sure succes in this voiage, for which I haue
sent you but to pay for hors-mete.
   Your most affectionat louing sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.
[\ADDRESSED,\] To my deere brother the king of Scotland.

<Q RO1 1596 ELIZABETH1>
<A QUEEN ELIZABETH>
<P 112>
[} [\NO. LIX. ELIZABETH TO JAMES.\] }] 
[\January or February 1595-6.\]
   My deare brother, If the wracked state, and wel-ny ruined, of
this poore gentylman, through the faitheles trust of desceving
servantz, in looking every wike of the ending of his troubles,
[{had not occasioned me to delay,{] I could not haue left my pen
so long dry, but wold haue fild hit to you with matter ful of
truthe, and memorialz of my cares, wiche neuer ar at rest for
your best avail, and ment to warne you of suche occurrance as
other nations afourd me; spetially, suche as might touche the
safty of our countryes, and honors of ourselves. Althogh I do
not dout, as now I do perceaue, that you shuld think them now
overstale for newes, being by good espialz not made ignorant of
our ennemis driftz, whos skope haue ther boundz while ether
liues in raigne, but the ever-guidar of best actions, and
readiest ruinar of wicked actes, wyl, I doute not, coule ther
heat, abate ther pride, and confounde ther forse. I am not suche
a wekely, nor
<P 113>
of so base a courage, that euer I mene breake one slombar for
ther malice, nor ons dreame of ther victoiri, whos ground-worke
is of so slippar foundation that the hold of suche edefice wyl
be overturnd with his owne gilt. I may not deny but Epimetheus
is no companion for a king. With Prometheus, therfor, I mynd to
folowe that after wische condemne not for iugement, and
therafter prepare suche menes and power, that, I feare not, shal
be so marshald as shal make us no skorne to the world, nor
delite to our foes; in some suche sort as I here you haue
begone; whos praise, if I shuld not lessene in praising, I could
more delate, but this muche I must tel you, that I cannot imagin
how you could by any more glorious menes set out your care for
your land, your loue to your neigbors, your hate to suche
wrongeful invadars, than with your pen and charge to your
subiectz you haue utterd, in wordz of suche effect and matter,
of suche waight, as, in honest dimars, hit may mar the facon [^A
CEDILLA ON THE C IN THE PREVIOUS WORD^] of diuelische machines,
and crase the hartz of treason-mynding men. In me, hit hathe set
a deape impression of a cousin-like zele, that myxith not his
los with her decay, and joyeth not that she shuld perische
first, in hope of bettar fare; wiche, as hit is euer unsure, so
sild is hit not a winde-shaked blast. But your so spedy care for
thretes, that the may not arive to dedes, doth assure me that
the shal haue no just cause that shuld make suche a skruple.
Receve, therfor, deare brother, bothe my censare and my thankes
therfor, as she that wyl not suffar you to go one fote beyond
her in busy inquiring and narow serching what fitteth best for
my counsel, or my warning for that may conserne your safety or
estate, as I haue charged this my embassador to tel you more at
length, as time and cause shal invite me, not omitting to
beseche you, that as I knowe him most obsequious in aught that
may conserne you, so hit wyl please you to shadow him with your
grace against the spiritz of suche as may fortune envie him but
shal never mache him. Thus I end my tedious skribling, wiche you
wil the rather pardon for to recompence the
<P 114>
long space that my writing hathe not spoken with you, praying
the euer-liuing God euer to preserue you from sinistar counsel,
and al good elz may euer befal you may prosper.
   Your most affectionat sistar and cousin,
   Elizabeth R.



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