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

[} [\LETTER CCXXIX. SERJ=T=. FLETEWOOD RECORDER OF LONDON, TO LORD BURGHLEY.\] }] My very good Lord, yesterday I sent your Lordship a Letter towchinge the admission of my Lord chieff Justice in to the Comen Place; but my man finding not your Lordship in the Court retorned the Letters to me agayne. This present Sundaye my Lord Maior was presented,

where her Maiestie most gratiouslie accepted of my Lord, and of my folishe speache, to the great comforth of my Lord Maior and of all his bretherne the Aldermen. Her Maiestie was wonderfully well pleased in all things, savinge for that some yonge gentilmen beinge more bold then well manered, did stand upon the Carpett of the Clothe of Estate, and did allmost leane upon the Quesions. Her Highness found falt with My Lord Chamberlain and M=r= Vizchamb. and with the gentelmen ushers, for suffering suche disorders. Her Majestie found fault with me for geving more praises unto her Highnes as towching the avaunsement of Religion then, as she said, she deserved; but my good Lord, I said nothing but truly and iustlie as it was indeed. My Lord Chamberlain made my Lord Maior Knight; my lord kyssed her Highnes hand, and sone departed. There wanted your Lordship, my lord Admirall, my lord of Leic. my lord of Hunsdon, M=r=. Secretarie, and other great persones. [^PASSAGE OMITTED^] Our Lord Jesus blesse your Lordship, and send your Lordship helthe; this present Sundaye. Your good Lordship's most bounden W. Fletewood. To the right honorable & my singuler good Lord my Lord Treasorer.

[} [\LETTER CCXXXIII. ELIZABETH DOWAGER LADY RUSSEL TO LORD CECIL; A.D.1594.\] }] God comfort you, my Lord, when you woold as it pleased your Lordship to comfort my daunted spiritts which were so changed therby and sturred upp by your Lordships so honorable most kynde and unloked for visitacion, as turned melancoly into a sanguin. My Lord in trawth I am weak. Heat in the forpart of my hed unfaynedly, with shooting payen, and swimming brayne, maketh me, on my fayth, to feare a sodayne death, like to the Erle Dorset. Suer I am that I slepe litle, eate less, nor drank a draught of ale, bere or wyne sins my comming to Windsor, but water and limmons, by phisitions advise. But in trawth I had clymed up and stoode from your Lordship's comming in, to your going owt, which made me faynt and sweat truly. Thus muche have I troobled your Lordship becawse I woold not willingly deserve to be thought a dissembler or ipperitt. Becawse I here your Lordship meaneth to be gon early in the morning, I am bowld to send your pale thin checks a comfortable litle breckfast agaynst the contagion of this tyme.

God bless yow, with the continuance of all helth and happiness as I woold to myself unfaynedly. Your Lordships owld Awnt, of compleate lxviij yeres, that will pray for your long lyfe Elizabeth Russel (^douager^) .

[} [\LETTER CCXXXIV. SIR ROBERT CECIL TO THE EARL OF ESSEX.\] }] My good lord By a Letter of yours, written on Saterday, what howre I know not, your Lordship seemeth not to conceave what might be the reason that things runne

on by us with so great silence; wherein that you may see the poore unfortunate Secretarie will leave no scrupule in you of lack of industry, to yeald you all satisfaction, (whome it were inhumanitie to neglecte, the circumstances considered of your cares and toiles, which have much of their dependencie upon the breath of this place,) I have thought good to yeald you reason for all, by drawing you to make your owne computations. Tyll Fryday in the morning wee heard nothing of your safe arrivall, of which, to tell you true, tyll I was well advertised, I tooke little pleasure to thinke of aunswering the Remaine, but wished the Action dissolved, and knewe, yf you had perished, it hath ben a vanitie to have dreamed any further, of ought els but passion here, and confusion there. And for good M=r=. Ralegh, who wonders at his owne diligence (because diligence and he are not familiars), it is true, that on Wednesday night, I being at Greenwich, and the Queen at M=r=. Walsinghams, his Letter found me, which I imparted on Thursday, as soone as the Queene was readie, unto her; and do confesse, that in expectation to heare of you, wee did differe aunswer to you untill Fryday, of which day, I trust, divers dispatches are with you long before this tyme. Thus do you see that a man, whose fortunes scants him of meanes to do you service, will not beare coales to be accused of dulnes,

especially by your rere-admirall, who making haste but once in a yeare to write a lettre in post, gave date from Waymouth to his last dispatche, which by the circumstances I knew was written from Plymouth. But now, My Lord, after this longe preface, lett me take a little tyme for you with that, which I assure you would have pleased you, if you had ben a beholder. There arrived three daies since in the Cittie an Ambassador out of Poland, a gentleman of excellent fashion, witte, discourse, language, and person; the Queene was possessed by some of our new Counsellours, that are as cunning in intelligence as in decyphering, that his negotiation tendeth to a proposition of peace. Her Majesty, in respect that his father the Duke of Finland had so much honored her, besydes the lyking she had of this gentlemans commelines and qualities brought to her by reporte, did resolve to receave him publickly in the Chamber of Presence, where most of the Erles and Noblemen about the Court attended, and made it a great day. He was brought in attired in a longe robe of black velvett, well jeweld and buttond, and came to kisse her Ma=ts=. hands where she stood under the State, from whence he straight retired, tenne yardes of, and then begonne his Oration aloude in Latin, with such a gallant countenance, as in my lyfe I never behelde. The effect of it was this: that "the King hath sent him to putt her Ma=tie=. in minde of the auncient confederacies betweene

the Kings of Poland and England; that never a Monarche in Europe did willinglie neglect their frendship; that he had ever frendlie receaved her merchants and subjects of all qualitie; that she had suffered his to be spoiled without restitution, not for lacke of knowledge of the violencies, but out of meer injustice, not caring to minister remedie, notwithstanding many particular petitions and letters receaved; and to confirme hir dispositon to avowe these courses (violating both the Law of Nature and Nations) because ther were quarels between her and the King of Spaine, she therfor tooke upon her, by mandat, to prohibite him and his Countreis, assuming therby to her self a superioritie (not tollerable) over other Princes; nor he determined to endure; but rather wished her to knowe, that yf there were no more then the auncient amitie between Spaine and him, it were no reason to looke that his subjects should be impedited, much lesse now, when a strickt obligation of bloud had so conjoyned him with the illustrious howse of Austria:" concluding, that, "if her Ma=tie= would not reforme it, he would." To this I sweare by the living God, that her Ma=tie=. made one of the best aunswers (\ex tempore\) , in Latin, that ever I heard, being much mooved to be so challenged in publick, especially so much against her expectation. The wordes of her beginning were these, " (\Expectavi Legationem, mihi vero Querelam adduxisti\) ; is this the busynes your King hath sent you

about! suerlie I can hardlie beleeve, that yf the King himself were present, he would have used such a language, for yf he should, I must have thought that his being a King not of many yeares, and that (\non de jure sanguinis, sed de jure electionis, imo noviter electus\) , may happilie leave him uninformed of that course which his father and auncestors have taken with us, and which peradventure shalbe observed by those that shall live to come after him. And as for you (saied she to the Ambassador) although I perceave you have redde many books to fortifie your arguments in this case, yet am I apt to beleeve that you have not lighted upon the Chapter that prescribeth the forme to be used between Kings and Princes; but were it not for the place you hold, to have so publicly an imputation throwne upon our Justice, which as yet never failed, wee would aunswer this audacitie of yours in another style. And for the particulars of your Negotiations, wee will appoint some of our Counsell to conferre with you to see upon what ground this clamor of yours hath his foundacion, who have shewed your self rather an Heralde then an Ambassador." I assure your Lordship though I am not apt to wonder, I must confesse before the living Lord that I never heard her (when I know her spirits were in passion) speake with better moderation in my lyfe. You will thinke it strange that I am thus idle as to use an other bodies hand. I assure you I have harte

my thumme at this hower; and because the Queene tould me she was sorrye you heard not his Latin and hers, I promised her to make you partaker of as much as I could remember, being as I knew the worst you would expect from her, and yet the best could come from any other. Yf therfore this my Lettre finde you, and that you write backe before your going, I pray you take notice that you were pleased to heare of her wise and eloquent aunswer. I am half ashamed to take thus much tyme from you, but when I hope it shalbe the last which shal come to you before you goe out of England, I am contented in this to be censured idle, though, in all things els upon the face of the earth, I wilbe founde Your faithfull and affectionate poore frende, to doe you service [\...\] From the Court at Grenwich the 26 of July 1597.

[} [\LETTER CCXXXVII. THE COUNTESS OF ESSEX TO MR SECRETARY CECIL.\] }]

Sir Although the awnswere I receved from you two daies since gave mee small incouragement to flatter my self that anie importunity I could make should bee able to appease the scandall you had conceaved to bee geven you by my unfortunat husband: yet hade it not pleased God to powre uppon mee one affliction

after an other, and to add to the immesurable sorrowes of my harte so violent a sicknes as I am not able of my self to stur out of my bed, I had presented unto your vew the image of the importunante Widow mentioned in the Scriptur, and had never ceased to pester you with my complaines till you had afforded me some assurance that, whatsoever respects might dehorte you from so much as wishinge my husband's good, yet that an afflicted and wofull lady should not wholly loose her labor, or returne desperate of such comforts at the last yeare you so honorably ministred unto mee in a great affliction though differinge from this in qualitie. As I receaved then such noble curtesies from you as must never bee forgotten; so bee perswaded, I beseech you, that whatsoever new favor you shall now be pleased to add to the old, shall so binde mee to reverence of your vertues as I will resolve to recken my self a bankerout till I have yeelddid some demonstrative testimonie of the best thankfullness that the honestest harte can expresse for the worthest benefitt. Honorable Sir, I know there bee private causes to discourage mee from movinge you heerin: yet, seeinge the highest providence hath placed you in a callinge most propper to bee a mene for my comforte, and that former experiance hath tought me that you are rather inclyned to doe good then to looke allway to private interest, I beseech you, even for your vertues sake, performe this noble office for mee as to joyne with the rest of your

LL=ps=. of the Councell in presentinge my humblest supplicacion to her Majestie. Bere Sir, I pray you, with theise tedious blotts from her feeble hand and sad sick harte that is stored with much thankfullness and infinite best wishes unto you, who will ever rest Your most beeholdinge poore distressed frend fra: Essex And M=r= Secretary even as you desire of God that your owne sonne never bee made orphane by the untimely or unnaturall death of his deere father, vouchsafe a relentinge to the not urginge if you may not to the hindringe of that fatell warrant for Execution, which if it bee once signed I shall never wish to breath one howre after. To the right honorable M=r=. Secretary Cecill.

[} [\LETTER CCXLVIII. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH, TO HER BROTHER PRINCE HENRY.\] }] My most worthy and dearest Brother: I geve you a million of thankes for the servant you sent mee, but

more for your kinde Letter, takyng few thinges so joyfully as to hear of your health, and though I cannot requite you with so pleasant a token, yet are these few lines a testymony of the affection of her whome you shall ever constantly finde Yo=r= most loving sister Elizabeth. To my good brother the Prince.

[} [\LETTER CCXLIX. THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH TO PRINCE HENRY.\] }] Worthy Prince and my dearest brother: I received your most welcom Letter and kynd token by M=r=. Hopkins, highly esteeming them as delightfull memorialls of your brotherly love. In which assuredly (whatsoever ells may fayle) I will ever endevor to equall you, esteeming that time happiest when I enjoyed your company, and desiring nothing more than the fruition of it again: that as nature hath made us neerest in our love together, so accident might not separate us from living together. Neither do I account yt the leste part of my present comfort, that though I am deprived of your happy presence, yet I can make

these lines deliver this true message, that I will ever bee during my lyfe Your most kinde and loving syster Elizabeth. To my most dear brother the Prince.

[} [\LETTER CCLII. CHARLES DUKE OF YORK, TO PRINCE HENRY.\] }] Sir Please your H. your trustie Douglas will witnes what sport I have. He will acquaint you with

my sutte, which I pray you moove to his M. So kissing your handes I rest Your H. most duetiefull York. To his Hienesse.

[} [\LETTER CCLIII. THE DUKE OF YORK TO PRINCE HENRY.\] }] Good brother, I hope you are in good helth and merry, as I am, God be thanked. In your absence I visit somtimes your stable, and ride your great horses, that at your return I may wait on you in that noble exercise. So committing you to God, I rest Your loving and dutifull brother York. To my brother the Prince.

[} [\LETTER CCLIV. HENRY PRINCE OF WALES TO KING JAMES THE FIRST.\] }] Please yo=r= Ma=tie= I am glad to have heard of your Ma=ties= recovery, before I understood of your distemper by the heat of the weather. I have sent this bearer of purpose, to

returne word of yo=r= Ma. good health, which I beseech God long to continew, as also to remember my most humble duety. He is lykewyse to acquaint yo=r= Ma=tie= that Mons=r=. le Grand hath sent me a horse by a French gentleman, wherewith I hope yo=r= Ma=tie= will be well pleased. The nexte Weeke I meane to use the benefit of yo=r= Ma=ties=. gratious favour of hunting in Waltham forrest, the place appointed as fittest for the sport being Wansted. In the mean whyle, and after, I will employ my tyme at my booke the best I can to your Ma=ties=. satisfaction, whereof hoping your Ma=tie= will rest assured I kisse most humbly your hands as Yo=r= Ma. most dutifull and obedient sonne. Agust 1608.

[} [\LETTER CCLV. THE DUKE OF YORK TO PRINCE HENRY.\] }] Sir Pleas your H. I doe keepe your haires in breath (and I have very good sport) I doe wish the King and you might see it. So longing to see you, I kisse your hands, and rest Yours to be commanded York. My maydes service to you. To his Hienesse.

[} [\LETTER CCLVIII. CHARLES DUKE OF YORK TO THE PRINCE.\] }] Most loving Brother I long to see you, and hope that you will returne shortly, therfore I have presumed to wreat these few lynes to You that I may rest in your favour and ever bee thought Your H. most loving brother and obedient servant Charles. S=t=. James 14. Mar. 1611. To his Highness.

[} [\LETTER CCLXIV. PRINCE CHARLES TO KING JAMES THE FIRST.\] }] Sir I cannot exprese the thankes I owe to so good a Father, first in showing my fault so rivelie, and then in forgiving my fault so frilie: albeit I cannot love and honnor youre Ma=tie= more then I did, yet this shall learne me heerafter not to be so foulish as to sende anie sutche message as shall beare anie comment but my owen, which shall be as full of love and respect as a dewtifull sone can owe to so loving a Father, thinking I shall prosper no longer then I deserve to be cald Your M=ties= most humble and obedient sone and servant Charles. S=t=. James the 11 of March 1612 To the King's M=tie=.

[} [\LETTER CCLXV. PRINCE CHARLES TO LORD VILLIERS.\] }] Steenie Ther is none that knowes me so well as yourselfe, what dewtiefull respect and love I have ever, and

shall ever carrie to Kinge: and therfor ye may juge what greefe it is to me to have the ill fortune as that anie of my actions should beare so ill an interpretation as I fynd by your Letter this message I sent by my Lo. Mongomerie has borne. I will no wais stand upon my justification, but desyre that my good meaning may be taken insted of the ill message. That which made me thinke that this message would not displease the King, was the command ye know he gave a good whyle ago that I should use all the menes I could to make the Queene make a will, wherby she should make over to me her Jewels: therfor I sent to have Kings aprobation of that which I thought he had desyred, and therfore I thought he would eather be glad then anie way displeased with the message; my meaning was never to clame anie thing as of right, but to submit my selfe as wel in this as in all other things to the King's pleasure. It doth greeve me much, that the King should be so much mouved with it as you say he is, for the least show of his displeasure would make me leave to medle, or thinke of anie such thing anie more, without showing himselfe openlie so angrie with me. To conclude, I pray you to commend my most humble service to his M=tie= and tel him that I am verri sorri that I have done anie thing may offend him, and that I will be content to have anie pennance inflicted upon me so he may forgive me, althought I had never

a thought nor never shall have to displease him, yet I deserve to be punniched for my ill fortune. So hoping never to have occasion to wryt to you of so ill a subject againe, but of manie better, I rest Your treu constant loving frend Charles P. I had written to the King before I receaved yours, but I hope you will mende anie thing that is amisse in the other with this for I did not thinke the Kinge had beene so angrie before I receaved yours.

[} [\LETTER CCLXXIV. PRINCE CHARLES AND THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM WHILE INCOGNITO AT PARIS, TO THE KING.\] }] Sir Since the closing of our last we have beene at Court againe, (and that we might not houd you in paine, we assure you that we have not been knowen,)

where we saw the young Queene, littell Monsieur, and Madame, at the practising of a Maske that is intended by the Queene to be presented to the Kinge, and in it ther danced the Queene and Madame with as manie as made up nineteen faire dancing Ladies, amongst which the Queene is the handsomest, which hath wrought in me a greater desier to see her sister. So in haste, going to bed, we humblie take our leaves and rest Your Majestie's most humble and obedient sone and servant Charles: Paris the 22 of Feb. 1622/3. [\POSTSCRIPT IN THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM'S HAND-WRITING OMITTED.\]

[} [\LETTER CCLXXXVI. PRINCE CHARLES AND THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM TO KING JAMES.\] }] Sir I confess that ye have sent mor jewels then (at my departure) I thought to had use of; but, since my cumming, seeing manie jewels worne heere, and that my braverie can consist of nothing else, besydes that sume of them which ye have appointed me to give to the Infanta, in Steenies oppinion and myne, ar nott fitt to be given to her; therfor I have taken this bouldness to intreate your Majesty to send more for my owen wearing, and for giving to my Mistres: in which I thinke Your Majesty shall not doe amiss to take Carlile's advyce. So humblie craving your blessing I rest Your Majesty's humble and obedient sone and servant Charles.

[^THE POSTSCRIPT FROM LETTER CCLXXXVI TO KING JAMES^] I your Doge, sayes you have manie jewels neyther fitt for your one, your sones, nor your daughters wering, but verie fitt to bestow of those here who must necessarilie have presents; and this way will be least chargable to your Majesty in my poure opinion. Madrill the 22 of Aprill 1623.

[} [\LETTER CCLXXXVII. THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM TO THE KING.\] }] Dere Dad, Gossope and Steward Though your babie himselfe hath sent word what neede he hath of more jewells, yet will I by this berer, who can make more speede then Carlile, againe acquaint your Majesty therewith, and give my poure and sausie opinion what will be fittest more to send. Hetherto you have bine so spareing that whereas you thought to have sent him sufficiently for his one wareing, to present his Mistris who I ame sure shall shortlie now louse that title, and to lend me, that I to the contrarie have bine forsed to lend him. You neede not aske who made me able to do it. Sir, he hath neyther chaine nor hattband; and I beseech you consider first how rich they are in jewells here, then in what a poure equipage he came in, how he hath no other meanes to appere like a Kings sonne, how they are usefullests at such a time as this when they may doe your selfe, your sone, and the nation honor, and

lastlie how it will neyther caust nor hasard you anie thinge. These resons, I hope, since you have ventured allredie your cheefest jewell your Sonne, will serve to perswade you to lett louse thesse more after him: first your best hattband; the Portingall diamond; the rest of the pendant diamonds, to make up a Necles to give his Mistris; and the best rope of perle; with a rich chaine or tow for himself to waire, or els your Doge must want a coller; which is the redie way to put him into it. There are manie other jewells which are of so mean qualitie as they deserve not that name, but will save much in your purs and serve verie well for Presents. They had never so good and greate an occasion to take the aire out of there boxes as at this time. God knowes when they shall have such another: and they had neede some times to get nerer the Sonne to continue them in there perfection. Here give me leave humbly on my knees to give your Majesty thankes for that rich jewell you sent me in a box by my lord Vahan, and give him leave to kiss your hands from me who tooke the paines to draw it. My reward to him is this, he spent his time well, which is the thinge wee should all most desier, and is the glorie I covett most here in your service, which sweet Jesus grant me, and your blessing. Your Majesty's most humble slave and doge Steenie. Madrill the 25 of Aprill 1623.

Sir Foure Asses you I have sent. Tow hees and tow shees. Five Cameles, tow hees, tow shees, with a young one; and one Ellefant, which is worth your seeing. Thees I have impudentlie begged for you. There is a Barbarie hors comes with them, I think from Watt Aston. My Lord Bristow sayeth he will send you more Camells. When wee come oure selves wee will bringe you Horses and Asses anoufe. If I may know whether you desier Mules or not, I will bringe them, or Dere of this Cuntrie eyther. And I will lay waite for all the rare coler burds that can be hard of. But if you doe not send your babie jewels eneugh I'le stope all other presents. Therfore louke to it.

[} [\LETTER CCLXXXVIII. PRINCE CHARLES TO THE KING.\] }] Sir Steenie and I doe thinke it necessarie that Bristo should stay heer behynd us, for wee cannot see how the businesses of frendship (as they call it)

can be ended, without eather his stay or ours, and we thinke that they cannot choose but a great whyle of treating: for that of the Palatinat onlie will take up at least two monthes for the perfyting of it: besydes your Majesty knowes ther ar manie other businesses of great consequence which must requyre tyme: and if wee should goe away without leaving somboddie behynd us to end them (and your Majisty knowes ther is noboddie so fitt for this as Bristo) they may justlie thinke that I cam onlie for a Marriage and not for a frendship. Wherfor since his stay will make our happiness of kissing your Majesty's hands to be the sooner, I hope ye will not onlie give him leave, but command him to obey us in this. So humblie craving your Majesty's blessinge I rest Your Majesty's humble and obedient sone and servant Charles. Madrill the 25 of Aprill 1623.

[} [\LETTER CCXCIX. PRINCE CHARLES TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.\] }] Steenie First I must thanke you for the token you sent me, then that you imployed so good a Secretaire to answer my letter. Now I must crave your pardon to truble you a little: and it is this; Bristo stands upon his justification, and will by no means accept of my councells; the King does hait to have him cum to his tryall, and I am affeard that if you be not with us to helpe to charge him, and to set the King right, he may escape with too slight a sencure; therfor I would have you send to the King to put of Bristoe's tryall untill you might waite on him: but for God's sake doe not venter

to cum suner then ye may with the saftie of your health; and with that condition, the suner the better. If ye will answer me, truble not your selfe, but doe it by the Secretaire ye used last. Take care of your selfe for my sake, who is and ever shall be Your treu, loving, constante frend Charles P.

[} [\LETTER CCCIII. THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM TO THE EARL OF NEADSDALE.\] }] My noble Lord His Majesty hath commanded me to acquaint your Lordship that he hath prorogued his Parliament untill the sixteenth day of Februarie for manie waightie

considerations, but principally this, that the respect of the Princesse of France and the reverence which will be given to her person when shee shall be here for those graces and virtues that shine in her, as likewise for the love and dutie borne to the Prince being all joyned in her, will not only stay the exorbitant or ingentle motions that might otherwise bee made in the House of Parliament, but will facilitate in his Majesties proceeding those passages of favors, grace, and goodnes which his Majesty hath promised for the ease of the Romaine Catholickes, not merelie in contemplation of that incomparable Ladie and his dere brother, but as the gentleman that was sent latlie here from you can bere wittnes, with a desier worthie the cherishing, to make a beginning of a straighter correspondence betweene him you went to, then could be hoped for these manie yeres past. Besides, you may be pleased to lay before him I forbeare to name (wanting a Sifer) the obligation which must fall upon the Prince in a thinge which though it be to them but a circumstance of time, yet to him an essential favor, being pasionatelie in love: and, amongst Princes and generous spiritts, things themselves take not so much

as the maner they are done with: therefore I conjure You as a worke of more consequence then can at the first view be conceived, to use all possible diligences that where you are, there be used no delays nor interruptions to hinder the speedy dispaching of the Dispensation, which worke I hope will not be hard, since I trust before this time that jentlemans dispatch make you plainelie perseve that his Majesty hath left nothing undone on his part both to facilitate and hasten a happie end to this great busines which will make a good entrie to a greater good in Christendom. Thus leveing you to the protection of the Almightie I end. Your Lordship's affectionate kinsman and humble Servant G. Buckingham. I hope the next news I shall here from you will bee you have done your errant, recovered your health, and on your way homwards. For the right honorable The Erle of Neadsdale.

[} [\LETTER CCCXIX. KING CHARLES I=ST= TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.\] }] Steenie I writt to you by Ned Clarke that I thought I would have cause anufe in shorte tyme to put away the Monsers, ether by atemting to steale away my Wyfe, or by making plots with my owen subjects. For the first I cannot say certainlie whether it was intended, but I am sure it is hindered; for the other,

though I have good grounds to belife it, and am still hunting after it, yet seing daylie the malitiusness of the Monsers, by making and fomenting discontentments in my Wyfe, I could tarie no longer from adverticing of You, that I meane to seeke for no other grounds to casier my Monsers, having for this porpose sent you this other letter that you may if you thinke good, advertise the Queene Mother with my intention, for this being an action that may have a show of harshness I thought it was fitt to take this way, that she to whome I have hade manie obligations may not take it unkyndlie, and lykwayes I thinke I have done you no wrong in my letter though in some place of it I may seeme to chyde you. I pray you send mee word with what speed you may, whither ye lyke this cource or not, for I shall put nothing of this in exsecution while I heere frome you: in the meane tyme, I shall thinke of the convenients meanes to doe this business with the best mind, but I am resolute: it must be done and that shortlie. So, longing to see thee, I rest Your loving, faithfull, constante frend Charles R. Hampton Courte the 20=th= of November 1625.

[} [\LETTER CCCXXXII. THE KING TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.\] }] Steenie I have receaved your Letter by Dic Greame, this is my Answer. I command you to send all the French away to morrow out of the Toune. If you can, by faire meanes (but stike not longe in disputing) otherways force them away, dryving them away lyke so manie wyld beastes untill ye have shipped them, and so the Devill goe with them. Lett me heare no answer bot of the performance of my command. So I rest Your faithfull constant loving frend Charles R. Oaking, the 7=th=. of Agust 1626.

[} [\LETTER CCCXXXV. KING CHARLES TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM\] }] Steenie I send you heerwith Letters to my Sister and Brother (I place them so, becaus I thinke the gray Meare is the best horse). As for Newes I can say but litell yet, Yrland being the onlie Egg we have yet sitten upon, and having a thike shell wee have not yet hached it. For Blenuill he hes yet but made his formale demands concerning the Ships, to which he has a delatorie answer while we heere from France concerning

the restitution of oure Ships. This is all I have to say to thee at this tyme, but that that I shall ever say and thinke, that I ame and ever will be Your faithfull loving constant frend Charles R. For Yourself.

[} [\LETTER CCCXXXIX. THE KING TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.\] }] Buckingham I command You to draw my Armie together to Porchemouth, to the end I may send them speedli to Rochell. I shall send after you directions how and whaire to billett them, untill the tyme that ye will be able to shipp them; for the doing whairof, this shall be your sufficient warrant, it being the command of Your louing faithfull constant frend Charles R. Whithall, the 6=th= of June 1628.

[} [\LETTER CCCXL. DUDLEY LORD CARLETON TO THE QUEEN.\] }]

Maddam I am to trouble your Grace, with a most Lamentable Relation; This day betwixt nine and ten of the clock in the morning, the Duke of Buckingham then comming out of a Parlor, into a Hall, to goe to his coach and soe to the King, (who was four miles of) having about him diverse Lords, Colonells, and Captains, & many of his owne Servants, was by one Felton (once a Lieutenant of this our Army) slaine at one blow, with a dagger-knife. In his staggering he turn'd about, uttering onely this word, "Villaine!" & never spake word more, but presently plucking out the knife from himselfe, before he fell to the ground, hee made towards the Traytor, two or three paces, and then fell against a Table although he were upheld

by diverse that were neere him, that (through the villaines close carriage in the act) could not perceive him hurt at all, but guess'd him to be suddenly oversway'd with some apoplexie, till they saw the blood come gushing from his mouth and the wound, soe fast, that life, and breath, at once left his begored body. Maddam, you may easily guesse what outcryes were then made, by us that were Commaunders and Officers there present, when wee saw him thus dead in a moment, and slaine by an unknowne hand; for it seemes that the Duke himselfe onely knew who it was that had murdered him, and by meanes of the confused presse at the instant about his person, wee neither did, nor could. The Souldiers feare his losse will be their utter ruine, wherefore att that instant the house and the court about it were full, every man present with the Dukes body, endeavouring a care of itt. In the meane time Felton pass'd the throng, which was confusedly great, not soe much as mark'd or followed, in soe much that not knowing where, nor who he was that had done that fact, some came to keepe guard at the gates, and others went to the ramports of the Towne; in all which time the villaine was standing in the kitchin of the same house, and after the inquiry made by a multitude of captaines and gentlemen then pressing into the house and court, and crying out a maine "where is the villain? where is the butcher?" hee most audaciously and resolutely drawing

forth his sword, came out and went amongst them, saying boldly, "I am the Man, heere I am;" upon which diverse drew upon him, with an intent to have then dispatcht him; but S=r= Thomas Morton, my selfe, and some others, us'd such means (though with much trouble and difficulty) that wee drew him out of their hands, and by order of my Lord High Chamberlaine, wee had the charge of keeping him from any comming to him untill a guard of musketeers were brought, to convey him to the Governor's House, where wee were discharg'd. My Lord High Chamberlaine and M=r= Secretary Cooke were then at the Governor's house, did there take his examination of which as yet there is nothing knowne, onely whilst he was in our custody I asked him several Questions, to which he answer'd; viz=t=. He sayd, he was a Protestant in Religion; hee also expressed himselfe that he was partly discontented for want of eighty pounds pay which was due unto him; and for that hee being Lieutenant of a company of foot, the company was given over his head unto another, and yet, hee sayd, that that did not move him to this resolution, but that he reading the Remonstrance of the house of Parliament it came into his mind, that in committing the Act of killing the Duke, hee should doe his Country great good service. And he sayd that to morrow he was to be pray'd for in London. I then asked him, att what Church, and to

what purpose; hee told me at a Church by Fleet-Street-Conduit, and, as for a man much discontented in mind. Now wee seeing things to fall from him in this manner, suffer'd him not to bee further question'd by any, thinking it much fitter for the Lords to examine him, and to finde it out, and know from him whether he was encouraged and sett on by any to performe this wicked deed. But to returne to the screeches made att the fatall blow given, the Duchesse of Buckingham and the Countesse of Anglesey came forth into a Gallery which look'd into the Hall where they might behold the blood of their deerest Lord gushing from him; ah poore Ladies, such was their screechings, teares, and distractions, that I never in my Life heard the like before, and hope never to heare the like againe. His Ma=ties= griefe for the losse of him, was express'd to be more then great, by the many teares hee hath shed for him, with which I will conclude this sad and untimely Newes. Felton had sowed a writing in the crowne of his hatt, half within the lyning, to shew the cause why hee putt this cruell act in execution; thinking hee should have beene slaine in the place: and it was thus: "If I bee slaine, let no man condemne me, but rather condemne himselfe; it is for our sinns that our harts are hardned, and become sencelesse, or else hee had not gone soe long unpunished. John Felton."

"Hee is unworthy of the name of a Gentleman, or Soldier, in my opinion, that is afrayd to sacrifice his life for the honor of God, his King, and Country. John Felton." Maddam, this is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, yet all too much too, if it had soe pleased God. I thought it my bounden duty howsoever to let your Ma=tie=. have the first intelligence of it, by the hand of Maddam Yo=r= sorrowfull servant Dudley Carleton.

[} [\LETTER CCCLIII. PRINCE CHARLES TO THE EARL OF NEWCASTLE.\] }] My Lord I would not have you take too much Phisick: for it doth allwaies make me worse, and I think it will do the like with you. I ride every day, and am ready to follow any other directions from you. Make hast to returne to him that loves you. Charles P. To my Lord of New-castle.

[} [\LETTER CCCLIV. PRINCE CHARLES TO LORD NEWCASTLE.\] }] My Lord I thank you for your New Years guift; I am very well pleasd with it, especially with the brass Statues. On Munday by three of the clock I shall be glad to meete you at Lambeth. Charles. For My Lord of New Castle.

[} [\LETTER CCCLV. THE KING TO THE EARL OF NEWCASTLE.\] }] New Castel This is to tell you that this Rebellion is growen to that height, that I must not looke what opinion men ar who at this tyme ar willing and able to serve me. Therfore I doe not only permitt, but command you, to make use of all my loving subjects services, without examining ther Contienses (more then there loyalty to me) as you shall fynde most to conduce to the uphoulding of my just Regall Power. So I rest Your most asseured faithfull frend Charles R. Shrewsbury 23 Sep. 1642.

[} [\LETTER CCCLVI. KING CHARLES THE FIRST TO THE EARL OF NEWCASTLE.\] }] New Castell Your endeavors are so really faithfull and lucky in my service, that (though I pretend not to thank you in words, yet) I cannot but tell you of, (though I can not all) the sence I have of them, when, as now, I have tyme and oportunitie for it. This bearer will tell you of the defeate the Rebells have gotten, which referring to him, I will tell you of fower thousand pounds I have sent you, for which doe not too much thanke me, for, it may be, you should not have had it if I had knowen how it might have been speedily and safely conveyed hither; yet I thinke very well employed. That I have desyred of you is to make what hast you can to cum to joine your forses with myne, for I suppose and hope that my Wife will be cum to you before you can be reddy to march. I wryt this that ye may be reddy when she comes, or if (as it is possible) she should take another course, you might make hast without her; the certainty of which (I mean my Wife's journie) you will know within

few dayes or howers after the returne of this bearer. This is all for this tyme. So I rest Your most assured constant frend Charles R. Oxford 2: No: 1642

[} [\LETTER CCCLVII. THE KING TO THE EARL OF NEWCASTLE.\] }] New Castell The services I have receaved from you hath beene so eminent, and is lykely to have so great an influence upon all my Affaires, that I need not tell you that I shall never forgett it, but alwais looke upon you as a principall instrument in keeping the Crowne upon my heade. The business of Yorkshire I account almost done, only I put you in mynde to make your self maister (according as formerly but breefly I have written to you) of all the Armes there, to aske them from the Trained bands by severall divisions, to desyre them from the rest of my well affected subjects, and to take them from the ill affected, espetially Leedes and Halifax. I have no greater want then of Armes, nor meanes to supply myselfe then from you, and therfor I recomend to you the getting as manie as you

can from all the parts you may, and even from New Castell (whether for futur supplyes I have ordered great store to bee sent) into some safe Magazin there. My next greatest want is dragooners, which I want the more, because it is the Rebelles (indeed only) strenth, theire foot having no inclination to winter marches; wherfore if you could there horse and arme 500, and send these presently to mee, they might be of very great advantage. You have lykewais neighbours in Darbishire, Cheshire, and Lancashire, who (for theire good service) stand now in great need of your assistance, which I shall desire you to give, as far as will sut with my other service; and that you may doe it the more effectually, I have given order that a Commission bee drawen for you to command all the Countries beyond Trent. Lastly I will put you in mynde that some of your forces extended to Nottingham and Newarke would make Lincolneshire extreamly right, and restore those good subjects of myne who ar now banished. So, desyring to heare often from you I rest Your most asseured constant frend Charles R. Oxford 15: De: 1642.

[} [\LETTER CCCLVIII. THE KING TO THE EARL OF NEWCASTLE.\] }] New Castell I thanke you for your Letter of the 25: De: and in particular for sending for my Wyfe with that earnestness that ye have done. I give you free leave to disobey my warants for issewing Armes; for what I have done in that, was in supposition that you had anew for your selfe and your frends; but having not, I confess Charity begins at home. I wonder to heare you say that there ar few Armes in that Country, for when I was there, to my knowledge there was twelve thousand of the Trained Bands (except some few Hotham gott into Hull) compleat, besydes those of particular men; therfor on God's name inquyre what is becume of them, and make use of them all; for those who ar well affected will willingly give, or lend them, to you; and those who ar not, make no bones to take them from them. As for your Invitations to severall places; doe therein as you shall fynd best for my service, without looking to the little commodities of particular persons or Sheeres; for though I may propose manie things to your consideration, yet I shall not impose anie thing upon you; as for example, I heare Gen. King is come; now I desyre You to make use of him in your Army, I am sure you have not good

Commanders to spare, no more than Armes, yet, I confess there may be such reasons that may make this desyre of myne impossible. I know Newport hes that place he expected; to which I will only say that I wishe you an abler and - in his roome. You have had a litle tryall alreddy; yet (according to my owen rule) I doe not command, but earnestlie desyre you to see if you can comply with this my desyre. My conclusion is to asseure you that I doe not only trust in your fidelity, which (as Charles Chester said of Q. Elizabeth's falts) all the World takes on, but lykewais to your judgement in my Affairs; and ye may be confident that nothing shall alter me from being Your most asseured constant frend Charles R. Oxford 29: De: 1642. I promis you, to be as wary of a Treatie, as you can desyre. I pray you lett me heere from you as oft as ye may.

[} [\LETTER CCCLIX. THE KING TO PRINCE MAURICE.\] }]

Nepueu Maurice Though Mars be now most in voag, yet Hymen may bee some tymes remembred. The matter is this, your Mother and I have beene somewhat engaged concerning a Mariage betwine your brother Rupert and Mademoisell de Rohan, and now her frends press your brother to a positive answer which I fynde him resolved to give negatively; therfore I have thought fitt to know if you will not by your engagement take your brother hansomly off. I have not tyme to argue the matter, but, to show my judgement, I asseure you that if my sone James wer of a fitt age, I would want of my will but he should have her; and indeed the totall rejecting of this Allyance may doe us some prejudice, whether ye looke to thease or the German affaires; the performance of which is not expected untill the tymes shall be reasonably setled: though I desyre you to give me an answer assoone as you can (having now occasion to send to France), because delayes ar, some tymes, as ill taken as denyalls. So hoping and praying God for good newes from you, I rest Your loving Oncle and faithful frend Charles R. Oxford 4: July 1643. For my Nepueu Prince Maurice.

[} [\LETTER CCCLX. THE KING TO THE EARL OF NEWCASTLE.\] }] New Castell By your last dispach I perceave that the Scots are not the only, or (it may be said) the least ennemies you contest withall at this tyme; wherefore I must tell you in a word (for I have not tyme to make longe discourses) you must as much contem the impertinent or malitius tonges and pennes of those that ar or professe to be your frends, as well as you dispyse the sword of an equall ennemie. The trewth is, if eather you, or my L. Ethen leave my service, I am sure (at least) all the Northe (I speake not all I thinke) is lost. Remember all courage is not in fyghting; constancy in a good cause being the cheefe, and the dispysing of slanderus tonges and pennes being not the least ingredient. I'l say no more, but, let nothing disharten you from doing that which is most for your owen honnor, and good of (the thought of leaving your charge being against booke) Your most asseured reall constant frend Charles R. Oxford 5. Ap: 1644

[} [\LETTER CCCLXI. THE KING TO THE EARL OF NEWCASTLE.\] }] New Castell You need not doute of the care I have of the North and in particular of your assistance against the Scots invasion, but you must consider that wee, lyke you, cannot doe alwais what we would; besydes our taske is not litle that we strugle with, in which if we faile, all you can doe will be to little purpose; wherfor You may be asseured of all assistance from hence that may be, without laing our selfes open to eminent danger, the particulars of which I refer you to my L. Digby and rest Your most asseured reall constant frend Charles R. Oxford 11. Ap: 1644.

[} [\LETTER CCCLXII. OLIVER CROMWELL TO COLONEL VALENTINE WALTON HIS BROTHER IN LAW.\] }]

Deere Sir It's our duty to sympathize in all mercyes; that wee praise the Lord together, in chastisements or tryalls, that soe wee may sorrowe together. Truly England, and the Church of God, hath had a great favor from the Lord in this great victorie given unto us, such as the like never was since this War begunn. It had all the evidences of an absolute Victorie obtained by the Lord's blessinge upon the godly partye principally. Wee never charged but wee routed the enimie. The lefte Winge which I commanded, being our owne horse, saving a few Scottes in our reere, beat all the Prince's horse. God made them as stubble to our swords. Wee charged their Regiments of foote with our horse [{and{] routed all wee charged. The particulars

I cannot relate now; but I believe of twenty thousand, the Prince hath not four thousand left. Give glory, all the glory, to God. Sir, God hath taken away your eldest sonn by a cannon shott. Itt brake his legge. Wee were necessitated to have itt cutt off, wherof hee died. Sir you know my tryalls this way, but the Lord supported mee with this, that the Lord tooke him into the happinesse wee all pant after and live for. There is your precious child, full of glory, to know sinn nor sorrow any more. Hee was a gallant younge man, exceedinge gracious. God give you his comfort. Before his death hee was soe full of comfort, that to Franke Russell and my selfe hee could not expresse it, itt was soe great above his paine. This he sayd to us. Indeed itt was admirable. A little after hee sayd, one thinge lay upon his spirit; I asked him what that was; hee told mee that it was that God had not suffered him to be noe more the executioner of his enemies. Att his fall, his horse beinge killed with the bullett and as I am informed three horses more, I am told hee bid them open to the right and left, that hee might see the rogues runn. Truly hee was exceedingly beloved in the Armie of all that knew him. But few knew him; for hee was a precious younge man, fitt for God. You have cause to blesse the Lord. Hee is a glorious Sainct in heaven, wherein you ought exceedingly to rejoyce. Lett this drinke up your sorrowe. Seinge theise are not fayned words to comfort you; but the

thing is soe real and undoubted a truth, You may doe all thinges by the strength of Christ. Seeke that, and you shall easily beare your tryall. Lett this publike mercy to the Church of God make you to forgett your private sorrowe. The Lord be your strength; soe prayes Your truly faythfull and lovinge brother Oliver Cromwell. July 5=th=. 1644. My love to your daughter and my cozen Perceval, sister Desbrowe, and all freinds with you.

[} [\LETTER CCCLXV. OLIVER CROMWELL TO WILLIAM LENTHALL ESQ=R=. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.\] }] Sir Beinge commanded by you to this service, I thinke my selfe bound to acquaint you with the good hand of God towards you and us. Wee marched yesterday after the Kinge whoe went before us from Daventree

to Haverbrowe, and quartered about six miles from him. This day wee marched towards him. Hee drew out to meete us. Both Armies engaged. Wee, after three howers fight, very doubtfull, att last routed his Armie, killed and tooke about five thousand, very many officers, but of what quallitye wee yet know not. Wee tooke alsoe about two hundred carrages, all hee had, and all his gunnes, being twelve in number, whereof two were demie-cannon, two demie culveringes, and (I thinke) the rest sacers. Wee persued the enimie from three miles short of Haverb. to nine beyond, even to sight of Leic=r=. whether the Kinge fled. Sir this is non other but the hand of God, and to him alone belongs the glorie, wher in none are to share with him. The Generall has served you with all faythfullness and honor, and the best commendations I can give him is that I dare say hee attributes all to God, and would rather perish than assume to himselfe; which is an honest and a thrivinge way, and yett as much for bravery may bee given to him in this action as to a man. Honest men served you faythfully in this action. Sir they are trusty. I beseech you in the name of God not to discourage them. I wish this action may begett thankfulnesse and humilitye in all that are concerned in itt. Hee that venters his life for the libertye of his countrie, I wish hee trust God for the libertye of his conscience

and you for the libertye hee fights for. In this hee rests, whoe is your most humble servant Oliver Cromwell. June 14=th=. 1645 Haverbrowe. For the Hon=ble= William Lenthall Speaker of Commons-House of Parliament, Theise.

[} [\LETTER CCCLXVIII. KING CHARLES TO THE EARL OF GLAMORGAN.\] }] Hereford 23 June 1645. Glamorgan I am glad to hear that you are gone to Irland, and asseure you that as my selfe is nowais disheartned by

our late misfortune, so nether this Country; for I could not have expected more from them then they have now freely undertaken, though I had come hither absolute victorius; which makes me hope well of the neighbouring Sheeres; so that (by the grace of God) I hope shortly to recover my late losse, with advantage, if such succours come to me from that Kingdome which I have reason to expect: but the circumstance of tyme is that of the greatest consequence, being that which now is cheefliest and earnestliest recommended to you by Your most asseured, reall, constant frend Charles R.

[} [\LETTER CCCLXX. KING CHARLES TO PRINCE MAURICE.\] }] Newtoune 20 Sep. 1645. Nepueu What through want of tyme, or unwillingness, to speake to you of so unpleasing a subject, I have not yet (which now I must supply) spoken to you freely of your brother Ruperts present condition. The treuth is, that his unhansom quitting the Castell and Forte of Bristol, hath inforced me to put him off those Commands which he had in my Armys, and have sent him a Passe to goe beyond Sease; now though I could doe no lesse than this, for which (belive me) I have too much reason upon strickt examination, yet I asseure you, that I am most confident that this great error of his (which, indeed, hath given me more greefe then any misfortune since this damnable Rebellion) hath no waise proceeded from his change of affection to me or my Cause; but meerly by having his judgement seduced by some rottenharted villaines making faire pretentions to him; and I am resolved so litle to forgett his former services, that, whensoever it shall please God to enable me to looke upon my frends lyke a King, he shall thanke God for the paines he hath spent in my Armys. So

much for him; now for yourselfe. I know you to be so free from his present misfortune, that it nowais staggars me in that good opinion which I have ever had of you, and, so long as you shall not be weary of your Imploiments under me, I will give You all the incouragement and contentment that lyes in my power; however, you shall alwais fynd me Your loving oncle, and most asseured frend, Charles R.

[} [\LETTER CCCLXXI. OLIVER CROMWELL TO SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX.\] }]

Sir It hath pleased God to raise mee out of a dangerous sicknesse; and I doe most willingly acknowledge that the Lord hath (in this visitation) exercised the bowells of a Father towards mee. I receaved in my selfe the sentence of death, that I might learne to trust in him that raiseth from the dead, and have noe confidence in the flesh. Its a blessed thinge to dye daylie; for what is there in this world to be accounted off the best men according to the flesh; and thinges are lighter than vanitye. I finde this only good; to love the Lord, and his poore despised people; to doe for them, and to bee readie to suffer with them; and hee that is found worthy of this hath obteyned great favour from the Lord: and hee that is established in this, shall (being conformed to Christ, and the rest of

the bodye) participate in the Glory of a resurrection which will answare all. Sir, I must thankfully confesse your favor in your last Letter. I see I am not forgotten: and truly, to bee kept in your remembrance is very great satisfaction to mee; for I can say in the simplicitye of my hart, I putt a high and true valew upon your love; which when I forgett, I shall cease to bee a gratefull and an honest man. I most humblie begg my service may be presented to your Lady, to whom I wish all happinesse and establishment in the Truth. Sir, my prayers are for you, as becomes Your Excellencies most humble servant Oliver Cromwell. Sir, M=r= Rushworth will write to you about the quartering and the Letter lately sent you, and therefore I forbeare. March 7=th=. 1647. For his Excellency Sir Tho. Fairfax Gen=l=. of the Parliaments Armies, theise.

[} [\LETTER CCCLXXII. KING CHARLES THE FIRST TO PRINCE CHARLES\] }] Teusday 1 Aug: 1648 Charles I had written to you sooner had I knowen

where you had been; and particularly that express which, upon Saterday last, I directed to your brother I had sent to you, but I thought that [^CYPHER OMITTED^] I command you to doe nothing, whether it concerns War or Peace, but with the advice of your Councell; and that you be constant to those grounds of Religion and Honor which heertofore I have given you. I suppose your not knowing how to send your Letters to me hath been the cause of your not writing since your comming out of Paris; but now, indeed I shall take it unkindly if you doe not answer this, and write my dyverse other Letters. God direct and prosper you in all your actions. Your loving Father Charles R. This Cypher which now I write in, is that which was sent you by the noble frend who conveis this Letter to you from me.

[} [\LETTER CCCLXXIII. THE KING TO PRINCE CHARLES: PART IN CYPHER.\] }] Let none decypher this but your selfe, or my Lord Culpeper. Newport 7 No: 1648. Charles I have had so hopefull a reporte of your sickeness by D=r=. Fraiser, that I hope you will be fitt to read a Letter before that this can come to you; and though now I will not troble you with long discourses, yet, I must desyre of you an account of the receipt of my former Letters, to witt fyve in October, besydes one yesterday; in some of which I gave you an advice [^CYPHER OMITTED^] For other things I refer you to my former Letters, and to the obedience of your Mother's commands. So God bless you, and send you perfect healthe and prosperity. Your loving father Charles R.

[} [\LETTER CCCLXXV. KING CHARLES THE SECOND TO THE EARL OF SANDWICH.\] }]

Whitehall 9=th= June 1665. My Lord Sandwich, Though you have already done me very eminent service, yet the great part you have had in this happy Victory which it hath pleased God to send us, adds very much to the former obligations I have to you. I send this bearer my Lord Hawly on purpose to lett you know more particularly my sence of it, and will say no more my selfe till I see you, that I may take you in my armes, and give you other testimonies how truely I am Your affectionat frinde Charles R. For the Earle of Sandwich. [^SAMPLE 1 = FORGERIES AND ONE-EYED BULLS: EDITORIAL QUESTIONS IN CORPUS WORK. ED. BY KERŽNEN, JUKKA. NEUPHILOLOGISCHE MITTEILUNGEN 2. HELSINKI. 1998.^]

[} [\F.83. WILLIAM FAWNTE TO EDWARD ALLEYN\] }] M=r=. Allin mey Loue remembered I vnderstoode bey a man which came with too Beares from the gardeyne that you haue a deseyre to bey~ one of mey Boles. I haue three westerne boles at this teyme but I haue had verey ell loeck with them for one of them hath lost his horne to the queyck that I think that hee will neuer bee to feyght a gayne that is mey ould star of the west hee was a verey esey bol and mey Bol, Bevis hee hath lost one of his eyes but I think if you had him hee would do you more hurt then good for I protest I think hee would ether throo vp your dodges in to the loftes oreles dingout theare braynes a gen~st the grates so that I think hee is not for your turne Beseydes I esteme him verey hey for my Lord of Rutlandes man badmee for him xx marckes I haue a bol which came out of the west which standes mee in twentey nobles If you so did leyck him you shall haue him of mey faith hee es a marvilous good Boole and coning and well shapte and but fore eyre ould feiue [\OR feine\] com teime and shuch a on as I think you haue had but fev shuch for I a seure you that I hould him as good a doble bole as that which you hadoumes last a singgle. and one that I haue played thertey or fortey courses be fore he hath bene tacken from the stacke with the best dodges which halfe a dosen kneyghtes had If you send a man vnto mee he shall see aney of mey boles playe and you shall haue aney of them [\LACUNA IN MS.\]resoe if the will plesoure you. Thus biding you harteley fare well I end Your louing frend William ffawnte [\ADDRESSED\] To mey Verey Louing frend M=r=. Allin at the Palles Garden at London giue these

[} [\F.84. WILLIAM FAWNTE TO EDWARD ALLEYN\] }] M=r= Allin I haue sent these few leynes vnto you to in treat you to send me a cople of hee beare cobes and I will think my selfe mutch behoulden vnto you I praye you let me haue them blackones and shuch as you think will [\WORD CROSSED OVER\] macke greate beares and for the mony I will send it vp by this carior at his next coming vp I praye you withbrowne to see them set forward Thus hoping will satisfey my deseire of and wishing you=r= helth. You=r= Louinge frend to ves William Fawnthe [\ADDRESSED\] To my Very Louing frend m=r= Allin at the Pallis gardin giue thes

[} [\F.85. WILLIAM FAWNTE TO EDWARD ALLEYN\] }] M=r= Allin I forgot to talck with you when I was in london off the beare which you sayd & you had got I did loock off it but it was a shee cob so my desire is that you would send me by the carier a hee cob and shuch a one as you think will [\WORD CROSSED OVER\] mack a great beare and I will send you your mony for him by the next carier. and I will be redeye to do and so I [\WORDS tacke my CROSSED OVER\] bid [\?\] you farewell from my hous~ at foston this ix of [\WORD CROSSED OVER\] November. Your Louing frend to ves William Fawnte [\ADDRESSED\] To my vere Louing frend M=r= Allin at the Palis gardin giue thes~ [^SAMPLE 1 = LETTERS TO KING JAMES THE SIXTH FROM THE QUEEN, PRINCE HENRY, PRINCE CHARLES, THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH AND HER HUSBAND FREDERICK KING OF BOHEMIA, AND FROM THEIR SON PRINCE FREDERICK HENRY. ED. BY WALKER, SIR PATRICK AND ALEXANDER MACDONALD. EDINBURGH: THE MAITLAND CLUB. 1835.^] [} [^TO KING JAMES I, NO DATE, ABOUT 1612^] }] Most gratious soueraygn and dear father, this gentleman M=r.= Haringtons returne to the court gaue mee a well pleasing oportunity to present y=or= Ma=ty= w=t= this paper the messenger of my most humble duty to your highnes thinking it I confesse infinnitelye long since I was so happie as to enioy your presence w=ch= though I dare not presume to desire I know nothing I woulld so gladly obtayne And so humbly craving y=or= Ma=ties= blessing I will euer continue Your Ma=ties= most obedient daughter Elizabeth To the kynges most excellent Maiesty [} [^TO KING JAMES I, OCTOBER 20TH 1614?^] }] Sr, Being desirous by all the meanes I can to keepe my self still in your M. remembrance, I would not lett pass so good an occation as this bearer returning for England to present my most humble dutie and seruice to your M. by these beseeching your M. to continue me still in your gratious fauour it being the greatest comfort I haue to think that your M. doth vouchsaf to loue and fauour me, which I shall ever strive to deserue, in obeying with all humbleness whatsoever your M. is pleased to command her, who shall euer pray to God with all her harte for your M happiness and that she may be euer worthy the title Sr of your M, Most humble & obedient daughter and seruant Elizabeth Heidleberg this 20 October (\Au Roy\) [^THE PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE OF JANE LADY CORNWALLIS; 1613-1644. ED. BY GRIFFIN, RICHARD, LORD BRAYBROOKE. LONDON: S. & J. BENTLEY, WILSON, & FLEY. 1842.^]

[} [\I. JANE LADY CORNWALLEYS TO MR. PARR.\] }] M=r= Parr, - I hope you do so well remember what I said to you, at your being here, as that you have not given no incoregement to the gentleman to prosede in that matter, for, as, I tould you then, I saye now, that sinc Sir Willem Cornwaleys's death I neaver as yet had a thought of changing the course of life which I now lede. What may be my fortune herafter I know not, for it is onli known to Him which is the disposer of all things; whom I beseche so to direct me in all my courses as may be most to his glori: but this gentleman being so desierous to see me, as you said he was, I thought then, and so I do now, it ware uncivell

part of me to forbid him coming, but lef it, you know, to himselfe, and so I do still. Yo=r= asseured frend, Ja. Cornwaleys. [\1613.\] To my kind frend, M=r= Parr, at Palgrave.

[} [\II. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^JANE CORNWALLIS TO ELNATHAN PARR^] M=r= Parr, - I am sorry that my last gaive you soch destast as by your last I parceave it did; it was no part of my meaning that it should do so: and wareas you saye that Sir Nicholas and my La. expects their son should have soch grate prefarment by me, I must answer againe, that they have made it seeme other wayes to me, in asseuring me that it was myselfe, and not my fortune, which they desiered; but, I confess, by several circumstances I maye justly feare that I shall find my fortune to be the chiefe motive which hath persuaded them to this; besides which, if I do, yet it will much discourage me for persevering any furder in it. Thus, being in hast, I rest y=r= asseured frend as long as you are as I take you to be, Ja. Cornwaleys. Pray let my love be remembered to M=rs= Parr. [\1613.\] To my varie kind frend, M=r= Parr.

[} [\III. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^JANE CORNWALLIS TO MR. PARR^] M=r= Parr, - I thanck you for part of your letter, as farre as you ware indifferent in this busines; but I must tell you that I did never expect that you would have ben a persuader of me to a gave awaye the increase of my owne estate, being you have eaver heard me earnestli to protest that I would not, though I had married to a much grater fortune then Sir Nicholas Bacon doth offer with his son; for I would never have done my child so much wronge, though I might have had all the good of the world by it. This is no new thinge to you, for you know that before I eaver saw M=r= Bacon that this was my mind, and from which I neaver will be removed. Besides, whatsoeaver you and the rest of M=r= Bacon's frends think of my fortune in present, I know any indifferent bodi will saye it doth desarve farre grater offers then hath yet ben made me; and in it I shall not nede to include that money which Sir Charles is to paye, neaver in these. Besides, you know how often you have brought me word from M=r= Bacon that I should do with my own estate, besides my child's, what I would; which, if it should now apear to me that all this was but done to entice my affection, would be a grate

reson to direct it another waye, and I fere I shall find such hard mesure; but, howsoever, (yet) yf you carry yourself justly, you shall eaver find me your frend to my power, Ja. Cornewaleys. [\1613\] . To my loveing frend, M=r= Parr, at Palgrave in Suffolk, this give.

[} [\IV. MR. PARR TO ANNE LADY BACON.\] }] Madam, - I receaved a letter from your La. by the hands of M=r= Bacon about the 15th of October last, since which tyme it hath pleased God to make me unserviceable both for the public duties of my calling, and also for private offices towards my friends, even to the time of writing this letter, being the Lord's close prisoner in my chamber, not being able to indure so much light as might serve to read one line for my comfort. I beseech his Heavenly Majestie to sanctify his fatherly punishment to his own glorie and the good of my soul. I am so much the more bold to answer your letter, in as much as it has pleased you first to use me, and my La. Cornwalleys after to suffer me, as an instrument in this weighty buisnes, to the which I wish so well that I would contentedly go a hundred miles on my bare foot for the good accomplyshing of the same. For your letter, Madam, first, I thanke your La. for it; and then,

I desier you to know, that you writt nothing that might grieve me as concerning myself, but my grief was for the ill speeding of the buisnes, which your letter did portend. For my La. Cornwalleys her favour towards me, though I had great cause to fear the loss of it, yett I certify your La. that I have it as amply as ever I had, I humbly thank God for it. And whereas your La. writes of amends and satisfaction to be made to me for my trouble undertaken, I answer that, first, I give your La. many thanks, and then I protest before God, who knoweth harts, that I never aymed at any such thing, neyther have been carried to this so much as in hope of any preferment. But if you will needes know what were my ends, they were these: first, the approbation of my service to Sir N. Bacon and your La.; secondly, and more chiefly the glory of God and his Gospel to be more advanced by this mach, besides the general good of the country by so worthy a gentleman, together with the persuaded content of all parties to insue upon the same. And therfore, that you may be well persuaded of my integrity herein, I do hereby freely and willingly discharge your La. of all care and thought of any satisfaction to be made for my paynes herein, though I despise not your love; desiering that whatsoever you have intended this way towards me, may, with much more, be added to the enlargement of conditions

in this busines. The rest of your La=ps= letter, is, that you offer what you are able, and that you are not capable how my La. Cornwalleys could be offended att any thing and that you referr it to the providence of God. For these things I humbly beseech you, good Madam, give me leave to speak boldly to your Christian hart, being as ready to use the like boldness to my La. Cornwalleys if ther lay such impediment on that. For your ability, Madam, though you know best your own estate, yett the whole contry, you even show with fayre reason to be partial on your side, judge that you are able conveniently to give full satisfaction. For my La. Cornwalleys her offence at the conditions; first, they are farr under the proportion of their valew, beside short in some thing of what formerly had been spoken of. Secondly, they were bredd from an erroneous supposition of her estate; and therefore she concludes thus: If error, being less, bring forth such conditions, etc. then truth, being more, requires an enlargement. And truly, Madam, might it please you to give me leave to be so bold, if you were as wise as Solomon, what could you alledge why you should not amplify the conditions, considering the worthiness both of the person and estate? Not want of ability, for the contrary is more than evident; not the envy of others, for, first, you may do it with a good conscience, and

that which you give M=r= Bacon already, breedes as much envy as if you should give him as much more. Not the provision of other kindred; for, first, that is nearest; secondly, more necessary; thirdly, they may also be relieved, though not so largely. Now, whether this be first to be regarded or such kindred, this I say, by which so great good may redound to yourselves, the family, and the whole contry, he who is impartial will easily determine on this side. But you will say, how can the La. Cornwalleys proportion on her part, conditions expected in case of death? To this I answer, that either she must perform what is fit and reasonable, or if upon capitulation you shall not be able, then you must be contented with such as are offered. I know, as you shall find her wise and courteous, so conscionable and plaine in every thing. If you shall say, the worth of M=r= Bacon is great, I confes it, and greater than I will write, to avoyde suspicion of flattery; but sure then you will compare herselfe? And thus much I oft have heard her say, that, had it not been out of a special regard of his worthines, and out of a great deale of respect to Sir N. Bacon and yourselfe, she would never have entertayned it thus far, upon greater conditions then yett have been spoken of by any. Surely, Madam, there is great reason, you very well know, that you should strayne yourself for the effecting of this

mach; for, as I have often expressed on M=r= Bacon's behalfe to her, that I think she should be as happy for an husband as a woman might be, so I expressed on her behalfe to you, that M=r= Bacon should be as happy for a wyfe as any man in England. Now for the last point, concerning casting yourself and the buisnes upon the providence of God; it is well done, but yett, good Madam, call to mynde that which you know as well as myself, that meanes likely, fitt, lawful, and profitable are to be used, or else we do err in the practice of our fayth, or the providence of God. God hath made a way for you in this buisnes; follow you the good hand of God, using such aforenamed meanes, and then commit it to his providence. A word of this is enough to you that understand and desyer to practise according to sound knowledge. And now, to cease to be teadious farther to you and troublesome to myselfe, I eaven humbly beseeche Sir N. Bacon and your La. with impartial counsellors, to consider of this weighty affair, and not to lett slip so fayre an occasion of glory to God, good to the contry, preferment to your sonne, and comfort to yourselves. I would to God it might enter into your mynde to make some worthy additions to your former proffers. I beseche the Lord Jesus of his eternal Spirit to directe you in the managing of this matter to the accomplishing of it, if it be His

good pleasure. And thus, praying God for the continual encrease of your temporal and spiritual prosperity, I present the remembrance of my humble duty to Sir N. Bacon and your Ladyship, and rest, Your Ladyshypps to be commanded in what I may, Elnathan Parr. [\1613.\]

[} [\V. ANNE LADY BACON TO MR. PARR.\] }] M=r= Parr, - I have received your letter, and I am very sory that any losse of favour or otherwise any hurt should be to you, I am sure my letter could import no such thing. I cannot give you so large an answer to every poynt in your letter as wear fytt, but you shall hear from me againe very shortly when I have spoaken to my sonne, when I will truly answer your letter from poynt to poynt. I praye you co~mend my love to the Lady Cornwaleys, whose love I desyre to continew, though she will not yeelde it me in that sort I desyer. And thus, in hast, fare well. God hath the disposing of all things, and to Him I co~mitt this and all other. Yo=r= assured Anne Bacon. [\1613.\] To my assured freind M=r= Parr.

[} [\VI. NATHANIEL BACON TO MR. PARR.\] }] M=r= Parr, - I have sent to you according to my promise, being desirous to understand the estate of the supposed sicke person, of whose health my well wishes have not as yet geven me leave to despair. I praye send me word whether our intelligence did fayle or not, and how the determination for the jorney houldeth, or, if the party be evilye affected, whether shee will be visitable this afternoone or not? Thus, not desiring you further trouble at this tyme, I commyt you to God. Yo=r= assured friend, Nath. Bacon. [\1613.\] To his much respected friend M=r= Parr, at Palgrave, gev this.

[} [\VII. ANNE LADY BACON TO MR. PARR.\] }] Sir, - If my busynes had not bene much, and my stay at Redgrave very littill I hade purposed to have sene you at Palgrave. But, I humbly thanke God, I did heare there you wear somthing amended; I praye God to perfect your recovery. I have received your letters, but I have not leysure neyther to reade them as I shoulde, nor to wright

an answer as I would, my house being full of strangers; but, if God will, I will wright shortly. My sonne Nath. as I thinke is at London, if he be not gonne beyond the seas, which he did purpose, as I percieved by his letters the last weak. Soon his distance will be very great, so as we are content to lett hym travell for his recreation. You shall hear from me shortly: till then, fare well! By a dim candle, and old eyes going to bedd. Yo=r= assured freind, Anne Bacon. [\1613.\] To my very lovinge freind M=r= Parr, the Minister of God's word in Palgrave.

[} [\VIII. ANNE LADY BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] The greatest treasur vnder y=e= sunn (which is) the loue of God, the peace of consince and joy in the Holy Ghost, be w=th= you to yo=r= eternall comfort. My good La. I do percive that the olde proverbis be not alwaies trewe, for I do fynde y=t= the absence of my Nath. doth brede in me the more continuall remembrance of hym: and I cannot thinke of hym but I must do the lyke of yo=r= La=pp=. who I knowe is lodged in the principall p=t= of his hart. But how yo=u= stande affected vnto hym I knowe not,

otherwise then his resolution to travill makith me to suspect it. But, howsoever, I do and ever shall loue you vnfainedly and most deerly in the Lorde, and ame and shal be alwaies redy to do any kindness or servis that one Christian freind may perform vnto another. And I wishe from my hart that I wear abill to obtain yo=u= to my selfe as my owne, if I myght be so happy. But what I cannot have by alliance, yo=u= shall have by Christian bande. And I wishe my sonnes estate wear awnswerable to yo=r= content. In shorte, I hope to enioy yo=u= as I would; for a trewer husband, and on that louved yo=u= better, shall yo=u= never have. But I comend hym and yo=u= bothe vnto the disposing of Almighty God, who sitteth in y=e= heavens and oderth althings in this wicked world for the good of his children and for the distruction of his enimies, howsoever for a tyme thay seeme to flourishe. To this merciful God I comend yo=r= La=pp=. w=th= my littill swete cosen yo=r= prety sonn; and do rest, Ever yo=rs=, Anne Bacon. Culford, y=e= 22 of Octobr a=o= 1613. To my very nobill good freind the Lady Cornwallis, at M=rs= Cooke hir howse, neer to the Earle of Northampton's Howse by Charinge Crosse.

[} [\IX. NATHANIEL BACON TO MR. PARR.\] }] M=r= Parr, - I am hartely sorry that I have lived so long in ignorance of yo=r= estate, that I must necessarilie doubt of your well beinge; but my continuall prayers and well wishes in ther effects have promised so perfect a recovery, that my doubt resteth in part diminished. The success of my busines here hath so assured me of the constancie of fortune in myne endevors, that I do remaine desperate, wherfore I have undertaken that course for Antwerp which I intended, wherin I desier, by your well wishes, the continuance of your affection, of which I am already truely sensible, that my actions shall not in any thinge be more happily employed then to endevor a requitall. If you come to London, I desier to heare from you, which you may easily do by the means of M=r= Quester, the postmaster of Antwerpe, dwelling in Fillpot Lane. In the meane tyme, good angels guard you. Yo=r= assured friend, Nath. Bacon. From London, October [\1613\] . To his much respected friend M=r= Parr, Preacher at Palgrave in Suffolk, deliver this, at Sir Nicolas Bacon's howse, to be convayed unto him.

[} [\X. NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Madam, The pretiousness of a faier winde & a good ship, especially at this tyme of the year, hath constrayned to me (by the suddayneness of the occasion offered) to transgress all the bounds of loue & ciuillitye in that I haue not bin able to kyss yo=e= sweetest hands before my departure; but these circumstances, I do not doubt shall sufficiently satisfie yo=e= discretion and howld me excused. Deare Madam, all my happyness hath bin purchased by yo=e= fayth to what I haue proffessed, wherefore farther protestations ar altogether unnecessarye; onely lett constancie still seeme my cheifest vertue, w=ch= I do persewade my self shalbe easilye able to make good, or better yo=e= greatest expectations. My retourne shall rest altogether vppon yo=e= command & the conueniencye of farther proceedinges, vntill when I leaue you w=th= M=rs= Cooke & yo=e= pretty sonne, w=th= my best seruisse, and prayers for all blessinges temporal and spirituall most religiously attended. From Grauesend, ready to depart for Flushing, this 29 Nouembre. Yours absolutelye, Nath. Bacon. [\1613.\] Yo=e= La=pp= may be pleased to lett M=r= Cuckow

enquire at M=r= Quester's howse, the postmaster of Antwerp, dwellinge in Fillpot Lane, once in eight or ten dayes, wher he shall vnderstand of my letters. To the much honoured Lady the Lady Cornwallis, at M=rs= Cookes howse by Charinge Cross, geue these. London.

[} [\XI. ANNE LADY BACON TO MR. PARR.\] }] M=r= Parr, - I have deffered my writting unto you, desyring to heare from my sonne, who hath, byne at London ever synce the La. went up, and is either ther still, or else going over the sea, which he purposed when I last heard from hym. We have offered what we are abell, and what we can and will faythfully performe. If it be accepted, we shall rejoyse much therein; if not, we must be contented without grudging, asseuring ourselves it is the Lord's doing. And although the juell layd before us be never so riche, if we be not abill to buy it we must be content to forbeare it. We must not laye out all our stocke upon one purchas, having so many others to provide for. God blesse the good La. with a richer choyse, that may bringe a happy content to hyr mind. I do honor and love hyr with my holle hart, and I know an honester and trew harted husband shall she never have. But this I leave unto hyr La.

consideracion; resting much indebted unto you for your kinde and faythfull love, which you shall finde as occasion dothe serve. Yo=rs= asseuredly, Anne Bacon. [\1613.\] To my much approved freind M=r= Parre, at Palgrave, give this.

[} [\XII. NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Hart, I thincke you haue already vnderstood what vse I made of the litter, & I confess I was not able by any meanes to endure the tediousness of yt any farther; wherfore I made vse of the coach, according to yo=e= adwise, & cam well to Chelmsford, wher I mett w=th= my Lady Withipoole, w=th= whome I was enforced by her importunity to supp; butt thatt night, after I was in bedd, a distemper cam uppon me, so as I slept little till the morninge. I could not impute yt vnto any thing but diet & ale of hers, w=ch= she com~ended vnto me, & w=ch= I veryly beleiue caused yt, althoug I would not lett her vnderstand so much. This day I haue very well passed ouer my journy, & got a better stomach than I had this month, that I hope now a

bettering in my health euery day; w=ch= I hartely also wish vnto you, desiring you to be carefull of yt, & to geue yo=e=self the best content the place affordeth. Uppon Fryday or Satturday I purpose to depart. Com~end my best loue to yo=e=self, w=th= the rest of my good friends, & comand him, who is alwaies & oneley Yo=rs=, Nath. Bacon. [\1613.\] My brother Killigrew kyses thye hands, w=th= my sister, sending you many thanks for yo=e= kind tokens. To his most respected friend the Lady Cornewalleys, at her lodginge in the Strand.

[} [\XIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Madam, W=th=out circumstances I am her the same man as I parted from you, beinge not able to make my self more worthy of yo=e= loue then before. I haue found base enimyes in myne absence beyond expectation, but my cheifest friends firme onely in what they haue intended, & encrease of loue, although not of fortunes. Deare Madam, I am reasonably sensible of yo=e= deseruings & what

concerneth my self; wherfore be perswaded of my best endeuors fore the satisfaction or furtherance of eyther. I haue freely imparted (not w=th=out great reasons) the success of my business to my father & mother, the entertaynement of w=ch= I will refer to yo=e= owne experience at yo=e= retourne into the contry, wher I shall be easily able to iustifie whatsoeuer I haue eyther protested for my self or promised for my friends. Vntill when all good angells guard you. From Culford, January xuiij. Yours, Nath. Bacon. [\1613-14.\] I desier you to kyss the hands of the L. of Bedford of my part, & lett her vnderstand that at this instant I am prouidinge to do her seruise. To his much honoured Lady, the Lady Cornwalleys, at Twitnam.

[} [\XIV. ANNE LADY BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Madam, I cannot forbear to signify unto you how welcom my sonne Nathaniel with your favor is unto me, for without it I thinke I should not have seen hym a great while. And now, Madam,

as you shall find us in love reddy to perform all things as we have spoaken unto you, so shall I not cease to praye unto the Lorde Almighty for the increase of faythfull love between you with all spiritual graces and happiness in this life, and in the life to come, endles felicity to you and yours, in the presence of the Blessed Trinity, whear is fulnes of joy, and at whose right hand are unspeakable pleasures for evermore. And if it shall please you to take Culford in your returne from London, you shall be most entirely welcom and I shall much rejoyce in it; and Nath. will meete you on the way to direct you thether. And thus, good Lady, with more trew love in hart then I can expresse in words, I leave you to the blessed direction of Almighty God, and do rest Yo=r= ever loving freind, Anne Bacon. [\1613-14.\] To my deerly beloved freind the Lady Jane Cornwallis give this, at London.

[} [\XV. NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] The neglect of my weekely promise, sweetest Madam, maketh me somewhat ashamed of the approbation of myne honesty by yo=e= letter; but I am suer reason ther was, w=ch= I desier you will at the least imagine worthy an excuse. The owld

prouerbe, (^Out of sighte out of mynde,^) I haue proued directlye contrary, for I haue bin so wholely possesed in this absence w=th= the trewe consideration of yowr deservinges, that the desier of yo=e= presence is nowe inexpressible, & I do rest in a more troubled estate then yo=e= credit to my greatest protestations can make you sensible of. The tyme maketh me happy in the expectation of yo=e= sodayne cominge downe, w=ch= I wish for many respects may be made by this way: lett me vnderstand perticularly of yt, & I will warrant you safe conduct; vntill when I leaue you w=th= my best wishes & prayers moste religiously attended. Yowrs entyrely, Nath. Bacon. Culford, this February 6 [\1613-14\] . Speak yo=e= mynde to the Lady of Bedford in my behalf, & tell her that the weather hath bin very vnfauorable to the proceedinges of her picture. To the much honored Lady, the Lady Cornwalleys, geue these.

[} [\XVI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Madam, The vnwished for newes in o=e= contrye maketh me desier the entertaynement of my speciale condolements w=th= you for the vntymelye death

of the Lord Harrington, & leaueth me so sensible of ou=e= frayle estate in this lyfe that I cannot but w=th= my gratest oratory solycite a better assurance for the enioyinge of yo=e= sweetest companye. Deare Madam, make me happy in my chiefest desiers by yo=e= speedy retourne, w=ch= is equally enuited by other conueniences. My father & mother ar determyned to make a longe journeye to Maubourne hilles presently after the feast of o=e= Lady, before w=ch= tyme I thincke yo=e= presence is neccessarily required. Remember y=oe= promise in cominge downe by my fathers, w=ch= seemeth specially conuenient unto me. The hast of the messenger biddeth me kyss yo=e= hands, wishinge you all happyness & restinge entyerly yours, Nath. Bacon. Culford, March 6 [\1613-14\] . For my Lady of Bedford, let my best seruise attend her, & my continual prayers for all comfort spiritual & temporal. To the most honoured Lady, the Lady Jane Cornewalleys, at M=rs= Cookes house by Charing Cross, geue these.

[} [\XVII. ANNE LADY BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Madam, Yo=r= delaye in cominge downe hath caused you once againe to be trobled with my deer Nath=l= at London. I am sorry that your busynes doth carye you another way that I shall not see you at Culford in your jorney towards Broome. But it shall not be longe I trust in God before I see you in a neerer affinity then yett ever I did, in which I joye muche now; and I doubt not but you shall muche more joye in it, when I am with the Lord God in Heaven. My husband commends hym very kindly unto you, and we bothe doe very willingly give unto you the juill of our deer sonne. God blesse you together with abbundance of all felicity in this lyfe, and in the lyfe to come the presence of the Blessed Trinity, a greater happiness cannot be to any. Deer La. the blessed God be with you for ever. Yo=rs=, Anne Bacon [\1613-14.\] To my most deerly beloved the Lady Jane Cornwallis give this, at London.

[} [\XVIII. THE COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Cornewallis, The K. of Denmarcke's unexpected coming hath constrayned me to defer my setting forward towards Rutland from the 8=th= of August to the tenth, which is Wensday comse'night, and so itt will be the 11=th= before I shall be at Huntingdon, whear I promis myselfe the contentment of meeting you; whearof to have a confirmation, and that you may not be ignorant of this alteration, I send this bearer, whom lett me intreatt you to dispatch as soone as you may: and suffer not any thing lesse then necessity to change your purpos, and M=r= Bacon's, to take this jorney for her sake that will ever be to you both a most assured and affectionate freind, L. Bedford. My mistres comanded me not to forget her kindest comendations to you. Bedford House, in haste, this Saterday morneinge 30th July [\1614\] . To my worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\XIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Cornewallis, I know you thinke itt strange that you have not all this while hearde from me; but, so I know too, when you know the occasions, you will acquitte me of deserving much blame. When I went from hence itt was with a full resolution, if God contradicted not my purpos, to have seen you at Broome before my retorne heather, and to have intreated you to have made a journey to Exton to have been my gueste; but, because I could not sett a sertaine day for my goeing with you, I deferred my wrighting to you still I cam into the contry, wheare within 8 days the K. overtooke me; against whos coming, and during his stay att my house, all my tyme and litle witt was so taken up about the busnes of house; keepinge as itt made me lay all else aside. Within 3 days after, my promis carried me to my Lo. of Huntingdon's, wheare I intended to have made but 2 days' stay, and then to have retorned to Exton; but ther I mett with a peremtory comandement from the Queene to wayte upon her at Woodstocke, which I

did, though with so ill health as I had much adoe to get heather to use the helpe of some phisicke: yett I thanke God he strengthened me to beare out the exteam distempers I was in till I camme to this house of mine, where I thought to have rested but a very few days, and so have gonne into Rutland againe wheare I left my Lord; but itt pleased God to order itt otherwise, for within 2 days after my arrivall here I fell so extream sick as I was forced to take my bed, out of which I have not for the space of these 6 weekes binne 3 days together, nor yett have ventured out of my chamber; though I thanke God my health is much better then when I cam heather. Thus, Madam, may you see what hath soe long withheld me from sending to you, who I now hope winter will bring to this towne, which I should be extream glad to have confirmed by this bearer, and to hear that you and yours have escaped free from the danger or canker of this sickly tyme, wherein my people every whear have binne vissited with much sickness, which hath concluded at Exton with the death of poor Francke Markham, the newse whearof camme to me yesterday and brought me a great deale of sorrow, haveing ever had cause to hope, if God had spared her lyfe, she wold have repayd my care of her with honnor

and comfort; whearin at her ende she hath not deseaved me, though my hope of seeing her happily bestowed be frustrate. Had she lived till Allhollandtyde she had died a wyfe, for I had concluded such a match for her, as I had reason to beleive she should have lived contentedly; but He that disposeth all things hath provided far better for her. Other then sad newse I cannot sende you, the rest I have to wrighte being that my mother goes presently into Germany by my La. Elizabeth's extreame earnest desier, and the K.'s comandement; which, the season of the yeare considered, is so cruell a jorney I much feare how she will passe itt. But her affection to her Highnes keeps her from being frighted with any difficultie; and her spiritt caries her body beyond what almost could be hoped att her years, which I trust will not faile her in this no more then in other labors; which my weake hand begins to do me, and makes me remember how unexcusable my teadiousnes is, if part of the cause of itt weare not my care to satisfie you, who shall never have cause to acuse me of leaveing you unsatisfied, howsoever I may faile in seremonis, in any real proofe I may give you that I am unchangeably Your La=ps= most affectionat and faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Deare Madam, do me the honnor to keepe me in M=r= Bacon's favor, whos good opinion I should

be proude to deserve in any thing wherin I can be of use to him. Kisse litle Fred. from me, and desier him to weare the token I send him, that he may somtymes remember he hath such a freind. I hartely beseech Allmighty God to make him, your other, and all He shall give you, lasting comforts. (^Bedford House^) , from whence I shall remoove as I am able to Harington House, and ther winter, this 9th of Sept. [\1614\] . To my worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis, at Broome.

[} [\XX. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Sister, It is now all most a yeare since I heard from you, but have written often to you, yett not lately by reson of the remotenes of this plase, where I have lain in with my company this 16 weakes which hath bin the cause I coulde not wryght. I shall be extreame glad to hear that yourselfe and little sonn is in good helth, which is one of the cheafest occasyons of this messenger's goinge, for England; whome I have gyven order to macke a jorny downe to your howse in the country, if his fortune be not to find you in London. His staye is not to be longer then to bringe me answer of some letters which I have sent him with to the Corte. I could wish my fortune answerable to my affectyon, that I might show it by doing you

servis Thus, commending myself very affectionately to yourselfe and little Fredderyck, I rest in hast, Your lovinge brother, T. Meautys Julyers, October 17, 1614. To my deare sister, y=e= Ladie Cornewallis, present these, at Broome Haull in Souffolcke or elsewhere.

[} [\XXI. COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Lady, You should not have had so just cause to acuse me for being thus long without sending to you could I have told what sertayne acount to have given you of my fortune, which finding in ballance att my retorne out of Rutland, I still wayted to see which way itt would setle before I writte. Now I thanke God I can say, that out of a very great and almost hopeles danger my Lord of Bedford hath recovered so much health and strength as we are out of all fear of him, and doe conseave that the violent fever he hath had hath done him some good for his palsy, his speach being better then itt was before he fell sick, though his lamenes be nothing amended. His present state setts me at liberty to follow my terme busnesses, which daylie are multiplied upon me, and make me heavile feel the burden of a broken estate; yett

doe I not doubt but by the assistance of Almighty God I shall ear long overcum all those difficulties which at the present contest with me. Though yesterday Sir John Haryngton hath begunne a course in the Chaunsery against my mother, but indeed most conserning me, wherby he will gett nothing but lost labor, nor will itt cost me more then som few lawyers' fees and a litle troble, which I am borne to, and therfore imbrace it as part of my portion. I extreamly desier to hear wheather your ill health this sommer have had so happy an issue as I hoped it wold, which lett me intreatt you by this bearer I may, and wheather you have any purpos to see London this winter or no, be cause, if you have not, I will then send to you againe before the ende of the terme. Your cousin Killegrew is gonne to see your neyghbour for a while, nothing altered. My La. Uvedale is become the fonde mother of a sonne. My La. Marquis

of Winchester is dead, and our noble freind my Lord Mounteagle very ill of a swelling in his throat. John Elviston died on Tuesday last, to the great griefe of all good daunsers. My La. of Roxbrough grows big, and lookes her for about the latter ende of the next month or begineing of December, which I fear will draw me to more attendance then of late I have putt myselfe unto. My mother affectionately salutes you, and this is all the nuese this dull towne afords; else by this you may see I should be easily invited to lengthen my letter, which now I will conclude with my best wishes to M=r= Bacon, little Fred., and yourselfe, that have no whear a faithfuller freind then L. Bedford Bedford House, this 27th of October [\1614\] . To my worthy freind the La. Cornewallis att Broome.

[} [\XXII. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Dere Sister, Yors by my footeman I receved the 2. of this month. You maye conceve how wellcome theye were to me, that have nott receved any from you allmost in a yeare before, though I vnderstand by yor letters that you haue wrytten many; and if it will please you to giue creditt to what I wright, for hathe there bin writt by me vnto yo=r= selfe, w=th= assewrence I speacke it, aboue 20, far be it from any thought of mine to neglect you, soe mucth as you charge me w=th= it in yo=r= letter; butt yf you haue nott receued soe often from me as I haue sent, lett yo=r= charytie be soe mucth to yor absent brother as nott to macke an ill construcktion of his affectionate indevours, w=ch= will be ever sucth as shall still gane from you more open loufe. As for any ill newes that you did forbare to wright, I thanck God, and I hope I haue known the worst of all that I coulde hear, and therfore when I vnderstud by my footeman that yo=r= selfe and little Frederic was in health, I assewered my selfe that you coulde right me nothinge that was ill; but my lackee tolde me newes as I coulde scase beleue, till it was confermed vnder yo=r= hand, that you weare maryed, w=ch= was newes too on that I had som assewerence too the contrary. I shall

wish you yo=r= content in all thinges, and will praye for it, as all soe for the health and well fare of yo=r= little sonn, whome I hear grows grate. You may imagen how dificult a thinge it is for me too send over vnto you, for from the place from whence this coms it is very nere 250 myles too the seae side. I shall for this time troble you noe furder; butt dooe intreat that I maye be remembered vntoo my sister Shute. From home I haue nott harde sence I left England. Soe in hast I rest yo=r= very lovinge brother, T. Meautys. Julyers, Desember the 7, 1614. If you please, you maye returne a rememberance from me too yo=r= husband, if that in yo=rs= came by his direction. To my dere sister the Ladie Cornwallis, att her house att Broome in Suffolcke, these.

[} [\XXIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Neither the convenyencies of the plase, nor the opertunytie of messengers, dear sister, hath afforded me meanes too send vnto you; besides, I haue. bin haulfe discurridged in regarde that I haue receeved noe ansers of my letters this twellmonth

w=ch= I haue sent onto you, yett I hope that I am nott holy forgotten, but rather I thincke that you want the comoditie to send as well as my selfe. You shall favour me mutch to haue a charytable oppinnyon of me, and to salute little Fredireck from me, whome I wish maye remaine to yo=r= mutch comfort. Yo=r= assewred lovinge brother, T. Meautys. Julyers, October the 2. 1615.

[} [\XXIV. THE COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Bedford House, this [^BLANK IN THE TEXT^] of December [\1615.\] Deare Cornewallis, Because your woeman went so sodainely out of the towne as my letters fayled comming tyme enough to goe by her, I send this bearer, by whos jorney I shall not only have the means to bring myselfe to your remembrance, whear I desier to live as your most affectionat freind, but the contentment to hear how you and yours doe. If I might also by him understand that M=r= Bacon and you wold shortly be in towne, itt wold be very wellcome newse to me that am like to be a Londoner the most of this winter, to ayer my house at Twicknam against the spring. I am shuer the

busnesses now a foote hear flie over all the kingdom, and therfore cannot be unknown to you; yett Sir Thomas Monson's being sent this morning to the Tower perhaps will not be so soone with you by any other hand as by this letter; therfore itt tells you of that, and that the change of his prison is a signe ther is more to be laid to his charge then what consernes Overbury's death only. My La. of Somersett is not yett brought to bed, but this is her last day of reckoning. Whear and when this tragedy will ende I thinke God only knows; to whom, with my best devotion, I com~ende you, and beg of you that no omission of seremonis may make you thinke me the lesse Your faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Sweet Madam, comend me to M=r= Bacon and continue me in his good opinion, which I will be ever ready to deserve by any office of an affectionat freind.

[} [\XXV. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Cornewallis, Had I not continually for a long tyme expected your coming up, it had been more needfull for me then you to have excused so long a silence. Now, having that to allege for myselfe, I will tell you that I cannot so easily forgett the many proofes I have had of your affection as for the omission of any seremony to suspect itt. I should have binne extream sorry to hear of your children not being well, if withall I had not heard so good newse of ther amendment, whos health I will hartely pray may so fast increase as I may see both you and them shortly hear, which I know cannot be but that I shall have M=r= Bacon's company too, whos good opinion and love I shall ever declare my redines to observe whensoever I shall be so happy as to know any ocation whearby I may wittnes what I am to him for his owne worth and your sake, whos Most faithfull and affectionat freind I am, L. Bedford. Whight hall, in hast, this Good-friday at 12 o'clock [\1616\] . My La. of Roxbrough is so near her tyme as she is not able to wait, which tyes me to a very strickt attendance. Her sonne is dead. My La.

of Somersett is sent to the Tower, and will be very shortly arraigned. The Queen's leg is holle; to prevent a relapse, as soone as the K. is gonne, she retornes to Grenwich and enters into a diet this spring. This is all the newse I can wright you. To my worthy friend the La. Cornewallis.

[} [\XXVI. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Dere Sister, The commoditie of this bearer, whome I vnderstand to be of yo=r= partes, hath made me to wright vnto you; for, sence som letters w=ch= I wrytt in Desember last by Dennis that was my footeman, I haue not hard from you, neither of him that I imployed, w=ch= is now nere haulfe a yeare sence his goinge over that I haue vnderstood of him. Yo=u= shall favour me beyounde my merritt to lett me vnderstand of yo=r= helth w=th= the wellfare of yo=r= sonn, and the rest, yf God hath sent yo=u= any by this yo=r= husbande. I shall for my perticular, beinge absent, praye effectually that all the contentments in this worlde maye attend you and those that shall com of you; therefore I must ende, and rest allwayes, Yo=r= faythfull lovinge brother, T. Meatys. Julyers, Maye the 9. 1616. To the Ladie Cornwallis att Broome, my affectionate dere sister, giue these, in Suffolke.

[} [\XXVII. THE COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Cornewallis, This day I could not meet you because the rest of our company could not be ther, and tomorrow my La. of Roxborough's busnes, whom I must not forsake, will passe a triall, so as I can neither goe my jorney nor hope to see you, if you goe away on Wensday, before your retorne into the contry, which I am extream sory for; but I will in the morninge send to you againe eyther my farewell or to reseave the good newse that you goe not so soone, which if you doe not, I will, God willing, com to you on Wensday, till when I kisse your hands. In extream hast, with the best affection of Your most faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Grenwidge, this Monday night att 7 o'clock [\1616\] .

[} [\XXVIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Madam, Because I putte you by such a messenger to a needles troble to read thes lines, they shall only beseech you to take from him all the assurance of my love, and desier to manifest itt, that an honest hart can professe, till I have the happines to see you myselfe, which I hope God will not denie me before your tyme of deliverance; though I am not able to sett a sertain day when, by reason of my building and som busnes I have with the dilatory Chancellor of the Exchequer. So soone itt cannot be as I wish, that long extreamly to tell you how unalterably I am Your most affectionat freind to serve you, L. Bedford. From the More, this Wensday morning, in hast. To my noble and worthy freind the La. Cornewallis.

[} [\XXIX. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deere Sister, I haue receued yo=rs= by this post, and in readinge of it I remaned awhyle betwyxt hope and dispare till sutch time as I grew towards the eand of yo=r= letter, whereby I founde the grate cause yo=u= had to feare the well farr of my littl kinsman in regard

of his longe sickness; butt, vnderstandinge that it was an ageue, I hope that you shall nott need to doubte any danger of him att this present. Yf my prayers may any waye availe him or yo=u= or yo=rs=, I coulde be contented to tourne beadsman all my life for to dooe yo=u= that charitable servis; in the meane tim my earnest indeavou att all tims shall nott be wantinge booth for yo=u= and all yo=rs=. Yo=r= kinde concleution in yo=r= letter I must eauer rest yo=r= debtor for; it is yo=r= worth, and nott my meritt, that eauer coulde deserve soe mutch loue from you. Conserneinge Rosseter whome I did imploye for England 3 months agoe, w=th= speciall letters booth to yo=r= selfe and other frinds, I haue nott since his goinge eauer hearde from him nor whatt is becom of my letters, w=ch= mackes me to more then wounder att this discomfitir, for I made choyse of him as on that I did asshewer myselfe I might repose trust in; and yf that hee haue plaide the knaue w=th= me, if eauer villin deserved to be broken upon a wheele hee deserves it. I will att this time forbeare to troble you any furder, intreating yo=u= that my affection and loue may be remembered to yo=r= selfe, my brother, and my little kindred, whome I praye God to send yo=u= much joy and comfort of in this worlde. Soe in hast I rest, Yo=r= affectionate louinge brother to my last ower, T. Meautys. [\1616.\] To his deere sister the Ladie Cornewalleys at Broome, Suffolcke, these.

[} [\XXX. THE COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Cornewallis, If your lines are ever exceedinge wellcome to me, both because they comme from you and that they bringe with them the assurance of the continuance of your affection to me, which I infinitly prise and will never live not to deserve with the best proofes I can ever give you of mine, which I must acknowledge but a dew debt to you, as is the vissit I owe you at your owne house; which that I have not according to my promis performed ther hath binne no fault in my will, nor other hindrance then His that disposeth of His, att His, not our pleasure, and, as I formerly writte to you, made my health such all the last sommer, and till itt was within this very few weakes, as I was forsed to setle hear and breake all my purposes to recover my selfe owt of a very ill state of body; which I thanke God I have now so donne as I hope I shall be as well able to travell againe as ever, and if I be so I will, if beyond my power to helpe I be not againe prevented, see you att Broome before my goeinge into Germany, wheather my duty to my mother and her Highnes will carry me this springe if I be forsed, as I thinke I shall, to use the helpe of the Spaw for the confirmacion of my health and

prevention of som infirmities I have of late years been subject to, for which Mayerne counsells me to goe theather, which I shall doe with much the more willingnes that I may wayte by that ocasion on my mother, who crossed the sea theatherward on Thursday last, and I hope landed well that night at Callis, though I have not yett heard so much. I have not forgotten to putte the Queen in mind of her promis to you, but in that as all others she is sloe in performance; I will not be so in soliciting her till you have your desier in that as I wishe itt you in all else with as much unfainednes as I do any good to, Your most affectionat, most faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Doe me the favor to comend me affectionatly to M=r= Bacon. (^Bedford House^) , whear I am stayed in expectation of the Queen's daylie remoove to Wight Hall, which hath binne hindred by paine in, her foote; this Sunday morninge, in hast [\1616\] . To my dear and worthy freind the La. Cornewallis.

[} [\XXXI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Madam, I thinke myself infinitely beholding to you for your kindly sending this bearer; but indeed you doe me wrong to beleive I should have been gladder of any bodie's company in my jorney then of yours,

and should sooner have invited any of my freinds to have donne me that honor. But till very lately I was not assured wheather I should have gotten leave to goe or no, and, when I did obtaine itt, itt was with this condicion, that I should not invite others to the like jorney, which I do so punctually observe as I take nonne eyther man or woeman with me but my owne servants; so as you see I have not binne left to my owne liberty in this, which if I had, be assured I should have intreated both you and M=r= Bacon to have seen the Hage with me, as thos of whos willingnes to doe me all honnor I am most confident, and whos companies wold have binne of extream contentment to me. If M=r= Bacon passe this way this sommer, I wish itt may be while I am ther, wheather, if God give me health, I intend to sett forward from hence on Tusday or Wensday comse'night, and to stay ther till towards the 20th of August, before the end of which month I must, if I live, of necessity be in England; from whence, though ther be litle ods between crossing the Theams and sea, I part not without so settling my estate as, whatsoever becom of me, every one shall be shewr of ther owne, and you not be prejudised by your kindnes to me, to whos days and comforts I beseech God Almighty to adde many, and to give me means to expresse how affectionatly I am Your most faithfull and thankefull freind, L. Bedford.

I will not faile to obey you to the Queen of Bohemia, nor to make such mention of you as become my love and knowledge of you. Harington House, this 12th of July [\1616\] . To my worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\XXXII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY CONTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Madam, It troubled me much that you should thinke me so negligent as not to have written to you againe upon so many sommons as itt semes the messenger of your last sayth he gave me: but in my excuse I must first say, the letter was left hear in my absence, and sertainly so hath his caulings binne for an answer, if at all; for I have examined all my servants to whom I thought itt likely he might have addressed himselfe, and neyther I nor they can remember any such matter. Yett perhaps the fault hath not binne his neyther, soe he may well have binne often hear and missed me; for som litle building I have in hand att the More, or other busnesses thear, against our goeing theather this sommer, hath for thes many weekes carried me often from hom. Shewr I am neyther want of affection or desier to make all demonstrations therof hath kept my letters from you, which I desier you will believe, and that the long

deferring of my promis to vissitt you hath binne inforsed by those occasions I could not avoid; but this sommer I hope to find a tyme more freely mine to dispose of, though I cannot yett name any, being to attend a bargain I am making with my Lo. of Buckingham's officers for the fee farme of Combe, which will carry me sooner or later theather, as we conclude or breake: but I will first injoine you to give me your word, that you shall not make my coming eyther a troble or a charge for you. This dull towne afords nothing worthy the wrighting, for ther is almost nobody of quality left in itt. Of the Queen's court I can say litle good, for her resolution to part with Roxbrough still continues, which makes her looke big upon all she thinkes loves that good woeman, and they attend her very seldom: of which matter I am one that price her favor, but upon such an occasion cannot be sorry for her frownes, which are now

litle to me, all my court busnesses being so dispatched as they will not much requier my attendance ther; and I am growne to love my ease and liberty so well as no measuer of favor could often invite me theather, whear ther is no hope of any good to be donne. My Lo. Mownteagle and my Lo. Chandos are very shortly goeing to the Spaw, though not togethear; for my Lo. Mownteagle is growne so in love with a plentifull fortune and a privat injoyeing therof, as he shuns all other conversation. When they are gonne ther will scarse be a gentleman to be seen about this towne, whence I shall not stirre till after Midsommer terme. Out of Scotland I hear no newse but that the Inglish of quality are very kindly and royally entertained by the nobility, but the meaner sort not so well used by the common people; which trobles the K. extreamly, who entertains all the noblemen went with him not as servants but guests. This is all his jorney hath yett brought forth. By the next you can send to London by, lett me know when you looke you, that I may not apoint to com to you att an unseasonable tyme; and I beseech you be more confident in my love to you then to suspect the declination therof upon the omission of any seremony, which I confesse I am often guilty of towards my freinds, though never willingly of any such neglect as may

give them a just cause to suspect me; which you shall never have, but all the proofes in my power that I am as much as you can wishe, or is in me to be to any, Your most faithfull and affectionat freind, L. Bedford. I am very glad to hear by M=rs= Kendrick that your children are so well. He that hath given them you, give you with them all the comforts children can be to a mother. Lett my best wishes be remembred to M=r= Bacon as I make them for him, and give me leave to entreate you to do me the favor to lett som servant of yours carry the ten peeses I have delivered this bearer to Norwidge, whence I have had two letters lately from the fine M=r= Russell who itt seems the fayr Queen hath forsaken, for he wrights me word he is ther prisoner, in the under sheriff's house, in great necessity; and it wear a great pitty so compleate a foole should starve, yett I am loth to send on purpose so farre to his worship. Harington House, this 26th of May [\1617\] . To my dear and worthy freind the La. Cornewallis.

[} [\XXXIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Madam, - I have nothing to acuse you of, though you cannot but condemne me as a promis breaker, and so unmannerly a one as not

so much as to have excused myselfe to you; but I must treuly protest that every weeke since my coming out of Warwickshier I have binne setting a day to com to you. From thence I was forsed to follow the K. by his com~andement for the setling of a busnes I have long had in hand for his servis and my profitt, and so could not gett the liberty of 2 or 3 days to goe into Rutland, nor since my coming to this towne to leave itt so many days as wold have brought me to you and backe againe; which I protest I have as much desired as I now do any thing, and resolve if you com up this winter, which I am putte in som hopes you will, to lett you see neither winter weather nor ways can fright me from performing before Chrismas what I could not in the sommer; though I should be extream glad to hear we should meete in this good towne, because then I should hope to be much the longer in your company, and to have your advise and M=r= Bacon's in my workes att the More, whear I have binne a patcher this sommer, and I am still adding som trifles of pleasure to that place I am so much in love with, as, if I wear so fond of any man, I wear in hard case. The last busness of this letter is, to beg of you the knowledge how you and yours doe, and the favor I may be affectionatly remembred to M=r= Bacon, and ever by you, as in all essentiall things I will be found, the trewest of your freinds, L. Bedford.

The Queene hath binne very ill of late, but is now well againe. The noble Lady Roxbrough is in Scotland, which makes me perfectly hate the court. Bedford House, this 22d of October [\1617\] . To my very worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\XXXIV. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Madam, Itt wold have eased me of a great deale of care if I might by your servant have heard that you had recovered better health; which good newse since I cannot yett reseave, I will content myselfe with this hope, that this sicknes will in the ende pay you much comfort for the payne and troble it putts you to, and so make me amends that am by itt denied your company, which I so much desired, as I also did M=r= Bacon's, but not with the least wishe to deprive you in this state of your greatest comfort. Som other tyme, I hope, will be more fortunat to me then this any way is, and nonne shall I esteem more so then that which may bring forth an oportunity for me to testify the unfaynednes of that respect hath so often binne vowed unto you by your most affectionat and faythfull freind, L. Bedford. Huntingdon, this 11th of April [\1618\] .

My Lo. Mownteagle and Sir Francis Goodwinne affectionatly kisse your hands, as I do M=r= Bacon's. You have sent me a present I so much esteem as I know not how to find you sufficient thankes for itt, and can only acknowledge itt to be the finest I ever saw of this kind. To my worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\XXXV. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Madam, I thinke the tyme too long since I heard from you and cannot longer rest doubtfull how you and yours do, which makes me send this messenger, by whom I also desier to understand wheather you intend to com to London this spring as I was told, which I should be extream glad of, because I should the oftener and longer have your company; but, if you do not, I have now so setled those letts of my busnesses have heatherto hindred the performance of my promis to vissitt you, as I can now, if God Almighty continue my health, make good may word whensoever you will after S=t= George's day, when the ways will be fairer and the weather better for a jorney, by which I promis myselfe a great deale of pleasure in surveinge your good huswyfery: sooner I could and wold comme to you, if you wold have itt so, but that som occasions

of my owne and my freinds make me not a free woeman till the K. goe to Newmarkett or Theatford, which will not be before that tyme. Till then, if ther be any thing hear whearin I may serve you, lett me know itt; and if I do itt not with as much care and affection as possible for a faithfull freind, never beleeve again that I have any treuth in me, or am worthy to bear the title of your most unfainedly loveing freind, L. Bedford. Bedford House, this 7th of March [\1617-18\] . I had almost forgotten an earnest request I am to make by you to M=r= Bacon, but that a tricke my Lo. of Arundell putt upon me yesterday to the cusning me of some pictures promissed me, putt me in mind of itt. I was told the last night that your father in law was like to die, and that he had som peeses of painting of Holben's; which I am shewr, as soon as Arundell hears, he will trye all means to gett: but I beseech you entreate M=r= Bacon, if they will be parted with to any, to lay hold of them afore hand for me, who better than any other I am shewr may prevale with his brother, to whos share I conseave they will falle; for I am a very diligent gatherer of all I can gett of Holben's or any other excellent master's hand; I do not care at what rate I have them for price, but shall thinke itt an extraordinary favor if M=r=

Bacon can procure me those, or any others, if he know any such therabouts, upon any conditions; whos judgement is so extraordinary good as I know nonne can better tell what is worth the haveing. Som of those I have, I found in obscure places, and gentleman's houses, that, because they wear old, made no reckoning of them; and that makes me thinke itt likely that ther may yett be in divers places many excellent unknown peeses, for which I lay wayghte with all my freinds; and when M=r= Bacon coms to London, he shall see that though I be but a late beginner, I have prety store of choise peeses. Dear Madam, lett me hear by this bearer, wheather I have not binne misinformed concerning thes pictures, and if I have not, make them shewr eyther for me or nobody; and be not curious to thinke I may pay too much, for I had rather have them then juels. If any copies of them be desired, I will retorne such as he must extraordinarily well know paintings, that shall distinguish them from the originalls. To my dear and worthy friend the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\XXXVI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Cornewallis, If this honest man had not offered me a means to convaigh these lines to you, I had sent a footeman

of my owne with them, to lett you know that though business hear falls out crossely to my purpos of coming to you this tyme as can be, (the K.=s= jorney to Theatford being stayed,) yett nothing shall make me leave you longer in doubt that I make promisses to you I intend not to performe; therefore you may be confident that if the hand of God Almighty impose not the contrary, I will be with you about a fortnight hence, though I cannot yett name the certain day, because I can~ot well leave this towne till the Court removes to Grenwidge, which will be about that tyme, but no day yett sett; my stay with you will be so short as I wish you wold resolve my journey might be to fetch you to London; whear I might have yo=r= company longer, for necessity will compel me to goe and come post, and rest but one day with you; which I know you will alowe when you shall understand the occasions command my being hear, which I reserve till we meet; hoping that desired tyme to be now so near, yett so long I will not defer all my thankes to M=r= Bacon; of whos care to do me the kindnes I unmannerly desired of him for some good pieses of paintinge, your chaplain hath been a faithful relator and made me a thankelesser debtor; which you both shall find if ever it be in my power to witness how unfeignedly I am Your faithfullest freind, L. Bedford. [\April 1618.\] To my dear and worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\XXXVII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Cornewallis, You may see how unable they are to dispose of their own tymes that attend debts and other occasions, by my no sooner sending you word when I will be with you, which now I intend, by God's permission, to be on Tuesday com se'night att night, & staying with you all Wensday; but on Thursday you must give me leave to retorne homewards, for I must needs be hear againe on Friday night. I wright this in extream haste, therefore excuse me that I saye no more but that I will ever be found Y=r= most affectionat & faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Bedford House, this 7th of May [\1618\] . To my honorable frend the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\XXXVIII. MARY COUNTESS OF BATH TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Syster, I must needs give you great thaynks for your rare and bountefull present; no meat in the woorld coold have ben so welcome. Evne at such a tyme as I coold not bee pleased with any meat to pleas my stomake, notwithstandyng I was sike of a cheken yester night, yet I coold eat thys with desyre, and yet not sike of it, but my fitts never of mee. God give me paciens. I pray God send you a happy jorny and a safe and quik retorn. I have adventured to send you thys poor playn cakes, not so good as I wish thay were. Had I had any thynge of worth, I woold in deed have ... which in thees ragget lyns I seek to excuse. I have so many charges as I am determined to let my gowne aloane; but if you will doo mee the favour to by mee so much meane stufe, canvas, or what stufe you pleas, of black and whyt, to make mee a wastcot for everye daye, you shall doo mee a great favour. I have stufe by mee will serv for thys loan plas, to make mee a playn gowne. If you pleas to get mee a black fann bought, I will leve troblyng of your La. but never leve lovyng you. I wished, as I comanded thys bearer to tell you, that you shoold not loose so much of your

presias tyme of entertaynyng and injoying so honorable a parsnach, but put it in your poket till you come at London; and so I bid you a harty farwell, resting your La'ps lovyng unfortunat syster, Mary Bathon. xx of May [\1618\] . I am bold to send thees letters to which of your attendans you pleas to comand, to get them delyvered. To my lovyng honorable syster, the La. Cornwaleys, give these.

[} [\XXXIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^MARY BATHON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Syster, Love doth most perfitly shyne when it is steeled in adversity. Age in thys world is of most young folkes much declined. The strongest estat I stand in maketh mee of no esteem, and that which I profes, and cannot, without desemulacion to God and the world, bee otherwise, maketh mee condemned of the most base; but our Savyor's example, if I were as I shoold bee, might make mee thynke myselfe to suffer for Hym that suffered for us all; but my weknes is such as, were not my hope in His mercye that He will not suffer mee to put up with my cruell fitts, were able to distract me. I protest your kind vesetacion ded much

relieve my vexed mind, which made mee apeer to your L. as impotent in mynd as body, which your good dysposecion I well perseved tooke commisseracion on, and made you pleased to troble yourselfe to give mee comfort in desyryng mee to come upon Monday, which daye or any daye I will, if you pleas to send, and shall, if my fitts bee not too vement, by God's gras come; but, were it your pleasure, I had rather defer it till Thursdaye, but that by that tyme I dought your strangers will bee come, and I cannot but thynke compynyghe shoold bee troblesum to you at thys tyme, if you knowe any comynge. Sweet La. doo not send for mee. When you come home agayne, by God's gras you shall not keepe mee so long from seeing your, who will ever remayn Your fathfull lovyng syster f=m= hart, the most unfortunat Mary Bathon. [\1618.\] To my honorable lovyng syster, the La. Cornwaleys.

[} [\XL. THE COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Dear Madam, I send this messenger to bring me word how you, M=r= Bacon, & all your little ones doe, and by him send my servant Fred. a sword to defend him from the malice of the buckes in this their

colericke season. This monthe putts me in minde to intreate the performance of your promisse for som of the little white single rose rootes I saw att Brome, & to chalenge M=r= Bacon's promis for som flowers, if about you ther be any extraordinary ones; for I am now very busy furnishing my gardens. Thus you see itt is not good being too free an offerer to a free taker; but be not discouraged, for I shall be as free a requiter whensoever you shall make me know itt is in my power. I can not send you much newse from hence: the best is, that after many difficultis I have made an end, according to my wishes, of my busness with the K. & reseaved his graunt, with many excuses for the delays it hath had, and so much complimente as hath made amends; the worst, that the Queen hath bled extreamly of late, wh=h= hath so weakened her as I much fear how she will recover itt, for I never saw her look so dangerously ill, w=ch= makes me oftener a courtier than I intended, and, with my other ocasions, will, I think, draw me to winter att London, whear I should be glad to hear you minded to go. Howsoever, I thinke I shall invite you towards the spring to do my niese an honor, if I can compose things according to my wishes; an offer being made me for her pleases me well, & I doubt not will take effect, if her unreasonable father can be brought to do what he ought, which if love

will not make him, I hope fear will prevaile: but of this lett no speache passe you, because itt is yett too early days; but as soone as itt is settled to any certainty, & that the K. hath declared himselffe, whos work it is, you shall hear of itt more perticularly from me, to whom itt will be of a great deal of use & comfort, if itt pleas God to prosper itt. So may He blesse all yo=r= indevors, & continue to adde to yo=r= happiness which is not more hartily wished by any than by your most affectionat & faithful freind, L. Bedford. More Lodge, this 4th of October [\1618\] . To my noble & dear freind the Lady Cornewallis, att Brome.

[} [\XLI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Cornewallis, I must not lett this bearer retorne without my intreaty to you that to mine you will joyne your thankes to M=r= Bacon for the favor he hath donne me in furnishing me with such helpes for my garden, and lett me beg itt of you both that you will believe that I shall be gladder to deserve then reseave obligacions from you, though the demonstrations of good will to me are not wellcommer

from any then your selves, whos love I infinitely prise, and requite with the best affection of Your most affectionat and faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Bedford House, in haste, this 6th of November [\1618\] . To my noble and worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis, att Broome.

[} [\XLII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Cornwallis, It is one of my misfortunes, and such a one as I assure you I am very sensible of, to be thus farre from you in a tyme whearein I perseave your love wold have made me that to you which I as affectionatly desier to be as to have myselfe the comfort of a freind by me, when any opresion lies heavy on my hart, to whom I might trust my cares, and be shuer they should not only be safely lodged, but begett a desier to ease them as farre as wear possible, or at leaste advise how to make them lightest. I remember well what itt was you feared at your last being in towne, and I am sorrier then I can tell you, that ther is such a resemblance in our destines as makes you, like me, a trew professer to yourselfe of ills to comme, whearin I have seldom failed. But, for all that, you must not loose couradge, nor let your kind sensiblenes, which if the self-wordingest thing, make

you so unkind to yourselfe and yours as to yeald up the strength of your resisting reason, and consent to sincke under that melancoly such heartofore unexpected distaste must needes breed in you, which I grieve hartely to heare hath already rought so ill effects upon your health, and so strong aprehencions in your minde, though I trust our good God will with a safe deliverance of a happy bearth restore you the one, and, if you be not wanting to yourselfe, so assist you as you shall to your contentment overcomme what causes the other; and which, when you have recovered strengthe of body againe, if you finde to continue, in my opinion you should do well to remoove heather, whear you will have better meanes to prevail, and shall have my servis, if you finde itt may be fitt for you to imploye me, or shall finde that of others of more power then my owne, by declaring that I have ingaged them to take care of you, may becomme of use to you in this ocacion, who I dare undertake shall do itt very willingly and readily, and perhaps itt wold not be to ill purpos if ther be cause. I am shuer you beleeve ther are not many for whom I durst ingadge my word to you so freely, and therfore will easily judge that I offer you the servis but of two; but if those two give you not a good acount of what I promis in ther names, sett it on my score as a falsehoode. I should be glad you would resolve

to bringe up your children and familie, because I thinke itt wold be best for them and you; but if on the sodain you cannot acomodate yourselfe with a convenient house for them all, if itt please you to lett me have your companie heare while you are provideing yourselfe with a convenient dwelling for your hole companie, you shall do me a very great pleasure, and, though my Lord should be in towne, no whitt straiten me, for I can well spare your wonted lodgings. Therfore, if you love me, be not scrupulous to make use of them. Itt is now high tyme that I acknowledge the reseit of both your letters by this bearer, and withall how I aprehend your kindnes so many ways expressed to me in them; but no words can do itt, and so I beseech you to believe, because itt is trew; and, besides that, I am farre from undervaluing, for misinterpret I cannot, the liberality you therein have used towards me, which is much more then ever I was a debtor for to any that aught itt not unto me, or then I have a hart or will to accept, if I durst at this tyme say I wold refuse what you so presse, which your kindnes only and the knowledge of your disposicion takes off the shame I have so long detained, yett I will now keepe itt in my hands as you will have me; though I must still as your tresurer, not as a legacy, and that you will live to give me tyme when I shall leave the world, [{and{] be wittnes I am not behind hand with

you in affection, and desier to live in your memory ... be confident that ther is nonne of yours to whom I will be more wanting in any thing I may do for them then I wold have binn to my owne if God had continued me a mother; and whear as your request is in general, and extends to nothing but what I hope you believe not so ill of me as to thinke I wold not without itt have donne, and more, I beseech you; if you can thinke itt to any purpos, impose something more perticularly on me, for I will perform itt as I desier God should have mercie on me, joyfullie I confesse in your life, but as faithfully if I outlive you; which wheather I doe or not, they shall be no loosers by what you have donne for me, that have at the present but prayers to the Almighty to repaye you with, which shall be offered up with the best devocyon of Your faithfully loving and thankfull freind, L. Bedford. Harington House, this 20th of January [\1618-19.\] I will, God willing, the next week send to inquier of your state, of which I hope to heare as I desier. To my worthy and dear friend the La. Cornewallis.

[} [\XLIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Cornewallis, I send this bearer to inquire of my sicke freinds, into which number I am extream sorry to hear M=r= Bacon is fallen, both for his own sake and yours, and as desirous as any can be to hear of his amendement, which I hartely pray for, and hope to reseave the good newse of att this messenger's retorne. I heard not of his being ill till my Lo. Chamberlain told me of itt, and that upon that occasion you had excused your selfe from coming to the Queen's funeral, whear I hoped to have seen you, and am doubly sory upon this occasion to faile of that contentment; ear long I trust a happier one will bring us with gladnes to meete, which I wish to you in as great a measure as I do to Your most affectionat freind and servant, L. Bedford. The K. is earnest to have the funeral hastened, and sayth itt shall be on Saturday com se'night; but, for all that, I thinke itt will not be till this day fortnight. Bedford House, in haste, this Thursday morning, [\April 1619.\]

[} [\XLIV. MARY COUNTESS OF BATH TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Lady, I desyre much to here of your perfit recovery of helth and strenth after your great payne, and God send you much joye of your last sonn, and no less of your first. I hard latly by Roben Cornwaleys you sent to have borowed my plat, which I ded fathfully offer, and such poor lynnen as I hade. Because you sed nothynge, I ded put it bye, and carry awaye the keys; but, knowing mee as thaye ded, thaye myght have broken up the loke. I was, I protest, hartyly ayngry thaye ded not; and yet, if you have any furder cause, I have willed you shall have it of my fayth, and take any desyre from you in such kynde, as I doo thynke you love mee, otherwayes I woold not have bene so bold with you as I have bene many tymes. Sweet Lady, if you have cause to use it before I come home, I have sent the keys by thys bearer to the same purpose. I hope to bee at home the latterendyng or the begynynge of thys next weeke. I have had my helthe very well ever syns I came hether till the last Weddensdaye; syns, I have bene very ill, and am not well at thys present. God

give mee gras to submit my will too hys pleasure; and I beseech Almightie God send Sir Edmund Bacon to escape hys peryles syknes, and you helth and many years. I praye remember mee to my brother Bacon and prety Frede; and so I will take my leve. My syster desyrs to be remembred to you and my brother, not forgettyng my littill nevewe. Your unfortunat lovyng syster, Mary Bathon xvi of September [\1619\] .

[} [\XLV. THE COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Dear Madam, As full of just sorrow as my hart can bear, I retorne you affectionat thankes for your kind sending. What a mother I have lost I need not tell you, that know what she was in herselfe, and to me. Yett God, that sees no affliction to worke sufficiently upon me, hath this last night added another heavie one to my former woe, having taken my Lord Chamberlain's sonne. Yett with

this mersy to him, that he hath given him the hope of another, my Lady. being, as we thinke, with child againe. But alas! this is but a fearfull comfort to him and his freinds, considering her estate, which gives him too much cause of doubt wheather she will ever bring any well into the world or no, for sertainly this tooke much harme by her unrulynes both in the breeding and bearth. Yett God is all sufficient, and I trust will blesse so good a father with the joye of leaveing som of his owne to succeed him; and the rather am I incouraged to be confident He will show favor to him and to the prayers of his freinds therin, because though he was very fond of this, yett, in those tymes of fear the child's being subject to som infirmities gave us, he ever kept a mind ready prepared to resigne att God's pleasure so unexpected a blessing. Now itt is com to the trial I am confident he will show well tempered effects of that religious resolution, and bear with pacience what the Almighty hath donne, though itt be more to him then the losse of an only sonne to another father. My losse of a dear mother camme not so unexpectedly as my Lord Chamberlain's did att this tyme, for to outward apearance his child mended, but my mother so manifestly decayed daylie as I could not flatter myselfe with hope she could continue long; though I looked not her ende wold have binne so sodaine, yett the

disease she was subject to threatened no lesse, which I, sorting with that opinion she ever had since I knew her, that her ende wold be sodaine, made itt, I thanke God, not so to her, who hath left many seremonis how well she was prepared for itt, which is my unspeakeable comfort. Itt now rests for me to follow as well as I can her good example, which God graunt I may, in liveing for his servis, that I may die in his favor, whom I beseech to blesse you and yours, and you to comende me affectionatly to M=r= Bacon, who made me hope att his last seeing in June I should have seen you hear before this tyme, whear you have not so true a friend as you shall ever find your sad servant, L. Bedford. Harington House, in hast, this 1st of June [\1620\] . To my honorable dear freind the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\XLVI. MARY COUNTESS OF BATH TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Lady, Your letter of acknowlegen more then I have or can deserve, maketh mee ashamed of thanks for nothyng, syns I have reseved to frendsheps of substance for my poor thoutes of love, which is all I can requit my best frynd withal. Sweet syster, my hart bled when I last see you; you ded with your presenc lyten ... from the

affliction of a most fearful mallyngcoly ... is now more oppressed with the foulest abuse that ever was offred to so innosent a person, a discors that wold take a great deal of tyme to set down, if you will here how your poor unfortunat syster, who hath been intolerable wronged by the Earl of Bath, who is my lawfull husband, and nowe by a knave, who sath he is hys sonn and I am hys mother; who hath, in my consyens, lyne abought my house to kill mee thys month, the most ill favored knave that ever was seene. Syster, I had never child by my Lo. and, I take God to bee my witness, am as innosent of thys beast, who wanteth not much of fifty, as any chyld thys night born. And so, good syster, bear with my unsensible wrytynge, and God in hevn preserv you and all yours. Your lovyng syster, the most unfortunat Mary Bathon. Thorp, thys xviii of June [\1620\] .

[} [\XLVII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^MARY BATHON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Lady, I thaynke you for your late vesetacion after your late long journey, as lykwise for your wyse systerly cownsell, w=ch= my reson doth asarten mee

to be the best I dought not hys love ... bee so littill too mee, that bee woold not doo any thynge I shoold requir in so innosent a cause as thys; but such a base roge as thys, who is known ... was born and crestened ... of hys kinsmane, who brought them into the contry, whos testymony I send you here inclosed, as lykwise hys exammenacion before the iusteses of Bery, as lykwise by them that ded comit him too the iayll, my thaynks, any on that is a frynd to iustes ... innosensy were enough, syns my lord cheef iustes is ... aquaynted with my woorst evill by my neerest frynd ... lond, as my woost enymes withall ther malles, brybes, and trayns coold or ded proove agaynst me; w=ch= snare had not I ben trecheresly caught in, I had not ben left of my frynds, though such a man of powr ... playe that tyn ... ther alas no repugnyngsy, so myght thay doo and prove what thay woold agaynst so abiect a woman, who hath ever syns not known what an howr's true content, but sorrowe and syknes, and such an aflykted mynde as shoold rather move ... compacion then furder malles, to set roges to intytell them selves myne. Syster, I here my brother hath nether coch nor horses, and, as I am told, is abought a matter of moment for hymself, w=ch= maketh me staye my desyne of hys being ther;

and for sume other resons ... cosen Thomas Cornwaleys shall denygh mee, or els ... shall be ther by God's suffrens. If any frynds els ... stepe in to helpe to get such a knave punneshed, wherin my innosensy shall appeer to the woorld, I shall have cause to thynk my self beholdyng to them, and I hope God will reward theme. It is enough for a Crystyon ... saye that I desyre never too see the face of God if ther bee any chyld of myn in thys world. It hath pleased G... knowe too send or suffer trobles of infamee, who hath as ... as I coold carryed my self thys xxxix year unrep... Nowe for my conscyens, w=ch= I can no more at ... without vtter dispayr of salvacion. If you can no way helpe, yet, sweet syster, pety me; if my tears wooll wryt black, I need no inke. Fear not thys paper, though the masels is in my hows. I nor my howsold cam never neere the infekted; but I pray God you nor my sweet nevew tooke no hurte, it ca... knowlege, nether was it but suspekted ... were newly syted. I desyre to knowe howe you ... bearer, and before my going to Hengrave I desyre to have thees wrytyngs agayn. Accordyng to your fryndly offer I am bold this next weeke too desyre your horses, if you maye spare them; if I can ... any th... comand any thyng of mee or myne

as your own. And so God in heven bles you and all yours rem ... wish of all good to my bro ... Bacon. Your lovyng vnfortunat syster, Mary Bathon. I have sent you too of my brother's ... hard to read, w=ch= if I in ... send a ... a pa... the daye, and I will se ... or them and the other coppyes; and then I will namyn the daye I shall desyre your horses, if you ... spare them, or els I besech you let me knowe when it shall be lese convenyent to you. [\Thorp,\] July [\1620\] .

[} [\XLVIII. THE COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Cornewallis, I know that by this tyme I have deserved and undergonne much of your censuer, if I have not lost all your favor; which to redeem I do protest unto you that the only cause you have binne so long without hearing from me was, that I was ashamed to send till I could retorne you that part of your wealth you have so long binne pleased to trust me with; to whom alone I had binne beholding for a curtesy of this natur. Now, if you be so crewell as you cannot forgive me this fault,

please yourselfe in imposeing any punishment on me you thinke my offence deserves, and I shall willingly undergoe itt, so itt may purchas my pardon, which I affectionatly beg, under promis never to be a trespasser in this kind againe. I hope to reseave itt signed, by this bearer, who can give you an acount how I have spent my tyme this many months; att whos retorne to me if I might hear that you wold be shortly att London, itt wold bring an infinit deale of contentment to Your most faithfully loveing freind, L. Bedford Leister, this 12th of September [\1620\] . To my worthy and dear freind the La. Cornewallis.

[} [\XLIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Madam, I was long in much hope that you wold have held your purpos of coming to London this spring, wheare I have binne constrained to be almost all this tyme since your going hence; which has made me the greater looser by the change of your purpos, as I am much the sorrier for that losse, since your want of health hath binne the occasion to keep you both from hence and the More, the places in this kingdom you may justlie chalendge to be wellcom to while they are mine, and whear you should find yourself payd with most affection,

as in all others whearsoever I am to injoye your companie; which if I did not believe you wear confident of, itt wold be an extreame increase of misfortune to me, since you could not imagine any good to be in one that should requite. with less so many real proofes of affection as I have reseaved from you, and for which I can make no requital I but that of loveing you very hartely, and that I am sure I doe, and doubt not of your being so assured; after which no more is needful to be sayd, since that includes all in my power. You have sent me the finest litle beaste that ever I saw, whos beauty may excuse many faults, if she have any. How well she will play I long to be at libertie to trie; and, howsoever she proove, she shall be much made of for the hands' sake she comes from. Thus I am ever reseaving kindnesses from you, for which I have no better retornes then thankes to make; of those, dear Cornewallis, reseave the affectionat one I send you, and when you can find any subject to exsercise your interest in me on, be not sparing to make such full trials from what a hart they comm. I know you have heard of the mariadge of your neise to Sir John Radcliffe's son, and how slightly my Lo. of Buckingham hath performed the protection promissed to him. For the first, I assure you, your newe nephew is as fine and towardly a youth as any I

know; and for the other, my Lo. Hamilton, my Lo. Chamberlain, and my Lo. of Mongommery have donne ther best, and will do still, to keep off all the blows they can others' malice aymes at her; but what the successe will be I dare not promis, so strongly is the K. insensed and so bitter yett in the prosecution; but I will assure you, if ther wear no other ground but that of her blood, itt shall make me keepe warmest in my freinds desiers to save her from publick shame, and I beseech you, since your own vertue exsempts you from all reproch in her, be so just to yourself as not to be afflicted with her danger. I can wright no longer, companie interrupting me; therefore, dear madam, farewell, and love still Your most faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Harington House, in hast, this present Tuesday [\1620\] . If you deliver not my affectionat salutacions to M=r= Bacon and your sonne Fred. itt shall be the ground of a greater quarel betwixt us then yett we ever had. To my dear freind the lady Cornewallis.

[} [\L. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Madam, If you will do me the favor to lett me have your companie hear while your busnes stayeth you in towne, your lodgings will be ready for you tomorrow night, [{to{] which I hope you beleeve you shall be as wellcom as ever you wear to any place, and may as freely co~mand as when they wear your owne: so may you still, I assure you, esteem them, as long as they be in the possession of Your trewly loveing freind, L. Bedford. Harington House, this Thursday morning [\1620\] . To my noble & worthy freind the La. Cornewallis.

[} [\LI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Madam, I thinke itt long since I heard of you and yours, whos well beings and happines I most hartely desier, and send this bearer to inquier of, beseeching you to beleeve that no abscence nor lengthe of tyme can diminish that affection in me I have so many years professed and you so well deserved; for, whensoever you shall have occasion to make trial therof, you shall find all in my power

in yours to com~ande for your servis to the uttermost it can be extended, and that I shall reckon itt a good fortune to me to be employed by you in any thing that may give you assurance how unfainedly I love you, whereof itt wear an extream contentment to me if we wear nearer neighbours, that I might often tell itt you, which I can doe no more. But itt is in this, as much more, my happe to have much of what I wishe not, and want what I desier. Yett I hope eare long sum good occasion will bring you to London, from whence, exsept it be somtymes for a day or two, I shall not sturre till after Easter terme; my neese, her father, and I haveing bargained, she with him for the present posession of her land, and I with her for her posibility in the lease of Combe, which to setle thoroughly, and provide to pay for, will coste me so long a stay heare. This donne, I intend to turn Combe wholly into money, bothe to make myself a free woman from debt, and with the rest of itt to rayse as good an estate for lyfe as I can, having now nonne but myselfe to provide for; those designes I had for my neese being crossed by her father's untowardnes, and her owne porcion being sufficient for any matche. Nor do I fear finding this any searious worke for her, having a thing so well known, as I have already many offerers for itt. So as, dear

Madam, the favor you have so long binne pleased to doe me, I trust nowe very shortly to answer with a just account and payment of your owne, and will all my lyfe remember with dewe thankefullnes, and requite by the best means I can, having been donne me in such a fashion as I owne not the like to any other, which is unfainedly acknowledged by Your greatly loveing faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Harington House, this 20th February [\1620-1\] . Sweet Madam, com~ende me affectionatly to M=r= Bacon, and blesse your sonne Fred. in my name, as I beseech God to doe all yours. The worthy Lady Cornewallis, my noble freind.

[} [\LII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Dear Madam, - I am extream sorry to hear you have binne so ill, but with as much gladnes thank God for your good recovery, whos health and happines is not more hartely wished by any freind you have in the world; nor indeed can any be more engaged to desier all good to you, since your constant affection to me challenges all the thankefull retornes an indebted freind sensible of such kindnes can make, which though I confes myselfe in expressing seremoniously, yet I will never be found gilty of neglecting any real proofes I

may give therof when eyther you or my good fortune may calle me to do so. I have myselfe had an unhealthfull spring of this, which I hope will not end in a lame leg, and that of that too I shall not long have cause to complaine. The greatest nuse I can send from hence is, that this day my Lo. of Arundel is com~itted to the Tower by the Upper House of Parlement for refusing to make a submission to the House, and give satisfaction according to the order of the House, for som reprochefull speaches he had ther used to my Lo. Spencer; in which, nor his refusal to make a fitting reparacion, he hath not played the part of so wise a man as for his noble Ladie'st sake I wish he had. Sir Robert Chichester's scurvie dealing

hath broken up the match betwixt his daughter and my Lo. of Arran, which drives me to play my game another way than I had layed my cards, and will hold me a Londoner till the ende of the next terme; before which you shall hear from me againe; and I am not unmindful of what any way I owe you, which is more than can be requited by your trewly loveing friend, L. Bedford. Doe me the favor to reco~mend me affectionatly to M=r= Bacon, and thanke him for his kind remembering me. Sir Thomas Fraser, our oulde fellow, is eyther dead, or cannot passe this night, of an imposthume, the fisicians conclude, in the mesentery. Harington House, this 17th of May [\1621\] . To my Worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\LIII. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deere Sister, Not aboue 3 dayes beefore I receued yors by this poste, I spent sow tyme in pervsinge sertaine letters of myne longe sence receued from my good freind, & amongst others I founde som 100 of yo=rs= that were rytten beinge a maide, a

wyfe, & a widdowe. Theise letters cost mee an afternounes worke to reede them over, & it did much comfort mee to finde by those lines that I wounce had a sister whose loue & affection in those dayes was nott to bee eaqualysed, & was glad to thincke w=th= my selfe that I had not as yett one my parte giuen any cause to the contrary. In regarde that yo=u= retourned noe answer of my lettes by Salman, whom I imployed in England, I made my reckoninge that you (had) tacken your leaue of wryghttinge, and seeing the retourne of the ordinary courryer to com lickwise vaquant, it confermed my fyrst oppinyon and made it the stronger; but sence I perseve by yo=r= last that it was onely want of commoditye & nothinge else that was the cause, yf it shoulde soe faule out that my occations this winter shoulde cale me in to England, I dooe imagen that yo=u= wille thincke it noe dishonnor to yo=u= to see mee com in good equypage. This last sommer yo=u= were neere beeinge quitt of a brother, but it hath pleased God, contrary to my one expectation, to restore mee. Thus, w=th= my loue to yo=r= selfe and those of yo=rs=, I rest Yo=r= trew affectionate T. Meautys. Arnheim, November the 7, 1622.

[} [\LIV. NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deeare Madam, - The constancies of my feares do enuite me continually, as occasion is offered, to a desier for the understanding of yo=e= estate, especially in these extremityes, of w=ch= I do fynde my self very sensible, & next for my most honored friend the L. of Bedford, vnto whom my prayers do dayly entreat a talent of patience, equall or exceedinge her worst fortunes. I am already very weary of vncertayntyes, w=ch= maketh me hartely wish for a determined tyme of yo=e= cominge downe, the delay of w=ch= hath made me feele the inconuenience. My moother saluteth you, & desireth the entertaynement of this token of her loue. My father hath recouered his hearinge, & much longeth for yo=e= presence. The newes of my elder brother's beinge aliue, w=ch= was long since traueled, hath bin approued by iij or iiij merchants w=th= so great probabilityes that it must necessarily be he or his counterfeit; the tyme since his departure, his years, hayer, complexion, stature, qualletyes, & many perticular circumstances concerninge his friends, justifyinge yt w=th= such assurances that my father is determyned

mediately to send a man onto him. If my conuersation her may perceiue more then yo=e= imagination, be perswaded that yo=e= retourne is uery necessary; vntill when I leave you w=th= my L. of Bedford, attended by my best loue and seruise, and do rest constantly yours, Nath. Bacon. Culford, March 14, 1622-3. To the much honored lady the Lady Jane Cornwalleys, giue these.

[} [\LV. COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Dear Madam, - I think itt very long since I heard of you, and therefore send this messenger to bring me word how you doe, from whom I should not have binne so many months without hearing, but that for this two last I have had so much ill health and paine as made me for a good part of the tyme unable to wright, and yett hath left me but a lame woeman. Better nuse I hope to reseave of you and yours, which I pray for, and shall wellcom with a great deale of gladness for this fatall yeare keepes me in continual fears for those I love, which if I did not you hartely, I wear more than unworthy to have a freind. M=r= Bacon, I trust, hath by this tyme perfectly recovered his long sicknes, which, both for his owne sake and the comfort of your lyfe, I cannot but with much

affection inquier after, and do so to know when you intend to bee att London; where or hear I hope wee shall meete this spring att the fardest, if the towne and these parts continue so cleane from the sicknes as, God be thanked, att the present they are; though all the markett townes about us, and many small villages, Richmondsworth exsepted, have all this summer continued infected as well as the citie, which kept me from sending to those I hoped wear farder from danger for feare of convaighing any to them, though God of his great goodnes spared my owne familie, and hath yett reserved me, I hope, for his servis: if itt may be also to doe you any, I assure you I shall love my lyfe the better, and be much the more your contented, that am Y=r= most affectionat servant and faithfull freind, L. Bedford. More Lodge, this 16th of January [\1622-3\] . To my noble & worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis, att Broome.

[} [\LVI. NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Hart, Hauinge this opportunitie by M=r= Chittock, I thought these my letters myght come to yo=e= hands before yo=e= retourne, being assured you would be very glad to heare of o=e= estate here in the contry. For my self, therfore, you may vnderstand that I

am reasonably well, but cannot quite my self of my distempers, although they be very small. Vppon Tuesday last also, in the night, I voyded some bloud to the quantitye of 5 or 6 dropps, but yt stopt agayne imediately, & so hath contineued euer since. I am now at Redgraue, wher I haue bin (ij nights excepted) euer since my retourne, & wher I begin to grow very restless; for, the discourse being long since spent, continuall repetitions proue so tedious vnto me that some tyme I am so unmannerly as not to geue audience. O=e= childeren ar well; & little Nick hath cast his cote, and seemeth metamorphosed into a grasshopper. Jane is a very modest mayden, & is wholely taken vpp w=th= trauailinge by her self, w=ch= she perfourmeth very hansomely, & wil be ready to runn at yo=e= comand when you retourne. Thus w=th= my best love & prayers I leaue, resting alwaies & onely Yo=es= Nath. Bacon. [\1622-3.\] To his best respected friend the Lady Cornewalleys, at her lodginge ouer agaynst York Howse, at the signe of the Stirrop.

[} [\LVII. COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Cornewallis, - I am sorry M=r= Bacon and you are so punctual observers of the comandement

empties this towne, which itt is now too late, in regard of the state you are in, to tell you, that if I had thought that had binne any stay to your being a Londoner this winter, I wolde. have donne you the servis to have gotten you a dispensation; whos companie I should have binne extream glad to have had hear, whear I shall be for the most part till the spring: and though in this I am a greate looser, yett itt trobles me more to hear how aprehensive you are of a danger itt hath pleased God to carry you so often safely through, and so I doubt not will againe, though you may do yourselfe and yours much harme, by those doubtings and ill companions for all persons, and worst for us splenetick creatures. Therfore, dear Cornewallis, lett not this melancholy prevale with you to the begetting or nourishing of those mistrusts will turne more to your hurt than that you feare, which I hope will passe with safety and end to your comfort, unto which if I could tell how hear or thear to advise any thing, I wold affectionatly endeavour att in absence, and readily undertake a longer jorney to you than itt is to Broome; for though I have long suffered under a condicion hath maimed me of all means in real effects to express itt, and hath almost made me

hate fruitles professions, yett ther is no freind more sensible of what they owe to another, nor fuller of earnest desiers to deserve well of them, than my hart can wittnes I am towards you, to whom I am not in so much despayre of making itt appear as I have binne, nor, I hope; are you lesse confident that itt is an unfained truth, that I am, Yo=r= most affectionatly faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Harington House, this 28 of November [\1623\] . I will write you no newse, for that I leave to M=r= Bacon, who may hear in the towne very near as much as I know, since what is like a secret passeth underneath, and so sounds not so farre as this end of the towne, only I will give you my testimony that the Prince is the most improved man that ever I saw, and that my Lo. of Buckingham recovers much of what he had lost, so as you may see that the only Wyse, who brings light out of darknes, can favour us by ways we could not imagine could have produced such happy effects. The litle juel you sent me is a tresure, being the finest and best that I thinks was ever of her kind, for which since I cannot thanke you enuffe, I will use no words to thanke you for at all. To my noble and worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\LVIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^LUCY COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Madam, I have binne hindered from sending to you as I purposed, first for want of a footeman, and sinse by the sadde accident of my Lo. of Richmond's death, which tied me to give my tyme to the performance of the charitable offices I could to his La. Now I send with a great deale of earnest longing for the retorne of this bearer, because by your brother I hear you have binne ill since your being delivered; but I truste itt is no other then som indisposition incident to childe bed, and that I shall hear you have recovered better health, which I wish as hartely att the leaste as the continuance of my owne. Howsoever, since the very season of the yeare invites you to itt, lett mee perswade you as soone as you are able to comme to London, wheare the best meanes are for the recovery or confirmacion of your health. You know your olde lodgeings, which, or as convenient a one if I keepe you out of that, shall be ready for you, and I infinitely gladde of your companie and M=r= Bacon's. I never so much longed to speake with

you, and to have you out of that solitarie place, wheare I heare melancholie getts two much ground of you, which is so dangerous an enemie as I extreamlie desier to have you so neare me as I might offer you my best assistance and servis to overcom itt in yourself, and remove the causes if itt be possible. Therefore againe I pray you to resolve to chandge place for a while; som divertisments att the leaste you will finde heare, from whence I shall not, I thinke, remove till after Midsommer terme. Som acount of what passeth hear, to entertaine you, I will make unto you. First, my La. of Richmond's losse, though it weare such a blow from Heaven as I must confesse I never knew given, will not kille her, of so strandge resisting stue are our hartes made. She was the happiest woman I thinke that lived, for by her owne confession she acknowledged, that if she should have sitte doune and studied what to aske of God for outward blessings and inwarde comforts of this world more then she enjoyed, she could find nothing to desier but a child; and it was true, for she had of glorie and greatnes as much as a subject was capable of, wealth of all kinds in abundance, health and extraordinary beautie even at this adge, and, above all, a noble

husband, that was the love of her harte, and doted on her with the same pasion to the last ower of his lyfe that he did the first month of his being in love with her. Out of those loveing armes she rose not two owers before he died, and left him, as she thought, well, only troubled with a litle paine in his head, which made him desirous to sleep a litle longer; which and his death was so quiet, as his man sitting close to his bedside knew not when he departed, but fearing, because itt was the day apointed for the parliment, that he might wake too late, called in a gentleman of his chamber that used to wake him, who drawing the curtain found him starke dead. I lay by chaunce that night att the Cockepitte, whither instantly this nuse was brought me, and I presently went to the Duches, in whos lodgeings was to be seen all that an unexpected calamity could show of sorrow. I much feared the first violence might have distracted her, but her pasion had so liberal vent as I thinke itt wrought the less inwardly. Her haire, in discharge of a vowe she had formerly made, she cutte of close by the rootes that afternoone, and told us of som other vowes of retirednes she had made if she should be so miserable as to outlive him, which I hope she will as punctually performe. For my part, I confesse I incouradge her to itt, which, som say, hereafter she will love me nothing the better for; but itt is the counsel I should take to myselfe in her case, and

therfore I cannot spare to give itt. She offers to deall very nobly with my Lo. of Lenox, yett I imagine ther will grow differences betwixt them out of his Lady's over greediness, for they already refuse to accept condisions they had subscribed to, though, if she have not very harsh and unusual measure offered her, itt is in her choise wheather to part with any thing to them or no. My Lo. of Buckingham hath made his declaracion to the parlement, who yett aplaude itt because itt tends to the final breach of the match with Spaine. The Houses have sitt so short a tyme as what they do is not yett to be judged, but I trust things will succeed well both for the Church and the Commonwealth. The Lord Marquis Hamilton is Lord Steward, so as that staffe hath had the good fortune to passe from a noble to a worthie hand, wheare I hope itt will long remaine. But I fear I do ill to wearie you with so many lines; therfore, deare Cornewallis, I will not for the present say more then that I love you as your owne meritt and the obligacions I owe you justly deserves, and will never be wanting to you in any trial you may have cause to make of Y=r= most affectionat and faithful freind, L. Bedford.

Wee have much hope that the Prince will show himselfe of such a temper as will be his owne glorie and the good of these kingdoms. My Lord Steward hath taken from me your olde servant Jeames Henly, and George Purser, whom he should not have had, if they had not binne such as but for his sake I should very unwillingly have parted with. Com~ende me, sweet Cornewallis, very kindly to M=r= Bacon; and to my freind Fredericke, whom and the rest of yours I beseech God to blesse. Harington House, this 28 of February [\1623-4\] .

[} [\LIX. NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Hart, I do long much to heare how you do, w=th= little Jane; wherfore I haue sent this messenger, by whom I desier to receiue an answer. Vppon Weddensday last my Lo. Marshall was here at Bury, onely to see me I thinck, for this place was out of his way to Thetford, whither he went: he would haue come vnto me to M=r= Pead's, but I preuented him by attendinge him at his inn, wher he was pleased to fauor me beyond my expectation. All the afternoone I waited vppon him about the ruines of the Abby. I presented him w=th= yo=e= casket; w=ch=, in respect yt was yo=rs=, I could hardly fasten vppon

him, had not M=r= Short wittenessed that yt was before sett apart for him. I exercised more yesterday by walking than I haue these 4 monethes, & I haue very well endured yt (God be thancked), being at this tyme euery way better & better. If the childe be very sick, I pray do not hasten yo=e= cominge hither, for yo=e= presence may better be spared her than ther. I com~end my best loue vnto you, w=th= my continuall prayers for you & yo=rs= and rest, Yo=e= most affectionate, Nath. Bacon. [\Bury, 1624.\] To his best friend the La. Cornewalleys, at Broome, geue these.

[} [\LX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Harte, By the first ocasion I am desirous to com~end vnto you the good health of o=e= childeren, w=th= my self, who longingely doth expect to heare of yo=e= safe arriuall at London w=th= some happy progress of o=e= troublesome business. My brother Coleby is to come vpp this next weeke, beinge yesterday arrested at S=r= Henry Felton's sute, who I am sure

wilbe ready to do you any seruise if he shalbe at London in tyme. You may heare of him in the Middle Row in Holeborne, at a shoomaker's. Payne hath retowrned from London, & brought you a letter from yo=e= brother Dormer; w=ch= I haue not sent you, because he himself, w=th= his wife, lieth in London, wher you shall se him. Instead of newes, (wherof this country affordeth non,) accept the remembrance of my old loue, w=ch= shall neuer be estranger vnto you, & w=th= w=ch= I do at this tyme so much labour that I hope I shall make some good vse of this vacancie in my meditations for some better manifestation of yt; w=th= my earnest desiers to be wholely Yo=rs=, Nath. Bacon. May 6 [\1624\] . To his moste noble friend the Lady Cornewalleys, at Harington Howse, geue these. Leaue this w=th= M=r= James Henly, at Harington Howse, to be delieuered.

[} [\LXI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, I haue now receiued yo=e= letters w=th= much sattisfaction to my desiers, by vnderstandinge of yo=e= health & safe ariuall at London after so troublesome a journey; & do retourne vnto the healthfull estate of o=e= childeren & my self, who haue since yo=e= departure (thancks be to God) suffered very little in my brest. I do wonder much that the

com~ission was not retourned in the prescribed tyme, since I my self beinge at Norwich w=th= M=r= Morse did so much vrge yt to M=r= Sherwood, who promised to retourne yt w=th=out fayle; neyther haue I hearde any thinge of yt since yo=e= departure, being not able to com~end any thing concerninge that business but my many wishes for yo=e= frutefull endeauors in the proceeding. My father her hath taken me so wholy vpp to his seruise, hauinge at this tyme 50 men at worke in castinge his great pond, that I can hardly haue tyme to look home, being my self also studious to obserue him w=th= my best wits for the better effecting of myne & yo=e= desiers. You shall receiue by this bearer yo=e= wastecote, hauinge receiued yt this day from Broome w=th= the health of o=e= childeren. I could gladly vnderstande some tyme for the expectation of yo=e= retourne, but I do expect uncertayntye in yt from the vncertaynety of o=e= business; being assured that w=th= its licence ou=r= mutuall loues shall receiue quickly ther mutuall desiers in each other's presence. In the meane tyme I leaue yt, w=th= my self, wholely to yo=e= disposing; and you=e= self attended w=th= the best prayers of him who wilbe alwaies Yo=e= Nath. Bacon. I pray speak to John Fenn to buy me 3 ownces of masticott more than I wrote for, & it need not be of the best sort, yt being for yo=e= seate, w=ch= was

sett vpp the last Satterday. We haue payed a subsidie & halfe to the beneuolence. My seruice to all w=th= you. Culford, May 15 [\1624\] . To his moste worthy friend the Lady Cornewalleys, at the Lady Cooke's howse by Charing Cross, geue these.

[} [\LXII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, The tyme since yo=e= departure seemeth longe, & my desiers for yo=e= company maketh me desier also you=e= resolution for a retourne. I know not the second success of o=e= business, but I am fully persuaded that it is no less troublesome to you than the former, w=ch= maketh me still wish that yo=e= patience may so digest yt that yt may prevent any inconvenience w=ch= eyther body or mynde may from thence suffer, & wherin I should be much satisfied if I might vnderstand of any content intermixt w=th= this yo=e= trouble. News o=r= country affordeth none but this, that we both are presented by the churchwardens at this last visitation, the Archdeacon being present, urging yt, for not keepinge o=e= church in the after noone. My neece Nann Gawdy also is, I thinck, certayne of a husband, w=ch= is M=r= Stanhope. Myself with o=e= children ar in perfect

health at this present. I haue not yett receued any letter from you this week by reason of my beinge now at Broome, wherefore I cannot by this make any particular answer, onely I commend, by any occasion offered, my harty prayers for yo=e= health w=th= Fred's, & desier alwaies the contineuance of yo=e= favorable affection to him, who, although weak in desert yet stronge in hart, shall ever be onely, You=rs=, Nath. Bacon. [\1624.\] I pray lett Johnsen have this thred inclosed, w=ch= is the length of my pistolls, whereby he may gett y` cases for them; the pistolls ar of the biggness of breach pistols. To his moste worthy friend the Lady Cornewalleys, at the Lady Cooke's house by Charing Cross, London.

[} [\LXIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Myne owne Sweet Hart, I belieue this tyme (affording for the moste part diuersity of messengers) hath fayled yo=e= expectation in hearing oftener from me, w=ch= I do assure you hath not bin my fault, I hauinge bin continually inquisitiue this last week for a priuate messenger, wherin I fayled; & now w=th= the first, I do com~end vnto you the good estate of o=e= childeren, w=th= some betteringe of myne owne, as also of

my sister Waldegraue's, whose best loue, w=th= my sister Drurye's, do attend you. I am sorry to heare of yo=e= head ach, for w=ch= I belieue S=r= Charles Cornewalleys will proue no good phisitian. My brother Nick was maryed vppon Satterday last to M=rs= Darcey; & for contry newes, you may vnderstand, if you haue not already, that for certayne the States of Holland wer, the last Sunday was a seuennight, w=th= the King, wher, takinge occasion

from the estate of the Pallatines, they offered ther seruise to the K. agaynst the K. of Spayne, who moste graciously receiued them, & acknoweledged vnto them the affront done by the K. of Spayne, but differed any conclusion vntill the retourne of M=r= Porter; in the meane tyme assured them of the continuation of a moste firme league duringe his lyfe, & hath honored many w=th= knightwod, & some other of the cheifest ar to receiue yt by pattent for them & ther posterity. I haue sent you her inclosed a bill of exchange, by w=ch= you may receiue o=e= mony due from my father. Thus, w=th= my best wishes for good success in yo=e= troublesome business, & my prayers for the recouery & continuance of yo=e= health, I leaue you. I pray, retourne my best service to my cosin Glouer & his wife & the rest of my friends, & rest alwaies yo=er= Nath. Bacon. [\1624.\] To his moste noble friend the Lady Cornewalleys, at London

[} [\LXIV. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, I receiued yo=e= letter, wherby I vnderstand of the slow proceeding of o=e= business; &, for myne

owne part her, I cannot be so well pleased but I much desier dayly to be w=th= you, wherfore I desier you to send me word by the next whether my cominge may be inconuenient or not, & how longe you meane to stay. For my cominge, I cannot wright any thinge certayne; for my horses ar infected w=th= other sick horses, & so extreamely sick that I know not whether they will liue or not. For my health, I cannot wright as I did last; for this last week I suffered more payne in my teeth then euer, & this night I slept not one hower, & am now goinge to the mountebanck at Bury to draw them out. For y=e= childeren, they ar in very good health. Nick sends you word of a brood of young chickens, & of a disaster he escaped at my beinge w=th= him; for he eate so much milk porrage at supper that he cryed out, (O Lord!) I think I haue almost broake myne guutt; & I was fayne to walk him a turne or ij about the chamber to digest yt. Newes I cann wright none; wherfore I desier you onely to entertayne my earnest desiers to enioy you=e= company, then w=ch= nothing can be more pleasing to him who is & shall be allwaies onely You=rs=, Nath. Bacon. [\1624.\] To his moste noble friend the Lady Jane Cornewalleys, at Haringeton Howse, geue these.

[} [\LXV. COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Dear Madam, I sent to Wight Halle presently after you went from hence on Friday, but my La. of Lenox was not retorned from Litleton, so as I could not gett her second letter to the Keeper, but I hope I shall hear her first had the effect you desired. If more you wold have done by her on Tuesday, when the K. is gone from Grenwidge, I will find her out and bring you what you desier of her. Therfore lett me know how your busnes hath gonne, and what furder servis may be donne you by your La=ps= loveing freind, L. Bedford. This is like to proove as busy a weeke with me, as, if I see you not hear, I doubt I shall not at that ende of the towne. Harington House, this 23d of June [\1624\] . To my worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\LXVI. NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Hart, For the business, although the success hath not yett sattisfied my desiers, yet it hath so far

equalled my expectation that I cannot but be fully perswaded of your moste great care & dilligence, wherby it hath attayned this present estate. For your retourne, myne owne disposition teacheth me to be best pleased with your best sattisfaction; yet, in these my desiers, the end of your last letter maketh me to crave a favorable construction. Little newes I can wright; only the marriage of my neece Gawdy, & the death of Pearse & Franck Woodhowse. My self with the children ar in perfect health, God be thancked; the which I shall dayly wish a pray to you & Fred, with my best endevors to be so much my self, that I may fully perswade you that my greatest happiness shall alwaies consist in being Your Nath. Bacon. [\1624.\] To his noble friend Lady Cornewallis.

[} [\LXVII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, In some haste & fewe words I do retourne you many thanckes for yo=e= letter receiued by M=r= Baylife, together w=th= the newes, but especially for the

abundance of yo=e= loue therin professed; w=ch= I desier you to beleue is so wellcome vnto me that the meditation therof must be vnto me my cheifest comfort in this yo=e= absence, & that my best endeuors shall allwaies ayme at some meanes to my pore power both to requite & deserue yt. O=e= childeren w=th my self ar in health (God be thancked), w=th= the rest of yo=e= friends. I wish you good success w=th= yo=e= business, & in the meane tyme content both w=th= the place & proceedinges. Excuse my shortness, beinge com~anded by the day & tyme; & entertayne the best prayers of him who is alwaies Yo=es=, Nath. Bacon. Thrandeston, May 19 [\1624\] . M=r= Parr, M=rs= Parr, & M=r= Greenhill remember ther best seruise. My seruise to all my friends, & bid Jhon Fenn to send my coullers so soone as possible. To his most worthy friend the Lady Cornewalleys, at the Lady Cooke's howse by Charinge Cross, geue these, London.

[} [\LXVIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Harte, I am very sorry that you haue suffered so much in yo=e= health since yo=e= comminge to London; w=ch=

beinge joyned w=th= yo=e= troublesome business cannot, I am certayne, but make this journy uery tedious vnto you. For S=r= Charles Cornwalleys, I am glad that the justness of o=e= case hathe appeared, and should be glad to understand of some remedy; although from him yt is hardly to be exspected, he remayninge moste constant (as yt seemeth) in his fraudulent courses. O=e= children wer well in health uppon Moonday last, when I saw them. Nic hath been troubled with illness, but perfectly recouered, thankes be to God. I was desirous to haue seen you for a day at London, the journy being not much from Cambridge, wher I now am; but the extremity of the weather hath so disfauoured me that I cannot neyther with conueniency nor security, attempt yt, being altogether unprouided for these uery fowle waies: wherfore I desire you to excuse me, and to entertayne these few lynes, by w=ch= moste affectionately I do com~end my best prayers and wishes for yo=e= perfect health, content, and safe retourne, wherin I shall more joy than in any other earthly blessinge, and w=th= my best power endeauour onely Yo=e= Nath. Bacon. From Cambridge, wher I haue bin by M=r= Greenhill moste well entertayned. June 3 [\1624\] . To his moste noble friend the Lady Cornwalley's at the Lady Cooke's howse by Charinge Cross, geue these

[} [\LXIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, I receiued yo=e= letter by Murdock, by w=ch= I vnderstand the troublesome proceedinge of o=e= business, for w=ch= I am sorry, but especially; for the tediousness that you ar affected w=th= by reason of the trouble in yt & you longe stay by yt; & although I am euery hower in expectation of yo=e= presence, yet I could not but venter the arrivall of these lynes before yo=e= departure, by w=ch= you may vnderstand of the perfect health of myself & o=e= children & the rest of yo=e= friends her, & the sweet estate of yo=e= howse & gardin, w=ch= to the best endeuors of my self & yo=e= seruants hath bin prepared to geue you a pleasinge welcom, together w=th= 14 yonge fesants, w=ch= peepinge do much desier ther M=rs= presence. Thus all of vs rests in the hopes of yo=e= sodayne retourne, w=ch= by how much the more desired by so much the more yo=e= welcome shall be endeuored, but especially by him the perfection of whose happynes resteth in yo=e= loue & the deseruing yt, and in beinge Oneley yo=rs=, Nath. Bacon. Broome. June 5 [\1624\] . To his noble friend the Lady Cornewalleys, at the Lady Cooke's howse by Charing Cross, geue these.

[} [\LXX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, I haue long expected to heare from you of yo=e= health, but haue not yett receiued any thing since my departure. I would be loth to omitt any occasion, w=ch= maketh me venture this letter; otherwise being almost perswaded of yo=e= retourne before this shall come to yo=e= hands: so howsoeuer, if you receiue yt, you may vnderstand my health to be euery way equall w=th= that before yo=e= going upp, if not better. O=e= childeren also ar all in good health: Nick hath well recouered his ague; & M=rs= Mop is a much fyner girle than euer, & more familliar w=th= me, & I hope before strawberyes go out I shall win her hart for euer. I haue no more to wright but my many prayers & wishes for yo=e= health & happy retourne, w=ch= God grant vnto you. Thus, w=th= my best loue & servise to yo=e= self w=th= the rest of my friends, I leaue, resting onely Yo=es=, Nath. Bacon. Redgraue, June 13 [\1624\] . To his best respected friend the La. Cornewalleys, at her lodging oueragaynst York Howse, at the signe of the Stirrop, geue these, London.

[} [\LXXI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, The tyme of expectinge yo=e= retourne, beinge hastened by myne owne desiers, doth now approach: yett, not vnderstandinge how yo=e= expectation for the proceedinge in yo=e= business hath bin favored, I must reste still doubtfull of yo=e= presence her vntill I shall heare fardher from you. This gentleman hath brought me a letter from S=r= Thomas Meautys, the contents wherof if you do not already vnderstand, I must conceale vntill o=e= next meetinge; yt beinge nothinge necessary to com~end them to you in wrighting at this tyme, I hauinge also desired this messenger to excuse myne answer vntill Payne's retourne in to the Low Countryes. Newes we haue none, onely the sodeyne retourne of my brothers out of the Low Countryes before they cam ther, ther voiage not exceeding Yarmouth. My perfect health, w=th= o=e= children's, you may receiue by these, w=h= my dayly prayers for yo=es=, & my moste earnest desiers that you may entertayne the necessity of this distance of place w=th= the vertu of beinge content; & that you will be merry, & remember me once a day in a cup of clarrett, the pledg of w=ch= I shall in conceipt retourne vnto you w=th= many thanckes. Com~end my loue & servise to my friends, & be

assured that I shall not be more happy in any thing than in the manifestation of the moste secrett sincerity of my hart, whereby I cannot appeare other to you then yo=e= onely Nath. Bacon. Culford, this present Fryday [\1624\] . To his moste worthy friend the Lady Cornewalleys, att the Lady Cooke's howse by Charing Cross, geue these.

[} [\LXXII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, W=th= my many desiers to salute you by all occasions offered, I do com~end these lines w=th= my present health, w=ch= at this my beinge in London hath bin moste constant, thancks be to God. I haue bin w=th= yo=e= kynsman, M=r= Thom Meautys, and he tould me that S=r= Thomas Meautys determined to be in England 10 dayes after the wrightinge of his letter, w=ch= he receiued by Payne, since w=ch= tyme he hath not heard of him. I spake also w=th= him concerning the Sherifes, and he tould me that the last yeare the Kinge himself disliked much the pricckinge of those whose names wer not geuen in vnto him, & that he would warrant me free, vnless my name wer geuen in to him by the L. Keepere, w=ch= I cannot yett know; howsoeuer, I perceiue great meanes made of all hands, & I shall endeuor the best I can for myself. For newes her is

very little, but some hopes that the stronge report of the kinge and princes death of Polonia may proue vntrue, for her hath lately arriued a ship out of these contries, w=ch= relateth no such thinge; & besides, the Spanish embassador hath no such intelligence. The report is also of an embassador out of Spayne for the Low Countryes, to treat of peace; for whose entertaynement ther is ther great preparation. A confirmation also of the sea fight betwixt the Frenche Kinge & the Rocchellers, 6 of the Kinge's shipps being sunck, & iij taken; & also of the other newes I last wrote, of another nauiie of shipps is also preparinge, the intent vncertayne, some say for Spayne, the match proceeding according to the comon report. For my retourne, yt resteth onely vpon this business of the Sherifes, otherwise yt should be imediate, beinge so fully satisfied w=th= this place, that I do assure you yt is rather tedious to me than plesant. The lady of Bedford is not yet come to the towne, nor is expected vntill Wedensday next. No other things I can com~end vnto you, but the best loue of him who must alwaies be entirely Yo=e=, Nath. Bacon. From the Raynebow, in bow lane, October 26 [1624]. Tell Nan I haue bought her a fine new gowne, wherfore I shall expect a great forwardness in her book at my retourne.

[} [\LXXIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, Not expectinge the retourne of the messenger, nor reckoning of the opportunity of the carrier, I do com~end vnto you these, wherby you may vnderstand of the safe arriuall & present health of o=e= childeren: for my self, I am still accompanyed w=th= my constant companions, the tooth ach & head ach, of whose society I begin to grow so weary that I shall not any longer geue them quiet entertaynement, but vnwillingely call in the ayde of the phisitian. I longingely desier to hear the end of yo=e= troublesome journy, w=th= yo=e= present estate; vppon w=ch= my best wishes haue attended, & w=ch= I do expect to vnderstand very shortly by Cock. Newes the contry affordeth small: onely my nephew Bass. Gawdy, I vnderstand, is come ouer & hath sould his cullars; I vnderstand also that Ensigne Rosseter was slayne at Berghen. My sister Waldegraue remayneth in her former estate, whose best loue, w=th= my sister Drurye's, doth attend you. Thus, w=th= my many desiers for yo=e=

cheerfull patience in yo=e= troublesom business, & my continuall prayers for yo=e= health & good success in them, I leaue you to God's protection, resting happy in any occasion wherby I may express my desiers to be Onely yo=es=, Nath. Bacon. Culford, Nouembre 20 [\1624\] . I pray remember my loue & seruisse to all my friends. To his moste noble freind the Lady Jane Cornewalleys, geue these.

[} [\LXXIV. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deere Sister, Yo=rs= by my cosen Meautys beeinge com to my hands, I woulde not lett this carryer goe w=th=out theise, w=ch= must retourne yo=u= thancks for yo=rs=, that I shall eauer thincke myselfe moste happye yf I maye any daye dooe yo=u= servis to requite the affection you beare mee; and longer then reciperecoly I maye answere yo=rs= I shall not desier to bee happye, neather in this worlde nor in the worlde to come. I vnderstand that my brother is suddenly well recouered and beeyounde expectation, the w=ch= I dooe ingenyously confes that I am glad of; and soe, I praye, remember my loue to him. I did receue letters from Coventrye, but none from my

mother, for I am informed that shee is very ill sence yo=r= goinge from London. Shee sent mee a letter, w=ch= I shoulde a sent vnto yo=u= but it had gotten a myschance by the waye, haueinge bin, as it shoulde seame, bin lett fall in the durt, and was holely vnfitt to bee sent. I haue informed hir of it, that shee maye right againe. Thus, w=th= the trew affection of a lovinge brother, I rest allwayes reddy to macke good my oblygatyon till the tyme come that I shall bee called awaye to render an account of the sencerytye of my hart w=ch= I own towards you beefore Him that is the judger of all men's harts; till then I am Yo=r= moste affec=t= brother & servant, T. Meautys. London, Desember the 23, 1624. To my deere Sister the Lady Jane Cornewallyes, for the present att M=r= Peade's howse in Berry, giue these.

[} [\LXXV. COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO MR. BACON.\] }] S=r=. I see your freinds had need be moderat in ther requests to you, that have so liberal a hand in the satisfieinge them; for my part, I must give you the discouragement to say you have gotten nothing by your care so plentifully to furnishe me with what I

desired, but a bare acknowledgement of my thankfullness; since my desier to deserve well of you, and sence of the obligations I ought you, wear att that height before, as they can reseave no increase: yett this do we the right to believe, that though this must stand at a stay, my endevors shall not do so, if ever they may find such employment as may witnesse me to be in deed as well as in words, Sir, the thankefullest and most assured of your freinds, L. Bedford. Bedford House, in haste, this 6th of November [\1624\] . When you come next to town we shall be able to shew you some good new pieses of painting at Harington House. To my much esteemed freind M=r= Bacon, att Broome.

[} [\LXXVI. NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Hart, I am very glad to vnderstand of yo=e= safe though troublesome arriuall at London, as allso of the recovering estate of yo=e= sister so much contrary to yo=e= expectation, and I pray God continew yt. Since yo=e= departure yt was reported at Bury so confidently that yt was Sir Thomas Meautys that was sick, and not yo=e= sister, as I had almost belieued

yt before I receiued yo=e= letter reportinge the contrary. O=r= children ar all well, God be thanked, with my self, who haue bin these ij last passed dayes verry well and much better than when you left me or better than I haue bin these 14 dayes. I haue vsed garlick agayne w=th= much benifite. The Lady Jermine hath entertayned yo=e= bitch w=th= all thanckfullness. I haue cast vpp superficially the inuentory of all the stock and mouables of Culford w=th= the legacies to be payed out, the plate xcepted, and yt amounteth vnto 1200,40 and odd pounds. My brother Coleby hath offered to buy the stock of kyne and horses and to hyre so much ground as now resteth in myne owne hands, but I have differed my resolution. Thus leaving you w=th= my best loue, wishes and prayers, I rest, being alwaies Onely yo=rs=, Nath. Bacon. Culford, this Sunday [\Dec=r= 1624\] . My loue and servis I pray to all my friends. Sweet Hart, geue order to M=r= Morse I pray for the payment of 20 marks to M=r= Chitting, the fee due to the Herralds upon my father's death.

[} [\LXXVII. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Dear Sister, This is only to lett you understand that, since I hear that my sister of Sussex is nott quickly to part with her greate belly as yett, I doe pourpose, God willinge, upon the retourne of this messenjer, to goe downe to Coventry, &, before my cominge back, to marry with the eldest daughter of Sir Richard Burneby. The reasons that endeuceth mee to it is bee cause I am assured that a good foundation will all ways stand, and by that meanes I am in hope to preserve the name in my father's lyne, the which I doe much desire, with God's favorable assystance. Her portyon is but +L1500, which is not much; yett, when I consider the breadinge, discretyon, and disposityon of the jentle woman, and havinge likewise made a calculatyon of my own means and abyllytyes, I must confes that shee is rich in comparrason of my selfe. My sister of Sussex hath, with the consent of my Lorde, afforded mee +L200 a years annujty, to mee and my ayers for eaver, in present, the which I will assure to my wyfe for a parte of her joynture, and as much more as I can inrich her with. Now, if it shall please you to sett to your helpinge hand

for to sett us up, or to be a means to preserve us from fallinge in regarde that our estats will not bee grate, you shall binde her as much as myselfe all ways to dooe you servis, and wee will acknolidg it with all thankfullness, and valleu you as one of our best benefactuers. In regard of my long staye out of the Low Countryes, monye is grown short with me at this present; if it will please you to think upon mee in regarde of my occasyon, and use it att this tyme, you shall much favour mee. This, with my love to you & all yours first. Your moste affectionate brother & servant, T. Meautys. Jan. the 6, 1624-5. To my dear the Lady Cornewallys, at Brome or els where, give these.

[} [\LXXVIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Sister, The sayme daye I receued yo=r= last by my footman I fell extreame ill of a scouringe, w=ch= hath continued upon mee eauer sence, but, I thanck God, it beegins somethinge to lessen it selfe of it selfe, w=ch= was the cause yo=u= haue not herd from mee till now; haueinge eauer sence kept my lodgeinge by reason of a soreness in my throte, and

horseness w=th=all, that did macke mee holely vnfitt for company; yett, for all this, I durst not adventuere to put my selfe in to the docktor's hands, but hath lett Nateure worcke his wille w=th= mee, and I hope for the best. Yo=r= noble & discreete proffer & presentation I must moste lovingly and affectyonately imbrace; and w=th=all, retourning yo=u= the thanckes I dare not saye due to yo=r= merrytt, but all that my merrytt is capable to render you for soe worthy a respect of yo=rs= to mee, for conclusyon, my wyfe that shall bee shall remayne yo=r= servant and joythfull pentyoner; for I haue constytuted the benevolence yo=u= haue bestowed upon mee to hir present pertyceuler vseses and pryvate mayntenance, for the w=ch= shee shall in pertyceuler hereafter retourne yo=u= hir thanckes, w=th= as much loue to you from hir parte, beinge hir sister, as shee can beare to my selfe, whome shee exspects to haue to bee hir husband, or else shee cannot loue mee soe much as shee professeth. And though all bee but thanckes w=ch= can com from mee to you, yett lett mee macke that apeere as much as I can in all, w=ch= is to shew my gratitude to you for yo=r= present asistance allsoe, w=ch= I haue receued, as yo=r= dyrectyons was. I praye God contynue me gratefull to you, w=ch= yf I shoulde fayle in shewen, I shoulde drawe a punyshment upon my one hed, beecause I have the contrary in another. For newes, S=r= Joh. Radclyfe is deade, and his

sonne hath his company; the Counte Mansfeldes bysnis goes not forward as it aught; the French kinge hath refeused him landinge and passage in France, soe that hee is now to shypp his troopes for Hamborough. God speed them well, and send them good succkses att there eand! As for ther beeginninge, it is but vntoward, w=th= lyttle hope of good suckses. I pray remember my loue to my brother and to all yo=r= lyttle ones. Att Clarekenwell, I beelieue, they heere nothinge of my cosen Glover's goinge towards yo=u=, whome, I thincke, will send you this. Soe, deere sister, I rest, Yo=r= moste affecty=te= brother & servant, T. Meautys. This 18=th= Jan=y= 1624-5. To yo=r= worthy selfe.

[} [\LXXIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere & worthy Sister, Yo=r= cordiall & lovinge letter I haue receued, but w=th= some hazard, for I knowe not by whoes hands it was sent mee. Y=r= lines are in all things licke yo=r= selfe, confortable & loving. Now, deere sister, sence yo=u= haue bin pleased to send my wyfe and mee soe many good wishes, w=th= a promyse that yo=u= will in yo=r= meditatyons thincke upon vs, I will therefore now tacke the boldness to desier

yo=u= to holde yo=r= word, for I dooe receue it as an artycule of my beeleafe, & am confident, that wee shall prosper much the better for yo=r= good prayers. My wyfe hath a longinge desier for to see yo=u=, but wee knowe not how to compass it, my tyme goeing soe fast upon mee to bee gon for the Low Countryes, soe that shee is for this season allmoste out of hope; but myselfe will wayght upon yo=u=, God willing, as soone as I can. I praye lett my loue bee remembered to my brother Bacon, and to all my prittie kindred; and receue these from yo=r= affect=y= brother, that dooth moste loue & honor yo=u=, T. Meautys. Coventry, the 17=th= of March 1624-5. To my much honored deere sister the Lady Cornewallis giue these.

[} [\LXXX. COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Madam, I acknowledge that I feele so to the quicke this last afliction God hath pleased to lay upon me as no worldly comfort will ever be able to prevaile against itt, for I have lost the best and worthiest freind that ever breathed, whom I could not love enoffe for what he was to me, nor sufficiently

admire for what he was in himselfe and to all the world; nor can I ever by any sorrow satisfie my owne hart that itt is such as I ought to have for such a heavie crosse, which yett I trust will be a means to fitt me the sooner for heaven, because I am sure nothing on earth will ever be able to recover much hold on me; not that God hath not yett in mercie leaft me freinds I love better then ever I did myselfe, but this hath made me see that I must have the best freinds in the world but to loose them I know not how soone, for he that was so sodainly taken from me, both for his years, strength, health and temper, was like to have lived to much greater adge than any I have left and so I think would, had not his noble hart binne too great for thes tymes and his fortunes in them. But he is, I doubt not, now wheare nothing of felicity is grudged him, and hath left behind him more trewly sorowfull harts of both nacions then any man's death now living can make againe, and many of us yett know not how to indure one another's sight, being deprived of his; for myselfe I must trewly say I am a maimed body and worse, and so is my Lo. Chamberlain, the last person left of power that I can relie on for the worth of his affection and friendship to me; and, to speake freely to you, the only honest harted man imployed that I know now left to God and his countrie, in which I believe you will hear

of a great change before this letter comme to your hands, for I heard this morning from Tibaults that the King was this morning in so weake estate, as there was no hope of his lyfe, though till his 3 last fitts there was no [{more{] doubt of his safety then of every man's that hath an ordinarie tercian ague, so fatal a yeare is this to great persons as well as meaner. The Lo. therfore give us all grace not to delay preparing to be ready whensoever He shall please to call us, and then the sooner He takes us out of the misserable world the more cause we shall have to magnifie his compacion. Deare Madam, retorn my thankes and affectionat salutacions to your husband, and believe that, though itt will be with a sadder hart, I shall ever continue to love you as your kindnes hath from tyme to tyme given me cause, which is all so unfortunat a woman as I am can deserve itt by; but of that you shall never want any real proofe can be given by Yo=r= most affectionat and thankefull freind, L. Bedford. I know I need not tell you that I take your kinde sending as kindly as is posible, and that I thanke you more for itt then I can sett downe. More Lodge, this 23 of March 1624-5.

[} [\LXXXI. THE COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Cornewallis, The good nuse of M=r= Bacon's amendement was exceeding wellcome to me, that have a lively sence of all that concerns you, in whos discomforts I shall ever have a share, and so have now of gladnes for the good signes of his recoverie, which lett not your affection make you distrustfull of, when himselfe, others, and you, too, find a betteringe of his health and strength; for, when nature winnes upon the disease, itt is an argument that the worst is past, though lingering sicknesses are not shaked off att an instant, but commonly weare away by degrees as they camme. Therfore have pacience, and afflict not yourselfe; while God, I hope, intends you your hart's desier, not to take from you yett that you hold so deare, who have already learnt so well to submit your will to His, as so sharpe a precept needes not to teach you obedience. But, howsoever the only wise God shall please to deale with you, you shall have my infirme prayers that He will never leave to speake peace unto your soule, nor to give you joyefull

assurances of His favor, whearof, if it be His will, I beseech Him now, as an earnest to hear what you aske for your husband; to whom I praye you com~ende me very affectionatly, and tell him, as I did you, that if itt please him to make trial of chandge of ayr, or that remedy which hear grows daylie more and more in request through the general good successe itt hath, I desier, exsept you will be in London to have him that ministers that, the oftener with him, that he will choose More Park to be the place he will remoove unto, which I hope you both take for one of your homes. But if you had rather be in towne under this roofe, you may commande all I calle mine, which is not farre neither from my cosin Kellway's house, who I dare undertake will be carefull to doe you and M=r= Bacon all the servis he can. I give you many thankes for the reseit, which with your last I reseaved. For all your kindneses I can but love you, which I doe and ever shall hartely while ther is breath in Your most affectionat and faithfull freind, L. Bedford. Harington House, in haste, this Saterday morning [\1624\] . Since your goeing my Lo. of Kensington is comme out of France, who brings word that they

are so desirous of that mache as I believe itt will presently be both concluded, and she hear, eare long, upon less ill condicions then Spaine insisted on for matter of religion. I intend, God willing, within ten or twelve days at fardest, to be fixed at More Park, from whence I will send to you. My Lo. of Kensington retornes instantly againe into France. To my noble and worthy freind the Lady Cornewallis, att Broome.

[} [\LXXXII. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] My deere & worthy Sister, Soe seldome or neavor dooth the occatyon present it selfe that any trustye messengers travells in to the parts where you are, from that quarter about Coventrie where I now am, that I must of nessessitye imploye one expres to inquyer of y=r= good health, or else it weare impossible allmoste to partycypate of the knowledg thereof; but att this tyme, haueing soe good an occatyon offered mee by yo=r= worthy selfe in sending soe fayre a toeken to my wyfe I must confes for vs booth that wee are joyntly in payne vntill that shee & I haue retourned ower harty & loving thanckes for yo=r= kinde remembrance of hir; & indeede, my good sister, I aknoledg my selfe infynytly beeholding to yo=u= for it, for yo=u= haue booth grased mee much &

lickewyse honored mee by that favour, & I praye to God that I maye but liue to deserve & to bee thanckfull vnto yo=u= for yo=r= loving respect shewed vnto vs booth. I haue left yo=r= sister to hir selfe for to bee thanckfull vnto yo=u= in hir one selfe; but I dout it will not bee in many lynes, hir health haveing bin none of the best of late, occationed by a disaster gotten by ryding in hir coach, w=ch= did cause a grate pane in hir back, w=ch= caused hir to keepe hir bed for three or foure dayes; & the learned saye shee must tacke hir leaue of hir coach for one month or too. It trobles hir not a lyttle, haueing, upon the recepte of yo=r= laste to vs booth, perswaded w=th= mee that shee myght come vp to London, onely to see yo=u= & haue the happynes to bee acquainted w=th= you; but it weare to grate a happyness booth for mee & hir to attayne to. I praye, deere sister, let mee eauer be entertayned in yo=r= good oppinyon, for I am, and will allwayes remayne, Yo=r= moste affect' brother and humble servant, T. Meautys. I praye lett mee bee kindly remembered vnto all my lyttle cosens. Coventry, Apryll the 7=th=, 1625. To my deere & much honored sister the Lady Jane Cornewallys att Brome in Suffolcke, these.

[} [\LXXXIII. COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Dear Cornwalleis, I have written as effectually as I could to my Lo. Chamberlains who I thinke, if it be in his power, will do what you desier. What the King's resolucion is yett for his owne and his father's servants, he hath not declared farder then the whight staves, which are to remaine as they wear; but for the greene cloth, and other inferior officers both of the household and chamber, itt is thought he will imploye his owne and dismisse his father's, because he hath caused the latter to be all removed to Denmarke House to attende the body; and lodged the former about himselfe att Whitehalle: and, for aught any body yett can discover, he makes his owne determinacions and is very stiff in them; having already changed the whole face of the court very near to the same forme itt had in Queene Elizabeth's tyme, suffering nonne but the counsell and his bedchamber to come further than the privie chamber, whear he continually abides; nor the councell to go furder than the privie galerie, and causes itt to be strictly kept likewise. Into the presence no more are admitted than his owne servants and gentlemen of quality. Of his bedchamber he hath sworn nonne more than he had

before but the Duke of Buckingham, whom he uses very well; but, it is hoped, will be governed by no man, nor will he admitt any of the rest as is thought. After the funerall itt is expected that he will make som alterations among the great officers, and, the com~on voice is, change my Lord Chamberlain's staffe into that I shall never but with sorrow see in other hand than that that held itt last, and bestow his upon his brother. Yett so far he hath not yett declared himself; but, if this be, I have taken order that, if any power remane in the Chamberlaine for the gentlemen ushers' places, whethersoever of them hold that staffe, itt shall be alike for your request; and this I did because I think the chamber will not be settled till the principal officer be so. The King is pleased to use my Lord Chamberlain that is as graciously as any man; which gives many much confidence, seeing the King so well inclined to favour honest men, which he is known to be, and one that will never abuse his trust. Besides, (which, indeed, is the chiefe,) he manifests much care of God's servise, and never failes, morning and evening, coming to prayers to the little closett, nor being an attentive hearer att sermons; so as ther is all good signs that God hath set him over this kingdom for a blessing. This, I know, you will be glad to hear from one you believe would wright no untruth to you, and that hath made me (though I am not

much disposed to wright newse) sett down this much. To which I will adde, that our destined Queene is with all possible speede expected hear, for whos com~ing; the coronation will be stayed, that that, and her mariadge and entrie, may be all but one charge: but the first mariadge in France will be instantly, the King having sent his procsey to the King of France, that either his brother or the Duke of Chevreux (which is Prince Joinville that was here) may dispach that, so as the next month she is expected; all else being fully concluded, and they in France hastening the espousals. I am very glad to hear M=r= Bacon hath recovered so good health, whos welcom shall ever be such whear I am as I owe to his meritt and you; whos labor I do not pittie so much but that I wish you would beare him companie to this solitarie place, whear I do not desier to see many now living, but yourselfe very much. I writt to my Lord Chamberlaine to lett John Fenne know his answer, because he came not back hither; and, had I binne sure when I should have seene him, I would rather have spoken than writt, though I know in effect it will be all one, for he knows by my lines as well as he could have done by speach that I as earnestly affect the successe of my recomendacion as I can doe any thing in his power to doe; and I was so loth M=r= Glover should have any thing to impute to my least delay, as I

writt so late the last night to my Lord Chamberlain, and dispached John Fenne, as I could not send this from hence with him, who went earlier than I was awake this morning, but make haste itt may overtake him att London. The lying Papists cannot be content to want my Lord Stuartt in the beadrole of those they wold have thought for their glorie; but whosoever knew him living, I hope, will reseave no such false opinion now he is dead, who, eaven after he was speechless, gave evident demonstracion (being asked by his chaplain) that he believed to be saved by the meritts of Christ: yett, by the follie or villeinie of a ficisian wayted on him (who was Popish), have they got some colour to invent this slander, which I trust will be cleared to all the world, as it is clear in itselfe to those friends from whom he had not a reserved thought, and that knew how far both in sound judgment as well as practise he was from approving any point of their doctrine disagreeing with the creed we profess. I pray God they knew him not so well to be the boldest opposer of their ends as they used means for the shortening of his noble dayes, which that they

wear unnaturally cutte off ther are strong suspicions in the most; because being att first, by the testimonie of all the surgeons phisicians and his owne servants, as fayer a corse as ever their eyes beheld, in the space of three owres his hoole body, head, and every part swelled so strangely and gangrened so generally as it astonished them all; though the phisicians affirme to have seene the like in pestilential fevers, when the spots break not out afore death, and impute part of the cause to the expedient of chafing his body, att least for the space of an hour before he departed, with hotte cloths, and keeping itt to close in the bed after. God only knows the truth, who, if he had any wrong, I trust will in his justice declare it. It is true that, when he was opened in his stomack and head, there appeared nothing to confirm this jealosie, which makes the phisicians confident it could be no poison they are in these parts acquainted with; yett both myselfe and many other of his friends rest not clear of doubt, though, but upon some farder evidence, it is not to be stirred in; but if ever the least light can be gotten, the feare of all mortal men should not hinder our just prosecucion of so abominable a fact: which yett, if it wear so, hastened our losse but a little; for all his vital parts wear so decayed, as, by the judgment of the doctors, he could hardly have lived out a year, which nobody that looked on him could

have suspected; yett he himselfe told me this last winter that he found such an inward decaye in himselfe as he knew he should live but awhile; but, God knows, I conceived it to be but a melancholy aprehension, seeing his health better to my thinking than it had beene a year or two before, for his spleene seemed to trouble him lesse. But now I have many reasons to assure myself he expected not to live out this year, though he was sparingest to utter that to those he knew loved him best for grieving them; yett now I call to mind many speeches of his I heeded not when they wear spoken, might have made me take more hold what his opinion was of his short continuance on earth where he hath not left such another; nor any creature so great a loser as I in the death of a friend, whom, if it had pleased God to have longer spared us, would at this tyme both to the publick and his private friends have binne that wee must not look to see any other. But God saw us not worthy of such a blessing, whos will, as itt is ever best, whatsoever itt apear to oure sense, so must wee submitt ourselves to itt in all things, though it is the hardliest practised lesson of all we learne in religion. My thoughts are, and ever will be, full of his memorie, which makes me tedious when any thing draws me into discourse of him; yett will I not excuse this temper, because it is a duty I owe him in this detracting tyme, when those

that durst not have breathed amis on his leaste action while he lived will now ventur as much as in them lies to slubber his fame, when they shall thinke themselves out of the hearing of those would make them keepe in their venom, or make them smart for uttering it at the least. And now I have donne this, it is tyme I ende, whos love and respect to you shall be endless, in which, to my sorrow, you cannot have so much advantage as I have satisfaction to know myselfe for your most affectionate and faithful, though most unfortunate friend, L. Bedforde. P.S. Dear Madam, com~ende me affectionately to M=r= Bacon, whom if you will bring hither this springe, I hope you would both find good by our ayr, which hitherto hath held free from infection; and should be glad to see any of yours, too, with you. More Lodge, this 12=th= of April [\1625\] .

[} [\LXXXIV. DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] My most honored Lady, I can let noe mesenger pass without the remembrance of my loue and seruis to you. This toune afords noe newes, onely this, which I thinke you

will be sory for, that M=rs= Anne and M=rs= Ueare Cooks are become soe much the prouder sins thay weare aires; for thar brother is uery latly deade of a burning feauor, and the land fales betwene them. My ould Lady Cook presents her seruis to you, and is a sade woman for the ruine of her howes. My Lady Nethersole is not yet gone, but goes shortly. Thus, with the remembrans of my neuer enough aknowledged loue and seruis to you, I rest your most faithfull frend and humble seruant, Dorothe Randolph. [\1625.\]

[} [\LXXXV. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Deare Sister, I am very sorry in deed to understand by your servant that you are not in good health, & the more bee cause I heare that it is an ague that travills you att this present: it is the desease that dooes att this tyme moste predomynate, for wee heare, the Lorde bee praysed for it! that the plague is lessenned att the leste 3000 a week of the proportyon of what it hath bin. Your servant founde mee att Colchester this daye, beeing Sondaye, where I have bin eaver sence Frydaye night past. I am inployed to survaye these marrytanyan parts, for to rayse sutch workes or take sutch order as I shall thincke fyttest for the presurvatjon of the towne & haven of Colchester. I have with mee 500 foote & a troope of hors, beesids 200 foote which I founde in the towne beefore my aryvall. The daye after I came theather beeing Satterdaye, I spent it sollely inspecting the harbore & the towne: the sayme night I received letters from my Lord of Warrick to hasten my retourne to the army with all expedytyon, for that, hee rights, since my coming from that, the enymye is drawne downe with more forses to Donkerick, &

that all there fleet is drawne out of their harbore, & lyes underneath the castle of the towne, reddy to seet sayle; upon which newes I have sent a curryer this daye back to my Lord, to advertis him of the present estate of the place, & to lett him know that one Tusedaye morning by bracke of the daye, God willing, I pourpose to bee att the army. The troops are not lyckely to seaver this good whyle yett. You maye bee assured to heere from mee, as occasion shall offer it selfe to me, contjneually: but I dooe want the assistance of servants excedingly; my Lord of Warrick was fayne to lend mee his page to attend mee this jorny. I have received the fortje pounde from your servant which I wrjt unto you for; for the which I am much your servant, & I must desier you to paye your selfe againe with your one money. My pore wyfe I am shewer is much distresed for that shee hath not hard from mee neaver sence my coming from hir; neather dooe I knowe how to send unto hir, pore creature! to comforte hir. I praye, remember my love to my brother Bacon & to all your lyttle ones; &, I praye, entertayne the treu love of Your eaver: affec' brother & servant, T. Meautys. Colchester, Sept. the 18=th= 1625. To my deare sister the Lady Cornewallis, att her howse att Browme, these, Suffolk.

[} [\LXXXVI. FREDERIC CORNWALLIS TO HIS MOTHER, JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Maddam, To give your La=pp= a testimonie that as I grow older in yeares, soe I doe the like in filiole affection and dutie towards you, I thought it became mee not to discontinue my accustomed pledge therof in an humble and ioyfull congratulation of your La=pp's= arrivall (by God's good providence) in health and happines unto the end of this ould yeaur, w=th= a noe lesse happy and propiceious entrance into the new. And because to honor father and mother is the first commandem=nt= with promise, as alsoe for that I may not forget that your Ladiship hath beein to mee insteade of both even from my cradle hitherto, it is of noe small consequence to the length and happines of my owne life to pay this duty, both yearly and dayly, of offering up my prayers to Almighty God for the continuance and preservation of yours; and doe therfore heare pray from the bottome of my heart that this new yeare may be as noe yeare to your age, and as a yeare of many harvests to your content and comfort. I presume likewise (so priviledged by the usuall ceremony of this time) to p'sent your La=pp= w=th= a petty newyear's-gift hearinclosed, as unworthy (I confess) your La=pp's= wearing or owning as is hee

that pursents it; but the approach and admission to your La=pp's= presence and benigne acceptance may give worth to both. Soe humbly asking your blessing, I am, with the trouth of my heart, Your La=pp's= not lesse dutifull than obliged humble sonne, F. Cornwalleis. [\Jan=y= 1625-6.\]

[} [\LXXXVII. NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY CORNWALLIS.\] }] Sweet Hart, For the business w=ch= called me from you so suddaynely, I may truely say, I cam vpp w=th= a full resolution to auoyd yt; but my Lo. Marshall was unsatisfiable, assuring me of honor to descend to you from thence, & not the contrary, & preferring this order farr beyond the barronetts, as being the most antient of this land. Vppon his com~ands, w=th= the perswasion of my other friends, I haue embarqued my self in yt, God send me good shipping! yt being already a greater trouble to me then fitts w=th= my disposition; but I must now go thorough, w=ch= perforemed I shall not be long absent from you. In the meane tyme, I desier yo=e= assurance of my true affection, who am Onely yo=es=, Nath. Bacon.

Newes little. My Lo. of Essex's business compounded. The French King geueth no sattisfaction to o=e= embassadors, nor will retourne o=e= shipps. Great grumbling on both sides. The Queen will not be crowned w=th= o=e= cerimonies, wherfore her coronation is putt off. Cecill generally taxed. [\January 1625-6.\] To his best respected friend the La. Cornewalleys, at Broome, geue these.

[} [\LXXXVIII. SIR NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, I haue, I belieue, much deceiued yo=e= expectation concerning my retourne, but I haue had a just excuse, the extremity of the weather & myne owne indisposition of body; notw=th=standing w=ch=, I should haue ventured my retourne as this day, had not the King strayghtly com~anded all of o=e= order, both new & ould, to attend this day at Westminster, furnished w=th= horse & footmen after the best

manner, from whence we ar to ride by torch light to the Lo. Maior's to a great feast ther specially prepared for vs. Some other attendance also is reported to be geuen the K. the next day by vs, but yt is not yett certayne. Newes her is little; nothing done in parliament. The peace betwixt the French King & Rochell certaynly concluded. The Duke de Rohan made prime peer of France. Mounseir Subise to receiue a yearly pension of 100,000 crownes. O=e= shipps retourned from Rochell. Tomorrow or Weddensday the Queen's mask is to be shewen, w=ch= is in the manner of a play, she being a speciall actor in yt. Nothing more, but to tell you I neuer had a greater desier to be w=th= you, w=ch= I desier you to belieue as from him who is Onely you=rs=, Nath. Bacon. February [\1\] [\1625-6\] , this Moonday. To his best respected friend the Lady Jane Bacon, at Broome, geue these.

[} [\LXXXIX. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, Rather then send away this messenger empty, I scribble you such newes as I have picked up by the highway, and that the coronation houlds, both of King and Queene, on Candlemas day, with as

little noyse and ceremony as possibly may bee; the L=ds=, as is sayd, being spared the charge of roabes, and required onely to wear their coronets. My Lo. of Holdernes is alive againe. The syde saddle is a making, and wee talked of nothing last night but that and bathing, which I sweate to hear. My Lo. of Essex, they say, is at court, and no speach of any quarrell thear. All this I present to you as I reseaved it last night from our Knight of the Bath and Nedde Eltenhead, who mett us last night at Pukeridge from London; but theyr intelligence and relations were soe ill putt together as did little edify me, eyther in belief or knowledge. I take leave to kisse your hands, and to have my love and servise cordially recom~ended to your best beloved; from whose presence and conversacions, more acceptable and agreeable to mee then any I can meete with till I meete them againe, I am so newly weaned as that I have much adoe not to bee froward, and to

cry Mam, Dadde, Dub. deare, if any body anger mee. Your La=pp's=, &c. T. M. [\Feb=ry= 1, 1625-6.\]

[} [\XC. SIR NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, I am very glad of yo=e= health in the contry. I do also conclude of the welfare of all ours w=th= you, otherwise, I perswade myself, I should haue vnderstoode yt by you; &, for little Jane in perticular, I should haue bin glad to haue vnderstood some of her new language. My Lady of Bedford is well & in towne, vnto whome I haue presented yo=e= servise. The Kinge was crowned yesterday w=th= greate pomp at Westminster. For other newes her is little; some do say that the Earle of Holland hath compounded the business betwixt the French King & Rochell, & that o=e= shipps ar retourning. God grant yt may be true! Vppon the next Sunday earles ar to be created, some say 8. The next weeke I intend to see you; in the meane tyme I com~end vnto you the most true affection of him who is onely Yo=rs=, Nath. Bacon. February 3 [\1625-6.\] To his best respected friend the Lady Bacon, at Broome, geue these.

[} [\XCI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, I have not receiued any letter from you this week, w=ch= maketh me hope that you & yo=rs= ar well, otherwise I presume I should haue vnderstood yt: for my self & the rest of yo=e= friends her, we ar all in health (God be thancked), my La. of Bedford excepted, who hath bin excedingly ill of the gout, & is little recouvered yett. For news, we haue very little, nothing being as yett done in parliament. Ther hath bin 8 earles created, the Lo. Wentworth, Andouer, the Treasurer, Mandiuill, and others. Yesterday ther was a quarrell at Medlye's ordenary betwixt the Lo. Henry Paulett & S=r= Will. Sturton; they went secretly in to a chamber & fought. Paulett is

runn thorough the body, not likely to liue; the other, hurt in iij places, is apprihended. I am now almost sattisfied w=th= London, & do intend this next week to retourne; in the meane tyme I com~end vnto you my best loue, wishes, & prayers for all health & happiness, & am Onely yo=rs=, Nath. Bacon. February 10 [\1625-6\] . To his best respected friend the La. Jane Bacon, at Broome, geue these.

[} [\XCII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NATHANIEL BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, At my last wrightinge vnto you I thought to haue seen you before this tyme, but by reason of the extremity of the weather I haue bin enforced to stay longer, hauing gotten a great could, common to moste her, by reason of w=ch= I haue bin constrayned to keep my chamber these 4 dayes, & wher I haue bin honored w=th= a speciall visite by my Lo. Marshall & my Lo. Maltreuers. I haue sent one of my seruants w=th= these to lett you vnderstand the cause of my stay, & I do intend to follow my self so soone as I dare, w=ch= I hope wil be about the beginning of Shrouetyde. For newes, little is yett done in parliament but snarling on

both sides, & much muttering agaynst the Duke, vnto whome ther happened, in his going to parliament, an accedent, by many reputed ominous; for betwixt the court & Westminster his bridle would not hould vppon his horse's head, but being twise mended, at the last yt fell quite of, w=th= the plume of feathers, to the ground. Ther hath bin some distaste betweene the King & Queene by meanes of the French embassador, who left the court in a pett & departed for France, but was enforced to retourne, M=r= Mountague being sent in his stead. The Admirall's shipp of Dunkirke was lately blowne vp & quite lost, by meanes of ij Hollanders w=ch= serued in her & now wer desirous to do ther contry seruise, both w=ch= escaped. My La. of Bedford is yett verry ill of the goute, & my La. of Sussex very ill of a could. I long much to be at home w=th= you, which shal be so soone as possible w=th= my health I may: in the meane tyme my dayly prayers to attend you, & I desier to be esteemed in all affection onely Yo=es=, Nath. Bacon. February 16 [\1625-6\] . To his best respected friend the La. Jane Bacon, at Broome, geue these.

[} [\XCIII. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, In my last to your La=p= last weeke by the Berry carrier I did, in a sort, resolve not to write againe untill I had been repayd with a lyne or two from your hand, for some three or fower letters your La=p= is in arriere to me; but to show that all occasions offered of doing you servise winne ground upon me against any resolucyons whatsoever to the contrary, I could not possibly omitt the oportunity offered me by this bearer of scribbling to you rather nothing than not at all. Our parlament falls not as yett upon the mayne of busynes, it being but early days with us and many members absent. Onely Sir Edward Cooke's election hath bene debated, and is like to be determined against him, within ten dayes; and yf he and the rest of his fellow sheriffs be excluded, as it is conceaved they will, we shall have a tame howse, and the King will master his own ends without much adoe. My cosin's health did prophesy of this cold weather some few days ago, for his cough beganne to trouble him, and makes him wish himselfe at Broome. Myne is after the oulde rate, now and

then a fitt of short breathinge. God in heaven maintaine you in health and all yours! Yo=r= La=pp's= all ever, T. M. Feb=ry= 16 [\1625-6\] .

[} [\XCIV. THE COUNTESS OF BEDFORD TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Madam, I take extreme kindly your sending to visit mee, which I should not have delayed an ower thanking you for, but that itt is so busy a tyme heare, both about what consernes the publicke and my owne privat, as I have, against my will, binne hindered from dispatching your man according to my desier and purpos; but the assurance he carries of my present health I know will make you excuse the length of his staye. My feare of relapsing makes me content to punish myselfe this spring by following a course of phisicke Sir Theodor Mayerne hath putt mee into, though I am very incredulous that itt can prevent my having more fitts of the goute; howsoever, when I am trobled with any, they are accompanied with such accidents of sicknes as shows they proseed from such humors as phisicke uses to correct, against which I have too rebellious a spleene I doubt to be brought into such obedience as not faster to

power out the souernes therof into my stomache, and distill itt into other parts, then all the poticarie's drugs will be able to correct. What I do, therfore, is rather because itt shall not be layd to my charge that I neglect the meanes of health, then out of any great hope of cure by itt, which weather I have or no, God, I trust, will give mee thankfulnes to Him and patience till His apointed tyme of releasing mee from all misserie; of which wee are yett like to have in generall more and more, if this Parlement and the King part not upon better termes then yett they stand, the King having declared himselfe stiffe one way, and they growing stronger and stronger in their resolucions another. They have had som way given them, which is understood by them as a good signe of the King's relenting, who may, if he please, have of them what none of his predecessors ever had of their people, so they may with all have their bargaine, without which they thinke all their liberality would be no better then cast away: what the event will be, a fewe dayes more will show. In the mean tyme my Lo. Marshall remains att the

Tower, though my Lo. Chamberlain is laboring to gett his prison changed to his owne house at Highgate. I wishe another tyme had binne taken for that hasty busynes, in regard of the want of so able a man at this tyme in the upper house, wheather ther is no probability he will be suffered to com this secion though he wear enlarged. All other kind of nuse for the present lies dead hear, exsept itt have some relacion to the Parlement, and my ower of persecution is com; therfore, deare Lady, farwell. Lett your love to me, and confidence in myne to you, continue alike; for, truste me, the one is highly valued, and to lessen the other you shall never have just cause given you by Your most affectionat, faithful freind and servant, L. Bedford. Believe mee, your son Fred. hath my prayers that he may be so blessed from heaven as that your comfort in him may daylie increase. With many thankes to S=r= Nathaniel Bacon, do mee the favor to retorne my best salutacions, to whom I was extreme sorry I could not, at his being heare, do those litle servises I ought to your husband,

and my respect of himselfe; but itt was so late before I knew att all of his being in the list of the Knights of the Bath, after which I inquired not, and so lived in ignorance till his owne coming to me, as on that alone I can charge my ill hap. S=t= Jeames's Streete, this last of March [\1626\] . I cannot close my letter without being a begger to you to helpe me, if you can, to another good and fine tumbler, being a comodity not to be gotten in thes parts. Thus, you see, I cannot leave my custum of robbing you. To my noble and deare freind the Lady Bacon, att Broome.

[} [\XCV. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, I am righte gladde that I have found out at last, which I understood by yours receaved last night, the way and stile to make my letters acceptable, which is, I perceave - for such was that letter you seeme to approove - by being short, and making profession of my desire and happines to contribute any thing towards your health and welfare, which I doe as cordially affect now as then, and shall ever doe the same while I am, T. Meautys. [\April 1626.\]

Your brother went for the Low Countries yesterday, with hope to retourne some 6 weekes hence. His lady remaynes with my Lady Sussex. My Lo. S=t= Alban is dead and buried.

[} [\XCVI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, I receaved your La=pp's= by the carrier of Berry, by whome I send thease; it came to my hands some minutes before my going into the country, which makes me retourne thease in more scribbling wise then otherwise I should. And although I perceave by yours that you cannot find in your heart, or at leaste in your penne, to invite me to Broome, though I did in a sorte begge it of you in my last; and that the proverbe, which sayeth that "He is an ill dogge that's not worth whistling," makes me conceave that you think little lesse of me, that think me not worth the inviting;

yett, to show you that I cannot find in my heart to take any thing in ill part at your hands longer then needes must, I will endeavour to obtaine of myself and my occasions to waite on you somtimes this so~mer, yf I may understand from you by your next how you dispose of your owne residence this vacacion, for by this day fortnight I shall retourne for London with my Lord Wentworth, who is then to goe for Fraunce, and will then hope to meete with a lyne or two from you hear, that may reassure me of your health. And for the rest that concernes myself, synce it comes so dryly and cautiously from you, I shall arme myself with as much patience as I may, and as you may expect from y=r= La=pp's= all and ever to love and serve you, T. Meautys. Thear came a messenger last night from my Lord Veere, who brings good newes of a blowe given the enemy, to the cutting off two thousand of theyr men at least, some of them persons and com~aunders of the best quality, with the loss of 5 or 6 of the States' side, comon souldiers, only; ffor

the water fought for them, and did the execution without blowes. Pray let my cosin Randolph understand that his father is soe ill that thear is little hope of his recovery, and I think it wear considerable for him, in relation to his office, to come up and take it into his care. [\April 1626.\]

[} [\XCVII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ex=lnt= good Lady and Cosin, I wrote to your La=pp= last weeke by the Berry carrier, and inclosed it in my cosin Frederick's letter, but understood that the carrier of Disse called afterwards at my house, and, hearing I had putt my letters into the hands of the Berry carrier, resolved to call for it from him and soe deliver it himselfe. How they have agreed on it I know not, but would have been willing to understand in your next wheather it came to your hande. I wrote to my cosin, your husband, and put it into M=r= Chetwin's hands on Monday last. The King is not at leasure to thinke of my Lord of Arundell's reduction from the Tower, but he is, mee thinks, as a man forgotten already. Our Parlement proceedings are froward enough; and those businesses we embrace first, and please ourselves best in, which have a left eye upon the Duke.

But we barke hitherto against the moone, which is above our reach. We shall, within a day or two, bee roundly put to it for a present supply to defend the kingdome and setting of a new fleete to sea; for our daungers threaten us by the great preparacyons of our enemy, whearof thear is dayly advertisement. My Lord Generall Cecill hath not yett been admitted to kisse the King's hands. Hee was on Monday last before the counsell table, with the rest of the com~anders and officers in chief in that ymployment. Thear was demaunded of him a particular journall and account of the counsells and actions since the going out of the fleete. Hee broke outt into a confused and passionate discourse of his hard condicion, to be prejudged and decried in com~on voyce, as himself said hee was, even as farr as to balletts; but was withall very confident to give theyr Lordships a good account of his conducting the whole affayre, and doubted not but to come off with honor for his particular carriage, though it pleased not God to give successe to the enterprize; and soe desired a furder day, for that his papers and bookes, whearin his proceedings wear exactly registred, wear not yett come a shoare. The Plate fleete, I perceave, was theyr chiefest design, and they steered, it seemes, soe right a course for it as that they had 7 of theyr shipps in chase; but ours being

leaky, and marriners weake, and victualls spent, could not reach them. Sir Thomas Meautys and his lady are in town, at M=r= Deake's, an upholsterer in Fleete Streete. His lady is now daungerously ill of a burning feavor. Shee hath been visited from Clerkenwell, and Sir Thomas hath been thear; and wee are all friends, soe long as it will last. And soe I greet you, and all yours, with the sincerest affection and devocyon to serve you & yours, T. M. [\April 1626.\]

[} [\XCVIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My very best Lady and Cosin, I receaved yours by M=r= Proud, the minister, and purpose to write to you then againe by him. In the mean time, I take the freedom to tell you, that yf upon the death of M=r= Cotton, of whose office in our chamber I had a second reversion, I proceed, as I am in treaty, to buy him out that is in possession, and so to gett it for three lives of my own name, when I will reckon upon your La=pp's= purse to assist mee with the loane of 600+L, for

about that sum I must deposit at first, and 300+L more afterwards, which is the full rate I must pay; and for security I will eyther make over the 200+L p=r= ann. of my brother Glover's, the office itself, or any other security your counsell shall advise. Yt concernes mee to hear by the next carrier, which I would gladly wear by him of Berry, on Thursday, how farre you are like to pleasure mee hearin; and yf you take this to be any over freedome with you, onely pardon it, and I will take it for a warning till I may have furder merited it at your hands. However, I shall rest at yo=r= La=pp's= devotion altogether to serve you, T. Meautys. I have one fetter more put upon my legge to imprison mee in London, for thear is a new Counsell of Warre instituted, and I pointed out for one to attend it. Yt consists all of privy counsellors, unless 3, namely, Wimbledon, Tilberry, and Colonell Ogle. Friday [\May 1626\] .

[} [\XCIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My singular good and noble Lady, I cannot acknowledge inough your readines to pleasure mee with the sum you write of, nor cannot take thought inough to find myself good for nothing whearin to pleasure you againe. Onely this I have to offer uppe to you, and yett it is noe

more then you had long since, namely, whatsoever I am, or may bee, to bee at your disposing. For security however, you are pleased, in confidence of mee and favor to mee, to decline it; yett I must take leave to deale as safely for you as you have done lovingly and suerly with mee, and upon the receipt of the moneyes am resolved to send you sealed a bond from my eldest brother and myself, to such person as you shall nominate to have the bond made, and this with as little noyse or notice of the favor done mee as you shall direct or wish. For the moneyes the sooner they come the welcomer; but, by cause I could not collect from your letter whether they mought be with most conveniency sent up by som servant of your own, or otherwise that I could send a servant of myne to receave them theare, I am somwhat at a stand untill I may find by your next what course you will propound on that behalf. Thus, with a heart as full of affection to serve you, as a head full of payne and aking, being scarcely out of a sharpe fitt of tertian ague, which hath held me all this morning I rest, Your La=pp's= in sicknes and health, living and dying, all and ever, T. Meautys. This Friday, May 19th, from my house in the Strand [\1626\] . The inclosed from Sir Thomas Meautys I send, to the end my cosin may extract the newes of those parts out of them; and so retourne me the letters, yf you please.

Yesterday it was debated in the upper house, wheather the Duke should be com~itted, or at least sequestered from the house during the examination and proceeding against him. Hee carried it by voyses, and yett had no use of proxies, whearof hee hath, as is sayd, 15 in store, which shows his case is not desperate.

[} [\C. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever dearest Lady and Cosin, This messenger going from Toddington to my Lady Smith's in Norfolk, and Culford not being much out of his way, gives mee the meanes of sending thease, together with such occurrences as I meet with hear, sent mee from London. You may, if you please, at your best convenience impart them to Sir Drue, and thearby acquitte mee to him in part of some payments of this kind. Thus, waiting all occasions and minutes to serve you, I aske leave to kisse your deare and precious

hands, together with all those made out of them, whearby you have obliged, Y=or= La=pp's= for ever to love and serve you, T. Meautys. May [\1626\] . The instructions concearning preaching, though some say they are to be printed, yett are not to be authorized and published, as was conceaved, by proclamacyon, but to bee recom~ended onely by letters under his Ma=ties= signature to the two archbishops. I am this morning going with my Lord of Cleveland for London; his Lady goes not till the Kinge's retourne from Newmarkett.

[} [\CI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My best Lady and Cosin, I receaved both yours by Nutte, the carrier, and in answer to the first, which is soe carefull and sollicitous of my health, I can but first thanke you in as much earnest as you are pleased to expresse on my behalf, and then lett you know that I am,

God be thanked! much better now then when I fell sicke; this ague having, apparently, evacuated much of that humour whearwith my lungs wear wont to labour, whearby I am grown friendly with it, and think of it, now 'tis past, rather as my physician then a disease. I am sorry to find, both by your letter and by the messenger, that my cosin's health is noe better; but I comfort myself in that observacion he makes of the time, as hoping that I shall hear by the next that we are twynnes as well in recovering together as in falling sick, otherwise he will but bind me over in good manners to undergoe a relapse, for I shall take the lesse comfort in my recovery that it hath gotten the start of his. As for the moneyes, I will send sometimes the next weeke by an immediate messenger from hence. Our Parlament was this day adjourned till Thursday next. The upper howse is not satisfied with the reasons of the King's detayning my Lo. of Arundell from them, and are resolved to press it furder. The King withdrawes not his countenance or protection one jotte from the Duke. God send us all the light of His countenance, and then all will end well. Yo=r= La=pp's= all and ever, T. Meautys. Strand, this Thursday [\June 2, 1626\] . My sister Glover desires to be excused for not wrighting by this passage, which she confesseth

she both ought, but that she was called away to hould a Lady Butler's back, one of the last sisters of the Bath. Sir John Eliott is released, and restored to the howse.

[} [\CII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best and dearest Lady and Cosin, I reseaved yours by my man, Knight, accompanied with that horse load of favor and friendly curtesy, which you pleased to mention in your former letters; which seasonable piece of friendshipp expressed by your La=pp= towards mee and my occasions although I can never acknowledge, yett give me leave to reckon of it but as treasure in silver in comparison of that other in gould, which was the hopes you gave mee of kissing your hands hear ere long; whearin however you have somwhat fayled, for though, mee thinks, with mee, who number dayes and howers till I see you, it is already a great while since I drank in those hopes, yett will hope on still, and leave you thus farr without excuse as to tell you that thear are two houses in the Strand at your devotion, my own and Sir

Thomas Wilson's, who lyeth and his family at Whitehall, though I must confesse I shall wish my own house on fier every time I see you passe by it to sleepe in any other. Thearfore, as you tender my rest and happines, sweete Madam, think not, I beseech you, of resting yourselfe under any other roofe, and be pleased rather to lett mee see you then hear from you againe. And now lett me presume to putt a new piece of trouble upon you, which is to cause your servant to learne certaynly the day of M=r= Cotton's death, and to lett me understand it by the next; for ever since that day the profitts of the office belong to mee, and are to be accounted to mee by his deputy and clerks, and the difference of a few dayes may in or out of my way half a hundred pounds. M=r= Morse was much conversant with him, as I have heard him say, and can, peradventure, satisfy this question. The Duke hath this day made his answere to our charge against him; an ingenuous and cleare answere, and very satisfactory, as is conceaved, to all indifferent eares. My Lord of Arundell was this day restored to the house; it appeares not as yett wheather he be in ... or not against the Duke, or how he will play his game. We talk much of great forces both by sea and land in readines to come from Spayne. We have 30 sayle of good shippes shortly to putt to sea. Our house quarrells the election of the Duke to be Chancellor of

Cambridge, as an affront done to the house; the King hath sent messages to our house to forbear questioning it. Tomorrow we are, I understand, to debate what is to be done in it. The King hath sent the University a letter of thanks for electing him; and so doe I to you, for continuing mee in your good favor and affections, who am All your own, T. M. [\June 8=th= 1626.\]

[} [\CIII. SIR EDMUND BACON TO SIR NATHANIEL BACON.\] }] Brother Nath. Yt was tolde me yesterday from Burye, that one cause of your goinge up to London ys to cut of the intayle of Culforde and the rest of the landes, which in much love weare confer'd upon you. Whether I have any interest or not therin ys utterly unknowne unto me, for in my father's tyme I never was made acquainted with any parte of the conveyances; and yf I be in remaynder, my dayes are so farre spent, that yt weare too partiall a thinge for me to feed myselfe with any expectation: but yt ys like yt concernes others, for in what belonges to myselfe I finde that he hath had a very strict desyre to uphold his famyly in the meanes he left, which I signify unto you, that you might

have a greate care how you proceede in this busynes, which importes a good parte of the estate. But no more of this matter: it concernes me more to have you respecting your health, and to entreate you to have a care that you oppresse not your body or your mynd with too much agitac~on, for they are both greate enemyes to weake spirites. The proroginge of the Parlament hath given me lybertye to take a vewe of Rotten Thornage before I goe to London, whether I am setting forwarde this morning. And thus I rest, Y=r= very loveing brother, E D M. Bacon. [\June 1626.\]

[} [\CIV. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, I reseaved your La=pp's= by M=r= Morse, with the note inclosed, touching M=r= Cotton's death. This morning M=r= Morse advertized mee in post hast that thear was a messenger going towards Broome; hee tooke mee napping, and, before I was broad

awake, for his post's sake I had finished thease. Your hospitality to my sister and hers hath unhappily deprived mee, I perceave, of dayes, if not weekes, of your company hear, who shall count every daye a weeke till I see you; the rather for that, after this month ended, my month of attendance being next, and the King meaning to lye most part of that month at Greenwich, I shall spend most of my dayes thear, and soe loose more of your company, which vexeth mee aforehand to think of, and will vex mee more when it happeneth then otherwise, yf you had come to town sooner, I could have done: onely my comfort will be, that I can remember, when I am absent, that you are pleased to sleep under my roofe, and that my house doth you some service instead of mee. Our Parlement is in pieces and quite dissolved. My Lo. of Bristow close prisoner in the Tower. My Lo. of Arundell confined to his mother's house, as before. No lower house men com~itted as yett, but some of the most active amongst them com~anded not to depart the town till his Ma=ties= pleasure furder known. The King borrowes a hundred thousand pounds of the city, for which he pawnes his juells and plate: this chiefly to sett out a fleete of 30 sayle, whearunto 20 sayle of Hollanders are ready to joyne. Present my affectionate

love and service, good Madam, to my good cosin; and tell him, yf he comes to town, I will shew him melons forwarder then his at Broome, and procure him the receipt how to improve his owne, which is a journey, I hope, not altogether lost. I rest your La=pp's= all and ever, T. M. This Monday morning, June 19 [\1626\] . Pray be pleased to salute my sister Claxton and her husband from mee, yf they be still with you. I think it wear no ill wish to wish them at Livermore againe, for that they had wont to take it for granted that the mother's death would much mend theyr case.

[} [\CV. SIR N. BACON TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sweet Hart, Uppon Thursday last I left London, thincking to haue bin w=th= you this day, but, at my taking horse, I raysed by coughing a little bload, w=ch= made me come that night but to Burntwood. The next day in the morning I found myself disposed to bleed agayne, w=ch= made me venture no farther than Esterford, wher, presently after my coming in, the vayne opened agayne, wher I raysed some half a spoonfull. Now, this day I intend to come no farther then Colchester, wher I shall haue Doctor Duke's help, if need require. Uppon Monday, God willing, I intend to reach Bury, whither I desier you to send me, uppon Tuesday morning

next, yo=e= coach, to bring me home w=th= the more ease. All yo=e= friends in London do salute you. The Lady of Bedford is reasonably well. The business of the Navie is now in question in Parliament, but nothing done. Thus, with my best loue I leaue you, desiring to be excused for briefness, being now in my bed; from whence I desier you not to conclude any danger in me, for my bleeding is stopped, & my cough less then yt hath bin any tyme these iij. weeks. Bless ours, & kiss little Jane from me; & so I rest, In all trew affection only y=rs=, Nath. Bacon. Esterford, this Satterday morning [\June 1626\] . To his best respected friend the La. Jane Bacon, at Broome, geu these.

[} [\CVI. PHILIPPE COTTON TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere & worthie Dawghter, I do acknowlidg my self much bownd to God, that hath given me such a child to be so respective of so aged & infirme a mother as I am, to belp & succor me, not being able, by reason of manie greeuances, to stirr from home, w=ch= hath much afflicted me that I cowld not frequent the howse of God as formerlie I have donn; w=ch= now, by God's permision, and as w=th= helth He shall inable me, y=or= good meanes egging me forward, I purpose to redeeme. Deere dawghter, if I should stodi so

long tyme as I cowld stodie no longer, I should never be able to find good words suffitient to express the well deservings of y=or= liberall bownti w=ch= manie ways y=ou= have aforded me, this y=or= greate and worthie present, w=ch= at this tyme y=ou= have sent me, not being the lest; wheare of I shall have dayeli occation to be putt in minde of, lifting up my hart to God w=th= dayelie prayers to bless y=ou=, both in heaven & earth, to His glori, for all y=or= comforts aforded me. Good dawghter, lett me intreate y=ou= not to be offended w=th= y=or= mann for staying so long, for I was the cawse, he being dayelie desierous to be gonn; whose going I still hindred, for that I was desierous to lett y=ou= know that my first iorney in it was to church, w=ch= cowld not be effected no sooner. I pray y=ou= reme~ber my much respected love to my worthie sonn Baconne & my good nephew Meautys; my manie kinde thancks to him for his venison w=ch= he sent me. So, from my hart praying God to bless y=ou= & all y=ors=, I ever remain, y=e= trewlie affected mother, Philippe Cotton. I praie y=ou=, lett me heere of y=or= coming to London, & as often as y=ou= cann; & I hope my nephew Meautys will be so good as his word to me, w=ch= was that he wold bring y=ou= & the rest of all my good children hether to me this sommer. Good dawghter, I have given y=or= man fortie shillings, both for his charges coming and going, & also in

gratuitie of the present hee browght me; had I benn better provided w=th= monie, my rewarde should have beenn greator. Stoke, October 23 [\1626\] . To my deere & worthie dawghter the Lady Jane Baconne, these.

[} [\CVII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^PHILIPPE COTTON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Right deere & worthie Daughter, I do not well know how to find a good word out sufficient for so worthie a child, which hath made her mother, if anie mother cann be, bownd to her child. You have enchained me with such a bound to you never to be dissolved, such is the rare vertue of your so often benignities extended towards me, never to be forgotten. By your brother Meautys I understand of your safe being att London, with all your sweete children. Hoping now I shall the oftener heere from you, I much desire, good daughter, to be allowed to make a motion unto you, now you are in London, a place of most conveniencie for such a purpose. My desire is this, you wolde be pleased to aford me your picture; not for that it might put in mind of you, for that needeth not, I having you alreaddie so imprinted on my hart never to be forgotten, but that I maie with comfort behoulde the aspecte of so worthie a child. This is the end of my desires, which I hope you will not denie me. I desire likewise to

be remembered to my good sonne Bacon, not forgetting my nephew Meautys, with all yours, whome, with yourselfe, I humblie pray the eternall God to bless with all felisities both in heaven and earth: and so I ever live your trewlie loving mother, Philippe Cotton. Coventry, Novemb. 17, 1626.

[} [\CVIII. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, I receaved yours by Nutte, and am sorry that his soddaine departure hath soe turned my hower glasse that I have not time to inquire and send you worde, so distinctly as otherwise I would, of that which I assure myself would be wellcomest to you in this letter, as it was in my last; namely, the health of your best friend. Onely thus much I can say of it from M=rs= Dixon, from whom I heard it some two dayes sinse, that it was in the way of increasing to a perfect recovery. I should have been right glad to have heard the like of my cosin's health, for which, as for that of your La=p= and all yours, I shall dayly pray as for myne owne, and remayne all and ever Yo=r= La=p's= to love and serve you, T. Meautys. April 5th, 1627.

[} [\CIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, The oportunity of this messenger, whoe is to be back by Tuesday night at Riddlesworth, and promised me to make Culford in his way, invites me to gratulate your well coming to the end of your first daye's journey, which I understood from Sir Thomas Meautys, and to hope the like of your journey next day, and that you found all well at Culford. Next, I take leave to tell you, that I understand this night, upon speach with M=rs= Tucker, that my Lady of Bedford wynnes still upon her health, and missed her fitt yesterday. This I knew would mend the welcome of my letter, and thearfore supping this night at my aunt Thomson's, and hearing her accidentally speake of M=rs= Tucker, and that she dwelt hard by, I tooke advantage of it to inquire of that Lady's health. Black Pusse is apprehended and carried before Sir Thomas Wilson, and convicted for a runaway; but, hir case being baylable, my cosin

Randolph and myself have bayled hir, and soe you may require her at my cosin Randolph's hands, with whom she is a sojourner. Madam, I am so newly weaned from the company of my best friend, that you may imagine how indisposed and froward I mought well be, and that I could find nothing to still me but by busying myself in writing, or doing something that mought look towards the serving of you, then which nothing can be for ever more acceptable to, Your La=pp's= to dispose as you list, T. Meautys. Easter night [\1627\] . Pray present my most affectionate love and servise to my cosin Bacon.

[} [\CX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, I begged of you, in my last by Nutte the carriere, that I mought partake of the happy tidings of your recovery soe soone as it should please God to send it you; but, not having receaved any lyne from you sinse, I am not a little perplexed what to thinke of your health. I understood onely, by a letter from my cosin, that it was a setled tertian ague, and that some fitts had been very sharpe. I will both hope and pray that I may hear that they

have done theyr worst then, and that you are in way of recoverie; till when I shall be in a cold fitt of feare and expectation touching the event of your sicknes. Next, lett me impart to you, and aske your pardon, that, without your privity and direction, I have presumed to apply the favour meant me long synce by the Duke, for making a baronett, to the servise, I hope, of my cosin Frederick. Quarrell me you may, as you use to doe, for my forwardnes to affect and serve you and yours, for other offence towards you I was never guilty of; but for this, it is too late to intreat it, yf, peradventure, in disfavour of me, you had a mind to it, for it hath already passed the signet and privy seale, and will be to morrow by noone passed the great seale. That which prevented me from acquainting you with it soe seasonably as otherwayes I had done, was, that I was surprised myselfe in this resolution to make use of Duke's promise in that kinde on my cosin's behalfe, for, hearing that Sir Robert Crane, young Wingfield, Drue Drurie's nephew, and some others of Suffolk wear laboring for that dignity to be conferred upon them, I concluded that no time must be lost; which, though it seeme a circumstance, yett is substance in these cases, poynt of precedency being noe indifferent thing, whearin I have handled it that he shall be the first of that county of this last edition of baronetts. And

least any apprehension, which you, by your favour, are apt enough to take, should possess you, as yf I had hearin rather endeavoured to picke a thank of your sonne officiously, then to give you a clear argument of my affections to doe him a servise for your sake; or least you should be in suspence whether any disadvantage should hearby ensue to you in poynt of the wardshipp eyther of his body or lands; be pleased to believe that, for the first, he neyther knows from me of any the least intention of myne to sett this on foote, neyther doe I want soe much respect and love to yourself, or soe much piety to preserve and endeare a sonne to a mother, as to handle it soe that every circumstance of this worke should not appear to be derived immediately and totally from your love and indulgence; and, for the latter, that I am not soe precipitate or indifferent in that which concernes you in point of interest as not first to have advised, and been clearly resolved and satisfied without all scruple and question by those who best know it, and particularly by M=r= Attorney Generall and M=r= Attorney of the Court of Wards, that thear is nothing of prejudice that can hearby ensue to you touching his wardship eyther of body or lands. By the next I purpose to send you the patent under the great seale; and soe hearwithall send you, under the privy seale of my heart, the

most entire and sincere affections to serve you and yours, of yo=r= La=pp's= all and ever to dispose of, T. Meautys. May 4=th=, 1627. My Lo. of Bedford died on Tuesday last: my Ladie's recovery is much doubted; her strength and spiritts being, as they say, farre spent, and wearing out dayly by an untoward cough, which is almost continuall. This I understood from M=rs= Dixon.

[} [\CXI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, Your not vouchafing, eyther by letter or message, to take knowledge of the contents of my last to you touching my cosin Fred., reprooves mee sufficiently of being in my last an officious foole; and although, Madam, I shall take it for a warning, yett when I reflect as well upon the affection and singleness of heart whearwith I did it, as also upon the motives which confined mee in point of time from acquainting you first thearwithall, I plead not guilty of having deserved at your La=pp's= hands to have my well meaning hearein to be soe passed by as not worthy of a lyne or a message. And least those motives should seem to be altogether fayned and imaginary, as I did touch upon them then, soe I now offer them to your view in thease payre

of letters from Sir Drue Drury to me, both concerning himself and his nephew Wingfield; which I onely insist on to excuse mee for acting the busines I before my acquainting and receaving commission from you. And I was not ignorant that time in thease cases, though it seeme a circumstans, yett is indeed substance; precedency being a principall verbe, which my cosin Fred's patent hath, both of Drue, and Wingfield, and of Sir Rob=t= Crane; which in my poore discretion; considering they are all of a county, was somwhat, and which had been lost if I had stayed to send and to have heard from you first. And now, my dearest friend, Lady, and cosin, I come to that which both affects and perplexes mee more then any other thing in this woorld which can come crosse upon mee, namely, the ill tidings of your want of health, and the dayly fears, and apprehensions I have of your growing worse; agaynst which I have no refuge but to Almighty God with my dayly and instant prayers, which I shall as earnestly doe as for my own soule; and, being obtained, give Him thanks as for the greatest temporall blessing to mee upon earth. Yo=r= La=pp's= all and ever to love and serve you, T. Meautys. May 10=th=, 1627

My cosin Fred=s= patent beares date the 4=th= of this present; Drue's the 7=th= following; Wingfield's and Crane's are not yet passed the seale. I could not send it now, as I intended, by reason the inrolment of it, both in the Exchequer and the Rowles, take up more time then I expected. I am not a little troubled to hear of my cosin Bacon's ill health, and that I am good for nothing that may conduce to his recovery; onely my prayers for him shall bee in as good earnest as for the dearest friend and brother I have. To my much hon=rd= Lady and Cosin the Lady Jane Bacon, at Broome Hall, Suff.

[} [\CXII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever dearest Lady and Cosin, The oportunity of this messenger being sent to Saxum gives me as much time as serves to be accountable to your La=pp= of myselfe and my journey, being now at Toddington, from whence I am injoyned to make retourne to your La=pp= of the love and respects of the Right Noble Lord and Lady hear. I reached Hartford on Saturday before five o'clock, whear I was not the less welcome for the place I came from, and your La=pp's= friendly and loving remembrance which accompanied mee

thither; for with Harry Meautys's I send you the best and all the retourne he can make, which is, to find an innermost roome for you and yours in his dayly prayers. Soe, beseeching your La=pp= to doe the like for him and mee, in yours, and desirous to be numbered in the catalogue of your family, I ask your blessing with the very mouth of my heart, and remain, Your La=pp's= all and ever, T. M. My Lord's brother arrived hear out of the Low Countries last night, by whom I find that there was not such a thing as an army on foot for the affayres of the Palatinate, all theyre's being now in garrison. The peace between Spayne and them hovers aloofe, and, if at all, not likely to be concluded in hast. Madam, If it may be without your trouble, I would gladly hear how it fares with M=r= Claxton. Monday night [\1627\] .

[} [\CXIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, This bearer some weekes since having delivered mee a letter from your La=pp=, and calling upon mee this day to know whether I would retourne an

answere, therby gave mee an opportunity, which left mee without excuse yf I had now omitted to write. And because it is not unwoorthy your knowing, nor the repeating, though you may know it already, nor unacceptable to you, what we have done and are doing in Parliament, thease take leave to tell you, that on Saturday last the King gave a full and satisfactory answer to our petition concerning the liberty of the subject, and propriety and exemption of his person and estate from any illegal courses, which caused such expression of joy in generall, as, whear tongue left, bells and bonfires began; and the proceeding with the subsidies, which wear till then at a stand, followed the next day in Parliament, and are ready to be passed entirely within two or three days. Neverthelesse, wee goe on with a remonstrance or informacion to his Ma=tie= contayning the generall grievance of the realme, which wee have reduced to thease heads, namely, fear of innovation of religion, and the ill successes of our late forrain enterprizes, the ill state and decay of our forts and castles, the generall want of powder and all other sorts of ammunition requisite for the defence of the realme, the decay of trade, the great losse and decay of the shipping of the realme, the ill guarding of the narrow seas; and ended in these very termes, that the excessive power of the Duke of Buck=m= and the abuse of that power is the chief cause of these

evils and daungers to the King and kingdome. This was the woorke of this day, and held us without stirring out of the house from 8 this morning till this hower, being now 7 at night; soe that, it being now high time to goe to dynner, I end the more abruptly, and rest, Yo=r= La=pp's= all and ever to serve you, T. Meautys. The inclosed, for those few words which are in French, and for which you want noe interpreter, was the King's answer to our petition; the rest was somewhat which hee spake before and after the answer given. I heard speech of your purpose to come to town: if such part of my house as is empty may pleasure you, you may command it. June 11 [\1627\] .

[} [\CXIV. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, I have, almost ever since my coming from Culford, been dayly in journeys, and am, at the writing of thease, soe newly alighted from my horse, that I have scarse time, considering the carrier's hower is at hand, to scribble this. I am not a little compatible with my friends thear to find, by a letter from my cosin Fred, that my cosin Bacon's health still declines, and that your La=pp= hath hurt your

foot, which puts you to much payne. Madam, weare I good for any thing that mought bee of use towards eyther of your recoveries, I would not fayle to hasten to you and make a tender in person of my best endeavours and most affectionat service; but, since I am not, my onely resort must bee with my dayly prayers, upon the knees of my heart, to the Great Physician Himself. Nevertheless, I have hearwithall sent some of that syropp of ela campane, of my sister's making, which I have myself, and some other of my friends, found so much good of, and have withall sent the receipt herinclosed by which it is made; and if thear bee any thing in it hurtful to my cosin's infirmity, yett I am perswaded it will do your La=pp= good for that rheume whearwith I heard you complayne you wear troubled a mornings. And by cause I saw my cosin was allowed to take tobacco somtimes, I, having had some sent mee from a friend for special good, have hearwithall likewise sent some porcion of it, and, yf my cosin like it, I will send him more. Soe, wishing with all my soule a share in eyther of your sufferings and discomforts of body or mynd, so that your parts therby might be the more tolerable, I com~end you to the consolacion and protection of God Almighty, and rest, Yo=r= La=pp's= all and ever to love and serve you, T. Meautys. June 22 [\1627\] .

The Duke, we say, sette sayle on Weddensday, and the King is expected hear tomorrow. Yt is no newes to you, I conceave, that Sir Thomas Meautys is father of a brave boy, and that my Lady of Sussex hath, in congratulacion thearof, descended from her greatnes, and is like to be well again with him.

[} [\CXV. SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Sister, I am very sorry to understand by your letter of the death of my brother, your husband; yet, againe, in the same letter you did send me a consolation ever to bee rejoysed for, and that is the peacable, quiet, and relygeous end that he made att his departure out of this worlde, to tacke possession of that most blessed inherytance which God hath prepared for all those that die in His favour. Sister, whereas you wright me in your letter that he hath left you behind him his widdow, full of greefe and sorrow, to morne for yourself and not for him, indeed I was glad to hear you saye soe; for a man to lament the departure of a freind with extremytie of greefe, when his own eye is a wittnes, and his hart lykewyse tells him, that his freind hath exchanged his sosietie for a more happy one, and

hath left this worlde, soe full of troble and miserye, to goe tacke possession of a kingdom, the joyes of which are not to be expressed, that person that shall sorrow soe much for the los of his freind, certainly he cannot be esteemed a trew freind at all, for yf a husband shall study to make his wyfe happy, or a wyfe her husband, all the dayes of their lyfe, after their departure let them endevor to lyve soe as they may dye the servants of Almightie God. I have often called to minde a sayinge of you unto me, which for the pyousnes of it I must never forget, it being upon the death of your fyrst husband, when myselfe was with you and saw how exceedingly you greeved for the los of him; and I well remember that I was a lyttle mouved at your pacion, to which you replyed, "O brother! you must holde me excused yf soe be that I greeve for him, but yet it is not soe much for his death, as for the manner of his death;" which was a worthy saying, and com~endable in the ears of all those that ever heard it. But, deere sister, in this your last husband that feare is tacken awaye and greefe abolyshed, and joye sent in place of sorrow from God to comfort yourselfe and all the rest of his freinds left behinde him; and we will all of us greeve with you, but, as we ought, with a moderate and discreet greef, for otherwyse we should appear brutal to the worlde; and surely a sorrow is allowed to every one of us to sorrow for our freinds

departed. My wyfe desiers to have her love remembered to you, who is but weake as yet; but my child is, I praise God, helthy and strong. I am sorry to hear that you should be driven to tacke up money to serve your present tourne; in what a case then must your brother bee, in that he hath no rents at all to reseave. I protest before the Almightie God, that I was never so neere to bee ruinated and cast under foot as I am at this present for my company in the Low Countryes, as you may see by this enclosed letter, which I reseaved not above 10 dayes agoe, in what case I stand; yet yf I can but goe over now with Lord Vere, who attends the Dutch Ambassador's retourne, I may speede reasonably well, yf I had but 100+L to settle my affayres before my going, and to leave my wyfe provyded for: therfore let me intreate you imploye your creditt for soe much for me till Michaelmas, and I will see it discharged without any prejudice at all to you, for I have 3 or 400+L due unto me in the Low Countries since my coming from thence, the which I can reseave no part of it till my owne retourne; and you shall make me very much your servant. Y=r= affectionat brother, T. Meautys. Clerkenwell, July the 2d, 1627.

[} [\CXVI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^SIR THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Sister, By this you shall receive an account of the present that you left with me for the Queene of Bohemia. As soone as she saw me come into the roome where hir Ma=tie= was, her second words was, "How dooth my Lady Cornwallis?" I gave her your present, and told her that I had left you with a hart charged with griefe for the death of your husband, but with a minde full of will and reddynes to doe her Majesty service. She tooke the box, and before all the company that was there did open it, and did very much commend the property of it, and retourne you many thanks; for that I saw that it was a gyft very agreeable to her, for the same day at my Lord Ambassador's howse, where the King and Queene and Princes of Orange did dyne, she tooke occasion to speake of it againe, and said that the old love between you two must not be forgotten. I pray, therefore, continue this interchange to her as often as you shall find occasion, for, upon my soul! if it laye in her power to doe you a good office, she would not be sparing to performe it. She lookes her within this month or 6 weekes to be brought a bed. God send her a safe and happy ower, yf it be His

will! I left a letter with my wyfe, in which I desired you to lend her 50+L, in regard I left her but ill provided. I pray God to bles you with His spiritual and temporal blessings; and soe I rest, Y=r= most affect=e= brother and servant, T. Meautys. Hage, July 25, 1627. To my deare sister Lady Bacon, at Broome.

[} [\CXVII. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best and dearest Lady, I receaved yours in answer to myne about the picture, and having no better way to satisfy the Lord I mentioned, that I had dealt clearly with him in doing my endeavor, I shewed him so much of your letter as related thearunto; one passage whearof he was willing to lay hould of as giving him some kind of hopes that the picture mought be procured from those hands it was meant to by your noble husband; and thearfore, yf you please to lett me know by your next to whose hands it is come, and that I may likewise understand what is meant by these wordes in your letter, (^"I thinke they will not part with it upon those termes would be

pleasing to you,"^) it would enable me to give full satisfaction to that Lord whether it be to be had on any termes or noe, whearin he now flatters himselfe with some little hope derived from those wordes in your foresayd letter. Yt is, I conceave, no newes to you, that on Friday last we resolved in the howse on giving the King 5 subsidies, the time not then agreed on, but the inclinacyon of the howse was to pay them all, or 4 of them, betweene this and Christmas; since then, which is now some dayes, we have not spoken a word more of them, but gone on with our own busines to provide for the liberty of the subject both in his person and estate, both which have been infringed by the late busines of the loanes and billeting of souldiers, as is insisted upon by the howse. The King, taking it in ill part that we goe not on with the subsidies, requires us to sitt all this Easter, and not to breake up for a weeke, as we intended, which men are not pleased withall; and however, in conformity with the King's message, we shall continue together without adjourning our howse, yett it is so unwillingly, as that I doubt the King's busines will hardly gett any steppes forward; which yf the King find, he is resolved, I perceave by those who know his mind near hand, to putt us roundly to it by some message to the howse; which yf it take not effect, which I feare to think of, our Parlement will not be long lived.

The enclosed is somewhat that passed from the King and the Duke at the Counsell table the next day after we resolved to give the 5 subsidies. I am the shorter in newes, because I understand by your last that you want not our Parlement newes from better and readier hands. Yo=r= La=pp's= all and ever, T. Meautys. Good Friday [\1628\] .

[} [\CXVIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever dearest Lady and Cosin, In my last to you, which it seemes hath miscarried, I expressed that my Lord of Dorsettt was the Lord that affected the picture; and did likewise in that letter bemoane the sicknes, and desire your prayers for the recovery of my deare sister Glover, who was then very sick of the small pox, whearof with eyes fraught with teares of grieffe I must in the first place acquaint you, she departed this life on this day fortnight, and yett tell you withall, with eyes noe lesse filled with teares of joye and comfort, that she hath assuredly changed this life for a better, and that she is now a saynt in heaven,

witnessed to all that heard her infallibly by those Christian conflicts and heavenly conferences between God and her soule for divers dayes together, even to the period of her life ending, in the unspeakable and lively feeling and assurance of that haven of eternall happines whearunto she was saylyng. I am, thearfore, now indeavouring what possibly I may, under so great an affliction as this is to me, to practise that which I advise other friends that loved her, namely, to forgett what we have lost by remembring what she hath gayned. She died at Kellett's, the apothecarie's, neare Paule's, whear her daughter Anne at this present lyeth ill of the same disease, but is, God be thanked! past all daunger and almost able to goe abroad. Yt rests that, in relation to those of her little wandring flock she hath left behind her, I make the like suit to your La=p= that I doe to the rest of my friends, which is, to lend me so much of their advice and helpe as they can spare me for the disposing and breeding of some of them; and yf your La=p= can find in your harte to ease me somewhat, without charge to you at all, of the care of breeding that little harmlesse one which was dear to her, and is no less soe to me, and ever was, the rather peradventure because she hath in favour been sayd and believed to resemble you, I shall be at some harte's ease, which at this time I have neede of, being like one that hath lost a

wife as well as a deare sister, finding the difference now for a moneth together between solitude and the conversacyon and comfort of a matchless friend; and wear it not for the relief I have found from some disconsolate howers by the neighbourhood and noble favors of my Lord and Lady Cleveland, of whose family I reckon myself, and have done all this while, thear being nothing but solitude under my own roofe, I should by this time have resolved to become as weary of this part of the world as some friends alive, nearest and dearest unto me, have shewed of late to be of me. I receaved letters this morning from Sir Thomas Meautys, dated the 25th of March: he and his lady are both well, and she ready to make worke for the midwife about the end of July next as she writes, and hath invited me to come over and christen her childe; whearof I can yett retourne noe direct answer untill I have settled some tearme busines concerning my Lord S=t= Albane's creditors, and taken order for the disposing of some of my sister's children, and seeing to the maintenance, which is 100+L, and amongst them, left in trust with me and my eldest brother for their educacyon. However, against that time lett me bespeake your letters into those parts, for rather your brother in some letters to me complaines of being so unhappy as not to have receaved any letters lately from you. And now, my best and dearest friend, I take leave to kisse

your pretious hands, and to wish from the bottom of my soul all true happines and blisse both in this life and a better to you and all yours, whom I doe most sincerely and entirely love; resolving, in what part of the world soever it shall please God to dispose me, to live and dye All and ever yo=r= La=pp's=, T. Meautys. Apr=ll= 16=th= [\1628\] . The L=ds= of the upper howse are this day in serious debate, which hath held them some days together, whether they shall joyne with us to the King in that part of our petition for the restrayning of the King's power of com~itment in all cases without shewing cause upon the com~itment. Yf they joyne, all will end well; otherwise we are like to break within very few dayes.

[} [\CXIX. SIR EDMUND BACON TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sister, I had a purpose to have seene you in the ende of this weeke; but, finding a disposition to the goute, I have bene driven to take physike these 4 days by way of prevention. This I hope shall excuse me to you, who am goinge towards London, God willinge, the day after the fast; where, yf yt

shall please you to com~ande me any thing, I shall be ready to serve you. In the mean tyme I entreat you that M=r= Fenne may come to me, for I can now give him satisfaction concerninge the lyvery, M=r= Barrie having bene here with me to that purpose. Yt will be necessarye that the inventory of my father's goods be at London; yf you will sende yt to me, I will carrye yt; or otherwise I desyre you yt may be there. I hope all thinges will be in so good a forwardnes that the next tearme shall dispach the busynes, of which I immagine you thinke I am by this tyme wearye. And thus I rest, Y=r= lovinge brother, ready to doe you service, Ed. Bacon. There are thankes to be given under my hande for the best and fattest pike that ever was eaten: he had a fish hooke in the fatt on y=e= outside of his rivett. Redgrave, this 19 of April 1628.

[} [\CXX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^EDMUND BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sister, I being to pay much money into the Exchequer for the debt of my father to the K., I am tould I am like to be releived out of the estate my father left, eyther personal or his lands disposed. The distribution

of the charge must be ordered by the Barons of the Exchequer, from whence this morning I was delivered a subpoena to be sent unto you that there might be cleere dealings amongst us. I have acquainted M=r= Morse this morning how the proceedings in the business are like to be, and withall I have tould him that in all the wayes I shall proceed no otherwise then as I shall be willing to declare myselfe to any man of judgment. These shall be presently speedily sent to my brothers to make answere for what concernes them. I am glad to hear this morning that Nicke begins to recover. Your very loveing brother, Ed. Bacon. Rowlls, this 14 of May 1628.

[} [\CXXI. JANE LADY BACON TO SIR EDMUND BACON.\] }] Brother, I received your letter with your unkind token, which I think I did not deserve, I haveing been as forward, if not forwarder, to a peacable end then any body els; but since you have made choice of this way to walk in, I will go with you along upon as faire and frendly tearmes as you will; and rest, Yo=r= very loveing sister, Ja. Bacon. [\May 1628.\]

[} [\CXXII. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My best Lady and Cosin, I have found even minutes enough, and that's all, between the Parlament howse and the Consell chamber to scribble over these confused lines, and to tell you what hath passed in Parlament, viz. almost a moneth; for onely time, and not busines, hath hetherto passed. Tomorrow Sir Ed. Cooke's election will be determined of, and it is taken for graunted he will be excluded and another chosen in his roome. The counsell of warre, as well such of them as are of the upper howse as the rest, are tomorrow to appear in the lower howse, and to answere to such questions as shall thear be asked them touching the yssuing and expending of the late subsidies. The lower howse hath busied themselves most part of this weeke in examining the stay of a French shipp hear, laden with merchandise of the valew of 400,000+L, which stay hath caused an arest of all our merchants' goods in Fraunce, to the valew of above 300,000+L. The stay of that shipp having produced this ill effect, it hath heated the howse against those who made the seazure therof, which is found to be the Lo. Admirall; whearupon a message was this daye sent to him from our howse to demaund his reason of that stay, with a purpose, in case he gives us not

the better satisfaction, to present it up to the King as a publique greevance; the yssue whearof can proove nothing but the loozing our breath and the shewing of our good wills to the Duke, for he will easily answer it to the King and upper howse though we be deaf to him. Pray, Madam, lett me understand in your next of my cosin's safe and healthfull arrival at Broome, and in the mean time present him with the best affections of His and yours to serve you ever, T. Meautys. The Earl of Devonsheere is dead. [\June 21, 1628.\] Pray direct your letters to Kellett's the apothecary, on Ludgate Hill.

[} [\CXXIII. SIR EDMUND BACON TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sister, I make no doute but M=r= Morse hath tolde you in what forwardnes I was towards a composition at his beinge at London, which since I have perfected; and though yt be a good sum of monye, 3100+L, yet, all things considered, I complayne not of the bargaine. To conclude, the next tearme ther was proces appointed to be sent downe

to the shreyfe, to charge those in possession of my father's landes to make awnsweare why they should not be chargable to the debt to the K., and that the conveyances of the landes should be brought up. I was bolde, without your privitye, to stay the proces concerning you, as I did the rest for my brothers, by engaging myselfe to awnsweare for them. Yf you like of the same course, I will retourne your awnsweare. Yf you shall be pleased to have one at London some 5 days before the tearme, with the conveyance made to my brother upon your marriage, as also that which concernes the stock, I must certifye M=r= Vernon by the carriers that goe from Bury the next week what you will doe, and so desyre you to let me understande y=r= resoluc~on by Sunday night at the furthest. My brother's monument goeth well forwarde; I sawe yt, so much as ys done, the day before I came out of towne. And yesterday, betwixt this & Burye, Tom Shorte tolde me the good nues that my nephewe Nick growes strong, which I am hartely glad of. Your very lovinge brother to serve you, Ed. I. Bacon. [\June 1628.\]

[} [\CXXIV. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best and dearest Lady, As thear is nothing more naturall with me then to be best pleased when I am doing you servise, soe be pleased to believe that thear hath nothing since I saw you occurred oftener to my thoughts and wishes then the hope of seeing and serving yours ere long. I write thease from Hampton Court, wheare the King and Queene intend to stay till Alhollandtide, and whear I am afrayd I shall be for the most part attending; and thearfore, yf that part of my house which is at my own disposing, and which, by making up of doors and passages, is sequestered intirely from that part my Lo. of Cleveland hath, may pleasure you, you may com~and it, wholly furnished as it is; and, when I retourne to it againe, I shall love every roome the better whearin I shall conceave you have eyther trodde or breathed. All this without courtshippe, as is and shall be for ever whatsoever else lyeth within the power which may be acceptable unto you of Yo=r= La=pp's= all and ever to love and serve you, T. Meautys. The Parlament is adjourned till the 20=th= of January, and a proclamacyon going out to that effect. Thear is nothing certaine of the fleete, other then

that on Monday was se'nnight they wear seene within some few leagues of the Isle of Retz, coming so late as, it seemes, to take advantage of the late spring tides, and expecting till the oportunity of the next, which by the seamen's calculacyon begun yesterday. My Lo. Brooke departed this life on Tuesday morning. October 2, 1628. Pray, Madam, kisse M=rs= Randolph for me, and injoyne her to do the like for me to all my cosins, exsept Sir Frederick.

[} [\CXXV. AMBROSE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Most hon=rd= Lady, Upon Munday last I received 15+L of M=r= Morse and gave him an acquittance for it, and imediatly payed it to M=rs= Burnibie and had her discharge. I have also sent your letter to Sir T. Meautys; and can assure you that M=rs= Glover had your letter long sinse, but I left her sick, which may be the cause you hear not from her. The Lady Barrington, and y=e= Lady Crofts that shall be the next week,

present again their service to you=r= La=sp=, whose neighbourhood was a great advancement to the match, as they confesseth. From beyond sea we only heare that the Sweths and the French King are united, and their articles agreed upon. Here at home Sir John Suckling, in place of repairing his honor, hath lost his reputation for ever, and drawne himself in dainger of the law. On Tuesday last he waie layed M=r= Digby, that had formerly strook him, and, as he came from the play, he, with many more, set upon M=r= Digby; in which quarell Sir John Suckling had a man rune through, som say he is dead. The King goeth this day, being Friday, to Cobam, where the Duke festes him this night; then he comes hether again, wher I remain, Yo=r= La=p's= most affectionat kinsman to serve you and yours, Ambr. Randolph. 21 of Novembr. [\1628\] .

[} [\CXXVII. T. MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My noble Lady and Cosin, Yf it weare as easy for me to passe through Suffolk without asking leave to salute you and to inquire of your welfare, as it is for you to deny me leave, I had peradventure forborne to put upon you at this time the trouble of reading thease; but by cause, be you what you please towards me, I can be no other in my heart towards you then what, upon best understandings formerly between us as friends, we have formerly professed, you may please to pardon me yf upon that foundacyon, which on my part was layd too deep to be shaken with every tempest of unkindnes, much lesse with one guste of breath, I take leave to build agayne some lower roomes for myself in your accustomed friendly and much desired affections. And yf I may be soe happy as to perceave, upon the retourne of this bearer, that the porter at Broome hath not in charge to shutte the gates

against me when I come thither, I shall peradventure sett apart one hower before I retourne to London to waite on you and kisse your hands, then which nothing, since I had the favor to doe it last, hath occurred more acceptable, or is more longed for by Yo=r= La=pp's= for ever to love and serve you, T. Meautys. Norfolke, Armingland, May 25, 1629.

[} [\CXXVIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, I am not a little troubled that I have heard nothing since my departure from Broome concerning your health, though I had my cosin Randolph's promise, and partly yours, that I should. I was severall times at my Lady Nethersole's lodging to have delivered your letter with my own hands, but, not finding her within, I sent it her at length by my man Matthewe, who was intrusted to give her an account of your present health, and of the circuit that letter had rode before it came to her hands. She tould my man shee would this day write to you and send the letter to mee; but I hear nothing of it, and thearfore I conceave shee may have found some readyer way to convey it to your hands. The inclosed, from your brother came to

my hands some dayes since; whearin by cause to hear somthing concerning his child, I thought it not unreasonable to impart it to you. Onely, yf in any letter to him you reply to any thing contayned in this of his to mee, you may bee pleased not to acknowledge that I transmitted to you the whole letter. That Sir Thomas Edmonds goes ambassador for Fraunce, I think, is noe newes. The Queene comes abroad on Sunday next, and hath been so well, beyond expectacion, all the time of her lying-in, as that it was a second labor to her to keep in all this time. You will, peradventure, hear speach of an ambassador arrived here from the Arch Duchesse, but it is onely Reubens, the famous painter, appearing onely in his own quality; and Jerbir, the Duke's painter, master of the ceremonies to entertaine him. My Lady Barrington injoyned mee last night not to omitt her servise to you; and I should say as much for her to my cosin Randolph, but that I owe her not soe much service, for fayling of her promise in giving mee an account this weeke of your La=pp's= health, then which nothing in the world can bee more welcome to Yo=r= La=pp's= all and ever to love and serve you, T. Meautys. June [\1629.\]

[} [\CXXIX. BRIDGET LONG TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Good Madam, I haue lately receeved both the letters you sent me, and yo=r= letter that is directed to my Lady Meautys, w=ch= about a fortnight hence I will most carefully send to Forneham by the foote post that lately came to me from her, and will call on me before he retorne. I also lately received a letter from M=rs= Suzanna, my Ladie's sister, w=ch= I make bold herewith to send yo=r= La=p=, that you maye thereby take notice of the death of Sir Richard Burnaby, as also that you may truely knowe what intentions are towardes the poore childe on that syde; butt I leaue the consideration therof to yo=r= La=p's= wisedome, for I do this onely of my owne heade, and yo=r= La=p= may doe as you please for all me: butt truely itt is high tyme the childe were nowe taken into some better keepinge, for albeitt the nurse doth her parte to the vttmost, yett he nowe beginnes to growe, and will looke for better com~ons then her wages will beare. I sente for him and he was w=th= me a fortnight att Whitsontyde last, and I perceiued how well a little tyme of chaunge did alter him: he is very well (I thanke God) and comes on apace; he can goe and prattle a little,

and is very pretty companye, and thrives the better for his good aunte Bacon's allowance, w=ch= is weekely sent his nurse for him. And thus, good Madam, I am redy to serue you, if in any thinge you haue occasion to comaund me: in the meane tyme I doe humbly take my leaue. Yo=r= La=p's= to be comaunded, Bridgett Longe. This 17=th= of June 1629. To the righte worthye and my much honored good ladye, the Ladye Bacon, att her house in Suffolke, &c. &c. M=r= Longe remembers his humble seruice vnto you.

[} [\CXXX. DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady and dearest Frend, I retorne you humble thankes for your coach, which brought us well to Coulchester, where I met M=r= Randolph with another, but not one that will bring us to London before Saturday night. I perseave nothing by him that should cause my stay in London longer then to see my mother and doe my duty to her, for she finds good frends to helpe her to money out of the Exchequer, and that is all she is like to expect, he tells me; yet I am resolved to trie what may be done for her, and then make hast to kiss your hands at Brome again, which I hope to doe within a fortnight or three weekes.

My father, to my great joye, made his last actions sutable to his former, which was, he did his indevor to sell his offis, which was made over to M=r= Randolph before, and came so neer it as the man was in the howse with money to paie for it, when at the instant he failed of words and breath, soe nothing was done. If M=r= Randolph had not gone as he did, it seemes he had lost his offis; for my Lord Carlisle com~ended one to the King, which he apointed to posses my father's plase, M=r= Randolph being such a stranger as I think they knew not what right he had to it; but now they are perswaded to let the man paie for it and be his partner, and reseave half the benefit, which he might have possesed alone had he not neglected it, as he doth all things; but he seemes glad ther is one to do the busines for him, that he may live like a drone as he did. I am your most true harted cosin and humblest servant, Dorothe Randolph. [\1629.\]

[} [\CXXXI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, My desires and intentions have bene to have waighted on you long agoe, for I thought my

mother and her busines would have liene better settled sooner; but all things are yet as they weare, and nothing to be done about her money till the King come, and till she know what to trust to: so she will by noe means let me leave her. I have no hope of seeing your Ladyship suddenly, except some good occasion bring you to towne. Sir William Plaiter will acquaint you with the busines of my Lord Banning's daughters, which we thinke very good marages, and not hard to be gotten by you, because you have a great many frends to make way for you, as my Lord of Dorsett and Sir Henry German, that are nere kinsmen to them. Sir Harbottle Grimston hath a

greate deale of interest there, and will be as redee to do you servis as any bodie. Thar is a report my Lord of Dorchester shall marry the widow; which if he doe, you will be still the stronger. If this or any thing else perswade you to come to towne, I think you cannot be better lodged any whear then heare with this woman; and you may sojorn with her, or she will provide you diet. She hath made a fine lodging of the parler and furnished it daintily, which you may have, and that within it, and the romes over where you lay before; but they will not be long unlet, for theare is many desires them; but, if I can possibly, I will make a stay of them till I hear from you; till which time, and ever, I will be Y=r= Ladyship's most faythfull frend and humble servant, Dorothe Randolph. [\1629.\] My mother presents her humble servis to your Ladyship; so doth M=r= Randolph, whoe is in danger

to become a statesman, for he will not spare any frend or occasion one hower from his offis. I am promised to speake with a very good cooke, that served in a Lord's house ayght yeares.

[} [\CXXXII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, I am now, I thanke God, soe well rid of my paine that I am able to give you an acount at larg of all the busines you wright about; which I had done sooner, but that I reseaved not your letter, which I imagine should have come on Wednesday or Thursday, as they use to doe. I went sins to visit M=rs= Dickson, and in discors fell upon the ould busines; but she made answer ther was no good to be done for the two elder daughters, ther was now a treaty of marage betwene my Lord North's sone for one, and Sir Gervis Clifton's for

another, and the third was too young. I spake with M=r= Chitting about Sir Thomas Barrington's neese; he semes to thinke she is worth seven thousand pounds, but he will wright to you the perticulers. But I beleve my inteligens will prove better then his, for my Lady Barrington, who is now in town, and presents her most afectionat servis to you, tould me M=r= Chitting had some speach with her concerning the gentlewoman, and would have had her wright to you about it; to which she made answer she would not propound it to you, but, if upon her informacion you toke liking to it, she would be redy to do you any servis, and would show how glad she would be that any that had relation to her might be soe happy as to come under your government. I asked her what her portion was: she tould me she had one thousand pounds in money and a hundred pounds a year land of inheritans, and they valued this at five thousand pounds or therabouts. I made answer; I had not heard any thing of it from you, but I thought you would not aksept of soe small a portion with any body; besides, you would rather have money then land: but this I said from myself. You may give what answer you please, and, if you like not of it, you need retorne noe answer to M=r= Chitting for I have putt off my Lady Barrington from any hope of it; tharfore, if pleas you, let M=r= Chitting say nothing that he hath acquainted you

with it, becaus I think you will denie it, and I would have nothing hinder the proseding of a busines which I have some hope may come to good, which is this: As I was with my Lady Barrington, ther came in Sir William Curtene, a Dutchman, and two of his daughters, the one of which was soe conveniently handsome that I wished her my cosin's wife if shee had ten thousand pounds; to which Lady Barrington answered, they were reported to have so much a piece, and ther father might give them more if he liked the condicions, for he is very rich. I asked the lady if shee had so much intrest in them as to propound such a business with hope of suckses, and whether she would be pleased to favor her frends soe much as to doe it: to which she answered, she had some power ther, and would use her best endeavors if she might reseave full com~ition from me, which I must first reseave from you, and so will prosede by your direction. Now, to give you some acount of your frends and servants here, of which my mother is one that retornes you many thankes for your kind wishes to her and her busines, in which yet

we can do nothing. The letter you sent my cosin Meautys was unsealed. You sent three open, one to him, one to Sir William Plaiters, and one to me; but I delivered them to them both with my own hands, and I think they both beleved I looked not in them; for, if I did not, my cosin was very testy at the reseaving of it, which had I known I would have sealed it for him. I think he meanes to come quarrell with you for it if he can find noe greater matter, for he intends to come to you as soon as the tearme is done. Sir William Plaiters is in this towne, and hath bene ever sins he came from you, but he hath. bene ill of late with soare eyes. And now my paper reminds me I have bine so teadious to you, and bids me say noe more but that I am Your most loving, faithfull, & humble servant, Dorothe Randolph.

[} [\CXXXIII. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, At my coming to London on Weddensday last, and not before, I understood of yo=r= La=pp's= being at Coventry by M=r= Greenhill, whoe telling me he had letters to convey to you, I purposing at that time, and having oportunity, to send to my Lord of

Dunsmore's, not farre from thence, gladly tooke upon me, and bespoke of him, the truste of conveying them unto you, the rather that I moughte thearby be occasioned to attend upon them with a letter of my owne, making tender of my accustomed profession to love and serve you and yours with the most sincere and unchangeable affections of a friend and kinsman, and of my desires to receave and doe your com~andments with as much gust and appetite as that whearwith I feede upon my dayly bread. Next, I take leave to congratulate with yo=r= La=pp= and my exc=lent= good aunt your noble mother the happy and, as I can witnesse on both partes, the long looked for hower that hath brought you together, and the many howers of joye and content which dayly accompany soe happy a meeting; only, I confesse I am not without some regrette that, eyther by yo=r= La=pp's= election or my misfortune, it falls out at such a time when I am not soe much at liberty, as yo=r= La=pp= well knows, nor soe much master of myself, as to waite upon you thear, as I professe I did infinitely desire to have done, and had not failed to doe at any other time which I mought call my owne. For newes, I meete with little hear, other then that

the Spanish embassador, Don Carlos de Colona, who was formerly hear, is so near his arrivall as that thear is a howse in Broad Street already prepared to receave him; and Sir Francis Cottington, we say, goes for Spayne some time next weeke. You may, peradventure, have heard a rumour of some sharpe encounter betweene the Prince of Orange and Vanderburgh's army, and of blood drawn deeply betweene them, but the receaved opinion hear is that thear is no such thing. The King goes on Weddensday next to More Park, whear he stayes till Friday, hunts and feasts. Soe, asking leave for thease to kiss your hands, together with my worthy aunt's, and the rest of my best and dearest cosins under that roofe, especially those of my pretious cosin Anne at the least thrice over for the bracelett that goes thrice about, I rest, yo=r= La=pp's= all & ever, T. Meautys. Hampton Court, Oct=r= 2, 1629. To Lady Bacon, at Coventry.

[} [\CXXXIV. DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, There was one question my Lady Barrington asked me when she was in towne that I would desire to be provided of answer from you for her against she come. She desired to know, if Sir William Curteen asked what portion you would demand, what she should say. We looke for her every day; and my cosin Meautys's man put me in hope I should see you here between this and Easter, which was very welcome newes to me. I have enquired after matches in other places if this should faile, but can hear of none but some of the nobility, which I harkened not to, becaus I thinke you desire not to match with them; yet thear was one Lord whoes daughters weare so much co~mended to me that I did not absolutely denie it, but thought good to let you know. It is my Lord of Bridgwater; and Sir Henry St. George is he propounded it, whoe is well acquainted with him, and thinkes he will give six thousand pounds.

When you come I hope you will met with one to your liking, which I hope will be shortly; till which time, and ever, I am and will be Your humble servant, Dorothe Randolph. [\1629.\]

[} [\CXXXVI. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My noble Lady and Cosin, I cannot tell what to conceaue of it that I haue neuer a friend left at Broome that will vouchsafe mee a lyne or two touching the state of yo=r= health, w=ch= is soe pretious vnto mee, and the recouery wherof I soe affectionatly long for. I wrote to yo=r= La=pp= the last weeke, and sent it inclosed in one to S=r= Fredrick. I mett w=th= M=r= Long, whoe tould mee that S=r= Rich. Burnaby was dead, and that the Lady would now take home yo=r= godsonne into hir care; but that, this beeing but discourse as yett, when it grewe to bee resolued on hee woulde advertize yo=u= therof by letter. Yt is currantly reported that both Colonell Morgan and the King of Sweeden haue giuen a blowe of noe small consequence in seuerall places to the Empero=r's= forces; this I had more perticularly from S=r= James Fullerton yesterday, at dynner, at my Lord of Cleueland's. I rest, Yo=r= La=pp's= for euer to loue and serue you, T. M. [\Nov=r= 1629.\]

[} [\CXXXVII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best and deerest Lady, Yt is harder, I perceave, to gett an invitacion from your La=pp= then a welcome; witness your last, which turned the invitacion I bespoke in myne into an expostulacyon, not invited or drawn on by any thing in my letter to your La=pp=, rightly or friendly interpreted. But letting that passe as you please to understand it, I come now to tell you somewhat of what we doe hear. In my last I tould you of the restraint of some noblemen and others about a discourse of a pernicious nature that had passed from hand to hand, teaching a king by the examples of forraine tiranyes to oppresse his subjects, and to rayse moneyes without parlaments. This being conceaved to be a malevolent devise of some ill affected persons to putt envy upon the King and state in a time when sinister impressions are easily entertayned, as yf the King intended to goe those wayes, hath caused a proceeding in Star Chamber against those Lords and others, whoe are now at liberty to follow theyr cause, and are ready to putt in theyr answers. On Monday the King feasted the Queene, and solemnized hir birthday with running at ring and other triumphs. Yesterday

being the King's birthday, the K. feasted him againe at Denmarke House. The last weeke, my Lady Cooke's eldest daughter married, much to her mother's discomfort, to Nedde Sidnam, formerly the King's page, now equery. They wear married in Whitehall; and my Lord of Holland and my Lord Goring wear, by the King and Queene's appointment, present at it. Thear hath been much courting the Lady Cooke sinse, with promises from the King to make Sidnam a fortune woorthy hir daughter: last night my Lord of Holland brought hir some fruit therof, viz. a graunt of 600+L a year fee farm for both theyr lives, and an assurance of a present of 600+L woorth of juells from the Queene. Y=r= La=pp's= all and ever, T. M. Yt beginnes to be currently spoken and believed that the Queene is with childe. [\Nov=r=. 20, 1629.\]

[} [\CXXXVIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, My last to your La=pp=, being rightly interpreted, was rather a bemoaning of my owne misfortune then reproving another's faulte. This comes to

give you thankes that you have at length been pleased to impart soe much of your minde to mee as gives mee ayme whear to find you when I shall bee at liberty to waite on you, whearin if I fayle toward the end of the terme, I shall indeed reckon it among my misfortunes, though your La=pp= peradventure place it among my faultes; neyther will I then, or at any time doubt of my welcome, though I meet with nothing in any of your letters like an invitation, and though, comparing them with letters from other friends to whom I am less professed, full of invitations, they seeme to speake colder then they meane, and mought somtimes a little trouble mee did I not conclude that it wear alike erroneous to judge of the store and inside of your affections and cordialnes to your friend by the outside of your expressions, as to judge of the stores of a rich goldsmith or jeweller by that onely which appeares upon his stall toward the streete. And now, my dearest Cosin and friend, fearing to renew those paines of your head by the reading of thease, which wear soe troublesome to you at the writing of your last, I forbear to say for the present any thing else in thease then what my heart now and at all times inforceth mee to say, namely, that I am really all and ever Your La=pp's= to serve you, T. M. November [\1629\] .

You may peradventure hear of commitments of my Lo. of Clare to the B=p= of Winchester, my Lo. of Somersett to the B=p= of London, my Lo. of Bedford to the M=r= of the Roules, Sir Rob. Cotton and one M=r= S=t= John, a lawyer, to other places, which is all true; the cause not yett apparent, voyced generally to bee for some writing or discourse passed from hand to hand, counterprerogative and seditious, now discovered. Our Parlement men shall, they say, be proceeded with speedily upon an informacion in the King's Bench. For yo=r= hon=d= self, deere Madam.

[} [\CXXXIX. DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, When I resaued your letter on Thursday, that I might giue you the better acount of the busines, I went to deliuer my Lady Barrington's letter my selfe, whome I could not meete with at home, but found her at a ladie's, wheare thare was soe much

company I could not speake with her as I desired; but I find by her shee meanes to doe you the best seruis she can in that busines. She intends to speake with S=r= William Curtene spedily, and to wright you word how she prosedes; and, becaues she goeth out of toune shortly, I desired her, if she found the father forward in the busines, shee would let him know in her absens I could informe him of any thing, or M=r= Randolph, if she thought him fitter; to which shee made answer she would study the best way, for shee did not more truly desire to serue any body. Shee cometh to toune againe the next tearme, and then I hope what is now begune will then hapily be ended, for which I shall be as truly glad as if it conserned my selfe. I doubt not but S=r= Fredrick and S=r= William Plaiters are long before this safely with you, and that my cosen will stay theare till some good ocasion bring you to toune; which I hope will be shortly, for, sins my mother's ocasions denies me yet the coming to you, I will pleaes my selfe with an expectation of seeing you heare, and will be heare and euery wheare Euer your faithfull and humble seruant, Dorothe Randolph. London, this 1st of Desember [\1629\] . My mother presents her seruis to your Ladeship, and is yet not gone one step forward in her busines, but rests at my Lord Treasoror's unmersifull mercy.

[} [\CXL. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My euer best and dearest Lady, I receaued by this messenger, a seruant of my brother Claxton's, an earnest sumons to come to Liueremore vpon the death of the ould man, whearof they aduertized mee, pretending it concerned them to haue a friend at hand to aduize w=th=all as things now stand; but, it soe falling out that I must necessarily bee at London on Weddensday next at the furdest, I haue ouerruled my self and my desires, (though not w=th=out some difficulty,) considering that Culford is in my way to Liuermore, in taking a journey to gratify my friends thear, and hope it may suffize for theyr affayres to recomend to S=r= Drue (w=ch= I haue doon by letter) the care of them as there shall bee occasion, desiring yo=r= La=pp=, when yo=u= see him next, to second my recomendacon thearin by the power yo=u= haue ouer him. I comend yo=r= La=pp=, and all yo=rs=, my dear and precious cosins, to God's goodnes and protection, and remayne noe lesse by affections then by obligac~ons Yo=r= La=pp's= all and euer, T. Meautys. Toddington, this 7th of Decem=br= [\1629\] . For yo=r= dearest self.

[} [\CXLII. DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, The Lady Barrington made soe short a stay in London after the receipt of your letter, that shee could doe littell in the busines: what shee did I hope she hath or will shortly let you know, yet I thought fitt to tell you what I know conserning it from her. Shee went to the father and tould him that out of her loue to him, and the good opinion she had of his daughter, she came to propound a worthy match to him for her, which she knew he would giue her thanckes for, when he knew wher it was; which before he should doe, she desired to know if she weare free, or he had noe treaty with any for her, to which he replied, he could not yet giue her any answer, but retorned her many thankes for her offer, though I thinke he knew not whoe it was she wished him. She is extreame sory she could doe noe more in it now; but at the next tearme she will be heare againe and then shee tould me she would doe you the best seruis she could: in the meane time, if I heare of any other, I

will lett you know of it, for I doe most ernestly desire to se him maried, becaues I persaued a wandring humor in him when he was at London, and a resolution this spring to goe into France, yet not without your leaue, as he saied. I resaued this muff from my cosen Copinger latly, and, sins you weare pleased to like the other that came from thens, I venture to present this to you, and with it the best seruis of Your most louing, faithfull, and humbell seruant, Dorothe Randolph. Desember 7 [\1629.\]

[} [\CXLIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, I much wonder the Lady Barrington reseaved so drie an answer from Curtene, for shee was very confident it would have bene thankfully entertained, and that an extraordinary portion would have bene given, because shee knew he gave five thousand pounds with a daughter to one that had

but twelve hundred pounds a year, and shee thought he would give ratably according to the estate: but this is the cause, I perseave, why he makes a stay; he hath a brother latly dead in the Low Contryes, and his sone is gone thither to see how things are, and till his retorne he will conclude of nothing, for it is reported he hath left him forty or fifty thousand pounds, and then he will looke very hie for his daughters; yet Lady Barrington said he gave her many thankes and did not at all refues, but made a stay; but it is not worth your further expectation. I hope a better will come in your way in the meane time; and, if a good offer comes, I presume you will not delay it, for it is hard to meet with one whose person and portion is without exseption. If some such good occasion bring you not to town, I intend, if pleas God to give me leave, to waight on you at Culford between this and Easter ... Your most faithful and humble servant, Dorothe Randolph. [\1629-30.\] To my most honored frend the Lady Bacon, at her howes at Culford, present this.

[} [\CXLIV. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, I am most hartely sorry to heare you are soe ill as your letter tells me, which I reseaved with the

dainty pott of jely, for which, as for the rest of your favors, I can only retorne thankes and continue constantly yours. I sent a letter to you last weeke, fastened to a little box, which I make question whether you reseaved or noe, becaus I heard nothing. Ther was some busines concerning my Lady Barrington, who will be in towne by the time this letter come to you; and I know not whether your resolution hould conserning the match she propounded or noe, and I am suer she will aske me whether she shall prosede in it, which I will say nothing to till I hear from you. I heare of a very prety gentillwoman that hath six hundred pounds a year, and her father and mother dead; but ther is eighteen hundred pounds to be paid to her grandmother for her wardship, some of it. If you like of this, I think ther might be meanes found to propound it. M=r= Randolph went to see her, and com~ends her for very hansome, and sixteen years ould. My mother is very ill with the gout, I am afraid I shall not enjoy her long. Thus, with my faithful love recommended to you, I rest, Your Ladyship's humble serv=t=, Dorothe Randolph. [\1629-30.\] To my most honored frend the Lady Bacon, Culford.

[} [\CXLV. THOMAS MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My ever best Lady and Cosin, I rejoyse to perceave by your last that you are journey proofe, it giving us hope hear that we may ere long see you at London, whearof when you shall vouchafe to give me light, or think me worthy the knowledge, I shall as gladly waite on you part of the way, as be ready to serve you while I remayne hear, or while I remayne in this world, and that with those affections whearwith I have long since vowed myself Yo=r= La=pp's= all and ever to serve you and yours, T. Meautys. Feb=ry= 19 [\1629-30\] . Madam, I gladly kissed the outside as well as the inside of your letter, as supposing the superscription to be my cosin Anne's handwriting. If I wear mistaken, lett the next make me amends, or ells she is still in my debt for the well meaning of it.

[} [\CXLVI. BRIDGET LONG TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Good Madam, Havinge lately received letters from Sir Thomas Meautys touchinge his little sonne, that eyther yo=r= La=p= will take him into yo=r= care, or els that he be

sent over to him, as also that a some of 8=li= of his, w=ch= fell out to remaine in M=r= Longe's handes & was kept for the vse of the nurse, shold be deliuered to this bearer, his sergeaunt, I haue thought itt my parte, in discharge of that that I do and haue vndertaken for the childe, to move yo=r= La=p= y=t= you wold please (if itt may stand w=ch= yo=r= lykeinge) to take the childe to yo=r= custody, or if there be, as p~adventure there may be, some raason why you shold not, then to give yo=r= advice what shalbe done w=th= itt, for I will haue no hande in sendinge itt to sea, where I dare not goe my self; and that whereas about Michellmas last yo=r= La=p= sent me 5=li= to provide for him w=th=all, I haue layde out aboue half of itt for clothes for him, & made accounte to laye oute that 8=li= of his father's about the childe, w=ch= he now sends for to be deliuered to his sergeaunt, & I haue accordingly lett him haue 3=li=, w=ch= is all that is left either of yo=r= La=p's= 5=li= or his 8=li=, & so you may perceive I am a bare boorde, wherof I thought fytt to acquainte yo=r= La=p= that such further order may be taken as you shall thinke meete. And thus, w=th= myne & M=r= Longe's our hartye thankes to yo=r= La=p= for yo=r= remembraunce of vs, and myne moste p~=r=ticuler for the gloues yo=r= La=p= sent me, I take my leave. Yo=r= La=p's= to comannde, Bridgett Longe. 2 April 1630. To the very worthy Lady, her very good freinde, the Lady Bacon, theis.

[} [\CXLVII. SIR F. CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deare mother, When I consider in what a contradictorie waie I haue gone to your La=pp's= commands and my one ingagments, I cannot but bee extremly troubbled at my one misfortune, in that it appears to you (and I confesse it may verie well appeare so) that I am the worst of children to the best of mothers; yet I beeseech your La=pp= bee pleased once more to give mee leave to bege that by my letters which I had rather a great deale doe upon my kneese, (but that I feare my sight wold bee rather a cause of adding more affliction unto you, then of reastoring my selfe to my selfe by your pardon,) which is, that your La=pp= would be pleased to forgive this last act of mine, it beeing done by the commands of the King and the Queene, whoo had appointed the time at mie last beeing in the countrie, it not beeing in my power to alter it, espetially at that time both of them beeing pleased to express there favor so farre as to give us a +L1000 for ievells, and +L2000 in monie, all which with our selves we shall bee readie to cast downe at your La=pp's= feete, and bee holie at your La=pp's= disposing. I beseech you doe not cast of and lose your childe, who neither can nor will bee happie without your La=pp's= favor, and whoo with that regained will ever strive

and I hope shall prove to bee as great a comfort as heether tow hee hath proved otherwise; this is the onelie act which hath manifested mee to bee as you please to tearme it your unnaturall childe. This now beeing finished, your La=pp= shall not bee so readie to command as I shall bee studious to obay; thearfore for God's sake, and for your poore child's sake, who once had the happinesse to bee dearly loved by you, bee pleased to restore mee to your favor, and make us both so happie as to give us leave to fech you either at Newmarket or at Broome; which beeing done, I make no question but wee shall have cause to say and thinke, that noe children are more blessed in a mother, and I hope your La=pp= will thinke noe mother happier in children. And now, deare mother, hoping and praying for that happie hower, I restt, and ever shall, Your most obedient sonne, F. Cornwalleis. [\January 1630-31.\] For my ever honored Ladie and Mother the Ladie Bacon.

[} [\CXLVIII. ELIZABETH LADY CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Madam, Both dutie and desire dooth, by the asshurans that your soon hath euer gifen me of your La=p's= goodnes and loue to him, giue me confidens by thes to beg your blessinge and his pardon, hoo

thinks himselfe most vnhappy in your La=p's= displesure, which I most humbly beseech yo=r= La=p= to forgeef to him, that so much loufs and hono~rs you as that, withthout your La=p's= loue and fauor restorde to him, hee will neuer ioye in any thing ether hee dooth ore shall posses; therfor, I besech your La=p=, let vs not any loungger suffer the want of that which will make vs so infinitly happy: and thoue, by want of the good fortune of being known to your La=p=, I coulde not hitherto hope of any fauor from you, yet now my indeuors shall euer bee such towards you as that I will all wais aprooue my selfe to bee Yo=r= La=p's= most obedient daughter and humble saruant, Eliza Cornwalleis. [\1630-31.\] Madam, if your La=p= will be plesed to make vs so happie as to let vs know when we shall haue the hono~r of seing you heare, we will com down to fetch you vp, or wait of yo=r= La=p= whersoeuer you will apoynt; and so ons more I kis your hands, and by all humble intreattis beg your La=p's= pardon. For my much honored mother the Lady Bacon, thes.

[} [\CXLIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^ELIZABETH CORNWALLIS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Madame, Coming to see my cosen Randolph, shee gave me incurragment that by lines ons more to tender

my humble respects to your La=p= wold not bee ill taken; which if I may have the happines to know from you, I shall not faile in this sarvis, or any that I think your La=p= will exsepte of. And for the last letter I sent you, I ashure your La=p= your sonne had no hand in it, for it was written before he came home, and sent to the carrier's after he was gon, and so I gave it to my cosen Randolph to send; being very sorry that it was your La=p's= plesure to give ocasion to wright to you in that style, for ther was nothing more contrary to my will, and I hope it shall bee the last in that kind that shall pas between us: but while you are plesed to stand at this distans, I feare my husband will not do that which his hart most desirs, for he does ashure himself that affection you ons had to him is clear gon, and that it is hopeles for him to seek your love. I hope by your goodnes thes doughts shall bee taken away; and if the King and Queen's promis to yourselfe, of doing that for us as soon as they can, will bee any satisfaction to your La=p=, I will procure them to you, if your La=p's= ocasion bring you to town, wher I shall be happy with your sonne to wait on you; or else I am afraid you will not meet a great while, for he dares not com down any more: therfore I shall wish for som good ocasion that may bring you together, and make a harty frendshippe amongst us. But give me leave, I besech you, but not to hinder the

speediest that I can getting of what we have promised to your La=p=, to wish that the frendshipp might be before, otherwise I must confes to your La=p= that I shall not joy in it; and give me leave to say, that you will do yourselfe as much right as you will give your sonn comfort and happines. But your La=p= is wise, and knows what is fittest for you; and I can but wish you the greatest happines, which I shall ever wish, that am Yo=r= La=p's=, if you ples to exsept it, affectionate and obedient daughter, E. Cornwalleis. 1630-31. For my honored mother the Lady Bacon, at her house at Broome, these.

[} [\CLIV. ELIZABETH LADY CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Madame, As I concluded with your La=p= at my coming from you, so will I continue to pray to God to give you helth and us your favor; in which we shall bee at the highte of our ambytion, to the obtaning wherof we shall never willingly omightt any thing that may witnes our desiers therto; and to that end I will endevor all I can the speedy getting of the 3 thousand pounds which the King and Queen hath ben plesed to promis us, the which so soon as we have we shall most gladly present to your La=p=; till when I besech you exsept of our desiers, and by thes my humble sarvis

and thanks for the noble welcom and favor which, for my gratious mistrise's sake, at this time your La=p= gave me. But, Madam, I hope the next time will bee for your sonne and my owne; in confidens wherof I will ever bee, Yo=r= La=p's= most affectionat daughter to com~ande, E. Cornwalleis. [\1630-31.\] Madame, Sir Thomas Stafford, my cosen Villers, and M=r= Elleiot all kis your La=p's= hands, and humbly thank your La=p= for your coach. For the Lady Bacon, my much honored mother, these.

[} [\CLV. AMBROSE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Most honoured Lady, I knowing youre love to the truth of newse, rather then first or common report of it, shall, as you wisht me, send you a relation of the King of Swedland's great victory, the 7th of September, as it was tould by him that brought the newse to our King since my cominge to towne; an Englishman, whoe the King hath now knighted, his name Sir John Castell. The 4=th= of September last, Tilley having taken by force the town of Lipswitch belonging to the Duke of Saxe, he, being puffed up with the victory, sent presently to the King of

Sweth, and willed the messenger to tell the King that now he had nosed and dishonoured him, and the 7=th= of that month he would be in God's fielde, if he durst meete him there. The King of Sweth sent him word againe that the loss of Lipswitch was noe dishonor to him, for he never had the protection thereof, nor any thing to doe with it; and as for meeting him in the fielde, he, being a King, would not be at the calle of a dog, for so he ever esteemed of him since his inhumane cruelty at Megelberge, yet it was twenty to one he would be on that fielde the same day. Thereupon Tilly with his army of 44 thousand was first in the field; then came the King of Sweth with 38 thousand, and the Duke of Saxe with 12 thousand, whoe led the vanguard and gave the onsett upon Tilly; but he speedily drove the Duke and all his men out of the field, except three of his regiments. Which the King of Sweth seeing, presently assaulted that part of Tilly's armie where his artillery was, yet he had the repulse for awhile; but at the last the King took the artillery and turned it upon Tilly's men, and so routed them all, and slew in the field 12 thousand, and tooke 7 thousand prisoners: which newse the Duke of Saxe hearing, came back againe, and gave the King three horses laden with gold, and promised to paye his army 5 months. When this messenger came

away, that saw all the fight, Tilly was alive, and had been prisoner half an houre, but, being unknown, escaped, hurt in the neck, arme, and shoulder, which his chyrurgeon, who is now prisoner, sayeth doth gangrene so that he cannot live. There remaynes yet 22 thousand of Tilly's men, but it is not known whoe is their commander. The King of Sweth is come from Frankford, which towne doth now contribute to him, and neare the Palatinat. It is sayd that the Lord Craven hath bought armes for two thousand men, and that he will goe to the King. It is feared that Marquis Hambeldon hath lost many, if not most of his men, by sicknes. Colonel Morgan is made governour of Bergen up some. Sir Francis Nethersole and his Lady are come to towne; they landed at Yarmouth, and meant to have seen your Ladyship, but were hindered by some disaster. My wife, with myselfe, present our humble services and many thanks for your constant favors. She went

to her mother, that is not very well, Wensday was seavennight; the Lady Weston not being come to towne, by whose meanes she was in hope to have pleasured her mother: but neither she nor myselfe can yet get any money, which makes me by force to crave your Ladyship's patience for my non paiment, having had good words and a promise from the Lord Tresorer, which I feare will prove slow in performance, as it doth to many others. I delivered your La=p's= comands to M=r= Chitting, whoe is a sad man for his cosin Short, and much the sadder, he being like to loose some monys that he is ingaged to the marchant for him for Twillops for him, Sir William Spring and others, which came so late to him in his sicknes, that be feares they will miscarrye. Thus, most humbly kissing your hands, I rest, Yo=r= La=p's= most affectionat servant, desirous to be commanded, Ambrose Randolph. November the 3=d=, 1631. The Duke of Vendome and his sonn are landed. He was sonne to Henry IV. by Madame Gabriell.

[} [\CLVI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^AMBROSE RANDOLPH TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Most honored Ladye, Understanding this second time, not without some wonder, how frustrat your La=p's= expectations of my letters hath beene by reason of the messenger's neglect rather then my owne, I am now determined to transgress by troubling you with them rather then still be thought unmindfull of that duty which I must ever acknowledge most due to your La=p=, that being the only and best expression I can make to so noble a freinde. I therfore omitting to speake of the new reformation on the King and Queen's side in this court and of the Kinge's voyage into Scotland about the midst of Aprill next, with the Queene's bringing him to Yorke, if not further, and his going to Newmarket in March; as also of the Duke de Vandome's goinge on Monday next to Bagshaws to hunt for a weeke, and of his Lady's coming hither; all which I doubt not but your Ladyship hath heard of, if not of the great preparation of the Painted Chamber for the Marshall's Court there apointed to sitt, with the Lord Leynsey, Constable, and divers

others, to judge the lawfulness of single combats, and then, if it be thought fitt to proceed that way with the L=ds= Massey and Ramsey, to apoint the time, place, and weapon; all which will be on Thursday next, or the Thursday after the tearme. Pure discourse here now is of the great overthrow the Hollanders have given the Spanyards in the West Indies, where they have sunk and dispersed the Spanish fleet they went to meet, so that it cannot be agayne repaired in many yeares, and have taken 2 very rich carracks. Of the Kinge of Swethland's continewed victorys I sent word in my former letter, if not of the present he sent Sir. Tho. Roe, it being valewed at four and twenty hundred pounds, if it continew not still copper, but be turned into plate, as the King com~anded; for he sent as much copper as was worth 3000+L, with a letter which he esteemes farr above the present, wherein the King did thanke him for his good counsell and perswasions, to which, next under God's owne hand, he doth impute all his

happy proseedinge: to whose best protection I committ your Ladyship, resting Your most humble and affectionat serv=t=, Ambrose Randolph. Novemb. 17 [\1631\] . Your window cushill shall be sent by M=r= Morse.

[} [\CLVII. SIR F. CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deare Mother, In obedience to your La=p's= comands I take the libertie to tell you that my wife and my selve, with all we have, are verie well, thanks be to God! and a great deale the better since we heard of your good health, which we shall both pray may continue to make him happy, who is Your most affectionate and obedient sonne, F. Cornwalleis. I humbly thanke you, sweet Maddam, for the monie you weare pleased to send me by M=r= Morse. Maddam, heere is noe newes but of the duelists, who they say must fight. I and some of my fellowes are comanded to goe to Winsor with the Duke of Vandome on Monday, to hunt all the weeke the stag. [\Nov=r= 1631.\]

[} [\CLVIII. DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, Though I writ soe latlye by the carier, that my letters will tread upon one another's heeles, yet I coulde not negleckt the presenting of my seruis to you, hauing soe fitt a messenger as S=r= Fredrick's man, which he sent to me; but him selfe I saw not sins the day he came to London from Brome, therfore can say nothing of him, but that I hope he continewes in the same minde and dutifull respeckt to you that he profest the last time I spake with him. I cannot but hope to see you at London shortly, where I feare I shall be inforsed to stay till the end of next tearme, to se if I can bring my mother's busines to some thing, for yet we have done littil, by reson my Lady Weston was out of toune and soe could never come to have my Lord and shee together. I am in hope to bring my housband at last to the busines you sent for him to Brome, for conserning his eastate; which if he doe, I shall thinke it worth my jornye, and when it is done I shall wish my selfe with you. In the meane time, where soeuer I am, I am and euer will be, Your Ladiship's faithfull frend and humble seruant, Dorothe Randolph. [\1631-2.\] To my most honored frend the Lady Bacon.

[} [\CLIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, Of the busines I most desire I can as yet give you the least acount, for I have not seene eyther Sir Frederick or his Lady sins I came to towne, onlie ons him in Hide Park with a company of gentlewomen in a coach; he came and inquired of your health and my cosin's, and that was all that passed: but he was ons to see me when I was from home; and I beleve shortly she will come to me, for I heard she did intend it, but she was ill of a soare throat and the tooth-ache. Some say she is with child. I ons thought to have gone to Grenwich to her because she was not well, but sins I resolved to stay and see what they would doe. The King's being at Grenwich hath made every bodie almost leave London, that I am put to great deale of troble to find out those that should ende my mother's busines, and the more becaus I have bin ill after the manner I was, ever sins I left your Ladiship at Brome. My Lady Barrington is not in towne, nor will be this tearme; but M=r= Randolph has promised I shall come that way as I come downe againe, which shall be as soon as I can. My cosen Peter Meautys hath your letters and a copie of the paper you sent; he staies but for a

winde. I spake to M=rs= West, who desired me to retorne you humble thanks for your favour and bounty to her and her nece; her house will be emty within a fortnight, she saith, if pleas you to com~and it. I have sent you some patterns of stuff such as is worne by many, but not much laes upon those wrought stufs; but the newest fashion is plaine satine, of what collor one will, imbroydered all over with alcomedes, but it is not like to hould past summer. They weare whit sattine wascots, plaine, rased, printed, and some imbroydered with laes, more then any one thing, and whit holland ones much. M=r= Chitting com~ends his services to you, and will bring the musition with him; which when I have done, and inquired of Sir Charles Seasar, whom he serves, of his condishions, I will send you worde, and will be most carefull of all the com~ands you have or will be pleased to favour me with, or what else may give testimony I am your faithfull frend and humble servant, Dorothe Randolph. [\1631-2.\] Sins I writ this letter my Lady Cornwalies came to me, but not Sir Fredrick; for he plaies least in sight, for feare, I thinke, that I should tell him his owne, but I am like to doe it the more, next time I see him. I tould his Lady the manner

of his carage at Brome, and that it was his own fault he came away upon noe better termes. She professes she knowes his hart much desires a sincere reconcilment; and the contrary, if it continue soe, will shorten his life: yet I perseave not him to be soe forward as she; but I know nothing but that he is soe backward to come to me, where he might further that he soe much desires. It will be too tedious to committ to wrighting all that passed betwene my Lady Cornwalies and me; only this in generall, she much desires, as she saieth, still to doe any thing that might give you satisfaction. For the money, when she could get it, you should have it; and, if in the meane time the King and Queen's promis from their own mouthes to you will any way give you content, she will not faile to procure that, and she desired me to wright you word soe, which I made answer it was better for her to writ it herselfe. I knew not how you would like it, yet I let it goe on, that you might take that ocasion to speake with the King; and I thinke it may serve you for the money well, and be a meanes to get it sooner then they can otherwise, and it will be a caus that any bodie will thinke sufficient to bring you to towne. My Lady was afraid any thing that she should writ would be unpleasing to you, but I strived to perswade her from that; becaus, if you should accept any thing that she offers, you might have it under her owne hand. for

she might forget what she saied to me, and I might be accused for mistaking. I thinke you weare never trobled with so tedious a letter, and therfore now I will conclude, with a hartie wish of all hapines to you and yours; and soe, sweet Madam, ons more farewell.

[} [\CLX. AMBROSE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Most hon=red= lady, I should think it a great happines to me if [{I{] could any waye merit the thanks which I receyued by your last letter, for there can neuer any thing happen within y=e= small compass of my abillity to performe, that I shall not most willingly effecte to doe your La=yp= seruice, or inwardly condemne my selfe of much ingratitude. The newse we haue now a dayes is so variously reported, that euen from good hands we cannot well be assured of it; yet, rather then to be altogether silent, I haue both now and y=e= last weeke sent your La=yp= what I heare, but, y=e= carryer beinge gone before my man came to him, I haue here inclosed it. Since which time it is reported, that Papinham hath from y=e= Emperour releued the towne of Magdenbirg to his owne cost; for, after he had with 8000 entred the cittie and spoiled it, he blewe vp the cheefe churche and ruined all y=e= best buldings, and then

tooke all y=e= welth of y=e= towne with him, and so ment to haue returned in great triumph; but y=e= troopes of y=e= Duke of Saxon and Count Horne surprised his treasure, and did defeate all his men with a great slaughter. This, with my humbly and most affectionat seruice, is the all I can present at this time, resting You=r= La=yp's= most humble seruant, Ambrose Randolph. February 8, 1631-2.

[} [\CLXI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^AMBROSE RANDOLPH TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Most honored Lady, If I had much newse, it were now superfluous to write it, your La=yp= having so many of the courte y=t= can exactely relate it. I therfore will only acquaint yor La=yp= with my owne misfortune, that this night at 11 of y=e= cloke lost my best freinde the Lo=rd= of Dorchester, his Lady beinge very great with child. To which sad euent I may also add an other greefe, which doth with y=e= former much press me, and y=t= is the breache of promise from y=e= Lord Treasorer, whoe sayed I should have my mony this last tearme, but now I have small hope of it a good while, if all be true y=t= is sayd of the Exchequer. I must therfore crave yo=r= La=pe's= pardon that I have not yet discharged y=e= debte of mony which I

so much desyre to paye to your La=yp=, but cannot yet so much as sett a certaine daye to doe it; but, when you please to com~and it, I shall most willingly procure it, and most thankfully rest, Your La=yp's= most affectionat and humble seruant to command, Ambrose Randolph. Feb. y=e= 26, 1631-2.

[} [\CLXII. SIR T. MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Sister, I cannot but let you know what an afflycted and grieved lady the Queene of Bobemia is for the death of the King, who dyed at Mentz in Germany. Certainly no whoman shoulde tacke the death of a husband more to hart then this Queene doth. I would that it lay in your power any waye in these her sorrows to bee a comfort to her, for I do asshewer you that you are much bound to her for her good opinnyon of you; for, not long before the newes came of the King's death, I had the honnor to wayghte upon her at her court at Rine, where she then was, and, amongst other discourse that her Majestie was pleased to move unto me, she asked me when I heard from you, and wheather my sonne were with you still or noe. I toulde her that he was: "Otherwaies," said her Ma=tie=, "you neede tacke no care for him." I made her

answer that my care for him was the les, in regarde that I knew him to bee with soe good a friend. And said she, "Your sister is one of the best dispositions in the world, and every way I doe love her very well, and better then any lady in England that I knowe, and have a great deale of reason to doe soe." This was her Ma=tie's= discours of you at that time before the Princes and the rest of the ladies there present. Now, I pray, give me leave to ask you a question, and that is, How you lyke my lyttle girle that is with my wyfe? I must tell you that she hath bin lapt in the skirts of her father's shirt, for she is beloved where she comes, and I love her very well, and soe doth she me; and yet somtymes I can wipp her and love her too. You must excuse me for using this language, for, when I cannot see my children, it does me good to talke of them. Now, as M=r= Mayor of Dover tolde my Lord of Essex that he had a better cup of wine in his sellar then that he had given his Lordship at that tyme to drynck of, soe I must say I have another girle at home that is as prettie as Nan, which God make me thankful to Him for, and bles me with meanes as may provyde for them! And soe, with my love and affection to you and all yours, I committ you to God, and rest, Yours, T. Meautys. Arnheim, the 2=d= of Desember 1632. To my deere sister, the Lady Bacon, geve these.

[} [\CLXIII. SIR EDMUND BACON TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Sister, This eveninge the messenger I sent to London is retourned; what I have learnd of his sendinge ys, that the busynes wherin my cosin dealt was the treaty of a match betweene M=r= Philip Woodhouse and the daughter of the L. Lovelace, wherof I sayde somewhat to you when we last mett. That gentlewoman is nowe assured to one of the country where my L. lyveth, so that there ys an end of that negotiation. This ys the awnsweare to what I promised to enquire after. I will seale up these lynes unto you with a larg acknowledgment of y=e= debt I owe you for your kinde visitacion, and so leave you for this tyme, being Y=r= very loving brother, Ed. Bacon. I remember well the busynes treated on at Hacqueneye, and the portion was 500+L. There was some difference about the payment of some part of yt, which was the speciall cause why the match went not forward. Redgrave, Feb. 2, 1632-3.

[} [\CLXIV. DOROTHE RANDOLPH TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My most honored Lady, I find my Lady Cornwalies in the same minde still of desiring your fauor, and a willingnes to haue you come up, but not to haue the King send for you; but I doubt not but shee will be easilie aduised to make it her sutt to you to come, that you may resaue the King and Queene's promis for the mony; but I persaue shee is a littell afraid you should falle upon business past when you shall speake with the King, not as it conserns S=r= Fredrick but him selfe, in the matter of his iniuring you. But I shall neede say noe more of anything, sins I asure myselfe you haue resaued satisfacktion by S=r= Fredrick; therfore I will now say noe more then that which I shall euer be redy to make good, which is, that I am your Ladiship's faithfull frend and humble seruant, Dorothe Randolph. My mother and housband present thar seruis to you. Thar died of the plage but three. Maye the 25 [\1632\] . To my most honored frend, the Lady Bacon, at Brome.

[} [\CLXV. ANNE LADY MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] According to my promise, I will not faile to let you understand of my proseedings last week, which was the first opportunity I could get to come unto the speech of my Lord of Dorset, who was pleased to tell me how much his Lordship had travailed in M=r= Meautys's behalf to his Majestie for the making of a baronet, the which his Majestie will by no means grant; so for that I am allredie answered. Now for Sir Alexander Radcliffe and my Lady: so soone as I came to London, I did write unto them, and sent those letters of M=r= Meautys's enclosed, which, as it should seeme, they like of very well; for he is come to London, and tells me the cheefe part of his bissines is to take me down into the country, my Lady being very desirous to see I me, so that now I resolve to goe along with him. Thus, entreating you to let me hear from you as often as your leisure will permit, I rest, Your affectionate loving sister, Anna Meautys. London, Nov=r= 24, 1632. To my deare and much honoured sister, the Lady Bacon.

[} [\CLXVI. SIR F. CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, In obedience to your La=p's= comands, I sende this messenger to tell you that I am appointed to goe w=th= my Lord Marshall to the Hage to fech the Queene of Bohemia; and therefore I humbly bege your leave and blessing, and desire to knowe if your La=p= will comand mee any services. My warning is so short that I cannot have time to come kisse your hands my selve, for I knew not of it untill w=th=in this hower, and wee must goe awaie upon Wensday. Thus, with the presentments of mine and my wife's humble dutie and respects to your La=p=, whoo desiers to be excused for not writing, I rest, Your most affectionately obedient sonne, F. Cornwalleis. [\December 1632.\]

[} [\CLXVII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FREDERIC CORNWALLIS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, My Lord Marshall making so much hast, I have onelie time to tell your La=p= that wee are this

morning imbarking, having a good winde and faire weethere, so that I hope wee shall bee at the Brill w=th=in 30 or 40 howres, and then I shall with the next messenger give you an account of our journey againe; till w=ch= time, and ever, I shall humbly beg your La=p's= blessing for my boy and Your most obedient sonne, F. Cornwalleis. Marget, this Sunday morning, 30 day December [\1632\] .

[} [\CLXVIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FREDERIC CORNWALLIS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, I must not omitt any oportunitie to present my humble dutie and respects to your La=p=, and so give you an account of my selve. This night wee are savely (thankes bee to God!) arrived at Delph, w=ch= is w=th=in a mile of the Hage, and my Lord Imbassador is gone privately to the Queene: in the morning he retournes to us againe, and then the Prince and the States comes to fech us to the court. This is all I know yet or have time to write; only to bege your La=p's= blessing upon Your most obedient sonne, F. Cornwalleis. Delph, this New Year's night [\1632-3\] .

[} [\CLXIX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FREDERIC CORNWALLIS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, The winde hath been so contrarie that I had noe means all this time to tell your La=p= that my selve and all our company are verie well, and now verie shortly coming for England, but w=th=out her wee came for; the cause I know not in particular, but I finde in generall matters have bin ill carried, and that is as much as wee dare inquire into. My Lord Goring is going in a great hurrie, and I have onelie time to say I am Your La=p's= most obedient sonne, F. Cornwallis. [\1632-3.\]

[} [\CLXX. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FREDERIC CORNWALLIS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, I besheech you excuse my scribling, for I broke my thumb in Holland, and I cannot yet hould my pen allmost so longe as to tell your La=p= that the Queene commends her love to you, and hath sent you the last cheane shee wore: but my cabinet is not yet come, and, if it weare, I should desire to deliver it and her one language my selve, which I shall doe as soone as I am but a littell rested; for

wee weare forteene daies at sea, and truely I am extreame sore with tumbling. Madam, I humbly beg your blessing for mee and my boy. Your La=p's= most obedient sonne to love and serve you, F. Cornwallis. [\1632-3.\]

[} [\CLXXI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FREDERIC CORNWALLIS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, It was not Hide Parke, nor any other foolerie, that kept mee the last weeke from presenting my respects to your La=p=, but I was at Kensington w=th= my Lord of Holland, who is still heare for sending my Lord Weston a challenge; but I hope wee shall have him againe at court w=th=in one day or two. Wee are mainly factious heere and disordered w=th= this; but I dare write noe more, onely, humbly beging your La=p's= blessing for mee and Charles, I rest, Your most affectionately obedient sonne, F. Cornwallis. [\1632-3.\] For my deere and honored mother the Ladie Bacon, at Culforde, these.

[} [\CLXXII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FREDERIC CORNWALLIS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My dere Mother, My hand is just well inough to present my humble dutie and respects to your La=p=, and to tell you that all our Lords heere are made frinds againe and restored to the King's favor; which is all the newes wee have. Now, Maddam, I humbly bege your La=p's= praiers and blessing for Charles and Your affectionately obedient sonne, F. Cornwallis. [\1632-3.\]

[} [\CLXXIII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FREDERIC CORNWALLIS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, Will you give these leave to beg my pardon for not waiting on you this night; for this morning the Duchesse and my Lord of Holland are gon to London, and laied there comands upon mee to waite of my Lord Dunlusse (my Lord Savage not being at home) as longe as he staied,

which will bee till Twesday, and then I shall not fule to waite on you; in the meane time, and ever, I shall humbly beg your La=p's= blessing for Charles and Your obedient sonne, F. Cornwallis. [\1632-3.\] If there come any letters from my wife, I pray open them and sende them to mee; and, if your La=p= can, I besheech you lend mee 20=l=, for the truth is I have lost all my monie. For my honored deere mother the Ladie Bacon.

[} [\CLXXIV. ANNE LADY MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Most deare Sister, Not long since I had the happines to receve a letter from you, the which I was not a little joyfull of. In that I was soe far remote from you, I must confess it did grieve me, in that my being was so long in England; but now, since it hath pleased God to bring me so far as London in my way towards the Low Countries, my desier is to receve your commands, for, soe soone as I can get convenient shipping, I will make all the haste over that I can. Deare Sister, I must aquaint you with the bissines concerning Sir Alexander Radcliffe and my Lady; as yet I understand by them how their estate is so much encombered, first by

the occasion of their debtes, and then the redeeming of their land, the which her father mortgaged unto the very dores of his house, that, until such time as their own estate be settled, they saye they shall not be able to establish any sartintie upon me or mine; but so soone as they can take order for it, which this terme they intend to do, then they have both promised me seriously they will not faile to performe all that they can for me. For them, I wish them much happines; and I must acknowledge I have bine very kindly entertained of them both all the time of my being there. Now, deare Sister, when you shall see them in my absence, will you please to put them in mind of me, for their intent is to see you this somer. Deare Sister, I must confess that I am ashamed now againe to trubble you, but my necessitie is such, occasioned by my living and teduous travels, that I must intrete you to, if you please, to send me the money which is to be receved at Midsomer. Were it that I did know how to help myselfe, I would not bespeake one ower's time that you have prefixed, but now I hope that you will take me into your consideration. And thus, wishing you the blessings of this life, and honor hereafter, I rest, Your most affectionate and truly sister ever to serve you, Anna Meautys. London, April 16, 1633.

[} [\CLXXV. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^ANNE MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Most deare Sister, These are to intreate you, that, in my absence, you would be pleased to show this letter to Sir Alexander and my Lady when they shall come unto you, which is to remember them of those promises made unto me at my being with them. The first was my Lady whom I did acquaint, I telling her how much my case was to be commisserated, the promises of my Lord and her mother being now violated, the which they had with soe many solemn protestations vowed to performe to me, concerning the jointure of 200+L a yeare, and that if it should please God to take away my husband, what would become of me and my poore children; and withall I told her how much I did relie upon her goodnes, whom I did assure myselfe did love me soe well that she would take my case into her consideration: she said she would do what might be done for me, and that she would tell Sir Alexander of it, who, she knew, would not be against any good that she should intend to any kindred of hers. Then I did breake with him myselfe, and I must confes I found him very noble in his answer, sayeing that soe soone as he had but settled his bissines, which he hoped to dispach this terme, he would conferme something upon

me, which he said must be some of his own inheritance, for the rest, he said, was all intailed, only Diss, upon his sone, which is 80+L a yeare. He did solemnly swear to me he would not faile to do for me all that laye in his power, and soe did my Lady too; soe that, when they have settled their occasions, that then they will really conferme something upon me. I and mine shall be ever obliged to them, and I am assured God will prosper them the better for their charitable performance. And soe, beseeching you to be an assistance to me in this bissines, I shall, now and ever, continew Y=r= most affectionate and truely loving sister to be commanded, Anna Meautys. London, May 6, 1633. To my deare and much honoured sister, Lady Bacon.

[} [\CLXXVI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^ANNE MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Most deare Sister, I have receved that money which you was pleased to send me by M=r= Greenhill, which came soe conveniently as I could wish. The shipping is now come which I have soe long expected; and on Saturday next I meane, with God's permission, to goe for the Low Countries. I have been much beholding unto my Lady Cornwalies, who was

pleased to come and see me, and after brought me to kiss the King and Queen's hands. The King is gone for Scotland; and for the other nuse att court concerning M=r= Villiers and M=r= Garman, I thinke you will heare the relacion of it before these shall come unto you, so that I shall not neede further to write to you of it. Deare Sister, I give you thankes for all your real favours, and all happines attend you and all yours; and soe, being called away by the hasty marriners, I must desist to write, but never to love you. Yo=r= most assured in all true affection, Anna Meautys. From London, May 9, 1633. To my deare and much honoured sister, Lady Bacon. Favor me, sweete Sister, soe much to recommend my kind respectes unto my sweete neveu and my neece; and, if you will please to kisse pretie Charles and Hercules for my sake, I shall be your servant.

[} [\CLXXVII. SIR F. CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, I am just now come from waiting of the King into Scotland; and, meeting w=th= the carrier, have made him stay so long as to tell your La=p= that I

will very shortly waite of you, and humbly bege my selve your La=p's= blessing for Charles and Your La=p's= most affectionately obedient sonne, F. Cornwallis. [\June, 1633.\]

[} [\CLXXVIII. ELIZA LADY CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Mother, I hoope, by God's great marsy to us, our sweete babs are as well as thay seem; I humbly beseech Him to bless them with His sauinge grace. But, Madam, it dus hartily greefe me that you are so sade, becas I know it will hurte you, and then our suffrings muste bee more: therfor, good Mother, for God sake cheere up yo=r= sperrets, and striue all you possible can to forgeete what is not to be helpte; for, Madam, I hope God will bee so gratious to us as to keepe our deere Frede, and bring him to us again in safty, and then, Madam, wee shall bee joyfull again. I wod to God I wear ene with you, for trwly I wod doo ore say any thing to cheere you up, for I haue more oblygation to yo=r= La=pe= then euer datter in law had to a mother; and by that I bege of you that you put an ende to all sade thouts for me, for, Madam, God hath so infinitly blest us, that to[{morrow{] the thurd parte of my greattest trubel will be ouer, and, I think, withhout any suspission att all; I humbly beseech God

that I may neuer forgeet His great marsy in it. Madam, this is heere a huge day of triounfe, and I haue taken so much hart and currage as a leettell to appeer amongst them, thoo it be but stagaring. My Lady Mary and my Lorde Charles are married, and thay say thers more brauery then has been seene a loung time. So, praing for yo=r= helth and dessyre of yo=r= blessing and prayars for and to us all, I humbly kis yo=r= La=p's= hands as, Madam, Yo=r= La=pe's= true affectinate datter and most humble saruante, Eliza Cornewalleis. [\January 8, 1633-4.\] Madam, I think it best not to send any letters to my husband till we know whear he bee.

[} [\CLXXIX. SIR F. CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deare Mother, Since my comeing out of England I have been so happy as to receive five letters from your La=p=; and in your last your La=p= is pleased to take notise

of a letter of mine which it should seeme bore no date, and thearfore your La=p= makes some question that it was written before I came awaie. I will assure you, Madam, my journie was so sudden, that I had not time to write for your La=p's= leave and blessing, which were a great deale more considerable to me then all the rest of my fortune. That made me send my wife to make my excuse, and in my name to beg it: but for that omission I hope, Madam, I shall easily obteine your La=p's= belief and pardon, when I tell you I was so much distracted with the sense of my own misfortune, that caused me to be giltie of so much importunitie to your La=p=, that I hardly durst venture at all to send it, but that the assurance of your La=p's= goodness incouraged me to be confident that nothing can divert your affection. Madam, your most obedient sonne, to dispose of as you like, F. Cornwalleis. Madam, I humbly beg your La=p's= blessing for myself and all mine, which I am sure will make us all verie happy. Paris, March 19,1633-4.

[} [\CLXXX. ELIZA LADY CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Mother, I hade last Satterday broute me by a Londonere a bill of exchange, as they cale it, for tow hunderd pounds, presently to bee paid to the barare therof, becas hee had alredy hade the munie. I must confes the hand is so licke my husband's, that I ueryly beleue it came from him, but whear hee shude thinke I shud haue the munny I cannot imagen; and, to, one of thos letters I sente to y=r= La=pe= last was datted the same daye that the marchant's note was, which was the 24 of May, and in that hee spack of noe suche thinge. Now what in the worlde to saye to this marchant for the presente I knowe not, becas they say that if bills bee not presently paide heare, thay send back and protest them thear, and then nobody will trust them for any thinge. Now, if that wod bring him home, it weare noe matter; but, alas! I fear it will note: therfore I tould the man, more to delay the time awhile, then for any hops that I hade of the munny, becas I think thear is more paide alredy to him and for him then is dwe to him of his halfe year's reuenue, that I myselfe was alltogether unprouided of such a sume of munny, and that hee sed nothing of it in his letter to me; but I wode

sende doun to them that had the ordring of his bisnes, to see if ther weare any munny to be had, but named nobody. I tould him it wode be neere a fortnite before I coulde heare an ansor, which time hee was contente to stay before hee sent backe to protest him. Now I beseech you, Madam, gife me yo=r= aduis what to say to him, for I know not whear to haue the munny; for, as for that that I am to haue for the halfe yeare, I haue so long promised paiment of what I can possibly spare, that I shud bee loth to faile them, if I wantted not food for my saruants and myselfe, being my husband has a compidens besides; for out of 150+L I am shur I haue promised abufe 6 score pound, shift as I can, and thay com and send daily for it, but as yet we can geet none out of the Exchecer. I humbly beseech God to presarue my poore husband, and bring him hom in saftie to us; but, Madam, thes 2 munths are mity loung. But, good Mother, I beseech you, be you chearly and make much of yo=r= selfe; and with thes resaue my humble thanks for our poore sweete babs, whom I most humbly beseech Almighty God to bles with His sauing grace. Trwly, Madam, I loung to see them and you, and you and them: and I hope the Queene's being with childe, which now begins to bee publeckly spoken of, shall bee noe hindrans to my coming to yo=r= La=pe=, thoe I fear it will be to my stay with you; for the Queene had gifen me leaue

to a com to y=r= La=pe= when shee had gon her progres, and then I shud a had too munths ore 6 weeks to af staide with you, and now I fear I shall be cut shorte of that time. Here is much talking of forren wars and armis joyning, yet on sartentie; but I humbly beseech God kepe our Fred from amongst them and all harm. My Lady Harborte, with all her youth and buttie, is deed of a spotted feuer, I which is uery rife at London: she is much lamented. M=r= Tressurer is taken in his rite hand with a ffitt of the ded palsie, as he was sitting down to supper. I haue sente yo=r= La=e= a littill barrell of Seffill oullifs: thay say thay are uery good for the spleene, if thay bee eaten in a morning fasting, and disgested by sum exsersise. S=r= Thomas Stafford and M=r= Gorge Elliot presents ther saruis to yo=r= La=pe= and my faire sister, to whoom with my saruis I wish all happie suckses, and bege yo=r= blessing for and too us all, and so humbly kis yo=r= La=p's=

hands as, Madam, Yo=r= La=p's= trv affectinate dautter and humble saruant, Eliza Cornewalleis. The King has sente M=r= Harry Murry to see his sister the Queene of Boheme: she has had many fits of ane ague. The Dutches of Richman is uery uell recouered againe. Grinwich, the 4 of June [\1634\] .

[} [\CLXXXI. NICHOLAS BACON TO JANE LADY BACON, HIS MOTHER.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Mother, I might bee accused of a greate deale of negligence if I shoulde not, as often as I have any occasion, present my most humble duty unto your La=p=; and I doe hope, Maddame, to performe your La=p's= promise to my tutor for mee in regaining y=e= time I have lost. Maddame, y=e= tailor saieth, for gownes, either a wrought silke grogorine or a tuffe taffety in graine, y=e= colour greene or tawny, which your La=p= pleaseth; for sowing hee requireth 2 yardes of velvet or plush, which your La=p= pleaseth: he requireth fourteen yardes for y=e= gowne, besides the facings, of half a yarde broade. N. B. Cambridge, May 23 [\1635\] .

[} [\CLXXXII. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NICHOLAS BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Mother, I never faile as oft as occasions shew themselves of presenting my humble duty to your La=p=. I doe count it a great happinesse, that, whilst I am deprived of your La=p's= sight, I have the oportunity to doe so in writing; and I very much wishe, Maddam, I could as well expresse it in words as it is really in my heart: but your La=p= knoweth my dissability that way, and therefore I hope you will excuse all faults committed in the writing. Thus, Maddam, humbly craving your La=p's= blessing, I rest, Maddam, Yo=r= La=p's= most obedient childe, Nic. Bacon, My aunt Walgrave presents her humble service. Maddam, I shall desire yo=r= La=p= to buy mee a blacke hatt, for that bever I have begins to decay. [\1635.\] To my deare and loving mother, the Lady Bacon, presente these.

[} [\CLXXXIII. ANNE LADY MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Sister, These are to intrete you to let M=r= Meautys and myselfe to understand the sertintie of your

determinate resolution, whether you will be pleased to assist us in sending us one 100+L, and to paye yourselfe againe, as he hath formerly writt unto you ... I can write noe nuse, but that there is in these parts many trubbles: the Prince of Orringe his armies and the French are joined together, but, before they did meete, the King of France his armie did give unto the King of Spaine's armie a great overthrow, in number slane and maimed 9000 men. I was very lately by her Ma=tie= the Queen of Bohemia, who hath bine very sicke of an ague. She was pleased to tell me she had bine that day 6 weekes sicke that I was with her Ma=tie=, and that in the time she had 23 fits; first she was soe extreme ill, that every fit held her Ma=tie= 12 houres long. Her Ma=tie= told me she was so weake that she was not able to stand upon her legs; but now, praised be God! she begins to mend finelie. I must needes tell you I am much her Ma=tie's= humble servant, for she is pleased to use me with a great deal of favour. Her Ma=tie= hath done me the honor to give me some of her own linen to make me clothes, and likewise some of her own wareing linen for myselfe, which she had wont to ware herselfe in child-bed. And although it hath pleased the Lord to laye many trubbels and afflictions upon my deare husband & myselfe, yet I thanke God it is His mercie towards us to give us a good repute. My sweethart is now away from

me, but I hope his absence will not be long. I am much your servant that you are pleased to let me understand of the wellfare and towardlynes of my son Hercules; for my other littell sonne, I have never bine so happie as once to heare whether he is dead or alive, since my coming over; &, although I have written diverse letters to my neece Radcliffe, I have never receaved any from her. I am so tedious, but love has no bounds in my affection to you, and soe I remain infinitely yours, Anna Meautys. Delft, June 1, 1635. I hope my sweete neece Anne is married before this; in which, if it be so, I wish her much happines. To my deare sister the Lady Bacon, at Culfourd.

[} [\CLXXXIV. SIR T. MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Syster, It was my fortune to come home att the same tyme my wyfe receued y=r= letter and bill of exchange of a hundred pounds for the three haulfe yeares due att Mid Sommer next, for w=ch= I giue y=u= many kinde thancks; and, vntill that came, wee weare holly out of moneys, in regarde of the ill payement w=ch= the Stats macks vnto vs. I am sorry to reede in y=r= letter to my wyfe, that my sonne is soe hard to learne, but I heere that it proceeds not from deulnes of spiritt, but rather from wildnes, w=ch= tyme may allter in him; for, yf I bee not deseued, hee is licke vnto his second sister, whome, I prayse God for, is a fine quick spiryted childe, but some thing hard to learne: but then my eldest gyrle is much the contrary, and of a good memory, and learnes more then I can finde meanes to haue tought hir, and I maye saye hath all reddie sooed all hir wylde oats, soe much a whoman is shee grone, God bles hir! My wyfe and my selfe are much troubled in regarde wee cannot heere any thinge of ower childe in Lankess-shire, wee haueinge sent soe many letters theather, but can receue one ansour att all againe, neather dooe wee knowe for the present weare to direct ower letters.

I confes that I loue my children well, but I had rather to haue none att all, then to haue them soe; but att my cominge for Ingland I will cause him, yf that hee be aliue, to be fetched from the place weare hee is. Thus, w=th= the remembrance of my loue to y=u=, I rest Y=r= affect=e= lovinge brother, T. Meautys. Delfe, the ij of June 1636. For my deere syster the Lady Bacon, att hir howse att Coulfurd in Suffolcke, these.

[} [\CLXXXV. NICHOLAS BACON TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Mother, I, according to your Ladyships commands and my humble former promises, present my respects dutifull to your Ladyship. 'Tis a troublesome time, I confesse, now; yet nothing may hinder a ready hart from breaking out into this paper service. I suppose your Ladyship expects to heare something concerning Dr. Sibes: the newes is the worst we can send, for God hath removed him from a mastership here to the fellowship of Himself and blessed angels. A post this night gave us notice of his departure this morning. God turne all to the best. My tutor & M=r= Pots recommend

their humble service to your Ladyship; and I, as duty bindes me, close my letter with nothing but this, that I resolve to remaine Yo=r= Ladyship's most obedient sonne, Nich. Bacon. Cambridge, July 6, 1635. To my deare mother, the Lady Bacon, at Culforde, present these.

[} [\CLXXXVI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^NICHOLAS BACON TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Mother, I humbly desire your La=p= not to thinke it out of any neglect that there came no letter from me this weeke, for I had written, and the carrier was gone to bedd and would not rise. Madam, we have, I hope, a very good master, which is some comfort to us for the losse of D=r= Sibes. Madam, I shall desire to waight upon your La=p= when my brother & sister come downe, if it please your La=p=; for I shall herein, and all other things, submit I myselfe to your La=p's= pleasure, that so I may performe the part of Yo=r= La=p's= most obedient sonne, Nicholas Bacon. Cambridge, July 15, 1635.

[} [\CLXXXVII. SIR F. CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Mother, I hope your La=p= was pleased to receiue my wiefe's excuse, & so to pardon mee that I had not the honor to write to your La=p= the last weeke; for, iust as I was aboute it, the Kinge sent mee in a greate deale of haste to my Lorde Sauage, whoo, for all my speede, I founde deade beefore I came. Hee hath leafte noe will, & they say that his debts are a greate deale more then his fortune will bee after my Lord Riuers his death, espetially if hee shoulde die beefore my Ladie. Madam, all the other newes is of the ariuall of the Prince Elector, whoo came to the court vpon Saterday night. I was sente w=th= a message a Friday to meet him at Rochester; and vpon Saterday morning my Lorde of Douer, my Lo=rd= Maltravers, w=th= ther gentillmen, did fech him to Gravesend, wheare my Lord Marshall met him from the King, & my Lorde Goring from the Queene, w=th= diuers Earls, Lords, & gentillmen, whoo did bring him to the Tower by water; and there weare the King's & Queene's coches to receive him, w=th= thirtie coches more,

having 6 horsesse a pice. Hee was received at Whitehall w=th= a greate deale of state in generall, w=ch= hath giuen the worlde much satisfaction & makes all men think that this iourney will conduce much to the good of his affaiers. Wee are all now at Theobals, wheare wee shall stay till Saterday, & then retourne againe to London, &, I thinke, the next weeke to Hamton Court. Madam, this is all the newes; for that w=ch= I shall say to you of my selve will bee none, w=ch= is, that I haue bin faine to pay away all the little monie that M=r= Morse brought to stop some few people's mouths, & yet it will not halfe satisfie them; so that I haue not a shilling left for my selve, nor know not what to doe, vnlesse your La=p= will bee plesed to take mee into your consideration, w=ch= if your La=p= shall please to doe now at this time, you will eternaly oblige, Madam, Your La=p's= most affectionately obedient sonne, F. Cornwalleis. Madam, I will not faile to waite on your La=p= at Broom at the awdit. Theobals, November 26, 1635.

[} [\CLXXXVIII. ELIZA LADY CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Mother, It was your favore to me that made me sende to the carrier to inquire after my letters, which I

shulde be much to blame to neglect without just excuse, sins you are pleased to give them so good acceptans; but I beleave the carriers, or some belonging to them, very faulty. I am sure they have been so to me this winter. I had my man Woddull at Newmarket this weak, and it was sum trubble to my mind that he shuld com so neere and not waite of yo=r= Ladyship; but his bisnes was not mine, but my Lady Holland's, for she borrod him to go to Cambrey upon the report that the Prins Elector wod not go there. Madam I humbly thanck you for yo=r= good news of my husband and his bairns, and for yo=r= love and favor to us all, which I beseech God to rewarde you for us all with His saving grace; and I beleave, that yf my husband had staide lounger with yo=r= La=p=, which I shud a bene glad of, he wod a bene cleane well: but I heare he means to be hear Satterday, therefore I will not write to him. Madam, I have not seene M=r= Morse, but I did much feare that he wod be so neare coming up when my husband came down, that there wod be nothing now don in his bisnes: and M=r= Morse tould me that yo=r= La=p= might have assurance and the remainder settled there as well as here, which I was very glad of; for I know yo=r= La=p= cannot com here but with much trubble and charge, and we had nede be as sparing of that as we can in small matters, sins

nesessity forses us to crave yo=r= assistans in so great a proportion; for trewly, Madam, if you do not helpe, I much feare all will be naught. But trewly, Madam, my husband is very good; but, if he put his estat into a stranger's hand, I shall never looke to see any part of it againe: but for yo=r= favor to me in desiring to keep my joynture free, I cannot saye enuff, but I shall laye it up in a thankful harte with yo=r= many other kindnesses. But I hope my husband will be willing to give yo=r= La=p= any assurance that you pleas, and trewly, Madam, the more tie you have upon him and his estate the gladder I shall be, for I veryly beleve it will be [{best{] for him; and I pray God give us all a happie meeting. But when I think how troublesome I have been, and how unplesing company I must yet be to every body, I recall my wishes, and hope that God will give me that hapines when I shall be more capable of it then now I could, being so often ill: but, Madam, if I do think of any thing that my stomach will sarve me to eat, I will make such use of your kind favour, for which I humbly thank you=r= La=p=, that you shall be sure to hear of me. My sister Jarvess and her husband wear with me this day; they both present ther sarvis to yo=r= La=p=. Gordon, the oulde blade, presents his humble sarvis and thanks for the chees; and says yo=r= La=p's= kindness is much more to him then the chees, and that one of thes

days he will present you with an eppissell. My Lord Carlell is hugely amended after his fissick, and, they say now, will not die at this time. Sum says hear that the Tresurer's stafe shall be carred by a paire of lawn slevess. I have given my cosen Randolph yo=r= La=p's= letters. I humbly kiss your hands, as Yo=r= La=p's= most affectionate daughter, Eliza Cornwalleis. Pray, Madam, be pleased to bles and bus the babs for me. Sir Thomas Stafford presents his sarvis: he is pitteously in love, and som times he's in hope and som times in despare, and what will be his ende I know not. The Prins of the Temple, they say, has sent to offer his sarvis to my cosen Semer, and they say she has refused him; but they say that by Ester, or before, we shall have two of our French women married to Inglishmen, Crittian to S=r= Thom=s= Shelly's son, and Cattoe to M=r= Arpe. The Quene went this day to Wallingforde, but in her chaire. S=t= James's, on Thursday the 4 of February 1635-6.

[} [\CLXXXIX. SIR F. CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, I am extreame sorrie that this occation is hapened, which makes me sende this messenger to kisse your hands and to tell you that I believe Sir Arthur Capell is uncapable either to serve your La=p= or his nephew by reason of an unfortunate accident which hath happened to him lately, which was the killing of Sir John Jenithrope in a duel, which although it wear fairly and with a great deal of pressing, so that he is not in danger for his life, yet by it, till after his trial, he is uncapable to follow any sute in law, and he himself is much disordered by it; the more because the gentillman that he killed and he had been a long time verie good friends. The particular relation I leave to my wife's man. Now, Madam, I have nothing more to say, not being able to advise, only to expect yo=r= La=p's= commands, which shall be obeied by, Madam, Yo=r= affectionate and obedient sonne, F. Cornwalleis. S=t= James's, May 4, 1636.

[} [\CXC. ANNE LADY MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Sister, Although I haue wriet diuers letters vnto y=o=, of w=ch= as yet I haue not receiued any answare of them, yet such is my affection to y=o=, y=t= I can omit noe vpportunitie to doe y=o= seruies. M=r= Meautys is in y=e= feeld before y=e= Conac, y=t= y=e= enime hath taken this summer agin from vs. I haue not seene him this halfe yeare, and I feere a winter campayn will detaine him y=e= longer from mee, in y=t= he hath y=e= command ouer those companies y=t= lies there. Y=e= Queene of Bohemia is now in y=e= Hage; she was pleased to doe me y=t= honor to be godmother to my child, y=e= w=ch= I was ignorrant of vntill y=e= Queene's retorne from Rine. I told her M=tie= y=t= y=o= was y=e= other godmother, y=e= w=ch= shee was very well pleased to vnderstand; her Ma=tie= telling of mee y=t= shee did know y=o= to bee a lady y=t= was indued w=th= a great dell of honour and virtue, & y=t= in her knowledg y=o= did loue yo=r= brother very well, w=ch= was a thing most commandible in y=o=: indeede, Sister, her Ma=tie= doth use you w=th= much fauor, and hath promised me y=t= what soeuer doth lie in her power to doe mee good shee will not faile to perform it: shee was pleased to giue vnto my littell Jane a fine present, w=ch= M=r= Meautys did send mee from Arnheim.

Deare Sister, in my other letters I did desier y=o= to send vs ouer y=e= monie; w=ch=, if y=o= please, should bee very wellcome vnto vs. Thus, wishing much happiness vnto y=o= and y=ors=, I remaine redy to doe y=o= seruise in all true affection to my end, Anna Meautys. Deft, y=e= 9=th= of June 1636. Deare Sister, if y=o= please, send mee word how my Hercules doth, to whome I send my blessing. To the Lady Bacon, at Culford.

[} [\CXCI. ELIZA LADY CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Mother, I hope you have by this time recovered the werines of your jurney, and given our babs leave to come to you. My Lady Nuport's daughters' was not the plague, thanks be to God! Truly, Madam, I did much feare your being very wery of so long and solitary a jurny; and my husband said that he was sorry he was putt to ask to stay, for that case staies him still in town, as he says to me, for I have not as yet seen him sins that day that you wente out of towne; but he on Sunday sent M=r= Tom Howard to me, that I would be reddy to goe,

into the beginning of the nexte weeke. I sent him worde I would do what I could; but now, I thinke, I shall not come so soone, because the Queene is now resolved to stay hear till Michlemas, and I have been some times away of late, so that I shude do well to wait a fortnight or 3 weeks, and besides I wod willingly know what will become of my mother's appearle affair, so that I wrote to my husband by this messenger not to stay for me after he have dispatched his owne affayres; and when I am coming down, I will beg the favor of your cotche's meeting me at ... Madam, I can say nothing of Sir Tho., only, as soone as you were gone, he went to lead me up to your chamber, and then he said to me and I to him as before, and soe he went away, and I saw him noe more. Then my husband and I went to bed into your bed, and at nine o'clock I rose and sent for M=r= Morse, who read all the writings to my husband as he lay, and then he sealed them, and bade M=r= Morse put them with the writings. I wished the fine and all had bene passed, but I hope it will. The King went yesterday to Tibal's, and comes not till Saterday. The Queene is much delighted with her howse. Madam, I reseved, I humbly thanke you, your ring by Tom Howard, and he tould me that your La=p= meant to goe through that night. Truly, my good Mother, I very much long to hear how you

do, and how you got home; and so I hope I shall by him that carries this to London. Truly, Madam, I am so much bound to you for your love and care of me and mine, as no creature is more; therfore all I can say is so littell. But God rewarde you, and I humbly besech God to bless us all with His saving grace, and to give us all a happie meeting. Madam, Y=r= La=p's= true affectionat daughter and humble sarvant, Eliza Cornwaleis. Otlands, the 11 of Julye 1637.

[} [\CXCII. SIR T. MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Sister, Sence the rytinge of my last, allthough I much desired it, I haue not harde from y=u=. My retourne to the Hage beinge upon the sudden, occationed by the death of one of my children, that giues mee meanes to rite att this time vnto y=u=, and to desier y=u= that the haulfe yeare's anewytie, w=ch= will be dew att this somer next, maye be transported ouer vnto my wyfe in my absence by a letter of exchange, whoes acquittance y=u= shall receue for the same. Y=r= frinds, M=r= Laurence and his wife, are in good health att Arnheim, the ayer of w=ch= place is uery agreeable vnto them, as to the rest of the

good sosietye that liue there: they speeke honourably of y=u= and I dooe perswade myselfe woulde be glad to dooe y=u= any servis in their power. Thus, kissinge y=r= hands, I rest Y=r= affecty=e= brother and servant, T. Meautys. Hage, this 6 Maye 1639. For my deere sister, the Lady Bacon, att Culfourd.

[} [\CXCIII. ELIZA LADY CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Mother, I humbly thanke you for your kind letter and desire of my company, which truly, Madam, is very pleasinge to me, and I shude be very glad to see pratteling Frede, yo=r= La=p=, and all the rest of my good frends at cheerly Culford, if I coulde: but, alas! Madam, I feare I shall not this somere, because it is so near spent, and now M=rs= Arpe looks within a weeke, and my poore Lady Shelly is going away for a month to Sir Thomas Shelly's, to see if that air will do her any good for her case; if not, she must presently away for France, for Doctor Caddiman says, if she lose this season, it will be too late for her to go; so that, Madam, by these resons yo=r= La=p= may know that I must do as I may. But, Madam, though I see not our babs, yet my comforte is that within 2 months I

shall have the happines of seeing her that, under God, is the preserver of our babs; for whom with myselfe I give to yo=r= La=p= humble thanks, humbly beseching God to bless us all with His saving grace, and to give us happie meetings when it shall please Him. I am sorry silly Harriote is still so great a wagler, for now I shall feare her not out growing it; but God's will be done: and for Frede, I think the best is your opinion of not letting him use them till it shall please God to give him more strength. I beseche yo=r= La=p= to bless them all, and be pleased to present my sarvis to my sister and brother. I have sente him his sworde by the carrior. I have obaied your com~ands to me. Lady Denbigh remembers her sarvis to yo=r= La=p=, and gives you many thanks for your fine recete. My Lady Duches yet houlds out still; she is yet at her aunte of Richmond's, so that now we see her but seldom. Monday was my Lord Felding's marage day; but so private, that his mother did

not know, or at lest pretended ignorans to every body: theare was nobody at the marage but the 2 fathers, the man and the woman, and one doctor, at a church in London. The which daye thear had like to have bene a great duell fought on horseback betwene my Lord of Holland and my Lord Nucasell; but, God be thanked! by His marsy it was prevented, for they had fought 3 to 3, and it might have begott many quarels: it seams it was something about their cullears flying at the army; but now all is well, and they good frends againe, The Knight Marshall should have bene second to my Lord Holland, and one M=r= Palms to my Lord Nucasell; and M=r= Walter Mountagu, taking a supposition on Sunday night upon seeing Palms with my Lord Holland, on Monday by daye light went to my Lord Holland, and hung on him like a bur that is not to be shaken off, by which meanes before they could finde one to fight with him, they wear found out by my Lord Nuport and M=r= Wilmotte; but the brute first ran about the towne that it was my Lord Essex and Holland, because, as it seems, that M=r= Palms keeps much with Essex. Madam, I shude have sente yo=r= La=p= worde last weeke of 2 warrants that my husband has given, one to M=r= Fenne, our clarke, and one to M=r= Cosin,

M=r= Treasurer's stuarde; 'twas partly by my meanes. Madam, I now have the writing for the stuardshepe of Aye from the atturney, and have sente it to M=r= Lucas for my Lord to present to the Queene for her hande, with telling him that, as soone as her Ma=tie's= hand was at it, I shude send to him again from you, meaning the hundred pound; which he semed willing to understand, for his answer was, that if his Lord did not get the Queene's hand within 3 or 4 dayes, he wode returne it to me againe to presente to the Queene, for her hand must be to it before we can get the seales. So, Madam, yesterday I wrote to M=r= Fenne to pray him to provide a hundred pound against the end of this weeke or the begin~ing of the next; but he gave it to Josias, and I shall kepe it till next weeke that I reseave your plesure, though it be signed in the meane time; and for M=r= Lucas's own rewarde, I shall, according to your directions, eyther give him what you plese, or tell him that you will be his debtor till Michaelmas tearme that you come up: but, Madam, the wrighting this makes me sweate, because we are so chargeable every way that I am ashamed of it. I pray God give us gras to be thankfull, and in good time to make good use of your love and favour to us, for, truly, Madam, many wod be wery of doing so much; for all which, with your huge kindnes, God

rewarde you! And, my good Mother, I must now conclude with beging your prayers and blessing to and for us all, and so I humbly kis your hands as, Madam, Yo=r= La=p's= tru affectionat daughter and humble sarvante, Eliza Cornwaleis. White-Hall, the 15 of August 1639. I beleve Charles will think M=r= Fenne's absence very long; and, yf I had thought of his going there, I should have beged of your La=p= that, going or coming, he might have looked upon our new purchas: it is just as forward as the stuardeshepe, and yet, for aught I know, it may be a fortnight ere they get all the seales, because some of the lessees are yet out of towne. Madam, this is all the papers that has bene found about the chambor sins your going. George Elliote's sarvis must not be forgot. I say nothing of my husband, because he says he will write himselfe. I thanke God he is very vell.

[} [\CXCIV. ANNE LADY MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deare sister, I give you manie thanks for your kind letter, which I receved by M=r= Meautys's ancient, who tells me he is very much your servant for your kind

intertanement of him, the which we both take really as done to ourselves. I understand by him my niece is maried; I pray God make her happie, and I doe sincerely wish that all things may fall out to your contentment. This gentellman doth not fale to acquaint me how judissially carefull you are of the education of our sonne, and by his relation gives me much hope and comfort of him: therfore, in the first degree, I render God the prayse for the present comfort, not doubting, if the Lord shall be pleased to increse the number of his dayes, your haveing layed soe good a foundation, but that the expectation of his futer time shall be blessed in honoring of his Maker; and, secondly, in rendering you all humble and dutiefull thanks for your tender care and true affection which you have been pleased to bestow upon him. Thus, with my prayers to the Almightie for you and all yours, I kiss your hands, Yo=r= most affectionate and truly loving sister, ever to serve you, Anna Meautys. Hage, 19 of Maye 1641.

[} [\CXCV. SIR F. CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] My deere Mother, I am extream sensible of your La=p's= indisposition of health, and truly I should omitt so much of my dutie, if, with all the power I have, I should not importune you, even on my knees, to doe somthing speedily for your La=p's= preservation. Madam, I heare by my sister, whome I have had time but just to see, and also by my wife's letters, that your La=p= is inclinable to a dropsie. I neede not tell you how dangerous that disease is, if not timely prevented; but, Madam, give me leave to desire you most humbly, if not for your own sake, yet for your children's sake, for my pore children's sake, nay, even for God's sake, that you will be pleased to come up to this towne and aske the advise of our phisitians here, who say that the waters at Tunbrige are extreame good for your condition. Madam, this I should have saide to you myselfe, but that in good faith we are here in such disorder, and nobody left, that the King will not let me bee awaie, not for a night; but, as soon as I can get but two daies' libertie, I will not faile to be with you. Madam, I have but one thing more to say; that is, humbly to beg, that, when your La=p= hears of our greate disorders and troubles here, you will be pleased to believe that hitherto I have carried myselfe

with a reasonable clear reputation on both sides, I meane the King's and Parliament's; so I shall continue still to doe nothing that may render me unworthy either of my mother or countrie, or for your La=p= not still to esteem me, Madam, Y=r= most affectionately obedient childe, F. Cornwalleis. Whitehall, June 18, 1641. For my honored mother, the Lady Bacon. I refer for newes to Church his letter.

[} [\CXCVII. ELIZA LADY CORNWALLIS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Mother, What to say to your busines I do not as yet know, for we are still fed with hopes, which to me are no satisfaction till I see performans; for all this weeke we have been tould by Lorde -, that he wode do all that in him laye as much as for himselfe, and that I shud never know all that he wod say to them, but if they shude go from their words, that then he wod have a bill put in, and then he wode make short worke with them. I desired that if theare were a meeting appoynted, that it might be heare in his chamber, that I and my brother might be theare too. I carried M=r= Fenne to him at his chamber heare on Friday, that he might be the better known to his Lordship, and tould him that he and your solissitor had no other busines in towne but the attendans of this: and every day sins M=r= Fenne has sought him at his chamber, and I in the galleries, and Josias at Westminster, yet we missed him, and still put

from day to day by one ocation or other that we coulde not exsepte against; and to night he tould me that M=r= Cappell had bene with him to day againe, and that Sir Tho. wod be in towne tomorrow, and that then they wod 4 or 5 of them meete aboute it, and that he need not doubt but that they shude make a good and peasable end, and that tomorrow night or Saturday they wode waite of his Lordship againe; and my Lord has promised me that if theare be any meeting appoynted before him, which I tould him I extremely desired, that he might see and judge of the justnes and resonablenes of the accounte, that I shude have notice of the time, and I wish words may be kept of all sides, which till I see done I cannot much credit. Madam, I ask your pardon for not giving you all this time an account of our cosin's husband; truly I had it 2 or 3 times in my hede when I went to write, and still like a best forgot it: but, Madam, he had not the plas, for the Kinge wod not speake, nor ever did he say he wode, as it seemed; for, when I came to put the Queene in minde of what they tould me she had already promised, she toulde me, No indeed, she had not promised at all, for all she said was to Doctor Caddiman that she wode speak to the King, but she was much afraid he wode not do it, because he did not love to do it. And now, my good Mother, with your pardon I also bege your

prayers and blessing to and for us all: so humbly kisse your hands as, Madame, Yo=r= La=p's= true affectionate daughter and humble sarvante, Eliza Cornwaleis. My Earle of Cumberland is dead, and, they say, the King of Spaine. Madame Wantlete and George Elliote presents there sarvis to your La=p=. Mine, I beseche yo=r= La=p=, to my brother and sister and our bairns. The King's children come to towne on Tuesday for all winter; the Prins and Duke York to Durham House, the two daughters and your master to Somerset. My Lady Shelton has the small pox; they feared the Prins, but he is well. [\1641.\]

[} [\CXCVIII. SIR T. MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deere Sister, The opertounytye faveringe the occation, after too years' space that I haue receued noe lynes from you, I woulde not pas by it w=th=out rytinge somethinge that maye onely let you knowe y=t= you haue a brother yet alyue and in health, to dooe y=u= service, and reddy to expres his loue vnto y=u= upon

occation yf y=u= shall commande him. The tymes as they now are, or maye be, may invyte y=u= to vse me booth by waye of fact and counsell; yf it dooe, I will not fayle y=u= in neather to the vtmost of my abillytye and power. Thus in haste I rest Y=r= affect' lovinge brother and servant, T. Meautys. Hage, the 28 of Aprill 1642. For my deere sister, the Lady Bacon these.

[} [\CXCIX. ANNE LADY MEAUTYS TO JANE LADY BACON.\] }] [^TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Sister, The ernest desier I haue to heare of yo=r= health makes mee indeuore to find out y=e= securest meanes y=t= these lines may come w=th= saftie into yore handes, y=e= times afording mee soe conuenient an vpportunitie by y=e= occation of my neese Cornwalles being here, whose sosietie is soe exceeding good, y=t=, were it not pregudiciall to hir y=t= I soe much loue and honor, I wish I might allwayes inioy y=e= happienes of soe deserueing a friend; but this age of mutilletie permites vs noe sertintie of comfort long, and therefore w=th= patience I must condicend to what is determyned by y=e= greater Power. My neue Bacon is very well, and is pleased some times to come

and visset his vnkle and mee. I should take it very well if y=u= would spare soe much time as to write to mee: I haue recomended diuers letters vnto y=o= sence I receued those monies w=ch= was due att Chrismas last, and likewise acknowlidgeing my selfe much ingaged to y=o= for yo=r= gift y=o= was pleased to send mee, and w=th= God's permission I will not deseest in my prayers y=t= Hee would restore it againe to y=o= and yo=rs= y=e= good y=t= you are pleased to doe to mee and mine. Now I desier y=o=, deare Sister, y=t= monies, w=ch= will be due att Midsomer next, y=o= will bee pleased to giue order to him y=t= y=o= shall command, y=t= I may receue it against y=e= day, in y=t= M=r= Meautys hath disposed of those monies to my youse and my children's, and y=t= those monies may bee retorned vnto mee according to y=t= rate y=t= y=e= exchange is now att, and by y=e= same partie y=t= I receued it last of. Thus, commiting y=o= and all yo=rs= into y=e= protection of y=e= Allmightie, I conclude now and euer to bee Yo=r= most affectshonate loueing sister to serue y=o= to my end, Anna Meautys. Hage, the 25=th= of Maye 1642. My deare sister, the Lady Bacon, at Colford, these.

[} [\CC. THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^ANNE MEAUTYS TO JANE CORNWALLIS^] Deare Sister, Although I cannot bee soe happie to receiue yo=e= lines, yett yo=e= kind rememberance hath not failed to give mee an assured testimonie of yo=e= ferme and conciderable affection in condicending vnto my request, coming in a time soe acceptable, y=t=, had it not bine, I and mine had not had where w=th=all to haue subsisted; therefore thinke y=t= y=e= haue releeued soe many dieing soules, w=ch= had suffered, had not God ordained y=o= to bee y=e= meanes of our presaruation. To this day my husband is still att Arnheim, and is so misearablely intreted by there iniustice, y=t= in this spase of a yeare hee hath not bine able to send mee any monie or to come vnto mee, and through his heuie troubbles and wantes hee is grone very sickelie, and hath of late bine soe extreme ill, y=t= those y=t= ware neere him was doubtfull of his recouerie; and allthough it is in these partes ill trauelling in y=e= winter sesone, y=et= I doe intend to goe and see him, and to leaue my chilldren att my howse in y=e= Hage vntill my retorne, for there is noe venturing to take them w=th= me; but my resolution is to come suddinelie bake againe. Thus, w=th= my prayers vnto the Allmightie to presarue y=o= and all yo=rs= in these dangerous times from

all calamities, I commit yo vnto His protection, and rest Yo' most affectshonatt sister to my end, Anna Meautys. Hage, y=e= 5=th= of Jenuary, y=e= nue stile, 1644. To my most deare and much honoured sister, the Lady Bacon, att Culford. [^THE CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN COSIN, D.D. LORD BISHOP OF DURHAM: TOGETHER WITH OTHER PAPERS ILLUSTRATIVE OF HIS LIFE AND TIMES. PARTS 1 & 2. ED. BY ORNSBY, GEORGE. PUBLICATIONS OF THE SURTEES SOCIETY 52, 55. 1868, 1870.^]

[} [\I. - LETTER FROM OLIVER NAYLOR TO JOHN COSIN.\] }] Mr. Coosen, If you have any mind to receive and to send commendations so farre, I could wish it might be us'd betwixt us. On my part I would be very glad of it that I might keepe my remembrance where I am so much beholding, and howsoever I shall have but little newes to requite your letters with, yett myne shall contayne testimonie of a true affection which I shall alwayes beare you. I have heard from Cambridge of Mr. Simpson's last sermon. If that or any thing about that cause be worth your writing, I pray you lett me heare. I am in a place of very good contentment, but so farre is a banishment. I have one good benefite of a verie choyce librarie, and my Lord of Bath hath intent to increase it dailie, as the mart shall afford any choyce bookes. If this next Catalogue have any in Divinitie which you shall here commended, I pray you send me the names, that I

may procure them. For they have us'd hitherto to trust the judgement of a booke-binder in Paule's Church-yard, who sends what he would. Remember my service to your Lord, unto whome I shall allwayes acknowledge my selfe in all humble duty bound. The carriers that bring letters this way lie at the Starre in Breadstreete. They sett forth every Saturday in the morning. You must enquier for Barstable carriers, and direct your letters to me at the Earle of Bath's in Tawstocke. If you receive this letter I pray you returne answere. And so with commendations to yourself and Mr. Rhoane, I commend you both to God's protection. Your ever loving friend, Oliver Naylor. Tawstocke, 13 March, [\1616-17.\] If you will, heare of a church buisnes that is falne out heere. There's one Allen in a towne cal'd South Moulton, not farre from us, that hath christned a pott of ale lately, with all the ceremonies belonging to a christning. His bell was a candlesticke, his funt a salt-seller, two duble juggs the gossips, and a dozen juggs more the witnesses. He us'd the verie wordes of our lyturgie, and, least any thing should be wanting, he had gossips' feast when he had done. He is thought to have don it in derision of our ceremonies and relligion. For he came late out of Portugall, and hath bene perswading divers young men to returne thether with him. He is falne into a noble Bishop's hands that stands for the Church. I have sent Mr. Allen woord, for name's sake. To my very loving frend Mr. Coosen, at the Bishop of Lichfeld's in St. Austin fryers neere the Exchange.

[} [\II. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM OLIVER NAYLOR TO JOHN COSIN^] Good Mr. Coosen, I cannot but thinke my selfe much beholding to your love that interpret trouble kindnes, and, in what I may, I will endeavour

to retaine that love which is so well disposed where it does affect. I thanke you for the contents of your letter; it does me much good to heare of these adventures, beeing so farre of from them. I shall pray for your most worthy Lord's good successe, and surely if the ball have written uppon it (\detur potiori\) , I know which way it will goe. I shall not trouble you for any catalogue of the mart, for we are sure to have one sent from my Lord's booke-binder, but for the choyce amongst them I shalbe very glad to heare from you. You shall not feare the delivery of your letters, for we never loose any which the carriers receive, and for those which I send, I will either enclose them in my sister's, or direct them to you at your Lord's. At this tyme I have no newes to requite you, and writing by one of my Lord's gentlemen, who is now readie to goe, I am fayne to make hast. So with my best love and commendasions, I rest, Yours ever, Oliver Naylor. Ap. 13, [\1616-17.\] I pray you commend me to Mr. Roane. To my very loving frend Mr. Coosen, at the Reverend father in God, the Bishop of Lichfield's, at St. Austin fryars.

[} [\III. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM OLIVER NAYLOR TO JOHN COSIN^] Mr. Coosen, I am wonderfull glad at your worthy Lord's good successe, and congratulate our tymes in it where vertue sometymes prevayles. I shall not fayle to pray for his prosperitie, and all your good fortunes. I thanke you for the note of bookes you sent me. We heare of a reconciling of opinions in the lowe countryes, or at least of suppressing further writing. If the newes be seconded, I pray you let me heare of it. If report hath not told the tale allready at London you may receive this newes from hence of S=r= Walter Raughly, that when he and his company

came neere the river Oronoco, S=r=. Walter sent Captaine Kemish with 4 ships in search of the myne, who by the way tooke a towne of the Spaniards called St. Tome, and burnt it without any great losse, only S=r=. Walter's sonne, breaking his ranks and running before the company very disorderly (so our relation speakes of him), was slaine. Captaine Kemish after, with 20 in his company, undertooke the finding of the myne, and was absent 20 dayes from them, which stay'd for him at St. Tome, taking tyme but for 5 or 6 dayes. He return'd without any tydings of it, pretending the unusuall shallownes of the river that he could not goe so high. S=r=. Walter lay'd great fault in him, as if he had not found it through carelessnes, affirming by the Captaine's owne former report (which should seeme to be the greatest round of this viage) that it should not be above 3 miles from St. Tome, shewing to the captaines and gentlemen a customebooke found at the taking of St. Tome, where the King of Spain's customes in particular were sett downe for those mynes. Captayne Kemish grew sicke uppon the hard speeches S=r=. Walter gave him, and 10 days after assay'd first to kill himselfe with a pistoll, but fayling that way stab'd himselfe with a kniffe and died presently. The captaines and gentlemen after his death desired to returne home, as it should seeme beeing out of hope of that which they came out for, and had leave of S=r=. Walter, who at 23 of March was at St. Christopher's Iland, with an intent, as it seemes, to keepe the seas; the rest of the ships beeing some 3 leagues from him, and 2 of them bound for the New-found Lands, Captaine Wallington and Captaine Whitny, who was of our College. This is the summe of a long relation which my Lord received but this weeke from Plymmouth, where one Tho. Barewicke, M=r=. of S=r=. Walter Raughlye's ship was examined at his landing. If it be stale newes yet it serves to make up my letter, and I had no better choyce at this tyme. So agayne wishing all good fortune and successe unto you, I rest, Your loving frend, Oliver Naylor. Tawstocke, 15 Maij, [\1618.\] I pray you remember me to Mr. Roane. To my very loving frend, Mr. John Coosen, at St. Aug. Fryars, at the Reverend Father in God the B=pp=. of Norwich house.

[} [\IV. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM OLIVER NAYLOR TO JOHN COSIN^] (\S. in Christo.\) Good Mr. Coosen, You bind me by a very kind office unto you. I would it lay in my power to be answerable unto you; my indevor shall not be wanting. But at this tyme I must needs be defective in recompence of newes, which at this tyme our countrey affords not, beeing only busied in harvest matters, and affording little els but bad corne. I could have sent you S=r=. Walter Raughlie's Apologie, but that I could not but conceive it to be common at London, and he him selfe is nowe coming towards you, if he out live his poysoning at Salsbury. I see the old fortune of the Court to be verified in your newes, that 'tis a slippery place, though I wish our noble Chancellour well for the justice he did us. I am most glad of your Lord's undertaking of this controversie in the Church; and doubt not but he will doe much good by his direction in it. I heare of a briefe declaration he had published before, upon the King's command, which should be frequent at Cambridge, but I never saw it. Some heere have seene it, and (that you may have some newes to be merry with) they say one Dr. Sharpe, that is beneficed in this shere, hath carried a confutation of it up to the Court. He was of King's College and by divers things he hath done he is knowne to be one that dares play the foole in any thing. If I happen on it you shall not fayle to receive it. So with thankes for your kind letters, and desiring the continuance

of them as you shall have occasion, I commend you to God's protection. Your loving freind, Oliver Naylor. Tawst:[\ock\] , 7 Aug. [\1618.\] To my very loving frend, Mr. Coosen, at the Reverend father in God the L=d=. B=pp=. of Norw=ch=., in St. Austin fryars.

[} [\VII. - FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE, CANON OF WINDSOR, &C., TO JOHN COSIN.\] }] Good Jhon, I received the Homilies and Articles, yet I want the Ordering of Bishops. That of Salomon (\factum bene\) ! If any thing else nede disjunction, I give Duresme house (\jus\) and leave to use me as they will, not so [^GREEK OMITTED^] (\et\) [^GREEK OMITTED^] . I have sent alone the (\omissa\) in Purgatory by my brother. I send you by this that to his Preface, if (\videbitur\) : for otherwise it mattereth not. But, (\me temerarium\) , that provokes enimyes on all sides, Puritans, Papists, Lawyers, hell and all. (\Dulychii, Samiique, et quos tulit alta Zacynthus: Turba ruunt in me - .\) So you heare, so you say. But, of fellowship, let me knowe the bug-beares, (\qui et quales\) , for (\jacta est alea\) . I am redy not only to be bound but, [^GREEK OMITTED^] , to dye for the Church, (\et vivam modo, plura dolebunt\) , if this be such a [^GREEK OMITTED^] to them. Ther lawes I knowe not, Godd's lawe I doe, and sacrilege was ever defined unto me to be robbing of God in his due. I pray send me the parties and occasion of those discourses. I can not tell when to see you till the booke be don, viz. (\quam maturato`\) I pray. I could wish my Lord would shewe the King that preface, it would relish him or distast him happily [\haply\] before. The papers you speake of I can not yet looke at, and, when I have, you can not be edified till I decipher them. For the (\Diatribae\) , they may talke and think as they will. No man ever stoped toungs. It is probable I was as well able to go through the whole as the hardest part. If I were not, yet [^GREEK OMITTED^] , but I could refute that surmise were I disposed. The second parte lyeth by me (\effecta\) almost. I have in a sort promised him, at least his frends, that (\nihil ultra`\) , and unlesse enjoyned or provoked I must kepe truth. If his Majesty will have me do it, go through with him [^GREEK OMITTED^] , or handle the Q[\uestion\] according to those three heads of the nature and right, use and practice, abuse and sacrilege, I will. But I must not leave, you knowe, his employment without his warrant. My Lord of Duresme may take occasion to tell the King what is thretned me, and so understand his minde for finishing the rest. I am willing enough to do it, can it be don

fayrely and clerely. Well, howesoever I hope I shall never faile the Church of England, but (\usque ad aras\) do my best to uphold the doctrine and discipline ther. If this preface take not, then kepe it by you till I come. (\Vale\) , and commend me to your [^GREEK OMITTED^] .... Your assured Ri. Montagu. Windsore, Jan. 4. [\1621.\] [\ADDRESS TORN OFF.\]

[} [\VIII. - FROM OLIVER NAYLOR TO THE SAME.\] }] [^TO JOHN COSIN^] Mr. Coosin, I received both your last letters together, for your first beeing enclosed in one to Mr. Skippon lay heere a whole weeke in his absence before I had it. I like the whole substance of your Replie wonderfullie well, and if so be the senior fellowes keepe from making any act against you, or sending any satisfaction to your Lord, 'tis no matter what parlees they have amongst themselves. But hinder that as much as you can by your letters, that those which are for you joyne not in any thing with the rest to the prejudice of the foundation. I have writt once more to Mr. Wake to advice what he does. If failing of a dispensation he will needs give over, lett him commend you for his successor to the M=r= and fellowes, which being an ordinary curtisie in all Colleges, will add something to their unkindnes which shall withstand it, at least in your Lord's opinion. If you want tyme, Mr. Wake may conceale his determination, staying at London, which I beleeve will hinder the M=r=. a while from pronouncing his place voyd: for he will not now be over hastie. I cannot resolve uppon a suddaine whether it were better for you to petition to the Chancellor for a stay and hearing of the buisnes, or to get his letter for your selfe, or some other great man's letter. The one certainely wilbe as easie as the other, and perchance more effectuall for you. If you petition, more must joyne, and the ground of it must be some injury pretented to your places. This, if you fasten uppon all the seniors, you will wrong your frends, if uppon the M=r= and some of them you confirme divers against you, which perchance may be wonne; besides you give an occasion that some will joyne with the M=r=. in answere, who els in all likelyhoode will slip the coller, and indeed this buisnes proceeding from himselfe alone he may be thought worthy to be accus'd alone for setting up of his kinsman against all equitie and practise of the College. So it wilbe likely you shall only loose him whom I beleeve you have lost allready. Yett a generall petition may be drawne, that whereas Mr. Michels is a suiter in the College to succeed in the senioritie against all equitie and right, it would please his Lordship to write to the M=r=. and Fellowes that nothing be done to the prejudice of your places, and against the custome and practice of the College. The ground of your recourse to him must be because he is supreme

Visiter of the College, unto whom the fellowes did allwayes bring their greevances, and by whom they have had so many and so honorable redresses. But if, uppon consideration, you find this course troublesome and chargeable, you may thinke uppon some letter for your selfe, which if it comes from one that must be respected, it will not only make a stop, but effect something on your behalfe, pleading only your woorth and your degree, and the esteeme that your Lord and the Universitie hath of you, and that they would not by a contrary election give an example so much against all equitie and former custome. If a letter to this effect could be gotten presently, your petition may followe after as you see occasion, and if you gett the Chancellor's letter you shall have more cause to come to him againe. But lett your letter or petition be joyntly both to M=r=. and fellowes, and hold you, if you can, to that, that some above heare it, and not the heads of the College, for (\manus manum fricat\) . My Lord of Rochester were excellent for that business, whose letter perchaunce may be presently gott for you, and having done that kindnes which he hath to the College, it will certainly be much respected, at least it will give a stop till you be fullie provided. I doe not thinke, if your frends stand firme, that any devolution wilbe made, for the fellowes will never loose their right of election, only they will strayne curtisie who should yeeld to an other, but if yours will hold out there is no feare. And if any of your frends would but make a protestation in the Chappell against the election of any of the .... and require of the Register to make an act of it, it may be it would doe some good. But (\consilium in arena`\) , a hundred things may happen to advantage the cause, which, if they will but watch and take, a few will doe more then the greater number which are not so resolute. I do fullie agree with you in this, that the M=r=. would have Michels made by the fellowes, and if he cannot prevayle that way, he will not be seene in it. Therefore plie that quarter whatsoever you doe els. If you be not over buisy write a line or 2 every weeke, and I will not fayle to answere. The .... petition to the .... must serve to prove this, that they did acknowledge heretofore that they had not the same priviledges with the foundation, and that before the .... gave over their right, they themselves did make account they were not to succeed. If this be not question'd

you may conceale it. Howsoever lett not my hand be seene. I thanke you for the .... you sent, and am sorry to heare our convocation should be any way misinclined, but I hope it is but some of them. I pray you send me that Gag, for we have it not heere; only we heare much speaking of it. I thanke you likewise for your newes from both places, and I pray you sometyme remember your occurrences there, especially those of the convocation. For thence we shall heare nothing, unlesse it be from your selfe. So wishing you all good successe, and, without any further complement, desirous to doe you any good office, I rest, Yours ever, Oliver Naylor. Tawst:[\ocke,\] 19 March, [\1623-4.\] It were not amisse if you sollicited Mr. Stokys to be absent at the election, which he may easilie doe by pretending some buisnes abroad. To my verie worthie frend, Mr. John Cosin, at Duresme house in the Strond.

[} [\X. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM OLIVER NAYLOR TO JOHN COSIN^] Mr. Coosin, That which I writt of prae-elections is most certayne. They have no warrant nor foundation in the Statute, nor can any custome make them good, because there is a Statute to this effect, that no custome against the Statutes should be of force. I am likewise fullie perswaded that if the meanes should be used in tyme, this prae-election would take no effect, because the Mr. and Fellowes may be enfors't to choose againe when a place shalbe voyd, and otherwayes then they have prae-elected. But I hold not so fitt that you should proceed by the way of Mandat, unlesse it may be gott verie easilie. If it may be so, it were not amisse that you were senior fellowe, though but a short tyme, for other things that depend on it, as I have heretofore told you. And certaynly this would bring them to a new election, and restrayne them to a new person. Though the other course by the Chancellor will prove the easier, and it may be likewise effectuall. For if you can gett your owne Lord and my Lord of Rochester to assist the Chancellor, you shall make knowne the right of your succession, what wrong you have hitherto suffer'd in want of your admissions, and how farre this prae-election is against the Statutes; and it may be in all of them you shall have redresse. Besides, you may gett there an Order made for succession, such as may be reasonable and conscionable, which if you can doe, you shall doe a perpetuall good to the College by taking away differencies in heereafter in elections, and by giving some libertie unto the poore junior fellowes, who, as they are now, are slaves to the vices and defects of the seniors, and not only beare with all indignities, but, as you knowe, are fayne to be pertakers of unseemly courses. If you goe this way, you must suddainly gett out inhibition from the Chancellor to the Mr. and Fellowes, that they make no election

unto any place that is or shalbe voyd, until the right of succession and other greevances of Franckland's foundation be heard and examin'd, and some day appoynted for the hereing of it by the Chancellor himselfe at London, unto which they bring likewise these Statutes, the donation of your places, and especially the Annales. It must be heard at London in any case, not at Cambridge, and you must be furnished for the right of your succession, and of the unlawfullnes of this prae-election. I thinke one thing must needs fall out by it, that, either in this or in the next election, they will give your Lord satisfaction in your selfe. But, if Mr. Husband give over before you, gett an inhibition: (which is much to be feared, especially if they heare at Cambridge of any stirring against them) there is no possibilitie of overthrowing the new election which shalbe made when the place is voyd, and if it be so allready, or shalbe so, all you can doe is to do some good for the tyme to come, which if you can doe conveniently, and without much trouble, it wilbe woorth your labour; but you have no reason to undergoe either much charges or much trouble. Further then this I see not to be done, for as for your appeale, if you gett an inhibition, you shall have no use of it; and if they make a new election when the place shalbe voyd, the appeale for the prae-election will not serve the turne, unlesse they make no new election, which if they should not doe, the former prae-election and admission will not be enough, and in that case it devolves to the Mr. after the first month, and, I thinke, after the second month unto the Chancellor. And this you may secretly inquire after, if there be allready, or when there shalbe an admission past, whether they made a new election, or no, (\per viam scrutinii\) . The Parlament would certainly referre this cause to the Visitors, if you should bring it there, and ten to one Dr. Caius' Visitors would come in, the Provost of King's, and the Mr. of Bennet, and the Senior Phisition; therefore, if you doe stirre in it, goe to the Chancellor, that you may stand something uppon even ground. You must resolve suddenly, and I would it were, as I could wish, in my power to give you assistance: but being no fellowe amongst them I can but wish well, and I dare not write to any but your selfe about it in regard of the Dr., whome I am loth to discontent at the parting. Though I feare me my letters would doe little amongst them; a man is so soone forgotten when he is gon, that now since I came last from London I received not one letter from Cambridge, though I have written, I thinke, ten thither. But let not these things trouble you, whatsoever the successe of them be: you must and shall find rubbs in the world, in the justest and equallest cause. The attempt was honest and worthy, and amongst them that are so I dare say

they will have more discredit in their conquest then you in the crosse. We heare of divers accusations against my Lord of Norwich, agreable, for the most part, to your relation; but I doubt not but he will quitt himselfe sufficiently. Mr. Montague is every where with his Gagger, like a gyant against a pigmy. I could .... wish't him a stronger adversary .... this perchance may provoke some of the Triarean bond. I doe not wonder that some are offended, but God's blessing on his hart for redeeming our Church from those scandalls that Kelliston and the rest layd upon us, and were never yett answer'd by any of the Sutcliffes. I pray God send him the hart and leysure to doe the like for the primitive Church against Baronius. It would be a woorke of all others of the highest merritt for the protestant Church. I have not yett gon through the Vindication of Causobon, but certaynly by that I have read you need not doubt but the impostore is dead and buried with all men of understanding; for the rest, they are not to be regarded who will not be perswaded though they be never so well perswaded. I pray you commend me to Mr. Wake, when you chance to see him; for I

thinke he and I have given over writing letters one to an other, wheresoever the fault is. So with my best wishes for you, I rest, Yours ever, Oliver Naylor. Tawst:[\ocke,\] 21 Maij, 1624. To my very worthy freind, Mr. John Coosin, at Durham howse in the Strand.

[} [\XI.- FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM OLIVER NAYLOR TO JOHN COSIN^] (\S. ab Authore Salutis.\) Mr. Coosin, You may well thinke that I wonder at these proceedings in the College. It was once firmely resolv'd uppon by all the fellowes that none but those which were incorporated into the College, and were chosen by the M=r=. and fellowes, should succeed into the senioritie; and to that purpose both my selfe and divers others indevour'd that ... might give over their right unto his fellowships, and that a decree of succession might be made to take away future doubt and difference when any senior place should be voyd. But that succeeding not, (which for myne owne part I allwayes thought the safest course for the peace of the College,) I cannot but wonder at this new intent that the fellowes will make choyce out of their owne foundation. It may be they send you woord of that which is suspected, not of that which is intended, or at most an offer may be made a farre off, to see how the company would be inclined, or whether Frankland's foundation would lett it passe easilie. The best of it is Mr. Wake's place is nott in his owne power, and I am perswaded he will not give an occasion of so much wrong as this wilbe. For your owne proceeding in it you shall have my advice as I heare from you, so I may relie uppon your seccresie that no man living shall knowe of it. As yett the egg is but hatching, and you do well not to take notice of it. But inquire who of the company wilbe certaine for the foundation, and who stand as neuters. Gett likewise a coppie of Dr. Perse's will, so farre as concernes his places, with the first decree in the College of acceptance, and the record they made when you were chosen. Mr. Allen and Mr. Bachcroft, I thinke, have them all. Gett likewise the Persians' petition to the fellowes, and the fellowes' answere to it; for in them both themselves and the fellowes did acknowledge that they had no right of succession before they were incorporated. Make not your selfe in any case a head

of the buisnes, nor trouble not your Lord your selfe in it, because it is not your owne course to succede, but lett Mr. Warden followe it, if there be occasion. Mr. Wake shall certainly give you a quarter of a yeare's warning beforehand what he meanes to doe with his place, but that likewise you must keepe secrett. If you speake with Dr. Goslin lett it be done in all faire manner, and request only that he would not give that example in his tyme that any should be chosen into the senior place that is not incorporated into the College, nor chosen by the M=r=. and fellowes. I thanke you for your newes, and for the name of the author you sent me, which I thinke I shall gett heere. All remember themselves kindly unto you who are of your acquaintance. So expecting sometymes to heare from you, I rest, Yours ever, Oliver Naylor. 13 June. [\1624.\] I thinke I come not to London till towards Michaelmas. But I will send you shortly more certayne woord. Since I writt that before, I understand Mr. Skippon hath bene at Cambridge, whose meeting was one of the principall ends of my jorny there so soone. But since I have fayl'd of that, unfortunately, I purpose not, as farre as I yett know, to come your way till towards Michaelmas. I have heard something likewise that confirmes your letter about the former buisness, but gett the writings I have nam'd unto you, and lett me understand what further is intended and done, and I will not fayle, God willing, to returne answere. Yett allwayes remember that the small places in the Universities are rather hindrances then helpes, and followe your hopes with your Lord, and use him rather in those things that will stand by you, then these things you must leave. So he advices you that wishes and prayes for as much good for you as any frend you have in England. Oliver Naylor. To my very loving frend, Mr. John Coosin, at Durham howse in the Strand.

[} [\XII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM OLIVER NAYLOR TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, I thinke I acquainted you the last summer with the tenents of a Puritan heere amongst us, who, amongst other things, defended that there was no ordinarie meanes of salvation in that congregation

that had only the publique prayers, the reading of Scriptures and the reading of homilies, the administration of the Sacraments, &c., concluding nothing to be avaylable that way, but only the hearing of sermons, and such likewise as they made. Divers oppos'd him, but amongst the rest one Mr. John Downe, sometyme fellow of Emmanuell College, gave so great satisfaction in a sermon at a Visitation, that his fellow ministers have persuaded him to publish the same, thinking he will doe much good both heere and in other places by it. He purposes to send it to London by Mr. Skippon to Mr. Blunt, about a fortnight hence, and having not acquaintance there to have a litle care of the comming forth of it, he intreated me to write to some about it, and you see I have made bold to do so to you, requesting your furtherance in it, if Mr. Skippon (as I thinke he will) doe come unto you. The gentleman is a verie learned scholler, to whome you shall doe the kindnes, of whome I thinke Dr. Lindsel can tell you, being of that note in Cambridge that he answered the Act at St. Marie's when he commenc'd Bachelor of Divinitie. But besides him you shall oblige my selfe, and divers others, who are verie desirous of the comming forth of the Sermon. So having not any newes to send you from this corner of the world, I commend you to God's protection, and rest Yours ever, Oliver Naylor. Marwoodd, 11 Maij. [\1624.\] To my verie worthie freind, Mr. John Coosin, at Durham house in the Strond, these.

[} [\XIV. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Ihon, I sent you last weeke, by my brother Scul, a schedule as much as came to my hands of Puritan collections against my booke, contraring, as they say, the Articles and Homilies. I suppose Dr. Prideux did collect them; att leastwise I believe Featley can tell the author. Prideux hath thretned to write against me. (\Utinam.\) But I thinck he distrusteth himself at his pen. For he saide to my Lord of Oxford, as Ed: Boughen told me, that though I were a good scholer at my pen, and wrote well, yet he doubted not but att an argument he could plunge me. The man thincketh well of him self, yet if K. James please I dare looke him in the face in his owne scholes. But lett him passe for a Puritan, yet God graunt he, nor any such, come to the Bishop of Glocester, who is, they say, dead. My Lord of S. David's must nowe and in such cases putt for the Church with the Duke, and use his greate creditt, that we be not swallowed up with a Puritan Bishopriqry. I was once purposed to have told him howe graciously the Duke used me att Windsore last St. George's day, and that (\motu proprio\) . He bad me rely upon him, and none but him, and lett him knowe what preferment I desired, and I should have it. And that he spake not as a courtier, but as my reall, true and constant friend. I have had no opportunity since to speake with him. I have no acquaintance in his house. I am not like in hast to troble him by plunging upon any thing, if my Lord of S. David's, you relating this unto him, will do me the favour, as att next opportunity, to remember my service unto his Grace, and to putt him in minde of his gracious promise, and to lett him understand that I am att his Grace's service, where, or when, or howsoever he shalbe pleased to dispose of me, I shall rest beholding to his Lordship, and happily [\haply\] the Church shall loose nothing by it. If not, I am contented, being, I thanke God, well provided for in my private estate, and better then I should be were I a Bishop, which I would not undertake but for the Churche's sake, and with greater countenance to oppose the Puritans, and be the freer from every skip-jack's opposition and censure. I do purpose to write the Gagg anew, both because in a second edition the author hath altered, detracted, augmented much, as

also because I would answere my detractors; therfore, as I wrote to you, I would my Lord of Duresme would procure of my Lord Keper my answere to Yates and Ward, and either shewe it the King, or send it me to reveiwe. Commend me to Lindsell, and bid him remember his promise concerning Dr. Combers. I purpose to go upon Saturday next, God willing, to Pettworth. If you write not till then direct your letter thether. (\Vale.\) God kepe his Church. Your assured, R. Mountagu. Windsore, Octob. 24. [\1624.\] To the w=ll=. my most respected freind, Mr. Ihon Cosens, Chaplyn to the Reverend L. B. of Durham, att his house, be this.

[} [\XV. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Honest Mr. Cosen, I thanck you as allwayes and ever, so for your last advertisements. For those Oxford braggarts I feare them not; ther pens nor pratinge. As for that princox you speake of, the pore puny may happily [\haply\] hereafter barke, his biting I expect not: only it angers [{me{] they prate so much and performe so little. If he can doe so much there is paper enough in Oxford to scribble on. He knoweth my woning, lett me se what he can say. Though he

print it not here he may beyond seas. Att least in private he may send it to me, or meete me somewhere, that I may feele (\qui vir fiet\) . Empty casks sound loudest. But the Parliament must back him or he can not stand. (\Evohe!\) I hope King James will stand to me, or lett us try it out. If you knowe any that will tell him agayne, bid him say to him from me that if he hath any thing to say to me I will answere him. Howsoever, (\quod scripsi, scripsi\) . I have sent for my papers from my Lord Keper, and have them: therefore let your Lord supersede from asking. When I have don, if he will shewe it the King, I will send them to him, if not, so. I will kepe them agaynst imployment, and for my self and friends. I am, God willing, for Pettworth (\cras\) . Therefore hereafter, (\si quid opus\) , direct your letters thether from Chaucer's Inne, the Tabard, in Southwerk. Upon Wensday morning our carrier setteth out. I will remember you to one that doth not a little bragg of you. Our Dr. Goodman I knowe would have Glocester, and is gon up about it upon Wensday last, but sent his man instantly upon report of the decease of Milo Smith. But I pray God he misse it, if it be as I heare that a Scottishman must come to us (\per saltum\) . I hope Dr. Theodore Price shall have it, who is as much talk'd of, and altogether att my Lord Keper's. I am sure he loveth the Church, and is a wise man. For my Lord of S. D[\avid's\] about the particular I wrote, I merveile not. I smell a ratt. But I hope to see him one day where he will both do and say for the Church. (\Interim\) , if someways he concede, I blame him not. (\Dulce est desipere in loco.\) No more att present but God blesse you. I am booted and can not enlarge. Send this inclosed I pray to my brother ... (\Tuissimus\) , R. Mountagu. Oct=rbr= 30. [\1624.\] [\ADDRESS TORN OFF.\]

[} [\XVI. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Good Mr. Cosen, I have my answere with me, and am disposing of it by adding what hath come to my hands since, changing, &c. So soone as I have don, and I will make all possible hast, I will send it you. I am somewhat hinder'd, for att my returne to Pettworth upon Saturday I found your little wife very sick, and since she hath been at death's dore, nor is yet well. An empostume brake in her. The bagg is come up, I thanke God. But she compleyneth of her head and stomacke much. The remaynes are, I feare, behind. If you can meet with Sir Wm. Paddy remember me to him, and desire his advise what to do. We have no phisitions in theise parts worth a beane. God hath ben her best phisition, or she had died. I would gladly have those reliques disperst. The empostumation was in her stomacke. Before it came up she bled much at nose. Yet by snatches I do procede to perfect my answere, which is so written that my Lord may well showe it unto the King, unto whom for better addresse I will direct and dedicate it. I can not inlarge. If you have any newes lett us have them. (\Vale.\) Your assured, Ri. Mountagu. Pettworth, Nov. 4. [\1624.\] To the w=r=.shipfull my very especiall good freind, Mr. Ihon Cosen, att Durham house, be this.

[} [\XVII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Good honest Mr. Cosen, I shall send you my answere, I hope, the next weeke unto my Informers, though composed (\tempore saevissimo\) . My little Mall hath ben desperately sicke ever since my returne from Windsore,

and whether you shall ever see her more in this world or I enjoy her long I can not tell. I feare no. God must worke wonders if so. My joy, my greife! Till that come I send you this, a part of my answere to Bulenger for Mr. Casaubon. If you like it and you can gett it printed do. It will [{be{] a book it self, though it be not the half of what I have don. Commend me to Dr. Lindsell, though I thinke he hath forgotten me. Tell him his hostesse, a widow by the way, at Chichester, is in love with the impresse and motto of his ring. (What passed (\inter partes\) then?) She desireth a sample to make one for her self, and desired my wife, being at Chichester last weeke about my child, to procure. This in breife. I am in the house of mourning, therefore I can not laugh. You and my Lord of St. David's may. If you write, lett me have some newes, (\de\) Bishoprickes and Denryes, and who it was would have putt my L[\ord\] K[\eeper\] out of Westminster lately, for so we heard at Pettworth. (\Vale.\) Your assured, R. M. Nov. 14. [\1624.\] Our newes is that Sir R. Weston shalbe Lord tresurer. (\Faxit.\) So if so, good Jhon, use all the strength you can to bring my brother Jh. Scull into his house. Will. Lakes, you knowe, can do all with him, and Will, I hope, will do any thing for us. (\Interest Ecclesiae\) to have some of our side in such places, and he wilbe no great charge, being beneficed in towne. To the w=ll=. my worthie frind, Mr. Ihon Cosen, att Duresme house.

[} [\XX. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Indeed your newes was heavy! Dan. Berkhead dead! (\Publica res, virtutis honos, Ecclesiae vindex luget in interitu, mi Daniele, tuo.\) He was my elder acquaintance then Austen himself, and might, (\si Leo visum\) , have lived (\inter paucos\) to have don the Church service in a croked and perverse generation. We are behind, yet shall we goe to him. He shall not come to us, and now remembreth both the Church against Papist and Puritan unto his Maker, and us his relicts unto our Redeemer. (\Requiem aeternam\) unto that blessed soull. My afflictions, I thanck God, have (\lucida intervalla\) , but (\subinde recurrunt\) . My wife is now

downe, though, I praise God, not sorely sick. We are in a most helthfull place, yet I intend not in hast to winter here agane, [^GREEK OMITTED^] . The Austen, if you thinck it a good one, I pray send me. Whatsoever it cost, I must not want that of all, and I will either by my Lord of Northumberland's steward, or one of our towne, returne you the mony next weeke. I am loth to send it, our wayes are very dangerous betwixt Guilford and London. For the Bibliotheca they do so play the knaves in printing, that I can not tell what to resolve, for in [{the{] Paris edition much is wanting that is in Colen, and (\vice versa`\) . Fayne would I have one, but till our Lady day I can not spare mony neither, and I will go no more upon score, for they will make me pay derer. If Fetherston will undertake it at Frankford to be printed, it wilbe well enough: but then what if I add the other part to, for cost is all one to them. The only defect wilbe there may be defects in the copie, which at presse may be espied by a stranger rather then the compiler; for I reading my owne things often lett faults passe, as knowing what they should be, and so reading them (\minus attente`\) when as they are not so written. Besides, if there should be a doubt, they can not consult the author, but things must be as they may, if not as we would. I like it well to have it don so, but then Austen and you read it over first, and lett me knowe whether he will undertake for all, and when, and what copies he will assure. If he be as good as his word, I have don with Lownes, and perchance may be worth 100=li=. to him one day. I am glad your clogg is gon. It is good for you, and wilbe more for his advantage farr. Cockering hath (\tantu`m non\) marred him. To write unto my Lord wilbe nowe to late: for if he will shewe it at all, he hath don it by this, and though he had no letter will say he had, for so he hath some time don. Your directions wilbe as good as if I had written, but yet if you will have me write by the next, I will. Send me word whether I shall direct the 7=li=. to you or Fetherston, and if to him, att what signe. It would be to much troble for you, being so far of. Your assured, R. M. Decemb. 6. [\1624.\] To the w=ll=. my most respected freind, Mr. Ihon Cosen, Chaplen to the L. B. of Durham, att Durham house, be this.

[} [\XXI. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Good Ihon, (\Salutem in Christo.\) You did well to black lead your booke. I had not the patience, though I would have had the leysure, to read the blew-coate through. Casaubon the author of such bald stuff! (\Credat Judaeus Apella.\) Though his minde had ben that way 20 yeares since, when he was chin deepe (\in lacu Lemanno\) , yet his learning could not disgorge such dorbellismes. (\Non vidi magis.\) What this Abraham Darcie is I can not tell. I supposed him some masked Puritan. Had he his due his bookes should fire him att a stake. Before God it will never be well till we have our Inquisition. Jos. Hall to commend this! Were it (\res mei juris\) , he should loose all promotions he hath for it, as he that licensed it. (\Bene sit\) to my Lord of Durham and you for disveyling this Andabatarian Puritan, but (\O si\) you could persuade his Majestie to take strict order that these Allobrogicall dormise should not so much as peepe out in corners or by owlelight. This riff-raff rascalls make us lyable to the lash unto our other adversaries of the Church of Rome, who impute the frantick fitts and froth of every Puritan paroxysme to the received doctrine of our Church, as this beboone doth with whome I have had lately to do, S=r= Goose the Gagger, if you have seene him; to whom I have shapen this answere I send you: nott (\sponte\) , but [^GREEK OMITTED^] . About some 20 months since some of the Romish Limitors had come within my pale, and ben tampering with some wooman att Stanford Rivers. Understanding, therof I blanched them and settled the partie. But they came agayne, and she to me. Whereupon, after other resolution to her, I said that I desired to speake with them, for I was willing to lerne, and to save my soull, if I were amiss, as well as they. Wherfore, if they would not come to conferre with me, I desired resolution in thre propositions which I gave her written, promising to subscribe and go to masse, if in them they could persuade me. They went to the quick. She gave them to the parties. I heard no more of them till the 5 of October last. Then she cometh to me and bringeth me from one A. P., who or what I know not, 2 sheets of paper, written in 2 severall hands, often without sense, without true ortographie, nothing to my propositions: only I had directions to addresse my self to one Mr. May,

in Partridg ally in Holborne, lately [\BLANK IN MS.\] and Minister, but nowe a Catholique, and he would eyther satisfie me or provide one that should. This missive I answered presently, as I thought fitt, and left it with her that wrought me the paper, who said the partie promised to come againe within 4 days. But he is not yet come I understand. He also sent me a little whipjack in a blew jackett, caled (^A Gagg for the newe Gospell^) , that eyther I should be converted by it, or answere it. This choice I was putt to. It was not like to convert me. Had I not ben settled, it would have fastned me. I have seen many foolish things in that kinde, but never sawe more, therfore answere it I must, unlesse I would [^GREEK OMITTED^] , and answere it I have, though (\poteram has horas non sic perdere\) , and that [^GREEK OMITTED^] ; bitterly and tartly I confesse, which I did purposely, because the asse deserved so to be rub'd. This I send to you. Read it over privately, or att most with Austen, and gett it licensed, but of no Puritan. (\Non eminu`s patientur\) , for I must print it. It is noised abroad that such a thing came to me: and he is held, which I wonder, even of schollers, [^GREEK OMITTED^] . I purpose, God willing, to se you next weeke, then (\fusiu`s ista\) . In the meane time forgett not this masked Puritan, if it be possible, to have some exemplary punishment inflicted on him. You se howe, (\utrinque\) , we are putt to it. God looke on his Church, and preserve it. (\Vale.\) Your assured Ri. Mountagu. Windsore, Decemb: 12. [\1624.\] To the w=ll=. my very loving frend, Mr. Ihon Cosen, att my Lord of Durham's house, this.

[} [\XXIV. - FROM OLIVER NAYLOR TO THE SAME.\] }] [^TO JOHN COSIN^] Good Sir, I writt divers tymes to Mr. Pagett this last terme to knowe of your returne, with purpose to have written to you, but I had not any certaintie of your beeing at London before your owne letters came. I am most hartly glad of the newes they bring of the bettering of your fortune so much, which I doubt not but will continue by your indevours under so worthy a Lord, who is so constant in his favour to those which shall deserve it. No frend you have shall be more joyfull then my selfe at it. The giving over of your place at Cambridge was wonderfull well, and as it became you, that they may have some examples of free elections amongst the contrary. And for the partie I thinke my selfe someway indebted to you for him for the good will I bare him, who will shame neither of our judgments, if he continue as he was. Though I wonder the D=r=. could not see the creditt of the College before you open'd his eyes, or perchaunce he would have you have the creditt of so good a woorke now in the great reconcilement. Howsoever 'tis woorth a hundred [\...\] to leave a good successor amongst them. And for his frendship it is now a great deale more to be esteemed when you shall not have the former occasions to yeeld to any inconveniences for it. It may be I shall see them this Commencement, though I still demurre uppon it. 'Tis true that I have some motions of mariage heere in hand, though nothing yett be concluded: which the condition of the world hath inclin'd me to against my former resolutions; but such are these necessities and conveniencies which no man can imagine but by experience. You shall heare of the successe whatsoever it be.

Mr. Wake is heere at Sherburne, and writes as if all were well, but he plays now the cheefest part that ever he did, and I beleeve his Lord sent for him to have some knowledge of him. I pray God keepe him in good order. I cannot requite you with any newes from hence, but only thanke you for that which you send, which I shalbe verie much beholding to you for, especially for that which concernes our Church. I have long differ'd my buisnes concerning Offerd Darcy. If you remember the cause, I pray you send me your advice in it. So with all good wishes unto you, I rest Yours ever, Oliver Naylor. Tawst:[\ocke.\] 31 Dec. [\1624.\] To my much respected frend, Mr. John Coosin, att Duresme howse, in the Strand.

[} [\XXVII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] It was ill don of the Deane to communicate the papers, especially to one of the faction, as that D=r=. is. By that meanes the Brethren, I make no doubt, will have intelligence, and so (\Ambubaiarum collegia, pharmacopolae, etc. quem non movebunt fumum!\) In that of Justification (\cum appendiciis\) is the mayne betwixt them and us. I knowe the Deane is (\animitu`s\) of our minde, but [^GREEK OMITTED^] . I have

a passage, I thincke, in the point, out of him, to purpose, and for that the justification of a sinner consisteth in forgiveness of sins, and not imputed iniquity, primarily, and in grace infused into the heart, secondarily, whereby man is inabled to abandon his wicked courses by mortifying of his inward man, I se no reason but it may well passe. For, ever, where sin is not imputed, but iniquity pardoned, holy life and conversation will appeare and shewe itself, which to my understanding David taught, Psal. li. 10. (^Hide thy face from my sinne, and blott out all myne iniquityes^) , which being don, then ensuieth, (^Create in me a cleane heart, O God, and renue a right spiritt within me^) . And so are they coupled 1 Cor. vi. 11. And so, according to antiquity, sinns are not only pardoned but the guift of sanctity is conferred. Nor only so, but according unto them whom theise men do followe in the point of justification, who seeme most averse unto sanctification or renovation, [^LATIN OMITTED^] . For theise men, Calvin and Beza I meane, do acknowledge and confesse that Justification and Sanctification are perpetually conjoyned, and do mutually cohere, nor can they be separated the one from the other. Justification comprehendeth whatsoever we obtayne by Christ, imputation of his righteousness and sanctification, saith Beza, in Tit. iii. 7. This, I take it, is the doctrine of the Church of England, to which the Doctor, if he understand himself, hath subscribed. I am sure it is Mr. Deane's. (\Tenete quod subtantia est, alterate quod accidens est.\) You are of my minde, all. Do it for me in disposing the chapters as you would do it for yourselves. Change what you will, so you hold the mayne. Touching Images, that opinion of myne in the 2 chapter, it is myne still, though you have said as much as can be. But for that, [^GREEK OMITTED^] . I stand not upon it. Change it as you will. Touching the publishing of it, sone or late, all is one to me. Your owne leisure and occasions take them. (\Sat cito` si sat bene`\) , and, (\si sat bene`\) , no matter (\quam tarde`\) . Remember my service to my Lord, and tell him what I write I referre all to you: yet I would gladly see the Dr.'s observations,

before or after, I care not. For I will alter nothing contrary to your opinions, trust me in that. I have revised over my booke agayne, tell my Lord, as I onc told the Archbishop I would, when the K[\ing\] sent me to him. I thinck the impression is out. If you will have it reprinted, or desire to see it you shall. It is little for their advantage, and yet I thinck taketh away most of their objections. For I have explaned, added, inforced the points in that (\cordolium\) touching faling away from grace. I have roundly, flattly, and breifly acknowledged it the Church doctrine, and so left it, only reporting the words of the Articles and Homilyes, leaving out the Testimonies and Articles. If his Grace call for it he shall have it, little to his comfort. If not, [^GREEK OMITTED^] . For Lorinus you may stay. If my Lord of Northumberland have him, I care not for him. I will enquire, and if not, then desire him. Dr. Crakanthorp's booke I thought had ben out long since. I am greatly, it semeth by you, in his booke. I merveile the overseers lett it passe. I do not merveile att him for writing so, because the man was a good, ingenuous scholer, though mislead. But whie do you call it a posthume booke? Is the author dead? I knowe not so much. I am sory for it, because a good Archbishop might have made good use of him, and such one one day we may have. You have sent me newes indeed, good, but strange. I am glad that the Lord Brooke hath at length began to remember Cambridge. I hope it wilbe better imployed then the donations are att Oxford. This advantage we have, to amend there errors and enormityes by presedent. Strange, for it can scarce be credible that such prodigious stuffe as you write of should be licensed to presse. Pardon him! Mary, God forbid! but first remove him from his Lord and Master that he do no such further hurt, for the ape wilbe an ape still. As I said, his fellowe is (\paulo` tectior, nihilo melior\) .

If you see my brother Scull, tell him I merveile I heare not of him. Desire him to have a care of my tenths and half subsidy att Stanford. Dr. Lindsell shall have Eusebius, I hope, next, or att second, returne. (\Vale.\) Doth the Parleament hold or not? Your most affectionate R. Mountagu. Jan. x=th=. [\1624-5.\] Pettworth. To the w=rll=. my very loving frend, Mr. Ihon Cosin, Chaplyn in house to the Reverend L. B. of Durham, att Durham house, this.

[} [\XXXII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Good Jhon, My best love remembered. The letter you sent inclosed came from Paris by Fetherston. It is about Eusebius, whose works they are now printing there in Greek and Latin, and desire my notes out of manuscripts and the 5 books against Marcellus, which I have translated out of Greeke into Latin. I must therfore have my Eusebius sent back agayne, to fitt it for them, though I have written first to tender unto them some conditions. Fetherston I am by them directed unto, to deale [{with{] . It is

Morell the printer that sendeth by means of one Lucas Holstenius, with whom I was acquainted here, an Hamburger, a good scholer, who telleth me he is setting forth another tome to the (^Bibliotheca Patrum^) , of Fathers not yet extant, and would fayne have some from us, if we have any. What Austen hath I can not tell. The man is, I thincke, an honest man. Howesoever, he may take the fortune I do, in helping (\rempublicam literariam\) . Send me, I pray therefore, Eusebius back, and Cassander's works if they may be had. I here say Dr. Prideux' 9 eggs are rotten, that is, must be called in. My Lord of Northumberland's chappleyn coming yesterday from London told me so. And to quitt him I said that Elton's books must be burnt. (\Molem invidiae\) , howe shall we beare. As sone as you can, gett directions from Court what to doe. And concerning that of the Crosse (\quid si\) I did affirme openly what I meane? what have they to do? is it against comon [\? prayer,\] etc? They will say it is Popery. So they do allredy. Can they convent me for it? Or if, (\quo jure\) punish me? But let it go as it is, only with that addition you speake of out of the Letany, (\Per Crucem et Passionem libera, etc.\) It is much to purpose.

You delt bravely with that nodder with his grave head you wrote of. I shall tell him a peice of my minde when we meet. For F. and his curate, knave and foole, lett them go. If you thincke fitt, leave out the postscript. I am indifferent if you do it or not. It is no matter whether the D=r=. see my Answere any more. I have much added out of Mr. Perkins, as you see, their great Rabbi, what will he say to that. Touching the Epistle, to whom? (\Cui\) but (\Domino Regi\) , if att all. I say if att all, for is not the Title an Epistle? Shall I make an other? Beside, in the conclusion I fly to him agayne. But I will follow my Lord's and your advise in this: (\cui responsum meum hoc intimes\) . I send you the rest of my Latin observations. Here is all I will yett putt forth. Lownes I thincke is true, though hard. The other you say is a (^Fether^) , let him fly alone. You have the title of that, have you not? My wife saith such exquisite thancks nede not. She hath asked me twyce or thrice if you can not in fayre whether [\weather\] (\excurrere\) hether. It may be I shall see you before Shrove-tide. (\Vale.\) (\Tuus\) , R. M. Feb. 7, [\1624-5.\] [\ADDRESS TORN OFF.\]

[} [\XXXIII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Good Ihon, I received your note unto my brother before your letter to my self. I would I had stayed longer (though I could not have ben spared from my necessary businesse of packing up my bookes for Petworth against Munday, when I send my stuff away), for so I had escaped a sore cold, which I have gotten by riding in a very sharpe winde in my face, and an extreame wett

way by reason of the thawing of the snowe. In good faith, I dare not venture to come, nor can without manifest and great daunger of my health more to be impayred, and therefore, good Ihon, intreate my Lord, of all loves, to excuse me himself, and, if nede be, in his wisdome to excuse my absence to his Majestie upon this no fayned excuse. The rather he may do it because I dedicate it not, and his Majestie tooke notice of it from his Lordship. By preventing carefully a future sicknes att the beginning I shall the sooner and better be able to come and be with you at Convocation, if your niglers, as you call them, do not deceive you. In the interim, I pray with your pen amend some of theise the grosser faults in the booke for his Majestie, for it is ordinary to do soe, and let the printer have the rest. Upon Munday by my brother's servantt, when he returneth, I shall happely send more. I am redy to shake, and therfore must leave writing. Of all loves my Lord must excuse my dishability to come att present. So trusting to your good mention, I rest Your assured Ri. Mountagu. Feb. vii. [\1624-5.\] To my very loving freind Mr. Ihon Cosen, Chaplayn to the L. B. of Durham, att Durham house be these.

[} [\XXXVIII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, My love and thancks remembered. Your booke was the first newes I had certeyne of Spalato, who was, it appeareth, an honester man then he was taken for, as good as his word unto my self and others. You see upon desperate terms of separation we stand. No yelding or moderation any way to be hoped for in point of opposition from that Church, so long as Puritan Jesuits beare the sway. The Parleament, I heare, is putt of, but (\quousque\) , and (\quorsum\) I can nott heare. I am loth to come up before the booke be don, that so (\una` fidelia` duos parietes\) . Otherwise I had come nowe with Mr. Stokes, who is sent for by his Lord for a benefice I heare. I wrote not by the carier because my man was to come, by whom you may returne what you please: though what you dare not write you shall kepe till I see you. I have sent an Epistle without much a doe, if you please to write it over fayre for the King, because my hand is none of the best. If it be not to purpose, as my Lord would have it, send me a particular of some heads to insist on. I shall thinck upon these Articles, peradventure, more seriously, but not till I have sent Eusebius to Paris.

God willing, after Easter I come to Windsore, though if Austen be returned I se no reason but you may stepp out hether. Howsoever and whersoever, God Almightie blesse you, and preserve his Church. I can not att present thinck upon answere to your question of Prebends, etc. I shall att more leisure and hereafter. Your most assured, R: Mountagu. Pettworth, March 8, [\1624-5.\] To the w=ll=. my most assured loving freind, Mr. Ihon Cosen, Chaplyn in house to the L. B. of Durham, att Durham house, be this.

[} [\XLIII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, The fault was in our waterman who came so late unto you with my letter; but I excuse him, because he promised to deliver it himself, as he did, and could not, happely, come any sooner. Your former relation I had safe, which gave me a greate deale of contentment, and lett me understand att full the Puritan charity what it is, such as Arminius found amongst the brethren in the Netherlands. From their doctrine, discipline, and charity, Good Lord deliver me and all honest men. Dissentients they indure not in any petitt opinions, but (\odio Vatiniano execrantur\) . I desire to heare what is returned to his Majesty by the Committee for my booke, if it be possible, for therein is [^GREEK OMITTED^] . I hope then by your words Dr. White is firme, though the sonne of a flatt capp told him he had better have cutt off his hand; who likewise wrote downe to Dr. Prideux at Oxford that I had vilified him, and undervalued him in my originall copy, but Dr. White would not suffer it so to passe with, "one Prideux," and worse terms of disgrace: which it seemeth hath so incensed the D=r=., this patron of Featly, that urchin, for his client is the (\graund boutefeu\) in the business: you knowe his name, S=r=. knight, or rather S=r=. Knave. I heard of that Jack-an-apes sermon before, by an other. If he were charged with it he would under his hand happely deny it, as he hath somewhat else. But possesse your soull in patience, the spiritt moveth them, their toungs are their owne, they will speake; and lett them. Att Oxford they are all on fire. Here were last weeke at

Eaton some of the tribe with Mr. Hales, and no talke but declaming against M. Mountagu. Dr. Prideaux, if he had him there, would teach him better Divinity. In Bocardo you must imagine. (\Satis pro imperio.\) Dr. Benefield would teach him his catechisme. Greate offers! Am I not beholding to theise men, (\qui me nihil sapere docerent, et magno conatu magnas nugas agere?\) Nowe [^GREEK OMITTED^] , and if our Gamaliel will nowe open his mouth and speake out, happily [\haply\] he may do that good for which God will reward him, and all posterity thanck him. It is also reported that in my booke I should gird at Dr. Lindsell's acquaintance Mr. Sibbs, because I use the word (^sib^) , and, howe I knowe not, it is with a capitall letter. Howe inventive are theise men; though this you knowe was in my Lord of S. David's mouth, when I was last with you, and I said then, that would ensue which doth. Graye's Inn men, I heare say, are offended att it. For their sakes Lindsell may do well to assure Mr. Sibbs of my innocency in that point. Mr. Delawne, the man you maried, was with me the other day with his unckle, my reversioner of Stamford. He told me he would see you (\in transitu\) . I did not write, because he could not stay. For Mr. Mallorye's businesse, thus it is: boording and breakfest

will stand him in 16=li=. (\per annum\) , 40=s=. tutorage, which is all the ordinary expenses I knowe. It may in all stand him in some 24=li=. (\per annum\) . If he be desirous to have him thither, I will recommend him to a tutor; or, if he will, I thinck he may be att Petworth, where is a good scholler, and painfull and carefull, who teacheth my sonne. By your next let me understand Mr. Mallorye's resolution, and whether of the two he will I will take order. I entend to go to Pettworth, so sone as Mr. Cruso cometh, with him. Lett him come (\qua`m citius\) . I would have him preach their next Sunday, for my Lord expecteth him. I see no reason but for a day or 2 you may (\excurrere\) to Windsore with him, telling my Lord of Durham the occasion. Dr. Newell, or Dr. Lindsell, for so little time may discharge for you. My wife is there nowe, and will go back with me, but I thinck we shall returne hither againe after Whitsuntide. You knowe I expect missives and pursevants dayly. Dr. Prideux, you wrote, hath thretned the first thing the Parleament doth shalbe (for they doubtless are att his beck) to burne my booke, and whie not me? Remember my love to Mr. Mallory, though unknowen, and thanck him for his kindenes to the cause, indeed rather then any private man; for nowe it is (\nixus puritanismi\) . They will putt on, and putt to, and make bold with, as the rule is in Tacitus, the Prince newe in state. But if those whom it concerneth more then young men be wanting att such good occasions, - (\Si Pergama dextris Defendi possent, nostris defensa fuissent.\) God bless his Church, the King, and those that love them. [^GREEK OMITTED^] Your assured loving friend R. Mountagu. Windsore, May 23, [\1625.\] If by any means you can, come along with Mr. Cruso.

[} [\XLIV. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, Our moderate men, or furious frantiques are not more out of patience with me then my wife is with you. She looked for I knowe not how many thraves of bookes to give her gossips, and do you put her of with such a trick? If she had not feared that you would have showed her letter to my Lord of S. David's, (for Lindsell, she understandeth, is gon a calving into Essex,) you should have heard of it on both your eares, to tell her that she thincks not so well of every word and title as you doe, who saith she will yeld to none in thincking. But by this her choler is over, and therefore enough of that. I thought my good frends had talked enough att random till they talked with me to purpose, it is more then a nyne dayes wonder. I hope att lenght some of them will sett in hand to answere me. And yet I thincke not, if they begin to encline to the doctrinall part, and kepe the morall out. Lett them come of roundly to my doctrine, I will eate my words of Puritans, etc. for personall quarell have I none to any one of them. It is well that they begin to talke of actions on the case, but that, I doubt, will not hold, for advantage will be on my side. If I have called conformitants, themselves I meane, Puritans, they have stiled me, as conforme I am sure, seditious and papist. Let us joyne issue, if they will. Dr. White and you are in a good course for your Collections. Happily [\haply\] we may make good use of them otherwise, though not nowe. I have a project I will tell you of one day. But what said Lindsell to my Lord of Winchester's proposition there? And so he is to be printed, indeed, whose barbarismes shall never prophane my pulpett. I thanck you hartily and Dr. Pace, with Mr. Otly, for my pore sister. What or when she shall have ease I can not tell yet, I feare to sone to use them. I propose upon Munday, [^GREEK OMITTED^] , to be att Windsore. Write your next thether. I am sory to heare of Mr. Gibbon's death. Would one I could name had press'd him [^GREEK OMITTED^] . Mr. Cruso is well, and look'd to heare from you. Whether he did or not I knowe not, for I write my letter instantly upon receyte of yours, having an opportune

and spedy messenger. I mervaile I can not here from my brother Scull. If you see him, tell him so. (\Vale.\) (\Tuissimus\) , R. Mountague. Pettworth, June 10, [\1625.\] To the w=rll=. my verie worthie and assured freind, Mr. Iho. Cosen Chaplyn in house to the L. B. of Durham, att Durham house, be this.

[} [\LI. - FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO THE BISHOP OF DURHAM\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO RICHARD NEILL^] Right Reverend, my humble duty premised, I understand that his Majesty, having ben made acquainted by your Lordship with that Apologie which I wrote against my Parleamentary Informers, intendeth to have it printed, and to that end gave order that Dr. White should looke it over and informe what, and howe 'twas (^contra`^) , or not (\secundum\) , the authorised doctrine of the Church of England. I must confesse I was desirous enough to have it published, but did not expect so much when I sent it, but only with desire that his Majesty

might understand of it as much as your Lordship should thinck convenient, and therefore I putt in diverse particulars touching those men ther specially named, as also the last Articles, which, the truth is, I had from La[\mbeth\] house by a freind that I would not willingly discover. My only intent was that if your Lordship pleased you might give his Majesty information of them, and so (\transirent\) . But since it is, I understand by Mr. Cosin, his Majesty's pleasure to have them printed, if it please your Lordship my desire is to have them left out, as being not apperteynant to the mayne, unlesse your Lordship shall thincke otherwise, to whom I wholy and totally referre my self and the whole. Mr. Cosen wrote unto me that your Lordship was desirous I should come over and conferr my notes with Dr. White's, and so both go to the King together. I besech you, my Lord, consider the season, both in generall, of the yeere, and this time so unfitt to travell in, I am sure with us, out of this country, which your Lordship knoweth very well, especially for my body, very crasie, and but untoward to travell in winter. I protest before God, my good Lord, I would not willingly nowe travell for a good preferment, being like enough to gett that which I shall not in hast gett of agayne. These 5 last winters by such journyes, I gott those coulds that hung by me, some of them, 4 months. Good my Lord, therfore, I besech you spare me and excuse me, that I may in helth do the Church and you service long. I suppose also his Majesty will have no greate leisure as yett at London to attend this petty businesse, nor do I conceive any such cause of hastning it to the presse. It is not much, and will soone be dispatched whensoever. Beside, I would gladly see what Dr. White sayth, and advise upon his notes, being att my owne notes and amongst my owne books, which I can not so well do being from them. My humble desire, therefore, is, that your Lordship would be pleased to excuse my attendance, and to will Mr. Cosen to send me the copy, with his observations, which may be don by our carier, as he knoweth, as safe as by any messenger of purpose. So my humble duty allway remembred, with hearty and daily prayer for your Lordship, the only true and reall frend the Church hath of your ranck, I take my leave, and rest, Att your Lordship's service, Ri. Mountagu. Pettworth, S. Stephen's day, [\1625.\] To the right Reverend father in God, my very good Lord, the Lord Bishopp of Duresme, these.

[} [\LII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, Since my returne I have ben sorely trobled with the stone, and am not free, though I have fewer by 4 greate ones then I had when I was with you. I pray lett me knowe, if you can, when the choyce for clerks will be in London diocese, and whether you thincke it not fitt that I write unto my Lord of London to putt him in mind of his promise to me, and lett him understand what my Lord Marshall wrote unto me concerning his redines and willingnesse in my business; and that my Lord Duke will give him thanks because I told him of his promise unto me. If you will I will lett him knowe of this the next returne, and inclose my letter to you. I am wholy busied in setting downe (you knowe for whom I told you) ours and the Calvinists' doctrine of Predestination. I can not write long, for my paine is not gon. God kepe you and us all. Your assured R. M. Jan. 19, [\1625-6.\] To the right w=ll=. my most assured frend, Mr. Ihon Cosen, att Durham house, this.

[} [\LV. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, I dare not yet adventure to come up, my purging and stone payne hath made me feeble. I am not able long to walke up and downe, ther lyeth yet in my loyns such a payne, beside, att present I have no meanes to come, the sickness growing very dangerous in Windsore, insomuch as that we have dismissed sermons and locked up our gates. I was fayne to send yesterday

my people to Pettworth, only my self and my wife with a maid remaining behind; and come by water, which is the only way, I dare not, least I gett that which I can not cleare of. Beside, were I with you, I would not come att the Parleament, for it is to no purpose ther, and best to give me over to the Lords, which is the utmost they can doe. I hope to have fayre audience there, being generous and understanding men. Their course intended and accusations to be presented, att least most of them, I knewe longe since. Three weeks agoe, one of the Committee wrote unto me "that their chiefest labours were to prove that I sett sedition betwixt the King and his people, and betwixt subject and subject, that I indeavoured reconciliation betwixt us and the Church of Rome, and that I am reconciled to the Church of Rome, that I have abused the late King, used great profanenes

in writing, slighted and disgraced the best lights in the Reformed Church," and such like. All which, by most necessary conclusions and inferences, and some of them in expresse termes, will fall upon me out of my owne books. As for my pardon, it will not availe me, as the course is taken. For they meane to goe to the busines by an Act of Parliament which will avoid the pardon; "especially seing now the Duke's Grace hath by his freinds disavowed you and your books and doctrine in open Parlement on Friday last." (This was written March 27.) "And the pardon extendeth but to offences particularly named against the King, and this is supposed to be against Church and Common- welth. For the privilege (of Convocation) they intend not to infring it, but when all things be redy, you shall have notice, and you may come if you will. But come or come not, they will procede at the last to condemning of your books." Thus much out of my frend's letter, whom I must conceale, and therefore burne this letter, or kepe it close; by which you see their resolution, and that it is to no purpose to say any thing for my self or cause unto them. My only desire to be with you, if possibly I could, is to knowe what you must not or dare not write, for I misbode some greate matter. But I hope you will gett it downe to me nowe. I sent my man on purpose. You may trust him with a letter and me to burne it afterward. I confesse I mervale the Parliament holdeth so longe, and that they thus daudle out the King with doing nothing. Att the very beginning of the next weeke I purpose, God willing to be with you. For I suppose before, the L[\ords\] will take no greate notice, and I knowe most, alway, that is objected. But, above all, I never yet repented to referre the ordering and directing of all businesse to God, who knoweth more and seeth farther then we can. I have not yet heard or seen any of their messengers. If he come, I meane to give him that answere you advise, and I was resolved; to which you see my frend also did direct me, who would fayne persuade me they procede without all passion in this busines. The old woman that kept my Lord of Gloucester's house is dead of the plague, but not in his house nor nere it, nor hath she been there a good time. There are twenty persons in our pest house, beside 6 or 7 houses infected. God help us

and rid us out of our trobles. I besech you write your minde, and longe, and if it be very expedient that I come up, come life, come death, I will be with you. Referring all unto God who [\...\] (\Vale.\) Your assured R. M. Aprill 20, [\1626.\] To the w=ll=. my most assured and worthie freind. Mr. Jhon Cosen, Chapla [\...\] the Lo. B=p=. of Durha~, this at Durha~ hou [\...\]

[} [\LVIII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Good Ihon, I hartely thancke you for your letters, though what should I say? His Majesty will defend, and they will oppugne. Let them, so he do: or let him leave them and me to our pens. I can not come if I would. This day I ended the fift fitt of a tertian ague, which maketh me so short. Remember my love to Mr. Selden, and tell him were I in case I would have written

to him. He did ingenuously and like himself, but disire him to putt that confidence in me that I willingly would make him arbitrator, and as they have informed agaynst me by libell, so desire him to gett me a copy thereof, that I may answere by libell. Though if it be as you write, that I am by them [{accused{] of sedition, it is capitall, and I must not beare it. For the rest, (\rideo\) . I understood before of Austen's good case. After his danger it was the first question I asked Sir Ihon Leeds at his returne to Pettworth. God be blessed for his helth. Remember my love to him, and tell him God hath not don this for nothing, but to have him putt to his hand, and stand with us in the gap against thoise domesticke enimyes the Puritan faction, in my opinion as daungerous to Church and Monarchie as the nowe banished. But God's will be don. I repent me not to have offended them, and stirred the hornetts' neast. I hope my reward wilbe elsewhere for it. (\Vale\) , for I can not stand long. Your assured R. Mountagu. Pettworth, Whitmonday, [\1626.\] To the w=rll=. my assured freind, Mr. Ihon Cosin, Chapleyne in house to the Reverend Father in God, the L: Bishop of Durham, att Durham house, be these.

[} [\LXIV. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, This present Saturday, August 26, I came to London to do my duty to my Lord Duke, because I missed him att Windsore, where I mett our worthie true frind, who did me the honor to dyne with me att a fish diner upon Fryday. He and I had much talke (\pro et citra`\) of occurrences. He shewed me a letter from your self, but no word of one thing was there. Wott you what? (\Aiunt te conjectum in vincula, sed nuptiarum.\) The suborner was the author and I told it our frind. I was feyne to break promise with our frind. I told him I would come upon Sunday morning to his house, and go with him to my Lord Duke, but it was my good happ to dine with his Grace and my Lady Denbighs the day before, that is on Saturday, where I mett, and had much good talke with, that worshipfull the Lady Faulkland. I also became acquainted with my Lord Duke's mother, the Duchesse of Buckingham. I hope well. Were I with you I would tell you what discourse we had. (\Litteris autem loquitur.\) I had good spech with his Grace, and noble assurance both for him self and his Majesty, which I trust wilbe to my content and yours. I stad so longe there that my Lord of Worcester, who that day came out of Wiltshire, was gon to Bromly before I could gett free, and my Lord of St. David's, (\quondam\) , was gon to Croydon, (\cur ego nescio\) , unlesse about his newe bishopricke. The election is returned and royall assent passed, so that nowe he is (\Electus Bathon\) . The rest sleepe, and shall yet a while, (\quousque\) things be fitt. Dr. White shall have Carlile, but (\de Exonia` ampliandum\) . Dr. Mawe is of, Dr. Hall on. Bishop Murray ernest by the

King's Atturny. [^LATIN AND GREEK OMITTED^] The French are all gon, but no (\Evangelia\) for my Lord or you. There be new French come to Durham house. Our worthie frend did what he could to avert them, but the King could not tell howe to dispose them, and so there they must be, but not long, it is promised. The Queen hath thre preists, Father Phillipps, I thinck, her Confessor, a Scottishman, Father Godfry, and Mr. Potter, all honest moderate men as they say. I have much to say, but (\cora`m\) . The French ladyes are all gon, I thincke. There be of her Majesty's bedchamber the Duchesse of Buckinghame and the Lady Savage; Roman Catholicks. The rest Protestants. My Lord Percy is M=r=. of her horse, the Lord Montgomery is Lord Chamberlayne. The allyance you spake of is made. I hope (\bono publico, et nostro privato\) . My Lord's Grace is wonderous well, God be thancked. The Commons, (\nescio quomodo, quibus auxiliis\) , do deny to lend money. The shipps are going out. Captyne Porter goeth. Our worthie frind tells me he will stay att Portsmuth before he goe, and will take Pettworth in his way. There is a booke come out against me since you went, by one Prinne, a lawer. (\Nullus vidi adhuc.\) So little do they care for authority. Dr. Featly did insinuate to my Lady Denbigh disavowing Puritanisme, and all he had don against the Appeale. I thincke I have cast a bone in his way. I came but lately from Pettworth, therfore you must not look for much newes from me. I am booted redy to ride, therfore I can not enlarge. Remember my service to his Lordship. My commendations to Dr. L. who envieth your felicity, therefore (\ambit uxorem\) . So Mr. Subcantor told me.

(\Vale.\) My sone Stokes remembers his service to you both. I am glad you are become an honest man. (\Tuissimus\) , R. M. August 26, [\1626.\] Westminster. To the w=ll=. my worthy frend Ihon Cosen, Archdeacon of Yorke, att Durham, be this. Leave this att Durham house, to be delivered to Mr. Holmses to be sent as directed.

[} [\LXVI. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, (\Salutem in Christo\) . I have no much newes, nor occasion to write, but only that the bearer being att Pettworth so opportunely, and to take Durham, at least Mr. Blacston's, in his way, I would not lett you go (\insalutatum\) . I spake with my Lord Duke's Grace since I wrote my letter last unto you, which I hope you had from Durham house. (\Idem semper\) , and so am I. All that I sayd was, I refer'd my self wholy to his Grace. You like not this modestie, but why not. If I should erre in settling upon any thing, I might thanke my self. Now I putt it to God, and do what is convenient. All wilbe for the best. I can not heare of my Lord of Bath and Wells, where he is. The Bishopricks are not yet bestowed nor resolved that I can heare of. Privy seales go abroade and deepe to some brethren. I hope they shall pay. There be 1000 men of those that went the last voyage billetted in Sussex; as many, they say, in Kent. Dr. Good hath left the Archbishop's service and Mr. Jeffryes of Pembroke hall is in his place. Make as much hast as you can I pray. It is time for you, I hope, to come and see your unckle. If you knowe not the meaning of this proverbe, enquire. Lindsell, I understand, invieth our felicity, and would also turne honest man. I will not say [^GREEK OMITTED^] , but it is almost to late. Let him make hast, and over take you and me. Commend me to him, and to your Fan, though unknowen. If you bring her not up, I hope you will make hast downe. My service to my Lord must not be forgotten. (\Vale, et precibus nos juva. Nos te.\) Your assured, you know who, by the hand. Sept=r=. xi. [\1626.\] [\ADDRESS TORN OFF.\]

[} [\LXVIII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Good Iohn, Att my returne home I found a letter and 4 or 5 shetts of paper sent unto me from one Thomas Procter, a man unknowen (\de nomine et facie\) . It was a tract against the Bishop of Chichester, for divers errors of his in point of Predestination. The first was, that though we be justified frely, yet not without respect to faith; (\et sic de electione\) , out of Rom: iii. 24, 26: the 2, that though it be with respect to faith, it is farr from Pelag[\ianism\] , etc. and so of the rest, a modest but quick stile. I guessed it some honest ingenus layman's, and such he was that delivered the papers to the waterman, and will require them. I had but little time to read them over, but did twice, and sent him some observations. I lett him understand of my going to Pettworth, but if [{it{] pleas'd him to repayre to you and Dr. Lindsell, that you would advice him for the best. I sent to him to lett me understand his state and condition more fully. He specifieth twice that he hath written of this argument, which I never sawe. Did you? If you have any newes for us, lett us have it, and what you thinke of things, how they are like to goe.

(\Uttcunque\) , I will dispatch my answere to the Bishop, and so lett it rest for a good time, if God send it. Remember me most kindly to Mr. Porter. I am now, upon better thincking of it, of your mind, if I might have Exeter, but not else. If the king be resolved, methincks it were best to destop them: but [^GREEK OMITTED^] . Upon Thursday, except any thing hinder, I am for Pettworth. I could wish our Deane were a Bishop, and some of you, or Dr. Lins[\ell\] , our Deane. (\Optima speranda, quaecunque evenerint ferenda.\) I am sory you are for the north this summer. I shall thincke long till you returne. Your loving frend, R. M. Jan. 19, [\1626-7.\] To the w=ll=. my worthy frend, Mr. Ihon Cosen, att Durham house, this.

[} [\LXXV. - FROM ARCHDEACON COSIN TO BISHOP LAUD.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN^] Right Reverend and my Right Honorable good Lord, my dutie in most humble wise remembered. The licentious libells lately printed without licence, and vented out into all parts against me, have made me the subject of every man's censure; and by them that either doe not know, or doe not affect me, I am, I know not how heavily and how hardly burdened. But being long since inured to such kinds of injurie and slander, I am the better fitted to beare it now; and knowing how forward the iniquitie of this age is to take advantage of any, though never so just, opposition, I have resolv'd to make no other answere then (\Dixi, custodiam\) , and to take no other revenge upon such intemperate malice then contempt and silence doth upon a scolding and unbridled tongue. Howsoever, doe what I can, I shalbe censur'd still; if I hold my peace for peace sake, there are enough that will take it as a most certaine argument that I lack what to say in mine owne defence; and if I doe but open my mouth, to say my Creed for truth's sake, there are enough to make angry informations against me that I cannot be quiet. But in the judgment of grave and sober men, I trust my credit shalbe neither one way nor other impayred, and if I may find patronage and approbation (^above^) , it shall not much move me what they doe or say (^beneath^) . For which purpose I most humbly beseech his

Sacred Majestie, the only Supreme Govenour [\...\] all to continue his gracious protection over me; and your Lordship's goodnes to be a meanes for the same. It is his gracious defence against the overgrowing faction, more then any private revenge, that I seek, against these two barking libellers, whose chastisement I am bound to leave to their governement and autoritie that they have so notoriously and impudently also abused. The accusations which they bring against me about altering of the Common Prayer Book, your Lordship can best tell how peevish and vayne they be; specially if you have called for that booke from the King's Printer, which they say I have so magisterially noted. Some marginall directions indeed I wrote at the instant request of Bill and Norton, to be a help to them in the amending of such faults and omissions in their severall volumes, for which they had bin a little before schooled by your Lordship, upon warrant and command from his Majestie. Notes for other alterations I made not, unlesse it were here and there for the beautifying of the book with sundry characters and fairer letters then before, or for the printing of the (\Pater noster\) at large. There were divers false and misnamed lessons noted, [\IN MARGINE:\] [^79 WORDS FROM As TO Christ.^] As the 1 Lesson at Evensong upon the day of Circumcision, and the 1 Lesson at Mattins upon the day of Epiphanie: the first of these ending where it should begin; and the 2=d= most improperly set for a (^proper lesson^) , being the xl, whereas it should be the lx, of Esay, by which transposition of one letter the people in many churches are told of S. John Baptist, when they shold heare of the Gentils coming to Christ. which in the great book they have not yet amended, and in the Calendar, where they begin to reckon the Kalends of, or before, every month, they have let the name of the month stand still in the same character and in the same order with the Saints dayes, as if Februarie and Hilarie were sainted both alike. For the adding of the Ordination Booke, (as I often acquainted your Lordship and my Lord of Winton) it was grounded upon the Statute, An Act of Parliament made 8=o= Elizab. cap. I.

which revives the Statute of King Edward the 6th, wherby the Book of Ordination was to be, and was accordingly annexed, added and printed to and with the Book of Common Prayer, as also to have the same force, vigor, and autoritie &c. I have since look'd further into the warrant of this addition, and I find that in the last Canons and Constitutions, where by the 36 Canon we are all tyed to subscribe unto (^three Articles^) , the second of them runs in these termes, viz. (^That the Booke of Common Prayer, and of Ordering of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, conteineth in IT nothing contrary, &c., and that IT may lawfully, &c.^) : words which manifestly shew that our Church reckons them both to be (^but one and the same Booke^) ; and enough, I trow, to quit me from any presumption in this behalfe, wherewith, they say, I am so generally charged. Besides, all this hath bin done in my absence from London. I was not there either to force or to oversee the presse, neither did I commend or enjoyne any thing, but intimate and direct only (as the printer requested) what shold be done, leaving him to take warrant either from his former copies or from the Acts of Parliament, or from them that were now in autoritie and place for that purpose. These things I make bold to call unto your Lordship's remembrance, that, if need be, your honorable favour [\...\] towards me, together with your religious care of all ecclesiasticall affayres, may make use herof, for the satisfying of many great persons, who for want of knowing these things may peradventure take some exception also at that which is done. I am now resident upon my Parsonage of Brancepeth,

a remote and quiet place, which I cannot name without a most lowly and thankfull remembrance aswell of my Lord Duke's noble grace as of your Lordship's honorable disposition towards me, by whose goodnes I enjoy it: and for whose length and peace of dayes I cease not here to pray even every day in God's sanctuary, as my duty is. But ceasing to withold your Lordship any longer from intending the multitude of those great affayres wherein you are (happily I doubt not) imployed, I humbly take my leave and rest. Your Honor's most bounden and true humble servant, Jo. Cosin. Brancepeth, June, 1628. To the R=t=. R=d=. Father in God, my very honorable good Lord, y=e=. L=d=. B=p=. of Bath and Wells, one of y=e=. L=ds=. of his Ma=ties=. most hon=ble=. Privie Councell, These.

[} [\LXXVI. - FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGU TO ARCHDEACON COSIN.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, Your letter came too late for me to speake with any Parleament men concerning your businesse. The Session was concluded and they risen, but had it come sooner, do you thincke me gratious there, who should have ben left out of the pardon, if there had ben any, and their petition might have prevayled. I knowe no man I can build upon in that Assembly, but nor you nor I need greatly feare them, for what have we don? They cannot convent you, being a member of the Convocation. By the Statute of Hen. 6. viii=o= [\anno, cap:\] the first, the Convocation hath all the privileges of either or both houses, which they acknowledge

in my case, who yet (\post tot et tantos strepitus\) here nothing of them, and now I am told his Majestie hath gratiously graunted a pardon for us all that are such (\cordolia\) to them. I could in a sort have wished you had ben sent for, for then we should have enjoyed your company, as you promised me in Easter terme, and we should have schooled you for the 180 tapers upon Candlemas night. We must be wary and wise, you and I especially, and (\Dum furor in cursu est, currenti cede furori\) . It is well resolved not to rejoyne to those bandoggs, but [^GREEK OMITTED^] and expect better dayes, at least not to scold with scolds. [^LATIN VERSE OMITTED^] Newes I can send you none but what you knowe, and Dr. Linsell can tell you, concerning my self and others. Only remember me to your wife, though unknowen, and if I were a Bishop I should send a Bishop's blessing, as you have the prayers of your Pore true loveing frind, Ri. Mountagu. London, July vii. [\1628.\] To the right w=ll=. my very worthy freind, Mr. Ihon Cosin, Archdeacon of York, att Durham.

[} [\LXXVIII. - FROM ARCHDEACON COSIN TO BISHOP LAUD.\] }] Right Reverend and my verie honorable good Lord. Since the copie of Mr. Smart's Sermon was sent unto your Lordship, he hath, beyond all example or expectation, preferred foure Indictments against us, at these last Assizes here in Durham: one, that we place our Communion-Table the wrong way; another, that we stand up and sing the Creed after the Gospell; a third, that we use waxe lights and tapers; and a fourth, that Mr. Burgoyne hath set up an altar in his church at Warmouth. All which were by him suppos'd and urg'd to be superstitious or unlawfull ceremonies, and contrary to the Act of Uniformitie, &c. A great noise here was about it, and tongues began to walk at large, but they had done o' the suddaine; for the Grand Jurie found nothing, and the Judge, Sir James

Whitlock, with whom they consulted, (as the use is) rejected the Indictments in open Court, letting the country know that he knew no law whereupon they should be grounded, and adding that the man deserved no small punishment who, in this unwonted sort, had gone about to disgrace the Church, and to dishonour the solemnitie of God's service there, where himself had been both an eare and an eye witnesse that all thinges were done in decencie and in order; urging, further, the commendation and defence of those particulars against which he tooke exception whose spleene was too big for his brayne. But since this devise would take no effect, (unlesse it were shame to him that invented it) we are threatened with further complaints, and he sticks not to professe it openly that he will fetch us all into higher Courts than these: neither will the furie of so hot a spirit be stayed till he hath set all on fire, unlesse he be cool'd by autoritie. With this passage I thought it my dutie to acquaint your Lordship, and so to take my leave, after I have told you that Dr. Lindsell is lighter by 21 stones than he was before he took his journey from London, having been troubled here with that disease these three weeks, but now growing to a faire recoverie of his health; for which, next under God, the physitian sayes he is beholden to his long travell, which by stirring of his bodie hath beene a meanes to remove and send away those tormentours that otherwise might have handled him with greater crueltie, if not ston'd him to death. God keep him in health, and God reward your Lordship for rewarding his learning and goodnes with a dignitie of our Church. I pray for your Lordship's quiet and long life, ever being Your most humble and true servant, Jo. Cosin. Branspeth, Aug. 19, 1628. To y=e=. R=t=. R=d=. Father in God, my very hon=ble=. good Lord, y=e=. Lord Bishop of London, one of y=e=. L=ds=. of his Ma=ties=. most hon=ble=. privie Councell, These.

[} [\LXXXV. - FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGU, BISHOP OF CHICHESTER, TO ARCHDEACON COSIN.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD MOUNTAGUE TO JOHN COSIN^] Honest Mr. Archdeacon, I would I could give you the blessing I desire, either I would come to you, or you should be with me; for (\praefiscine` dico, Non inveni similem; omnes sua quaerunt\) : and it was written unto me lately, by my Lord of Cant[\erbury\] that my greate friends, so he phrased it, would take no blowes for me. In good time, and yet it may be their owne heads may smart. You in the north, I in the south, are the object of toungs and penns, and I must

be unbishop't a geyne. But thretned men, they say, live long. So may wee, [^GREEK OMITTED^] . For my own part, (\audio, rideo\) . Yet

our Master is mindfull of us, for Mr. Atturney told me himself the King had given him expresse charges to draw a pardon for you and me. I have it not, for some interloper hath clos'd it with Dr. Sibthorpe, Manwaring, [{and{] Jackson. Yet this last refused it. So would I, but that (\gratiae\) are not to be rejected. Were you here I would speake my minde freely. I dare not write. But I have none like yourself. Beshrewe you for going to the north, and send you some occasion, though against your will, to draw you to the south. That good lady I have not seene lately. She was then nere childbirth when that Ravailliac gave the dismall blowe, and since Bartholomew tide I have not been in London, being hindered with my new incumbrances, and since with a durty journey not fitting a crasy body. Our good friend Mr. Porter is not returned. God Almighty send him back [^GREEK OMITTED^] . Dr. Collins by my Lady Denbigh's importunity hath his patent confirmed for Windsore, and is in expectation for the next. He had it before the Duke's death. Our Deane would fayne be any Bishop. Nowe removes wilbe, I would we had you there. My Lord of London can do what he will, can you not prevaile with him? I am not feissable. Happly with others I could putt on. My desire is to be with you some where. If you can let us see you this spring. (\Vale, vive.\) (\Tuissimus\) , Ri. Cicest. Nov. 23, [\1628.\] My wife remembers her love, and dreames of you sometimes. To the w=ll=. my most worthy and loving freind Mr. Ihon Cosen, Prebend of Durham and Archdeacon of Yorke, att Branspeth by Durham, this. Leave this at Mr. Blakiston's shoppe, at the three Pigeons in St. Paul's Churchyard.

[} [\LXXXVIII. - LETTER FROM ARCHDEACON COSIN (PROBABLY TO BISHOP LAUD).\] }] Right reverend and my very honorable good lord. I trust your Lordship will pardon my boldnes, and give way to my necessitie, if I still adventure to trouble you with matters

that concerne my safetie. Mr. Smart is questioned at Yorke for depraving the solemnitie of Divine Service, and, to be even with some of us, (wherof I must alwaies look to be one) he will not suffer all to goe unquestioned here at Durham: where he hath taken advantage of the time, the Bishop's absence, with other concurrent helpes, and preferred severall Indictments against Mr. Burgoyne and myselfe at these last assizes, before Judge Yelverton, the same which Judge Whitlock, the yeere before, had rejected and cast out of the Court, as knowing no law wheron they shold be grounded, and allowing what we did with much approbation in the Church, charging the Jury to admit of no such presentments, but if any doubts were about the manner of celebrating any Church service, to referre the parties that doubted to the Bishop, according to the order in that behalf provided by the Preface to our book of Common Prayer. But it shold seeme the law is falne out to be otherwise this yeere then it was the last, and it is false doctrine to say now as Judge Whitlock did: for we are taught, and the Jury stood by, That as some men have bin punished and deprived for refusing to use some ceremonies commanded in the Church by law, so other some are as punishable, if they shall dare to use any other rite, ceremonie, ornament, or order whatsoever, which is not expressly appointed in the book of Common Prayer, and if any such were indicted that they should then be punished at the Assizes. Wherupon, we are like (they say) to be indicted the next time for our organs and our cornets, together with the candlesticks and tapers upon the Communion Table, there being no such things expressed in the book. But these Indictments which Mr. Smart hath now preferred against us, how frivolous and how malicious they proved even in Judge Yelverton's owne judgment, what conference he had with us, about our better agreement and unitie hereafter, what his apprehension was both of Mr. Smart's spirit and ours, what his reprehension was of such smart and fierce and unchristian courses, (these were his words) and last of all what my temper, actions and behaviour have bin all this while, I humbly beseech your Lordship that this bearer, Mr. Duncon, and Mr. Deane of Lichfield, at his returne, may at your Lordship's leisure relate unto you. In the meane while the Judge hath stay'd the Indictments from any further publick view or prosecution, untill he hath consulted with your Lordship, my Lords of Durham and Winchester, for reasons best knowne to himself. When he speaks with your Lordship I trust he will give a better testimonie of me then my adversaries are willing to have him, and your Lordship may assure both your self and him, that I am not so carefull to mainteyne what I doe, as to doe nothing but what

I may justly mainteine. I beseech your Lordship to continue your goodnes toward me, without which mine enemies are too strong and too mightie for me. God Almightie encrease your strength and honor with long life. I take my leave and ever remaine, Your Lordship's to be commanded and most devoted servant, John Cosin. Branspeth, July 26, 1629.

[} [\LXXXIX. - FROM ROBERT BLAKISTON TO ARCHDEACON COSIN.\] }] Nephew Coosins, I am animated by the testimony of my kind neighbour Mr. Martin of your favourable loving speches lately spoken on my behalfe, to certifye, and, I hope, satisfye you of some aspertions, and thereby some unkindnesses worse taken then intended by either my brother Marmaduke or me, if they might peceably and without offence be examined according to the true meaning of either partye. But first give me leave to satisfye you concerning that sinfull and therfore damnable calumniation reported of me and my then maide. I protest, as in the presence of God, I never had carnall knowledge of hir or any other woman dead or living, my two wives, now with God, only excepted. For the other hard esteeme of me in difference between Mr. Braidley his Curate and me, I must neads saie I could and yet can prove sufficiently, if it were to re-examined by your selfe with free libertye and without offence taken against the witnesses, who will saie that on the 9=th= of May 1628, he did revile me approbriously, calling me base scurvye rascall, and strooke at me very eagerly, when I did much forbeare him, partly for that I thought he was not himselfe through his distemperature, not fitting a man of his function, but especially for my brother his sake, thinking he would have given him an open rebuke for his open miscarriage against a naturall brother, for he denied before

him with execrable imprecations that he did not misdemeane himselfe either by word or deed as I have related, which I conceived was then too much beleeved, and which, if I cannot sufficiently disprove as aforesaid, I will submitt my selfe to your hardest censure. For the other unkindnesses, I will, for my part, burye all in utter oblivion, as it becometh me in Christianitye, preparinge my selfe to receive the assured seales of my redemption and salvation at this appointed holy feast, freely forgiving and desiring forgiveness of all the world. And namely concerning my lettere to my brother, your father in lawe, I doe confesse I writt more earnestly and passionately then I should, and for that and any other thinge wherin I have given just cause of offence, I am very sorrye, and doe hartely desire you to be a meanes that we maie be conjoyned in that brotherly affection that we ought to be and formerly have bene. And so, my love remembred to you and my neece, I take leave and rest, Your very loving uncle, Robt. Blakiston. Durham, 22nd March, 1629. To my very lovinge nephew, Mr. John Coosins, one of the Prebends of the Cathedrall Churche att Durham, and Pastor of the Churche of Brandspithe, give these.

[} [\XCIII. - FROM DR. COSIN TO THE BISHOP OF LONDON.\] }] [^TO GILBERT SHELDON^] Right reverend and my very honorable good Lord, I am sorry that these letters cannot speak that which I know your Lordship is desirous to heare, concerning our peace with my Lord of Durham; whose displeasure (when last I took leave of your Lordship at London) I thought had bin fully at an end; for so he assured me at my departure from him. But here I find it is otherwise, and am like to feele it too, unles the innocencie of my cause and the benefit of the law may help me, or otherwise it shall please your lordship of your goodnes to interpose. I will crave but a little leave, and tell your lordship briefly how it hath fared with us since my Lord's last comming to Durham; who, within a few dayes after, was pleased to hold his Visitacion, (which he had begun the last yeere among us) and thereat, openly before us all, to declare his great displeasure conceyved against Dr. Lindsell and my selfe, for the speech which we had with your Lordship at Fulham, and which it liked his Lordship to call (^accusations and articles preferred against him^) . It further pleased him to tell in particular what they were, and to answer them, as I suppose he had done before to your Lordship, and afterwards caused the letter which your Lordship sent copied out unto him to be publikely read by the Registrar, calling it a libell, and a saucie letter, after much time had bin otherwise spent about the examination of it. This was done the first day. But now more lately, after divers meetings, when I thought all anger had bin past, his Lordship was pleased to come and prosecute his Visitation in the Chapter house, and there presently to tell us that now he intended to proceed against them that had misbehaved themselves towards him, and first of all to begin with me, whom first he meant to be rid of, and to rid me out of the Church. For which purpose he had drawne certeine articles of misdemeanour against me (of which I trow the pretended

articles exhibited against him to your Lordship and the letter are the greatest) which he willed his Registrar to enact and record, with an admonition to appeare 14 dayes after. Wherupon I perceive his Lordship's displeasure lyeth hard upon me, although I have laboured many waies to observe him, and no way to give him any just cause of offence, not knowing wherin it is I shold so displease him, unlesse it were in being with Dr. Lindsell at Fulham, when your Lordship was acquainted with the alteration of our Church service, and in deferring my voyce to the confirmation of Mr. Parsons' patent, which shold not have bin deferred neither longer then till his Lordship's comming hither into the country, for that some of us were desirous first to speak with his Lordship about it. I dare trouble your Lordship's many occasions and patience no further, but humbly craving the continuance of your honorable favour and good opinion towards me, I submit all my actions to your Lordship's censure, which (without sute of law) I wish might put an end to these matters, that were at first so private. But if, in the mean while, it shall please my Lord of Durham still to proceed unto my danger and prejudice, I trust it shall not offend your Lordship if, by the advise of councell, I shall legally refuse and decline his Lordship's intended censure, having already so openly declared himself against me, and threatned to turne me out of the Church, wherin I desire to serve God with diligence, and daily to pray for your Lordship's health and honour long to continue. I rest ever at your Lordship's command and service, Jo. Cosin. Branspeth, Sept. 24, 1631. To the R=t=. R=d=. Father in God, my very hon=ble= good Lord, the L=d=. Bishop of London, one of y=e= L=d=.='s= of his Ma=tie's=. most Hon=ble=. Privy Councell, these.

[} [\XCIV. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN TO GILBERT SHELDON^] Right Reverend and my verie Honorable good Lord, Since the late letters wherby I was bold in my instant necessitie to implore your Lordship's favour, wee have made 3 dayes appearance before my Lord of Durham, and yesterday was the last: when without any such severe proceedings by Articles or otherwise, as his Lordship had before resolved, he was pleased to end this his Visitation; and, after some orders made for the

Church, and some proposed (though not yet enacted) to bring disgrace upon us, together with an open reproofe, and a large declaration of our supposed malice against Mr. Smart first, and then against Mr. Deane of Durham, and last of all against his Lordship, to dismiss us from further attendance. All which time wee have borne his Lordship's pleasure with silence and patience, more then was expected. And still Mr. Deane of Lichfeld and my selfe are humble suitors to your Honour that you wold be pleased at his Lordship's comming to London to move him effectually (as wee have often done (\frustra`\) ) for the laying downe of this his Lordship's great and undeserved displeasure conceyved against us for the discourse wee had with your Lordship concerning him, and for the letter: and that wee may have publick peace and common favour with him at least, if his more reserved affections be cast upon some others, that never honor'd him so truly as wee have done, and that upon speciall regard and reverence therein had to your Lordship's owne contentment. The world takes notice here of my Lord's high discontent against us, being so often and so publikely expressed, that advantage is most likely to be made of it, both by Mr. Smart and others, to no good ends. Wee wish it otherwise. In the meane while wee beseech your Lordship most humbly (both Dr. Lindsell and my selfe) to continue your wonted and honorable favour towards us, and giving credit to no objections till you have heard us speak, alwaies to number us among those of whom your Lordship may be right well assured they are ever observant of your commands, and most ready to be ordered and guided by your wisdome and fatherly directions. God encrease your dayes and honour. Your Lordship's most truly and humbly addicted servant, Jo. Cosin. Durham, Octob. 22, 1631. To y=e= R=t=. R=d=. Father in God my very Hon=ble= good Lord, y=e= Lord Bishop of London & one of y=e= LL.=s= of his Ma=tie's= most hon=ble= privy Councell, these.

[} [\XCIX. - FROM DR. COSIN TO JOSEPH MEDE.\] }] Sir, You have been ten times as good as your word; for every copie of your book that you sent me (besides mine owne) I have had many solemn thanks returned me from those friends here upon whom I bestowed them, all which I returne and bestow upon you againe. They read it over and over, and are so well affected with it, that wee all say here (except one, of whom I shall tell you hereafter) it will certainly conduce to the settling of men's minds and judgments in this question, more than all the other writings which have gone forth about it.

2. It was well you wrote to my Lord's Grace of Canterbury, and that your letter was so well accepted by him. I am now writing to him myselfe; and I shall not faile to doe you all the good offices that I can, as you well deserve. 3. Since my comeing from Peterhouse, there is a little organ bestowed upon us, for the scholars' private practice of singing in the parlour. They write me word from thence, that, if it were once put in tune, it might be of good use to us. I shall therefore desire you that you would suffer (^your^) workman (whom I think wee may best trust) as soon as you can spare him, to bestow a little pains upon it; if, for that purpose, Mr. Norwich, or some other of our fellows, shall come and make request unto you. 4. News here is none, but of their (^Stone Sunday^) (as they call it) from Scotland: Where, the very last Sunday but one, after the reading of the new Service Book in the Cathedral Church at Edinburgh, they had like to have slaine their bishop with (^stones^) , and pulled him all to pieces, for bringing in among them (as they said) the (^new English Masse^) . The tumult and uproar was made by 2000 of the baser sort of people, but set on, as it is thought, by others. The complaint is gone up to the King, and in the meane while many are in hold. This in Edinburgh Cathedrall. For, in the King's chapel there, and in four other dioceses besides, the liturgie is accepted with all alacritie, and performed with as much diligence as any where among us. I commend my love heartily to you, and rest, your assured friend, Jo. Cosin. Durham, 4 Aug. 1637. To the worshipful my very good friend, Mr. Joseph Mede, fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge.

[} [\C. - FROM WILLIAM MILBOURNE, CURATE OF BRANCEPETH, TO DR. COSIN.\] }] Right Worshipfull, My humble service remembred to you and to M=ris=. Cosin. I have forborne to write unto you because wee had nothing extraordinarie

falne out in the parish, but the seducing of George Dowthwaite's wife to Poperie, which, what strange tumults it wrought, I doubt not but Mr. Leigh hath related unto you, hee being an eye-witnesse of some of them. But for the conclusion of all at the Sessions last Richard Fawdon can declare it unto you. Robert Barker hath sawne timber for sieling the roofe of the middle alley in the Church; and hee saith that it shall be finished this summer. But now hee is, and hath bene long at Sedgefield, about new seating the Church there. I pray God wee get offering money enough to pay for the worke: for the offerings this yeare came but to 6=li=. 3=s=. 5=d=., whereof a third parte goeth to the poore; and Robert is to have 9=li=. for his worke, besides the timber allowed him. When M=ris=. Cosin was at Branspeth last, shee spake to mee to make a note of all the timber in the parsonage yard. Whereupon, I, with the helpe of Robert Barker, tooke an exact view of all, measureing everie piece that was worth any thing, and setting their contents downe in a booke. And now I send unto you a copie thereof, here inclosed; together with myne accompt of moneyes received and disbursed for 3 quarters of a yeare. We like well our new lord, Mr. Cole, for his liberalitie to the poore. Hee sent at Christmas 20=s=. for them, and other 20=s=. at Easter: and yesterday (the Court being at Branspeth) hee gave mee 10=s=. to be distributed among them. I hope my brother of London hath bene mindfull to send you some of the bookes of that copie which I made bold with your worship to read before it went to the presse, intitled by mee (\Sapientia clamitans\) . The two first treatises in it (as I heare) are Dr. Jackson's, which I allwayes suspected by the stile; as you may remember I sayd unto your worship. And the other (some say) is a sermon of Dr. Donne's. I am mightilie vexed at my brother, because it is so printed upon the title page as that men being unacquainted with the matter take mee as the authour,

and not as the publisher onelie. I gave one of them to my Lord of Durham, signifying the truth, that I was onelie the publisher. His Lordship (I heard) read it, but liked not the opinions in it. I was with him afterwards, but hee sayd nothing at all to mee about it: yet I thought I saw in his countenance some alteration from that which it used to be to mee formerly. On the contraire I heare by Mr. Duncon that my Lord of Norwich, having one presented to his Lordship at their first coming forth, read it, and gave it a verie high commendation. Thus, with my wife's humble dutie to your worship and M=ris=. Cosin, I humblie take my leave, committing you to the protection of God, and resting, Your Worship's to be commanded, Willm. Milbourne. Branspeth, April 20. 1638. To the right wor=ll=. and my verie good friend, M=r=. D=r=. Cosin, y=e= Master of St. Peter's Colledge, in Cambridge.

[} [\CII. - FROM DR. RICHARD STEWARD TO DR. COSIN.\] }] Sir, Yesterday there was a peace signed. The Scottish army is disbanding, his Majestie's castles will bee speedily delivered. There is an assembly indicted at Edenburgh Aug. 6, and a Parliament

Aug. 20, where his Majesty is by promise to bee in person. But for the poore Church I can tell you little, only I hope well, and I have good groundes for my hope, if thinges bee not marr'd in the handling. Were I with you I could tell you something in your eare, but will only write my selfe, Yours most assured, Rich. Steward. Campe, Jun: 19. 1639. I am trobled for the poore Church. God Almighty send things settle well. To my very worthy freind, D=or=. Cosin, Canon of Durham.

[} [\CIV. - FROM DR. STEWART (PROBABLY TO DR. COSIN.)\] }] Sir, When I told you our gratious Master was in better constitution of body then heretofore, I conceav'd I had fully satisfied you.

For though I both found and left him in those principles you speake off, yet I could not but imagine that his so Princely and Christian carrige ever since that time had made this so plaine to the world, that the attestation of my letters had been to as little purpose as to adde a ray to the sun. For the Uxbridge business I cannot but continue in my former opinion. Yet, Sir, your desires have that power with mee as to make mee act to the contrary were I here able to serve you in that particular, but my papers being from mee, and they not sufficient wholy to doe your businesse without some helpe from others which now are in the handes of a freind or two (whom by God's blessing wee may one day speake with) I shall bee a sutor to you for your pacience in this thing, and that you would bee pleas'd to rest satisfied with this faithfull promise that I will observe your commaunds, so soone as I am free into a condition to obay you. 'Tis not, I thinke, possible for mee to satisfy you about my L[\ord\] of Cant[\erbury\] since if all I knew were put downe 'tis not sufficient to doe him right. A man hee was very much a Christian, of great integrity of minde, both toward Church and State. And though in some malitious braines his booke did not cleare him from the taxe of Popery, I am confident his death did: so that ever since I have not observ'd that in any pamphlet of theirs they have cast that fond aspersion so much as upon the King himselfe. Before hee died they did not believe themselves, but since his martyrdome (for so it was) they could not so much as hope to draw others to beleive &c. 'Tis true that hee had but little love in the Court, and 'tis as true that it was cheifly for this reason, because hee there found so little honesty: there being but few of the greater quality whom hee had not some time or other much contestation with, either in defending his Master from abuse, or the Church from injury. But whether this, and many the like trueths, bee fit for the pen of an historian, I must wholy leave to your judgment: as being confident you remember both that speach and the author of it, "That if a man follow trueth too neare at the heeles, he may perhapps loose his teeth." What great thinges hee design'd when hee was put into power, and how many of those designes

hee brought to perfection, a scribler (you wot off) hath donne him the favour to put out in his Diary: a booke that, because 'twas publish'd by an adversary, has been farre the more for his honour, though hee owe nothing to that wild brute who put it out, because for want of naturall logicke hee conceav'd it had made against him. What hee alter'd in the Church was only to bring her nearer unto the rule of her owne Reformation; that is, the text as 'twas understood and practis'd in the best and most primitive times. This I can adde farther, that hee had an inclination to have alter'd the too frequent use of the oath (\ex officio\) in the High Commission; at least to have proposed his conceipt of it in Parliament, and to have had it regulated (as much as in him lay) by the helpe of some well studied law, but not to abolish it, because 'tis of so great use in all kind of goverments. For his morralls, all know hee liv'd not only free from scandall, but his life was exemplary, and fit for a Bishop, both in regard of his hospitality and of other his good workes, which were indeed of a very eminent greatnesse, if they bee compar'd with his fortune. I had said enough had I said no more then this, that hee was very free from covetousnesse, and a very excellent freind. I find that sentence you name in Grotius, and in that very page you quote, 270, edit: Amster: in fol: (\Reges qui bello solenni victi, regnoque exuti sunt, cum aliis regni bonis et jus legandi perdiderunt\) . These are his owne wordes, and I conceave they hold true, (\jure gentium\) . And, for satisfaction to your last quaere, I shall only returne you some more of his owne wordes, as the best commentary on him selfe: [^LATIN OMITTED^] Those rites hee names Lib. III. c. 3. The cheife of them is publicke denunciation, of which hee thus there speakes [^LATIN OMITTED^]

I rest, Sir, Your honor's most humble servant, [\Rich. Steward.\] [\UNDATED. PROBABLY WRITTEN IN 1695.\]

[} [\CVIII. - FROM DR. COSIN TO DR. STEWARD.\] }] Paris. April 7, 1651. Sir, Yours of the 15 March (which was sent me by the L. H.) begins with a complaint that you have not heard from me for a long time, wherunto I can returne no other answere but that I wrote to you not long since by Antwerp in Dr. Morley's letter, afterwards by Mr. Crowther in his letter, and after that againe by a letter directed to yourself, at Mr. Browne's house in the Acheroom at the Hage. In the last I tolde you somewhat of your votary, who wilbe (I feare) too volatile and slippery for either you or me to hold with any tye whatsoever. You may doe well to propound such cases of conscience as I doe: whether it be lawfull to goe against one's conscience? to doe that wilfully which they know will offend God and all good people? to refuse the Sacrament at Easter in that church which yet they daily frequent? to beare us in hand they stay still with us to be satisfied, having before hand made a desperate resolution not to receive any satisfaction at all? but to delay a while for the credit of the cause, least it should look like a thing too rashly done; which yet was done at 2 houres warning after the letter (wherof I told you) had bin received, and some other such discontents suddenly reflected on? for this resolution (forsooth) was taken and told to others, (that will hold it fast) before ever either you or I must heare of it. If afterwards wee have any thing to say, they will give us the heareing, and then an end; but the affront shalbe the greater, for then it shalbe given out, that wee said what wee could and could avayle nothing. Yet for all this, if you will write, I have promise and vow both made to me that your letter shall not be seene by any other but

the party alone to whom you send it, and to mee. And truly it were not amisse if you wrote a chiding (no perswading) letter, for that may perhaps doe some good. Your G. [\? gold\] is still safe. I would I knew how to doe more service then I have done for you with the L. H. [\? Lord Hatton.\] who sayes he wilbe true to you, but complaynes every day for want of money, which the sequestrator delayes still in the tenants' hands. They talk much here of my L[\ord\] Jerm[\yn\] going into Scotland, whether the K[\ing\] hath earnestly invited him, but I know not what to believe of it. The D[\uke\] of Y[\ork\] is not yet provided for here, and till that be, he will not

be invited higher. The alterations are many in the French Court, but I have no skill in them. Dr. Dunc[\on\] is gone againe into Italy, and I am left here alone, where the weekely taske that I must live on will kill me, as it has already made me as leane as Lent. When the D[\uke\] has wherewithall, it wilbe very graciously done of him to supply the wants of them that need. Sir, I am Your most affectionate and humble servant, J. C[\osin\] . M=ris=. Hodges sends her service, and her receipt here inclosed. I pray, Sir, let this letter inclosed be given or sent safely to Dr. Morly, as soone as may be. I know not where he is. For my R=d=. friende, Mr. Deane Steward, Deane of the King's Chappell, These, in Holland, at Breda, or the Hage.

[} [\CIX. - FROM DEAN STEWARD TO DR. COSIN.\] }] Hage, May 24. 1651. Sir, The Duke's invitation to France being yet, it seemes, uncertain with you, hath staid him now at this place, and though his H[\ighness\] should come to you, I am in some doubt whether I shall attend him or no; for some reasons I shall acquaint you with when it shall please God that we may meet: but for the wordes of Sir H. Wo: I heed them not, being a person that altereth his mind with the time, as the French doe their exchang of monies. By way of answeare I have receav'd my L[\ady\] Kil. letter,

which I pray thanke her Ladyship for, and let her know that I therefore reply not, least I should be troblesome to no purpose, but when the gayety of this new chang is pass'd, I hope to find a time when it may be for her good to troble her, especially if the good newes which we lately heard from Scotland be true; but I must heare more before I send it you. Pray keepe the letter safe by you which I sent her. I have acquainted Mr. Crowther with the bookes provided for the Princesse Royall, and that they are to be put into Sir Edward Hyde's hands, of whose entertainment with you I pray send me worde in your next. The sequestration I feare will signify but little, although it were taken off, as I sent you word not long since, nor know I what to say but that wantes will shortly, I feare, come upon me, and I may pinch while another hath so unworthily consum'd my mony. I shall not be so uncivill as to desire you to put your selfe to any troble for my sake that may hazard the good opinion you have with that Person, only pray still doe me the best offices you can without prejudice to your selfe, and send me word by the next whether, if the Duke come to Paris, that Person will not remove himselfe: for if I doe come to you I may perhapps tell him a tale in his eare. I extreamly pitty your condition, and would mend it did I know how, but those 2 divines I mervaile not at. Sir, I am truly yours, R. S[\teward.\] For my reverend freind the Deane of Peterburgh, at the Louvre.

[} [\CXII. - FROM DR. COSIN TO MR. SANCROFT.\] }] Sir, I received the favour of your letter, and that which you were pleas'd to send with it, by the hands of this gentleman whom you recommended to me; and truly I am so much in love with him already that as I should have taken delight to doe him any service, so am I sory to part with him so soone. But what ever his suddaine revocations be, which will not suffer him to stay here any longer for the present, yet I thinke he goes away from us (\cum animo revertendi\) ; and when I shall have the honour to see him againe, I will make it my busines to be better acquainted with him, and be ready upon all occasions to attend those good offices which you mention, or wherein I may be any way usefull and serviceable to him. In the meane while, he will have the pleasure and benefit of being neere to you, whose religious and prudent instructions

have already render'd him so great a lover of virtue, and fix'd such principles of faith and good life in him, that by the grace of God he will remaine most constant and true to them all. I am right glad to heare still (as I have bin told by divers persons heretofore) how firme and unmov'd you continue your owne standing in the midst of these great and violent stormes that are now rais'd against the Church of England, which, for my part, notwithstanding the outward glory, and dresse that she had, be in these evill times taken from her, yet I honour and reverence above all the other churches of the worlde: for she beares upon her, more signally then any other that I know does, the marks of Christ, which, when all is done, wilbe our greatest glory. For the favour which you sent me I render you many thanks, and though you call it (\tantillum\) , yet it will help me to a greater purchase then I should have bin able here to have made without it, (\totus enim sum in conquirendis bonis libris\) . And besides, the token is the more acceptable to me, because it comes from a person whose worth and virtue is at a high value with me, and of whose good acquaintance I have bin long desirous. Mr. Damport (who truly is (\ad mentem meam\) ) will say the rest, and tell you after what condition wee make shift here to live in this place, where I am, Sir, Your most affectionate and humble servant, J. Cosin. Paris: Feb=r=. 3 1656. For my very worthy and honor'd friend, Mr. W. Sandcroft, at London.

[} [\CXIV. - FROM DR. COSIN TO MR. SANCROFT.\] }] Paris, June 26. 1659. Sir, By the order which you were pleased to give unto Mr. J. Abeels of Amsterdam, I have here at Paris received 119 crownes tourneis; which being so great a supply to my present condition, and comming from so good a hand as yours is, layeth a very great obligation upon me to returne you my most thankfull acknowledgment of your speciall kindnes and favour to me herein. It may well be that I am in this particular likewise beholden to Mr. Gayers, of whose generous freedome and (\bonte`\) I have had divers testimonies heretofore. Mr. Abeel's letter names him not, but yet I heard from Mr. Damport some while since, that you and he were together at Utrecht, where I beseech God to send his best blessings upon you both. I have of late lost the force of my reading eye, (having never had but one for that purpose) and I am endeavouring every day, by the art and help of the most skilful oculists here, to recover it againe, wherof they put me

in good hope, when the cattarhaque is once come to maturity, which they say will be about 8 or 10 months hence. In the meane while, not to be able to read (nor to write but by guesse, as now I doe) is the greatest misery that ever yet befell me. I desire Mr. Gayers and you to accept my thanks, and with the continuance of your good affection to me to let me have the benefit of your prayers, who am, Sir, Your most assured and humble servant, J. Cosin. For my very much honor'd fr=d=. Mr. William Sandcroft, att Utrecht, or elsewhere, These.

[} [\CXV. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN TO WILLIAM SANDCROFT^] Paris, Aug. 28. 1659. Sir, I have received yours of Aug. 9, but my sight is so obstructed (as it hath bin now these 5 or 6 months together) with a catarraque in both my eyes, that I cannot, without much difficulty, either read or write any letters. Yet I neglected not to make my acknowledgment in writing, and to give you thanks for what you ordered to be paid unto me here at Paris in June last, though it should seeme my letter is not yet come to your hands. And therfore I will here renew my thankfullnes to you againe, being more obliged to you for the severall good supplyes you have bin pleas'd to make and procure to me then I am any way able to recompense. And what I say to you, I beseech you say for me to Mr. Robert Gayer, whom I have great reason, among others that freely disperse their piety, to affect and honour. His intended journey and yours into Italy, (where you can see little els but vice and vanity,) if God blesse our hopes now begun in our owne country, will be soone at an end. For wee are here assured that there is in England a considerable armie of ten thousand about Chester, and divers others in severall parts of the Kingdome, that are resolv'd to put off their new masters, and to call in the King, who with his brother the Duke of York, is already gone that way, to attend God's good pleasure and blessing upon us all. I am glad to heare from you that my history of the Scripture canon pleased you so well: but it was my late sitting up at nights to follow that work that lost me the vigour of my eyes, and will now retard me, till I recover my sight, from perfecting

any other such treatise, which I intended to publish, wherof that which Dr. Morley shewed you, if God give me leave, is like to be the first. Of Dr. Duncon's purpose to doe any thing, either about our ordination or other subject, I never heard, and I give the lesse credit to that report which you had of him, because I have not heretofore observed any inclination in him to bend his studies that way, and now all his imployment is to make sermons before the English merchants at Ligorne and Florence, where (if your journey should hold through Italy) you will be sure to find him. Of Mons=r=. De Labadie I am able to say little, but I have bin inform'd here by those that knew him well, that he was never either Franciscan or Oratorian, but brought up a while among the Jesuites, whom he forsooke, and afterwards became a chanoine in Picardie, and a zealous preacher there, from whence, upon Cardinal Richlieu's displeasure stirr'd up against him, he remov'd to Languedoc, and changing his religion first became minister at Montaban, then at Orange, from whence he was invited to the French Congregation at the Chappel by Somerset house in London, but being offered better conditions at Geneva, there you find him. The motives of his conversion I have not seen, but they here that have both read them and know him well, though otherwise they speak well of him, give no great commendations of his books, and I shall not seek after them til my eyes be better able to read them then now they are. Your inclosed letter to Mr. Abdy in London I sent away by the English post upon Wednesday last, and to morrow night I shall send the other by the Holland post to Mr. Honywood. When the books that you have bought at Geneva, or ought els, come hither to my hands, I shall take care to preserve them safely for you, till you be pleased to dispose further of them. I write hastily at a guesse, with my eyes at my pen's end, the faults wherof you wilbe pleas'd to pardon, and to continue your good affection to, Sir, Your most assured and humble servant, J. Cosin. My service humbly presented to Mr. Gayer. (\A Monsieur, Monsieur Sandcroft, Gentilhomme Anglois, chez Monsieur Perrot, Rue des Chanoins, a` Geneve.\)

[} [\II. - FROM THOMAS SHADFORTH, ESQ., TO DR. COSIN.\] }] Right Worshipfull Sir, The hearinge of your safe arrivall at London is great joye and comfort to all your relations at Eppleton, for which great blissinge my heart doth praise the Lord, and all that is within me praise his holy name. The Lord doth execute righteousnesse and judgment for all them that are oppressed with wronge. And haveing allso notice that it was the generall course of all the Clergie in your condition to give coppies of a declaration to the tenants in present possession of all the personages, vicarages, gleb lands, and other theire former rights, to intitle them to all the present profits, and allso in case of opposition to inable them to have a tryall at law the next assizes; I have, on your behalfe, bene at Branspeth, Ellwicke, and the Little-towne, neare Pittington halle garth, and don for you accordingly. I hope there will be noe opposition of any; unlesse by Mr. Midford, who purchased the Little-towne, formerly yours. Mr. Christopher Michelton is sollicitor for you, who will retaine counsell, that a

tryall may be had the nest assises, in case he stand out. I desire to have two lines from you, how you approve of what is done, and what further commands you will lay upon me. Delay would be prejuditiall to you, wherefore let me heare from you by the first post. Your relations at Eppleton doe give theire best saluts and love to you, and soe doth he who is, Sir, Your loveinge brother to serve you, Thomas Shadforth. Eppleton, y=e= 16th of June, 1660. For the right worshipfull and highly hon=rd=. Doctor Cosins, these present, London.

[} [\V. - FROM MR. CHRISTOPHER MICKLETON TO THE SAME.\] }] [^TO JOHN COSIN^] Sir, Upon Munday, the 30th of July [\SIC, SED.? June\] , I preferred your petition, which you signed the Saturday night before, together with Dr. Naylor's, Dr. Basire's, and Mr.

Smith's, and afterwards, I procured Orders for you to this effect, viz., " (\Die Sabbathi, 23 Junij, 1660.\) Ordered by the Lords in Parliament assembled, That all Tythes, Glebes, and other profitts of or belonging to the Rectory of Elwick in the county of Durham, and other ecclesiasticall living or benefice of John Cosin, Doctor in Divinity, who hath beene sequestred or ejected without due course of law in or since the times of the late warrs, be, by authority hereof, stayed and secured in the hands of the Churchwardens or Overseers of the poore of the said Parish, until the title of the said sequestred John Cosin and the present possessor thereof shall be determined by the further Order of Parliament or Eviction by due course of Law." Which Orders I sente downe to Durham by the last Tuesday post to be put in execution, and by my letter I desired my sonne to send for your brother Shadforth and some of his sonnes, or whom he should thinke fitt, and Mr. Blakeston to goe along with him to Elwick about the securing of your tythes and profitts of your Glebe there, from whom I have received a letter, dated 2

August, in answer, to this purpose: That after he got to Durham upon Munday 30 July he forthwith sent for Mr. Shadforth, who came to him the day after to Durham, and my son gave him an account of our proceedings, which Mr. Shadforth did well approve of, and Mr. Shadforth appointed that he and Mr. Blakeston would upon Friday next after goe with my son about your busines; after which I expect to have a further accompt from him, which shall be communicated to you by, Sir, Your very humble servant, Christofor Mickleton. Clifford's Inne, 7 Aug., 1660. For his hono=ble=. Friend, John Cosin, D=r=. of Divinity, Deane of Peterborough.

[} [\VI. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME, THEN BISHOP ELECT OF DURHAM.\] }] [^FROM CHRISTOPHER MICKLETON TO JOHN COSIN^] My Lord, I doe humbly and heartily congratulate your Lordship's happines and ours in having so honorable a patron and champion for our Church as your selfe to be our Bishop. I wish your honor long to continue in that place amongst us. My Lord, I formerly certifyed your honor by my letters that wee had obteined a verdict for you at Durham, at the last Assises there held, against Bowy the intruder, but upon Bowye's sollicitation and his counsellor's intreaty they soe farre prevailed with the Judge that Bowy had liberty to stay till the 23 of this Oct: to convey away his goods, which was granted unto by your counsell, with the assent of your brother Shadforth. Now of late I spoke with Mr. Shadforth, who told me that your Lordship, or your sonne in law, Mr. Burton, desired a copy of the Order which was made the last Assises at the tryall, but because he, nor none for him, did call upon me for it, I thought fit to send a copie thereof by this post, which copie is here enclosed. I intend (God willing) to waite upon your Lordship at London in the beginning of the terme, where and when I desire to shew myselfe more serviceable to your Lordship, and to be alwaies accounted what I really am, Your Lordship's humble and faithfull servant, Chr. Mickleton. Durham, Oct. 11, 1660.

[} [\X. - FROM DR. JOHN COSIN, BISHOP ELECT OF DURHAM, TO MR. SANCROFT.\] }] Sir, Yesternight the Bishop of Carlisle brought me word that Dr.

Ball must, of necessitie (as he alledgeth) bee at Ely upon the day when we are to be consecrated; and therefore wee are now become solecitors to you, as I told you my intention was before, to undertake the preaching of the sermon; which will bee most thankfully acknowledged as a speciall kindnes and favour done both to the Bishops of Carlile and Chester, and to Sir, Your most affectionate friend And servant in Christ, Jo. Dunelm: (\Electus\) . Durham House Nov. 13, 1660. The Consecration day is like to be upon Sunday sevenight, the 25 day of this moneth. For Mr. Sancroft, at Mr. Beamont's, a Bookeseller's house in little Britaine, without Aldersgate.

[} [\XII. - FROM BISHOP COSIN TO MR. SANCROFT.\] }] Sir, Being otherwise diverted yesterday, I forgot to aske you in what forwardnesse your sermon was at the presse. I pray take care that it may be printed on a faire paper, and with a good large

letter. I hope you ommitt not to insert the forme of your prayer at full length after the division of your text, and in case you have not given order for it, or that the presse hath passed beyond it, I desire you would prevaile with Mr. Beaumont to print that leafe over again. To-morrow I will looke for your company at dinner. (\Caetera cum veneris.\) I am, Sir, Your very loving friend, Jo. Duresme. For Mr. Sancroft.

[} [\XVI. - FROM THE SAME TO MR. SANCROFT.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN^] Sir, I received yours of August 13, immediately after my solemne reception into the Church, and singing the (\Te Deum\) there, wherein there was nothing wanting but your assistance. The confluence and alacritie both of the gentry, clergie, and other people was very greate; and at my first entrance through the river of Tease there was scarce any water to be seene for the multitude of horse and men that filled it, when the sword that killed the dragon was delivered to me with all the formality of trumpets and gunshots and acclamations that might be made. I am not much affected with such showes, but, however, the cheerfullness of the country in the reception of their Bishop is a good earnest given for better matters which, by the grace and blessing of God, may in good time follow here among us all. It is now high time to resolve what you will doe in taking or refusing the Vicarage of Norton, which is situated in a pleasant place of this country, about six miles from the sea, the fresh river running by it, and worth eight or nine score pounds (\per annum\) . If you will take it untill a better falls, it shall be yours; otherwise I pray write to Dr. Herbert about it, and tell him the

conditions of it; if he will provide that his owne small benefice which he now holds in Suffolk may be left to Mr. Glanvile (as he undertooke it should) Norton shall be his; which he will like the better for the neighbourhood and company of my High Sheriffe (Sir Thomas Davison), who is seated in that parish. Let me have either your resolution or Dr. Herbert's in this particular as soone as you can, and if you cannot be perswaded to take it, I hope you will prevaile so farre with yourself, as to come along with him into this country, where you shall with all gladness be received by, Sir, Your most assured and affectionate friend, Jo. Duresme. Our ship is not yet arrived, which keeps me at Durham. - Aug. 22, 1661. For Mr. Wm. Sandcroft at his lodging in Covent Garden, or elsewhere in London, These.

[} [\XVII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN TO MR. SANCROFT^] Sir, Your letter of Aug. 20 came to me after this other of mine, herewith sent, was sealed up, and gone to the post. I have but little time to adde and say more than that I shall be glad to welcome you into this diocese, with a canonry of Durham and the Rectory of Houghton, which, if Dr. Barwick and Mr.

Triplet leave them, will be only in my donation; for his Majestie is to bestow nothing as patron (\pro ha`c vice\) but where he promotes the former incumbent to a Bishoprick, the change of one Deanery for another being no promotion. But you may assure your selfe and my Lord of London that I will bestow the prebend and the parsonage both upon you, presupposing that you will continue my household chapleyne at Aukland till you have made your prebend's house at Durham (which is much ruinated) and the parsonage house at Houghton fitt for your better habitation. I pray tell the gentilwoman whom you name in the end of your letter that I take her message and acknowledgment sent to me very kindly from her: of whom I have a very good opinion, and if you have so too, I think you cannot choose a better companion as housekeeper both at Houghton and Durham than so virtuous a person as she is, is like to make, if you would take his judgment who is, Sir, Your affectionate friend, Jo. Duresme. Aug. 23, 1661. Present my service to my Lord of London (from whom I have not heard otherwise than by you) and say to him that if I should come from hence so soone as he would have me, I shall not be able to provide that money which I promised for the King, nor enough to mainteyne my self and my family all the winter in London, where I spent before, and cannot hereafter defray the charges requisite for house hire, table, and other expenses necessary, then 30 (^l^) . a weeke. The repayres of my two castles here have already taken up all or most of my rents. The

country is exhausted by the late purchasers and growne very poore. My lease fines are very small. My payments to the King, the Queene, and my officers very great, and the late Parliament took away from my Bishoprick more than a thousand pound (\per annum\) . For Mr. Wm. Sandcroft, at his lodgings in Covent Garden, or elsewhere in London.

[} [\XVIII. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN TO MR. SANDCROFT^] Sir, I have yours of Aug. 29, and shall expect D=r= Herbert's answere. Though the Prebend and the Rectory will be in my gift, when they become voyd, yet I shall most willingly not only permitt you, but likewise advise you to make use of the favour which my Lord of London hath offered to you, and to follow the busines diligently, that it may be perfected. Mr. Triplet's resignation may the more easily be had because there is another prebend at Westminster ready for him, but I doe not heare either from you or any body els what is provided or designed for Mr. Deane Barwick, to procure his resignation or cession from Houghton, though I perceive from him that he intends not to keep it at such a distance as London is from it. Therefore (\res tuas age\) . Let my Lord of London make your way, and be confident that I will not putt you out of it. The prebendal house must bee most an end new built before it will be an habitation fitt for you and any companion or housekeeper you shall bring or send thither. What Houghton house is I know not, but the Deane tells me it will cost a good summe of money before it be put into a good condition. That vertuous person whom wee have now twice mentioned I thinke will make a good companion for you and your sister both. The great care and affection that you have for her, and the just regard that she hath againe of you, may in good time prevayle with you to alter your resolution which you formerly had to live single; but doe as you thinke fitt to doe, and as God shall incline your mind. In the mean while, I take not the difficulties which you mention to be invincible either on her part, or much considerable on the part of them upon whom you say she depends; and truly there cannot be a greater act of charity done

for her than to take her out of the danger wherin she lives, and prevent her falling into the fire. But I am not to presse you further than your own inclination in a matter of this nature. I am glad you will be with me about Michaelmas, and then wee may discourse more of it if you please. Give her and all that aske after me the salutes of, Sir, Your assured and affectionate friend, Jo. Duresme. Durham (from whence I am going to-morrow to Aukland), Sept. 3, 1661. For Mr. Sandcroft, at his lodgings in Covent Garden, London.

[} [\XIX. - FROM THE BISHOP OF LONDON, TO BISHOP COSIN.\] }] [^FROM GILBERT SHELDON^] My very good Lord, I am confident that Dr. Barwicke and Dr. Sudbury will answer both our expectations, and that we shall be happy in them. Dr. Triplet gains little by the exchange, for he leaves his living and prebend with you and two other prebends, one in York and another in Salisbury; the person the king commends to you to succed him in his living is one Mr. Tirwit, altogether unknown to me, but often recommended to my care by the King, which I wonder at, since upon enquiry I hear him to be a person of very indifferent parts of learninge or prudence. I have a great kindnes for Mr. Sancroft, and am glad that your Lordship hath so too. When he is the King's Chaplayne for ought I know he is as like to be fixed in your parts as anywhere else, but if there be occasion to use him elsewhere I know you will not be too severe to us if

we take him from you. For those you recommend to me I shall give your Lordship an account of my radines to serve them when we meet, which must be at the beginninge of the Parliament, for the King expects it from all of our order, and when his great busines for his revennew and that of the Church is over any may have liberty to returne to his dioces. He supposeth that none amonge us is so inconsiderable but that he hath interest enough in one or other to promote his busines more effectually than can be done by a proxye. Mr. Brevint will I thinke ere longe come over, and so I will leave him to looke after his owne busines. I begge your prayers, and rest Your Lordship's most affectionate Brother and Servant, Gilb. London. Sept. 3=d=, '61.

[} [\XX. - FROM MILES STAPYLTON, ESQ., TO MR. SANCROFT.\] }] Sir, Yours of August the 29th I have received, and shall give particular answeres to your several questions in the same order as they lie before me in your letter: and first, my Lord is fully resolved to be at London against the sitting downe of the Parliament, in the meane time, besides his owne private affairs, he hath a great deale of business to doe here of publick concerne, as, to confirme all the youth throughout his Diocese, for which he hath set apart next Sunday, being the 15th instant, the place the Cathedral of Durham: the 21st he setts apart for the conferring of orders within the county of Durham at the said Cathedral, and the beginning of October to doe the like for the county of Northumberland, at Newcastle; where he will also call a Synod, and afterwards will doe the like at Durham. Hee preached last Sunday at Durham, and this day at this parish church. 2=ly=, his lodgings, when he comes to Durham, is at Mr. Farrer's house. 3=ly=, all his goods are safely arrived. 4=ly=, his library is a setting up, the greatest part of the bookes he hath here being up already, and the rest will be set up in a day or two's time; the place he hath chose for it is the long gallery at Awkland. 5=ly=, Mr. Ralph Blakiston, who presents his service to you, officiats as his chaplaine until you come downe, which I hope will not be prolonged beyond your intentions, Michaelmass; for 6=ly=, the Deane must leave us, and Dr. Sudbury comes in his roome, whose prebendary of Westminster is given to Dr. Triplet, whose prebendary here I thinke I have very good reason

to beleeve my Lord will offer you, together with the Parsonage of Houghton-le-Spring, which the Deane will resigne at his going hence. And these much for your questions. Mr. Neile remembers his love to his sister, but is prevented writing to her by my wive's letter to me, who hears she is going beyond sea, which troubles Mr. Neile very much, and he saith he cannot write to her but in tearmes that will trouble her, which he believes the thought of her journey doth sufficiently. For he imputes it all to her coming into my Lord's house, which he saith he disswaded her from as much as he could. Mr. Cosin is at present with my Lady Burton in Westmerland, and hath bin all the last weeke. I hope this journey will refresh him, for I can assure you he seemed very deepe sunck in malancholy, and truly I cannot blame him. For he is so farre from being used as an only sonne, that he is not used like a sonne at all. The occasion of all I suppose you are all well acquainted with, therefore at present I need say no further of it, and shall only adde that Mr. Neile, Mr. Forder, Mr. Brignell do present their

service to your selfe and Mrs. Neile, and that none can offer a heart more devoted to the service of you both than he who is, Sir, Your very affectionate friend and humble servant, Miles Stapylton. Awkland Castle, Septemb=r=. the 6=th=, 1661. For Mr. William Sandcroft at his lodgings in Mr. Beaumont's house, a Bookseller, at the signe of the Star in Little Brittaine (these are) London.

[} [\XXII. - BISHOP COSIN TO MR. SANCROFT.\] }] Sir, I have yours of Sept. 12, wherein I find no mention of the last letter I sent to you, and inclosed it with many others to Mr. Charles Gerard. The packet that came now with yours from

France, was a letter from Mr. Brevin, and another from the Princesse of Turenne, to whom if Mr. Durell please to write concerning Bates and his designe (if any such designe be) he will lose his journey. And I pray deale effectually with Mr. Durell for that purpose, and bid him make free use of my name in his letters. I am so full here of the Bishoprick affayres, that I have not the least leisure for any thing els. Upon Sunday last I had a solemne confirmation, with a sermon to that end before it; and yesterday I had another; for the company was too great to goe through with them all in one day, yet I admitted none but those who were duly examined, and brought testimonies besides, subscribed by their own ministers. Busie I am about the reparations of my ruined houses, the very covering whereof with lead and slate (not yet half done) hath cost me more than 500 (^l^) . In the meane while, having bin here 5 weeks, I have not sealed more than 2 leases, nor received more than 70=li= fine for the one, and 7=li=. for the other. The purchasers have made the tenants so poore that they are not able to renew their farmes, and I doubt it will be so meane an accompt which my Commissioners will make me for the rest of my time which I have to stay out here, that I shall returne with a very light purse, and not be able to make good the promise which I subscribed and sent to my Lord of London for his Majestie; yet, though I leave my selfe nothing, that promise I must endeavour to performe; as I trust he will do his to you for the parsonage of Houghton, and the prebend of Durham, where you will find a miserable house, and no president to recover any thing for dilapidations. Since my Lord of London and Ely will have it so, I shall make all the hast I can to be at London upon the beginning of November. The next Sunday I am here to attend an ordination, and the 2 first Tuesdays after Michaelmas an ordinary Synode of the Clergie, one at Durham and another at Newcastle; where I shall preach among them, and put them in some order, if by any fayre meanes I can. My temporall Chancellour is here with me at his sitting in the Chancery Court, and it is a great expense to me, without any profit, as the Judges late being here was, which cost me 150=li=., besides 50=li=.

more which they demand for their salarie. What Mr. Holdsworth brings shall be welcome to me: and if Dr. Herbert comes before I depart from hence, I shall put him into Norton, as I hope he will doe Mr. Glanvile into his Suffolk benefice, which is not half so good. For your owne journey hither, use your libertie: and seing I am so soone to returne, let us meet (as by the grace of God we shall) at London; where at M=ris=. Hatton's house in Russell street, or rather in Westminster, neere where my Lord of St. David's kept, I wish you could, a month or 6 weeks hence, provide a private lodging of 3 or 4 rooms for me, and for your self, together with 3 or 4 servants, for to this number and privacy I must be forced to reduce my family, and to live with a little, having not much to spend, as I have hitherto done, who am, Sir, Your very affectionate friend, Jo: Duresme. Durham, Sept. 17, 1661. My daughters are at Aukland. For Mr. Wm. Sandcroft, to be left at Mr. Charles Gerard's Lodgings neere the Bore's head in Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London.

[} [\XXIV. - FROM BISHOP COSIN TO MR. SANCROFT.\] }] Sir, I was (when I received your last letter) going to Newcastle, where I stay'd from Saturday to Thursday, preach'd there and communicated with many persons upon Sunday: I think the number of people at the Sermon was no lesse then 3 or 4 thousand. On Tuesday I kept the Synod of the Clergie, and made

them my assessors in it, treating them so that I hope (and they assured me all as much) they are well pleased with their Bishop, even Mr. Durant himself, whom only I intreated and ordered to forbeare preaching till he made it appeare that he was an ecclesiasticall person, as he is not, having neither episcopall nor presbiteriall ordination. Dr. Sudbury's house would have fitted me: Dr. Killagrew's is too little, and I feare unfurnished. M=ris=. Hatton, therefore, for want of a better, wilbe the fittest for me, at the weekly rate which I paid before, and upon condition that those roomes be allowed me which I had not before. I purpose (God willing) to be there presently upon All Saints' Day. If I stay a week longer, you shall have notice of it. I saw a letter to-day which tells us that the great Presbyterian preacher in London is silenced; but the letter names him not. I guesse it should be Mr. Baxter, and truly it is high time he should hold his peace, for I think he hath tired both himself and many others with much speaking. This enclosed you will present to my Lord of London, from, Sir, Your assured friend, Jo. Duresme. Aukland, Octob. 11, 1661. For Mr. Wm. Sandcroft, at his lodgings in Covent Garden, or elsewhere, in London.

[} [\XXV. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN TO WILLIAM SANCROFT^] Sir, I am now at Doncaster, and intend to be this night at Newark, on Saturday and Sunday at Stamford, on Monday at Bugden, on Tuesday at Hatfield, and on Wednesday (which is the last of this month and Holymas Eve) at London, where you say

M=ris=. Hatton's house will be ready for me. At my going away from thence in November last there was a bed set up and left in the dining roome, which if it be there still, I pray let it be taken downe, and the roome left free. If any convenient place had bin found out about Tuttle street, or somewhere neere the Parliament House, it would have bin more private and more commodious for me then this in Russell street wilbe, which is a thoroughfare for all company. What order my steward Mr. Arden hath taken for stable roome I know not. He is gone to Rufford, where Sir G. Savil is, and is to meet me at Newark. One of my coach horses and my sumpter horse are dead. I pray God bring me and all my company safe to our journey's end. I am sorry Dr. Herbert cannot prevayle for Mr. Glanvile to succeede him in his Suffolk benefice. However Norton is still reserved for him, and I have ordered my receyvour to lend money for the plowing and sowing of his glebe. In the meanewhile the Church and the parishioners want a good minister to take care of them, and mervayle that all this time of vacancie they should not heare from Dr. Herbert, who hath bin recommended to them by, Your assured and affectionate friend, Jo. Duresme. Doncaster, Oct, 25, 1661. God send my daughter a good houre. Where she or her husband or Sir Gilbert is I know not, nor the addresse I am to make unto your lodging, and therefore I write to you by Mr. Garthwait. For Mr. William Sandcroft at his lodgings in London. Leave this with Mr. Timothy Gartwaite, Stationer, next the little doore north of St. Paul's church in London To be speedyly delivered.

[} [\XXXII. - FROM BISHOP COSIN TO MR. STAPYLTON.\] }] London, Jan. 22, 1661[\-62.\] Mr. Stapleton, I had your letter from Yorke, and that which you sent me from Durham, together with the inclosed from Gravesend; whether [\whither\] that windbound gentleman had (I believe) never come to waite for a wind that will carry him to his undoing if Mr. Farrar had not furnished him with money (which I never ordered him) for his voyage. But let him goe, he is not worth the owning, nor any further seeking after him. In the meane while they that have thus lured him and conveyed him away are most unworthy persons. You will now have time to looke after the house at Aukland and Durham, and all other things that may concerne me in my rents, leases and accompts. It is well that the gentlemen at the Sessions were persuaded to pass over that busines for Knights and Burgesses so quietly.

To the letters that I had about it, and about their desire for my moving here in Parliament to obteyne our 25000=li=., I shall returne answeres hereafter by the posts that follow this. So I pray excuse me till then both to Sr. Tho. Davison, if you meet him at Durham, and to the Sollicitor, and to Mr. Farrar. (\Vale.\) Yours, &c. Joh. Duresme. Send word by Mr. Farrar to Mr. Barnes at Darlington that I desire to know what he will doe about the mill, for I shall stay no longer upon his delay and uncertainties. Let me know also what Mr. Wilkinson hath done with his lease ground neare the Bishop's house there, and what that lease of his [{is{] worth. I heare of one Mr. Rayne hath either bought it, or contracted for it, and that he is willing to part with it againe; as it may well be Mr. Barnes will be ready also to part with his Balywick, &c., for all which Mr. Charles Gerard, if he may have them at no uneasy rate, would peradventure deale with them, for to him I have allotted the House, and the office and otes at Cotammundevill. [\Jo. Duresme.\] For Mr. Miles Stapleton, at Mr. Farrar's house in Durham. Jo. Duresme.

[} [\XXXVI. - FROM BISHOP COSIN TO MR. STAPYLTON.\] }] London. Feb. 13. 1661[\-62.\] Mr. Stapleton, With all the skill wee can use here, your accompt, and Mr. Bowser's accompt of the difference betweene the high and flatt roofs at Aukland, &c., wee cannot bring to any agreement. The staires you propose to be new made at Durham Castle wilbe better if they be deferred till my coming thither to order them to my mind; for if the outward stone case be not made to answere the Towre at the other end of the gallery leading up to the chappell, I shall not like the cost of a new stayre, which the carpenter setts at so high a rate, and whether he intends to allow wood or no, or how many half paces, or of what bredth and height the steps shalbe, you doe not say. Nor doe you tell me what roomes are there finished, fitt to lodge me and 3 or 4 servants in, when I come to Durham, for out of the Castle I would not willingly bee quartered any more, (during the short time I shall have occasion to stay there) though I thinke that house will not be ready this yeere for the entertainment of the Judges at the Assises. Your very loving and assured friend, Jo. Duresme. For Mr. Miles Stapylton, at Mr. John Farrer's house at Durham. Jo. Duresme Franco.

[} [\XXXVIII. - FROM BISHOP COSIN TO MR. STAPYLTON.\] }] Mr. Stapleton, I hope you passe your time in Houdenshire to some good purpose, as well for the finishing of the accompt and repayre of the staiths, as for all other matters concerning rents, leases, officers, and perquisits of Courts there, belonging to me.

If Mr. Bell hath in your judgment deserved twenty marks for his care and paines taken about the staiths, let him have that allowance for his reward; but let him first draw up his book of accompt in such forme as wilbe fitt to be kept among my other rolls of accompt in the Exchequer at Durham. Perfect the accompt in a roll with Dr. Broome, and therein allow him the x=l=. fee for the yeere 1661, and for the former yeere, or part of 1660, give him what gratuity you shall think fitt, according to the paines he tooke for the gathering in of the rents, and the proportion of those rents hee received for me. If he will not enter good bond (that is, by himself and others with him) to secure me my rents and perquisits of Court which he shall receive for me hereafter, you must of necessity endeavour to find out and imploy some other responsable person, who will upon those termes undertake the office, for though I doe not any way question Dr. Broome's honestie and true intention, yet I know his mortalitie, and may well make a question of it, without his offence, whether he be sure to live a day after he hath received one half yeer's rent for me; and if he should happen to die (as wee are all subject to that uncertainty) before the money be sent or paid to me, I would be loth to depend upon his Executors, without a bond to require of them what was in his hands. If, rather then give any such bond, he will needs quitt his office, as he hath often in his letters expressed himself to that purpose, truly I shall think that he doth himself the greatest injury in it, but peradventure having far better imployments he thinkes this too meane for him, and is therefore willing to leave it; in which case one Mr. Tomson of York, (sonne to Mr. Anth. Tomson, late the Bishop of Durham's Register) and one Mr. Dalby of Lincolnshire, (sonne to Mr. or Dr. Dalby, a Divine well knowne) are recommended to me, as persons faithfull and fitt for such an office. And if Dr. Broome puts you to it, you shall doe well to enquire after them, or some other, for that purpose. I have yet made no patent or grant of the Steward's place; only, till I should dispose of it, I intreated Mr. Delaval to provide some lawyer dwelling neere those parts to keep the

courts, and to take care that the under-steward did his duty as well towards the tenants in entering their coppies, as towards the Lord in estreating his perquisitts; neither of which, you say, hath bin regarded. Mr. Delaval will look no longer after it; therefore the Bishop of Lincolne hath commended one Mr. Mellis, an able and honest lawyer, to me for that purpose, who dwells at Lincolne, which they say, is but a day's journey from Houden. If wee be not the better fitted wee had best resolve upon him: but, in the meane while, by vertue of the commission which I sent to you, I pray take care that the Court be kept. And thus I have gone over all that concernes me (as farre as I know yet) in Houdenshire, unless it be the 100=l=. allotted me by the Commissioners of Sewers, which you are to manage the best you may, though you have a hard game to play, now that Mr. Hedley hath spoyl'd it. One of the Nelthorpes was lately there (it may be to stop the Commissioners' order, and to let the mannor of Houden to another tenant). Let me know what he did, but if it was he that gave out a report to the tenants that the Bishop was fallen into the King's displeasure, by that false suggestion and designe to make them hold off from renewing their leases, truly neither he nor they shall fare the better for it, and I merveyle you would give such an untrue report the hearing, and not contradict it with all your confidence, or not tell who it was that made this report to you, when you related it in your letter to Mr. Arden. I thanke God, the King is most gracious to me, and never more then now. When the Session of the Parliament ends (which I trust wilbe within a fortnight) I will presently begin my journey into the north, and there or by the way be glad to see you, being Your assured freind, Joh. Duresme. For Mr. Miles Stapleton, at the halfe-moone in Houden upon Humber, York=s=. Jo. Duresme, Franco.

[} [\XL. - FROM BISHOP SHELDON TO BISHOP COSIN.\] }] My very good Lord, You have inabled me to stop the mouths of some great ones, who cry out against your severity (it seems) without the least cause. The recusants are in that like the presbyterians, who cry out, "persequution, persequution," unles they may do and say what they list. If you have done no more then what you write, you could not doe lesse, and having those provocations in Northumberland, 'twas much you did no more; and that clause in your letter might well have beene spared wherin you say you conceive that I put you in mind that no severity may be used against persons of that religion, because I supposed there might a severity be used not suitable to the lenity of his Majestie's Goverment and the present conjunction. I hope you had not a designe to put an ill gloss upon that which was ment well. If I could beleeve so ill of

you, I should spare my labour and leave what may concern you to other intelligencers hereafter. But I will not trouble you further then to let you know I have done you right, and doubt not but upon the like occasion you would have done the like for Your Lordship's very humble Servant and Brother, Gilb: London. Octob. 28, 1662. For the Rt. Reverend Father in God the L=d=. Bp. of Durham at Durham, pd. 3. these.

[} [\XLIV. - FROM BISHOP SHELDON TO BISHOP COSIN.\] }] My very good Lord, I have received yours and am very sorry for your indisposition. It could not have happen'd at a worse time, for the Church is like to be in great danger the next Session; but your Lordship's health must be taken care of, and therefore if without danger of that you cannot be with us, thinke not of stirringe. But then you must take care you send your proxy in a right forme (wherin I cannot direct you) and I conceive you can leave it but to one. I shall be full, so you must trust somebody else with it. I will, when the time draws neer, aske you leave of the King to be absent. We shall be reproached for the great store of mony we have received. I would be glad to let them know what we have given to the King and expended, if ther be occasion and therfore I desire your Lordship to let me understand what it hath already cost you about your houses &c., and what yet remaynes to be done. This day the Council voted a Declaration to be published of the Kinge's desire to give ease to tender consciences, both Sectaryes and papists, as far as the parliament shall think fit. This I am told, but we shall judg best of it when

published; if it be no more I hope it will doe litle harme. I have ever since the consecration of my Lord of Worcester been much indisposed, and am but newly got out of my chamber with a great cold upon me. As you want not mine, so afford your prayers to, Your Lordships most affectionate friend and brother, Gilb. London. Decemb. the 26, 1662.

[} [\XLV. - FROM BISHOP COSIN TO MR. STAPYLTON.\] }] Mr. Stapylton, I had no sooner sealde up and sent away my last letter to you (Jan: 30) but I received one from Sir Wm. Turner, which satisfieth me in every thing els (and therefore is so farre a (\supersedeas\) to you from speaking to him), save only that he mentioneth nothing of the 145=l=. which Mr. Johnston sent us word above a fortnight since he had conveyed to him for me by bills of exchange. 158=l=. 10=s=. 2=d=. he will enter into his booke as received from Mr. Poquelin for the plate sold at Paris, which I am to accompt with my daughter for here, and pay her asmuch. At the same time I had another letter from the Greek Archbishop of Laodicea, to whom this inclosed is directed. When you deliver it pay him 5=l=. his last Michaelmas pension, which should then have bin delivered to him, and tell him he shall have 5=l=. more at our next Lady Day in March; whereof you will have care.

As you passe through Holborne aske of the painting glasier (I have forgot his name and his signe) neere Hatton house, what he will have for aneiling a coate of armes about a foote and half in length, with the mantlins. Perhaps wee shall have a dozen or 20=tie=. or more of them to put in my chappel windows here. But aske him his price as of yourself, and not from me, least his price be so much the greater. You are long ere you say that the present is delivered for W. [\? Winton\] house chappel. I have received a letter from Mr. Young out of Houdenshire, who sayes that the staiths are pretty well in repayre, 5 of them, and that the rest shalbe looked into assoone as the time and weather serve. He demands also wood for the tenants, who are to repayre their banks, but I know of no wood due to them, or that I have to grant, all being destroyed at Walkington and els where by the purchasers and their agents. I woulde to God you coulde get me a good and a sure receyvor, for this Dr. Broome tires me out who am Your assured friend, Jo. Duresme. From my chamber in Aukland, Feb. 3, 1662. For Mr. Miles Stapylton, at Mr. Sanders's house in Coleman streete, in London.

[} [\XLVI. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^JOHN COSIN TO MR. STAPYLTON^] Mr. Stapylton, I doe not mend so fast as you and others may imagine, for though the swelling of my leggs be abated, yet the weaknes of them continueth still, and the shortnes of my breath will not yet leave me; therfore you might have spared your saying to Mr.

Peacock, who was here with me yesterday, and sayd you assured him that he should meete me upon the way betweene this and London. It wilbe well if I can get out from hence at the beginning, or within a weeke after the beginning of April, for I am but now beginning to learne how I can goe a little abroad and endure the coach, having ventured to creep in it to Durham, for the setling of the Militia there, but returned very sore and weary. J. Joplin hath entered good bond of 1000=l=. to the Sheriffe here that he would render himself to the King's Bench (\corpus cum causa`\) . The baliffe saith that he was bidden to returne by Sergeant Maynard, and threatned if he kept him a prisoner any longer. The returne of the writ you delay too long. I pray take such care that I suffer not by it. If he be injoyned to come back, and enter such bond as shall oblige him to live quietly here, and shew himselfe a good subject to the King, it is all the busines that I looke after; but I trust you will make good your first word, that all shalbe done at his charges. The time now is neere when you are to looke for the rents due from my Lord of Pemb[\roke\] , and my Lord of Salisbury. Take 50=l=. of Sir W=m=. Turner and deliver it to my cosin M=ris=. Blakaby, that she may convey it to Norwich and Cambridge, as she was wont to doe, and pray her to have the receipts thereof (or acquittances) ready against I come, who am yo=rs=. Jo. Duresme. Bp. Auckland, March 20, 1662. I committed the care of Houdenshire to you, but D=r=. Broome is yet in arreare about 300=l=. For Mr. Miles Stapylton, at Mr. Sanders's house in Coleman streete, London. post frank. Jo. Duresme.

[} [\LIII. - FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK TO BISHOP COSIN.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD STERNE^] My Lord, By the last post I received a letter from my Lord's Grace of Canterbury, and therein copies of his Majestie's Letters to his Grace, and Instructions concerning Hospitalls; both which I have caused to be transcribed, and do send them to your Lordship hereinclosed. The speeding whereof, and the returne thereupon to be made from your Lordship to his Majesty by his Grace's

hands I shall leave to your Lordship's care and prudence, and take leave to rest, Your Lordship's very loving brother, Rich. Ebor. Bishopthorp, July 3, 1665. To the Right Reverend Father in God, John, Lord Bishop of Durham, These d.d. att Duresme or Bishop's Auckland. p=t=. p=d=. For His Ma=ties=. service.

[} [\LX. - THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD STERNE TO JOHN COSIN^] Right Reverend and my very good Lord, His Majesty having taken care by Order of Councill and Proclamation, for collections to be made throughout the whole kingdome for the support of those persons and places that ly under God's heavy visitation by the plague, and more especially for the relief of the miserable condition of that great city of London, upon which the great interests of trade and principall strength of the nation depends, hath commanded me to recommend those collections to all the Bishops of my Province. Accordingly I do most earnestly desire your Lordship, and in his Majestie's name require you, to employ your best care and diligence in promoting what his Majesty hath so piously recommended both to you and me, viz. to cause frequent collections to be made in all parishes within your Diocese upon all occasions, and especially upon the Fast-daies, and to see that the monies so collected be duely and speedily brought in to you, according to the Order of Councill, and His Majestie's Proclamation. And when you shall have taken as much thereof as will serve to provide for the present necessity of the visited places within your own Diocese, (if any such be) that you forthwith send the overplus to the Lord Bishop of London, or such person as he shall appoint to receive the same, to be employed for the succour of the miserably distressed in and about London and Westminster, whose calamity is far more to be pityed then any elsewhere, not onely for the rageing of the infection, but even for the very want of necessaries for life, many perishing that way who els might have been recovered out of the danger, and many thousands of poore artisans being ready to starve for want of means to be employed in their callings, all trading being become dangerous and layd aside by reason of the spreading of the contagion. Of what you shall do herein I shall desire from your Lordship a monethly certificate, that I may by the same hand, by which I have received His Majestie's commands, returne an accompt of yours and mine own care and diligence in performance thereof. And so I bid your Lordship heartily farewell and remaine, My Lord, Your lordship's very loving friend and brother, Rich: Ebor. Bishopthorp, Aug. 5, 1665. To the Right Reverend Father in God, John, Lord Bishop of Durham, these.

[} [\LXI. - BISHOP COSIN TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.\] }] Most Reverend and my very Honourable good Lord, Divers moneths since I was directed by letters from your Grace to my Lord Archbishop of York to give your Grace an account of all the Hospitalls within my Diocess, according to his Majestie's commands and instructions therewith sent unto me. But by reason that some of the Masters of these Hospitalls were far removed and absent from my Diocess, and others that were present having been robbed of their Evidences and Records by the late usurping times, it hath put me to a longer search before I could be able to returne your Grace this my Answer, which I now do by this Paper here inclosed, conteyning a full account of all the Hospitalls in my Jurisdiction, and a cleare returne to all his Majestie's comands concerning the severall conditions and state of them, which your Grace may be pleased to represent unto his Majesty and his most honourable Privy Councill, in the name of, My Lord, Your Grace's most humble and most obedient servant [\Jo. Duresme\] . Aug. 6. To the Archb=p=. of Cant.

[} [\LXII. - ARCHBISHOP STERNE TO BISHOP COSIN.\] }] My Lord, I am glad to heare of your Lordship's health, and that the sickness doth not spread with you. Cawood was worse this last week, than it hath been any week since it first began, July 21. There have dyed in all about 45, whereof 13 this last week. Nineteen houses at present shutt up, besides pest-houses in the fields. But (God be thanked) no other town hath as yet received any hurt by them. York also stands sound, though there are many Londoners there. The Parliament (it is sayd) will sit at Oxford Octob. 9. I shall desire (if possible) to be excused. I suppose they will not sit long, and it is a long journey, dangerous travelling, and I beleeve there will rather want roome than company at Oxford. I presume you will, before this letter come to you, have heard the good news from sea, which came hither yesterday. The Dutch fleet being scattered by the late storms, our Navy have light upon some of them. Four of ours have taken 4 of their men of warre, one of 40 gunnes, 2 of 50, and one of 54, two of their East-Indy merchant-ships large and richly land [\? laden\] , and burnt of their Smyrna ships. There are also 8 other merchant-ships taken, 14 in all, whereof account is already given; and they hope to give a good accompt of the rest, our ships being between them and home. I shall give my Lord of Canterbury, or my Lord of London, or both, the

contents of your Lordship's letter. His Highnes hath sent his harbenger to Oxford to prepare his lodgings, intending (they say) to remove thither against the Sitting of the Parliament. This is all the newes I can think on at present. The rest is mine own, and my wife's best services to your Lordship, resting, Your Lordship's very loving brother and servant, Rich: Ebor. Bishopthorp. Septemb. 9, 1665. To the right reverend father in God John, Lord Bishop of Duresme, these.

[} [\LXIV. - ARCHBISHOP STERNE TO BISHOP COSIN.\] }] My Lord, Yesterday I received a letter from my Lord of Canterbury, who (I hope) will get us remote Bishops excused from personall appearance at the Parliament at Oxford, we sending our proxies. I think it will be best to send our letters of proxie with blanks, and with other letters to authorize some to put in what names shall be thought fit, because I doubt there will hardly be Bishops enow there to receive the proxies that will be sent. And his Grace is of the same opinion, and wished me to remember him kindly to you, and to signify so much. We grow worse at Cawood. There have dyed in all above three score, whereof five on Friday

last; new houses still breaking out, above 30 now shutt up. Of nine score families in the town, six score take relief, and of the other three score not many very well able to give relief. York and some other great towns contribute very well, but the lesser villages (I doubt) will be more troublesome to gather then considerable when they are come in. Yet we have sent already to London 50=li=. and hope to send 50=li=. more so soon as we can get it returned. There was (God be thanked!) a good abatement in this week's bill, but their necessities, as we heare, are still very great, and relief will be very acceptable, and the more acceptable the sooner it is sent. Mine and my wife's services presented to your Lordship, desiring your praiers, I rest Your Lordship's very loving brother and servant, Rich. Ebor. Bishopthorp, Sept. 18, 1665. I received your last moneths accompt and sent it to my Lord of Canterbury. Tomorrow sennight (as is yet resolved) his Highness is to take his journey for Oxford.

[} [\LXVII. - FROM BISHOP COSIN TO DEAN SANCROFT.\] }] Durham Castle, Jan=ry=. 22, 1665. Mr. Deane of St. Paul's, I am glad to heare by Mr. Davenport (to whom you use sometimes to write) that you continue in good health during these dangerous times of sicknes, and I should also be glad otherwhiles to heare from you my selfe, for I have very often written to you (that is, to the Deane and every one of the prebendaries of this Church of Durham), and have not received any answer to those my Letters under the hands of any one of you all, and I think the reason is, because the reasons of my just demands are so pregnant and strong, being asserted by other the most experienced Bishops and learned lawyers that no good answer can be agreed on or framed to them. In the mean while I have spent all my fines upon the rebuilding of my Castles, which are not yet finished,

and for all other matters and heavy burthens lying upon me, I am left to shift for my selfe, which truly I cannot do without great difficulty and trouble of mind. The sicknes in these parts, thankes be to God, is well abated, though it lurketh still in some of our quarters. For the maintenance of those that have been and are still infected, wee have been put to lay a sesse upon the countrey, so small were the contributions of the severall parishes throughout all my Diocess, but I have now good hope that upon the account made me, both of those contributions and assessments, I shall be able to spare 50=li=. to be sent unto my Lord of London towards the help of those that are infected still in that city. I shall have the account given me in this day, and if I find so much money remaining, I will return it to his lordship by a bill of exchange to Sir William Turner by the morrowe's post, so wishing you all good health and hapines, I rest, Sir, Your very affectionate friend, Jo: Duresme. For M=r=. Deane of St. Paul's Church in London, These.

[} [\LXXI. - FROM THE SAME TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AND THE LORD CHANCELLOR.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN^] Most reverend and my honorable very good Lord, I heare there are indeavours using to prevale with the King, your Grace, and my Lord Chancellour, to interpose in an affaire betweene my Lord the Earle of Pembrooke and my selfe, and therefore think it fitting (to prevent all misapprehensions which possibly may arise through wrong representations, where one party only is heard) to give you a short account of the whole business. In the yeere 1640 my Lord Pembrook's father, being then Lord Chamberlaine, did, under pretence of the want of a fitt house neare the Court, perswade my predecessour Bishop Morton, a timorous person, to give his consent to the bringing a Bill into the Parliament for the alienating Durham House in the Strand for ever from the See, and setling of it on the Earle of Pembrooke and heires under the fee farme rent of 200=l=. (\per annum\) ; alleaging that the house was rather a charge to the Bishops of Durham then a benefitt, and that the reserved rent would be a great advantage: whereas in truth it was the quite contrary, my predecessours having, besides the accommodation of a house and stables for themselves and their families when they were called up to give their attendance at the Court of Parliament,

used to make a considerable profit in letting part of the house in lease. This bill being brought in found so great opposition in the Parliament (notwithstanding the prevalency of the faction at that time in both houses against the Church) that it could not pass till a proviso was inserted that if the said yeerely rent or 200=l=., or any part thereof, should happen to [{be{] behind and unpaid by the space of six months after any of the termes at which it ought to be paid, that then and from thenceforth the said house should revert unto the Bishops of Durham, as if that Act had never bin made: which clause I am perswaded was on purpose inserted by the lovers of the Church, in hopes that in better times the See might recover its just rights, which at that time, the factions growing high, they could not preserve. At the happy restoration of his Majestie my Lord Pembrooke refused to pay the rent reserved by Act of Parliament till I was forced to bring declarations of ejectment against him, and then he beganne to thinke of taking up the business, and in regard it was at the beginning of the King's happy assuming of his just government and that the Earle was a purchaser from the rebells, the satisfaction of whom was then under deliberation, I was perswaded to decline the forfeiture, and accept of the rent reserved, upon condition that for the future the rent should be punctually paid unto me, without any deduction for publick taxes and assessments; and on this manner the business stood till Michaelmass last, at which time there became halfe a yeere's rent due to me, which after some time that by the good providence of Almighty God London's dreadfull sickness was in a great measure abated, and the inhabitants thereof, together with the King's Court, were most of them returned to their houses, I sent one to demand at Bainard's Castle, the place at which my Lord Pembrook's owne servants desired to have it demanded, and then instead of receiving the rent, or having civill entreaties of forbearance, those that called for it could get nothing but downeright denyalls, my Lord's servants saying that they had not received their rents for the houses, and till they received them they would not pay me my rents. These denyals continuing for six months after Michaelmass, I gave order to my Attorney to make a legal demand of the rent and the (\nomine poenae's\) , and proceed to declarations of ejectment, according to the advantage the Act of Parliament gave me, judging I could do no less without prejudicing both my selfe and my successours, but my successours much more then my selfe, my advantage in likelyhood being to be but small, and of short continuance. And having now proceeded thus farre upon these just and equitable grounds, I am tould that my Lord the Earl of Pembrooke is using indeavours

to your Grace to procure me to desert my advantage, or to get the King to lay his commands upon me to do it; but as I trust his Majestie will not be perswaded to it, so I am confident your Grace is so great an asserter of the rights of the Church that you will no way hinder, but, in what you may, further this See, miserably impaired, first by the loss of Norhamshire and Elinshire, since by the loss of this house, and now lately by the loss of the Court of Wards. Besides, I verily believe, if your Grace please to consider the thing, you will be in the same mind with me, that the Act of Parliament hath determined my Lord of Pembrook's title, and that, if I would, it is not in my power to release the forfeiture so to him but that my successours may recover it from him. And as I can neither ought to do any thing in prejudice of my See and successours, so I hope neither the King, your Grace, nor my Lord Chancellour, will require or desire it of me; for there are many reasons why I and my successours should have the benefit of this forfeiture, but not any that I can comprehend why it should be pardoned to him, it not coming upon him by any surprise, but by his owne and his servants' willfull neglect and obstinacy, who very well knew the penalty of the delay of paying their rents, and I cannot see any reason why this default should be passed over in silence, or why the title given by the Act of Parliament to the Bishop and his successours in this See should bee neglected or waved, but that the same reasons may at any time hereafter be brought why the like default should also be remitted, and so his Lordship may at any time delay the payment of the rent to me or my successours as long as he pleaseth, without any hazard or loss to himselfe. And I am sure it cannot be alleaged on his behalfe that he hath disbursed any thing in the improvement of it, but hath by that gained very large profit, for besides vast summs of money raised by the sale of the lead, stones, timber, &c., he hath without the expence of one penny in the buildings reserved to himselfe a considerable annual rent above the 200=l=. payable by the Act of Parliament to the See of Durham. And whilst he pleased to keepe it as a dwelling house, for which purpose alone his father pretended to take it, that he might be ready to give his attendance at Court, he had a farre better pallace then Yorke house at a less rent then my Lord the Duke of Buckingham was pleased to set out therefore in lands, for which, besides the rent, the Archbishops of Yorke receive fines as the tenants come in and renew their leases. Whereby it will clearely appeare that his

Lordship will be no looser but a gainer by the house, though it do revert to the See now. Whereas if [{it{] shall not revert, I and my successours must of necessity be great loosers, as I have already beene, by its passing from us, a much greater summe then the rent reserved not being sufficient to provide a house and stables fitt to receive our families when any occasion is given us to come up to London, if our stay there be of any continuance. And so begging your Grace's pardon that I have given you the trouble of reading this narrative, which I should not have don but for the interest of this much impaired Bishoprick, I take leave and rest, Your Grace's most faithfull and humble servant, [\Jo. Duresme.\]

[} [\LXXIV. - BISHOP COSIN TO ARCHBISHOP SHELDON.\] }] Aug. 27. 1666. Most Reverend and my very Honourable good Lord, I received your Grace's letter of the 22=d= instant, wherein you express your desires to see me at the next Session of Parliament, and truely, my Lord, I would with all my heart that I were able to come to it, but the severall infirmities of my body grow so fast upon me, and have brought me to such a great weaknes, that my physitians tell me if I do not abstain from this journey now towards winter, and look the better to myselfe in these two following moneths of September and October, I shall hazard the safety of my life. Wherefore I beseech your Grace to obtain for me, from the King and the House of Lords, leave of absence for this time, and that I may make use of a proxy, which I may send to my Lord of London for the giving of my vote upon any occasion. And if it shall please God to give me strength and health by the next spring, I purpose then not to faile of my attendance, this Session so long continuing, or the Parliament being called together againe. In the mean while, I may do the King and the countrey more service here, in this great conjuncture of affaires, by attending the cares of my Lieutenancy, then I can do by coming to give my vote at the Parliament. So praying for your Grace's health, upon whom we all cheifly rely for the affaires of the Church, I take leave, and rest, My good Lord Your Grace's most humble Servant, [\Jo. Duresme.\]

[} [\LXXVI. - FROM COLONEL BYERLY TO THE SAME.\] }] [^TO JOHN COSIN^] My Lord, I being at Goldsborough where I met with Sir Philip could not but give you an accompt of what I heare from him and S=r=. John Gothrich, which is, that the Citty of London is all on a fire. It began on Saterday night last but not discoverd till Sonday morning. The particulars I can not give you any certainty of, but it is said to be as tirrible a fire as ever was heard of. The King and the Queen lay two nights upon Thames, and it is said durst not lodge in Whyte Hall. There are for certaine sixty of the villaines that were active in the fyring are taken in the very act, being French and English. The Duke of Bukingam haith promised to send an expresse tonight or tomorrowe. If there be any occasion for the Milicia to stir, you shall not fayle to receive an accompt of it as soone as I knowe it, which wilbe as soone as ever it comes to hand. In the meane time I am, Your most humble Servant Anth: Byerly. Goldsborough the 8=th=. of 7=br=. '66. Sat. night. For the right reverend father in God, John, Lord Bishop of Durham, these. To be left with the post M=r=. of Darnton, to be sent with speed. p=d=. 2=d=.

[} [\LXXVII. - FROM COLONEL TEMPEST TO THE SAME.\] }] [^TO JOHN COSIN^] September the 9=th=. 1666. Right honourable, Having received your Lordshipp's yesternight, as I was going to bed, I did imediately put on my cloaths, and went to Durham, to confer with the Officers of the troope now quartred theare.

I did acquaint them that theare was some reason for apprehension of dainger from unquiett spiritts in this juncture, and tharfore desired them both to double their guard, and to keepe their petroles constant in the night, that we might not be surprised nor taken unprovided. I did likewise give command to our own officers to provide themselves, and the souldiers here about the towne, that they might be ready upon the beating of the drum, if thear should be occasion, which I thought was all that was necessary to be done upon this occasion. But alass! to-day hath produced such lamentable and sad newes, that it putts us all to our witt's end, not knowing what to say or doe, but we do not at present apprehend any thing of dainger within ourselves which should occasion the drawing together all the militia, and since we have a troope here who keepe a constant guard, and a company of foot at Hartlepoole, I doe not see what necessity theare will be to draw any together at present. I should think it more convenient to reserve our duty till these forces be drawne from us, or that we receive a command from above, which we have alwaies heretofore had upon the like occasion. I beleive the rumor of the Lord Falconberge his drawing his men together, hath risen from the muster of his regiment, which was appointed to be this weeke, more then 6 dayes since, and meeting with this lamentable flame, and the fayler of the post, hath caused it to be otherwaies represented to your Lordshipp, but I shall allwaies obay your Lordshipp's commands when I receive them. I have transcribed a letter from my Lord Craven's steward, which will give your Lordshipp an account of what I suppose you have receivd from other hands. I am in very great haste, and beg your Lordshipp's pardon for all (\errata\) . Your Lordshipp's humble servant, John Tempest.

[} [\LXXVIII. - FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM RICHARD STERNE TO JOHN COSIN^] My Lord, I send your Lordship hereinclosed a copy of an Order made by his Majestie, with the advice of his honourable Privy Counsell, and directed to me, concerning the moneys collected upon the late fast for the City of London; to which I refer your Lordship for your directions in the execution thereof. I onely intreat your Lordship will be pleased to certify me of what you shall do herein, that I may accordingly give an accompt here when I shall be required. I shall be glad to heare of your Lordship's good health upon this and every other occasion. We have litle newes here, onely the last night, about 8 of the clock, the stables of the Horseguard neare Whitehall were (by the carelesnes of a man carrying an arme-full of straw with a candle in his hand) set on fire, and burnt down, to the value of 1000=li=. But, God be thanked, there was such good help, and such care taken, that it went no further. My best love and service tendred to your Lordship, I rest Your very loving brother and servant, Rich. Ebor. At D=r=. Jones' his house in the litle cloysters, Westminster, Novemb. 10. 1666. To the Right Reverend Father in God, John, Lord Bishop of Durham at his Palace there, or at Bishop's Aukeland, these dd.

[} [\LXXXIII. - FROM BISHOP COSIN TO THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON.\] }] [^TO WILLIAM BOLTON^] Durham Castle. Decemb. 14. 1666. My Lord, According to his Majestie's Proclamation and an Order made by his Most Honourable Privy Councill upon the 7=th=. of November last, concerning the collection made in my Diocess for the releif of those distressed persons who were undone by the late dismall

fire in London and the sending of the money soe collected to your Lordship, I have here inclosed a Bill of Exchange for 200=l=. to be paid into your Lordship's hands, and to be disposed of by you according to his Majestie's Order and Proclamation. The Mayor of Newcastle certifies me that he hath paid you in 100=l=. already. The Mayor and Vicar of Barwick send me word they have paid your Lordship 48=l=. And M=r=. Pye, Rector of Morpeth, hath (as he writes) taken order to pay you 27=li=. All which summes of money, coming to 375=li=., I shalbe glad to understand from your Lordship that you have safely received, and when any more shall come in, for there are some parishes yet behind, I shall not faile to transmitt the same unto you, whom I commit to the blessed protection of Almighty God, and rest, My Lord, Your Lordship's very humble servant, Jo. Duresme.

[} [\LXXXVI. - FROM THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON TO BISHOP COSIN.\] }] [^FROM WILLIAM BOLTON TO JOHN COSIN^] Gresham Colledge, London, Febru: 5=th=. 1666. My Lord, This in answer to two of yours, the former dated the 14=th= day of December last, the second of a later date, sending your Lordshipp the thanks due for your pious care in speeding up the charitable benevolence within your Diocesse. I have inclosed an accompt, and desire your Lordshipp to add this trouble to the rest in letting me know how and where to meet with Mr. Ralph Johnson who is to pay the two bills of exchange within this accompt mentioned, that so there may be no default made in looking after them. Wee are all deeply sufferers in the calamity of this famous citty, and have just reason to be thankfull for your Lordshipp's care and charity; the continuance whereof is prayed by, Your Lordship's humble servant, Wm. Bolton, Major. For the right Reverend Father in God, John, Lord Bishopp of Durham. These, at Durham Castle.

[} [\XCVII. - FROM THE SAME TO MILES STAPYLTON, ESQ.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN^] Jan=ry=. 23, 1668 Mr. Stapylton, Being yesternight at Whitehall with the Commissioners of the Treasury, about the stipend belonging to Bishop Langley's Schoole, which what end it will have I cannot yet tell. I pray let me know of you if you have found any thing materiall concerning Bishop Langley's foundation. The Deane here urgeth that it ought not to be called Bishop Langley's foundation, but the foundation of two priests, that set up a Chanterie in the Cathedrall Church for two men to say masse and teach boys gratis, having six marks or 40=s=. a-yeare allowed them for their masses, and, upon the dissolution of chanteries, the two pretended schooles were Edward's foundation, and that ever since the beginning of Queen Elizabeth the Deane and Chapter's

schoolemaster hath received halfe the stipend which belongeth to one of these schooles paid him from yeare to yeare by the Auditor. But first I answered that Bishop Langley, in his Letters patents, dated the 14=th=. of June 1414, cals it (\nostram fundationem et ordinationem\) , as you may see in the Chartuary, whereof M=r=. Bullock the Register subscribed me a copy. And 2=ly=. I answered that the Statute 1 Edw. 6. c. 14. did by a Proviso not newly found, but continue on and save the Schooles from being dissolved which were founded before. 3=ly=. I answered that at this time, during the reigne of King Edward 6, the Deane and Chapter's Schoolemaster was not in being, nor their schoole neither, which was afterwards set up in 2=o=. Marie, and annuall allowances made to it in salary, diet, and livery, out of the common revenues of the Church. 4=ly=. I told them (and I thinke I said true) that if their Schoolemaster had halfe of the pension belonging to the other schooles, it was because the Bishop of Durham had given his consent, and letters of collation thereunto, for so it is provided in Bishop Langley's foundation that if either of the schoolemasters there be not instituted and collated by Letters under the Bishop's seale, and especially sworne both to give obedience unto him, and personally to reside in the houses appointed for them, they should have no stipend at all. 5=ly=. I answered that the 6 markes (\per annum\) aunciently allotted to them (which M=r=. Deane would have the two 40=s=. which you pay out of the Roll) was the stipend allotted for the two Chanterie priests to say masse and teach schoole, so that halfe the six markes at least, issuing out of divers freeholds in the Bishoprick, will of right belong to the Schooles, and that the same stipend of six markes did probably receive a great augmentation by the bounty of the Founder and others, before King Edward 6=th='s time, for so it provided in Bishop Langley's foundation, where the two priests and teachers of youth are made a body corporate, to receive new lands and revenues, and to plead for them against any man that should oppose to pay them. 6=ly=. I pleaded that this augmentation of 40=s=. and 40=s=. (\per annum\) was the Bishop of Durham's voluntary and free gift, among the annuities allowed in his Roll to the High Sheriff and others. 7=ly=. I said that the Auditor must know the persons to whom hee is to pay their several stipends of 8=s=. (\per annum\) out of the mannor of Kaverdby in Lancashire, and that he hath no other means to know who those persons are but by their producing and shewing to him the Bishop's Letters of nomination and collation to their places. And lastly, that, since I was Bishop, the present Schoolemaster could shew no such letters from the

Bishop, nor perhaps any settlement in his place from the Deane and Chapter. I remember, when I was Prebend there, a great stir and question was made by the Organist of the Church about halfe Bishop Langley's Song Schoole stipend, and that one Rangall, a singing man in the Quire, had a contention with him in the Chancery about it, before Judge Hutton, as I was then told. If there be any such matter you may find it in the Examiner's Office, or some other office there. And if my memory be good, I thinke you told me that the Coroner or Collector of my rents at Durham accounted to my Auditor 15=d=., or such a matter, for the ground whereupon the ruin'd houses or schooles upon the Place Greene stood, besides a free rent paid for the Archdeacon's house next adjoining, and some others. Let me know what rents these are, and for what places. For the Deane was positive that the Archdeacon's house upon the Place Greene paid a yearly rent to their Receivor, and that therefore they have an interest in the Palace Greene, as well as the Bishop, saying further that hee never knew any other Grammar Schoole kept in Durham but by their Schoolemaster alone, who was only able to teach the boys Latine and Greeke, according to the words, as hee said, (but hee was mistaken in it, as I said) of that which wee call Bishop Langley's foundation and ordinance. If you can recover the Schoolmasters' names that were in King Edward the 6=th='s time, or at the beginning of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, out of the old Treasurers' books belonging to that time, wee may have some further lyght by them, and either M=r=. Bullock, or M=r=. Hedley, or Robert King, can direct you to get the sight of them, if any such be still extant and remaining since the last rapine of the plunderers; from which God deliver us all hereafter. Concerning the Schooles, besides what I said before, I added, that it would be a very hard thing for the Deane and Chapter to endeavour to take away M=r=. Nicholl's stipend, who was a diligent painfull man, and one of their own body, collated by me to it, and taking paines in his place; all which was in effect to rob Peter and pay Paul, thereby to save so much money out of their own purses. And that it would be as hard if the Bishop should be defeated of his own right (which in all things hee is sworne to preserve) in bestowing that place by collation, which I'm sure the

Deane's Schoolmaster hath not, and without which I know not how the Auditor would pay any man the stipend. I pray search my Register's office for any of my predecessors' grants of those places belonging to Bishop Langley's Schooles. Bishop Morton bestowed one of the places upon Samuel Martin, and, as I thinke, under his instrument and seale. See what this is, and let me know what else you can find about it, either in my Registry, or in my Books of Patents. If nothing will do, it must go to law. After all this, against M=r=. Deane's allegation that the halfe stipend hath been alwaies paid to his Schoole master (which is yet uncertaine) I have this argument, which they call (\argumentum ad hominem\) , to urge, that if (\de facto\) it hath beene so paid for (\dato et non concesso\) , yet (\de jure\) it ought not to have been paid, as M=r=. Deane himselfe and the Prebendaries said in another case concerning themselves. For when their subsidies due to the King were not long since demanded of them by my sub-collectors, who urged this argument that subsidies had beene alwaies paid by the Deane and Chapter's predecessors, their answer was, that they regarded not what had been so paid and done (\de facto\) , but what ought to have beene done (\de jure\) ; and that no law could urge them to pay any subsidies, which though I grant not nor beleeve, yet they of all others should not urge an argument of custome in one case when they deny it in another. But that this stipend was ever paid to their Schoolemaster without the Bishop's licence and grant they can never proove, which I am the rather induced to believe that some such grant was made to them, or to some of them, because they say that M=r=. Smart, M=r=. Inglethorp, M=r=. Walton, M=r=. Smelt, had that house wherein M=r=. Martin now dwells, either to inhabit there or to take the rent of it by letting it out yearly, which they would no waies do unles the Bishop had collated it upon them, and because Bishop Langley's foundation requires both the Schoole-masters there to reside personally in those houses, and to take an oath for that purpose, (^as Vicars use to do, to reside upon their Vicaridges^) . M=r=. Samuel Martin and M=r=. Elias Smith can tell you of this particular matter of the houses before they were ruin'd in their times. (\Et super totam materiam\) let me heare from you.

All this is to your selfe, till we see farther what will be done in it, for the most of the Commissioners promise me a warrant dormant for the yearly payment of those two Schoolemasters, who had my letters of collation, yet now upon M=r=. Deane's opposition, and at his instance, they have taken some time to consider of it, wherein I hope they will follow the rules of honour and justice. In the Auditor's yearly account book for the payment of the 16=li=. 13=s=. 4=d=. spetiall reference is had, and mention made, of Bishop Langley's foundation, so that I know not how they can transferre it to any other. [\Jo. Duresme.\]

[} [\XCIX. - FROM THE SAME TO THE MAYOR AND CORPORATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN^] Mr. Major and the rest of the Corporation of Newcastle, Publick peace being the life of the Kingdome, and execution the life of the laws, it hath been my endeavour to procure and

preserve both, as in my Diocese in generall, so in your Corporation in particular, (being one of the most considerable townes under my episcopall charge) witnesse my frequent letters to you in order to those good endes. I should have been right glad to have seene, and would as gladly to your advantage have reported the good effects, as I am heartily sorry to heare still the contrary; which cannot be otherwise as long as the ringleaders of the factions are suffered to walke at liberty, so expresly contrary to the Act 17 Carol. II., which lyes before you, to which the King's late Proclamation ought to have given fresh vigour. I would faine vindicate the Towne of Newcastle from the foule imputation of being the nursery of faction in these northern parts, which, as things now stand, I cannot do; but rather must, and, according to my duty, will report the contrary to the King and his Counsell, and then any one may easily foresee the evill consequences. Out of my speciall respect to the Towne and Corporation I forbeare still, in expectation of a speedy account that both the Act of Parliament and the King's Proclamation in this behalfe are really obeyed, that is, duly executed. If, as I heare, any of the Seducers pretend they have subscribed, and taken the oath required by the Act 17 Car. II., I desire you would speedily send me their Certificates. Meanwhile, in hope that you will make good use of this, my last warning, tendered unto you out of my tender care for the welfare of your Towne, I commend you all to the Grace of God, and remaine, Gentlemen, Your loving Pastour and servant, Jo: Duresme. From my Castle at Duresme, this 6=th=. of Aug: 1669.

[} [\C. - FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^FROM JOHN COSIN TO THE MAYOR AND CORPORATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE^] Mr. Major, &c. Seeing that the Chapplery of St. Andrew's in the Towne of Newcastle is now vacant by the death of M=r=. Ashburnham, the

late Curate there, therefore, out of my pastorall care for that place, I do recommend to you, and to the rest of your Corporation, M=r=. Robert Bonner, to supply that Cure: the rather because borne in your Towne, and formerly officiating in that Chapplery, and consequently supposed to be both more acceptable, and also profitable among you; and the more, because unblameable both in life and doctrine. For the publique good of you all I shall not be unwilling to dispense with his residence at Hartbourne, being assured that he will provide a sufficient Curate and preacher there, to whom he will give a good and competent stipend for that purpose. I doubt not of your acceptance of this my motion in order to his admission at St. Andrew's by my Episcopall authority. And whereas I was lately informed that M=r=. Bonner had declined this place at St. Andrew's, I have now, since that time, certainly understood that he is not only willing but desirous to attend that Cure, and with all diligence to bestow his care and paines upon it; which desire of his being seconded by the other Ministers of your Towne, I hope you will the better regard it. Thus commending you to God's protection, I remaine, Gentlemen, Your loving Pastour and servant, [\Jo. Duresme.\] Duresme, Aug: 12, 1669.

[} [\III. - FROM MR. COSIN TO MR. SANCROFT.\] }] Durham Castle, Aug, 26. 1661. Sir, I should not, I perceive, appeare in my owne colours, that is, (^soe good a freind^) , as you thinke competent to revive the memory of an absent freind, if I should excuse my long silence. Yet if I could

bespeake that powerfull intercession which I formerly desired, I should not be averse from it, maugre your arguments. For suppose that I did not so wisely in troubleing Archimedes to take up a pinne, yet whilst I rely upon the curtesy of such a freind, (\dulce erit vel desipere\) . Sir, I take the greatest content in the world that you speake to me in your letter so like a freind, and my Lord did professe publikely the content he took himselfe at the receipt of your present to him. I assure you the affectionate expressions he has used in your behalfe will appeare (\ad extra\) , if I may so speake, to have been most reall, and (\ostensio amoris exhibitio est operis\) . You tould me you was become a water drinker. I hope that by this time the recovery of your health has proved the first verse of Pindar to be true. But oh! that I had been at Westminster that Sunday on which my freind preach't there! [^LATIN OMITTED^] For the rest, let freindship, holy freindship, live: and let the loveliest of all the freinds in the world live and flourish; and be our freind for ever. I would (and I think by so doeing I should) returne your civility of sending me one inclosed in yours, by re-sending one inclosed in yours, if I thought that either our freind or your selfe were in London, but if you chance both to be there, I doe still persist in bespeakein a powerfull intercession to excuse mee, but that is none but your owne: and to none but (^soe good freind^) , and for none but Sir, Your most affectionate servant, John Cosin. You have 1000 salutations from hence. To my ever honored freind M=r=. William Sandcroft These p=snt=. Leave this w=th=. M=r=. Robert Beaumont, at the Starre in little Brittaine, London.

[} [\XVIII. - FROM MILES STAPYLTON, ESQ., TO JAMES MICKLETON, ESQ.\] }] Sir, I am very sorry to understand from you that I shall want the satisfaction of your company this day at Christopher Bell's; but more sorry for the occasion, your want of health. I am fully perswaded that the North and South Bailys are no part nor parcell of the City of Durham, and my reasons are these following: - 1=st=. The scituation of the Castle, which stands at the head of the City, and by it, and a wall adjoyning to it strikes quite through from one side of the City wall to an other, in such a manner that if you could continue the City any further then the Castle gates, to make the communication further you must pass through the Castle gates; for, in truth, those gates which we commonly call the Gaole gates are the Castle gates, the Gaole being part of the Castle, to wit, the outwardmost part, and the office of Gaolor is, and alwayes hath bin, by the most antient patents upon record, stiled (\officium Janitoris Castri nostri exterioris\) , and it is not probable that a Castle being built for a place of defence

for the preservation of St. Cuthbert's shrine: for by ancient histories it appeares that was the intention of building it at first, conteining such a compass of ground as would conteine a competent number of households for the defence of the Castle, which hold by Castle gard to come in time of danger to defend the Castle, as by ancient records doth appeare, should suffer such a communication as would much weaken the defence of it, as it must needs do if the City extended through the Castle, for then it would be necessary for the government of the City that the chiefe Governor thereof should at all times have libertie as well in one part of the City as in an other; and indeed I thinke if one part of the citizens were tyed to the defence of the Castle all the rest should be so too, which it is cleare they're not. 2=dly=. The distinct jurisdiction. The City of Durham being a Mannor, and having view of Frank pledge within one circuit of ground, and the Castle being an other Mannor, and having view of Frank pledge in an other circuit, and, I believe, it was never heard that one and the same City should have two distinct jurisdictions, which, in truth, is a contradiction (\in adjecto\) ; for a City implies a body politick, but two distinct jurisdictions by her several chiefe Governors (as the Constable of the Castle, and the chiefe Magistrate of the City, whether he be called Mayor, Alderman, or Bailiff, or by any other title whatsoever) would imply, if not two body politicks, yet surely one, and somewhat more, and would make a moral monster. And this reason is confirmed to me by the constant practice and the words of the Charter, which doth comprehend the whole City to be within the Corporation; but in practice the chiefe Magistrate hath never exercised any jurisdiction within the two Bailiffs, more then they have in the Elvets and Crossgate; and therefore I conclude the first to be no more parcell of the City then the latter. I am, Sir, your very affectionate servant, Miles Stapylton. My service to your good lady. For my esteemed friend, James Mickleton Esq. [^LETTERS OF THE LADY BRILLIANA HARLEY, WIFE OF SIR ROBERT HARLEY, OF BRAMPTON BRYAN, KNIGHT OF THE BATH. ED. BY LEWIS, THOMAS TAYLOR. CAMDEN FIRST SERIES 58. 1854.^]

[} [\I.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE HUSBAND S=R= ROBART HARLEY, KINGHT OF THE BATHE.}] S=r= - Docter Barker has put my sister into a cours of ientell fisek, which I hope by God's bllsing will doo her much good. My sister giues you thankes for seending him to her. I pray you remember that I recken the days you are away; and I hope you are nowe well at Heariford, wheare it may be, this letter will put you in minde of me, and let you knowe, all your frinds heare are well; and all the nwes I can seend you is, that my Lo. Brooke is nowe at Beaethams Court. My hope is to see you heare this day senet, or to-morrowe senet, and I pray God giue vs a happy meeting, and presarfe you safe; which will be the great comfort of Your most true affectionat wife, Brilliana Harley. (^Ragly: the 30 of Sep. 1625.^)

[} [\II.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE HOUSBAND S=R= ROBART HARLEY, KNIGHT, IN BLACKFRIERS, AT MY LO. LEWSONS HOWES.}] Deare S=r= - I thanke you for your letter which you sent me from Tuddington: which gaue me satisfaction of your being well, so fare on your journey: which ascurance of your health is the beest nwes

I can heare, except that of your comeing home. I ernestly desire to heare howe you came to Loundon; and doo thinke your men stay longe: but I hope they will bringe me good nwes of you, and then I shall be well pleased. Ned, I thanke God, is very well, and you will beleeve me, if I say he looses non of his grandfather loue, whoo is better than you leeft him. And no more to you at this time; but I beceache the Allmighty presarue you, and giue you happy meeting with Your most faithfull affectionat wife, Brilliana Harley. (^Brompton, the 10th of Phe. 1625.^)

[} [\III.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE HOUSBAND S=R= ROBART HARLEY, KNIGHT.}] S=r= - I thanke you for sending me word, I may hope to see you at Easter, which time will be much longed for by me. I hope the parlament has spent as much time as will satisfy them in dooing nothing: so that nowe some good frute of theare meeting will be brought to ripnes, which is the effect of our prayers. This day I deleverd the +L100 to my father: which he has payed to Mr. Davis: that mony that was wanting of it, was made vp with the +L50 pounde Mr. Lacy payed for wood. The payling of the nwe parke is made an end of. Yesterday your company only was at Heariford, to shewe what they had lerned, whear Sr. Jhon Skidemore and Mr. Vahan weare judges; and so they meane to be of the reest of the companis, and they haue apointed teen of your company to learne the vse of theiare armes and so to teache the reest. This last night I not being very well, made me seend this day for the midwife, which I thinke I should haue defered to longe. I asure myself I haue your prayers, becaus you haue so great a part of mine: and I blls God that you injoy your health, which I beeg of you to take care of. I thanke God, Ned is well, and I beeg your bllsing for him: and I pray God preserue you well and giue you a happy and speedy meeting with Your most faithful affectionat wife, Brilliana Harley.

I pray you present my humbell duty to my father, and my lady. My cosen Thomkins remembers her loue to you. (^Brompton, the 17 of Mar. 1625.^)

[} [\IV.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE HUSBAND S=R= ROBERT HARLEY.}] Deare S=r= - Your two leters, on from Hearifort and the other from Gloster, weare uery wellcome to me: and if you knwe howe gladly I reseaue your leters, I beleeue you would neeuer let any opertunity pase. I hope your cloche did you saruis betwne Gloster and my brother Brays, for with vs it was a very rainy day, but this day has bine very dry and warme, and so I hope it was with you; and to-morowe I hope you will be well at your journis end, wheare I wisch my self to bide you wellcome home. You see howe my thoughts goo with you: and as you haue many of mine, so let me haue some of yours. Beleeue me, I thinke I neuer miste you more then nowe I doo, or ells I haue forgoot what is past. I thanke God, Ned and Robin are well; and Ned askes every day wheare you are, and he says you will come to-morowe. My father is well, but goos not abrode, becaus of his fiseke. I haue sent you vp a litell hamper, in which is the box with the ryteings and boouckes you bide me send vp, with the other things, sowed up in a clothe, in the botome of the hamper. I haue sent you a partriche pye, which has the two pea chikeins in it, and a litell runlet of meathe, that which I toold you I made for my father. I thinke within this muthe, it will be very good drinke. I sende it vp nowe becaus I thinke carage when it is ready to drincke dous it hurt; thearefore, and please you to let it rest and then taste it; if it be good, I pray you let my father haue it, because he spake to me for such meathe. I will nowe bide you god night, for it is past a leauen a cloke. I pray God presarue you and giue you good sugsess in all your biusnes, and a speady and happy meeting. Your most faithfull affectinat wife, Brilliana Harley.

I must beeg your bllsing for Ned and Rob. and present you with Neds humbell duty. (^Bromton, the 5 of October, 1627.^)

[} [\V.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE HUSBAND S=R= ROBERT HARLEY, KNIGHT.}] My deare S=r= - I ame glad of this opertuenity to present you with the remembranc of my deare loue. I hope you came well to Bristo; and I much longe to heare from you, but more a thousand times to see you, which I presume you will not beleeue, becaus you cannot poscibilly measure my loue. I thanke God your father is well, and so are your three soons. Ned presents his humbell duty to you, and I beeg you bllsing for them all; and I pray God giue you a happy and speady meeting with Your most affectinat wife, Brill. Harley. If I thought it would hasten your comeing home, I would intreat you to doo soo. I pray you remember me to Mr. Pirson. I thanke God all at his howes are well. (^Bromton, the 7th, 1628.^)

[} [\VI.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE HUSBAND S=R= ROBERT HARLEY, KNIGHT.}] My deare S=r= - I thanke you for your letter, which I reseaued this weake by the carrier, and I thanke God for my father's health. I trust in our good God, in his owne good time, he will giue a happy end to your biusness. I haue rwitten a letter to my father, which I send you heare inclosed. If you thinke it will not displeas him, and it may any thinge at all seet forward your biusnes, I pray you deleuer it to him. If you do deleuer it to my father, I pray you seale it first. Allas! my deare S=r=, I knowe you doo not to the on halfe of my desires, desire to see me, that loues you more then any earthly thinge. I should be glad if you would but rwite me

word, when I should hope to see you. Need has bine euer sence Sunday trubled with the rume in his fase very much. [\...\] The swelling of his face made him very dull; but nowe, I thanke God, he is better, and begins to be merry. He inquires for Jhon Walls comeing downe: for he thinkes he will bringe him a letter. I must desire you to send me downe a littell Bibell for him. He would not let me be in peace, tell I promised him to send for on. He begings nowe to delight in reading: and that is the booke I would haue him place his delight in. Tom has still a greate coold; but he is not, I thanke God, sike with it. Brill and Robin, I thanke God, are well; and Brill has two teethe. Ned presents his humble duty to you, and I beeg your bllsing for them all: and I beceach the Allmighty to prosper you in all you doo, and to giue you a happy meeting with Your most faithfull affectinat wife, Brilliana Harley. I pray you, S=r=, send downe no silke grogram. I hope you haue reseuefed the siluer candell-stike. Your father, I thanke God, is much better than he was. I pray you, S=r=, present my beest loue to my sister Wacke. (^Desem 4, 1629.^)

[} [\VII.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE HUSBAND S=R= ROBERT HARLEY, KNIGHT, AT HIS HOWES IN ALLDERMANBERY.}] My dearest S=r= - Your men came to Bromton on thursday last. I thanke God that you haue your halth. I hope the Lord will giue vs bothe faith to waite vpon him; and I trust that in his mercy he will give a good end to your biusnes. It pleases God that I continue ill with my coold, but it is, as they say, a nwe disceas: it trubelles me much, more becaus of my being with childe; but I hope the Lord will deale in mercy with me; and, deare S=r=, let me haue your prayers, for I haue need of them. Docter Barker is nowe with me. I thanke God the childeren are all well, and Need and Robine are very glad of theire boose, and Ned is much discontended that you come not downe. I beeg your bllssing for

them all, beceaching the Allmighty to presarue you, and to giue you a joyefull and happy meeting with your Most faithfull affectinat wife, Bril. Harley. I pray present my humbell duty to my father. This day theare came a man from Ragley to feetche my cosen Hunkes to her mother, whoo is very sike. (^Bromton, the 8 of May, 1630.^)

[} [\VIII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE HUSBAND S=R= ROBERT HARLEY, KNIGHT.}] My deare S=r= - I pray you reseaue my thankes for your letter by my cosen Pris, and by the carrier; they weare both very wellcome to me, which I thinke you beleeue, for in part you know howe deare you are to me. I ame very glad that my brother Raphe is come to Loundoun; I hope he is nowe well. I pray you to giue him counsell what to doo. I desire from my hoole hart that he may grow in the feare of God, and then he will be happy. Pinner shall send some woole to Lemster. I haue heare inclosed sent you the aquittance of the pursevant, by which you may knowe his name. I doo blles my good God, that you haue had so a good an end about the presentation of Bromton. I thinke you haue doun a very good worke, in recommending Mary Wood to my Lady Veere, to home I hope shee will doo acceptabele sarvis. I am toold of a gentellwoman by Docter Barker. She was bread with my old Lady Manering. She, they say, is religious and discreet, and very hamsome in dooing of any thinge; her name is Buckle, a Sharpsheare woman: if you like of it, I would thinke of haueing of her; for I haue no body aboute me, of any judgment, to doo any thinge. My heate continueing, I sent to Docter Barker to come and see me let bloud; he came on thursday night, and yesterday morning I sent fore a curgen at Bischops Castell, that let Mrs. Wallcot blud, and he pricke my arme twis, but it would not blled; and I would not try the third time. I hope the Lord will derect me what to doo: and for gooing abrode I will endeuor to doo it as soune as it shall pleas

God to inabell me. It is a word of comfort which you rwit me, that you hope shortly to send for your horsess. I beceache the Lord to giue you a good and happy end to all your biusness. I thanke God all the chillderen are well, and so is Ned Smith. Ned and his brother present theaire humbell dutis to you; and I begg your bllesing for them all, and your loue and prayers for my self. I beceach the Lord to giue you a speady and happy meeting with Your most affectinat wife for ever, Brilliana Harley. Mr. Littell, I thanke God, is well, and abell to goo a littell abrode. I thanke you for my very fine wascott: by this carrier is sent vp the clocke and dublet and houses you sent for. (^May the 18, 1633.^)

[} [\IX.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY.}] Good Need - I hope thease lines will finde you well at Oxford. I longe to reseaue the ashurance of your comeing well to your iournyes end. We haue had faire weather sence you went, and I hope it was so with you, which made it more pleaseing to me. You are now in a place of more varietyes then when you weare at home; thearefore take heede it take not vp your thoughtes so much as to neglect that constant saruis you owe to your God. When I liued abroode, I tasted something of thos willes: thearefore I may the more experimentally giue you warneing. Remember me to your tutor, in home I hope you will finde dayly more and more cause to love and respect. I thanke God my coolde is something better then when you left me. I pray God blles you, and giue you of those saueing grasess which will make you happy heare and for ever heareafter. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Oct. 25, 1638.^)

[} [\XV.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE SONNE, MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] Good Need - This night Hall brought me your letter; but he is so perplexed aboute the horses that he seems not to be Hall. He was apointed by your father and meself to come downe by Oxford, and to haue rested theare the Seboth; but the spoileing of the horses did so distract him, that he can not say any thinge of Oxford or Loundoun. I rwite you worde by the carrier that your father did purpos to send to you this weake: my cosen Prisc sending for his horsess, your father takes that opertunity to send to your tutor. I take it for a great mercy of God, that you haue your health; the Lord in mercy continue it to you, and be you carefull of your selfe: the meanes to presarufe health, is a good diet and exersise: and, as I hope you are not wanteing in your care for your health, so I hope you are much

more carefull for your soule, that that better part of yours may growe in the wayes of knowledg. And in some proportion it is, with the soule as with the body; theare must be a good dyet; we must feede vpon the worde of God, which when we haue doun we must not let it lye idell, but we must be diligent in exersiseing of what we knowe, and the more we practes the more we shall knowe. Deare Ned, let nothinge hinder you from performeing constant priuet duties of prayeing and redeing. Experimentally, I may say that priuet prayer is one of the beest meanes to keepe the hart cloos with God. O it is a sweet thinge to open our harts to our God, as to a frinde. If it had not bine for that I had recours to my God sheure I should haue fainted before this. I heare no nwes at this time from Loundoun, only Mr. Wallker is still in prison; all my frinds theare are well, and I thanke God all your frindes are well heare. Your father is cheerefully well, and your brother Robert has had no fitte sence you went. Your brother Tomas cried very much the other day, becaus he thought howe he was vsed to fight with you at Sheareswesbury. The Ember weake nowe drawes on a pase. I wisch you and your tutor weare heare then; howesoeuer I hope, you will in desires be with vs: and so our prayers, I hope, shall meete in heauen, before the Lord. I thanke God, I am much better then when I rwite last to you. I beceach the Lord to blles you, and that you may be still the beloued childe of Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. I haue sent a token to Mrs. Wilkinson: it is a box. Doo not you vndoo the boxe; but deleuer it to her, eather yourself, or send it by Gorge Griffits. It is two cruets of chinna, with silluer and gilt couers, and bars and feete. Doo not let the boxe be opened before she has it. I haue giuen my cosen Prisis man a great charge of the box. If it come safe, I will giue him a reward. Send me word how he bringes the box. In hast affter sauper. (^Desem. 11, 1638.^)

[} [\XVIII. TO HER SON EDWARD.\] }] My good Ned - I thinke it longe sence I hard from you, but my hope is that you are well. My thoughtes are as much vpon you now, as when you weare with me, and thearfore I must conclude, that absence abates no loue, but that which is but a shawdow of loue. I send this mesenger (whoo makes me beleeue he goos with a good will) purposly to see you, and I hope, he will bringe me the ashurance of your being well returned to Oxford. The carrier sent me word you weare not returned on Tusday last. Your father came well home from Heariford, on Saterday last; he was a littell ill at Heriford, but I thanke God, he is very well nowe. Your brother Robert has some times a fite; all the rest are well, and I beleeue they will tell theaire owne mindes to you themselfes. I hard of no other thinge they did at Heariford; but, by order from the Lords, they haue made two prouesmarchalls, to home they give +L20 pound a peace, euery yeare, to ride well armed, and each of them a man, and to let noe roges or idell persons wonder aboute the country; and the depuetie liftenantes haue entertained two shoulders to discipline all the bandes: on is taken out in your fathers company, to be his sargent; his name is Weare; he has bine in all theas wars in Jermany, and sarued vnder your ouncell S=r= Tomas Conway; the others name I knowe not; and this I rwite you word of, that you may not be ignorant of what is doune in your owne cuntry. Your cosen Scriuen, they say, is to be a curenall, if any troups goo vpon any saruis. He is called Curenall Scriuen. For forane nwes, I beleeue, you haue hard that Briscake is taken; and nowe the Curantes are lisened againe, you will wekely see theare relations. Now, my deare Ned, howe much doo I longe to see you, and the Lord in mercy still giue me that comfort, that I may acounte you my beloued child, and the Lord in mercy fille you with his gras, that so you may be louely in His sight; and if you are beloued by the Lord, it is happines enoufgh. None are partakers of his loue but

his childeren; and he so loued them, that he gaue his sonne to dye for them. O that we could but see the depthe of that loue of God in Chirst to vs: then shure, loue would constraine vs to serue the Lord, with all our harts most willingly. And this loue of the Lord is not commen to all. Others may partake of his mercy, as Ahab, who the Lord spared vpon his humeliation; and they may partake of his power, as the Kinge in Samaria did, when the Lord made plenty to flowe in the citty, affter so greate a famine. And all his creaturs partake of his liberallity in feeding them, and his most wise gouerning of the things heare belowe; but none tastes of his loue but his chosen ones; and if we be loued of the Lord, what need we care what the men of the world thinke of vs? We in that respect, should be like a good wife, whoo cares not, howe ill fauored all men ells thinke her, if her husband loue her. And, my deare Ned, as this loue of the Lord is his peculier gifte, only to his deare onse, let it be your cheefe care to geet ashurance of that loue of God in Christ; and, sence he has loued you, sheawe your loue to him, by hateing that which he hates, which is sinn; and it was sin that crucified our Lord, that so loued us that he gaue himself for vs. My deare Ned, the eye, which I put vpon my owne soule, I put you in minde of. Be constant in holy dutys; let publicke and priuet goo to geather. Let not the on shoulder out the other. I beleeue, before this, you haue reed some part of Mr. Caluin; send me word how you like him. I haue sent you a littell purs with some smale mony in it, all the pence I had, that you may haue a penny to giue a power body, and a pare of gloufs; not that I thinke you haue not better in Oxford, but that you may some times remember her, that seldome as you out of my thoughts: the Lord blles you. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Janu: 14, 1638.^) I haue sent your tutor a smale token. I can not but desire to sheawe thankes to him, who sheawes so much loue to you. I heare in closed send you the bookebinedrs letter from Woster, that you may see bookes are not so cheep theare as in Oxford.

[} [\XXI.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY.}] Good Ned - The last night the gardener brought me your letter, which was a greate refrescheing to me, for I had not bine well satisfied, neuer sence Martaine was with you, for he toold me, you said you weare sleeppy that morneing he came away, and that you spake

very littell to him; and not heareing, as I thought, so longe from you, made me afraide; but nowe, I thanke God for his mercy to me, that I haue hard with comfort from you. The Lord in mercy continue your health, and, aboue, the Lord in his rich mercy giue you such life in Christ, that you may haue a stronge and liuely soule, allways actife in the ways of gras. My deare Ned, be carefull of yourself, and forget not. Doo exersise; for health can no more be had without it, then without a good diet. I much reioyce, and giue the Lord thankes, that M=r= Pirkins was an instruement to bringe two in my deare brothers famerly out of darkenes into light, and from the power of sin, vnder the sweet regement of our Lord Christ Jesus. I am confident, your worthy tutor reioyces in it, that he did so shine as to bringe glory to his Lord and Master; and as the worke is begonne, and we reioyce in it, so I desire from my soule, that the Lord would perfect it. I begone with this, becaus I most reioyce in it; and nowe I must tell you, I am glad my brothers howes, is so well gouered, and that his daughter and sonne are of so good dispocions. I pray God, add gras to it, and then it will be a sweet harmmony. I am not sorry that euery one tells you, you are like my lord. I haue not bine very well theas three days, and so enforsed me to keepe my beed, as I haue doune many times, when you weare with me. I hope, I shall be able to rise to day. My letter should haue bine longer, had not I bine in beed. I heare my Lord Conway is goone suddainely into Ireland, and that he has a troup of hoors, but more of that, a nother time. Your father, I hope, is well. He purposed to be with M=r= Vahans at Mockes, and to be at home this night. The Lord blles you, and beleeue that I am neuer weary in expresing meself to be, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Janu: 26, 1638.^) Deare Ned, - My agge is no secret; tho my brother Bray is something mistaken in it. When I was maried to your father, your father would haue bine asked in the chruch, but my lord would be no means consent; what his reson was, I know not. Then they haue a custome, that, when they fetch out the liscens, the agg of the woman,

must be knowne; so that, if I would haue hide my agg, then it must be knowne, and then I was betwne two or three and twenty. I was not full three and twenty, but in the liscens they rwit me three and twenty, and you knowe how longe I haue bine maried, for you know how old you are, and you weare borne when I had bine maried a yeare and 3 months. My brother Bray has bine a maried man ever since I can remember, and I neuer had much aquentance with him, but I knwe he was my brother, and so I could not be a stranger to him, and he is a very good man.

[} [\XXV.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My good Ned - The Lord in mercy blles you, and giue you interest in his sonne Christ, and such a measure of holyness, that you may liue heare like his child. It is my comfort, that you inioye your health, and I beceach the Lord, to continue that mercy to you. I perswade meself you are carefull to improufe your time; this is your time of haruest, and that time being ouer-slipt, it cannot be recalled. I am glad to heare you are cheerefull. Inioy that bllesing, when God giues it you, for cheerefullness of spirit giues more freedome in the performeance of any duety. I hope, as you doo, that the nwes of so many being masacred is not true; the great God of heawen and earth looke in mercy vpon his poore peopell. It is reported, from all parts, the french haue a very great army. I can not thinke yet, that the french would take this time to come into Ingland, when we stand vpon our garde and such preperations for wars. And the report is, that theare goos 30000 fooute and 10000 hoors with the king to Yorke; so that a forieng enimye could not come in a time more disaduantages to him. But if we fight with Scotland, and are ingaged in that ware, then a foren enimy may take his time of aduantage. The caus is the Lords; and He will worke, for his owne glory. Deare Ned, you may remember I haue offten spoke to you aboute theas times; and my deare Ned, would I weare with you one day, to open my minde more largly than I can by rwriteing. They call to super, thearefore I must hasten my letter, but first I must tell you, I haue sent you by the carrier a boxe, derected to you, in which is a turky

pye and 6 pyes, such as my lord, your grandfather did loue. I hope to remember you againe in lent. Send me word, wheather you reseaue them, and wheather they be good. Mr. Simons is very ill and very weake. I wisch his wife be not a widowe againe. For Mr. Walcotes sake, I will perswade them to send theare sonne to your tutor: but Mr. Cradock is the only man that preuails with them. I thanke God, your Father is well, and so is your brothers and sisters, with Ned Smith: so in hast, I rest, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Pheb: 15, 1638.^) I haue sent your tutor a box of dryed plumes, the box is derected to you; tell him it is a Lenten token. Remember my saruis to him.

[} [\XXVII.\] }] [}FOR S=R= ROBERT HARLEY, KINGHT OF THE BATH.}] My deare S=r=, - This is only to let you knowe, we are all well, which I had rather tell you, then send the bare message by another. I blless God, that you are well; and hope the Lord, will giue you a safe returne home to morrow, wheare you are longed for. Nowe the Lord in mercy presarue you from all that is euile; desireing still to be beloued by you, as Your most affectinat wife, Brilliana Harley. (^Mar: 12, 1638.^)

[} [\XXVIII.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY, OXFORD.}] My good Ned - The last weake being not well, I could not inioye this contentment of rwiteing to you. You may remember, that when you weare at home, I was offten enforsed to keepe my beed; it pleases God, it is so with me still, and when I haue thos indispotions, it makes me ill for some time affterwards. It is the hand of my gratious God; and tho it be sharp, yet when I looke at the will of God in it, it is sweetned to me: for to me, theare is nothing can sweeten any condistion to vs, in this life, but as we looke at God in it, and see ourselfs his saruants in that condistion in which we are. Thearefore when I consider my owne afflictions, they are not so bitter, when I looke at the will of my God in it. He is pleased it should be so, and then, should not I be pleased it should be so? And I hope, the Lord will giue me a hart still to waite vpon my God; and I hope the Lord will looke gratiously vpon me.

And my dearest, beleeue this from mee, that theare is no sweetnes in any thinge in this life to be compared to the sweetnes in the saruis of our God, and this I thanke God, I cane say, not only to agree with thos that say so, but experimentally; I haue had health and frinds and company in variety, and theare was a time, that what could I have saide I wanted; yet in all that theare was a trubell, and that which gaue me peace, was sarueing of my God, and not the saruis of the world. And I haue had a time of siknes, and weakenes, and the loose of frinds, and as I may say, the glideing away of all thos things I tooke most comfort in, in this life. If I should now say (which I may booldly) that, in this condistion, O howe sweet did I finde the loue of my God, and the endeuor, to walke in his ways; it may be, some may say, then it must needs be so, becaus all other comforts failed me; but my deare Ned I must lay both my condistions togeather; my time of freedome from afflictions, and my time of afflictions; and in the one, I found a sweetnes in the saruis of God, aboue the sweetnes of the things in this life, and in trubele a sweetnes in the saruis of God, which tooke away the bitternes of the affliction; and this I tell you, that you may beleeue howe good the Lord is, and beleeue it, as a tryed truth, the saruis of the Lord, is more sweet, more peaceabell, more delightful, then the enioyeing of all the vadeing pleashurs of the world. My deare Ned, I thanke you for your letter by the carrier this wake. Howe soeuer trubells may befall me, yet if it be well with you, I reioyce. I thanke God, that you injoy your health. The Lord in mercy continue it to you. My deare Ned, I longe to see you; but I feare it will not be a great whille. I know not well when the Acte is, and I thinke I must not looke to see you tell the Act be past. Whensoeuer it is, I beceach the Lord, giue vs a happy seeing on of another. I am sorry my lady Corbet takes no more care of her chilederen. S=r= Andwe Corbet left two thousand pounds a year. Shee has a way that I should not take, by my good will with my chillderen, without it weare to correct some great fallt in them; but my deare Ned, as longe as it pleases God, I haue it, I

shall willingly giue what is in my power, for the beest adwantage of you, and your brothers and sisters, as ocation offers itself. Vse your cosen Corbet kindely. I heare his broother goos alonge with the kinge to Yorke, which he dous, becaus he estemes it to be the gallentry of a yonge man. I sent you the last weake a list of thos shoulders, which they say must goo with the kinge. I heare that the Loundoners haue refused to send any of theare trained band, answering, theare weare so many strangers in Loundon, that they feared to let any of theare strentg goo from them. I hard that the kinge caused all the strangers to be numbered in Loundon, and the number of them was two hundred thousand. On wenday last your father had some of his shoulders at Brometon, whean they dyned, and spent the day in trayneing. I wisched you with me, but I did not see them, for then I was not abell to goo out of my chamber: but now I thanke God, I am, and haue some thoughts, if pleas God, to goo to chruch the next Lords day. Good Mr. Gower has an ague. Mr. Simons begins to mend. My cosen Prise is something better. You forget to rwit to Mr. Gower; he has had 4 fitts. Mr. Simons tooke your letter very kindely. I must needs say, I neuer had any maide that profest more respect to you, than Mary Barton, and I beleeue it is in truth; for shee is her fathers daughter and can not desembell. I finde her as good a saruant as euer I had; if I coould but put a littell water in her wine, and make her temper her hastiness! yet I cannot say that euer shee gaue me any ill word, but theare is still the spirit of enuy raingeing amongest some of the saruants, but the humers of my saruants swaye not my affection, and, I hope, shall neuer blinde my judgment: my deare Ned the Lord blles you. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^in hast, Mar: 22, 1638.^) Your brothers and sisters and cosen Smith I thanke God are well. Tell Gorg Griffets I had not time to rwit to him, which I did desire to haue doun. I haue sent him the mony for M=r= Neelham, the

drawer, and I would haue him hasten the sending of the peace of cloth, which he had to drawe. I hope Gorge will bide his countryman wellcome. I had him into my chamber to see him, becaus he went to Oxford. I like it very well, that you goo with your tutor to my brother Brays. I beceach the Lord to goo alonge with you, in all your ways. Heare inclosed is a booke of nwes. Your father I thanke God is well. He goos and pleas God on Tuesday to the bischops upon a commistion aboute some land that is in question betwne the bischop and another gentellman.

[} [\XXXI.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY, IN MAGDELINE HALLE, OXFORD.}] Deare Ned - Theare is no earthly thinge that is of more comefort to me than your being well, thearefore you may easely beleeue your letters are sweet comforts to me, and so was your letter this weake. I blles my God that you haue your health, and the Lord in mercy continue that comfort to you and me. My deare Ned, I should be exceeding glad, if your tutor would be willing to let you come home at Whitesuntide; if he will but say the word, I beleeue all partyes would agree; but then I thinke you would desire to goo to the Act, and that would be to much for you; for I desire if pleas the Lord, to haue you at home the longe vacation as they call it. My deare Ned, let me knowe your minde, wheather you are willing, and wheather

your tutor be so too, but so that he will be pleased to spend some time with vs at Bromtone. As they doo at Oxford, so they doo in all places, take liberty to inuaye against Puretans. We heare the Scothes haue taken the posestion of the kings howes in Eddenboro. Shure this somer is likely to produce greate matters. The Lord sheawe mercy vpon his poor saruants. I hard the queene as soune as the knige left Loundon to goo towards Yorke, went to her beed with much sorrow. I rwite to you on wensday last by the gardner, but it was in such hast that I beleue you could hardly reede it. I rwit you word your cosen Prise had made your father and my cosen Smith his excexotors, and thus he has disposed of his estate; they say his land is worth 300 a yare; he owes 2 thousand and 5 hundered pound and some say 3 hunderd pound more. He has giuen to his two sisters chillderen, 12 hundred pounds, and to his brother, 30 pounds a yare anwety; this will he made when he was last at Loundon, and brought it your father, maneing that if any thinge did a rise aboue his deets and leggessess, it should come to his excexetors. Remember my saruis to worthy M=r= Perkins, and let him knowe, the mony shall be sent with all expedition: the sikenes of his scoller is as I aprehinde it, a happy sikenes; for for the most part we are all rather to senceles, then to aprehencif of the condistion of the state of our soules. I thanke God, your father is indiferent well, he dous not keepe his chamber. Doctor Deodate is not yet come, but I beleeue, he will come this night. My deare Ned, I thanke you for hopeing with me, that I should haue my desire in gooing to chruch, which I thanke God, I did two saboths, and I hope the Lord will giue me that mercy this next saboth. I thanke God, your brother Robert has his health well, and so has the rest; some of the sarwants haue agues, but not very violently. Good M=r= Simons has his ague euery day and many fairt his life. I haue toold you if you remember of a paper that some statemen make use of, when they would not haue knowne what they riwit of. Rwite me worde wheather you vnderstand what I meane. I pray God blles you and fill you

with gras, that sauefeing gras which will neuer leaufe you. I haue not yet reseaufed your letter by Mr. Hackleut, but I hope I shall; so I rest Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^April 5, 1639.^) I thanke you for the booke you sent, but yet I nor your father heau not reed any of it. Heare incloesed is the key of your box, with a token from your sisters. I should be exceeding glad to see my brother Bray and my sister.

[} [\XXXIV.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY, AT MAGDELIN HALL, OXFORD.}] My deare Ned - I haue two letters to thanke you for, on by the

carrier and on by the gardner; the gardner came not to Bromton tell wensday last; he says he was sike by the way, but I beleeue this has loost his creedet for gooing any more journys. My deare Ned, it is my joy that you are well, and I beceach the Lord in mercy to continue this bllesing of health to you, but aboue all, I desire you may haue that true health in your soule of a sounde minde, that so in theas days of wafereing and douteing you may hoold the truth. I was not well pleased that I did not keepe my woord in sending to you this weake. I hope the next weake your father will send, and thearefore I only rwite theas feawe lines by the carrier to let you knowe I haue sent you a pigon pye; and much good may it doo you when you eate it. Your father returned from the bischops this night. I thanke God he is well: he prays God to bless you, and so dous Your affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Apr. 19, 1639^) Remember my saruis to your worthy tutor.

[} [\XL.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - This mornig, with no smale contentment, I reseued your letter by the carrier; it is my joy that you are well, and I beceach the Lord to continue your health to you; and, my deare Ned, be carefull to doo exersis. I did beleue that you did forget to send the letter which you rwite me word of, but now I haue reseued it, and thanke you for it. It is strang to me how fasting and prayer can agree with treacherous weapons, as kinifes and such like; thearefore, for my part, I will vnbeleeue the one of them, eather that they doo not fast and pray, or that they doo not make prouition of such wepons. Theare was a report that the kinge was goone to Loundoun, which came to his eare, at which he was much displeased. I hard that marquise Hamlenton was gone with 7000 men to land them in Scotland. Captaine Brandsheave is gouerner

of Barek. My deare Ned, theas things are of the Lord, and as none thought of such a biusnes as this is, so we are as ignorant whate the issue will be: the Lord giue vs harts of depentances vpon him. Haueing bine offtin not well, and confined to so sollatary a place as my beed, I made choys of an entertainement for meself, which might be eassy and of some benifit to meself; in which I made choys to reade the life of Luther, rwite by Mr. Calluen. I did the more willingly reade it, becaus he is generally branded with ambistion, which caused him to doo what he did, and that the papis doo so generally obrade us that we cannot tell wheare our religion was before Luther; and some haue taxt him of an imteperat life. Theas resons made me desire to reade his life, to see vpon what growned theas opinions weare biult; and finding such satisfaction to meself, how fallsly theas weare raised, I put it into Inglisch, and heare in closed haue sent it you; it is not all his life, for I put no more into Inglisch then was not in the booke of Marters. Theas things of note I finde in it, firstly, what Luther acknowledgs, he was instructed in the truth by an old man, whoo led him to the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ: and Erasmas, when his opinion was asked of Luther, said he was in the right. It is true the truth was much obscured with error; and then it pleased the Lord to rais up Luther as a trumpet to proclame His truth, and as a standered barare to hoold out the ensinge of His truth; which did but make thos to apeare of the Lords side, whoo weare so before. And it is aparent to me, that no ambistious ends moued Luther; for in all the cours of his life he neuer sheawed ambistion: tho he loued lerneing, yet, as fare as I can obsarue, he neuer affected to be estemed more lerned than he was. So that in Luther we see our owne fasess; they that stand for the old truee way they bring vp nwe doctriner, and it is ambistion, vnder the vaile of religion. Another obseruation I finde in Luther, that all his fasting and striknes, in the way of Popery, neuer gaue him peace of concience; for he had greate feares tell he had throughly learned the doctrine of justification by Christ alone; and so it will be with vs all; no

peace shall we haue in our owne righteousness. And one thinge more I must tell you, that I am not of theaire minde whoo thinke, if he had bine of a milder temper it had bine better; and so Erasmas says; but I thinke no other spirit could haue sarued his turne. He was to cry aloude, like a trumpet; he was to haue a Jonas spirit. Thus, my deare Ned, you may see how willingly I impart any thinge to you, in which I finde any good. I may truely say, I neuer inioy any thinge that is good but presently my thoughts reflect vpon you; but if any thinge that is euill befall me, I would willing beare it all me self, and so willingly would I beare the ill you should haue, and reioyce that you should inioy what is good. Your father is now at Hariford; I hope he will be at home to morrow. Your brothers are well, and so as your sistwers and cosen Smith. Mr. Simons is recouered, and teaches the scoule againe. Mr. Gowers ague hangs a littell vpon him. My deare Ned, I knowe you doo not loue medicines, yet I would faine haue you drinke, this May, some scuruigras pounded and strained with beare, if theare be any to be had in Oxford; it is a most excelent thinge to purge the blood. My deare Ned, the Lord in heauen blles you, and giue me a comfortabell seeing of you. So I rest, in hast, Your most affectinat Mother, Brilliana Harley. Remember my saruis to your worthy tutor. Tell Gorg his mother is looked for at Bromton to night. His brother is goone to Teuxbery; I beleeue you knowe his biusness. (^May 10, 1639.^) I haue made a pye to send you; it is a kide pye. I beleeue you haue not that meate ordinaryly at Oxford; on halfe of the pye is seasned with on kinde of seasening, and the other with another. I thinke to send it by this carrier.

[} [\XLVI.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY, IN MAGDELINE HALL, OXFORD.}] Deare Ned - I rwite to you yesterday, and I beleeue to many others I should haue aleaged that, as an excuse for not rwiteing at this time, yet I cannot give meself leaufe to do so to you, but willingly I vse a kinde of violence to my other ocations, in takeing time to rwite to you, sence I cannot haue the contentment in speaking to you. I reseued your letter by the carrier this morning, so that Moene is now in request againe. I blles God that you are well, and my deare Ned, be carefull of yourself; be carefull of the health of your body for my sake; and aboue all, be carefull of the health of your soule for your owne and my sake; and as to the body, thos things doo most hart which are of a deadly quallity as poyson, so nothing harts the soule like that

deadly poyson of sinn; thearefor, my dearest, be wacthfull against thos great and suttile and vigilent enimys of your presious soule. I beleeue you knowe that one of the best parts of a soulder is to stand vpon his garde, and his greatest shame (next to runeing away) not to be found so; so is it in our spirituall warefare; if Sathen surprise vs, he takes vs at his will, and if we turne our bakes and rune away, O! he will persue tell we be taken. My deare Ned, I beleeue you are confident that you are most deare to me, thearefore thinke it not strange, if I am stuedious and carefull that your peace should be keept with your God, whous fauor is better then life. I longe to see you, and I hope I shall doo it shortly. I hope before this, you haue reseued your hate and stokens, but Burigh is something ngligent. Your father is, I thanke God, well; he is ride abroode. In hast, I giue you this ascurance that I am Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Bromton, July 5, 1639.^) Remember my loue to your worthy tutor. I should haue rwit to Gorg, but I haue not time. Your father has diuers times sence you went asked for strawbery butter, and in memory of you this day I made Hacklet make some. I wisch you a disch of it.

[} [\XLIX.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - My cosen Adams returne from Woster was very wellcome to me, becaus he aschured me of your comeing well so fare on your journy, and I trust the same gratious Prouidence brought you to your journis end. Your letter was very wellcome to me, for, my deare Ned, I cannot but say that I inioy meself with more comfort when you are with me, and next seeing you, to heare from you is most pleasing to me. Heare has bine strangers euer since you went, and on M=r= Acton came apurpos to see you. He was of the same howes you are of, but left it that yeare you came theather. I

like him as well as any yonge jentellman I haue seene a greate while. I thanke God your father is well, and this day gone ahunting, and your brothers with him, it being procured with much dificullty from M=r= Simons. My deare Ned, the Lord blles you and giue you that heauenly wisdome to remember your Creator in the days of your youth, that you may sarufe your God with an vpright hart, and the Lord in mercy teach you to profet in all the ways of wisdome, and leade you in the way in which you should walke. My deare Ned, omite not priuet dutyes, and stire vp your self to exercise yourself in holy conference, begg of God to giue you a delight in speaking and thinkeing of thos thinges which are your eternall treasure. I many times thinke Godly conference is as much neglected by Gods chillderen, as any duty. I am confident you will noways neglect the opertunity of profeting in the ways of lerning, and I pray God prosper your endeuors. My deare Ned, my thoughts weare filled with other obiects that morning you went away, which made me forget to giue you directions about the stufe I spake to you of; but I gaue Ions a pettren of what kinde of stufe I would haue; but I did not tell him any thinge ells; and I beleue he had not wite to conseafe my meaneing, that you should chus the culler. Remember my loue to your worthy tutor, and still beleeue that I much reioyce when I can expres meself to be Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. My cosen Dauis presents her saruis to you. (^Octo: 18. 1639^.) I would have you send this inclosed letter as soune as you can to S=r= Gilles Bray, but by a safe hand. I haue sent you a baskett of Stoken apells; theare are 4 or 5 of another kinde. I hope you will not dispice them, comeing from a frinde, tho they are not to be compared to Oxford appells. In the basket with the appells is "the Returne of Prayer." I could

not find the place I spake of to your tutor, when he was with me; but since, I found it, and haue sent the booke to you, that he may see it, and judg a littell of it; for my part, I am not of that openion, that God will not grant the prayer of others, for the want of our joyeing with the rest, or that God dous stand vpon such a number; but I am not perrentory, but upon good reson I hope I shall yeald: but this I thinke and beleeue, that none joyne in prayer with others but thos that simpathise on with another; for it is not the consenting to, but the ernest desireing of the same.

[} [\LII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - S=r= Richard Newport is pleased to doo me the honnor to conuaie this letter to you, and Ihope you will haue the aduantag of waiteing vpon him; and I can not but acounte it an aduantage to be in the presence of such a man. I pray God blles you, and giue you a hart to be in loue with thos ways of wisdome, which will make you for euer happy. Your brothers and sisters are well. So in hast I rest Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Oct. 31, 1639. Bromton Castell.^)

[} [\LVIII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY, IN MAGDELINE HALL, OXFORD}] Deare Ned - With much contentment I haue reseued this weakes letter from you. I acknowledg the Lords mercy to me in the continuance of your health, which is a joy to me in the midest of many ocations of sorrow; and I beceach the Lord I may still haue that refreschment to see it goo well with you, and to see it best with your better part, so that you may euery day more and more aproufe yourself, not only a branch but a member of Christ. I much reioyce in the hope of seeing you, but I trust I shall haue more joy in seeing you. I am glad your worthy tutor will come with you, by which I see, he is not an obstinate man. A pare of rideing stokens I haue prouided for you, which I purpos, if pleas God, to send you by the horses that shall be sent for you; and knoweing your tutors minde for a hors and saddell, I will endeuor to haue him fitted, that tho the ways may be fooule yet his seate may be eassy. I rwit you word that my lord admarall was spoken to, but that would not doo, but it was my lord depuety of Irland that preuailed to geet your father off from being sherefe. Thinges goo wors in Scotland then euer they did, and it is said theare will be wars; for my part I did allways doute that that buisnes would not so end as many others thought; neaither am I now of theare mindes, that that kingdome will eassely be subdued. The Lord in mercy inabell all His childeren to fixe theare eyes on Him, that so, trusting in the Lord, we may neuer be dismayed. It is thought that such a number of Scote minesters will not be suffred to goo out of Scotland. The prince elector is put in prison in France; into the same prison wheare princ Casemere is, and Jhon de Wart. It is thought the prince elector will not be seet at liberty; it was fitte he should goo vnknowne; he did disguise himself, but went with such a traine that he could not but be inquired affter. Thus we see, my deare

Ned, all condistions are liabell to misery; and the greater the person is, the greater is the misery; so that honnor dous but enhanse pouerty, or shame or imprisonment: yet man is so forgetfull of his God, that all, and most of all great men, liue in prosperity as if they weare lords of what they had, forgetting that they are but tennants at will. Your father has promised Mr. Simons +L110 for his howes, which is as much as he gaue for it, and now he has had it two years, so that now he is no louser. Mr. Blineman is goone from Walcot. I thanke God your father is well, and I am now abell to be out of beed. I haue not bine so well for aboue this weake as I use to be, and with it I haue been trubled with much heauiness at my hart. I thanke God your brothers and sisters and your cosen Smith are well. Deare Ned, if theare be any good lookeing glasses in Oxford, shuse me one aboute the biggnes of that I use to drees me in, if you remember it. I put it to your choys, becaus I thinke you will chuse one, that will make a true ansure to onse face. All my frute disches are brocken; thearefore, good Ned, if theare be any shuch blwe and white disches as I vse to haue for frute, bye me some; they are not purslane, nor they are not of the ordinary mettell of blwe and white disches. I beleeue you remember what I vse to haue; if you chuse them against the horses come for you, I will take order with the men about the bringeing of them home, and will send mony to pay for them. I see your sister has a nwe hude; it semes shee lost hers and durst not tell, and so, as I gees, rwit to you for one, which I will pay you for. I haue sent you my wacth, and I beleeue it may be mended. I doo willingly giue you the rige of goold that was aboute the agget. I am hartely sorry for the death of M=r= Knightly. I heare my lady Wesmorland is brought to beed of a daughter. My lady Veere was with her, and I thinke shee is so still. I did thinke your father would haue sent mony by Miller; it

seemes it was forget, but he indends to doo it by the men that goo for you. Remember my loue to your tutor, to home I wisch the frueition of all happines. I hope to see him, and thearefore I doo not rwit to him. My deare Ned, the Lord blles you and giude you in all your thoughts words and actions, that you may still looke vpon them as seeing the ways of an vpright hart. So I rest Your affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Noue: 29, 1639. Bromton Castell.^) My Lord rwit word this weake that he thought he should not goo this yeare to Louddington. I would haue 6 frute disches.

[} [\LXII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY, IN MAGDALENE HALL, OXFORD.}] My dear Ned - Yesterday I reseued your letter by my cosen Dauis, and this day yours by the carrier, both weare very wellcome to me, and I desire to acknowledg Gods mercy to me, that you inioy your health, which I pray God you long doo, with a hart desirous to spend all your strentgh and health to the glory of your God. My deare Ned, I thanke you for your ernest desire for my health. I am, I think, better for your prayers. I did not send for doctor [^BLANK IN THE TEXT^] to take phisick, for I thanke God I was not sike, but I knwe I had need of cordialls, and thos I toucke of doctor Deodate and not of Doctor Rwit. I thanke God I am now abell to site up a littell. This day I sate vp out of my beed allmost an ower. I should be glad to haue you with me, since I can let your thoughts run with me. I did not thinke I had bine with child when you weare with me. The Lord blles you, and make you still a comfort to Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Pheb. 8. 1639. Bromton.^) Your father, brothers and sisters are well. Remember my saruis to y=r= worthy tutor, whoo I hope remembers me in his prayers, for I doo him in mine.

[} [\LXV.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY, IN MAGDILINE HALL, OXFORD.}] Deare Ned - This morning I reseued your letter, I thanke you for it, and I much reioyce that you are well. Miller toold me that you did cut your wood for exercise, which I am glad of, but your father would not haue you cut but sawe your wood. I tell him, I thinke you doo saw it. Your father tooke some coold, which made him ill sence Miller went, but now I thanke God, he is well agayne and abroode. For meself, my dear Ned, I am still weake, and, I thinke, allmost as weake as affter lyeing in of any of my chillderen, but your sister Dorrity; yester I was vp a littell. I haue sent you a gammon of backen by this carrier, and a Lenten tocken of dried sweetmeats for your tutor, but it is directed to you; if I had bine well I had sent you a larger prouition for Lent. I hard that theare weare 500

men sent to Barwicke. I pray God direct them what to doo. The Lord blless you and presarue you in His feare. Deare Ned, be carefull of your self, and beleeue that I am, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Phe: 20, 1639.^) Remember me to worthy M=r= Pirkins. I haue sent the water for Elsabethe Stanton, she may take 2 or 3 spounefulls at a time, shee should take it as soune as shee finds any inclination to a fite; the best way to take it is with 2 or 3 spounfulls of parseley water. The dried appells are for you. Sam Pinner waits on your brothers, and I think Blechly goos away; your father dous not like her.

[} [\LXX.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY, IN MAGDELIN HALL, OXFORD.}] Deare Ned - This morning I reseued your letter, and I thanke you for it; for sence I cannot see you, I gladly entertaine your letters. I much reioyce that in all places they are so carefull to chues worthy men for so greate a buisnes, as the parlament. I rwit you word the last weake, that your father and S=r= Waltr Pye weare chosen for HerifordScheere, and that your father would not haue you goo out of Oxford, becaus he purposes to goo to Loundon shortly. I thinke he will goo the weake before Ester. On tusday next, if pleas God, your father will keep a day; I beleeue you vnderstand what day I meane. Mr. Moore and S=r= Robert Howard are chosen for Bischops Castell. This weake I hard from my sister Pelham; I thanke God shee is well. But I am sorry that they haue made choys of a tutor for theare sonne in Magdeline coledg; it is on Mr. Rogers. As sonne as his ouncell has prouided

him a chamber he is to come to Oxford. Your father did not goo this weake to the assises, becaus of his many buisnescess; this day he is gone to Loudlow. I thanke God he is indeferent well. Your brothers and sisters are well. Remember me to your worthy tutor; and I pray God blles you, and make you still a comfort to Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Mar: 20, 1639. Bromton Castel.^) Tell Gorg Griffits that his father and mother are well. I hard from them the last night. I thanke God I begin to rise agane out of my beed.

[} [\LXXIII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY, IN MAGDELINE HALL, OXFORD.}] My Deare Ned - Sence I can not see you, I am glad of theas opertunitys by which I may let you know my thoughts are offten with you; your father being from me, I haue not much company to take pleashure in, but this is a Chirstians comfort, that God is all ways with them. I should be glad to heare from you a relation how the king went to parlament, and at what ease you hard his

speche; for I did feare theare would be a great crowde, which made me desire your father not to be theare. I heare your father had a fitt of the pastion of the hart, the day before yow went from Loundon. I beceach the Lord presaruef him from them. Heare is great presing. M=r= Harberd is goon with his trop of hors; on of his soulders killed a man in Shearsbury, but they say he was prouocked to it. They are gallant and merry. The trained band is thought must goo, or ells prouid men to goo in theiare places. I can not yet heare for sartaine wheare theair randeuous is. I haue sent you by Loocker some violet cakes. Deare Ned, be carefull of your self, especially be wacthfull ouer your hart. Edward Piners chillderens beed was seet on fier, and it was Gods mercy they had not bine smothered. Piner in puting of it out, haueing none to healp him but Pheebe, whoo is with his wife, tooke coold, for he was in his shirt, and the smoke allmost tooke away his breath, that he is very ill, and I feare has a feauor; it was on firer on wensday night; they rang the bell, which feared all my howes. I pray God to blles you. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Apri: 25, 164 . Bromton Castell.^)

[} [\LXXVI. TO HER SON EDWARD.\] }] [\ENDORSED,\] "For your deare selfe." My deare Ned - I thanke you for your letter this weake by the carrier; beleeue it, your lines are sweetly wellcome to me; it is my joy that you are well; the Lord in mercy presarufe you in health both of body and mind. I much desire to see you, and thearefore I haue rwit to your father, to desire him to giue you leafe to come home at Whitsontide. I thanke you for imparting to me what you know of the parlament, and I will requite you with what I knowe. Theas which I send you I had from my cosen Goowdine; you may keepe them, for I had them rwit out for you. Edward Piner begins to goo abrood. Your brothers and sisters are well. I am not yet out of my beed. Remember me to your tutor. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^May 8, 1640.^)

[} [\LXXXII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY, IN MAGDILINE HALL, OXFORD.}] Deare Ned - I believe you doo as willing reseafe my letters as I rwit them, which makes me willingly to take all oportunitys to give you aschurance I am nowaye vnmindful of you. Your father has fully agreed with my cosen Vahan and her sister, whoo went from heance this morning, and about that biuesnes he now sends to Loundon; so that this bearer is to rest at Oxford, on the fast. We heare a confidente report that the kinge is agreed with the Scoths, and I hope it is true. Your father, I thanke God, is well. I have resued the booke you sent me, and thanke you for it. I beleeue I shall like it well, for the subiet is very needfull to be knowne, and the aughter of it, is of judgment, thearefore I beleeue he has doun it well. The wellknoweing how fure our pastions are good and how fure euill, and the right way to goworne them is dificule; and in my obseruation I see but feawe, that are stutidious to gouerne theaire pastions, and it is our pastions that trubells our selfs and others. Deare Ned, I longe to see you, and I hope I shall with comfort. Mr. Salawewell is with your father. The Lord in mercy fitt you and us for the day of fast, and I hope Mr. Gower will preach at Oxford. Mr. Heath will be at Bromton on the fast. I looke that Mr. Pirkins should rwite to me when he will let you come home.

I pray God blles you and fill you with gras, which is the best riches. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^July 4, 1640. Bromton Castell.^) Remember my loue to your worthy tutor. The messenger is not yet returned out of Linconscheer.

[} [\LXXXVIII.\] }] [}TO MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I thanke you for your letter from Mr. Sallwells. I much reioyce that you so well endured so fare of the iourney, and I hope my God safe prouidence has brought you to London: my hart is much with you, and I desire to haue it much with my God, for you. It is my comfort that you desire to submite your self to the dispos of our gratious God; His way is best; and the Lord in mercy giue you allways the eye of faith to see it is so. Deare Ned, be carefull of your self, and let me know how it is with you. Mr. Gower came home last night late and weet; and I feare your father and you had a weet day of it. I heare that parlament is ajourned for 10 days, but I defer my beleefe. I haue not bine yet out of my beed, but I thanke God I am indeferent well;

your brothers and sisters are well. I beceach the Lord to blles you and keepe you safe, under His holy protection; so I rest Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Noue: 30, 1640. Bromton Castell.^) Your truncke is sent to Oxford.

[} [\XCIV.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I thanke you for your letter this weake; I reseued it not tell this morning, and then it was wellcome. I thought at the first I had no letter from you, becaus yours had no shuperscription; but I was well pleased to be so disceaued. It is a great comfort to me to hear the parlament goos on so happily, and that the kinge has consented that the insendereis should be judged. M=r= Braughton is now at Bromton, and I beleefe, if Mr. Tomkins be not burges for Webly, he will on munday: Mr. Gower purposes to goo to Heereford, to consult aboute the scandolous ministers, and thos places which haue none. I am glad theare is likly to be so good a corespondency betwne us and the Duch. I am glad to heare my lord is well, but I haue not hard from him yet. Theare is a very fine discours rwiten in Italien, but translated in to Latine; it is dedicated to Oxsensterne, he that was tresure to the king of Sweden; if the book desarfe the comendation I could wisch you did reade it, but I can not send you the titell of the booke. I thanke God your brothers and sisters are very well. I pray God blles you, and keepe your hart aboue all the thinges in this life; so I rest, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Janu: 9, 1640 Bromton Castell.^)

[} [\C.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - I hope M=r= Gower will finde you with your father, wheare I am glad to haue you be, and I hope your father will not let you goe from him. I hope your father will hasten M=r= Gower downe againe. I heare my cosen Vahan would not put his hand to the petion, nor did not geet any hands. Deare Ned, send me word wheather thos that haue put in the petions against bis: haue taken the hands of all such as doo not vnderstand what they haue put

theaire hands to. I am toold that it is the way in all cuntrys, and that M=r= Macworths gaue such derections. To me it dous not sound reasnabell; for, in my opinion, such hands should be taken as vnderstand it, and will stand to what thay haue doun. I heare my Lord Straford is aquesused of most abominabel maters, but I haue not hard any particulars. I had a letter from my cosen Harry Pelham, in which he dous much commend you. I beleefe you finde him to sauer more of religion than his brother Hurberd. I am glad my brother is not goon to the army, and that my cosen Farfex has the honner of knightwood added to him. My lady Veere rwit me word, that shee was glad that you weare with your father, for shee thought it would be an aduantage to you. I hope the Lord will still gooalonge with the parlament, and tho wicked men wacth for theaire failleing, that they shallbe disaponted. I blles God that you finde yourself well; I beceach the Lord to continue your health, and aboue all, that you may inioy a sound judgment, an vpright hart, large affectionons to your God, which is the true health of the minde. Deare Ned, be carefull of yourself, and the more for my sake. Rwit me word what imployment your father puts Gorge Griffits brother to, which M=r= Griffits toold me he sent vp the last weake to your father. I haue heare inclosed sent you 11=sh= for the glases you sent me downe; they are very good and came very well to me. I thanke God my coold is much better then it was, and I hope gooing away. I am now out of my beed; this is the first day. I pray God blles you. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Pheb: 15, 1640. Bromton Castell.^)

[} [\CIII. TO HER SON EDWARD.\] }] Deare Ned - I haue reseued your letter by my cosen Dauis; it was wellcome tho it was short. My cosen Dauis telles me, your father is very well and that you are so, which is a great comfort to me; and I hope that the Lord will giue your father dubell strentgh, to vndergoo the waight of thos imployments which lye vpon him. And I hope you will not repent your being at Loundoun with your father, which I gees will be more aduantage to you, then if you had bine at Oxford.

My cosen Dauis is not cleere yet in his biusnes; for M=r= Edwards will not out; he slites what they say; and says M=r= Dauis goos about like a premouter. He says, he would be sent for vp to Loundoun, that he may informe the parlament with what vntruths my cosen Dauis has toold them. I never hard of a man that was not out of his sences, that was so careles to doo like a resnabell man, as M=r= Edwards is; he seames to let himself loose to be led by his pastions. I hope my cosen Dauis makes a ronge judgment; for he thinkes my lord Straford will not haue his sentence, and that some other thinges will fall out. My cosen Dauis charges dous not pleas him, becaus it is no more. Your letter by Jhon Wall was very wellcome to me, and I thanke you for it. I hope the Lord will disapoint all the plots of thos that haue evill will at the prosperity of Gods chruch. Your letter has giuen me much content, for I feared that some would take ocation by the Scots declaration to vrge against them; but I hope the Lord will pasefy all distempers. I am glad to heare my brother is well, and I perswade meselfe he loues you. I hope my brother is not for lord Straford. I hard my lord Straford layed some of his actions to his charge; but I hope, if he did, my brother has cleered himself. I am glad my cosen St. Jhons is to be maried. I beleeue it is for her aduantage; tho in my opinion, when one has chillderen, it is better to be a widowe. M=r= Ballam is very sicke; I thinke it is an ague, but he eates, and so make his fits violent; he will take nothinge of Wodowes, nor Morgan, but is resouled to send to morrow for doctor Rwit, but he feares he will stay longer with him then 3 (^l.^) will hoold out; that he is willing to giue, but he can spare no more, as he says: this 2 dayes he has bine debating of, as they tell me; but now in his fitte, he resoulfes to send for him, and dous not recken the charges. I hope he will doo well; he is so prouedent. Your brother Tome had a sharpe fitte on saboth day night, but I thanke God his last fite was but short; he is very cheerefull and hungry, but I suffer him to eate

no meate, and I giue him glisters, which I thanke God has doun him much good. I hope in good time your father will finde a chamber in the Tempell for you. Deare Ned, put your father in minde, to inquire of M=r= Gwine. I thanke you for your letter by the carrier; your letters gives me more satisfaction then any other. I did much feare, by what I was abell to gees, that the Scots declaration would giue the contrary party ocation to sheaw themselfes; but I blles the Lord, that He has ouer-ruled the harts of men, and I hope they goo now on well, to doo that greate worke they haue in hand. I thanke you for the paper the Scots put into the Lords. I haue taken a coppy, and heare-inclosed returned yours. I confes, I longe to heare the sugsess of the conferance. Many rumors are in the cuntry. If you haue bine to heare the Scots minesters, send me word how you like them. I am glad your father has not taken coold, this coold weather; for wheare your fathers loodging is, is the cooldest place I thinke about Loundoun. I reioyce that your father is well, tho I was sorry I had no letter from him; but when he is so biussy I would not haue him rwit. I thanke God your brother Tomas scaped his ague yesterday, and he is indeferent well. M=r= Ballam is ill, and so is Same Pinner. Deare Ned, send me word when you thinke that M=r= Gower can come doune. I haue rwit to Sanky about Hacklet; for I perseaufe shee may be brought to loue him. I haue keep my beed this weake, and as yet I haue not bine a whoole day vp. I pray God blles you, and giue you gras and comfort, the portion of His chillderen; so I rest, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Mar: 12, 1640. Bromton Castell.^)

[} [\CVI.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - That I haue no letter from you this weake puts me to a stand, and I should be very much trubeled, but that your father rwites me word you are well, which mercy, I hope, the Lord will still continue to you. I neuer more longed to heare how things goo then I did this weake. Many rumors we heare, but I biuld vpon nothing tell I heare it from you or your father. I much desire to heare how the parlament tooke the ansure of the justices of this country, that sent word they knwe not by what aughtority the parlament did require the taking of the protestation. S=r= William Croft is much against the parlament, and vtters his minde freely: he was much displeased that they would petition the Parlament: he toold M=r= Gower he was a moufer of sedistion; and my cosen Tomkins was very hoot with him: they say the parlament dous theare owne biusness, and not the cuntryes. I shall long to heare from you. I thanke God, your cosen Smith has loost his ague, for I could not deserne he had any fite. On munday before Ester, M=r= Kirll and some other gentellmen intend to seet forward with the petition, which I hope will be well taken. I pray God blles you, and keepe you in His feare. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Mar: 25, 1641.^)

[} [\CXII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - Tho your letter by the merser weare short, yet it had a longe wellcome. I much desire to heare how my lord Straford comes of; for I beleeue many thinges depend vpon it. Once againe I thanke you for his charge, and M=r= Fines his speach, which I like very well. I need not tell you I had no letter from you by the carrier, but your father rwit me word you weare heareing my lord Strayfords charg, which was excuse susphicient; and that you weare well, was pleasing to me, tho I should haue bine glad of a letter. Your brother Tom, I thanke God, has loost his ague, but he dous not yet come abroode. Your brother Robine has is ague, but his fittes are short and much eassier then they weare. M=r= Ballam is very ill; his is a feauor, if it be no thinge elles. The other day he resouled to make his will, and then to meddell no more with the world; but yesterday and to day he hopes better of himself. I am very sorry for him. Doctor Rwit, I thinke, will be with him on munday next, and then I purpos, if pleas God, to take something meself. Aske your father, wheather I shall send to Oxford for your beed and Gorgess and the sheets; I can hardly spare the beeds; for it may be, some will perswade that it is better sell them theare then bringe them home; but I am not

of that minde. Your sisters are well, and I should be very glad to haue Brill goo to my lady Veeres. I hope M=r= Gower will come downe shortly. I am much pleased that you are now with your father, and I hope it will be much aduantage to you; and I beceach the Lord to blles all the wayes of knowledg to you; for you now see the truth of Gods word, that tho men spread like a bay tree, yet they endure but for a time. Deare Ned, be carefull of your self; and I beceach the Lord to blles you: so I rest, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Apr: 19, 1641. Bromton Castell.^)

[} [\CXV.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - Sence my thoughtes are so much with you, I may easely writ offten to you. I take much content that I may hope to see your father and you within 2 months. I pray God giue me a comfortabell inioyeing of that my desire. Deare Ned, be carefull of your health, and aboue all, of keeping your hart cloos with your God. I did much reioyce that theare was hopes of a good agreement betwene the 2 howess, and I hope to heare more fully of it by Looker, who was looked for hard the last night; but he is not yet come. Your brother Tom, I thanke God, is so well that he comes into my chamber, and is mightyly a hungery, but your brother Robine has his ague still; his fittes are much lees. He was very ill, and I preuailed with him to take a vomit, which, he says now, if he had not taken he thinkes he had bine in his graue: but he was very vnwilling to take any more phiseke, so he did not: and I feare he is a littell corbuticall; for his teethe are loose; and I feare he had a littell touch of his old deases the other day, but he had no fitt: he is alltogeather against phiseke; he thinks an ague must be worne away by gooing abroode; but theas are not such agues. Mr. Ballam mends a paece, and so dous Sam Piner: your sisters are, I thanke God, very well, and your cosen Smith, whous only sorrow is, that I haue goot one to teach scoole for Mr. Ballam. Mr. Gower toold me of the death of my good brother Bray. I am exceeding sorry for the loos of him; I hope my sister Wacke and my brother are well, and my lady Conway and my brothers chillderen. I pray God blles you and keepe you in His feare: so I rest, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^May 7, 1641. Bromton Castell.^) I thanke God, I finde meself much better for my phisek and being

let blood. I haue bine to see your brother Robine, but I durst not goo to-day, becaus I haue taken a great coold.

[} [\CXVIII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - The shurenes of the carrier, tho he is slow, makes me writ by him, tho I purpos and pleas God to write by the mersser,

whoo goos towards Loundoun on munday. I am glad that justice is excicuted on my lord Straford, whoo I thinke dyed like a Senneca, but not like one that had tasted the mistery of godlyness. My deare Ned, let theas exampels make you experimentally wise in Gods word, which has set forth the prosperity of the wicked to be but for a time; he flowreschess but for a time in his life, nor in his death has peace; but the godly has that continuall feast, the peace of a good contience, and his end is peace, and his memory shall not rot. I thanke God that I hard you weare well, for I haue bine in feare of it all this weake. I thanke God your brothers and sisters are well. I haue keepe my beed sence munday. Deare Ned, be carefull of your self, and I pray God blles you. So I rest, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^May 21, 1641. Bromton Castell.^)

[} [\CXXII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - I cannot let doctor Deodat goo, without leting you know my thoughts are much with you, and I hope I shall see you shortly. I receued your letter by Mr. Griffits: it brought me wellcome nwes, in that it asshured me of your health, which I pray God continue to you. I thanke God your brothers and sisters are well. I am still in beed, but I hope I shall be abell to rise with in thease feawe days. I am sorry doctor Deodat has left the cuntry. Deare Ned, be carefull of your self for my sake. I pray God bells you and giue you a comfortabell meeting with Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^June 14, 1641. Bromton Castell.^)

[} [\CXXIV.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - M=r= Doughty his stay something affter my cosin Dauis, giues me leaue to begine this weake with a letter to you. I pray God blles you and presarue you from all things that may hurt you eather within or without. I hard this morning that your father had taken my cosin Wigmors estate into his hand, and vndertaken to pay all his deets. I hope it is not true: send me word wheather you heare any such thing. I would haue write to your father, but I thinke many letters would trubell him: be carefull of yourself for my sake. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^June: 21, 1641. Bromton Castell.^) Just nowe M=r= Ballam tell me he is not abell to teach scoule. I pray you tell your father so.

[} [\CXXVII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE M=R= EDWARD HARLEY, AT S=R= ROBERT HARLEY, LOUDGING AT M=R= GAY HIS HOWES, WOOLSTAPLE, IN WESMESTER.}] Deare Ned - Let theas lines tell you I am glad of all opertunitys by which you may be ashured my thoughts are with you. I hope it will not be longe before I haue the comfort of seeing your father and you, tho when I consider the biusness the parlament is in hand with, I then feare it will be longe. I pray God blless you, and giue you such a true knowledg of the thinges heare below, that you may know them to be but transetory. Your brothers and sisters are well, and I pray God keepe you so. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^July 3, 1641. Brompton Castell.^) Piner forgot to seet doune Edward Dallys rent in the rent rolle, thearfore he has now sent it: for the rest of the tenants of Kingsland, he says he can make no rent role. Giue this note to your father.

[} [\CXXX.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY, AT S=R= ROBERT HARLEY HIS LOUDGING IN WESMESTER.}] Deare Ned - I heare M=r= Moore is come downe. I long to heare from him, how your father and you doo. I pray God I may heare well of you, and that I may see your father and you with comfort. If the howes will site still, yet I hope your father will come down for a littell time. I thanke God I was yesterday at chruch, in the morning, but the affternoune was so weet I durst not goo, and I thanke God I finde myselfe reasnabell well to day. Your brothers are well at Clanuer, and your sisters are well. I pray God blles you, as I desire my owne soule should be bllesed. So I rest, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^July 26, 1641. Bromton Castell.^) When you see my brother, tell him I present my saruis to him.

[} [\CXXXVI.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I did the last night, with much contentment, receaue your letter by Jhon Coolborn. I take it for a greate bllesing that you came so well to Loundoun, and that you meet with so good newes theare, as that the bischops are voted in both howes to lous theaire vots theare. I hope the Lord will perfect His owne glorious worke. You know how your fathers biusnes is neglected; and, alas! it is not speaking will sarue turne, wheare theare

is not abilltise to doo other ways; thearefore I could wisch, that your father had one of more vnderstanding to intrust, to looke to, if his rents are not payed, and I thinke it will be so. I could desire, if your father thought well of it, that M=r= Tomas Moore weare instrusted with it; he knowes your fathers estate, and is an honnest man, and not giuen to greate expences, and thearefore I thinke he would goo the most fruegually way. I knowe it would be some charges to haue him and his wife in the howes; but I thinke it would quite the chargess. I should be loth to haue a stranger, nowe your father is away. Deare Ned, tell your father what I haue rwiten to you, and I pray God derect him in his resolutions; and what he resoulues of, I shall be contened with; so doo not forget to tell your father. I did not rwite him word of it, becaus I would not make my letter so longe to him, and I am not very well at this time; being ill, as I vse to be. I haue, by this carrier, sent vp your rwiteing boox, and your boox of bookes. I pray God blles you, and beleeue you are most deare to, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. I thanke God my coold is goone. (^Pheb: 11, 1641. Bromton Castele.^)

[} [\CXXXIX.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - You desarue many thankes for your letters to me this weeke, which was exceeding wellcome to me, both for the good newes they contained, and becaus they came from you, whoo I mise; for I may booldly say, I haue not bine very merry sence you went. To me, theas mercys of God are such, as may make our harts stand amased at the goodnes of our God, and they are strong bands to tye vs in obedience to our God; for howe can we sinn against so gracious, so mercifull a God, whoo is thus pleased to put forth His wisdome and power, for the healp of His poore chillderen. I am exceeding glad that S=r= Jhon Conyars is leftenant of the tower. I hope you are acquainted with him, and I hope you haue deleuered my letter to my brother. They are now aboute a petecion to the parlament, which I hope will be ready to send vp the next weake. My deare Ned, the Lord of heauen blles you and presarue you from all euill. Put your father in minde to be carefull of himself; and I desire to know wheather he likes the meath, and wheather my brother had the pyes I sent him. We heare of letters that weare intersepted from my lord Digbe. I desire to know wheather theare was any such thing or no. My deare Ned, still beleeue I am beest pleased, when I can expres meself to be, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Pheb: 19, 1641. Brompton Castell.^)

[} [\CXLIII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] Deare Ned - I thanke you for your letter by Hall. I did much long to receaue the declaration to the kinge. I thanke you for it; I am sorry the kinge is pleased yet, not to conseaue anny better thoughts of this parlament. The Lord be mercifull to this poore land, and to this cuntry wheare I ame; for I thinke theare is not such another. I heare the justices haue sent vp theare ansure, why they would not take the protestation. S=r= William Crof gouerns all of them. M=r= Braughton tells me you had taken coold and weare not very well with it. I shall longe to heare how you doo. Deare Ned, be carefull of yourselfe, and I pray God blles you and presarue you in health. I am very well content your father should take another, that his estate might be well looked to, but I desire Piner may stay to receaue the mony, and to lay it out. I thanke God, your cosen Smith is much better. I will, if pleas God, prouid your linnes as soune as I can. I haue by this carrier sent your father 12 pyes and a schees. M=r= Braghton brought me no letter from you, which made me sorry; but more sorry that you weare not well. I hope shortly you will have the peticion for this county, but S=r= William Croft disswaded it, as a thing vulawfull to petecion. So I rest, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Mar: 19, 1641.^)

[} [\CXLVI.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - You cannot conceaue how wellcome your letters are to me; yet beleeue I give you thankes for them. I receued one by the post and another by the carrier this weake. I see the distance is still keepe betwne the kinge and parlament. The Lord in mercy make them one, and in His good time incline the kinge to be fully assured in the faithfull counsell of the parlament. Our God has doun greate thinges, and I hope He will still glorify Himselfe in exerciseing of His mercy to vs His poore saruants. And, my deare Ned, it is my greate comfort that you haue made your God your

confidence; and this is most sure, He will neuer faile you. I purpos, and pleeas God, your sister Brill shall begine her journey to Loundoun on munday next, and I hope shee will be abell to reache Wickam by wensday night; wheare I hope shee shall meete you at the Catterne wheele; shee much longes for this journey. Piner and Hackelet and Prichard goo vp with her, and M=r= Yeats and his wife. This night M=r= Old tells me that M=r= Nweport is maried; for my Lady Nweport sent to Shrewsbury to haue the bells rounge for it. I wishee, and please God, I had the like ocation of reioyceing. Your cosen Smith is now well. Doctor Wright stayed with him 3 or 4 dayes, and gaue him somethinge, which has doun him much good. I was ill when docter Wright was with your cosen Smith, and so I haue bine sence he went; but I haue taken nothing of him sence you went. Deare Ned, be careful of yourselfe, and I beceach the Lord in much mercy to blles you whith all His bllessings, and I wisch you much ioye in your nwe lodging in Lincons Ine. I beleeue your father misess you, and I am sure I doo. I pray you send me word how you like your commons; so I rest, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Apr: 29, 1642, Brompton Castell.^) M=r= Gower is very well pleased that he is chosen on of the ministers.

[} [\CXLIX.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - Your letter by the post and by the carrier are both very wellcome to me; for besides the knowledge you giue me of the publicke affaires, the assurance of your health is very deare to me. We all are ingaged deepely to pray ernestly to our God, that He will giue both wisdome and corage to the parlament, and I hope the Lord will so giude them that the mouths of thos that would speake euill of them shall be stoped. I thanke you for desireing me not to beleeue rumors. I doo not; becaus I assure meself I shall heare the truth of thinges from your penn. It is the Lords greate worke, that

is now a frameing, and I am confident, it will be finisched with much beauty, so that the very enimyes shall be enforsed to acknowledg it has bine the Lord that has rought for His caus and chillderen; against home they will finde that theare is no deuination nor inchantment. We hard that the Kenttiche peticion was brought by 3000 men, and that 3000 Loundoners meete them vpon Blacke Heath and theare fought, and many weare killed. And now we heare that S=r= Francis Wortly drwe his sword and asked whoo was for the king, and so 18 foolowed him. I thinke this later may be true; but for the fight vpon Black Heath, I know it is not true. I am glad our Heariford peticion is come to Loundoun, and I hope deliuered before this: your sister, I hope, meet you at Wickcam on wensday last. Deare Ned, send me word how my ladey Veere vsess her, and how shee carriers herself. I pray God blles you with a large measure of gras and with all the comforts of this life. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^May 6, 1642.^)

[} [\CLV.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY, THEAS LOUNDOUN.}] My deare Ned - The ocation of this letter is to let you knowe that Mr. Weafer is dead. Doctor Wright has exprest a very greate deale of frindeshipe to you in this biusnes, more then this short time will let me tell you. This mornig doctor Wright came to me presently affter 7 a cloke; he thinkes that if your father can make Mr. Seaborne ferme to him, and gaine Mr. Ellton to preueale with yonge Mr. Weafer, that you will haue it. I will, in the meane time, rwite to Mr. Ellton, and doctor Wright will carry the letter to him. But this is the question, that you must be a burges of theare towne, which I bide Mr. Davis tell them you would: but it seemes he did not so cleerely; for that was one reson that made doctor Wright come to me, to let me knowe, that if you weare not burges, you could not be one. Doctor Wright is so ernest that you should haue this, that he perswaded me to send to your father, that nothing might be left vndone. If your father be displeased that I send so to him, you must healp to make my excuse. If please God, I should be very glad you might be in this imployment. The Lord prosper our indeuors and blles you. In great hast, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. Samuell promises me to be with you on saterday . . I pray you rwit doctor Wright thankes, and pray your father to doo so. I did not tell now thinke he had borne so much good will to Brompton, as I see he dous. (^May 19, 1642.^) Deare Ned, put your father in minde, if he thinkes best to doo so, to rwite to S=r= William Croft for his healpe.

[} [\CLVIII. TO HER SON EDWARD.\] }] My deare Ned - I must tell you once againe, that I haue had no letter from you this weake, but Sankey rwites me word that you are well, and that makes me glad. I should haue bine very glad to haue receaued derections from your father, wheather I should doo any more in getting voices for you about Heariford. I haue spoken to many who haue promised me, and young M=r= Weafer, if hee doo not stand for it himself. If Mr. Ellton is nowe in London, I pray you tell your father, that if it pleas him, he may speake to him. If you did rwite any letter by the post, he has played the naughty fellow, and then I pray you rwite no more by him. I pray God blles you, and giue you a most comfortabell meeting with Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^May 27, 1642: Brompton Castell.^)

[} [\CLXI.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - Now I thanke you for your letter by M=r= Braughton, whoo brought it this day somethinge late, so that I am shortned in time to rwite to you. I thinke we must all acknowledeg Gods greate mercy that the plot for the takeing of Hull was discouered. I pray God derect the parlement what they ought to doo, for they haue enimyes enough to looke with on euill eye at what theare actions.

At Loudlow they seet vp a May pole, and a thinge like a head vpon it, and so they did at Croft, and gathered a greate many about it, and shot at it in deristion of roundheads. At Loudlow they abused M=r= Bauges sonne very much, and are so insolent that they durst not leaue theare howes to come to the fast. I acknowledg I doo not thinke meself safe wheare I am. I loos the comfort of your fathers company, and am in but littell safety, but that my trust is in God; and what is doun in your fathers estate pleasess him not, so that I wisch meselfe, with all my hart, at Loundoun, and then your father might be a wittnes of what is spent; but if your father thinke it beest for me to be in the cuntry, I am every well pleased with what he shall thinke beest. I haue sent you by this carryer, in a box, 3 shirts; theare is another, but it was not quite made; on of them is not wasched; I will, and pleas God, send you another the next weake, and some handchersher. I rwite yesterday to you by the post of Loudlow, how my thankes was taken at Heariford. I pray God blles you and keepe you from sinn, and from all other euills, and giue you a joyfull meeting with Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. Your sister Doll is not well, shee has a great weakenes vpon her; yet I thanke God this day shee is somethinge better than shee was. (^June 4, 1642: Brompton Castell.^)

[} [\CLXVI.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - Your two letters this weake weare exceeding wellcome to me. I thanke God, that you finde yourselfe better affter your pihiseke. Deare Ned, for my sake take care of your - .

I am very glad to heare that your sister has so much fauor from my lady Veere. I had no letter from your sister this weake. I hope the horsess are come well to your father: and by this carrier I purpos, and pleas God, to send the 2 pistolls you rwite me word your father would haue, and the gillt plate which he has sent for. I am exceeding glad to heare that my lord of Sallsbery and my lord of Clare is come to the parlement. It is a greate comfort to me to see you fixe your thoughts in theas times vpon your God. Your brother Tom has bine extreme ill, and it pleased God, that docter Wright was with M=rs= Litellton, and so came to see me as he went home, which I thought fell out happily for your brother. Yesterday I was exceeding fraid of him, but this day, I thanke God, he is better, so that I hope docter Wright may leaue him to-morrow. He fell sike on tusday last; so that, deare Ned, I finde that on trubele foolows another. M=r= William Littellton being at Loudlow last weake, as he came out of the chruch, a man came to him and looked him in the fase and cryed "roundhead;" he gaue the fellow a good box of the eare and steep to on that had a chugell and tooke it from him and beat him soundly. They say, they are now more quiet in Loudlow. I pray you put your father in mind to consider of that I rwite to him about M=r= Yates, and send me word what he says, for I desire they may be punisched. I pray God blles you and giue you a comfortabell meeting with Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Jne: 24, 1642. Brompton Castell.^) Deare Ned, send me word wheather my lady Veere giues any thinge in this prouicione for raizing of hors for the good of this poore kingdome.

[} [\CLXX.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I hard very late this night that M=r= Moore would goo to Loundoun, and I cannot let him pas without a letter; for, my deare Ned, beleeue me, I long to see, and how glad should I be, if you weare heare at the fast. Docter Wright was send for to M=r= James, whoo was very ill, and he, seeing M=r= Moore with him, toold

me he was to goo to Loundoun: but it was late, and if I doo not send very early, he will be goon; so that I can say no more but that I am, Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Jun: 27, 1642.^)

[} [\CLXXIII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I receued your letter by Mr. Hill yesterday, and I thanke God that I heare you are well; the Lord in mercy continue that comfort to me. They goo on with the milica in this cuntry; the sherafe has sent out warents that they apeare on the 15 of this month at Herifrd. Your fathers company, I heare, they meane to make offer to you, and if you will not haue it, they will giue it to another. They trihumfe brafely, as they say, and threaten poore Brompton; but

we are in the hand of our God, whoo I hope will keepe vs safe. I pray God blles you, as I desire the soule should be bllesed, of Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^July 8, 1642.^)

[} [\CLXXVII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I longe to see you, but would not haue you come downe, for I cannot thinke this cuntry very safe; by the papers I haue sent to your father, you will knowe the temper of it. I hope your father will giue me full derections how I may beest haue my howes gareded, if need be; if he will giue the derections, I hope, I shall foolow it. My deare Ned, I thanke God I am not afraide. It is the Lords caus that we haue stood for, and I trust, though our iniquitys testify aganst vs, yet the Lord will worke for His owne name sake, and that He will now sheawe the men of the world that it is hard fighting against heauen. And for our comforts, I thinke neuer any laide plots to route out all Gods chillderen at once, but that the

Lord did sheawe Himselfe mighty in saveing His saruants and confounding His enimyes, as He did Pharowe, when he thought to haue destroyed all Israell, and so Haman. Nowe, the intention is, to route out all that feare God, and surely the Lord will arise to healpe vs: and in your God let your confidence be, and I am assured it is so. One meet Samuell and not knoweing wheare he dwelt, Samuell toold him he was a Darbesheare man, and that he came lately from thence, and so he did in discours; the papis toold him, that theare was but a feawe puretaines in this cuntry, and 40 men would cut them all off. Had I not had this ocation to send to your father, yet I had sent this boy vp to Loundoun; he is such a rogeisch boy that I dare not keepe him in my howes, and as littell do I dare to let him goo in this cuntry, least he ioyne with the company of vollentirs, or some other such crwe. I haue giuen him no more money then will sarue to beare his charges vpe; and becaus I would haue him make hast and be sure to goo to Loundoun, I haue toold him, that you will giue him something for his paines, if he come to you in good time and doo not loyter; and heare inlosed I haue sent you halfe a crowne. Giue him what you thinke fitte, and I desire he may not come downe any more, but that he may be perswaded to goo to seae, or some other imployment. He thinkes he shall come downe againe. Good Ned, do not tell Martaine that I send him vp with such an intention. I haue derected theas letters to you, and I send him to you, becaus I would not haue the cuntry take notis, that I send to your father so offten; but when such ocations come, I must needs send to him, for I can rely vpon nobodys counsell but his. I pray God blles you and presarue you in safety, and the Lord in mercy giue you a comfortabell meeting with Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^July 19, 1642. Brompton Castell.^) My cosen Dauis tells me that none can make shot but thos whous trade it is, so I haue made the plumer rwite to Woster for 50 waight

of shot. I sent to Woster, becaus I would not haue it knowne. If your father thinke that is not enoufg, I will send for more. I pray you tell your father that my cosen Robert Croft is in the cuntry. My cosen Tomkins is as violent as euer, and many thinke that her very words, is in the Heariford resolutions. I beleeue it was M=r= Masons pening. He is gone to Yorke, for when he carried the letter from the gentellmen in this cuntry, he was made the kings chapline.

[} [\CLXXX.\] }] [}FOR MY MUCH HONNORED FRINDE MRS. WALLCOTE, AT WALLCOTE.}] Most worthy frinde - I had rather intreate a kindenes from you then from any I knowe; assureing meselfe you will doo the same to me, in home you have as much interest in, as in any.

I haue had of late in the mending of the leeds of my howes bine inforsed to lay out an extriordary some of money; and Edward Dally with others, oweing me rent, I can not as yet geet it; if you can lend me 40 (^l.^) for halfe or a quarter of a yeare, I shall take it as a greate kindenes, and I will pay the interest of it with all my hart, and giue you any securety my sonne and I can giue you, which I hope will be enough for a greater some. So recommending you unto the protection of God, I rest, Your most affectinat frinde, Brilliana Harley. (^Augs. 18, 1642.^) I desire to haue my saruis presented to M=r= Wallcote and your sonne.

[} [\CLXXXI.\] }] [}FOR MY MUCH HONNORED FRINDE MRS. WALLCOTE, AT WALLCOTE.}] My much honnored and deare frinde, - I acknowledg this as a greate fauor, and I shall be ready to expres my thankes with all the

testimony of true respets, and I acknowledge, that for the vertues you haue, I much loue and honnor you. I haue receued the 20 (^l.^) you are pleased to lend me, and I haue made a bill of the resaite of it, and my sonne and meselfe haue put our hands to the resaite of it, and I will and pleas God pay you very shortly. I desire to haue my saruis presented to M=r= Wallcote and your sonne; and desire you to beleeue that I am most vnfainedly Your most affectinat frinde, Brilliana Harley. (^Augt: 22, 1642. Brompton Castell.^)

[} [\CLXXXIII. TO HER SON EDWARD.\] }] My deare Ned - I thanke you for your letter by Proser; he is a trusty mesenger. I must now tell you how gratious our God has bine to vs: on the soboth day affter I receued the letter from the markis, we sett that day apart to sceeke to our God, and then on munday we prepared for a seege; but our good God called them another way; and the markis sent me word he remembered him to me, and that I need not feare him, for he was gooing away, but bide me feare him that came affter him. M=r= Connisbe is the gouernor of Heariford, and he sent to me a letter by M=r= Wigmore. I did not let him come into my howes, but I went into the garden to him. Your father will sheawe you the letter; they are in a mighty violence against me; they reueng all that was doune vpon me, so that I shall feare any more parlament forsess comeing into this cuntry: and deare Ned, when it is in your power sheaw kindenes to them, for they must be overcome so. Bardlam has played the very traitor to me, and Richard Bytheway neuer comes at me: M=r= Phillips takes much care and pains. Deare Ned, rwite him thankes tho it be but in a littell scripe of paper. My deare Ned, I pray you aduis with your father wheather he thinkes it best that I should put away most of the men that are in

my howes, and wheather it be best for me to goo from Brompton, or by Gods healp to stand it out. I will be willing to doo what he would have me doo. I neuer was in such sorrows, as I haue bine sence you left me; but I hope the Lord will deleuer me; but they are most cruely beent against me. I thanke you for your counsell, not to take theair words; the Lord in mercy presarue you, and if it be His holy will, giue me the comfort of seeing you, in home is much of the comfort of Your affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Desem: 25, 1642.^)

[} [\CLXXXVII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I rwite to you the other day by M=r= Taylor, and I am as glad to doo it now, and I hope this will come safe to your hand. I am in the same condistion as I was; still amongst my enimys, who now threeten me not with forsess, becaus the soulders are goon before Gloster; theaire randevous is S=r= Ro. Cookes howes. My deare

Ned, desire your father to send me word what he thinkes I had beest doo; for if I should put away the men in my howes, I should be eury day plundered, and as basely vsed as it is poscibell, and I can receaue no rents. Sam Piner toold who went with you, and so Leeg and Poell are indited. M=r= Yaets and M=r= Lowe and Edward Pin. goo towards Loundoun the next weake. Edward Pin. biusnes is to speake with your father aboute the legacy he should pay M=r= Poells daughter; he has sould land to her husband, and he would haue him take the mony of your father. I would not haue had him goo vp to Loundoun, becaus I thinke it is not a time for your father to take vp mony to pay that legacy, that the land is still in question; but your brother tells me Piners intentiene is to geet more lives on Buckton for that mony. If your father pleas to consider it, I thinke it is not so much for his profit to let on man haue so many liueings in his hand; for then they put poore tenants into them, and let the howses goo downe, and your father has but on tenant, for his tenant haueing 2 or 3. I pray you speake to your father about it. Good M=r= Bayley is come to me. They rage more then euer. I pray God keepe vs from them; and, deare Ned, pray for vs and desire all good Christians to doo so. The Lord in mercy blles you, and giue me, a comfortabell seeing of you, who hoold you as deare as my owne soule. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. I longe to see your sister Brills sonn. I think it seuen yeare tell he come. I sent you all your linnens the last saterday. M=r= William Griffits tooke them with him, and promised to send them to his brother Gorge. I purpos to send your man vp to you, when Piner goos, for I beleeue you will hardly haue on that is better and loues you more. (^Feb. 25, 1642.^)

[} [\CXCI.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I should haue bine very glad to haue receued a letter from you by Mr. Taylor; and deare Ned, finde some way or other to rwite to me that I may know how the world goos, and how it is with your father and yourselfe; for it is a death to be amoungst my enimys, and not to heare from thos I loue so dearely. Heare I haue sent you a coppy of the sommons was sent me; I wisch with all my hart that euery on would take notice what way they take: that if I doo not giue them my howes, and what they would haue, I shall be proseeded against as a trator. It may be euery onse case to be made traytors; for I beleeue eury on will be as vnwilling to part with theare howes as I am. I desire your father would seariously thinke what I had beest doo; wheather stay at Brompton, or remoue to some other place. I heare theare are 600 soulders apointed to come against me. I know not wheather this sessation of armes will stay them. I cannot tell what to think, that I heare nothing of your sister Brills sonne, nor that you did not write me word, that he was come to you. I heare captaine Jeferes is drowned. I am very much behoolding to docter Wright, for he will not goo from Brompton tell he sees me out of my trubell. Mr. Phillips carrys himselfe very well, and Mr. H [^GAP IN EDITION^] as he was vsed to doo. Good M=r= Baughly is faine to come to Brompton.

M=r= Legg is still at Brompton, and Mathes and the Wellchmen and Staney and 2 of Knights brothers, who were faine to fly out of theare owne cuntry. My deare Ned, I will promise meselfe a letter from you by this bearer, whoo has carried himselfe very well to me; thearefore I pray you giue him thankes for it. I pray God blles you, and in His good time giue vs a joyfull meeting, which I beleeue you thinke is longed for, by Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. I heare they have put vp proclamations in this cuntry, that theare shall be no sessation of armes. Docter Wright and M=rs= Wright remember saruis to you. (^Mar: 8, 1642.^)

[} [\CXCIII.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I was very glad to receaue a letter from you by Proser and by Samleman, but I did hope you would haue bine more at large, for I doo exceedingly long to heare what you doo, and

what is beest for me to doo. I heare some say, you haue an imployment, but I will beleeue nothing tell I heare it from your selfe or father. The report in this cuntry is, that my lord Capell comes very shortly to be gowernor of Shrewsbury, and the qu: is to come to Loudlow. I thanke God we are all at Brompton, and desire to knowe when you meane, and pleas God, to moue this way. I pray God blles you and giue you a comfortabell meeting with Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. Doctor Wright and M=rs= Wright, whoo yet make me so much behoolding to them as that they are with me, remember theaire saruis to you. (^Mar: 25, 1643.^)

[} [\CXCIX.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - I hard from Loundoun that you with S=r= Arter Hasellrike left Loundoun on Friday was senight, and that your intentions weare to hast to S=r= William Waller. I haue some hope that theas lines may meet with you, which if they doo, my deare Ned, let them assure you my hart is with you; and I hope my God will blles you. This bearer can tell you the state of Hearifordschere. You know you are the comfort of my life, thearefore thinke it not strange, if my thoughts are so much with you. The Lord in much mercy blles and presarue you, and giue you a comfortabell meeting with Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^June 19, 1643.^) I thanke God we are all well at Brompton.

[} [\CCI. TO HER SON EDWARD.\] }] My deare Ned - On saterday I receued your letter by Raphe. Your being well is mine, and thearefore you may beleeue I reioyce in it. That you left me with sorrow, when you went last from Brompton, I beleeue; for I thinke, with comfort I thinke of it, that you are not only a child, but on with child-like affections to me, and I knowe you haue so much vnderstanding that you did well way the condistion I was in; but I beleeue it, your leaueing of me was more sorrow then my condistion could be; but I hope the Lord will in mercy giue you to me again, for you are both a Joseph and a Beniamin

to me, and deare Ned, longe to see me; and I hope when you haue spent some littell time in the army you will come to Brompton. Sence you desired your brother to come to you, I could not deny it, though I was loth to leaue him. I hope he is come, before this, safe to you; and I pray God blles you both togeather, and that I may agene haue you returne in safety with your deare father. In this cuntry they begine to rais nwe tropes, and they haue seast the country at 1200 (^l.^) a-month. My lo. Harbert and colonel Vaueser whoo is to be gouerner of Heariford, is gone vp into Moungomeryscheere to rais soulders. All of them are returned into Hearifordsheere; S=r= Wallter Pye, M=r= Brabson, M=r= Smaleman, M=r= Wigmore, M=r= Ligen, and M=r= Stiles and Gardnas, whoo has quartered soulders in Kingsland, and they say, that besides the 1200 (^l.^) a month, theare must be free quarter for soulders. They counsell, but the Lord in mercy defeate theaire counsells. I must looke for nwe one-seets, but I hope I shall looke to my rocke of defence, the Lord my God, from home is deleuerance. Out of Chescheere, I heare from a sure hand, that on the 19 of this month S=r= William Brerton sent out a party of hors into Sharpschere, but when they weare plundering at Hanmere, the lo. Capells tropes supprised them; they hasted to theaire horsess and fleed, but theare was taken prisnors of them the leftenan colonell and captain leftenant Sanky, and 13 more taken prisners, and about 12 slaine, and many more wounded. They vsed the prisnors very barborously. All Lancascheere is cleered, only Latham howes. My lord of Darby has left that county, which they take ill. My deare Ned, I know you loue to heare how I doo. I thanke God, beyond my expectation or that of some in my howes, my prouistions has heald out; and I haue borrowed yet not much mony, though my tenants will not pay me, and Coolborn deales very ill with me, and will pay me no mony; and M=r= Connisbys steward sent to him to know wheather he would receaue the 6 coolts, and he neuer toold me of it, but sent them word he durst not. This M=r= Eaton rwite me word of yesterday. Your brother can tell you I sent for a sargent to colonnell Massey,

and he sent me one, and I hope he will doo very well. As you desired to haue some honnest man sent you, I did as much desire to send you some. Those that I thought would haue gone gladly, findes out excusess, but theas 3 desired to goo, to venture theair liues with you, or elles they would not goo from me. Doctor Write asked his man the question, but the poore gardner and Stangy desired it of themselfes, and they seet forward with good corage. I will endeuor to see wheather any will contribute to buy a hors; but thos that haue harts haue not means, and they that haue means haue not harts. I doo not send you Jack Griffets, becaus I thought you might like Phillip Loouke, whoo is a pretty inienious fellow, but if you would haue Griffets, I pray you let me know by Raphe, and I will, if pleas God, send him to you. By Raphe and the rest I haue sent you [^IN EDITION yon^] your bookes. Deare Ned, I could say much more to you, but I haue run out my paper. The Lord of Heauen blles you and presarue you, and make you to doo worthely and to outliue all theas trubells. Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^June 30, 1643.^) I am confident you will hate all plundering and vnmercifullness. I pray you aske your brother what I bide him tell you concerning M=r= Hill.

[} [\CCV.\] }] [}FOR MY DEARE SONNE COLONELL HARLEY.}] My deare Ned - Your short but wellcome letter I receaued by Prosser, and as it has pleased God to intrust you with a greater

charge, as to change your trope into a regiment, so the Lord in mercy blles you with a dubell measure of abillitys, and the Lord of Hosts be your protector and make you victorious. My deare Ned, how much I longe to see you I cannot expres, and if it be possibell, in parte meete my desires in desireing, in some measure as I doo, to see me; and if pleased the Lord, I wisch you weare at Brompton. I am now againe threatned; there are some souldiers come to Lemster and 3 troopes of hors to Heariford with S=r= William Vauasor, and they say they meane to viset Brompton againe; but I hope the Lord will deleuer me. My trust is only in my God, whoo neuer yet failled me. I pray you aske M=r= Kinge what I prayed him to tell you conserning Wigmore. I haue taken a very greate coold, which has made me very ill thees 2 or 3 days, but I hope the Lord will be mercifull to me, in giuing me my health, for it is an ill time to be sike in. My deare Ned, I pray God blles you and giue me the comfort of seeing you, for you are the comfort of Your most affectinat mother, Brilliana Harley. (^Octo: 9, 1643.^)

[}TO MR. EDWARD HARLEY, AT MAGDALEN HALL IN OXFORD.}] Ned Harley - Comend my service to M=r= provost and M=r= Rouse, and lett them know that I do receeve it as an honor to mee y=er= intentions to set up my armes in the colledge. I will go (God willinge) send it to them. There is another seruice which I have impartid to your worthy tutor, which if you like not, new counsailes shal be taken, for I would willingly shew myself, as time shall trie, and truth shall prove, and occasion shall rest contented, your obedient father. But, if otherwise or so, the horses shal be with you on Wednesday, the 11th of the next month, that you may be heere the 14th; and, if you have taken the schoolinge so farr as that you have learned any rhetoricke, file your tong, and bestowe it all on your tutor to p'suade hym to come along with you. In which attempt if you faile, I may say you have spent your time and I my money to small purpose, if your tutor hath not taught you to overcome hym at his owne weapon. Howsoever, (\fac periculum\) , use your skill, and if you prevayle, send me word by the next, and I will send a horse for the good tutor allso. The Lord in mercy sett and settle His holy feare in your heart, then which nothinge can more inlarge the joye of, Your most lov'ge father, Ro. Harley (^Bro'pto: Castle,^) (\18mo 9bris\) , 1639.

[}FOR MR. EDWARD HARLEY, AT MAGD: HALL, IN OXON.}] Ned Harley - By my last I acquainted you of my purpose to send horses for you and your worthy tutor, if your logicke or rethoricke can prevayle with hym to honoure you heere with his presence, and my resolution hereby (God will'ge) to send them that they may arrive with you on the 11th of the next month. But if the tutors affaires stand calculated for an other meridian in the verticole point of this yeare, then let this berer, in his returne from London, bring mee a cleere understonding of it, and beseeche your good tutor to be the good genius for a schoolmaster heere. Remember, you haue set saile for heaven: let Ch: be your north starr, His holy word your card, and keepe your canvase pregnant with His feare, and upon my life, you will make a happy voyage. In which hope I joye and rest, Your most affectionate father, Ro. Harley. (^Bro'pto' Cast:^) (\25=t= 9bris\) , 1639.

[}FOR MY SONNE MR. EDWARD HARLEY, AT BRO~PTO~ CASTLE.}] Ned Harley - I canot advertise you any thinge of your chamber, but I intend to provide one for you as soone as I can. Whilst you are at Bro~pton lett no day pass (\sine linea\) . Walke as an example in love before your brothers and sisters, that they may honoure you next mee and your good mother. See the worship of God kept up in the familye, greeve not your heavenly Father by s-ge ag=st= Hym. So you wilbe the joye of your earthly, Ro. Harley. Comend my love to your brothers and sisters, and to your cossin Smyth. (^Little Brittan,^) (\18=mo= 8=bris=\) , 1641.

[}FOR NED HARLEY.}] Ned Harley - I thanke you for your lettre, which you will understande I hope to be an incourage~t to write to mee. I am sorry for the sad accident

at Leyntwardine. It is fitt that Pyner should th=ke= how to provide an other tenant for the mille, and let hym co~ferr with Thos. Davyes of Wigmire abote the death of the man. Divide my blessing betweene yourself and your brothers and sisters, and, if you challenge a double parte, strive to walke worthy of your title to it, which you can never do, unless you feare all s-e, which the Lord in mercye settle in your heart, that you may be the joye of your father, Ro. Harley. Com=d= me to your cossin Smyth. (^London,^) (\30=o= 8bris\) , 1641.

[} [\LADY VERE TO EDWARD HARLEY.\] }] Good Nephew - I am very sory to hear by yo=r= sistars leter of the weakn=s= in your arme. I am glad you ar in London, whear you may have the meanes wich I pray God to bles to you, and m'k vs to se the mercy in preserveing yo=r= life with this mark of honor. I did writ latly to you about my sad busnis, it is lick to be very burdensom to me, for I shall not know what to do, if that plas faill me. My hope is in God, who will never fail them that ar His. I know you will not be wanting in any thing wherein you may be helpfull in the busines, wich I beleue you vnderstand so well as to know what is to be done in it, and I know your fathers love and care of me. I hear not it that my nephew Tracy be come, and tell then I hear nothing can be don. God geve me a good end of it, and menes to expres the senserity of my affections, wich shall never faill in loveing and esteming you, and in aproving myself, Yor most faithfull true loving avnt, Mary Vere.

[} [\COL. HARLEY TO HIS BROTHER THOMAS.\] }] Deare Brother - I have now exchanged the sweet country aire and sports for the dirt, fogs, and trouble of the city. The employment there, is to chase the poore hare, or crafty fox; heere, to pursue one another. The forest whence I came, hath not beasts more savage as we meete every day. The lustfull goat, fawning dog, greedy wolf range freely, and what is worst, every one abounds with these wild inhabitants, and want sagacity to pursue and courage to destroy them. If every private person would be an honest hunter, we should not complaine of so many Nimrods. If you have recovered,

and can spare your (^watry hunter^) , I shall be very glad to receave him from you. The assurance of your health will be very wellcome to, Your most affectionate brother, Edw. Harley. (^Westminster,^) (\6 Martii\) , 1650-1. For his deare Brother, Mr. Thomas Harley.

[} [\ED. HARLEY TO HIS FATHER.\] }] [^TO ROBERT HARLEY^] Sir - I trust the same mercy which conducted me safely hither hath comfortably preserved you. If that confidence did not refresh me, this journey would be very sad; but I dare not doubt the tender compassions of our heavenly Father to you, because I have alwaies experienced your tenderness to me. Thus, I beseech you, give me leave according to our Lord and Saviors precious logick to make some return for your fatherly love to me, with an assurance of an infinite Fatherly love to you. Sir, if our Lord God see it good to permitt Satan to discover his malice, be pleased to consider that your age and weakness, which encourage Satan to assault you: they doe much more assure you of victory, because all the retrenchments from your own ability to resist, doe place you more closely and imediately under the secure protection of the Lord of Hosts, who I doubt not will graciously avenge you of your spirituall adversary; will make His candle shine upon your head, and having sanctified all His dispensatins towards you, will fully assure you, that having given you His son, how shall He not with Him also freely give you all things. Thus humbly prayes he, who begs your blessing for, Sir, Your most obedient son, Edw. Harley. (^Birmichem, Feb. 2, 1653-4.^) To his most honored father, Sir Robert Harley, Knt. of the Bath, at Ludlow, present these.

[} [\EDW. HARLEY TO HIS FATHER.\] }] [^TO ROBERT HARLEY^] Sir - I bless God for your letter and for the testimony of His goodness to you, which I trust will be graceousily continued and enlarged. I am not yet at a certainty whether I shall procure the money by the security of an assignation of your statute to the Earle of Lincolne, or by a new statute, but I doubt not a speedy dispatch, through Gods goodness. Wednesday last, the lord Protector rode in great state from Temple-bar to Grocers Hall. The lord Mayor rode bare, with the sword before him, and was knighted by him after the banquet, and the sword the Protector did then weare, he bestowed upon the Mayor. The Recorder his speech I present to you, enclosed. I beseeche the Lord in mercy confirme your health, according to His abundant mercy, which is the prayer of him, that humbly begs your blessinge, and is, Sir, Your most obedient Son, Edw. Harley. (^London, Old Bayley, 11 Feb. 1653-4.^) For the Right Worshipfull Sir Robert Harley, Kt. of the Bathe, at Ludlow, Shropshyre.

[} [\EDWARD HARLEY, ON THE DAY OF HIS MARRIAGE, TO HIS FATHER.\] }] [^TO ROBERT HARLEY^] Sir - Although I have not heard since I parted from Ludlow concerning your health, I trust our gracious God continues your health towards a further degree of confirmation and strength. This day according to your leave, and by Gods mercy to me, I have consumated this great affaire heere, and my dear heart and I joyn in humbly begging your blessing. The most part of the 3000 (^l.^) will be in a fewe daies at London. 1500 (^l.^) of it is for Mr. Sherwyn. I desire to know whether Mr. Lacy shall have his money out of the remainder. My Lady Button is very desirous to have the joynture immediately settled, which I doubt cannot be wel-done before you speak with Mr. Powys, who is now on the circuit; therefore if please you, I think you may give my lady satisfaction for the present, if you acknowledg a statut of 8000 (^l.^) to my Lady Button, with a defesance

that you will settle a joynture within three or six months of 500 (^l.^) per an. This may be done at Ludlow; and if you aprov it, I beseech you that it may be speedily dispatched hither. I think Mr. Davies of Wigmore can draw the defesance wel. My Lady Button is very desirus of a letter from you. She presents her service to you. When you think fit to writ of any privat business, I think, Sir, it may be better, if you pleas, to mak use of my sister Stanleys penn. Sir, I beseech the Lord in mercy continue your health and enlarge all spiritual comforts to you. So prayes, Sir, Your most obedient son, Edward Harley. (^Tavistock, June 26, 1654.^) Sir - I beseech you y=t= our maryag may be kept privat. To his most honored father, Sir Robert Harley, Kt. of the Bathe, At Ludlow, present these.

[} [\MARY HARLEY TO HER HUSBAND, COL. ED. HARLEY.\] }] Deare Heart - I was very ill on Saturday last, and not abrode till to day. The duty as you desierid of the fast was this day performed, and the other of prayer every second Thursday shall be, if God pleas - it being your fathers command as well as yours. Mr. Shilton tells me Hurse cannot have either of the livings. I was forced to borrow money to paye Rutley 15 (^l.^) 12 (^s.^) ; and I must borrow sume and the rest in my gold must pay Mr. Shiltons bill to Mr. Cloggie. The steward tells me none will be had. I know not what to doe for the house. I believe I must be forced to leve it, tho I should gladly do any service I am able. I have given your directions concerning the church to Mr. Davis, and to the steward for to bring hay, which he thinks, as he tells me, very difficult alredy, and it will be impossible, by that time he hath done plowing: so he would have too of the coach horses sent to be kept at Brompton. My brother came well home last Satturday, but the coach brook at Eacham, and came not till yesterday. Sir Robert and all are well, but your sad (and in your absence, deare heart,) Unhappie, Mary Harley. (^Sep. 16^)

Pray write to my mother - my service to my brother, with my prayers for his health. We prayed for his recovery, which we hop will be sudaine. My brother presents his love to you. If you write to my mother, and send the inclosed you'll doe a great favour. My mother is grieved she heard not from me.

[} [\SIR EDWARD HARLEY TO HIS BROTHER, ANNOUNCING THE BIRTH OF HIS SON ROBERT, AFTERWARDS CREATED EARL OF OXFORD.\] }] [^TO THOMAS HARLEY^] Deare Brother - I thanke God I can give you the notice of the great mercy God hath pleased to vouchsafe us. Thursday, 5 Dec. between 7 and 8 in the evening my wife was very well delivered of a lusty boy, who was next day baptized and bears my fathers name, and through mercy my brother was recovered to so much strength as to be present. I desire you to joyn with us in thankfulness for this great mercy. I desire to be comended to Mr. Hawes. Sir H. Lingen came not to town before this night. Monday morning, God willing, I shall speak with him, and I hope secure both Mr. Hawes and some others from further troubles. I hope you have received before this time some letters I wrote since W. Reynolds coming up, who brought all things safe. I pray God bless the children, who I hope will be glad of theyr new brother, for they shall be loved still ... peice ... leg and thigh. My sister is much better in health than when she came up. I pray God be with you. I am your most affectinat brother, Edw. Harley. (^Bow: Street, Dec: 7, 1661.^) [\DIRECTED\] - To the Worspl. Thomas Harley, Esq. at Bucknel. Leave this with Mr. Edward Robinson, bookseller, at Ludlow.

[} [\(1.) LETTER FROM EDWARD HARLEY TO THE MASTER AND FELLOWS OF CAIUS COLL. 14 DEC. 1658. EDWARD HARLEY TO THE REVEREND AND WORTHY THE MASTER AND FELLOWES OF GONVIL AND CAIUS COLLEDG IN CAMBRIDG - PRESENT THESE.\] }] Reverend and Worthy - The leas of the rectory of Folden in Norfolk, granted by your society to my wifes mother, the Lady Button, and by her death accrewing to us, wee desire in Gods fear, so far as lies in us, to restore that portion of the Lords to the seruice of the Lord. We would choos silently to discharge this duty; but we hope God will inclin the hearts of so worthy a school of the prophets, both to place a godly and lerned pastor at Folden, now voyd, and to perpetuat that mayntenance which I can only perform for a few years. In order to which we are willing to resign our leas upon these terms, - viz. That you wil promis under your hands to joyn your best endevors with ours, that assoon as may be, by act of Parlement, the profits of the rectory of Folden surmounting your rent reserued upon our leas, may be vnited to the vicarag, and settled for ever upon the incumbent minister at Folden; that until this vnion be effected, according to law, you will renew the leas for twenty- and one years future, either to myself or some other person of responsible estat and integrity, only in trust and for the use and benefit of the minister of Folden for the time being, which leassee shal also giv bond of 500 lb. penalty not to conuert the profits aforsaid to any other use then is expressed. Concerning the next incumbent, I beseech you accept my thanks for your curteous offer by Mr. Naylor, of the nomination, of which favor I shall only desire this, that before you confer your presentation, the person may be aproved by my reverend friend Dr. Tuckney. I understand the benefit of my leas will augment the mayntenance to 100 lb. yearly, which wil be a comfortable subsistence for an able divine. To such an one I

beseech God direct your choice, and bles your society, to send forth many faithful laborers into the vineyard of the Lord, who from thence may be transplanted to shine as the stars for ever. Thus prays Your most assured friend to serve you, Edw. Harley. (^Decemb. 14, 1658.^)

[} [\(2.) LETTER TO DR. TUCKNEY, MASTER OF ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE. EDWARD HARLEY TO THE REVEREND DR. TUCKNEY, MASTER OF ST. JOHN'S COLLEDG, AND REGIUS PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY IN CAMBRIDG, PRESENT THESE.\] }] Reverend S=r= - Whereas the Master and Fellowes of Caius Colledg have pleased in contemplation of some interest I hau in the impropriat rectory of Folden in Norfolk, to offer me the nomination of the next incumbent, now voyd, and in the colledges gift, of which favor I have only thus far accepted, to desire that the person the college intend to present may be first aproved by yourself, whom I beseech to be wel assured, that the person you shall approv, be orthodox in doctrin and disciplin, and of a godly conversation. Your acquaintance with my dear father, who is with God, encorages me in this boldness to trouble you, as your known worth gives me confidence to entrust you. I shal be most glad of any occasion to present you a thankful return from, S=r=, Your very faithful friend and servant, E. H. (^Tawstok in Devon, Decemb: 14, 1658.^)

[} [\(1.) LETTER FROM SIR EDWARD HARLEY TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR CLARENDON. 12 DEC. 1665.\] }] May it please your Lordship - I humbly address this to wipe off that breath would intercept the clearness of your Lordship's favor, wherein (in that degree became me) I thought myself happy. My Lord Bishop of Hereford since his return from Parliament told me that your Lordship had acquainted him you had received some late informations concerning me, as if I were not well affected, neither to the church nor state, and that I countenanced factious persons. Particular instances or proofs of this general accusation my Lord Bishop did not mention to me,

and if such were given to your Lordship, I doubt not most clearly to disprove or refute them. I shall therefore (after most humble thanks for the notice your Lordship hath pleased thus to give me, wherein I hope I mistake not your favors towards me) beg leave to rectifye myself before your Lordship. As for my religion, I thank God I can truly say I have no opinion but what is consonant to the Catholic faith and the doctrines of the Church of England, but what I have learned out of the Scriptures and the writings of the ancient fathers; accordingly, through God's help, I endeavour to lead my life, which, to clear me from all suspicion of schism, hath not only the present and sufficient evidences of a constant and reverend attendance upon divine service, but in times of danger had the testimony of many hazards, and expences in behalf of reverend persons of the church. I could say more, but I forbear, least I speak like a fool. My Lord, I wonder not that I am now reported to be a countenancer of factious persons, for I well remember when I served his Majesty in Dunkirk, it was commonly said, that the chaplains I brought into garrison were factious persons. But the truth was, I discarded the factious, and introduced learned and pious persons, who are now, one of them a prelate, the others, reverend divines in the church. I can now also truly averr, that I have not countenanced any factious persons, nor have such persons resorted to me, nor hath there been in my family any factious or unlawful meeting. As for my affection to his Majesty's service, it is now twenty years since, upon that account I have constantly lost, done, and suffered: and in order to his Majesty's happy restoration I did, without the vanity of comparison, employ all the poor ability of my estate and person. My Lord, what I did then, I did out of duty - I had not any other design. My Lord General knew how unwillingly I undertook the command of Dunkirk. In that employment, I thank God, I served his Majesty with all fidelity and affection, and with as much devotion as ever my life is always at his Majesty's service. In the beginning of July, I was visited extreamly with the gout in both my legs, from which affliction I have not been wholly free for ten days space, that kept me from attending my duty in Parliament. But in this part of the country, where I reside, I can truly affirm the King's service, in all respects, hath been diligently and faithfully managed.

My Lord Bishop told me that the like information was brought to your Lordship, concerning my brother Thomas as concerning myself. As for him, though I had not sooner opportunity to signifye, I had a most grateful sense of your Lordship's favor in making him a Master in Chancery. He doth most humbly profess the like, and what I have alleadged for myself, I can do the same for him; that both his religion and loyalty are most affectionately orthodox and sincere. Having said thus much, I beseech I may add the tender of most humble service to your Lordship from my brother Robert, who still remains with me in a very weak condition. I hope your Lordship will vouchsafe credit to these lines of truth, in behalf of a poor family, which hath not deserved ill, I am confident, of those who have misrepresented us. I heartily forgive all the injury, except the necessity of so long a trouble to your Lordship, from, my Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, most humble servant, E. Harley. (^Brompton Brian, Dec. 12, 1665.^)

[} [\(3.) LETTER FROM SIR EDWARD HARLEY TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. 28 JAN. 1665-6.\] }] I presume too much, to offer to your Lordship the trouble of reading so many lines of no better subject than myself. I see, it is too true, that it is very difficult to undertake one's own cause, without committing great faults. Of one I am extremely sensible - that I have occasioned your Lordship the pains of answering my humble paper. I beg your pardon in all sincerity, yet I cannot but reckon it a happy fault, by which I am possessed of so

many noble expressions of your Lordship's goodness and kindness, as your lines bestow upon me. I have many reasons to believe my Lord Bishop's friendship to me, and specially because he hath several times related to me your Lordship's fovourable discourse to him of me; but when I shall have the honor to wait on your lordship, I shall, with your leave, make appear what I said on my own behalf was not altogether without cause. Though your Lordship be allways above the endeavour, be pleased to accept the affection that devotes me, my Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, most humble servant, E.Harley. (^Brompton Brian, January 28, 1665-6.^) To my Lord Chancellor Clarendon, &c.

[} [\SIR ROBERT HARLEY TO ED. H.\] }] [^TO EDWARD HARLEY^] [^PAGE XLIX IN NOTES TO INTRODUCTION^] "Ned Harley, - I thank you for y=r= letters, and desier so to carry y=e= buisiness with you y=t= you may alwaies thanke mee for mine, and now y=t= y=e= Lord hath in His good providence disposed you in y=e= university, and with so worthy a tutor as is M=r= Perkins, and under y=e= vigilent government of y=e= Principall Do=r= Wilkinson, whose holy example lett every day make impression in you of y=e= good in w=ch= he moves. You must consider y=t= y=e= end is to gett

inlargement of knowledg in y=e= understandinge chiefly of God in Christ, w=ch= is life eternall, then of morrall science, w=ch= will not only enriche y=r= mind but sett of yo=r= conversation amongst men, as shaddows do some pictures, to y=e= workeman's greater com'endation. Fyrst then take y=e= wise man's counsell to remember y=r= Creator in y=e= dayes of y=r= youth, to love Hym y=t= made you when you were not, and redeemed you with y=e= preciouse blood of His deare Sonne when you were lost, w=ch= you must finde to be from a vaine conversation, and love will teach you y=e= feare of y=e= Lord, and y=ts= y=e= beginninge of wisdome, w=ch= not only makes one man differ from another, as reason doth man from a beast, but giveth life to hym y=t= hath it; and it will give you an elevation above y=e= base wayes wherein many young men wallow; and I feare y=e= universities do too much abound with such pigges, from w=ch= y=e= preservative must be daily prayer for God's blessinge on y=r= owne and y=e= endevours of y=r= loving and graciouse tutor, whose care and counsells if you answer with diligence and obedience you will allsoe my expectation, with no little comforte; so, with my constant prayers for y=e= blessings of our heavenly Father upon you, I send you y=e= blessing of y=r= loving father, Ro. Harley. "Brampton Castle, (\19=o= 9bris\) , 1638." [^SAMPLE 1 = FOUR LETTERS OF LORD WENTWORTH, AFTERWARDS EARL OF STRAFFORD, WITH A POEM ON HIS ILLNESS. ED. BY GARDINER, SAMUEL RAWSON. CAMDEN MISCELLANY 8. CAMDEN NEW SERIES 31. 1883/1965. SAMPLE 2 = PAPERS RELATING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF LORD SAVILE, 1642-1646. ED. BY CARTWRIGHT, JAMES J. CAMDEN MISCELLANY 8. CAMDEN NEW SERIES 31. 1883/1965.^]

[} [\LORD WENTWORTH TO THE EARL OF CARLISLE.\] }] My much honored Lord, Thorowe the favoure of yours of the nine and twentithe of the last moneth methinks I see the affaires of the house of Austria a little to quicken againe, for the intrenchmentt of the Swede showes the others to be maisters of the feilde; and that soe many peeces of importance have declared themselves for Monsieur asseures me France will not be in case to hurtt Spaine abrode having soe much to doe for himself att home, being a solitary Prince and a heire apparantt the heade of a Party aganst him. Soe it seemes Fiat was a righteous man and taken from the evill to cum, which methinks the Cardinall should hardly escape. But, if I may prie into the Arke, I beseeche your Lordship, whie doe not wee sum way or other declare ourselves roundly and put ourselves in sum posture, at least in sum hope of regaining the Palatinate. That Prince seems to me on all sides to be in the lande wheare all things are forgotten. Oh my Lord, the house of Austria hath a roote, will up againe; the King of Swede can have noe time to make more then one faulte, and that proves irremedilesse, if it should

chance to befalle him, therfore me thinks still it weare well we be not all togeither swallowed up in the contemplation of his last battell at Lipssick; besides that in his successfull progresse hetherto he hath not presented himself soe lovely to us, as that we have cause to dote on him. And now, my Lord, give me leave to tell you how sore it presseth upon the zeale I have to serve you that my condition in this place affords me noe meanes to performe it, as I infinitly desire it might. In good faithe, one pleasure I have when I thinke of Irelande, and therin judge that imploymentt to have much the better of this, it is that I hope ther to finde sum pathes open for my thankfullnesse to walke in, and to meete with sum of your interests in my passadge. Beleeve me, my Lorde, I will with all diligence and perseverance treade the stepps which may leade me to sum happy issue, which may becum in sum degree acceptable unto you and soe hartely apprehende your commaundes your honoure or benifitt, that he must be a bold man at armes that setts them and me asunder. Till I manifest unto your Lordship this constantt truthe, be pleased to oblige me by your beleefe (whearin you shall never be deceaved) of my remaining Your Lordship's Most humble and most faithfull servantt, Wentworth. Yorke, this 12th of August, 1632.

[^LORD WENTWORTH TO JAMES HAY, THE EARL OF CARLISLE.^] My very good Lord, Ther is upon the way towards your Lordship a whole kennall of houndes; five cople of them are for me, nor was I ever maister of soe many before in all my life. I wishe they prove for your liking; thus much in therbyhalfe, according to the dialecte of a Northeren Cracker. Ther ancestors weare of thos famouse Heroes that in the feildes of Hanworth and Wettwange weare of the cheefe in sentte and vewe, and, if it came to a blacke hare, run doggs,

horse, and men cleare out of sighte, and the silly beaste was sure to die for it before she gott to the tow miles end. Your Lordship is left free to your beleafe, but thus much shall be sworne, if you desire an oathe for it; what thes thar oxpring may performe upon the Alpes I cannot be resolved by our huntsmen, but it is strongly supposed they will not prove (\Pejores avis\) , and then the day is ours sure. The subjectt I am upon is ritche and noble, and losse it weare to give it over soe quickly; but truly, my Lord, if I end not quickly I shall not see to write, soe as I must intirely assigne them over to ther good fortune and myself to your favoure, wishing sum better occasion by which I may expresse unto you how sincerely and hartely I am Your Lordship's Most faithfull and most humble servante, Wentworth. Yorke, this 20th of December, 1632. My humble service to my Ladye I beseeche you; for such is the speede and dullnesse of my sight as both conspire to give me noe leisure or meanes to write any more.

[^LORD WENTWORTH TO JAMES HAY, THE EARL OF CARLISLE.^] My very good Lorde, This place administers little matter whearupon to exercise the service I finde my hartte inclined to expresse unto your Lordship everywheare, which misfortune I trust my industrye and desire shall free me from the burthen of long labouring under and sett me in sum nearer and better posture to your affaires in Irelande, whear with extreame much comforte I flatter myself att least not to continue thus still uselesse and fruitlesse in thos lardge returnes towe your noble freindshippe. I have written to my Lord Mountnorris to pay over to Mr. Heye for your Lordship's use the surplusadge of your wine customes in Irelande, your rentt to his Ma=tie= deducted; but I am not a little troubled with the apprehension that he will not take itt for a sufficient

warrantte for him to issue the m[\...\] upon, as indeed itt is not, and soe your Lordship be disappointed. To helpe this the best I can till I can thether myself, I still call upon such of your servants as I conceave are intrusted with your businesse to hasten to your Lordship your warrantt from Mr. Atturney, which may be returned backe heare and see the booke ready drawen accordingly aganst his Ma=ties= cumming hether, when your Lordship willbe pleased to see it perfected, and past under the great seale. What they doe in it I heare not, but I will by God's helpe goe to the Atturney myself, and, if they have slacked, I will not, nor suffer him to be in quiet till I procure itt and send it after you. Good my Lord, let it not be any longer neglected, for it is of greate value, and willbe worthe your paines to have it finally and authentically settled in good forme of lawe. The Counsell goe every Sunday to waite upon the Queen. Her Ma=ty= useth them with great grace and civility; but methinks is sumthing sadde and lookes very much paler than she useth to doe. For myself, I am using all the diligence I possibly can to gett away, and shall, God willing, be in a readinesse to begin my jurney soe soon as I heare Captaine Plumley is gott aboute to Beaumorris with the shipp that is to transporte me. He is allready out of the river, soe as the next post that cums from Chester I trust to have the newes of his safe arrivall, and till then it weare to very little purpose for me to stirre from hence. Wee heare ther is greate curtesyes passe betwixt your Lordship and my Lord of Hollande, and heare all his freinds make mighty addresses to my Ladye, but weather out of true respectts to you tow singly, or complicated with sum secrett designe to fortifie themselves the better to make themselves more able to ballance to doe the Treasorour a shrewde turne, I conceave may in good judgmente be doubted; for I am one of thos that beleeve noe miracles, but that freindshipps which are to be trusted grow up (\per media\) upon sum noble precedent existent matter, wheare thos

which are skiped into thus (\per saltum\) are for the most partte only to serve turnes and deceatfully temporary, and therfore ever to be suspected. It must be time and your owne wisdome which must discover this mistery, and therunto as unto lights much abler to discerne and judge I submitt itt, having myself noe other interest then to desire that all may succeede to the honoure and happinesse of your Lordship and my Ladye; and then in good faithe I am well pleased (that granted) which way soever itt be convayed unto you. I am sorry this day proves soe ill as will of necessitye keep his M=ty= within doores, and by that meanes I feare hinder him from seaing the parke at Yorke, which I have taken soe much care to reserve out of the Forest, rather for the honoure and conveniency of the place I ther held than for any private benefitt of my owne; for in good faith, my Lord, money is not the price with me of anything, but the kindnesse and love to my freinds, particularly to your Lordship, I confesse must not be denied whatever can be required, and in the power of Your Lordship's Most faithfull humble servante, Wentworth. Westminster. [\INDORSED:\] 1633, June 25.

[^LORD WENTWORTH TO JAMES HAY, THE EARL OF CARLISLE.^] My very good Lord, Whatever my occasions or hast be, it must not deprive me the happiness of still putting your Lordship in remembrance of this servante of yours, who will ever be the readiest to receave and the most carefull to fullfill your commaundes in the whole world. Hear I am the whilst in excessive labourre to gett a little before hande with my businesse, if possibly I may be soe happy, being to deale with a generation that have the pointes of ther weapon turned

wholly to ther owne privates, but noe edge att alle for the publike; heare they are as dull as sharpe and eager to cut out for themselves in the other. I see itt is a maxime amongst them to keepe the Deputye as ignorantt as possibly they can, that soe allbeit not in peace yet he may be subordinate to them in knowledge, which I take to be the true reason that not any of them hethertoo hath made me any proposition att all for the bettering of his Ma=tyes= service. I am purposed on the other side to open my eyes as wide as I can and dispaire not in time to be able to sounde the depthe they covett soe much to reserve from me. I finde all the revenew hear reduced to fee farmes and noe possible meanes consequently to advance it, and in the meane time greate matters expected, indeed impossibilities, from me in Englande, which is a wofull condition of a servant to dwell under the pressure of exspectation and be left or afforded noe meanes to dischardge himself from under the burthen of itt. I beseech your Lordship lett me in this, as I have dun in many things els, finde your favour, and be pleased to take me soe farre into your care as to weede out this growing inconvenience forth out of our maister's minde, in case you at any time finde itt to shoote up with him. There is not many that have the meanes to doe it for me, nor many the particulars wherein you may oblige me more than in this. I shall be sure to doe the uttermost that lies in me, for I have a hartte can willingly sacrifice all that ever I have for his Ma=ty= (if I doo not deceave myself) with a chearfullnesse and faithe extraordinary; only I am fearefull, that whilst impossibilities are exspected at my hands, the best I can doe should not be accepted, nay, imputed unto me as a crime. My Lord, I will detaine you noe longer, further then to beseeche you to be confidentt I must ever inviolatly approve myself Your Lordship's Most humble and most faithfull servantt, Wentworth. Dublin, this 27th of August, 1633.

[} [\LORD SAVILE TO LADY TEMPLE.\] }] [\November, 1642.\] My Ladie Temple, I was verie much troubled at a report I had y=t= yo=r= house was visited w=th= y=e= plague, but am exceeding glad to heare so well of it now, as my Cosen Bland assures me, by a letter from yo=r=selfe, in w=ch= letter shee saith you write y=t= you are sorie to heare y=t= I have absolutelie declared my self ag=t= the p~liam=t=, w=ch= I wonder at this time to heare, when all the gentlemen of this countie complaine of me to the King for being to affectionate to the p~liam=t=. And I am confident y=t= S=r= John Hotham himselfe will say otherwaies of me then you are enformed. But it hath beene my fortune still, ever to receive worst usage where I thought y=t= I had best deserved, and never more aparent then in the dealing w=ch= (by misenformation I hope) the parliament hath done to me. To you I may w=th=out vaunting say, that if this

parliam=t= have done anie greate matters for y=e= publique, ore are in a condition more free then other parliam=ts=, God w=ch= governes all things, and knowes all secretts, knowes this, that if I were not at first the onelie, yet I was (though unworthie) his chiefest, instrum=t= to bring it to pass. I never so much as differd from them in anie thing whilst there was a syllable of the petition ungranted w=ch= wee delivered at Yorke, and was drawne, as you know, by Mr. Pymm himselfe and Mr. Sollicitor. And so farr onelie wee were obliged by covenant amongst oureselfes. For there alterations w=ch= they now desire in the Church, let my Lo. Say and Brooke witnes for me, if ever I was for it in my life; and therefore in a free p~liam=t= why it was not lawfull for me to vote freelie, according to my conscience, w=th=out to be made of y=e= malignant partie, I could not imagine. Was there ever anie good message w=ch= they ever had from y=e= King but something I contributed to it? Was there ever anie violent one but I oposed it? The message at Windsor, where y=e= K. granted the militia, I drew (which I have often hard of). When my Lo. Howard and Sir Philipp Stapleton was at Yorke, let them report of me what my part was; what I did w=th= the King at Bev=r=ley, when my Lord of Holland and Sir Ph. Stapleton brought the overture of peace, let them and all the courte report. The message at Nottingham, where the King offered to take downe his standard, dismiss his forces, and recall his p~clamations, all the lordes know y=t= I both persuaded it, and w=th= my owne handes, by the King's p~mission, drew it up. My Lord of Cumberlande's Comission I protested against, made my name be putt out of it, and where there was a clause to enable him to levie money uppon the countie, in the open assemblie of the gentlemen I declamed against it as being ag=t= the law and subiectes libertie, for w=ch=, as my Lord of Dorsit and others know, I was complained of to the King. Now I would faine know for w=ch= of these actes I am forbidden to sitt in parliam=t= and declared an enemie to the publique. Was I found guiltie of bringing up the armie ag=t= the parliam=t=, or privie to the Kings going into the Howse of Commons? Was I so much as privie much less p~suading to his

leaving y=e= parliam=t=, and going to Yorke? Was I not against both his going ag=t= Hull, Coventrie, and Warwick? Have I taken anie commaund in the armie in this unnaturall warr? Did I not retire to my owne howse (when the King broke up his house, so as my attendance and oath tied me no longer) in peace and quiett, and when I could do no further good, yet would not contribute to anie of the fatall evills w=ch= must follow? Do I not at this time heere protect all ministers and others y=t= p~fess religion from y=e= violence of the times, so farr as to render me suspected to all my frendes? Now, my Ladie Temple, iudge y=t= when men y=t= have done the contrarie to all y=e= good y=t= I have done, have done as much ag=t= the meeting of this p~lia=t= as I have done for it, as much ag=t= peace as I have done for it, have taken armes, commandes, ag=t= the parliam=t=, and still continew so; have given publique and violent counsells when I gave peaceable ones; yet not a man but myself, that I know this day in England (without any impeachm=t= or calling to answer), is forbidden the p~liament howse, and stigmatized w=th= the name of enemie to the publique. I never yet could learne y=t= ever they had anie thing ag=t= me to balance all the good offices w=ch= I have done, but these 2 thinges onelie: the comminge downe to Yorke w=th=out leave, and contrarie to there order, and for what I did at Heworth Moore, in Yorkeshire, when the countie was assembled there by the King's commaund; to both w=ch= thus much. The oath which I tooke as Tresorer of y=e= King's howse is flatt and plaine, to serve his Ma=tie= in y=t= office in his howse and not to departe w=th=out his espetiall licence had and obteigned first. As long as I could by anie mediation p~rvaile w=th= the King to let me stay at y=e= parliam=t= I did stay when he p~emptorilie under his owne hand, both uppon paine of my allegiance, and my oathe taken, charged me to come downe and do my s=r=vice in his howse. I durst not forsweare my selfe, but came accordinglie and staied w=th= him whilst his household continued, and then went home; for I was shutt out of the p~liam=t= by a vote before, my offence being that I durst not forsweare my selfe positivelie to obey an order, though manie went contrarie to there order (no oath

compelling them neither), w=ch= for all that have no such sentence. For y=t= of Heworth Moore, w=ch= they declared me an enemie to the publique for doing, thus in breife: - Before my coming to Yorke the King had apoynted y=t= meeting; and y=t= morning I, finding that the devided people entended to have pressed 2 petitions contrarie one to another uppon the King, w=ch= in such a mightie concourse of people might have ended in violence, and knowing that those who they terme the good partie, and who came fearefullie under my assurance and p~tection, were farr y=e= lesser number, I called to me John Reyner, Mr. Farer, Mr. Todd, Mr. Rigeley, and all the heades of that partie, and told them y=t= if they would assure me that there side would deliver no petition, I would take such order that the other should not. They repaired to there partie, and assured me there should be none delivered by them; and so wee went to the field, and finding S=r= John Bourchier reading, as they said, a petition (though it was none), I, conceving he did it in ignorance of oure agreem=t=, and contrarie to the will of the honest men of his side, tooke it from him. And now behold y=e= act y=t= makes me an enemie of y=e= Commonwealth. I have beene long in these expressions, because I desire you would let them be knowne, though not openlie publish my letter. To the truth of all in it God is witnes, and men allso. Madam, I am Yo=r= faithfull freind, Savile. Commend my service to my Ladie Carli[{sle and{] [\?\] Bedford, and all my frendes, and particularlie to my poore Cozen Carr and his wife, whose busines I am afraide may miscarie by reason of my absence from the courte, which greives me much.

[} [\THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^TO LADY TEMPLE^] Ma. I shall ever augnowledge you have done me the office of a frend, and in that way wherin I most valew frendshipp, that is in good offices to the parliam=t=, towards whome, though I know my owne harte, how it is and ever hath beene sett, yet it is now a greate office of frendshipp to make one to be understood as he is. Comend my service to my Lord Sey and to noble Sir Ph. Stapleton, and assure them that I will never forgett y=e= publique nor these p~ticuler favoures (if it please God to leave me anie power). Tell my Lo. Sey y=t= peradventure he may be as falselie represented where I am at the courte, as I may be where he is at the parliam=t=. I desire but the same iustice from him there as he shall be sure to find from me heere, and to believe thus of me, that either I will see such an acomodation as I may live in court in the fellowshipp of noble, vertuous, and deserving persons, or at least not at all w=th= such persons (whome he may imagine) y=t= shall beare sway. For anie honor to be done to the howse by anie augnowledgm=t= of mine I shall never grudge, nor thinke I took anie honor y=t= the howse gaines by me. My hart should second my wishes in comming to you, but y=t= this bearer can tell you how strictlie wee are beseiged heere, so as not so much as a serving man, much less my selfe, can yet stirr one mile out of towne. And w=ch= is most miserable, oure deliverance in probabilitie must come by my Lord of Newcastle's forces, manie of which are Papists as his declaration (w=ch= I presume you have seene) will let you understand: all which doth leade me into the consideration of those unspeakable miseries which this once flourishing contrie doth now grone under. First S=r= John Hotham's and y=e= Lincolnshire forces called to his assistance under the pretence of setling the militia and seazing of delinquents, this countie (I will speake faithfullie) hath been robbed of and impoverished above a hundred thowsand pound w=th=in this little space, and [\...\] manie licentious plunderings and villanies committed as are incredible, and

w=ch= I am loth to name, because done under the sacred name of parliament; and to say truth according to there power, much after the same manner done by oures. And to remedie all this and to make the mesure of there suffrings full the loosing side is glad to call in my Lord of Newcastle w=th= 6,000 men qualified as aforesaid; and p~adventure my Lord of Derbie allso, if t'other be not sufficient, will be called in allso, to do as much for the one part as hath allreadie been don to the other, and so leave no one p~son between them that shall not be made miserable, ruined, and undone, besides an occasion given the Romanistes to assemble in a bodie together. For preventing of this miserie I am now as active as I can; and if I can prevaile and y=t= anie reason will satisfie the parliam=t= forces, wee will endure it rather than admitt this cure, w=ch= being effected or attempted to my power, if I can gett by anie meanes away, you shall see me shortlie after; and in the meane space I will be preparing and shall ever rest Your faithfull frend and servant.

[} [\THE SAME TO THE SAME.\] }] [^TO LADY TEMPLE^] [\December, 1642.\] Madam, I did receive youre letter, which was dated the 29 of Octob. uppon the 10 of November, so it had a verie slow passage. All letters are now opened, so I am glad to disguise my hand neither with superscription nor subscription; the bearer will know who to deliver it unto, and you will then easilie guess from whome it comes. You desire to know what my aimes and intentions are, that my frendes may do me service. I answer, the same they ever was; since you let in my Lord Lowden, I would not have the K. trample on y=e= p~liam=t= nor the p~liament lessen him so much as to make a way for the people to rule us all. I hate papists so much as I would not have the King necessetated to use them for his defence, nor owe

anie obligation unto them. I love religion so well as I would not have it putt to the hazard of a battle. I love libertie so much that I would not trust it in the handes of a conqueror. For as much as I love the King, I should not be glad he beate the p~liam=t=, though they were in the wrong. I would do all good offices I could for the parliam=t=, and me thinkes I could do manie w=th=out loosing either my conscience or my master. If they would give me leave and if I might uppon those faire and Christian termes, I would be glad to come to my house at London, where I should be able to enlarge myselfe further then now I dare where nothing can pass w=th=out search. Madam, you see, as I ever did, that I speake freelie, and not as biased nor enclined by the p~liam=ts= success; for wee heere are assured the K. is prosperous at this time neere London. The Q. wee heare, last night landed at Newcastle with great supplies from Denmarke. My Lo. of Newcastle and wee heere have almost ten thousand men together; and yet my desires are still the same to have no conquests of either side, nor shall ever desire to live to see the ruine of an English parliam=t=. I will say it once againe, if I may safelie and honorablie come to London, I doupt not but they shall find there worst frend is not com. Since I writt first unto you Mr. Hotham (when I litle expected such a comand) by a command from y=e= parliam=t=, as he saith, hath seased on my howse, and all I have, to the valew of som 1,300 (^l.^) in money and goodes, and yet threatens to deface the carcase of Howley. Whether I have deserved this usage God will determine one day, and how iust it is the aughters will feele. I am infinitelie glad, for all this that my Cleopatra is recovered, that all youres are well, and would be mightie glad to see both my cozen Carrs. [\COVER ADDRESSED:\] For La. Te. Lincolne Ins feildes. [^SAMPLE 1 = FIVE LETTERS OF KING CHARLES II. ED. BY THE MARQUIS OF BRISTOL. CAMDEN MISCELLANY 5. CAMDEN FIRST SERIES 87. 1864/1968. SAMPLE 2 = LETTERS OF THE COUNCIL TO SIR THOMAS LAKE, RELATING TO THE PROCEEDINGS OF SIR EDWARD COKE AT OATLANDS. ED. BY GARDINER, SAMUEL RAWSON. CAMDEN MISCELLANY 5. CAMDEN FIRST SERIES 87. 1864/1968.^]

[} [\I. KING CHARLES II. TO QUEEN HENRIETTA MARIA.\] }] Antwerp, 26 July [\1657?\] . Madame, I hope your Majestie hath that good opinion of me, as to beleeue

that your commandes carries euer so much waight with me, that at any time when I doe not comply with them, your Majestie may conclude the inconveniences on my parte are so greate, as I am confident you would be troubled if I should obay you, and the truth is, this businesse of my Lord Balcarres is of that nature; for your Majestie may be confident, that, after haueing giuen him so good a carrecter as I did at his first comming to Paris, I would not call my iudgement so farre in question, or run the venture of being thought apte to change my opinion of men vpon light groundes, if I had not those proofes against him of duble dealing and dishonesty as would iustifie me to all the world, though I had proceeded against him with a much seuerer sentence then hetherto I haue declared; and, because your Majestie shall not take my single worde for it, I will sende you, as soone as I come where the papers are, the proofes of what I say vnder his owne hande, which, if your Majestie will consider with an indifferent eye, you will at least conclude him not very fitt to put obligations vpon; and, for the promise your Majestie and my sister are ingaged in, can be of no waite in this particular, for certainly at the same time the person misbehaues him selfe he forfetts also the engagement, and I am confident your Majestie thinkes whosoeuer is faulty to me is so to you; I am sure it shall euer be so on my parte towardes your Majestie. I should say much more to your Majestie but that I deferre it till I can sende you the papers I mention, and will only now assure your Majestie that I am and ever will be, Madame, Your Majesties most humble and most obedient sone and seruant, Charles R. [\NEITHER ADDRESSED NOR SEALED.\]

[} [\II. KING CHARLES II. TO LORD JERMYN.\] }] Bruges, 21 July [\1656?\] . I haue three of yours vpon my handes, one of the 7, an other of the 14, of this month, and that of the 24 of the last which Tom Talbott brought me yesterday. I must tell you there is a mistake

in your bill for the 350 pistols, for Tom Blagge shewes me your letter wherein you tell him you haue returned him 200 crowns, for which he is to receaue 465 gilders out of my bill, whereas I am informed by the marchant whome I haue imployd to receaue the mony for me, that there is but 21 poundes Flemish (which amounts but to 120 gilders and some odd shillings) more then is due to me vpon the exchange for the 250 pistols, therfore you must returne to him what is due ouer and aboue that summe. I hope you haue before this time receaued an order for the six monthes that are due, which I pray returne with all possible speede to me, for I want it very much, though the ratification be come to me from Spayne as fully as I could expect, of which I hope to receaue frute very shortly, to which purpose I intende to send to Brusselles within few dayes; there greate worke of Valancienes being as you know well ouer, I shall be very glade that a treaty betweene the two crownes may follow. Now, concerning what you write to me by Tom Talbot, I am of your opinion that I must be advised by these ministers heere in the conducting that businesse, there creditt and authority being likly to be of most vse to me in that place. I haue seald the Earle of Inchequin's pattent, which I had signed so

longe since, therfore I pray lett notice be taken of it that he may enioy all his rights. [\POSTSCRIPT.\] I would haue you pay to S=r= R. Foster 200 liuers out of the first mony you receaue for me. [\ADDRESSED\] - For my Lord Jermin.

[} [\III. KING CHARLES II. TO LORD JERMYN.\] }] Bruges, 20 October [\1656?\] . I haue receaued yours of the 13, and am so farre from being vnsatisfied with the Cardinall's retrenching my pention, that I am sure I haue tould you before, if he had inclined to haue continued it, I would absolutly haue refused it. I pray therfore sende me worde to what time they haue pay'd it, and so how much I haue receaued from them, as likewise how much is in truth in arreare to that time, that I may be able as well to say how much they haue failed of making good what they promised, as to acknowledge what I haue receaued. You say the Cardinall preserues one equality towards me, that is, if here be any thing attempted vpon England, he shall complayne of nothing that is done; and yett, whilst he hath much more reason to beleeue that will be the case then the contrary, he complayns more then would become him whateuer the case shall be, and in all companyes talkes of establishing Cromwell, and vses other expressions then I expected from his discretion, when I gaue ouer expecting any thing from his kindenesse. I wish you should tell him, that a man who hath thought a necessity of his owne making warrant enough for such proceedings against me as no necessity could in truth excuse, should allowe a reall visible necessity, which he cannot but decerne, a good iustification of my doeing what all the world would laugh at me if I should not do; and you shall do well to put him in minde that I am not yett so low, but that I may returne both the courtisyes and the iniuryes I haue receaued. [\ADDRESSED\] - For my Lord Jermin.

[} [\IV. KING CHARLES II. TO LORD JERMYN.\] }] Brusselles, 2 August [\1657?\] . I was very sorry to heare that the Queene had forbiden Dr. Cosins the exercise of our religion, as he was wont to do; you will see what I have written to her vpon the matter, and I do coniure you to vse your vtmost endeauors that her Majestie would withdraw her commandes, and permitt the deane to officiat as he hath done formerly, for otherwise it will produce those inconveniences which are so visible as I thinke I neede not put you in minde of them. [\ADDRESSED\] - For my Lord Jermin.

[} [\V. KING CHARLES II. TO THE EARL OF ST. ALBAN'S.\] }] Brusselles, 3 April, 1660. I haue little to say to you, the post being not yett arriued from England, which comes very vnseasonably, for we did expect by these letters some thing of consequence, and the winde continues so full east, as no ships can stirre from thence. There is reports heere that come from Calais as if they should haue past a vote in the house for king, lords, and commons, the truth of which you know by this time. Pray hasten all you can my comming to you; for,

besides the passion I haue to wayte on the Queene, I thinke it the properest place for my publique concernes. There is a gunn which I bespoke of the Turenes; if it be finished pray send it to me, and I [\will\] returne you what it costs. God keepe you. [\ADDRESSED\] - For the Earle of St. Alban's.

[} [\I. KING CHARLES I. TO ELIZABETH QUEEN OF BOHEMIA.\] }] My onlie deare Sister, I hope shortlie to make a full dispatche to you by my Agent Boswell, therfore I shall say littell to you at this tyme, but that I hope ye beliue that it is not my want of affection to your affaires, but Oxensternes want of instructions, that hes made him haue so ill successe hithertoo in his negotiations, of which I hope alreddie you haue had some accounte; & so I rest Your louing Brother to serue you, Charles R. Greenewiche the 13. of May, 1634. I hope the haste of the bearer will excuse the abruptness of my letter. [\NO ADDRESS OR SEAL.\]

[} [\II. OLIVER CROMWELL TO SIR EDMUND BACON, SIR WILLIAM SPRING, SIR THOMAS BARNARDISTON, AND MAURICE BARROW.\] }] Gentlemen, - Noe man desires more to praesent you with incoragments then my selfe, because of the forwardnesse I finde in you (to your honor bee it spoken) to promote this great cause, and truly God followes you w=th= incoragments, whoe is the God of blessinges, and I beseech you lett him not loose his blessings vpon vs; they come in season, and with all the aduantages of hartninge, as if God should say, "Up and bee doeinge! and I will helpe you and stand by you." There is nothinge to bee feared but our owne sinn and sloath. It hath pleased the Lord to giue your seruant and souldiers a notable victorie now att Gainsbrowe. I marched, after the takinge of Burlye house, vpon Wedensday to Grantham, where mett mee about 300 horse and dragoones of Notingham. With theise, by agreement with the Linconers, wee mett att North Scarle, w=ch= is about tenn miles from Gainsbrowe, vpon Thursday in the eueninge, where wee tarried vntill two of the clocke in the morninge, and then, with our whole body, aduanced towards Gainsbrowe. About a mile and halfe from y=e= towne wee mett a forlorne hope of y=e= enimie of neere 100. horse. Our dragoones labored to beate them backe; but, not alightinge off their horses, the enemie charged them, and beate some 4. or fiue of them off their horses. Our horse charged them,

and made them retyer vnto their maine body. Wee aduanced and came to the bottom of a steepe hill vpon w=ch= the enimie stood. Wee could not well gett vp but by some tracts, w=ch= our men assayinge to doe, a body of the enimie indeauored to hinder, wherein wee praeuailed, and gott the top of the hill. This was donn by the Linconers, whoe had the vantgaurd. When wee all recouered the top of the hill, wee saw a great body of the enimies horse facinge of vs att about muskitt shott or lesse distance, and a good reserue of a full regiment of horse behinde itt. Wee indeauored to putt our men into as good order as wee could, the enimie in the meane tyme aduancinge towards vs to take vs att disaduantage, but in such order as wee were wee charged their great body. I hauinge the right winge, wee came vp horse to horse, where wee disputed itt with our swords and pistolls a pretty tyme, all keepinge close order, soe that one could not breake the other. Att last they a little shrinkinge, our men perceauinge itt pressed in vpon them, and immediately routed this whole body, some flyinge on one side, others on the other, of the enimies reserue, and our men persuinge them had chase and execution about 5. or 6. miles. I perceauinge this body, w=ch= was the reserue, standinge still vnbroken, kept backe my maior Whaley from the chase, and with my owne troupe and one other of my regiment, in all beinge 3. troupes, wee gott into a body. In this reserue stood Generall Cavendish, whoe one while faced mee, another while faced 4. of the Lincolne troopes, w=ch= were all of ours that stood vpon the place, the rest beinge ingaged in the chase. Att last the Generall charged the Linconers, and routed them. I immediately fell on his reere with my three troupes, w=ch= did soe astonish him that hee gaue ouer the chase, and would fayne haue deliuered himselfe from mee, but I pressing onn forced them downe a hill, hauinge good execution of them, and belowe the hill droue the generall w=th= some of his souldiers into a quagmier, where my Capt. Leiuetennant slew him with a thrust vnder his short ribbs.

The rest of the body was wholly routed, not one man stayinge vpon the place. Wee then, after this defeat, w=ch= was soe totall, releiued the towne w=th= such powder and prouisions as wee brought; w=ch= donn, wee had notice that there were 6. troupes of horse and 300. foote on the other side of the towne, about a mile off vs. Wee desired some foote of my Lord Willoghby, about 400, and with our horse and theise foote marched towards them. When wee came towards the place where their horse stood, wee beate backe with my troupes about 2. or 3. troupes of the enimie, whoe retyred into a smale

village att the bottom of the hill. When wee recouered the hill, wee sawe in the bottom, about a quarter of a mile from vs, a regiment of foote, after that another, after that Newcastles owne regiment, consistinge in all of about 50. foote colours, and a great body of horse, w=ch= indeed was Newcastles armie, w=ch= cominge soe vnexpectedlye putt vs to new consultations. My Lord Willoghby and I, beinge in the towne, agreed to call off our foote. I went to bringe them off; but before I returned diuerse of the foote were ingaged, the enimie aduancinge with his whole body. Our foote retraited in some disorder, and with some losse gott the towne, where now they are. Our horse alsoe came off with some trouble, beinge wearied w=th= the longe fight, and their horses tyred; yett faced the enimies fresh horse, and by severall remoues got off without the losse of one man, the enimie followinge in the reere with a great body. The honor of this retrait is due to God, as alsoe all the rest. Maior Whaley did in this carry himselfe with all gallantrie becominge a gentleman and a Christian. Thus haue you this true relation, as short as I could. What you are to doe vpon it is next to bee considered. If I could speake words to peirce your harts, with the sence of our and your condition, I would. If you will raise 2000. foote att the present, to encounter this armie of Newcastles, to raise the seige, and to inable vs to fight him, wee doubt not by the grace of God but that wee shalbe able to releiue the towne and beate the enimie onn the other side Trent; whereas if somwhat bee not donn in this, you will see Newcastles armie march vp into your bowells, beinge now as it is on this side Trent. I know it wilbe difficult to raise thus many in soe short tyme, but lett mee assuer you its necessarie, and therfore to bee donn. Att least doe what you may, with all possible expedition. I would I had the happinesse to speake w=th= one of you. Truly I cannot come ouer, but must attend my charge, our enimie is vigilant. The Lord direct you what to doe. Gentlemen, I am Your faythfull servant, Oliuer Cromwell. July 31. 1643. Huntington.

Giue this gentleman credence. Hee is worthy to bee trusted. Hee knowes the vrgency of our affaires better then my selfe. If hee giue you intelligence in point of tyme of hast to bee made, beleiue him. Hee will aduise for your good. [\ADDRESSED\] - To my noble friend's S=r= Edmon Bacon, k=t=. & barronet, S=r= Will'm Springe, knights and barronetts, S=r= Thomas Bernardiston, kg=t=., Maurice Barrowe, esq., present theise.

[} [\V. KING CHARLES II. TO THE EARL, AFTERWARDS DUKE OF LAUDERDALE.\] }] Whithall, 2 Nouember 1669. Though Robin Moray has by my derections answerd your letters, and tould you how well I am satisfied with your proceedings in Scotland, yett I cannot forbeare the repeating it to you my selfe, and

withall to tell you the true sence I have of your industry and dexterity in the whole proceedings. I shall not say any thing particularly now concerning the vnion, because Robin has at large tould you my thoughts in order to what is to be done on your parts, which I thinke you will aprooue of when you consider the length of our Parlament deliberations heere, and how inconvenient a long sessions there would be in all respects. I shall say no more to you now but to assure you of my kindnesse and constant frindship. C. R. [\ADDRESSED\] - For my Lord Commissioner.

[} [\VII. NELL GWYNNE TO MR. HYDE.\] }] pray Deare Mr. Hide forgive me for not writeing to you before now for the reasone is I have bin sick thre months & sinse I recoverd I have had nothing to intertaine you withall nor have nothing now worth writing but that I can holde no longer to let you know I never have ben in any companie wethout drinking your health for I loue you with all my soule. the pel mel is now to me a dismale plase sinse I have uterly lost S=r= Car Scrope never to be recourd agane for he tould me he could not live allwayes at this rate & so begune to be a littel uncivil, which I could not sufer from an uglye (\baux garscon\) . M=s= Knights Lady mothers dead & she has put up a scutchin no beiger then my Lady grins scunchis. My lord Rochester is gon in the cuntrei. M=r= Savil has got a misfortune, but is upon recovery & is to mary an hairres, who I thinke wont wont [\SIC\] have an ill time ont if he holds up his thumb. My lord of

Dorscit apiers wonse in thre munths, for he drinkes aile with Shadwell & M=r= Haris at the Dukes house all day long. my Lord Burford remimbers his sarvis to you. my Lord Bauclaire is is [\SIC\] goeing into france. we are a goeing to supe with the king at whithall & my lady Harvie. the King remembers his sarvis to you. now lets talke of state affairs, for we never caried things so cunningly as

now for we dont know whether we shall have pesce or war, but I am for war and for no other reason but that you may come home. I have a thousand merry conseets, but I cant make her write um & therfore you must take the will for the deed. god bye. your most loueing obedunt faithfull & humbel sarvant E. G. [^LETTERS FROM A SUBALTERN OFFICER OF THE EARL OF ESSEX'S ARMY, WRITTEN IN THE SUMMER AND AUTUMN OF 1642; DETAILING THE EARLY MOVEMENTS OF THAT PORTION OF THE PARLIAMENT FORCES WHICH WAS FORMED BY THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE METROPOLIS; AND THEIR FURTHER MOVEMENTS WHEN AMALGAMATED WITH THE REST OF THE EARL OF ESSEX'S TROOPS. ED. BY ELLIS, SIR HENRY. ARCHAEOLOGIA 35: 310-334. 1854.^]

[} [\I.\] }] [^NEHEMIAH WHARTON TO GEORGE WILLINGHAM^] Alisbury, August the 16th, 1642. Worthy Sir, On Monday, August the 8th, we marched to Acton; but beinge the Sixth Company, we were belated, and many of our soldiers were constrained to lodge in beds whose feathers were above a yarde longe. Tuesday, early in the morninge, several of our soldiers inhabitinge the out parts of the towne sallied out unto the house of one Penruddock, a papist, and being basely affronted by him

and his dogge, entred his house, and pillaged him to the purpose. This day, also, the souldiers got into the church, defaced the auntient and sacred glased picturs, and burned the holy railes. Wensday: Mr. Love gave us a famous sermon this day; also, the souldiers brought the holy railes from Chissick, and burned them

in our towne. At Chissick they also intended to pillage the Lord of Portland's house, and also Dr. Duck's, but by our commanders they were prevented. This day our soldiers generally manifested their dislike of our Lieftenant Colonell, who is a Godamme blade, and doubtlesse hatche in hell, and we all desire that ether the Parliament would depose him, or God convert him, or the Devill fetch him away quick. This day, towards even, our regiment marched to Uxbridge, but I was left behinde, to bring up thirty men with ammunition the next morning. Thursday I marched toward Uxbridge; and at Hillingdon, one mile from Uxbridge, the railes beinge gone, we got the surplesse, to make us handecherchers, and one of our soildiers ware it to Uxbridge. This day the railes of Uxbridge, formerly removed, was, with the service boock, burned. This even Mr. Hardinge gave us a worthy sermon. Friday, I, with three other commaunders, were sent with one hundred musquetteres to bringe the amunition to Amersam in Buckinhamshire, which is the sweetest country that ever I saw, and as is countrey so also is the people, but wantinge roome for the regiment comminge after us we were constrained to marche four miles further unto Greate Missenden, where we had noble entertainment from the whole towne, but especially from S=r= Brian Ireson and the minister of the towne. Satturday morninge, our companies overtoke us and we marched together unto Alsbury, and after we had marched a longe mile, for so they are all in this countrey, wee came to Wendever, where wee refreshed ourselves, burnt the railes, and, accidentally, one of Captaine Francis his men, forgettinge he was charged with a bullet, shot a

maide through the head, and she immediately died. From hence wee marched very sadlye two miles, where Colonel Hamden, accompanied with many gentlemen well horsed, met us, and with great joy saluted and welcomed us, and conducted us unto Alsbury, where we have a regiment of foote, and severall troopes of horse to ioyne with us. In this towne our welcome is such that wee want nothinge but a good Leiftenant Colonell. Sabath day, August the 15, in this towne a pulpit was built in the market-place, where wee heard two worthy sermons. This eveninge our ungodly Lieftenant Colonel, upon an ungrounded whimsey, commaunded two of our captaines, namely, Captaine Francis and Captaine Beacon, with their companies, to march out of the towne, but they went not. Every day our soildiers by stealth doe visit papists' houses, and constraine from them both meate and money. They give them whole greate loves and chesses which they triumphantly carry away upon the points of their swords. I humbly intreate you, as you desire the successe of our just and honorable cause, that you would indeavor to roote out our Leiftenant Colonell; for, if we march further under his commaund, we feare, upon suffitient grounds, wee are all but dead men. Monday, August the 16th, Colonel Hamden marched out of Alisbury, with four hundred musqueters and about an hundred horse, towards Wattleton, in Oxfordshire, where the Commission of Aray was this day to be setled; but they, hearinge of the aproch of our troopes, fled, and our horse persued them so close that S=r= John Cursam was taken, and the Lord of Bartie was constrained to take hynte hom, sometime the Lord of Carnarvan's, where our companies have at this present beset him. And thus much for the present. Touchinge Leiftenant Colonell Biddeman formentioned, I once more humbly beseech you - and not I alone, but many others, both commaunders, officers, and common souldiers - that you would endeavor to rout him. There are severall other circumstances which I want time to expresse, for the office assigned mee is very troublesome, and continually takes up my whole time; and, therefore, for the present let these satisfie. To conclude, I presentt you and mistris with my humble service, and doe give you humble and hartie thankes for all your former and late favors; and do intreate you to remember my humble service to Mr. Molloyne and wife; my service also to Elizabeth, Anne, John, and Sammuell, which I often think upon; and also my love to all my fellow servants. In extreme hast, I rest, Your poore, auntient, humble, and affectionate servant to commaund, Nehemiah Wharton.

[} [\II.\] }] [^NEHEMIAH WHARTON TO GEORGE WILLINGHAM^] Coventry, Aug. 26, 1642. Worthy Sir, August the 17, our companies, after they had taken sixe delinquents and sent them to London, returned to Alesbury this day; we retained two feild pieces and two troopes of horse, with other necessaries for warre. Wensday morning a Warwickshire minister, which the Calualleres had pillaged to the skin, gave us a sermon. After noone our regiment marched into the feild and skirmished. Thursday morning another sermon was given us. After noone our regiment marched into the feild, but by reason of foule weather were immediately definished. This night our regiment was commaunded to march the next morninge by four of the clock under our Leiftenant Colonell, but our sargeants refused to surrender their halberts, and the souldiers their armes, and not to march. Friday, very early in the morninge, our Leiftenant Colonell was cashiered, for which I give you hearty thankes, and Sergeant-Major Quarles imployed in his roome, wherat both commaunders, officers, and souldiers exceedingly rejoysed. This morninge wee cherfully marched towards Buckingham in the rear of Colonell Chomley's regiment, by reason whereof we could get no quarter there, but were constrained to quarter ourselves about the countrey, wherupon I and three gentlemen of my company visited that thrice noble gentleman S=r= Richard Inglisby, where his owne table was our quarter, and Serjeant-Major Burrif, and his sonne Captaine Inglisby, and several other noble gentlemen were our comrades. Saturday, early in the morning, I departed hence and gathered a compliete file of my owne men about the countrey, and marched to Sir Alexander Denton's parke, who is a malignant fellow, and killed a fat buck, fastened his head upon my halbert, and commaunded two of my pickes to bring the body after me to Buckingham, with a guard of musquetteers comminge theither. With part of it I feasted my captaine, Captaine Parker, Captaine Beacon, and Colonell Hamden's sonne, and with the rest severall leiftenants, enseignes, and serjeants, and had much thankes for my paines. This day Sergeant Major our Generall came unto us, and declared the commaund given him over our regiments. Sunday morninge wee marched from Buckingham into Northamptonshire, a longe and tedious jorney, wantinge both bread and water, and about ten at night came unto Byfeild in dispight of our enemies, at which towne we could get no quarter, neither meate, drinke, nor lodginge, and had we not bin suplyed with ten cart loade of provision and beare from Banbury, many of us had perished. This night our company was commanded to guard the towne all night, whiche after a longe and

tedious marche, unto me was very grevious. Monday morninge wee marched into Warwick-shere with aboute three thousand foote and four hundred horse, until we came to Southam. In the way we tooke two Calvalleres spies. This is a very malignant towne, both minister and people. We pillaged the minister, and tooke from him a drum and severall armes. This night our soildiers, wearied out, quartered themselves about the towne for foode and lodginge, but before we could eate or drinke an alarum cryed "arme, arme, for the enemy is commenge," and in halfe an hower all our soildiers, though dispersed, were cannybals in armes, ready to encounter the enemy, cryinge out for a dish of Calvellaers to supper. Our horse were quartered about the countrey, but the enemy came not, whereupon our soildiers cryed out to have a breakefast of Cauallers. We barecaded the towne, and at every passage placed our ordinance and watched it all night, our soildiers contented to lye upon hard stones. In the morninge early our enemise, consistinge of about eight hundred horse and three hundred foote, with ordinance, led by the Earle of Northampton, the Lord of Carnarvan, and the Lord Compton and Capt=n= Legge, and other, intended to set upon us before wee could gather our companies together, but beinge ready all night, early in the morninge wee went to meete them with a few troopes of horse and sixe feild peeces, and beinge on fier to be at them wee marched thorow the corne and got the hill of them, wherupon they played upon us with their ordinances, but they came short. Our gunner tooke their owne bullet, sent it to them againe, and killed a horse and a man. After we gave them eight shot more, whereupon all their foote companies fled and offered ther armes in the townes adjacent for twelve pence a peece. Ther troopes, whelinge about, toke up their dead bodies and fled; but the horse they left behind, some of them having ther guts beaten out on both sides. The number of men slaine, as themselves report, was fifty besides horse. One drumner, beinge dead at the bottome of the hill, our knapsack boyes rifled to the shirt, which was very lowzy. Another drummer wee found two miles of, with his arme shot of, and lay a dieinge. Severall dead corps wee found in corne feilds, and amongst them a trumpeter, whose trumpet our horsemen sounded into Coventry. Wee tooke severall prisoners, and amongst them Capt. Legge and Captaine Clarke. From thence wee marched valiantly after them toward Coventry, and at Dunsmore Heath they threatned to give us battaile, but we got the hill of them, ordered our men, and cryed for a messe of Calualleres to supper, as wee had to breakefast; but they all fled, and we immediately marched into Coventry, where the countrey met us in armes and wellcommed us, and gave us good quarter both for horse and foote. In this battell I met with your horseman Davey, and he and I present you and my Mistris with

our most humble sarvice, desiringe you to pray for us, and doubt not but both of [\us\] will valiantly fight the Lord's battaile. Thus, with my service to Mrs. Elizabeth, Anne, John, and Samuell, and my love to all my fellow servants, I rest, Yours, in all good services, Nehemiah Wharton. I pray present the humble servises of Gregory Kent and myselfe unto Mr. Molloyne, with my best respects to Mr. Henry Hickman, and inform him that I have received his booke, and shall acknowledge my selfe engaged for the same. I would have written unto him and others, my kindred and frends, but I want time, and therefore must humbly intreate you to inform them thereof. I earnestly desire to heare from you whether you received a letter dated August 17th, or no.

[} [\III.\] }] [^NEHEMIAH WHARTON TO GEORGE WILLINGHAM^] Coventry, August the 30th, 1642. Noble Sir, As time permits, I desire to acquaint you with the passages of my pilgrimage. My last unto you was from Coventry, August the 26th, which place is still our quarter; a City invironed with a wall co-equal, if not exceedinge, that of London for breadth and height; the compass of it is neare three miles, all of free stone. It hath four strong gates, stronge battlements stored with towers, bulwarks, courts of guard, and other necessaries. This city hath magnificent churches and stately streets; within it ther are also several sweete and pleasant springes of water built of free stone, very large, sufficient to supply many thousand men. The City gates are guarded day and night with four hundred armed men, and no man entreth in or out but opon examination. It is also very sweetly situate. Thursday, August the 26th, our soildiers pillaged a malignant fellowes house in this City, and the Lord Brooke immediately proclaimed that whosoever should for the future offend in that kind should have martiall law. This day command was given that all soildiers should attend their colors every morne by sixe of the clock to march into the feilde to practise, which is done accordingly. Fryday several of our soildiers, both horse and foote, sallyed out of the City unto the Lord Dunsmore's parke, and brought from thence great store of venison, which is as good as ever I tasted, and ever since they make it their dayly practise, so that venison is almost as common with us as beefe with you. This day our horse-men sallyed out, as their dayly custom is, and brought in with them two Cavaleeres, and with them an

old base priest, the parson of Sowe, near us, and led him ridiculously about the City unto the chiefe commaunders. This day I againe met with Davy, your horseman, and both are in good case, horse and man. Saturday I met with your auntient maide servant Lydea, with her father and her brethren, who all wept for joy when they saw mee an officer in this deseigne, for the day wee marched into Coventry the rebels had command to pillage Anstey, the habitation of her father, and Bromagam, the place of her and her husband's dwellinge; both which are but three miles from Coventry. She hath been maried three yeares, and presents her service unto you and my mistris, and your children. Her father invited mee and twenty of the cheife of my company to dinner at Anstey, but time would not suffer us to accept it. This day a whore, which had followed our campe from London, was taken by the soildeirs, and first led about the city, then set in the pillory, after in the cage, then duckt in a river, and at the last banisht the City. Sunday morne the Lord of Essex his chaplaine, M=r= Kemme, the cooper's sonne, preached unto us, and this was the first sermon we heard since we came from Alisbury; but before he had ended his first prayer newes was brought into the church unto our commanders that Noneaton, some sixe miles from us, was fired by the enemy, and forthwith our Generall and several captaines issued forth, but I and many others stayed untill sermon was ended, after which wee were commanded to march forth with all speed, namely, my captaine with Captain Beacon and Captain Francis of our regiment, and of other regiments, in all to the number of one thousand foote and one troope of horse; but before we came at them they ran all away, not having done much harm; whereupon we returned to Coventry again with a command to be ready in arms by five in the morning next upon pain of death. Our men are very courageous, and that they may so continue we desire, according to promise, a supply of faithfull able ministers, which we exceedingly want. This morning we are marching forth to pursue the rebels, and that we may obtaine victory we againe desire your earnest and constant prayers. Thus, with my humble service to your selfe and my mistris, and also unto all your children, and also my love to all my fellow servants, whether with you or from you, for the present, in extreme hast, I rest but not to remaine till death, Your humble, lovinge, and thankfull servant, Nehemiah Wharton. I humbly intreate you favorably to accept these rude lines, for I want time either to write or compose them in a more comely forme. I earnestly desire to heare of the occurrantes of London.

[} [\IV.\] }] [^NEHEMIAH WHARTON TO GEORGE WILLINGHAM^] Northampton, September the 3, 1642. Noble Sir, Monday, August the 29, before we had marched two miles towards the Cavalleeres, we were informed by the post that sixty of them were taken and imprisoned in Northampton, and the rest fled, whereupon we returned unto Coventry; and our company were immediately commanded to guard part of the city, and a gate called Newgate. About midnight our souldiers on the wall discovered fier in the City, neare St. Mary Hall, our magazine, which accidentally began at a baker's house, and in three or four hours was quenched, and no great harm done, but the citizens were much affrighted. Tuesday morning we officers weet our halberts with a barrell of strong beere, called ould Hum, which we gave our soldiers. This day Mr. Jephcot feasted me and several of my company in Coventry. This even our soildiers brought a cart loade of armes from Sir Robert Fisher's, some six miles from Coventry, with his owne picture standing very stately in the cart. Wensday wee kept the Fast and heard two sermons, but before the third was ended we had an alarm to march presently. By ten of the clock we gat our regiments together, and kept our randevow in the City until midnight, and about two in the morning marched out of this City towards Northampton. This City hath four steeples, three churches, two parishes, and not long since but one preist: but now the world is well amended with them. This morne I was exceeding sick, and the pallet of my mouth fell down; but Captain Beacon, my loving friend, upon our march sent a mile for a little pepper and put it up again. This day our souldiers brought with them three asses which they had taken out of the Lord Dunsmore's park, which they loaded with their knapsacks, and dignified them with the name of the Lord Dunsmore. This day being Thursday we marched over Dunsmoore Heath, near twelve miles, without any sustenance, insomuch that many of our soildiers drank stinking water; until we came to Barby, in Northamptonshire, where the country, according to their ability, relieved as many of us as they could. Our soldiers pillaged the parson of this town, and brought him away prisoner, with his surplice and other relics. From hence we marched four miles further unto Longe Bugby, where we had very hard quarter, insomuch that many of our captaines could get no lodginge, and our soildiers were glad to despossesse the very swine, and as many as could quartered in the church; but here, your man Davy, ridinge before our foote companies, gat mee both foode and lodginge. This towne hath, for two

Sundayes together, bin so abused by the rebels, that both men, women and children were glad to leave the towne and hide themselves in ditches and corn fields. Friday, early in the morning, a messenger came to our Colonell, that in the King's house, called Homby, three miles distant, there were 500 musketters to cut of all our stragling soldiers, whereby wee prevented them. This morninge our soildiers sallyed out about the cuntrey, and returned in state clothed with a surplisse, hood, and cap, representing the Bishop of Canterbury. From hence we marched three miles, wher Homby House stands very stately upon a hill, and the Lord of Northampton's house and parke neare unto it; but we could not restraine our soildiers from entringe his park and killinge his deer, and had not the Lord Gray and our Sargent Major Generall withstood them they had pillaged his house. This even we marched unto Northampton, where the townesmen hearinge of our coming marched out into the country to prevent the Commission of Array intended to be settled by the Lord Mountagu and others, which Mountagu they brought prisoner unto Northampton, and prevented his deseigne. This evening seven troopes of horse came unto us. This night the Lord of Northampton, by stealth, came into the towne, viewed our horse forces, and in the morning discovered, but immediately escaped. Saturday morning the Lord Munioz and his son were taken ridinge through the towne. This eveninge all the serjeants of our regiment met together, and out of twenty-three chose two for stewards for a supper, and other more weighty affaires, and chose me for one of them, which place is exceedinge troublesome unto me. This day came S Arthur Hasleriges, and other troopes, into our towne. This day our souldiers brought in much venison, and other pillage, from the malignants about the country. This evening we feasted all our sargeants, with some other superior officers, which is very troublesome and chargeable and I cannot avoide. This night I invited your man Davy and his comrade, and made them welcome. Thus with my humble service to you, my mistris, and your children, and my love to all my fellow-servants, in extreme hast I rest Your servant till death, N. W. I pray let me heare from you by this bearer.

[} [\V.\] }] [^NEHEMIAH WHARTON TO GEORGE WILLINGHAM^] Northampton, September the 7th, 1642. Worthy Sir, I present you and my Mrs. with my humble service, wishinge you and all yours the constant fruition of all hapinesse. This is my fifth letter unto you, but I question whether ever you received one of them, because you never yet honoured mee with a peece of paper. I have, therefore, once more sent unto you by this bearer, Lieutenant Wade, who hath promised to deliver these with his owne hands. Our place of rendevoues is still at Northampton, which, for situation, circuit, and statelynese of buildinge, exceeds Coventry; but the walls are miserably ruined, though the country abounds in mines of stone. From hence I have nothinge remarkable to present you with, neither will time permit me to acquaint you with circumstances. This morninge our regiment being drawne into the fielde to exercise, many of them discovered their base ends in undertaking this designe, and demaunded five shillings a man, which, they say, was promised them monthly by the Committee, or they would surrender their armes. Whereupon Colonell Hamden, and other commaunders, laboured to appease them, but could not: so that if they have not the forenamed supply, we feare a very great faction amongst us. There is also great desention betweene our troopers and foot companies, for the footmen are much abused and sometimes pillaged and wounded. I myselfe have lately experimentally found it, for they tooke from me about the worth of three pounds; but I am not discouraged by any of these, but by God's assistance will undauntedlye proceede, for God is able to reconcile all our diferences. Sir, I humbly entreate you to send me small feather, white and one tip of black, by one Gregory Kent, knowne unto Mr. Molloyne, and livinge neare him; he will be with mee on Saturday, at night. I shall be very joyfull at the last to heare of the welfare of you all. Thus committynge you into the custody of the most Heigh, for the present I rest Your humble servant till death, Nehemiah Wharton. The bearer stayed the writing thereof, which is the cause of my rustick scriblinge and inditinge.

[} [\VI.\] }] [^NEHEMIAH WHARTON TO GEORGE WILLINGHAM^] Northampton, Sept. the 13th, 1642. Thrice worthy Sir, Accordinge to custome I present you with our particular circumstances. My last unto you of this nature was Sept. the 2nd, being Saturday. Sabath day, Sept. the 3d, wee peaceably injoyed. Munday morning I was informed by a countryman of a base priest, six miles distant, which had set out horse for the Commission of Aray and had arms in his house, and I immediately got twenty musketteers and marched out to search the house. The countryman I clothed with a soildier's red coate, gave him arms, and made him my guide: but having marched two miles, certain gentlemen of the country informed mee that Justice Edmonds, a man of good conversation, but since I hear of the Aray, was plundered by the base blew coats of Colonell Cholmley's regiment, and bereaved of his very beeds, whereupon I immediately devided my men into three squadrons, surrounded them, and forced them to bring their pillage upon their own backs unto the house againe: for which service I was welcomed with the best varieties in the house, and had given me a scarlet coate lined with plush, and several excellent bookes in folio of my own chusinge; but returning, a troope of horse belonging unto Colonel Foynes met me, pillaged me of all, and robbed mee of my very sword, for which cause I told them I would other have my sword or dye in the field, commaunded my men to charge with bullet, and by devisions to fier upon them, which made them with shame return me my sword, and it being towards night I returned to Northampton, threatninge revenge upon the base troopers. This night and the day following our company by lot watched the south gate, where I searched every horseman of that troop to the skin, took from them a fat buck, a venison pasty ready baked, but lost my own goods. Wensday morning we had tidings that Prince Robert, that diabolical Cavaleere, had surrounded Lester and demaunded two thousand pounds, or else threatned to plunder the towne: whereupon our soldiers were even madde to be at them, but wanted commission. All the venison belonging to malignants in the country are destroyed. Thursday our soildiers marched in to the feilde to exercise, and there declared their basenes, specified in a former letter composed in part, and intended to be sent by Leiftenant Wade, but he could not stay the wrighting of it. This day most of the Ministers nominated in your letter came unto me. Friday morning worthy Mr. Obadiah Sedgewick gave us a worthy sermon, and my company in particular marched to hear him in

rank and file. Mr. John Sedgwick was appointed to preach in the afternoone; but we had newes that Prince Robert had plundered Harbrough and fired some adjacent townes, and our regiment were immediately drawn into the field, but being informed of ther flying away we returned. Saturday morning Mr. John Sedgwick gave us a famous sermon. After noone our regiments marched forth to meet his Excellency, who was in great state welcomed into the town, and the watch word this night was "Welcome." This night and the day following our company watched the north gate. Sabbath day morning Mr. Marshall, that worthy champion of Christ, preached unto us. After noone Mr. Ash, by relation, but as yet I have not seen him. These with their sermons have already subdued and satisfied more malignante spirits amongst us than a thousand armed men could have done, so that we have great hope of a blessed union. Monday morning I received your letter, dated Septr. the 8th, with my mistresses scarfe and Mr. Molloyne's hatband, both which came very seasonably, for I had gathered a little money together, and had this day made me a soildier's sute for winter, edged with gold and silver lace. These gifts I am unworthy of. I have nothing to tender you for them but humble and harty thanks. I will wear them for your sakes, and I hope I shall never staine them but in the blood of a Cavaleere. Your letter, being a pitthy, sollid, brief, and reall relation, I presented to my captain and all the captaines of our regiment together at dinner with Mr. Obadiah Sedgwick, who rejoysid at the newes and gave me much thankes. My captain greets you with his best respects. Tuesday; this day his Excellency intends to view our forces. Wensday we expect the celebration of a fast. Thursday we expect to march with all our forces towards Lester, and I doubt not but we shall scowre the Cavalleers. Your man Davy remembers his service unto you, and gives humble thanks for your kind remembrance of him. I have not any other thinge for the present to acquaint you with; therefore, with my humble service to your selfe, my mistris, Mr. Molloyne, and his wife, and unto all yours and their children, and my love to the servants of both houses, I conclude, until death remaininge, Your humble, thankefull, and deeply ingaged servant at command, Nehemiah Wharton. Every Wensday you may find a post that serveth our army at the Saracen's Head, in Carter Lane. His name is Thomas Weedon, who is with us once a week constantly.

[} [\VII.\] }] [^NEHEMIAH WHARTON TO GEORGE WILLINGHAM^] Noble Sir, September the 13th was my last unto you; this even wee had tidings that Killingworth Castle, in Warwickshire, six miles from Coventry, was taken, with store of ammunition and money, and some prisoners, their number uncertain; the rest fled, and the country pursued them, and wanted but the assistance of Coventry to destroy them all. Wednesday, Sept. 14th, our forces, both foot and horse, marched into the field, and the Lord General viewed us, both front, rear, and flank, when the drums beating and the trumpets sounding made a harmony delectable to our friends, but terrible to our enemies. This even, contrary to expectation, our regiment marched five miles north-east unto Stratton, where we, and as many as could, billited in the town; the rest quartered thro' the country. Thursday our regiment met again, when those famous lawes for our army were read and expounded. This day we received and accepted Serjt. Major Neale. Friday our regiment were commanded to meet here again to be mustered, where we exercised in the field the whole day, and the muster master came not, whereat we were all much displeased. This night our company by lot watched the town. Saturday our regiment met again and were mustered. This even Captain Francis, returning from London, informed me of the couragiousness and constancy of the City of London, and also of their constant supply of money and plate; and also told me that the whole city were now either real or constrained Roundheads. Sabbath day wee peaceably injoyed with Mr. Obadiah Sedgwick, who gave us two heavenly sermons. Munday morning our regiment began to march towards Warwickshire and passed through Wes-Haddon, Creeke, and Hill Morton, where we had a supply of drink, which upon a march is very rare and extraordinary welcome, and at the end of ten miles we came to Rugby, in Warwickshire, where we had good quarter. At this town Mr. Norton formerly preached. This town also was lately disarmed by the Cavaliers on the Sabbath day, the inhabitants being at church. Tuesday morning our regiment marched two miles unto Dunsmore Heath, where the Lord General and his regiment met us, as also the Lord of Stanford, Colonel Cholmley, and Colonel Hampden, with many troops of horse and eighteen field pieces, where we kept our rendesvouz until even, when we had tidings that all the malignants in Worcestershire, with the Cavaliers, were got into Worcester and fortified themselves, whereupon we marched six miles unto Baggington, within two miles of Coventry. This night the rest of our regiments quartered about the

country. Wednesday morning we marched towards Warwick, leaving Killingworth Castle upon the right, and after we had marched six miles our forces met again and quartered before Warwick, until forty pieces of ordnance, with other carriages, passed by, in which time I viewed the antiquities on this side Warwick, as S=r= Guy's Cave, his chapel, and his picture in it; his stables all hewed out of the main rock, as also his garden and two springing wells whereat he drank, as is reported. From hence our regiment marched through Warwick in such haste that I could not view the town, but had only a sight of the castle, which is very strong, built upon a mighty rock, whereof there are store in this country. This night we marched two miles further unto Burford, where our quarter was as constantly since his Excellency's coming. It is very poor, for many of our soldiers can get neither beds, bread, nor water, which makes them grow very strong, for backbiters have been seen to march upon some of them six on breast and eight deep at their open order, and I fear I shall be in the same condition e'er long, for we can get no carriage for officers, so that my trunk is more slighted than any other, which is occasioned, as I conceive, partly by the false informations of Lieut.-Col. Briddeman and our late Serjeant Major General Ballard, profane wretches; but chiefly for want of our Colonel, who should be one of the Council of War, at which Council we have none to plead for us or remove false aspersions cast upon us, in so much that I have heard some of our captains repent their coming forth, and all for want of a Colonel. Thursday morning we marched in the front four miles towards Worcester, where we met one riding post from Worcester, informing us that our troops and the cavaliers were there in fight; but it was false, only to hast the captains from Warwick. Upon this report our whole regiment ran shouting for two miles together, and crying "To Worcester, to Worcester," and desired to march all night: but after we had marched two miles further we were commanded to stand until our forces passed by, and then marched two miles further unto Assincantlo, where we could get no quarter, neither bread nor drink, by reason of the Lord Compton's late being there. Friday we marched four miles on this side Worcester, but our soldiers cried out for one hour together to go forward to set upon the enemy, but could get no commission. This day we had such foul weather that before I had marched one mile I was wet to the skin. This day our horse forces, namely, Sir William Belford, Col. Sands, Col. Vines, Col. Clarke, Major Duglas, kept all the passages over Severne, and by that means kept in the Cavaliers, who often assayed to fly, but were repelled. Those commanders sent to His Excellency for three field pieces, and offered with them to keep them in on that side untill we had surrounded them: but they were denied this day. Towards even

Prince Robert entered the city at a bye passage with eighteen troops of horse, most of the city crying "Welcome, welcome," but principally the mayor, who desired to entertain him; but he answered, "God damn him, he would not stay, but would go wash his hands in the blood of the Roundheads," and immediately set some to lye in ambush, and with the rest sallied out upon our forces; and immediately Col. Sands came on bravely, even unto the breast of their chief commander, and discharged. The rest undauntedly followed, but their forces immediately fled, and ours followed them, and by the ambushment were beset before and behind, so that the battle was very hot, and many fell on both sides. Some of our chief commanders, as Col. Sands and Duglas, was wounded, and are since both dead. The chief amongst the Cavaliers were Prince Robert, who, I hear, was wounded, the Lord Craven, and the Lord of Northampton. Our wounded men they brought into the city, and stripped, stabbed, and slashed their dead bodies in a most barbarous manner, and imbrued their hands in their blood. They also at their return met a young gentleman, a Parliament man, as I am informed - his name I cannot learn - and stabbed him on horseback with many wounds, and trampled upon him, and also most maliciously shot his horse. This even, our general's troop of gentlemen, going to quarter themselves about the country, were betrayed and beset by the enemy, and, overmuch timorous, immediately fled so confusedly that some broke their horses' necks, others their own; some were taken, others slain; and scarce half of them escaped; which is such a blot upon them as nothing but some desperate exploit will wipe off. Hearing this news, we immediately cried out to march unto them, and forthwith drew out a forlorn hope - some out of every company - and sent them before, intending to march after them; but about eleven of the clock, the enemies fled, and our hope returned. Here we abode all night, where we had small comfort, for it rained hard. Our food was fruit, for those who could get it; our drink, water; our beds, the earth; our canopy, the clouds; but we pulled up the hedges, pales, and gates, and made good fires: his Excellency promising us that, if the country relieved us not the day following, he would fire their towns. Thus we continued singing of psalms until the morning. Saturday morning we marched into Worcester - our regiment in the rear of the waggons - the rain continuing the whole day, and the way so base that we went up to the ancles in thick clay; and, about four of the clock after noon, entred the city, where we found twenty-eight dead men, which we buried - some of them Cavaliers - and these were all that we can find slain on our side. This even, by lot, our company watched one of the gates, and also the day following, until even. This even his Excellency's guard entred the mayor's house, and toke him prisoner,

who is now more guarded than regarded. Sabbath day morning our soldiers entered a vault of the Colledge, where his Excellency was to hear a sermon, and found eleven barrels of gunpowder and a pot of bullets. This day Mr. Marshall Sedgewick, &c. preached about the city, but I, being upon the court of guard, could not heare them. This even his Excellency proclaimed that no soldier should plunder either church or private house, upon pain of death. We shortly expect a pitched battle, which, if the Cavaliers will but stand, will be very hot; for we are all much enraged against them for their barbarisms, and shall shew them little mercy. But I want time to enlarge myself. To conclude, I humbly entreat you to present my humble service to my Mrs., as also Mr. Edgerton's, our quartermaster, and mine to Mr. Molloyne and his wife; my service also to my aunt, Mr. Priaux, Mr. Simpson and his wife, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Starkey; and I humbly intreate, let me hear from you of your welfare, my mistress, and your family. Sir, it is extreme hast that makes me compose so confusedly; and, therefore, with my service to Mrs. Elizabeth, Anna, John, and little Samuel, and my love to all my fellow servants, I rest yours in all good services, until death, Nehemiah Wharton. My captain presents you with his best respects, and drinks to you every day we sit at table together. I have received your feather, for which I give you humble thanks. Worcester, Sept. 26, 1642.

[} [\VIII.\] }] [^NEHEMIAH WHARTON TO GEORGE WILLINGHAM^] My much honored Mr. I humbly greete you. My last unto you was Sept. 26th, in which there were some errors, occasioned partly by my over hastinesse in wrightinge, for the bearer promised me to deliver it on Wensday, Sept. the 28th, partly by the various relations dyspersed, but chiefly by reason I was upon the guard, and upon paine of death durst not stir from it to se or heare any occurrences; but I had as good intelligence as the city then afforded, for the trueth of thinges was not then knowne. The errors are these. First, I wrote that the Earle of Northampton and the Lord Craven were with the Prince, but they were not; but upon sufficient information they were these, Prince Robert, Duke Mawrice, the Lord Digby, Commissary Wilmot, Sir Lewes Dives, Sir William

Russell, and Mr. Hastings. A second was, that most of the curoseers, his Excellencies trope, were cut off, but they are since returned and but few lost, but doe still beare the aspersion of cowards. The third was, that Colonell Sands was dead; but both he and Captain Sands, though both wounded, yet are still livinge. But, that I may not trouble you with common relations, which commonly are fictions, I have conferred with commaunders, the best intelligencers, and have also veiwed the place where the battaile was fought, but briefly. Worcestershire is a pleasaunt, fruitfull, and rich countrey, aboundinge in corne, woods, pastures, hills, and valleyes, every hedge and heigh way beset with fruits, but especially with peares, whereof they make that pleasant drinke called perry, w=ch= they sell for a penny a quart, though better then ever you tasted at London. Touchinge the city, it is more large than any I have seene since I left London, and like London it abounds in outward thinges of all kinds, but for want of the Word the people perrish. It is pleasantly seated, exceedingly populous, and doubtles very rich. It is situate on the east bank of that famous river Severne. The wall in the forme of a triangle, the gates seaven, the bulwarkes five, but much decayed: no castle, only a mount of earth. In this citty there is a very stately cathedrall, called S=t=. Maries, in which there are many stately monuments; but amongst the rest, in the middle of the quire, is the monument of Kinge John, all of white marble, with his picture thereon to the life. On the south side, Kinge Arthur's tombe, of jette, but no picture thereon. This citty hath also a stronge stone bridge over Severne, consistinge of sixe arches, with a gate in the middle of the bridge, as stronge as that on London Bridge, with a percullis. Five miles upon the left of this is Maluern Hills, which, for height and length and breadth, doe many degrees exceede all that ever I see. I nominate them because they are famous, for on the top of them there is a very brave chase for many miles together, a large ditch, and springs also, all on the very top. Betweene these hills and the river was the late skirmish, about one mile from the city, which was in this manner: - Our troopes on that side were devided to keepe the severall passages, and Colonell Sands, Colonell Vines, and Sergeant-Major Duglas, with their troopes, were set to keep this passage, which was at the end of a narrow lane, which the treacherous inhabitants neare them discovered to the Prince, and he forthwith set some troopes to lye in ambush, who brake downe a hedge and lay in a feild on the right of them; the treacherous citizens attending them in multitudes with muskets, who lay on each side the hedge. This done, the Prince with other forces went

to meete them, but first sent a false alarum, informinge them that the Cavalleeres weere all fled and had left the citty, and also that his Excellency was come even to the gates, and immediately these three troopes poasted away to meet his Excellency, for Sir William Belfore, Colonell Clarke, and our other commaunders, heard not of it, but hastinge downe a narrow lane the Prince met them. Colonell Sands beinge in the front, the Prince asked him whom he was for, he answered "For Kinge and Parliament." He replyed, "Not for the Kinge alone?" He answered, "No." Then said the Prince, "For the King have at you." The Colonell answered, "For the Parliament have at you." And so they discharged each at other. The rest followed them, and presently those in ambush fired upon them, as also the musqetteers behind the hedges. The horsemen charged not the second time, but immediately fell to their swords, so that for the space of almost an hour the skirmishe was excedinge hot. This relation I had from an gentleman that was in the front of the battel, and was wounded with the sword and bullets in seaven severall places, was stripped naked, and yet liveth. He affermeth that, though there were ten for one, yet there were more slaine and wounded of them then of us; and I spake with one that heard the Prince, at his returne, say, that our men fought more like lions then men. Our wounded commaunders he brought into the city, and gave commaund that they should be carefully looked unto, and with all speed gathered his forces together and fled, leavinge all their reconinge to pay; in some places twenty pounde, in others ten, in some more, some lesse, pretendinge and also promising to returne. Since their departure we heare that the Prince is wounded, but it is certaine Duke Maurice is mortally wounded. They report unto the Kinge that they have slaine eight hundred of our men, when there were but twenty-eight slaine in all, and some of them were Cavalleeres; of this I am certaine, for I told all their gunnes, and searched the register of St. Jones parrish, where they were all buried. They boast wonderfully, and sweare most hellishly, that the next time they meete us they will make but a mouthfull of us; but I am persuaded the Lord hath given them this small victory, that they may, in the day of battell, come on more presumptuously to thir owne destruction, in which battell, though I and many thousand more may be cut off, yet I am confident the Lord of Hoasts will in the end triumph gloriously over these horses and all their cursed riders. They left, at their flight, in the city, some horses, truncks, and other thinges, all which his Excellency hath seized on. Colonell Essex is made governor of this citty, and his regiment shall be garisons here. Sir, our army did little thinke ever to have seene Worcester, but the providence of God hath brought us heither, and had it not, the city is so vile, and the country

so base, papisticall, and atheisticall and abominable, that it resembles Sodom, and is the very embleme of Gomorrah, and doubtlesse it would have ben worse than either Algiers or Malta, a very den of thieves, and refuge for all the hel-hounds in the countrey; I should have said in the land; but we have handsomely handled some of them, and doe cull out the rest as fast as we can, who verbally cry (\peccavi\) , but cordially (\iterum faciam\) , and indeed they do as they are taught by Dr. Prediux, late madd By Shop, and other popish priests, who are all run awaye. To conclude, Monday, Sept. 26th, one of Prince Robert's trumpeters came to our gates and sounded a point of warre, who was presently taken and led blindfold through the city unto his Excellency. This night Sargeant Major Duglas was nobly buried. Tuesday our soildiers, by commission from his Excellency, marched seven miles to Sir William Russell's house, and pillaged it unto the bare walls. Wensday we fasted, and Mr. Obbadiah Sedgwick preached unto us, whom the Lord extraordinarily assisted, so that his doctrine wrought wonderfully upon many of us, and doubtless hath fitted many of us for death, which we all shortly expect. Thursday his Excellency proclaimed that whosoever had any goods of the Cavalleers in custody should forthwith surrender them this day. I met with your servant Barry, who is in good health, with his horse. He was on the west of Severne, near the battell, but untill it was ended heard not of it. Wee joyntly present you and my Mrs. with our humble service, as also Mr. Willingham, your brother, with his family. Mr. Chappel's man and I do present our service to Mr. Chappell and his wife, Mr. Felton and his wife, and desire to heare of their welfare. Fryday morninge our drummes beat for our regiment to march away, but wheither I know not. Wee should bee very glad to see our colonell. Sir, I humbly intreate to excuse my late errours, and to accept these my pore indeavors, beinge the last I suppose that ever I shall present unto you. Thus, with my dearest love to all your children and my fellow servants, wheither with you or from you, beinge to march away in hast, I must conclude your everlovinge, humble, thankfull, and antient servant, Nehemiah Wharton. Worcester, Sept. the 30th, 1642. [^THE HAMILTON PAPERS: BEING SELECTIONS FROM ORIGINAL LETTERS IN THE POSSESSION OF HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF HAMILTON AND BRANDON, RELATING TO THE YEARS 1638-1650. ED. BY GARDINER, SAMUEL RAWSON. CAMDEN NEW SERIES 27. 1880.^]

[} [\154. THE PRINCE OF WALES TO THE DUKE OF HAMILTON AND OTHERS. 1648, JULY 26.\] }] Charles P. Right trustie and right intirely beloued cousin, and right trustie and right well beloued cousins, wee greet you well. Wee soe earnestly desire to bee in person present amongst you that wee shall with some impatience expect your Commissioners upon the subject of Sir William Flemmings instructions, and in the meane tyme wee intend to imploy ourselfe att sea aboard the fleete, as the best expedient wee can for the present make use of to oppose the common enemie, both to us and you. In all other things wee intreat you to giue full creditt to this bearer, M=r= William Murray, as to a person perfectly instructed in our affaires, and intirely trusted by us. Giuen under our hand and seale att Helford Sluce the 26=th= of July, in the 24=th= yeare of the raigne of our Royall Father the King. [\ADDRESSED:\] - To our right trustie and right intirely beloued cousin James Duke of Hamilton, and to our right trustie and well beloued cousins the Earle of Lindsey, the Earle of Lauderdail, the Earle of Lanerick, and the Earle of Kalandar.

[} [\172. CHARLES II. TO THE DUKE OF HAMILTON. 1650, FEB. 2/12.\] }] My Lord Hamleton, I have sent you the garter by Tom Bray, and shall say noe more to you upon that subject then what is conteyned in my publique letter. I have likewise lately advertised you that I intend to be shortly at Breda for a new treaty with my subjects of Scotland, and I cannot doubt but that you will contribute all you may to the good successe thereof and doe me all other faithfull service in your power, as I shall endeavour to provide for you and for all those honest men that engaged for my father with your brother and yourselfe, whereof I intreate you to be fully assured, and that I am Your very affectionate friend, Charles R. Jersey, the 12/2 of Febra, 1649.

[} [\173. CHARLES II. TO THE DUKE OF HAMILTON. 1650. JULY 17.\] }] My Lord Hamilton, I am sure there is no body that is more conserned with the ridgedness of this Kerke and State towards you then I am, and I desire you to lett me know if I can doe anything that may take off their cruelty, either by writing or any way else. Pray lett all your frinds know how sensible I am of their sufferings, knowing it is only for my sake, and that I am very much grived that I am not in a better condition to lett them see it, but I hope myne will mend, and then I am sure there's shall be better. The Docter has accquainted me with the busines concerning S=r= J. Scot. I doe assure you I will doe nothing in it but what you shall directe me in. In this and in all things else you shall ever find me to be Your most affectionate frinde, Charles R. Falkland, July 17, [\1650.\]

[} [\174. CHARLES II. TO THE DUKE OF HAMILTON. 1650, AUG. 6\] }] 132. Aug. 6. I had written to you before now to lett you know I had receaved yours of the 23 July if I had not bine in the army, and evre since I came hether I have bine so narowly wached by the severe Christans that I could not answer your letter before now. I thanke you for the care you have of my person, but indeed I thinke I had bine as saffe in the army as heere, for the soldiers were so kind to me upon my first comeng that the next day affter the comission of the Kirke desired me to retire out of the army, pretending it was for the saffty of my person, but indeed it was for feare that I should gett toe great an interest with the soldiers. I have commanded 163 to give you a particular account of all. I shall now only aske your opinion in two thins, the first is 281: 192: 258: 91: 308: 100: 379: 3: 108: 327: 13: whether it were not 6: 70: 199: 65: 330: 153: 237: 56: 190: 329: 290: 38: 3. The other is what should be done 302: 192: 353: 308: 106: 108: 17: 120. I hope you stay where you are will not be long. I am sure I shall doe all I can that I may haue your company againe, which is very much wished for. Your most affectionate friend, C. R.

[} [\175. CHARLES II. TO THE DUKE OF HAMILTON. 1650, AUG. 14.\] }] Aug. 14. I Have sent this bearer 270: 16: 135: 9: 190: to acquaint you with my condition. I desire you to give him credite in what he shall say to you. I entreate you to send me your opinion as soone as you can, what I ought to doe. I dare not say any more for they are so watchful over me that I doe nothing but they observe it.

[} [\176. CHARLES II. TO THE DUKE OF HAMILTON. 1650, AUG. 31.\] }] Aug. 31. I have receaved your letters by him I sent to you, but I have not had time to answer them before now; nor can I answer you in all the particulars, but must referr you to 163, who will give you a particular account of all. I am extremely sensible of the kind offer you made me in your letter, but I doe not think it fitt to hazard your selfe upon so small an occasion, when it may be done without it; howsoever I have the same obligation to you as if you had don it. Concerning 331: 288: 198: 196: 6: 190: 22: 58: 135: 256: 58: 256: 380: 55: I desire you to direct me which is the best and safest way, because I doe not know who to imploy without suspition. I was thinking if you should send to 22 about it as being the proper person, but I shall leave it to you, and doe as you direct me, being one that I have so much confidence in.

[} [\177. CHARLES II. TO THE DUKE OF HAMILTON. 1650. Sept. 27.\] }] Sept. 27. I have at last resolved that 85: 237: 70: 9: 50: 40: 384: 4: 10: 308: 290: 304: by the 174: 26: 82: 15: 30: 8: 3: you will receive the particulars from 122 and 223, and the reasons of it. I shall desire you to be thinking of preparing yourselfe 281: 329: 165: 244: 9: 4: 65: 56: 324: for to get you 20: 174: 36: 9: 40: 13: 15: 38: 61: 195: 289: 4: 5: 384: 380: 10: and for feare that our masters should have some design against your person, which I am very much concerned for, I entreate you therefore to have a great care of that, and be assured that in what condition soever I am in I will ever be Your most affectionate frind. [^INEDITED LETTERS OF CROMWELL, COLONEL JONES, BRADSHAW AND OTHER REGICIDES. ED. BY MAYER, JOSEPH. TRANSACTIONS OF THE HISTORIC SOCIETY OF LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE NEW SERIES 1. 1861.^]

[^JOHN JONES TO EDMUND LUDLOW^] (Col=l= Jones) To Leift. gen=ll= Ludlow. Dear S=r= I have to present but my reall affec~cens, and my hearty desire of enjoying yo=r= Company, and if I had a Call from the place for it where you are, I should gladly embrace it, and share in yo=r= hardshipp with you. The inclosed contains all the newes wee have here. The Lord is gratious in his Dealing towards us, mixing grains of crosses and affic~cons w=th= oceans of mercies and deliverances, that o=r= low spirits are apt to grow regardles of the manifestacions of his love when we enjoy them in a continued series, may have the more quicker and more feeling apprehensions of them. I am sorry w=th= all my soule, that wee are fayne to give my Lord soe sad an accompt of his affairs in these parts. We have Job's messengers from most precincts of the defects and fayler of assessments for pay of the Forces assigned to each precinct, and the fayler is in this precinct more than in any, and yet wee doo not know of any money assigned from England for this place, save the 2500 (^l^) and the 1639, men~coned in my Lords' Papers, sent him: Whereof 4000 (^l^) was taken up long since by Bills of Exchange, and wholly issued out. The rest (I hope) not yet come over, for if it bee it is wholly spent. The accompt of that cash wee have not, because the Deputy Tr'er is gone for England when wee were in the North. We have made this morning inquiry what cash wee have in all Treasuries heere, all the stock wee have is about 2500 (^l^) in the Receipts of Customes and excise, whereof we now fayne to issue out this day 1000 (^l^) to provide corne for y=e= forces in the feild, and to pay some troopes that were much in arrears. This is the last dropp of oyle in o=r= cruce, and that being spent wee know not what to doe. Want comes upon us like an armed mann, but o=r= gracious God is all sufficient, and when wee are in our greatest streights he

will bring deliverance. I had communicated what I write to you to my Lord, but that I was to trouble him by my particular relation, you may doe what you please therein. I am glad soe much of my Lord's company, truly my affeccons are very warme towards him. I thinke the Earth doeth not beare a more meeke, upright heart towards God than he, if any thing bee amisse in him, it is his being (\nimis\) exact as it idolizing the best morall vertue, Justice. It is a blessed thing to have congregac~on and fellowship w=th= such. I beg y=r= favo=r= to present my humble service to S=r= Hardres Waller, and Col. Cromwell, and favourably esteeme this trouble put upon you by Yo=r= faithfull friend and humble Servant, Jo. Jones. My services to Mr. Corbett. Yo=r= houses are in good care, and all well at your house. The sickness decreases, 36 this week of all Diseases. Dublin, 3=d= September, 1651.

[^JOHN JONES TO GENERAL ALLEN^] To Agitant Gen=ll= Allen, Deare S=r= It is a happy acquaintance that is founded in a Gospelle accompt, and although I am one of the least, and the latest, that can challenge that w=th= you, yet since I have known yo=r= Xtian spirit, and temper to be such, I have rejoyced in my hearte to consider the faithfullness of our Father, who hath said that he is noe respecter of Persons, but pulleth downe y=e= proud from their seates, and exalteth the humble and meeke, w=ch= he hath not onely made good in o=r= dayes, whereof we are wittnesses, but he hath raised poor sinfull Creatures, above their spheares in the Affaires of the World, that they might be humble and meeke: This may seeme a Paradoxe, but it is very true. I may say

that I have bene in that condic~ion, as was scarce capable exercising that grace of humility in the outward conversac~on, untill the Lord was pleased to bring me out of it. The Lord grant us more discovery of his eternall love every Day, and keeping us from waxing fatt (as Jossuram), and forgetting our God that formed us, or lightly esteeming of the Rock of o=r= Salvation. He hath planted his word in o=r= hearts y=t= wee may doe it; and this doeing is comprehended in very few (but very sweet) words - "to doe justly, to love mercy, and to walke humbly w=th= o=r= God." Mich. 6, 8. Oh, that o=r= Spirits were continually bathed in that everlasting fountain of love, that wee might continually bee breathing out that love, for refreshing hungry, barren soules! The Lord hath given you a talent, whereof you are to give an accompt. Examine well whether you are as frequent in speaking a word of exhortac~on in publiq=e= for the helpe of simple ignorant souldiers as formerly, and if not, see that you have a good warrant for it. We must be alwayes listning behinde us, for that word w=ch= is promised in Esaiah 30, 21, saying, "this is the way, walke in it." My purpose was to thank you for yo=r= kind l=res= w=ch= came to o=r= hands long since, w=ch= the Com=r= tooke very kindly, although they contained noe other matter but a representa~cion of yo=r= Respects. His little Majesty of Scotland, w=th= an army of 12,000 horse and foote, 20th of last month in Shropshire; Lambert and Harrison, w=th= a considerable strength of horse and dragoons, but few foot, in Leitchfield; the Lord gen=ll= within 3 dayes march w=th= the Infantry and Trayne; Fleetwood w=th= some force coming up - this is o=r= last intelligence from England. The Lord give us believing and praying spirits. On the last Lord's day Sherlock, with 150 horse and 30 dragoons, preyed the cattle of this towne of Baggotts Rath; L=t= Howlitt, of Col=l= Howson Troope, got together 40 of his horse and as

many of the Towne horse, and pursued 5 miles, and there engaged upon a disadavantage of number and ground, and was imediately worsted, himselfe wounded, 25 slayne, and Capt=n= Lankey w=th= 21 more men were taken prisoners. Wee lost in the service and prey about 100 serviceable horse, y=e= draught oxen, and 130 cowes; I lost an horseman and my best horse. The enemy grow in these partes into a considerable strength, and are much heightened in their spirits, but the cursed thing stickes to them. They abound in oathes and hideous blasphemies, they have Pharaoh's heart to destroy God's people: who knowes but that their spirits are raised to draw them together to destroy them? The Lord's judgm=ts= are unsearchable, and his wayes past finding out. I pray present my humble service to Col=l= Cromwell, Dr. Chartwright, whose kindness I shall never forgett, and the rest of my acquaintanee where you are. The God of peace, who hath brought againe the Lord Jesus from the Dead by the blood of the everlasting couvn=t=, make you perfect in every good worke. Yo=r= very affectionate Friend, Jo. Jones. Dublin, September 3rd, 1651.

[^JOHN JONES TO HENRY JONES^] To Mr. Henry Jones, Scout M=r= Gene=ll= Honoured S=r= I have had a sight of yo=r= intelligence to Aldr~an Hutchinson, and therein of your kind Remembrance of me, for w=ch= I cordially thanke you; and give me leave a little, as one that doeth love and hono=r= you, to be free in my weake advice. There be some that doe take notice how you doe write yo=r= name, and from thence make some conclus~ons to yo=r= prejudice, as the affecting of Titular Dignityes, although empty and scandalous and serving noe end

but that of Pride and vaine glory, w=ch= God in o=r= time beares testimony ag=t= or els the opinion of a divine Right in that order w=th= yo=r= conscience will not give you leave to lay aside, although you fight ag=t= the uphold=r= of those kind of ordo=r=. When you have leisure I would wish you would some time write to the Com=rs= of the affaires where you are, yo=rs= when it comes being very exact and satisfactory, it will be well taken, and cannot be any diservice to you. The last Lord's Day Sherlock, with 150 horse and 30 firelocks, came to Baggots Rath and preyed the cattle and horses, to the number of 120 cowes and 40 horses, and Cap=t= Howlett, w=th= about 40 of his owne horse and about as many of the towne horse, pursued 5 miles, and was worsted, lost about 25 slayne and 22 taken prisoners. The Lord discov=r= unto us his mind in these his dealings towards us. I have noe more at present, but to assure you that I am, Yo=r= affeccionate Friend and Kinsman, Jo. Jones. Dublin, 3=d= September, 1651. Postcript. Mr. Henry Jones, Scout M=r= Gen=ll= Mr. Scott now supplies the office of the Secretary of State, at the Councell of State, desires me to have timely intelligence of all passages, and intellegenc=es= of concernm=t=, and hath intrusted and desired me to procure him such. If you please to furnish us w=th= what occurres to you, it wilbee a speciall favo=r= to us; both if there be any appearances of crosse Interests growing amongst o=r= Friends, it is good it should be timely observed and made known, to prevent the mischiefes y=t= often happen among prevailing parties occasioned by such Interests. If you bee at any charge in conveying such Intelligence, it shalbee repayed by Yo=r= affeccionate Friend and Kinsman, Jo. Jones. I was fayne to breake open the l=re= to put in this postscript.

[^JOHN JONES TO MORGAN LLOYD^] To M=r= Morgan Lloyd. Dearly beloved in the Lord Jesus. It pleaseth the Lord to exercise his poore creatures under various dispensac~ons, and all to bring his owne glorious purposes to passe, for good to them that are called according to his purpose, Rom. 8. 28. Att this time, when the mouthes and hearts of all the S'=ts= are filled w=th= songs of deliverance, the Lord hath bene pleased to visit my poore family with sad afflic~cons, my deare wife being brought by sicknes to soe low a condic~on, as made those about her to judge that her course was finished, but the angel of his presence was with her, bearing up her spirit in the full assurance of his eternall love, and the spiritts of the S'=ts= very active in their Addresses at the Throne of grace for her. In the middest of her weaknes yo=r= l'=res= of the 17th of the last moneth came to our hand, wherein shee did very much rejoyce, causing them to be read over and over in the presence of such as came to visit her, and rejoycing in yo=r= sweet Reproofes, and wishing that her heart and theirs who informed were layd open before you, to remove such hard thoughts as you might have of her. And if it became me to plead in his Justificac~on comparatively (for what flesh can be justified from any one sin) I might instance many arguments to evince her indisposition to height and priority, even almost to rediculousnes in respect of o=r= conversac~on in the world, and deportments proper to particular stations, consistent w=th= religious observances, by such as bore that testimony to you of her, if I guesse the party aright they might have testifyed her tenderness of them, using them more like children than servants, endeavouring to cover infirmities, and not denude them. Passion is an unbridled monster, w=ch= many a gracious soule cannot governe. Although it hath pleased the Lord to exalt himself above

the nations in England and Scotland by casting downe the power of the Earth, and giving his S=ts= hono=r= to bind kings in chains, and nobles in fetters of iron, yet here wee labour under more darke appearances, our God in his wisdome permitting the enemy to grow numerous, insolent, and bould about 10 days since. They tooke the towne of Rosse, (except y=e= church, and a house, which was fortifyed) plundered it, and made the inhabitants pay 700 (^l^) to save it from burning, and they quitted it upon approach of some of our forces that way. They have forced severall small garrisons, they dayly waste and burne our quarters, and take the opportunity to com~itt all the wickedness Sathan can invent, while the maine of our forces are ingaged in the seige of Limerick and Galloway. And all this to teach us that he is the Author of those great workes he hath done of late, whereof wee are witnesses. 2=dly= to humble o=r= selves under the mighty hand of God, who cann in a moment dash in pieces all the nations of the earth. 3=dly= that wee are in his hand as the clay in the potter's hand, it is he that gives courage, and casts downe the spirits of men. 4=thly= That if wee goe not out in the strength of our God, the ashes off o=r= enemies ruine is sufficient to destroy us. Wee have here some few S'=ts= who thirst after the water of Life, and long for more discoveries of o=r= everlasting bridgroome's love, and for more enjoym=ts= of his blessed presence, and if the Lord would open a way would much rejoyce in yo=r= company and help, although yo=r= stay should not be long. Here is worke for you and deare M=r= Powell, and some more of our British Nuntios to divulge the bridgroome's message, and make knowne y=e= mistery of that union that is betweene y=e= bride and her head X=t= Jesus, and what is y=e= brightnes of the father's glory. Wee are here much under the letter of gospel dispensac~ons mingled with clay - humane prudence, weaksighted,

not able to behold the native brightnes of the Sun of Righteousnes. The inclosed paper may inform you how seasonable yo=r= presence had beene w=th= us at this time, or may be yet. What becomes of poore Merionethshire, is that countrey denied the tender of gospell mercies? Is there no prophet, noe messenger of X=t= y=t= will make Duffryn Ardidwey in his way? Where is M=r= Powell, M Lloyd, &c., that once thought it a mercy, and a high priviledge, to bee accompted worthy of being driven to the mountaynes, and desolate places, that they might have liberty to preach the Gospell there. Yo=r= office and duty is to encounter w=th= sinn and the power of the prince of the ayre, and where is there more sin~e to encounter w=th= where more ignorance, where more hatred to the people of God? where the word saint more scorned? than in Merionethshire. The more the difficulty and opposition, the more is the power of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus in gospell administrac~ons manifested and the instruments hono=ed= I dare not goe no further then Queres in this matter, not knowing where the weight of y=e= worke lies. I am now called away, my deare Love to yo=r= Wife, and y=e= rest of o=r= Xtian friends where you are. Yo=r= unworthy brother in the Lord Jesus. Jo. Jones. Dublin, 9=d= 8=m= 1651. I desire to be remembred to M=r= Baker, & his wife, w=th= thanks for their kind enterteynm=ts=

[^JOHN JONES TO THEOPHILUS JONES^] To S=r= Theoph. Jones. Deare S=r= I have seen an expression of yo=rs= in Major Cadwyan's l'=re=, w=ch= layd upon mee a deepe obligac~on of thankfulness

for yo=r= respects, but it carries w=th= it too great a weight for acceptac~on, by one soe little meriting. Letters from Chester and Beumaris brings the most acceptable newes y=t= ever wee had of God's crowning mercies, and seasonable Deliverance, promiseing a period to our troubles: The totall overthrow of Scotts P=r=tend=er= and all his Forces, not in a blow (w=ch= might be ascribed to chance by those that have noe other God to attribute to) but in a series of successes that his purpose might be seene (who disposeth of all powers) to make this the time of finishing o=r= troubles, in England and Scotland. I shall onely menc~on some, Sterlin Castle, a place of impregnable strength, having in it 40 peices of ordnances, provisions for 500 men a yeare, 5000 armes, great store of powder, Claret Wine, Strong Water, &c., was in less than one day storming with gunnes and morter pieces, delivered to Leif=t= Gen=ll= Monk. E. of Derby was left in Lanc=re= to raise the countrey, and had got together 1500, was by Col. Lilbourne w=th= his horse, and some foote from Chester, in his own countrey, defeated. S=r= Thomas Tildsley, Lo=r= Witherington, Col. Ashurst, and many other persons of quality, and 500 more slayne and taken, himself wounded, escaping to his king's army, w=ch= army being lodged at Worcester, was on this day seavenight engaged by the Lord Gen=ll= and his forces, and totally routed. The foote reported all to be put to the sword, and 4 or 5000 horse, as my letter sayeth taken, the rest scattered, not then known. Darbey, and the Lord Lowtherdale w=th= a party made northward, and in Sherropshire were met w=th= and both of them taken. The citty and country did vanimously raise, and in great strength to oppose this pretender, and one of my l'=res= menc~ons, That y=e= Lord Gen=ll= had 40000 men come to him, but dismissed above 20000 of them. The countrey sent in provisions, and fresh horses, for his army w=th=out number as the letter menc~ons.

M=r= Lowe and M=r= Gibbons were both executed att Tower Hill, about 3 weekes since. M=r= Scott hath desired the safe conveighance of the inclosed by your hand, and I desire you to intimate to the gentlemen from mee, that he shall find those favo=rs= and respects he so justly meritts, and may expect made good with him, so far as my interest may carry things to his advantage w=ch= I had written to him my selfe, but that I am not knowne unto him. My humble services to yo=r= sweete Lady. Yo=r= very affectionate Cousin to serve you, Jo. Jones. Dublin, 10=th= Sep=th= 1651 In this Letter was inclosed the w=th=in mentioned l'=re=, and dirrected thus - for my very worthy friend M=r= Terence Coglan, at Killolgan, in the Kings County, Ireland. [^LIST OF LETTERS SENT OMITTED^]

[^JOHN JONES TO THOMAS SCOTT^] To Thomas Scott, Esq. Deare S=r= Yo=rs= with an inclosed to M=r= Terence Coghland, came to my hands about 6 days since. The inclosed I have safely conveighed to S=r= Theophilus Jones, and because my name was not knowne to the Gentleman, I have written to S=r= Theophilus Jones to intimate to him from me, That he shall find the favo=rs= and respects he justly merits, and may

expect made good unto him soe far as my Interest may carry things to his advantage. It is probable I shall hear shortly from him upon that account, because I find the Irish not apt to play an after game in Curteseyes, and Trustings. The menc~on you made of Majo=r= Sallwey, made my heart Leape w=th=in me, he being by the printed Diurnalls rendered to bee past hope of Recovery. Blessed bee the Lord for his kindnes to him in that particular and to=r= Land and Nation in his appearances, and actings, for, and by his Servants at Worcester. The Lord give us humble, thankfull, uniting, beleeving, and, selfe-denying spirits, That wee fall not into the snares that successes have in them, to lift us up to Pride, allure us to coveteousnes, or rend us into Factions. I should thinke it now very seasonable to passe an Act of Gen=ll= Indempnity, w=th= exceptions of all Persons that banished themselves by flying beyond Seas, and all that joyned w=th= the Irish Rebells and some other notorious Persons and w=th= other Limitac~ons, as to bearing of Offices in the Majstracy, That kind of inquisition of Discovering Delinquents, &c., hath bene long enough on foote as to the first and second Warr, and the unanimous Risings of the Countrey to oppose the Comon Enemy, may meritt some considerac~on. Yo=r= affairs heere are in exceeding low condic~on, as the Papers sent the Councell will Demonstrate, and yet those papers doe not represent them as badd as they are. If money come not to Dublin speedily or wee be impowered to charge the Treas=y= with Bills of Exchange, truely wee know not what to doe. [^A PASSAGE PROBABLY OMITTED^] And yet I could wish, that many more forces were brought over hither commanded by honest, Religious Officers, to finish this worke effectually, and raise that Monarchiall and Cavaleerish interest, and opposition to godliness, w=ch= the greatest of the old Forces, and some of the New, are

affected w=th= and w=ch= some of us looke upon as more dangerous than any thing the Com~on enemy can do: It is good (\principiis obstare\) : The Lord direct you in these great Affairs. Some men may be possessed w=th= high conceits, that Ireland being conquered is little enough to reward their meritt, that have served you in that worke, or that you cutt of the heades of Dukes and Earles to have them placed on their Shoulders, I presume you will not soe much value upon what I write concerning these creatures, as to communicate it to any, w=ch= made mee thus free in my expressions: This is the second tyme since I came to Ireland, that my wife hath bene soe neare death, as was past hopes of Recovery, and yet the Lord hath restored her, my service to yo=r= Lady, M=r= Rowe & his wife & Aldr~an Allein. Yo=r= reall & true Servant, as long as my name is Jo. Jones. Dublin, 16th Sept., 1651. [^LIST OF LETTERS SENT OMITTED^]

[^JOHN JONES TO WILLIAM STANE^] To D=r= W=m= Stane, Deare S=r= I have received many sweet Refreshm=ts= from you, the Lord hath given you plentifully to Drinke of the waters of life, that you might refresh barren hearts, and comfort drooping and wounded spirits; shee who held your memory precious, is now upon finishing her course, and rejoycingly longs to bee dissolved, and to be w=th= X=t= being full apprehensive of the eternall love of the Father, and of the glory of the Lord Jesus, that shalbee revealed unto her, she hath kept her bed this 4 monethes, and hath bene continued w=th= us by an extraordinary measure of spirit, having for many dayes taken noe sustenance but small beer, but now the frame of her nature is dissolved, she desires to be remembred to the Lady Ireton, whom shee doeth highly hono=r= and the S'=ts= at Westm=r= Dear S=r= shall Ireland noe more enjoy you. I am perswaeded that a new Representative may doe much toward the planting of Ireland w=th= very good people, what qualificac~ons will perswade a people sencible of their present burthens, and not of the reasons, and necessity of them to choose those persons that laid the burthens, or their adherents to bee of the next representative? What Interest in England is like to carry the universall vote? Is not that Interest, that seeing to be in a suffering condic~on, and to promisse ease of burthens, and new impositions, if it were againe in power, like to have great stroke in Elec~con? Who shall jugde wheter Rules, and qualificac~ons appointed bee observed in Elec~cons? who shalbe of that Com~itte? and who shall appointe such a one? if the new Representative according to the freedome and usage of former Parliam=ts=? will the lesser expell the greater number by vote? if force interpose, will they not cry out, that their freedome is invaded? If y=e= hearts of the people bee

generally for the present governm=t= and Governo=r= what need Armies, and guarrisons to be kept on foot? I had rather doe a people good though against their wills, than please them in shew onely, to the hazarding of y=e= peace, and wel being? God gave men Reason, that they should bee guided by it, in the affairs of men, where (by an unavoydable necessity), they are not warranted to expect extraordinary successe by a Devine Providence: let their be patience, used until burthens may be taken of, and the people enjoy some Rest, and opulency under y=e= new chaunge, let the old weeds that lye dead on the ground, have time to Rott, let the Com~onwealth have some time to take roote in the interests of men, before it be transplanted or grafted on another stocke, lett their be some trialls made by Elecc~ons to vacant places, and by adjoyrnements, and then some Judgm=t= may be given. If you have nothing else to doe answer my queres, &c., and hide my folly or weakness in propounding these things, but it is to a friend. The Lord is pleased to begin to gather a people here at Dublin into a Church fellowshipp, the foundac~ons off 2 Congregac~ons are already laid, y=e= number of either not many, but he that soweth in this vineyard, will give y=e= encrease. I long to see what you have to propound for Ireland, I am apt to Jugde it good before I know it; it groweth late, and I am much discomposed. The Lord reward yo=r= labour of Love to yo=r= dying friend, and to your faithful friend, and Servant, Dublin, 19=th= Nov., 1651. Postscript. Since y=e= writing of the inclosed, I have had leisure to thinke of another passage in yo=r= letter, w=ch= was concerning

Com=rs= and proposalls sent into Scotland. Verite I like the Com=rs= exceeding well, and I thinck England hath not another sett, but I like not their absence from Westm=r= where affaires of most concernm=t= are. The proposalls are hono=ble= and honest, but I am soe short sighted that I cannot see how it will doe our worke; the men they shall treate w=th=all are such as get nothing by being united to England, except loosing their heads when they Rebell: they have now more immunities, and more power over the people, then I hope the Law of England will ever admitt. It is the interest of the Com~onwealth of England to breake the Interest of the great men in Scotland, and to settle the Interest of the com~on people upon a different foote from the Interests of their Lords and Masters. The late King seing the interest of the Lords there to bee then (when he attempted to invade them) against his interests, made a Proclamac~on that such as were Tennants to those great men that then opposed him should hold their lands of him, paying but one moiety, as I remember, of the Rents and Duties they were bound to pay their Landlords, but they were wise enough to keepe this from the Tennants, and the issue was not tried. What he would have done upon Injurious grounds the Parliam=t= may doe upon honest and honourable grounds; the invasion in y=e= yeare 1648, and y=e= charge of the army in seeking Reparac~on (w=ch= ought to have beene given in an amiable way) amounts to a higher acc=t= than all Scotl=d= is worth. The great men will never be faithfull to you, soe long as you propound freedome to y=e= people and Reliefe ag=t= their Tiranny. The people will hardly comprend y=e= excellency of a Com: Wea: & a free people of England, they having noe money to buy lands in England, and by that freedome loosing y=e= advantage of transporting English

Wool, Leather, and other prohibited com~odities into forrigne p=ts=; they will not app=r=hend y=t= it is for y=er= good and for the safty of y=t= countrey, y=t= they should pay great Taxes, Exc. and Customs, but make y=e= freeholds of their respective holdings upon reasonable termes, you will presntly settle a Revenue, and fix their Interest to you. Yo=rs= in y=e= Lord Jesus, J. J.

[^JOHN JONES TO MORGAN LLOYD^] To M=r= Morgan Lloyd, 19=th= Nov., 1651. Deare Brother in the Lord Jesus, The Lord Jesus reward you for yo=r= many sweet Refreshments and Christian consolations administered to yo=r= unworthy friends here. I believe most of yo=r= L=res= came to us; I must desire a further time to give a more particular accompt of them. At present I write w=th= a trembling heart, my dearest yokefellow being upon the point of finishing her course in this life, and ready to be gathered to the bosome of the father, to behold the glory of the Lord Jesus, her head and spouse. Yo=rs= that came by the last Packett, being 4 in number, much refreshed her spirit, and raised a conceit in her (upon yo=r= expression of dedd Lazarus) that shee should Recover, saying shee had faith enough to be healed, and pressing earnestly (when shee was not able to turne herselfe in her bedd) to be carried into Wales, to see the Saints at Wrexham, who had soe many prayers at the Trone of grace in her behalfe; but now shee perceives that her Redemption draweth nigh, wherein shee doeth much Rejoyce, earnestly desiring to be dissolved and to be w=th= X.=t.= Last night I was called up (having watched with her the night before), shee being growne speechles, but after a little time shee Recovered her speech.

I believe shee cannot continue 2 nights longer w=th=out a speciall worke of God, the frame of her nature being quite dissolved in her. I rejoyce in the paper you sent from Merrionythshire: the Lord grant it proceeds from Renewed Spiritts, and not from carnall compliance. It is not difficult to make use of a gospell Language; but it is a Rare and a blessed thing to have soe many gospell spiritts in that countrey. There may much sincerity accompany a little faith, little knowledge and great Temptac~ons, w=ch= abound in that countrey. The more tender a plant is, the more often nourishm=t= must be applied. I intend (as soon as I can attaine to any leisure and composednes of spirit) to write to Cousin Robert Owens, whose heart, I am perswaeded, y=s= Right, although Discretion and Xtian prudence may be wanting. In a magistraticall cognizance it is good to be severe, that the world may know y=t= the power is ordeined for a terror to evill doers, and y=t= y=e= sword is not boorne in vayne, but in Xtian cognizance and gospell administrac~ons, the ruling power is love; whatsoever proceeds not from love, as to y=e= persons of men, proceeds not from a gospell spiritt. I must entreat you to excuse mee because I write not to Cap=t= Taylor (and my other friends): I shall, if y=e= Lord permitt, answer his by y=e= next. I am not able to write more. Y=e= L=d= Jesus encrease his guifts and graces in you more and more, and deale unto you aboundantly out of those rich Tre~rs of wisdome and knowledge his in him. Yo=rs= in the L=d= Jesus, J. J.

[^JOHN JONES TO THOMAS SCOTT^] M=r= Tho. Scott, Dear and my ever hon=d= Friend, The inclosed, from Mr. Frost, is from Mr. Coghlin Com~issary Gen=ll= Reinolds, certifyes here that Clare Castle

is surrendered to Leif=t= Gen=ll= Ludlow. The Irish are now endeavouring to have a gen=ll= meeting or councell, as they call it, at James Towne upon the Shannon northward. Itt is thought they have some express from their young King, since the defeate at Worcester, and many of them seemes to bee confident that their King hath a considerable army in the Marches of Wales, by whom a considerable overthrowe was given (as they alleadge) to the Parliam=ts= forces in South Wales - this Reported by Dungan to Coll. Markham, who is his prisoner, and now upon his paroll, he hath desired leave to send into England to understand the condic~on of affaires there, being resolved (as he sayeth) to lay downe Armes, and get beyond Seas, as soone as he is satisfyed the King's Interest is lost in England, but the Com=er= will not (without further advice) grant such leave, least such might be sent to negociate with forrigne agents. Lorraine is still high in their hopes and expectations, w=th= w=ch= they abuse the common people, and endeavo=r= to draw them to a generall rising, perswaeding them that the Parliam=t= will grant them noe termes for Religion, Lives, or Estates. Longford and severall other Baronies are lately gone out in Rebellion, but the Lord hath cast feares and terrors upon them; when they intend to Rest, apprehensions of feares and allarmes fall upon them, even when noe parties of o=rs= are neere; they are divided into factions and jalousies among themselves; the old Irish looke upon Dungan and Sherlocke and their Adherents, as falling away from them, and all confesse themselves to bee in a desperate and lost condic~on. If the Parliam=t= thinke fitt to hold forth any qualificac~ons to them, I humbly conceive it is high time they were declared. Sir, I beseech you, afford a little of yo=r= assistance to y=e= affaires of Ireland, at that com~ittee, especially in those particulars of money menc~oned in o=r= letters to y=e= councell, wherein the condicon of affaires here

are faithfully Represented. Trully I write these lines to you w=th= a trembling heart; my dear wife, a precious godly woeman, and a faithfull yokefellow, is now finishing her course, after 4 monethes heavy sicknes - shee cannot, without a miracle, outlive this night. In respect of her I have great cause to rejoyce, but I want a selfe-denying spirit. This will occasion, and hath drawne uppon me already, some extraordinary charge, w=ch= makes me presume to desire yo=r= favour to know whether anything hath bene thought of upon the Com=rs= letters to yo=r= selfe, S=r= Henry Vane and Major Galloway concerning o=r= Sallaries. I thought to have bene silent in this matter, but necessity of conveniency at least makes mee breake through any former Resoluc~ons, rather than hazard an Imputac~on of a base Mind: If anything bee ordered in that particular, I desire my brother Humphrey Jones (who professes much beholdingnes to you) might have an order to Receive to my use what is allotted to mee. Here is noe money to be had, and it were a sinne to take it if it were, while soe many poore sick souldiers are dayly perishing for want of competent sustennance. Pardon this my freenes w=th= you, being soe unworthy of soe many favours and respects as you have bene pleased to cast upon mee. Yo=rs= of the 4=th= of November came very seasonably to us with the newes of Man and Jersey, wee having then a convoy goeing to Connaught. If it were not presumption, I could wish that my humble services were presented to my Lord Leif=t= who sent me hither, the unworthiest and unfittest of many thousands. I wish the Lord would furnish me w=th= such a head and heart to mannage this great Trust as he hath who designed me for it. I shall noe further adde to yo=r= trouble at present. Yo=r= faithfull and true Servant. Dublin, 19=th= Nov., 1651.

[^JOHN JONES TO THOMAS SCOTT^] To Mr Scott Hon=ed= S=r= There hath not any opportunity of sending over from [\SIC\] beene offered me, wherin I have not troubled you w=th= some few lines; Two of w=ch= you menc~on (in yo=rs= of y=e= 11=th= of November) to have rec=d= together; but I beginne to be a little suspitious, whether I keepe within the compasse of good manners, considering how little I can contribute to the satisfaction of wise men, and yet by that litle how much I interrupte yo=r= more weighty affairs, in yo=r= retaliation, truly S=r= I rejoyce in yo=r= l='res= but when I consider how little time you have to spare I am sorry I am an occasion of yo=r= trouble. I hope by this time y=e= sadde newes of that blessed S=t= Ireton is in some measure digested by all his Relations, and that some Resolution is already taken for y=e= suplying of his absence in yo=rr= service heer, although I can never hope to be acquainted with soe humble, patien=t= wise, religious selfedenying man, as he was; It wilbee necessary to have the pleasure of the Parliam=t= and Councell knowne heere in that matter w=th= all speede. It wilbee a means to settle some humo=r= w=ch= may beginne to stirr and swell with hopes, and expectac~ons, and to prevent y=e= breaking out of those animosities, w=ch= (by the wisdom of him that is gone) were silenced! but if that be delayed, ambition, crosse Interests, and diversity of Judmen=ts=, will have time to take Roote, and cast therein Influences upon publiq=c= affaires, and you may be assured that such tempers there are in the Army; But y=e= Lord Leif=ts= presence (if y=e= most sadd newes of y=e= Lord Deputies death hath not too much indisposed him and the affaires in England, can admitt his absence from the house and Councell) will remove all difficulties, and give new life to those that desire to promote religious and publiq=e= Interests; I am very sensible of the condic~on

under w=ch= you are in respect of yo=r= dearest consort, myself having bene long exercised under y=e= like afflc~con w=ch= the Lord in much mercy to her (hath now given a period to), by taking her to himselfe, a more religious, discreet, and lovely creature, I believe never dwelt in this unhappy Land. The Lord teaches to find y=e= cause of o=r= rejoycings to be above creature comforts. [^A PASSAGE PROBABLY OMITTED^] It is very unusual, especially amongst statesmen, to extend soe much fav=r= and Respect when there is no expectac~on of suitable returns. I am sorry you are put to soe much trouble, as to move the Howse in o=r= businesse, and for my own parte, I had rather suffer much hardship, than to have o=r= names come there upon such selfish occas~on; and yet this may pc~eed from pride of heart in mee, who have greater Reason than the rest to bee sollicitous therein. My dearest wife's interm=t= and sickness having cost me neer +L500, for w=ch= I stand ingaged to Honest Aldr~an Hutchinson, who letts noe man that is a friend to the Parliame=t= nor y=e= publiq=e= affaires want anything, that he can help them to. Wee are now goeing to Kilkenny, and from thence to Connaught, to endeavo=r= the setling of the affaires of the army, untill the Parliam=t= shall order the conduct of the Forces, and managem=t= of those in some better hands; wee expect to meete many difficulties when the officers are come together out of the severall quarters, because the contribuc~ons fall exceeding shorte in most places, very many Baronies, and some whole Counties, w=ch= paid considerable assessm=ts= the last yeare, and y=e= begining of this summer, are now totally wasted, soe that all the Revenue that can be raised here, and the Treasury that comes from England (except it be in larger proporc~on than ordinary), cannot possibly pay the Forces, according to the reduced establishm=t= here, w=ch= is 4 days pay to officers, 6s. per weeke

and forrage to troopers, and 3s. 3d. per weeke to private foote souldiers, below w=ch= I thinke it is impossible for them to live; and yet there must be gott at least 12,000lbs. worth of corne into the stores for y=e= next spring, some speciall significac~on of y=e= Parliam=ts= care and tenderness of y=e= Forces in Ireland, would be very seasonable at this time. I doo very well like the course you propound to supply a charracter. I shall hereafter take care that yo=r= l=res= you shall please to send me be well ayred, and where you find this marke x in mine you may give it a warm enterteynment. [^A PASSAGE PROBABLY OMITTED^] I cannot tell if any further service in that or any other maner may be avayleable unto you, I shall rejoyce in receiving yo=r= further pleasure, and my endeavo=r= shall bear witness how desirous I am to be found, Yo=r= faithfull and usefull and humble servant. Dublin, 25=o= Dec=r= 1651.

[^THOMAS HARRISON TO JOHN JONES^] Major Gen=ll= Harrison to Col=l= Jones. 8=th= daie 1=st= m. 52. Much endeared Brother, I have beene prevented three or foure poasts in writing my kind acknowledgmen=t= to you of yo=r= last loving and very Spiritual letter; I am soe assured of yo=r= endeared respects and readiness to cover my failings, that I shall omit to saie anie thing forr my excuse, onely that I thinke I have beene more troubled att the delaie then you. Notwithstanding some (ignorant of you) have enquired after your steadfastness,

because M=r= Erberry vouched you in a booke wee lately putt forth, yett I thanke the Lord I had not an undervaluing thought, but was able to plead yo=r= innocence. As for the poore requests I have formerly made to yow, where of yo=r= last mentions, I kindly thancke yo=r= remembrance of them, though as yett the Lord hath not cleared yo=r= waie to answere them, in his time I hope for both. Our last letters give us to believe, That not onely the Dutch but France, Denmarke, and Spaine will engage speedily against us: doe not theise things import the Lord of Hoasts about his Threshing-worke. Yett we are labouring after a peace w=th= the Dutch, notwithstanding a crosse-providence. Whether is most the Saints worke, to run after Christ to Sea whereon hee hath begun to sett his right foote, or to men fearing the Lord to bee putt into all places of power att home. I earnestly beseech you in yo=r= addresses to the Allmightie and o=r= owen Father Remember yo=r= Fellow Member. T. H.

[^JOHN JONES TO HENRY CROMWELL^] To Col=l= Cromwell, Honored Sir, I hope the Lord hath brought you safe to yo=r= relations, and that he hath given you a heart never to forgett the loveing kindnes of the Lord, nor to be lifted up in your speritt in the enjoym=t= of mercyes as though your owne hand had acquired them for you: A meeke and an humble sperett is a Pretious frame, which the Lord will owne in that day when he maketh up his Jewells, 3 Mal: 17. Truly S=r= I have had many thoughts of that sinne of forgetting the Lord and what he had done for us; how

dangerous it is produceing naturally the sinnes of Ingratitude and Pride, which the Lord fearfully punisheth. The Prosperous state is the slippery and dangerous state of a Christian, because then the Poore Creature is apt to have his affextions fixed upon outward enjoym=ts= and to waxe fatt, lightly esteeming of the Roott of his Salvations, and forgetting God that formed him. Deut. 32. In such a condic~on it is good to be often looking Back from what state and into what state we are brought, before how many thousands are wee advanced by free grace, and not by any thing in ourselfes. That the higher we are advanced in the world, the more dangerous is the Pinacle wee stand upon, and this should teach us not to be high minded butt feare. If I had observed in you a high and selfish speritt I am affrayd my base heart had not beene free to use this freedome with you, my desier is to mynd you of this Rock whereon many have made shipwracke of good conscience that thorow grace you may avoyd them. I shall humbly desier you to read over these ensueing Scriptures, and I hope wilbe of use to you, to healpe and quicken your sperit to the Dutyes before mentioned. Deu. 4. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Deut. 6. 3 to y=e= 14=v= (Cor. 2. 2, 4; from y=e= 15=th= to y=e= 23. These two last demonstrate the haynousness of the sinne of ingratitude Towards God.) Isay 17=th= 10, 11. I doe not know any one History soe often cyted in Scripture, as that in the 25=th= of Numbers and in most of them mentioned as a sinne of fforgettfulnes. I hope the Lord hath endued you with a gratious temper of sperit to beare with the weakenesses of men and to accept of a cupp of cold water tendered in Love. This instant while I was a writeing this letter came a letter to me intimating that there is an intention of putting another Cap=t= to com~and my Troope; so farr as myne owne interest is concerned therein I doe most freely submitt into

it but with all I doe most ernestly desier, that it may be soe disposed of that those few p'sons in that country who have sett their hearts to seeke the Lord (and have bene hitherto counttenanced, and encouradged therein by that troope, more then by any other power or p'sons in civill authority in that country may be protected by them, and that the officers of the troope may receive y=e= benefitt of the remove, they being religious, faithfull, and stout, not inferior to any of their degree, I am p~swaded. And therefore I conceve it a sinn to putt any unnecessary discouragem=t= upon them, for my owne pt~e. If I conceived that by this removeall, I should want any parte of that intimacy, and freedome, I have had with those precious godly p'sons of the troope, it would much trouble me. But in other respects (I hope that consideration wil be had of them.) I submitt and therefore make bold humbly to begg yo=r= favo=r= to represent my sence in this matter to such as are to act more properly in affaires of that nature and especially to my honorred and deare friend Major Gen=ll= Harrison unto whom I cannot possibly write at present, the packett being just now going away, w=ch= I hope he will take in good pte, considering he hath knowne me soe long, that my age may plead something for my penn, But as yet he hath not a right to that plea for not remembering an old acquaintance in above two yeares time, however, I confesse the duty runnes retrograde in these outward expressions of Respects, and I have been fayling in mind towards him: I am confident he hath made good his promisse of often minding me and the rest that came to Ireland at the throne of grace, and y=t= y=e= efficacy of such prayors and wrestlings hath hithertoe preserved us. The Lord guide you by his spiritt to lay out yourselfe for him according to the opportunity he putts into your hands) in a spiritt of meekness, humility, and sobriety,

and teach you to enquire every stepp you goe, whether this be the way of the Lord and whether you are ledd by his councell to what you undertake. Your very faithfull and reall Servant, Jo. Jones. Dublin, 22=nd= January, 1852. I have sent enclosed the Articles of Arran.

[^JOHN JONES TO THOMAS(?) SCOTT^] To Ma=r= Scott, Hon=ed= Sir. The Lord is pleased (by varyous providences) to afford some matter of late to communicate unto you, to teach us our strength is in him who guids the affaires and councells of men, according to his Eternal purpose and will, and that wee have noe strength or wisdom of our owne whereon wee may relye. I shall first mention those p'ticulars wherein God is pleased to owne his weake instruments, as the delivering of Inis Buffin, and the rest of the adjacent Islands, into the Parlia=nt= possession; the articles of surrender are sent to the Parliam=t= and counsell, and may be thought suteable to the difficulty of gaining of that place by fforce. Questionless that service was owned by God, for during all the time of that Treaty, there was soe greate a calme that our shipps Ridd in safety close to the Island all the while, which they could not possibly have done if any winde had beene stirring, as Cap=t= Clarke informs us; secondly, the delivering of several Islands in the Loughs in Ulster to our fforces, in one of which Sir Phelim O'Neale was taken, and was Isterday tryed at our high court of Justice at

Dublin, and condemned of High Treason, and within a few hours a period will be given to his high titles as being created Earle of Tyrone, by the Ultaghes, according to their Rude solemnityes, Prince of Ulster by the Pope's Commission or Bull, Gen=ll= of all the Leinster and Ulster fforces, by comission from the lords of y=e= Pale, and the Prince and Cheefe actor in the Horrid Massacres and Rebellion, by comission from the late Charles Stuart, as himselfe hath often confessed, and published in his manifest=as=; all which was made good by evidence at his tryall. This course of inquisition after Blood, and doeing exemplary justice, is terrible to this nation; insoemuch that the murtherers hearts faint, and theire joynts tremble even to admiration, when they come to y=e= Barr. This cruell monster of men when he came first to the Barr was scarce able to stand for trembling, or to speak for teares. I beleefe tho some of their guilte of murthers have driven many out of late, insoemuch that the rebbles are lately growne numerous, and have beene instruments to give us some sharpe rebukes about the 6th of ffebruary, neare Rannile Castle, in Erconaught, almost over ag=t= Inis Buffin; 800 Irish fell (out of an ambush in a narrow pass) upon 270 foote, which were marching that way to meete the fforces that went by sea to reduce Buffin, and routed them, in this ingagem=t= Cap=t= Hassett, who commanded the party, and Cap=t= Weston, L=t= Lewis and L=t= Hall, and about 46 private souldiours were slayne; yet the remainder of the party rallyed, and routed the enemye, and y=e= enemy rallyed, and our party routed them the second tyme; butt being foote and strangers they could not p'sue to considerable effect. A Cap=t= of y=e= enemy and some more men were slayne, and our own armes, and the enemyes armes upon the last rout were recovered by oure men, and the next day they tooke L=t= Gen=ll= Burke in y=e= Island, which I hope will be delivered

up to justice. The Lord Muskerry is lately landed at Corke, and sayes he will cast himselfe upon the Parliam=ts= mercy, pretending that Clergie in Spaine had determined to murther him, and that Portugal would not entertayne him, of all which I beleeve, but my share, he is sent for to Dublin in (\Salvia Custodia\) . In Kerry, and Corke, and those parts very many are gone out lately, Co=ll= O'Sillinan Beere, and Co=ll= O'Driskall, and divers others who formerly came in on Muskerry's articles are gone out, and reported to be 1500 men strong. They have taken [^EMPTY SPACE IN THE EDITION^] Islands, in the Bay of Bantry (as I take it), for recovery of which place fforces are ordered both by sea and land; those Muskerry Rebbles fell upon one Cap=t= Gibbons and 40 musketteres w=th= him, killed the said Cap=t,= L=t= Boone, Ensign Booth, and 34 private men, 6 only escapeing. The enemy then lost a Cap=t,= a L=t,= and 6 men, and 27 wounded; this success made the enemy to attempt to surprise a convoy of about 90 foote, which was goeing from Dingle to fforce Needham, commanded by L=t= Lambart, w=th= provision for that Garr=isn= who being come within two myles of y=e= fort, y=e= enemy appeerd unto him, conceaved to be in number 800, and thereupon the whole party left the carriadges, threw down theere armes and ranne to Co=ll= Macffinnens howse being not farr off, except the L=t= and sixe men, who it seemes stood and were slayne; the enemy pursued them to Macffinnins house to putt them all to the sword, but Mcffinnin being not soe unhospitable or barbarous as his neighbours would have him to bee, protested that himselfe and every man with him would dye in their own defense, unless they would accept of a Ransome for the men, which being (w=th= seeming difficulty) accepted, Mcffinnin payd the money presently and sent the men home. I have been the more p'ticular in these two, because in them the Lord seems to rebuke us, and yet he does not leave us

without daily testimony of his love and tenderness towards us. A party from Limerick fell lately upon those y=t= are out in y=t= county, and killed about 60 of them; the like number were killed by Corke fforces lately, and at another tyme about 40; and this day we have intelligence from Co=ll= Barrow that Trinity Island, in the county of Cavan (as I take it), and some other Island thereabouts, are delivered up unto him, and that he is now before Cloughwater Castle, and hath by a fiery floate burnt theire Boates or Cotts (as be hopes), and with sluges hath burnt theire corne, and hopes in a short tyme it will be rendered or quitted. This is theire most confideing garrison in Ulster. God hath Brought them very low, both in spirit and number in the north. There is noe way to reduce this land to a p'fect and lasting peace, but by removing all heads of Septs and Preists and men of knowledge in armes, or otherwise in repute, out of this land, and breaking all kinds of interest among them, and by laying waste all fast countreyes in Ireland, and suffer noe mankind to live there, but within garrisons, for which end Declarations are going out to lay wast the whole County of Kerry, and a great part of the countyes of Corke, Lymerick, Typerary, Clare, Galloway, Roscomon, Sligo, &c., the whole countyes of Letrime, ffermanagh, Cavan, Tyrone, Monaghan, and Ardmanagh, except peeres of Barrownyes in some of them, not considerable. Likewise part of Longford, Meath, and Lowth, bordering upon those countyes; the whole county of Wicklow, and part of King and Queen's Countyes. I am afrayd I have too much presumed upon yo=r= patience in soe tedious a narration, butt yo=r= goodness will beare with more faults then this in Yo=r= reall and humble servant J. J. Dublin, 1=st= May, 1652.

[^JOHN JONES TO THOMAS HARRISON^] To Major Gen=ll= Harrison. Deare S=r= Nott long after the Lord Deputyes departure from us there was a strong apprehention uppon y=e= speritt of one Eminent Coll. in y=e= army (who I hope is now at rest), y=t= most of the principall officers and command=rs= of the forces in Ireland were designers of some dangerous interest, and that they would promote y=e= same by theire power and commands in the army, which being made knowne to the Com=rs= of Parliam=t= they have seriously inquired into, and examined the grounds, of such an apprehention, and found it to have neither Evidence to warrant it, nor any probability of reason to support it. Butt the contrary was very evident, and cleere to the Judgmen=t= of most, if not all y=e= Com=rs= viz=t= that the Persons conceived to be those designers, are the most godly, most praying, and most self-denying men, that ever served any state in theire capacity, whereof they have not only before, butt alsoe since that time given most ample and pregnant testimony, and nevertheless it is reported here, y=t= those apprehentions of them have been transmitted into England, and there represented as truths to theire prejudice, I am persuaded y=t= theire frequent and ernest prayers to, and wrestlings with the Lord for his appearance, in, and with the Parliam=t= in the manadgm=t= of the great duty and trust y=t= lyeth upon them in the settlem=t= of the peace and tranquility, of the nations committed to theire care, and in y=e= advancem=t= of the Gospell, in y=e= Power and purity thereof hath pv~ayled much on theire behalfe, and I hope y=t= y=e= Lord will never suffer the Parliam=t= (whom he hath soe highly honored), in his work, even to y=e= terror and admirac~on of all y=e= Nations round about you) to weaken y=e= hand or sadden the hearts of such pretious Saints, and faithful servants to theire interest, the temper of whose Speritts, in y=e= manadgm=t= of affaires here may be gathered

by the inclosed w=ch= I have sent you for that end, and have ps~umed (upon that old acquaintance I have had with you, and those warm expressions of your love to myself (the unworthyest of all your acquaintance), as to all those that have any appearance of the Image of Christ, and worke of grace upon theire heartes) to trouble you with these hasty lines, that (if you see cause) you may make use of them, for y=e= vindicacon of the servants of Christ, in Ireland, (concerned in this nation) soe farr as you shall conceave fitting, wee are here in a longing expectac~on of some persons armed with authority to Exersize the power formerly placed in the Deputy Generall to be sent over to ease those that are unskillfull in Imploym=t= of such importance, and doe really and cordially desier to be eased therein. I can truly and freely say that although I account it the greatest earthly favor attaynable by me to be thought worthy by the Parliam=t= to be Imployed in theire service (wherein I hope through grace to be found faithful), yett I cannot take much comfort in any Imploym=t= for which I am not fittly Qualified; and I believe the rest of my fellow Com=rs= are of the same minde, I beseech y=e= Lord Jehova to guide you in your walkings before him to manifest unto you more and more of his Eternall love, and free grace in Christ, to fill your heart with a Speritt of Humility, and the feare of his greate name, and to purg you of all rising thoughts or desier of greate things in the world, w=ch= I finde to be close and dangerous snares, attending high Imploym=ts.= I shall add noe further to your trouble at present, butt to assure you both with heart and hand that I am, &c., Jo. Jones. Cork, June 21st, 1652.

[^JOHN JONES TO MORGAN LLOYD^] To M=r= Morgan Lloyd. Most Deare and beloved in y=e= Lord, Yours of y=e= 21=st= of y=e= 5=th= came to my hand this day, I have not time to make knowne our wants unto you in this poore Ireland, the Irish bloody party in all places subdued, except a few in the North who keepe in woods, boggs, and mountaynes, inaccessable with an army, w=ch= will require time to subdue them by planting Garrisons upon them to starve them, and yet God is pleased to hould forth some tokens of his displeasure, the sickness rages in Galloway and is spread over all that province. It fearfully brake out at Cashell, a few days since the people being taken suddenly with madness, whereof they dye instantly, 20 dyed in that manner in three days in that little towne. The sickness is in Dublin and countrey about, but not soe violent as in other places, but few escape that have it, Mr. Richardson, our auditor, sometimes a member of Allhallowes Ch. came home with us on Munday night, and the next day his wife, his maid, and two of his children were visited, Poore Colonell Barrow continues still in y=e= hands of cruell bloody men, who will not release him under 2000 (^l^) ransome, or pardon to them for their murders, I desire in y=e= behalfe of y=e= servants of God here that our ffellow members with you doe earnestly seeke the Lord on our behalfes, that his mind may be revealed unto us in these his reproofs, and that the Lord may deliver such of his servants as are now cast unto y=e= furnace of aflic~con. It is good at all times, (but especially when the Lord appeares terrible to y=e= children of men by his judgm=ts=) to be striving and wrestling with the Lord for a spirit of prayer, of humility, of love, and of y=e= feare of y=e= Lord w=ch= proceedeth from love. It is good then to be dwelling with him in the coole under the mulberry trees, in and under his ordinance, not in speculations, or unwarrantable empty

notions, soaring soe high, that the wings of holy zeale are -, Gospell ordinances and administrac~ons, accounted contemptible, and carnall, and esteemed yokes, not priviledges, from whence must follow a fearfull and a hideous falling downe into the sea of perdition, these things I menc~on, because some such wee have in Ireland, Lt. Col. Bowen is gone soe farr in that way, that he is become a professed Atheist, and is shortly to come to his trial for y=e= same, there be some others of that way towards Corke, the Lord helpe us to watch over our spiritts, and to disserne this spirit of Delusion, this Dragons Tayle, that strikes soe many professors out of y=e= Church, whose fall shakes, and darkens heaven, makes poore weake saints stagger, I have not time to enlarge, nor to write to my boy, nor other friends at present, I desire you to remember me to them. The Lord give you much comfort of your little one, Your assured friend in Christ, Jo. Jones. I am not sorry for y=e= Welch Petic~on, the more the Saints are tryed, the more their luster will appeare, it is good to observe what hands promote it, who they be that subscribe it, and to take exact notice what temper they are of, and what kind of ministry they are and would promote.

[^JOHN JONES TO MAJOR SALWEY^] To Maio=r= Sallway. I have aduentured once more to convey unto you a cast of Hawkes by the Bearer (being a ffalken and a Tassell), if they come not to y=r= hands in good condic~on, I desire he may not Receave any incouradgm=t= by yo=r= bounty towards him. As to the hopefullness of theire being as serviceable as usually creatures of theire kind are. I must wholely depend

upon my good friend y=t= helpes mee toe them, not haveing any judgment to decerne the goodness of them: The Lord keepe your Speritt constantly upon the wing y=t= the marrow and substance of your delight may be above any Earthly creatures or comforts, and that those greate Endowments which God hath qualifyed you with to decerne of things beyond the ordinary Pitch of men, may not be like your high flown Hawkes, who although they be carryed up farr above the Earth, yet they have theire backes towards heaven, and theire Eyes are fixed upon the Earth. Your most affectionat frind and very reall servant, J. Jones. Drogedah August 19th 1652.

[^JOHN JONES TO MORGAN LLOYD^] To M=r= Morgan Lloyd. Most deare and beloved in Christ, It is a most blessed thing to have a close com~union with our God, in the motions and workings of that love which the eternall Speritt of love and life begetts in the heart, those are the Rivers of living waters, which flow from the humble and meek speritts of a Saint to refresh barren and dry hearts and to quicken dead, dull, and slow speritts. These flowings from your heart to your penn hath through grace conveyed much Refresm=t= and comfort to your friends here in Ireland that dwell in the midst of snares, and being called to spend theire whole tyme in earthly and carnall Imploym=ts=, have theire Speritts much deadened, and cooled in the things of Heaven, and affaires of the Soull. If a stone or piece of Earth were placed in the braine and at the heart, how could and heavy would the Speritt be, even such are the affaires of the world (although honest

and necessary.) And therefore happy are they that are least incumbred with them; my brother Harry being now more than formerly Engaged in those affaires (having the Governem=t= of Dublin cast uppon him in Co=ll= Hewsons absence), is more then ordinarily sensible of this, although God hath given him a strong lively Speritt in the wayes and workes of Christ. The Lord is pleased to continue the Rodd of his anger upon this Land some off his owne people in Dublin are in the furnace, and some taken away. I pray you sett our X~ian frends with you upon seeking the Lord Earnestly and frequently for us, and Likewise for themselfes and all the saints of God least his anger burn against our couldnes and inactivity. Great actions are abroad, wherein the hono=d= of God are greatly concerned, who knoweth whether the faith, prayers and graces of the Saints are given for such a tyme as this butt if they stand not in y=e= gapp they will not be approved when deliverance cometh. Your Generalls torment me by putting me into a longing to know particulars, what are the things that are printed against the Saints at Wrexham, unto whom (I hope) the Lord hath given a Speritt of Sobriety, as well as X~ian zeale not to affect empty vaine speculations which hath deceaved many into a contempt of the Ordinances of Christ, and his written word, and at length (like him that beleved himselfe to be that great Starr which he looked upon and pointed at) beleeve that themselfes are God and Christ, that noe Act of theires is sinfull, that Cheques of Conscience against the Committall of any Act be it ever soe sinfull or monstrous, proceeds from the want of that Perfection which they have acquired, and professedly Act in as the enjoym=t= of that liberty, and Priveledg which the Perfection entitles them unto. Truly many of those we have heard off, and some of them we met with in Ireland, and I believe that the knowledg and report of

these things have bredd Jelouses in many well meaning people that what to them seemes new (although an Evangelical truth) proceeds from a Speritt of a Delusion, the Lord keepe us close in the sure word of truth in our walkeings that the ordinances of Christ which are as soe many Spirituall Buoys, to Direct us in the right Channell, may not be esteemed nugatory and of noe force nor advance above theire due Latitude, as the Papists doe I would have binne glade to have seene what is in printe questionless it may be guessed from what Speritt, and from what hand it proceeded, lett Patience worke and you shall see that shame will be the reward of the Authors and promoters of these lyes. The Lord reward your great love and kindness to my boy and give strength to (my deare friend) your wife: I thanke you for your freedome with mee as to Marriage, I desire to know from whom and of whom the report you mention came, and for your satisfac~con I doe really profess unto you that since the departure of my deare wife (of most pretious memory) I have not seene nor do I know, nor can thinke of that woeman on whom I have Pitched my thoughts to be in that Relation to mee, and if all the world were sett before mee to make my choice off, my thoughts doo not yett lead mee to any one numerically, my minde as yett suites not with the ofspring of this climate. If I were in my native country, and could meete with one endued with soe much grace, meekness, humility, love, comelines, and wisdome as she had who is removed from mee, and one that in the course of nature might promisse children, and would love my boy as her owne, and be content he should be the Elder Brother, I should blesse God for such an acquaintance. I wish M=r= Powell would leave his disputeing and that he and you would come over for Ireland for some time. Many Gratious hearts and heades here conceave that disputes produce neither grace nor

knowledg but administers and ingenders striffes: pray remember my deare love to M=r= Powell and M=r= Mostin when you write, and to all our friends. Your very affectionate frind in the Dearest obligat~on, Jo. Jones. Drogedah August 23rd 1652.

[^THOMAS HARRISON TO JOHN JONES^] Major Gen=l= Thomas Harrison to Col=l= John Jones. Deare Brother, I thank yow for yo=r= last, so full of sweetnes & light, though complayning of ignorance. I shall now trouble you w=th= little, save the desire of Manie Bretheren, (sent as messengers from divers Churches) whereof I have formerly made mention, that yo=r=selfe would come to Towne with all convenient speed, and (if itt may bee) by the appointm=t= of yo=r= Congregation, and one or Two w=th= you, to consult w=th= the Bretheren here of the propagating of o=r= Lord's Gospell and Kingdome, and love amongst all Saints, because some here laie weight upon yo=r= sending. Though here bee a very greete ebb to carnall sense, yett Manie pretious Ones think itts a time of much Mercie; and that o=r= blessed Lord will shortly worke w=th= eminence. I have much very much to acquaint you with, but purposely forbeare in expectation to enjoy you the next week. Thowe methinks, we have scarce lived a time more requiring concurrence of the Lord's people, nor yeelding greater encoragement to laie heads and heartes and more tthan all together for him that hath so sweetly loved and dearly bought us; wherefore I beseech you laie this to heart, hasten to us in the feare of the Lord, and thinke there maie bee Somewhat extraordinary, that you, Powell, Jenkin, Jones, and Craddock, w=th=

some Bretheren w=th= you (however yo=r=selfs y=e= messengers from the Churches) are soe [^EMPTY SPACE IN THE EDITION^] this juncturre. The Lord guide you herein and all things. Yo=rs= yo=rs= T. H. Whitehall, 7=th= of the 9=th= m. 52.

[^THOMAS HARRISON TO JOHN JONES^] 9=th= Daie 9=th= m. 1652. Major Gen=l= Thomas Harrison to Col=l= John Jones. Pretious Brother. Yo=rs= of very much price came wellcomely to my hands the last weeke, for w=ch= I retorne you very manie thanks. I have little more presently to saie to you, because I am att a Com=ttee= where I want opportunitie. Mr. Frake told mee last night, that nexte weeke he will give yo=rs= a retorne, and then Ile speake a little larger if the Lords will. Richard Creed having now compaired my bookes and receipts, also an accompt from the Gouvernor of Carlisle, I understand I am yo=r= debtor (though 10000 times more then heele expresse to you) for yo=r= troope, w=ch= I will thither transmitt to yo=r= selfe, or paie here if youle but hint to him. (^Let me have a word from you upon receipt hereof^) , and how it faires w=th= you and yo=r= familie because one hinted yo=r= selfe or some of yo=rs= were not very well. I am, Yo=r= much endeared Brother and servant in o=r= Lord, T. H.

[^THOMAS HARRISON TO JOHN JONES^] Major Gen=l= Harrison to Col=l= Jones. 27=th= d. 9=th= m. 52. Deare Sir, I praie yo=r= pardon for my last, which was in much love, and soe exceeding hast (att a Com=ttee= of Parliament where good Mr. Brooke was desired to be outed because he would not baptize, bury dead, and accept wicked persons to breake bread) that I could scarce tell w=t= I wrote, and had not time to conclude itt. I have now inclosed Mr. Frakes to you, w=ch= should have come sooner, but hee told mee hee had beene disappointed. I hope the Lord will make yo=r= communion and intercourse usefull, and that prove I shall have cause to blesse him, in being a hand betweene you. I entreated his unsealed, for the favo=r= and helpe of perusing. Wee are in daily expectation of engagement with the Dutch, Blake yesterday certefying us that some of his men had discovered 80=tie= saile a making upp towards him. That in the evening from a steeple w=ch= hath advantage for itt, was desirned 300 [{vessels.{] They are merchantmen in generall, and the rest are theire convoy, but hope the Lord will cause them to enforce us, or ours enforce them to fight. Manie of the Lord's deare servants long for engagem=t= care not for the inequalitie to [{numbers{] knowing the cause engaged, and who is for us. A sweet spiritt of praier begins to issue forth, and some hope will never againe decline. If you are not free to see London this winter without a very speciall call, where I thinke you might bee very serviceable, yet put yo=r=selfe into some readiness for itt. Itts probable yo=r= troope maie bee called hither to doe dutie for 3 or 4 monethes, and then I hope you maie see an opportunitie of coming with them. My endeared respects to all yo=rs= and Christ's, Whose I desire to remain approvedly, T. H.

[^THOMAS HARRISON TO JOHN JONES^] Major Gen=l= Harrison to Col=l= Jones. Deare bro. According to w=t= I hinted (as I remember) in my last, after wee had spent yesterday 4 or 5 howers in prayer (wherein indeed we found a sweet p=r=sence of y=e= Lord) y=e= Elders came together, having many of them (as I have good reason to judge) their harts full of propositions according to God, wherein the Churches might be serviceable to the fullest propagation of y=e= Gospell, but y=e= consideration thereof was putt off till one day more might be spent in solume seeking unto God for the pouringe forthe of his Spirit, whereby wee may certainely know o=r= duty and bee fully enabled to it. And by com~on consent the 5=th= day of y=e= next weeke, at Alhallowes, y=e= Churches of S'=ts= are to attend upon y=e= Lord of y=e= Harvest in this great thing, and truly I hope wee shall come as one man w=th= hearts engaged to approach unto him. And this I write not onely y=t= you may have fare understanding of o=r= affairs, but chiefly that you may gett together on y=e= same day the people of God in yo=r= quarters to joine w=th= us in putting up this great request. There are thoughts of having up my whole Regim=t= and consequently yo=r= troop up to the guards here. Itt may bee you may see a cleere call to come w=th= them, and give the Churches here a visitt. Wee hope if you come it will be in the fullnesse of y=e= Gospell, upon w=ch= accompt you cannot but bee welcome to the spiritual S'=ts= and to mee (tho unworthy to be reckoned amongst them) you will be upon all accompts most deerly welcome, who am Yo=r= brother in o=r= deere Lord. T. H. 9 m. 30 d. 1652

[^JOHN JONES TO PHILIP JONES^] To Col=l= Philip Jones, one of y=e= Coun~ell, Deare ffreind, Thy Brother gives me a cordiall acco=t= of your retaining mee in your memory. I blesse the Lord that any who feare him have mee in the least measure in their thoughts for good unto mee. Your greate and hon=ble= Imploym=t= doth necessarily free you from those intercourses which your friends at other times might expect as a favour from you, yet themselves are more obliged then formerly to com~unicate unto you what the Lord shall putt upon their spirits for y=e= strengthening you in your performance of that high trust com~itted to you, upon which account I take this boldnesse to trouble you at this tyme, not intending to putt you to the trouble of a returne unless you finde goode leizure for it. The suddennesse of the late change, with the occasion and somewhat of the formality of it, doth amuse many precious S'=ts= in this Lande, and it cannot be rationally expected that there should be soe sudden and cleare an aprobation in it in those that feare the Lord, as there were in them y=t= were p'sent upon the place, and know the grounds and Reasons of this alterac~on. ffor my owne p=t= I am very willing to act under this Goverment those trusts that the Lord hath or shall lay upon mee, for the good and service of my country, soe long as the authority (under w=ch= I am) judge mee any way serviceable; and when I shall be thought an uselesse Instrum=t= I hope I shall willingly acquiesse and rejoyce in a private course of life, and that the Lord will bring my gray head in peace to my grave, and I hope most of them that serve the Com~onwealth in Ireland have the same freedom of spirit in them. If the Governm=t= be soe Established as may produce the fruits of Righteousness, peace and love to the S'=ts= I am not solicitous what forme or shape it hath, "when the righteous

are in authority the people rejoice, but when y=e= wicked beareth Rule the people mourne." Prov. 29, 2 verse. Have a care that you (that greate burthen of y=e= governm=t= of 3 Nac~ons and preserveing the Interest of all the S'=ts= in the world is fallen) aprove yo=r=selves Righteous on the acc=t= of Christ and that you prove not a burthensome stone and a rock of offence to his people, least he breake you with a Rodd of Iron and dash you in pieces like a potter's vessel. You are now lead unto a maste=r=piece of Sathan's Temptations, and are sett upon a high pinacle, where you may see all Nac~ons, peoples and contries bowing to you and prostituteing their riches, Splendour and all other carnall and worldly hono=r= and contentm=t= if you will but fall downe and worship their Prince. You have neede, therefore, to guird your lynes with the strenght of Christ, and engage all his people to wrastle manfully for you at the throne of Grace, that you may be strenghtened in the power of temptation and delivered from y=e= snare y=t= is spread before you, remember that your life here is but a moment of tyme and anon you must give an acco=t= whatsoever you have done in the flesh, and the first Question will be how you have delt with the S'=ts= of the most High when you were in your power? One glance from the face and countenance of Christ on a poore soule in the hower of our change, is worth all the welth pomp and hono=r= of the world. Wee are here listening very narrowly what kinde of persons you call to yo=r= Councell and in other Imploym=ts= of Hono=r= and trust, and what kinde of Court you are setting up, whether wee are like to have a Councell and Court of sober zealous Christians (as wee hope, many of them whose name wee have seene in print are) or whether you alloy them with a mixture of persons carnall and persecuting spirits, and according to w=t= you doe in these thinges the people of God will judge how the temper of your spirits

and y=e= fruite of yo=r= government is like to prove. The Lord hath not given mee the tonge of the wise, nor the pen of the learned to administer advice, my aime is to minde you of these thinges, as one who really and unfeignedly wisheth your welfare. It were presumc~on in mee to desire to be p'sented to him that is in Cheife Authority and is indeed in the front of danger, and sett up as a Butt for envy and malice to shoote at, but truly he is remembred in my prayers with a trembling heart for him. The Lord preserve him in an humble, meeke and patient frame of Spirit, zealous for Christ and cause and people. If you send mee one lyne to reprove mee for being thus troublesome to you I shall esteeme it a favour to Your antient faithfull friend (though I cannot say most humble) servant, J. Jones. Dublin, 13=th= January, 1653.

[^JOHN JONES TO HUMPHREY JONES^] To M=r= Humphrey Jones, Deare Brother, I have by my last given you an acc=t= of my inten~cons touching my interest in the Lordshippe of Bromfield and Yale, that I am not willing to part with it upon the Tearmes propounded by those Gentlemen that would purchase it. I cannot, indeed, see how my couzen Vaughan and you that are intrusted in that purchase can convey over the interst of any man conserned therein whose debentures are delivered up in satisfac~ion of y=t= purchase without their consent in writing under their hands and seales, you being only intrusted to take y=e= Estate for their use and not to convey it away. If any of those whose Debentures are in that purchase, have conveyed their Interest therein to those

gentleman, they may enjoy soe much Interest in the Lordships as belongs to such persons without necessitating you to prejudice that trust reposed in you by the rest. I desire to know who those p'sons are that have an Interest therein, and how much each man's interest is that I may know how farr I may provide to take in yo=r= Interest upon better tearmes, for them then what is offered, or be otherwise more serviceable unto them. I presume Coll=l= Mason and Majo=r= Elliot may have some Debent=rs= in that purchase, and if soe, they are willing to put the Interest they have therein into my hands and I presume that there are others of them that will be willing to doe the like. I am not much in love with such interest as holds up any burthensome power over the people and therefore would willingly part with all the interests I have of that nature. But the way now proposed in this perticular tends not to ease the people of such burthens, but rather to continue it upon them by putting it into such hands. But my aime is to improve my owne and that interest of those other concerned w=th= mee to the gaining of what is really due unto us and thereby to make the people free when they have given due satisfacc~on for what doth issue out of their respective Estates unto us, and for y=e= end I doe propose to myself that by the consent of all those that have their Debentures in y=t= purchase, or by buying in their interests to impower Com=rs= to treate with the respective Tena~nts of y=e= Lo=pps= for the acquitting of those Rents and the emolum=ts= due from them upon reasonable Tearmes and thereby reemburse ourselves, and if wee must abate of the price I had rather do it to y=e= respective Te~nants then to any other that are soe earnest to interlope other men's interest for lucar or setting up of a power in their hands over the people who may expect but little ease from such Instrumen=ts=. As touching the negociation you menc~on, I am yet free either to continue

or breake it of as the Lord shall incline the hearts of such as are concerned therein, but I doe not yet see how that matter can be brought to a speedy and comfortable period by reason of my fixedness in this Country and the improbability of consum~ating it w=th=out my presence and therefore I am silent in y=t= matter, expecting an answer of a letter I lately sent into South Wales, being unfree to bee obliged by previous condic~ons in a matter of y=t= nature, looking upon myselfe under higher obligac~ons in y=t= thinge then those y=t= are accustomed to be made amongst men upon the like occasion. I pray remember me to M=r= Courtney and Cap=t= Price, from whom I have not herd of late, and have not any thinge to com~unicate unto them but what I have written in my last to M=r= Courtney. Present my kinde Love to my Sister. In haste I remayne, Yo=r= very affec~conate Brother, Jo. Jones.

[^JOHN JONES TO MARCUS TREVOR?^] To Coll=l= Marke Travo=r= Worthy S=r= I am informed that there is a Tene~m=t= in the Township of Brinkinnalt neare unto y=e= Dee River, which yo=r= father S=r= Edward Trevo=r= bought of one Winter and that yo=r= father afterwards mortgaged the same for 400 (^l^) . with power of redempc~on at a day long since past and y=t= yo=r= father by his will did bequeath his interest and power of redemc~on of the said Tene~m=t= unto you, I am further informed that the said Ten~em=t= is worth but 30 (^l^) . p~ annu=m= and y=t= (by reason of diverse yeares arreares of Interest upon the said mortgage, before the mortagagee tooke possession thereof) the redempc~on of the said Tenem=t= will amount to above 500 (^l^) . My desire is (if you judge my request may not be

prejudicial to you) that you would convey unto mee or unto such person as I shall appoint you=r= interest in, and power of redemption of the said Ten~em=t= upon such tearmes as yourselfe or any other indifferent man shall judge Reasonable, any man may perceive by what I have here set downe can not be worth much in these tymes. Yet I conceive it fitt that you should propound yo=r= owne satisfacc~on. I desire the favou=r= from you to lett me receive yo=r= resoluc~on in this perticular with all convenient speede, because some affaires of myne doe something depend upon what you shall please to doe in this. I have noe farther to trouble you at present, but rest Your assured friend and servant, Jo. Jones. Dublin y=e= 28=th= ffebruary 1653.

[^JOHN JONES TO PHILIP JONES^] To Coll=l= Philip Jones. Honor=d= ffriend, I humbly and heartily thanke you for yo=r= kinde letter and wholesome advice therein. Haveing all this while waited for some signification of the pleasure of them that are in authority with you, touching y=e= late greate change in Governm=t= and heareing not one syllable thereof, tending to require or direct such as serve you here, what to doe thereupon, wee have at last caused the inclosed paper to be publised, which was very solemly done this day, being the 1=st= of ffebruary. You doe very truely observe that there was some hesitation upon the spirits of some Godly people heere, touching the late alteration; but those doubts were by many dayes seekeing of Councell from y=e= Lord (I hope) well settled. I presume you will not account them the worst freinds to yo=r= Governm=t=

who are tender in enquireing after the minde of God in every publique turne of Providence, and are not easily given to aprove of every change, upon an implicit faith of the integrity, zeale and wisdome of those that make such a change, and that being settled in their judgm=ts= to aprove or acquieace in the resolutions of those that are in power. You will value them as farr more precious Instrum=ts= to serve their generation then those that jump with you into the worke upon personall accompt (if any such there be), and whereas you seeme to apprehend that some of my good freinds and yo=rs= might missrepresent things heere, I must needs take leave soe farr to justifye them as to let you knowe, that since the late alteration I have not received one letter from any of them who seemed in the late Assembly expressing anythinge of their dissatisfac~con in that greate Act, thereby to justifye themselves, and those others of that Assembly which were of our Judgm=t=; although I doe knowe that it is naturall for dissatisfac~on to rest upon the dissenting party. If justice and Righteousnesse flowe as streames from y=r= Governm=t= all that feare the Lord will rejoice in it. If not, it is not the splendo=r,= greatnesse or forme of Governm=t= that will preserve it from ruine; ffor my owne part I have a large measure of faith to believe that the advanceing of Righteousnesse and holynesse in these Nations is yo=r= Ayme and Scope. I have many things to write unto you concerning y=e= Affaires of this Land, if I conceived it proper to trouble you with them. If you doe not forthwith settle a Com~ittee with you, to carry on y=e= affaires of Ireland, you will find those affaires in greate disorder shortly. I shall not further trouble you at this tyme, but rest Yo=r= affec~conat freind and humble servant Jo. Jones. Dublin, y=e= 1=st= ffeb., 1653.

[^THOMAS HARRISON TO JOHN JONES^] Major Gen=l= Harrison to Col=l= Jones. Deare Brother. Though in few words, I must thank you for yo=r= last, as manie former lines I have received full of gravitie and grace. I was bold to read itt in open Councell, and the Generall came to mee to know from whom it came; it was strengthening to divers. Being resolved to have in power, men of truith, fearing and loving our Lord, his people and Interest; the difficultie is to gett such: (^whether my Lord onelie^) shall call them, or the Saints should choose them; very much sweetly said both waies. What are yo=r= thoughts still of the Dutch? Some very deare to the Lord, inclining much to o=r= seeking after peace from Heb. 12, 14., Rom. 12, 18., James 3, 17. Conceiving itt would honno=r= that greate Profession we make of Christ, and very much of that kind; as also in refference to the Nations advantage w=th= very much simplicitie. Others humbly thinking Christ hath taken to himselfe his own power, begun to breake here who will not bow, and is going on; whilst they are not free to owne his Dispensations, neither shall wee owne them, not because they are o=r= Enemies, but o=r= Lords. I have heard of some failing of Captaine Price; I hint itt that you maie not trust too farre. Praie much for us, and that o=r= worke maie be accepted of the Lord and his people; if wee displease not there wee care not, though wee wish to doe good to and refresh all. My endeared love to yo=r= selfe and all Saints. Yo=rs= T. H. 30=th= daie, 2=d= month, 53.

[^THOMAS HARRISON TO JOHN JONES^] Major Gen=l= Harrison to Col=l= Jones. My dearely beloved and honourable in the Lord, Yo=r= letter of the 13=th= instant w=th= the inclosed to my Lord Gen=ll= and seasonable warning words came safe to my hands

yesterdaie. The last having read in Councell, I sent to be printed for the use of all in, or that maie come into power; that soe directed I delivered to the Gen=ll's= hands, hoping some use wilbee made thereof also, though I repent my not taking a coppie. I presume Brother Powell acquainted you o=r= thoughts as to the persons most in them, to serve on behalfe the Saints in North Wales; that wee propound three for North, three for South Wales. Hugh Courtney, John Browne, Richard Price, out of yo=r= parts; wherein I wish the helpe of yo=r= selfe and others if wee have erred in the men, or to confirme us therin if approved by the most spirituall, or that you would send upp two or three names of the most polished, in case there bee cause of anie addition or alteration, though itt were by lott. Yo=r= lines are very acceptable here to manie, full of councell and encouragem=t= as oft therefore as the Lord minds you of us send a word. Wee are waiting on the Lord of Hoasts for his returne from sea, a thorough stroak there might bee very teaching and confirming of his poore servants; then perhaps for France, Bourdeux having sent agents to crave aid against theire King. The Lord give us heartes suitable to the time and workes done. My deare love and service to you and yo=rs=. T. H. Whitehall, 17=th= 3 m., 53.

[^JOHN JONES TO HUMPHREY JONES^] To Mr. Humphrey Jones. Good Brother, I have not had any letters from you these two last posts. If I had but a word how you and yo=r= family doe by every post it would be sufficient. The inclosed is from Coll=l= Mason to Mr. Courtney. It is

desired that you should deliver it with yo=r= owne hand, because there is inclosed a letter to Colonell Twisleton to pay you +L1000, with thirty pounds interest, which Twisleton owes Mason, upon a bond which Mr. Courtney hath in his custody, to deliver up upon paym=t= of the money. Coll=l= Mason hath a desire that the money might be in his owne disposall, and apprehensive of the slipperyness of such a single security for soe greate a sume in case of mortality or other alteration. I have written to you by y=e= Lord Henry Cromwell that I moved him to become purchaser of y=e= Lo=pp= of Bromfield and Yale, which he tooke in very good p=t= and perceive he hath a very good minde to y=e= purchase. I believe he is gone in his returne to Wrexham to see the countrey. I acquainted him that I conceived he might buy the Lo=pp= from y=e= Sould=rs= whose Debentures are in the purchase for about 7s. in the pound, and for my owne interest I would leave it to himselfe to give mee satisfac~con for it in which way he please, and have likewise acquainted him that I have an other Debenture with the true state thereof, and he seemed to be very desirous to be serviceable unto me in y=t= perticular. If I might have satisfac~con for both my Debentures in the Lands I now hold from the Com~onwealth as Tenant of the State and other, tho' the most congruous lands, to those lands in the counties of Dublin and Kildare or one of them, att double the Rates in the Act for Sould=rs= and adventurers, I should be very well satisfyed with it, and thereby the satisfying of my Interest in Bromfield and Yale in ready money would be avoided. The lands I now hold as Tenant to y=e= State, are y=e= Townshipps and lands of Newcastle, Coleman's Towne, Ashgoe, Rathcredan, Greenoge Loughtowne, Ballinakelly, and some other small parcells mixed with these, all of them being small Tenem=ts= and not one gentleman's house, or farme house,

orchard or garden, standing upon them, but were wholy wast when I tooke them, haveing not within three myles of them neither wood, turfe, nor any other fuell, nor a River, saveing one little Brooke, soe small that I thinke a Trowt cannot live in it, neither is there any mill there to turne, soe that if I had it I conceive noe man would envy mee for it. These lands stand upon the moares of the county of Kildare, and the next adjoyning lands on to mee in Kildare is the Towne and lands of Castle Lyons, a poore place inhabited by Irish, and part of it intermixed with the lands in my possession. I am the more p~ticular in this matter that in case you finde any inclination to have any kinde of this nature done for my satisfac~con, you may be furnished with soe many perticulars and certaintyes as I can at present give to direct the drawing of such an Act or order for mee from his Highness and his Councell, as shall be advised by Councell. It may be I shall have further occasion to trouble you in this matter by the next. I cannot see any possibility to avoid it, but that the Lo=pp= is purchased with our Debentures which are delivered in, cancelled, and that none else can have any clayme in it, for now we have noe security but our purchase, and the rest have their Debentures in their hands, which they may make sayle of or take satisfac~con for, and I cannot prevent it. Suppose that in this +L2000, only +L600 should be accounted and allowed unto mee upon the purchase, how should I be secured y=e= rest, my Debenture is cancelled; and if it be said that I shall have a share in their Debentures which are comprehended in the letter of attorney, are not many of them sold away? And what proportion should I have out of every man's Debenture, and how shall those proporc~ons be secured unto mee? seeing I must not have their Debentures in my owne keeping, and how many besides myselfe must have the like share out of every man's Debenture. The fancy

of intituling all the Brigade to y=e= purchase made with our Debentures hath neither reason, nor possibility of practice in it, without apparent loss and confusion. It may be wee might have the favour of haveing our money upon the Exise paid in intirely, if you have not made sayle thereof already. I am now in hast. My service to my sister. Yo=r= loving Brother, Jo. Jones. Dublin, y=e= 24=o= March, 1653.

[^JOHN JONES TO ELLIS HUGHES^] To Cozen Ellis Hughes. Deare Cousen. I have received divers letters from you, whereby I find your sincere affecion towards me, and in your care and deligence in my affaires farr to exceed any of those obligac~ons your letters menc~on. I doe very well approve of what you have done in letting Malloyd lands w=ch= was in M=res= Davies hands to another, and likewise of what else you doe, and have done in my concernm=ts=, as being acted by an honest, sincere heart, and with much more discretion then I could have done had I beene present. As for Elec~cons to a new representative, I believe the gentlemen you menc~on who were so early stirring are exceedingly deceived in their hopes and expectac~ons; for my owne parte I would hold it a greate mercy (and that w=ch= my heart would willingly embrace), to be att libertie to live in the most retired and private course of life that I am capable of, and I am perswaded I shall rejoyce in it, when the Lord shall call me to such a condic~on, and therefore I shalbee as farr from thinking myselfe worthy or fitt to serve my countrey in soe criticall a tyme as this is, (wherein the wisest men cannot see farr, and the best of men hath scarce

faith enough to wayte on the eternall blessed God in his outgoings in those hidden and secret pathes, wherein His Providence hath led his people of late dayes), as I shalbee from declining to serve them, in any capacity, when I am thereunto called. If my service hath in any thing beene acceptable unto my country, I desire that the Lord may have the praise, who is the author, and with whose Heiffer I ploughed and laboured in these affaires, w=ch= concerned the welfare of my countrey (myselfe being but a weake inconciderable instrum=t=), I meane the godly people of Wales, who I am afraid are too much despised and derided in oure poore countrey. But I hope that now the time is come that the Sunne of Righteousnes shall arise with healing under his wings for our poore nation, to turne them from darkness to his marvelous light, and from the power of Satan unto God. I understand my friends in Merrionythshire are in arreares to mee for rent, because of the badnesse of the Marcatts for cattle, I therefore would be willing to take leane cattle of them; I meane two and three yeare old heifferss, and runts and lambes, if they might be gott to Hollihead, from whence I could have them fetched over. I know not how feazible this may bee, and therefore propound it onely. I have excellent feeding ground here, but cannot gett stocke here to putt upon it. I have received late letters from y=e= Lord Com=n= Whittlocke on behalfe of his nephew Mostyn, to have the mannor of Gogarth sould unto him, wherein he was very earnest, and I am not willing to parte with it untill I am fully satisfyed what my Interest there is. I am informed that upon y=e= La: Mostyn's death their terme is expired, because the last lease was taken after y=e= Bishopps were put downe, and this I am confident is true, as well in this case as in Mr. Mostyn of Rhyd's case, and others, whose leases Col. Twisleton avoyded; but how to find it out is the difficulty.

I pray make what enquiry you can after it. I am p'swaded there are some p'sons in Anglesey that can make it out, and will do it for reward, wherein I would not have you be sparing. Secondly, I am informed that all, or most of Gloddeth belongeth to me, as being of the mannor of Gogarth, and that Gogarth is worth +L300 p~ annum. How probable this may be I know not. If you could by any meanes recover the Bookes and Records of the Bish=pp= and Chapters much of these things would be discoovered; likewise there have beene many settlem=ts= of the Mostyn's estates, and ffines upon them, whereby it appeare what freehold they had there. Likewise inquirie might be made from whom and when the Mostyn's purchased any lands there (for they cannot pretend to any great antiquity there), and if from noe man that was a freeholder there, or by noe purchase but the B=pps= lease, then it carries a strong presumption with it that they have noe freehold there, w=ch= Mr. Whittlocke's earnestnesse seemes to mak out unto me. I believe the Recorders of ffines for that countrey may give some light, and Mr. John Maddocks, and many other p'sons in that neighbourhood can discover the wholle trueth, although I doe not expect it from any of them untill God p'swaed their conscience that it is their duty to bring trueth to light. I pray use those wayes and meanes your genious will lead you unto to find out these things, and returne what you conceive on the wholle to Your most affec~conate and faithful cosen to serve you J. J. Dublin, 24th May, 1653. To cosin Ellis Hughes.

[^JOHN JONES TO MR. POORE^] To M=r= Poore. Worthy S=r= I acknowledge myselfe much engaged to you for your respects to mee, which I find menc~oned in your letter of the 12=th= present. As to what you propound of a lease of Chappell Izard and your other lands theere, to be granted for 12 yeares, att 200 (^l^) p~ annum without deduc~con, I shall presume to give you this account - first, that you doe not seeme clearly to understand neither y=e= quantity nor condic~on of your Estate heere; as to y=e= quantity I am p'swaded that all y=e= lands you have on both sides of the River will not amount, according to 21 foote to y=e= Pearch (which is the measure of this Countrey), unto 600 Acres, and that y=e= same would not have yielded in the best of tymes to have beene lett at Rack for five shillings the acre, one w=h= another, of all which there is about one halfe of the lands runne over with Furres in this tyme of warr, and will yield little or noe profitt without very great charge to stubb up the ffurrs, and Cantrells Towne being could wett ground, yields little grasse for want of trenching; The meadows being but a very small quantity all plowed up, and thereby the profitt of them much diminished; The howses in the Towne and the Mill and Damme and Bankes are very much out of repaire, and will in a short tyme (if more charge be not layd out upon them, then a Tenant for few yeares can doe or can be expected from him) fall to ruine. Secondly, I conceive that you have not the condic~on of affaires heere truly represented unto you; there is now goeing out of your Estate, in monthly assessm=ts= above 30=s= every weeke, and I thinke somewhat more, and this is not by one third p=t= soe much as is upon it in y=e= Winter; there is (besides this) for provision of hay, fire, straw and candle, a considerable charge, but the certainty of that I have not yet learned, which charge in the whole will amount to little

lesse than 100 (^l.^) p~ annum. And, I speake it sincerely, I doe not expect to live soe longe as to have the assessm=ts= abated upon those Lands, ffor y=e= monthly supplyes from England, for maintenance of the fforces here, is thirty thousand pounds p~ month, and there can be noe expectac~on of abatem=t= in Ireland, until England be first freed from sending any supplyes thence; and it is not imaginable by any that knowes the condic~on of affaires here that wee can disband soe many of our fforces, as the supplyes from England payes, and therefore if those supplys be withdrawne before we can spare it, the assessm=ts= must of necessity be raised heere, for you cannot expect y=t= this land (after so Generall a Revolt and soe thorough a warr) can be in any securety without an army in the field, the garrisons well manned, which are in number at this instant above 440 garrisons. Haveing faithfully layd the state of things before you, I shall informe you that my purpose was (if you would have granted mee those Tearmes I propounded) to have endeavoured to bring your ground into heart by Lymeing and some other lasting Improvem=t= and therein and in those other defects before menc~oned to have beene at some considerable charge, which in soe short a time as I have I cannot expect any suitable returne; and therefore if you please to grant mee a lease thereof for 12 or 14 yearse att 100 (^l.^) p~ annum certaine and without deduction, and the lease to begin from May day last as you propound, or else for 21 yeares at the same Rent, giveing you 100 (^l.^) fine or incomb, and to be bound not to alien or sell my Tearme or lease without your license, I shall willingly become your Tenant for y=t= time and upon those Tearmes, and I hope I shall be as faithfull in p'forming with you as any you deale withall. If not, I am content with the tyme I have, and shall never give you any further trouble in this matter; and were it not for y=e= pleasure of y=e= River and conveniency of

the howse to remove into in the tyme of sicknesse, I had never menc~oned it unto you at the first - there being 3 parts of 4 in Ireland wast for want of Inhabitants to plant it, and y=e= best Lands in Ireland may be had for inhabiting. And as the people finde securety to plant abroad further off, the Rates of the lands about Dublin will fall. As to the Question upon y=e= lands of S=t= Lawrence, I have made entry upon it as your Tenant, and have taken coppyes of the Records by which the lands passed from the Crowne; but the Estate passed from S=r= R. Newcomen to yo=r= Brother is not Record, nor any livery upon it, which is a defect, as your Lawiers will inform you. I shall endeavour to right you in y=t= matter, without much charge to you, and alsoe myselfe, as being conserned for my tyme. I shall speake w=th= your Couzen Peaseley, concerning the Arreares you menc~on, and returne what account I have from him. I remayne, Yo=r= assured friend to serve you, Jo. Jones. Dublin, 31 May, 1653.

[^JOHN JONES TO MR. COURTNEY^] To Mr. Courtney. Deare Friend, Yo=rs= of the 7=th= present, and therein the testimony of the Lord's blessed presence with us and our cause in the last fight, betwixt the ffleets at Sea, hath much raised our spirits to a rejoicing frame. The Lord God give us meaknesse humbly to walke worthy of such mercys, and direct such as have the power of the Nation in their hands to improve the appearances of the Lord with them, to the praise of his greate name, and to the pulling down of the Mann of Sin and its tiranicall and wicked powers, as well in the hearts and spirits of his people (driving them to bitter disputes

and dividing principles about formes and shadowes, and to y=e= exercising of faith which worketh by love, and improving gospell ordinances for the building of the new creature) is in those outward powers, with the anti-christian [^BLANK^] hath for many yeares exersized over the estates, bodys and conciences of men. It hath seemed good unto the Lord to suffer most bitter pulpitt contentions to arise amongst us about the circumstance of an ordinance when to be administered, both sides engaging their poore hearers to a necessity of building their faith upon what they respectively assert, before they can be accounted members of the Church of Christ or of the house of God, and one side positively denying com~union in other ordinances as members of the Church of Christ, with any of the contrary judgm=t= because they make a non-conformity in Judgm=t= (though otherwise never soe holy and gracious) to be a disorderly walking I look upon as a Tiranizing over y=e= contiences of their bretheren. I hope y=t= God is putting an end to these contenc~ons, which bringeth nothing but barrenesse and leanesse to y=e= soule and provoketh neither to love nor good workes. I am loath to be too tedious on this theame. I desire to heare from you often. Yo=r= assured ffriend, Jo. Jones

[^JOHN JONES TO THOMAS HARRISON^] Col=l= Jones to Major Gen=ll= Tho. Harrison, Most precious friend, I forbeare herein to use the greate titular addicions due to you, that I may speake the language of the present

temper of my heart, which I desire to doe in this hower of temptation in simplicity and faithfulness. My spirit hath beene of late much saddened by an apprehention of grevious heart Divissions, which to me seemed to be amongst the people of God in Ireland, upon the Accompt of differing in judgm=t= about y=e= circu~stances of an outward Administracon. But y=e= confidence I had that the Lord would make those persons who (upon y=e= accompt of being more Religeous, more meeke in spirit, and more selfe denying than those y=t= went before them), were called together to act the Supreme authority of the Nac~on, would be instrum=ts= of healing of and repayrors of the Breaches amongst the people of God, supported me in hope to live to see those occasions of Divisions removed, and y=t= Rubish (which hinders the cementing of Christian spirits), was hed away, by y=e= swete and plesant Streame, those Rivers of pleasures, the powerfull love of God in Christ to the Saints begetting in their Spirits an overflowing of p'fect love towards one another and striveing by a holy emulac~ion, who should exceede each other in offices of Love and spirit of humility. But Deare friend it hath been declared unto us to the exceeding greate greife of some that there are Contentions and Divisions amongst you; the choisest and most singularly elected Parliam=t= that ever was in England. Without question our contentions and divisions proceede from our lusts. And the raigning lusts amongst professors are pride, coveteousnesse, and hypocrasie, O therfore watch over yo=r= owne hearts that those lusts may not lodg there. It is a sadd thing to reade what is writ from England, that the very face of authority is worn out, and the hopes and expectation of the Saints frustrated through yo=r= Divisions, you are reputed to be men fearing God, that being the character by which you were made choice of, and therefore men at a distance cannot conceive that those Civill interests

which divided Councells formerly is the cause of yo=rs= But rather guesse yo=rs= growes by Diversity of Judgm=ts= about formes or Administrac~ons tending to Religious worship, And how farr the Civill power and authority of Armies and supreme Councells professing Christ have warrant to contest in these disputes, to the dividing of their power, defacing their authority, and endangering the involving of a Nac~on in blood, and exposing them to the cruelty of y=e= Com~on Enemy to y=r= scandall and dishon=r= of y=e= Lord Jesus, and scattering of his Church, is not difficult to Judg, and y=t= will be the issue of yo=r= divisions if the Lord in mercy prevent not; O therfore for y=e= Lord Jesus sake strive for a spirit of humility, and meeknesse, and strive with all y=e= powers, and faculties of Soull to unite y=e= hearts of all the S'=ts= in Love and holy Com~union, and walking together, and lett it never be sayd that the Com~union of S'=ts= once an Article of our Creede, is neither in the faith nor practice of the S'=ts= in England, I wish and earnestly pray, that these my weake apprehensions, or feares may have no grounds to warrant them. But I hope the Lord hath given you a Spirit not to dispize small things, and y=t= you are fully p'swaded that I am one who unfaignedly loves you in the highest and sweetest Bonds, and in love will be alwayes found, Yo=r= most faithful and reall freind and servant in Christ Jesus, Jo. Jones. Dated 11th August, 1653. Major Gen=ll= Hardresse Waller presents you with his humble services.

[^JOHN JONES TO MR. POORE^] To Mr. Poore. Worthy S=r= Yours of y=e= 29th of August came to my hands few dayes since, whereby I finde that you clayme to be in arreares to

you from M=r= W=ms.= and Com=y= some Rent which is abated in leiu of St. Lawrence Lands, which hath beene kept from them and M=r= Peasley, y=e= Terten~ant, by the Ten~ants of Palmerstowne, under pretence of the State's Interest. I have sent for the Gentlemen, and upon conference with them all together I find that the Rent abated as abovesaid is in M=r= Peishe's hands, which he conceives due unto him upon y=e= grounds aforesaid. And whereas you alledge in your letter y=t= S=t= Lawrence Lands is not comprised in the Lease, they alledge that y=e= contrary is very apparent, as well by some letters of your owne as by the Lease itselfe, which compriseth all y=e= Lands and Estate which the Lord Valentin had in the County of Dublin, belonging to or enjoyed with the Lands of Chappell Izard, and that there was a former Lease made thereof unto one Walker, by the Lord Valentin or yourselfe, which about the tyme of the sealing of the Lease you acquainted M=r= W=ms.= with, and told him then that if Walker should come to clayme that Lease, he should pay the Rent thereapon to M=r= W=ms.= and his assignes. And they further alledge that Cantwells Towne, Irish Towne, and diverse other Lands comprised in the said Lease are not therein perticularly named, and may as well be said not to be in the said Lease as y=e= Lands of S=t= Lawrence. Upon the whole matter I humbly offer my opinion that you cannot well insist upon y=t= Argum=t= and that it will not be worth your trouble to contest with the Gentleman that marryed your kinswoman (and whose present condic~on is not very plentifull) for soe small a matter, especially considering how serviceable she hath beene to you in the Hazarding of her owne life in y=e= preservac~on of your howse from being destroyed by y=e= Enemy. M=r= Peisley will pay you now 33=l.= 8=s.= being in full of the last half yeares Rent ending at May last, there being therout deducted for S=t= Lawrence 7=l.= 10=s.= and 9=l.= 2=s.= for Assessm=ts= falling upon the

Rent, and which makes up the 50=l.= If you be not satisfyed with this acco=t= Mr. Peisley is content to referr the Determinac~on thereof to any indifferent persons upon the place. But he hopes you will not putt him to that trouble, but rather expected some larger favo=r= or respects from you. He hath desire me to move that you would send him the Covenants you have from M=r= W=ms.= and his Comyt=e= or an effectual discharge of them, else he will be troubled by M=r= W=ms.= he being engaged to discharge him. As touching my own p'ticular I have written to M=r= Dan Lloyd at large. I remayne, Your affecc~onate freind to serve you, J. J. Dublin, y=e= 15=th= Oct., 1653.

[^JOHN JONES TO MORGAN LLOYD^] To M=r= Morgan Lloyd. Dublin, 30=th= Sept., 1653. Deare Friend, I intend to send you herewith one or more coppyes of your paper printed, wherein (although there was much care taken in the correction) yet through the unskilfullnesse of the composer of y=e= presse, and correctors you will finde that many errors have escaped us, but I hope none very consequentiall. I intend to send over the bookes to Majo=r= Swift, from thence you may order the disposall of them as you please. I confesse the discourse is exceedingly good and spirituall according to my understanding, yet my selfe and many other sober wise Christians heere conceive that if it had beene penned in a language or still lesse parabolicall, and in more plane Scripture expressions, it would be more usefull. Babes must be fed with milk. There was one out of my family with you lately, whose report and a paper sent him from my boy makes some of our freinds

heere feare that you in Wales have layed aside all gospell ordinances, and particularly that of prayer. I know the reporter's temper, and therefore lay not any waight upon it, (and the paper haveing neither the gravity, sobriety, and meeke temper of yo=r= spirit in y=e= language of it, but like Jobes freinds too quick in sensureing what could not be in y=e= cognizance of y=e= pen man) I esteeme not as an evidence in this matter honer=d= I desire you to send me an account of y=e= state and condic~on of y=e= S'=ts.= and Church of God in Wales, and especially with you, and w=t= your p'sent practice is, y=t= y=e= mouth of the adversary may be stopped, and y=t= those y=t= feare y=e= Lord may rejoice with you and for you, and may glorifye our father w=ch= in heaven. J. J.

[^JOHN JONES TO DANIEL LLOYD^] To M=r= Daniell Lloyd, att Wrexham. Deare ffriend, I have sealed the Bond and the Counterpart which you sent mee concerning Chappell Izard. But indeed I am troubled y=t= y=e= Gentleman is so unhandsome as to insist upon my Brother Kyffin and you to be suretyes for mee when I pay such a fine for soe short a tyme, and more for his Land then any man in these tymes will give. The conveniency of the howse is all that is desireable in the Bargaine, and very usefull for mee, but burthensome to a Tennant that is to live by his farme. You will finde by the enclosed what Rent is due to M=r= Poore from his former Tennant, and y=e= reasons of the Defalcation. The same defalcac~on falls upon this halfe yeare, soe that the whole due to him att this tyme is 66=l.= 16=s.= which I will and must pay him. I have besides the defalcac~on abovesaid layed

out about 3=l.= in searching for and takeing out Coppyes of the Records to make out his Tytle to St. Laurence, which he out to repay, although I cannot insist upon it in this Account, and untill I have my lease I am not enabled to trye the tytle, being as yett but a Ten~ant to an Assignee, and for soe short a tyme as will not beare the trouble of a suite. The possession is kept from mee to this day, the Corne carryed of y=e= ground, and at this tyme they sowe winter Corne there, and it may be with more confidence then formerly, because he that detaineth the Possession is a Parliam=t= man, and therefore not soe open to be molested with suites. But although this may raise under Ten~ants' confidence, yet I rest assured the Gentleman will make noe such use of his Imployment. I cannot remember, nor doe I believe that I have made M=r= Power a promise to pay him 100=l.= for this yeare nowe past, without suitable condic~ons propounded to be had from him. I did desire from him a Lease of 21 years, and had that beene granted mee then, which was about May, I had beene able to have done somewhat, in order to the recovery of the Land in Controversie, and to have payd this last halfe yeares Rent without deduction for the same. I am afraid I have beene over troublesome unto you in this matter, which makes mee be thus large with you, at this tyme that my Brother Kyffin and you may putt a periodd unto it as you judge best. I thanke you for the account you gave me of the S'=ts= Church of God with you, and blessed be our Lord that preserves you from being entangled with y=e= snares of the Serpent, and leads you out with soe much zeale and fervency of spirit to avoid contentions and strife, and to provoake the people of God to unity and love, which are the bonds of peace and p=r=fection. My enquiry after you proceeded from a desire I had to be enabled to give some Godly freinds heere an Account of you, and thereby to remove their jealousy which reports

had begot in them. M=r= Thimbleton and M=r= Rogers can give you an account of the state and temper of Professo=rs= heere, unto whose relation I refer you, and rest, Your very affec~conat freind, Jo. Jones. Dublin, 18=th= October, 1653. A note to be inclosed in M=r= Dan. Lloyd's Letter. As touching the half yeares rent due from M=r= Peaseley ending at May last, he saith he will not pay any more then what is sett downe in the letter, without it be recovered by law. And really in my judgm=t= he ought to have allowance for S=t= Laurence lands, it being kept from him, and the other sum in a tax sett upon the recet by vertue of any gen=ll= order made for relief of Tenants, and is deducted by all landlords. And there is the same reason for the last half yeare. However I leave that to my Brother Kyffin and you to compromise as you see cause. Your assured friend, J. J. 18=th= October, 1653.

[^PETER STERRY TO JOHN JONES^] From M=r= Sterry to John Jones. Noble Sir, I have received, October the 15=th=, a sweete and X~an letter from you in which you express a love and esteeme of one of the lowest members in the Body of Christ beyond what he deserveth, you alsoe shew a deep understanding in the two greate evils of these tymes, which agree in a Carnality but differ in this, one layes the weight of religion upon an outward forme, the other setts up a Mistery of Eniquity in the inward ffancy and imagination by which it

takes away all forme of Religion in the outward man and confounds light with darknesse, good with Evill, Sperit with fflesh, Time with Eternity, God with the Creature, nay with the Devill, the first sort Savour not any mistery, and depth in the Gospell, the other turne the deepe things of God into the depths of Satan. I shall say noe more of the first sort, save onely that these things are shadowes and Christ is the Body, the kingdome of God consisteth not of these thinges but in Righteousnesse, the Righteousnesse of God which is Spirituall, and the originall the Righteousnesse of God which is the Morall, and the Coppy or Image of the other, grace, joy in the Holy Ghost, he y=t= doth these things shall be accepted of God and approved of men, that is, shall be justifyed in the day of all divine and humane principles, whether he eate or eate not, soe it be to the Lord, to Charity and Dedification, but if any man be contentious about these things, I finde noe such custome nor any encouragem=t= to it, to flowe from the spirit and face of our Lord Jesus in my soule. But if any man would bringe the S'=ts= into Bondage to such ordinances as p'ish in the useing, hee seemes not to be thoroughly instructed in the power of Christes death or the virtue of his resurrection, by which a living way is made into the most holy place, thorow the rending of the vaile of fflesh ffor the other sort of Principles they have had their ffirst beginnings in Christianity at Symon Magus who called himselfe the supreame vertue and power, that is the father and carryed about with him a Trumpett which he said was the supreame wisdome or understanding on which the Angells were begotten, according to these Principles by Majicke he served himselfe of the Rulers of the Darknesse of this world, and by Sensuallity fed himselfe without feare, upon all visible instrum=ts= of Voluptuousnesse. S=r= the bottome of those principles unvailed of all their Maskeing,

Mysterious Language, is this, that there is noe God but the spirit of this visible world, noe other state or appearance of things besides this visible image, noe other Eternity save a perpetuall succession of Generation and Corruption, noe Angells besides the various imaginations of men or man himselfe, that all this is God, The spirit of this world as it is in the whole world is the father. Tho it is in every or any P'ticular man or appearance is Jesus Christ; that this is the everlasting Gospell to knowe this, that all is God, that wee are God, that everything is God, and upon this account to be alike free to all thinges, and this is Heaven and spiritually on the other side to thinke that anythinge is sin, that there is a Heaven, a Hell, a God beyond this image of thinges, this alone is darkenesse, and Hell and the Devill, that when wee dye o=r= spirits are swallowed up into the spiritt of this world, which is our returne to the ffather and our Bodyes change into some other naturall forme of plant, beaste or the like. But S=r= that which I have seene or learned in the light of Christ is this, that there is one God the father of whome are all thinges, who alsoe is three, the ffather, the word and Spiritt. This is he who Inhabiteth Eternity, who is invisable, incomprehensible to the eye and understanding of every Creature, whom the Heavens of Hevons cannot hold, those heavens which are farr more above these visible heavens, of Sunn Moon and Starrs, than these are above this spott of earth, that there is one Jesus the immortall Word, by in and for whom all things were created invisible and visible; this Jesus is God and soe equall to the ffather, one with the ffather he descended into fflesh, soe he became lesse then the ffather, and was obedient to him through the Crosse, Resurrection, and Assention, he putt of fflesh returned to the ffather in our nature, which he changed ffrom fflesh into spiritt, conformeing it p'fectly to the divine

nature makeing it in Soule and Body one Spiritt with God the ffather, and yet keeping it in its owne propriety as a distinct Spiritt from him. This same Jesus as the Lord from Heaven, as a quickening spirit descends into the soules of his Saints, reveales himselfe and the ffather there formes himselfe in them, conformes them to himself, purgeth them by degrees from all polutions of flesh and spirit, carryes on the felloweship of his sufferings death and resurrection in them, until he have made them spiritt of his spiritt, one spirit with himselfe and y=e= ffather, first in Soule, finally at the last day in Body alsoe. Thus his prayer is heard that his Saints may be where he is and may be made p'fect in one, as the ffather and he are one. In the meane tyme while wee are in fflesh wee are imperfect and weake in spirit, wee are besett with a weight of sin which easily presseth us downe, and haveinge the first fruits of the spiritt wee still grone under this body of sin and death, though of a truth wee bye the eye of faith see ourselves already p'fect in the ffather and in Christ above, as alsoe the ffather and Christ liveing in us, yet this sight of faith is butt in part, this life of the ffather and of Christ is but in its infancy, in a riddle in much obscurety and imp'fection in us, y=t= we cannot but continually say that the father and Christ are farr greater, and if wee thinke wee knowe anythinge, or are anythinge, wee knowe nothing as wee ought to knowe, wee are nothing. S=r= since I received yours I have beene in Phisick and now write in much infirmity of Body. I hope if the Lord p~mitt, to write more on this subject the next weeke. Your most Humble and obliged servant, Peter Sterry. Whitehall October 24=th= 1653.

[^JOHN JONES TO PHILIP JONES^] To Coll=l= Philip Jones. Deare and Hon=ord= ffreind. The office of these lynes are only to acknowledge yo=r= kindnesse towards an undeserving creature, manifested in yo=r= readynesse to take notice of any concernm=t= of myne to my advantage, as I have found it in my former experiences of you, and hath beene fully presented to mee lately by my Brother. Such offices of friendship and respect are y=e= more generous and acceptable when extended to such as cannot, or proceeds from such as neede not answerable retaliation. It is the Blessed temper of y=e= spirit of y=e= Lord Jesus Christ in his S'=ts= to be ready and willing to serve one another in

love, and it is a precious mercy to such as feare the Lord when such as are in supreame authority have such a frame and temper of spirit in them. I have bene (by many providences to mee), raised from the dust to sit and act in places too high for mee, wherein I have found snares upon my spirit, to be lifted up in high thoughts of myselfe, and like a wanton Dame sitting on a Hill, to be regardlesse and compassionatlesse of those who in their outward stations seeme belowe mee. But my often minding the aboundance of humility, love and compassion that was manifested in the Lord Jesus, and ought to be in his members, and the little distance and dissimilitude that is betweene mee and the worst of men, hath beene a meanes through grace to keepe mee in some measure of sobriety. Deare S=r=. The interest you are pleased to grant mee in you I shall freely make use of as often as any occasion of myne shall call mee unto it, with this assurance that (if in anythinge I shall be found immodest or pertiall, as most men are in their owne concernm=ts=) you will be pleased to favo=r= mee soe farr as to smother it, before my weakness be made more publiqe, and to that end if my Brother waite upon you oftener than is meete to lay it to my account. I pray present my service to deare Mr. Scobell, he is an humble, loving soule, with whom I could comfortably spend all the dayes of my life. I remayne Yo=rs= faithfully to serve you, Jo. Jones. Dublin, the 13th Aprill, 1654.

[^JOHN JONES TO OLIVER CROMWELL^] (To Oliver Cromwell, Protector.) May it please yo=r= Highness. Having observed to what issue that hon=ble= and liberall intention of the late Parliam=t=, and since of yo=r= Highnesse

and yo=r= Councell (towards widdowes and orphans whose respective arreares amount not to above 150), is like to come to, by reason of the indigency of the persons to whom such debts are due, many of them offering for the supply of their p'sent wants to make sale of their Debentures for 5s. in the pound, and thereby to transferr that greate advantage of yo=r= Highnesse indulgence, and beneficence towards them, unto such who have raised themselves from nothing to greate estates by the troubles of the tymes, wherein many of them probably minded themselves more then the publiqe interest. I made bould to com~unicate my thoughts in that matter to my Lord Gen=ll= ffleetwood, who was pleased to advise mee to present the same to yo=r= Highnes; and had not I had his com~and for it I had not presumed to give you this trouble. The Baronyes appointed for satisfacc~on of y=e= said widdowes and orphans are pretty large in extent, and have some of the best seates in Ireland in them, and if they were exposed to sale, would yeld in ready money (as most men that are knoweing in affaires of that nature doe judge), double the value they are sett for to the widdowes, and yet if sett out in Lands will be of little value to them, because their respective proporc~ons will be soe inconsiderable as that noe man will deale with them for the same but upon very low tearmes, and their poverty will not admitt them to plant the same, and consequently their interest will become a prey to other men; ffor prevention whereof I humbly propound that such persons as yo=r= Highnes shall thinke fitt to trust, may be impowered to pay y=e= arreares of the said widdowes and orphans (or of as many of them as desire it), in ready money, and take assignm=ts= to yo=r= Highnes use of the said debts, and of their interest to lands for the same, within y=e= said Baronyes, and that said persons soe intrusted may be likewise impowered to make sale of soe much of the lands within the

said Baronyes as shall reimburse the said money; ffor the carrying on of this work, I humbly conceive that there will not neede much money to be issued before money come in by sayle, and that may be borrowed out of yo=r= grand Tres=ry= heere for a short tyme, to be repaided by sayle as aforesaid. By this meanes the poore widdowes and orphans will have more plenary satisfacc~on, and more to their content, than by lands in the way prescribed, and I am p'swaded that halfe the lands appointed for their satisfacc~on, and those of the best Seates will be reserved for yo=r= Highnesse disposal, and it were pitty that some Seates in those Baronyes should be dismembered. If yo=r= Highnesse aproves of this course or any other for the end herein proposed, I humbly conceive that it will not be adviseable to delay it, because poore people will be pressing for liberty to sell their Debentures, or contriveing some other way by private contracts, to make sayle of their Interests when lands are sett out on to them. All which I humbly leave to yo=r= Highnesse wisdome, to signifye yo=r= pleasure in, as you shall judge most meete, and rest, Yo=r= Highnes most humble servant, Jo. Jones. Dublin, the 17th Aprill, 1654.

[^JOHN JONES TO HENRY CROMWELL^] To y=e= Lord Henry Cromwell. Right Hon=ble= I have beene advised by my L=d= Gen=ll= ffleetwood to write the inclosed to his Highnes, which I humbly desire yo=r= Lo=pp= to p'sent, It concernes the three Baroneys appointed for satisfacc~on of the arrears of Widdowes and Orphans, wherein I humbly conceive just satisfacc~on may be given to the partyes concerned, and more to their content and profitt then their haveing of lands, yet halfe the land of these Baroneyes and the best Seates in them reserved for

his Highnes to dispose of, I am not in a condition to buy lands, because fallen in debt since the Lord tooke away my wife, and therefore am free from any other end in this matter then his Highnes service. If in this or any other matter I can be serviceable to his Highnesse or yo=r= Lo=pp= upon p~sonall or private acc=t= I am afraid it is my snare to be ever ambitious of y=e= honor of such com~ands, I beseech you be not discouraged in proceeding to y=r= purchase of y=e= Lo=pps= of Bromfield and Yale, I dare assure you it is the cheapest purchase you can have in all those p=ts= of England for soe little money as it shall stand you in, and as certaine a Revenue as compleate a com~and as I knowe in all those parts, what interest I have in it I wholly submitt to yo=r= disposal, and am perswaded S=r= James ffarrington will be glad to receive the money which he p=d= for the feefarme Rents, I make bold to menc~on this thinge because I have not received any acc=t= from by brother touching that matter. The Lord fill you with his spirit of love and meeknesse that the desires of all that love and feare his name may be towards you, which att the throne of grace shall be the desires and prayers of Yo=r= Lo=pps= most humble Servant, Jo. Jones. Dublin the 17=th= Aprill, 1654.

[^THOMAS HARRISON TO JOHN JONES^] Major Gen=ll= Harrison to Col=l= Jones. Highgate 12=th=d. 5=th=m. 56. My deerely beloved in o=r= Lord, Yo=r= large and loveing letter dated 6=th=d. of the 3=rd=m. came not to my hands till a full month after, and then found me under trouble of so manie kinds (upon my Fathers decease) that I have beene to my griefe, hithertoo interrupted to send you answer.

Though you therein mentioned severall things very serious and weightee, and w=ch= might chall. some account, yet because I am One with you in most of them, and conceiving yo=r= l=re= was chiefly upon yo=r= greate Proposall (the Expresse Tearmes whereof I shall retorne, viz=t= To agree (as is alreadie) to act in dearest love expressed to him named Protector, (or Mount Sirion as the Sidonians called Hermon, and David in the spirit followed that faithfully, believingly, undoubtingly, unanimously, that He would retreat in action of undertaking (and soe witnes repentance by condisention) and wee would as willingly repent of o=r= sinfull dissentions) I shall therefore apply what I have now brought to offer, onely to that. You propose, That wee agree to act deerest Love, &c., yett add, as is alreadie the meaning, whereof I do not fully conceive, because itt seems to imply wee should noe that, w=ch= is done already. You propose in generall to deale wisely, rationally, plainly, &c., w=ch= from my hearte I desire to observe in whatever I shall have to doe with him: but you doe not assigne anie thing particularly wherein I shall soe deale. The ends you propose my hearte saith amen unto. That He may retreat from the evill of His waies, and myselfe from myne, for both or either of w=ch= I hope my Soule would blesse Jehovah, and therefore be thanckfull for anie gracious helpe or mercies in order thereunto. I can affirme I desire not a haire from anie of their heads for anie unkindnes to mee, I could blesse them y=t= curse and praie for my persecuto=rs= as they are myne. For all the upright in hearte amongst them I daily aske mercy, as for my owne soule, I confesse also, I have much cause to bee ashamed for the best of my doeings, much more wherein manifold infirmities have beene compassing, yett I must not deny the grace and simplicity God hath given, to keepe the word of his

patience in this daie, though in a weake measure, I maie also tell you my feares (for w=ch= I have manie grounds, where upon I conceive) that some have com~itted as sore Trespasse as anie mentioned in the Holy Scriptures from Caine to Judas. That adoreing hearte hath soe turned aside, they cannot saie, Is there not a lye in my right hand, Isi. 44. 20. They have chosen their owne waies, and I think, Isi. 66. 3. 45., is very applicatory to them. Soe. 2, Thes. 2. 11. I thinke they have forsaken the Lord, theire Defence is departed, yea is turned to be theire Enemy w=ch= waie soever they turned. Though they cry He heares not, though his hand be lifted they see not. But whilst this Distresse is upon them they trespasse yett more. 2 Cron. 28. 22. What you have to write, or (if the Lord soe please) to speake to mee in this matter (because Captaine Taylor hath hinted a little hope of seeing you) I begg an equall mind, open deare and hearte unto, and therein variousely begg the helpe of yo=r= praires. I have much cause to acknowlidge yo=r= tender love and respects manie waies, in thanckfull remembrance whereof I remaine Yo=rs= much engaged, and firmly endeared in the Lord, T. Harrison.

[^JOHN JONES TO PETER STERRY^] To Mr. Storry. Deare and Hon=d= in the Lord Jesus, It was my happinesse (when I dwelt at Whitehall and was an unworthy member of that greate Councell) to have

some glymps of the Spirituall frame of yo=r= Soule and of those excellent truthes and precious Mysteries of the Gospell which you then held forth, and although the ffleshly temper of my heart, and the little light which I then or yet attained in the true and saveing knowledg of them would not admitt mee to retaine much of what I then heard from you (because my spiritual understanding was darke and lowe to apprehend, and my heart not filled to receive the impression of what you then delivered in many sermons) yet my desires have been very much to have those truthes renewed unto mee, and to have seene those labou=rs= of yo=rs= published in print, especially those Sermons you preached on Phill. 1, 21; and since the Lord hath bene pleased to take from me my precious yoake fellow and faithfull helper in the things of God, and to leave me heere, as it were, alone in a Land where the terrible Judgm=ts= hooave to and froe, devouring the Inhabitants, and where most of those that possesse the feare of the Lord are either engaged in publiqe and pulpit contenc~ons about outward Administrac~ons, especially those about Infant and adult washings, or carried out into a verball possession of the Bare name, and denying the power of Godlinesse, circumscribing God, Christ, Heaven, Hell and other objects of faith within themselves to be God and Christ, and therefore hould themselves not capable of sinning, and consequently noe acc~on of theirs to be sinne. That prayer is impertinent and needlesse, that were to acknowledg God without them, and because where there is noe sinne there is noe lawe, and where there is noe transgression. And thus endeavouring to build up a fearfull spirituall Babell instead of the service and worshipp of God by mysterious and unintelligible expressions. I have beene much heightened in those my desires for y=e= better establishing my owne heart in these shakeing times, and therefore have at this time taken upon mee the freedome to direct these lynes unto you,

therein to expresse those my former and p=r=sent desires, and likewise my hope that you will not be wanting in the greater duety you owe the Lord Jesus of publishing what hee hath revealed unto you of those hydden mysteryes unto those y=t= want y=e= light and (like a man in a dreame) may bee apt to be lifted up (as hee thinkes into heaven) into fires of contenc~ons or darke clouds of notions, unto which when the least beame from the Sonne of Righteousnesse approacheth, the poore Creature's chariott of vapours and smoke dispenseth, and himselfe, frighted w=th= the fearfull fall, awaketh and findeth himselfe in the lowest and darkest posture of man. I looke upon you as one of y=e= most proper and effectual Instrum=ts= in y=e= Lord's hand, to convey that light and life y=t= may awaken and warne poore creatures in such condic~on, and thereby rescue them from the subtile snares of Sathan, which is the reason why I have given you this trouble, and am raised to this confidence y=t= you will regard w=t= is here written, although from one who is very little, if at all, knowne unto you; and if, in y=e= mean time, you would aford me something of yo=r= thoughts touching y=e= before menc~oned perticulars which trouble and distract y=e= church of Christ heere, I wuld esteem it a speciall favour from the Lord, and much of Christian freindshipp from you. Yo=r= affec~ionat freind, Really to serve you in the ways and Bowells of Christ, Jo. Jones. Dublin, 29th Sept., 1658.

[^JOHN JONES TO CHARLES FLEETWOOD^] To his Ex=cie= the Lord ffleetwood. May it please yo=r= Ex=cie= Lieu=t= Gen=ll= Ludlowe, upon his goeing away from hence, which was on Tuesday, the 18=th= p'sent, left his com~and in Chieffe of the fforces heere in my manadgem=t= haveing, as he

alledges, yo=r= Ex=cies= approbation for his soe doing. I confesse I did judge myselfe extreme unfitt for soe greate a Trust; butt all y=e= Officers here (\(Nemine Contradicente)\) when propounded to them gave their full Consent and Concurrance to it, without w=ch= I had been very loath to have undergone the Burthen of it, though intended but for a few dayes. The very nexte day after (w=ch= was on a Wednesday) we had some Rumo=r= of y=e= late unexpected change, and on Thursday, by the Packett, a full Relatio~ by private l=res= It was very astonishing unto us (in regard for many weekes before wee had received noe l=re= by reason of contrary Winde) w=ch= informed us of any tendency of Councells towards such a perriod; upon y=e= first intimation thereof, I called all the Officers together, and disposed them to their several Chardges to prevent any practice of y=e= Com~on Enemy upon us. I find them all as yet willing to acquiesse in y=e= acting of y=e= Lord's Providence, although mixed w=th= sorrow y=t= y=e= Lords seeme to procrastinate o=r= hopes of a firme settlem=t= of peace to o=r= Nation, and w=th= feare of w=t= y=e= issue of this Dispensation wilbe. But wee are not w=th=out some measure of faith and hope that y=e= Lord will make good his promise to his people that all things will worke together for their good. For my owne parte, I have very stronge confidence y=t= yo=r= Lo=pp= will find all things in an honest, quiett posture here, waiting for the pleasure of the Lord concerning us, and for a speedie Establishm=t= of Power for administration of Justice and government. Men's Intereste and publique Revenue being almost pure Confusion for want thereof. Wee hope you will speedilie returne o=r= Com~ander in chieff unto us, his satisfacc~on in w=t= is past will contribute much to y=e= perfect settling of y=e= mindes of many to an acquiessence therein. This day wee, the Comand=rs= and Offic=rs= of y=e= army, keepe together to seeke y=e= Lord for councell and guidance to o=r=

ffreinds in England, y=t= you may be lead by his blessed Spirit (and not your owne) to bring forth things as eminently gloriouse in holinesse and justice as yo=r= late actings have been eminently strange and unparalleled. The Lord seemes to promise some such fruict, in y=t= he preventetd y=e= shedding of one dropp of blood, whereas other Nations have been Rolled in blood upon farr lesse occasion. The Lord preserve you and all y=t= are faithfull to his Interest from y=e= malice and power of men. My wife continues ill of her late distemper. Yo=r= Ex=cies= most humble Serva=t= J. Jones. Dublin, 22=d= 8=m= 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO EDMUND LUDLOW^] To his Ex=cie= L=t= Gen=ll= Ludlowe Com~ander in Chiefe of y=e= forces in Ireland S=r= The Representation of the Gen=ll= Councell of Offic=rs= of y=e= army in England directed to yo=r=selfe to be com~unicated to the Officers here and w=ch= yo=e= were pleased to inclose in yo=r= l=re= to me by Colonell Barrow. I have communicated to the councell of yo=r= officers who in reality I thinke I may truely say every one of them had a very deepe and sadd sense of y=t= extraordinary action rep=e=sented unto them!

They thought it adviseable to send copies of that representation and of those other papers produced by Collonell Barrowe to y=e= severall Garrisons and quarters of yo=r= army to prevent misunderstanding w=th= strict injunction to bee watchfull to p'serve the publique Peace and to mayntaine love and union amongst us. We had recieved notice of y=t= action by private l=res= three dayes before Coll=l= Barrowes arrivall upon w=ch= there was a day kept to seeke the Lord in y=e= Councell Chamber by the Com=rs= and Officers, and all Offic=rs= com~anded forthw=th= to repayre to their respective Chardges for y=e= service above menc~oned, and not to be absent thence w=th=out special order. I have given ord=r= to Mr. Goodwine to send yo=u= copies of as many of the said papers as may be of use unto you or worth yo=r= perusall. The councell of yo=r= officers here have thought it fitt to returne to y=e= Lord Gen=ll= ffletewood and his Gen=ll= Councell of Offic=rs= from whom y=e= s=d= rep=e=sentation came somew=t= of their aprehensions touching y=e= matter communicated unto them, and of what is upon their Spirite to promote in such a day as this w=ch= they have expressed in the inclosed paper, and com~anded me to convey the same to yo=r= Ex=cies= hand w=th= a signification of their humble desire that you wilbe pleased to close and p'sent it according to the superscription. They have likewise appointed Lieu=t= Coll: Isaack Dobson to waite on yo=r= Ex=cie= and negotiate the concernem=t= of this army, but have not thought fitt to give him any instructions in writing, judgeing it fitter he should receive directions from yo=r=selfe in w=t=ever is proper for him to appeare in or insist upon in y=e= behalf of this army, And when you shall judge his negotiation there may be of lesse use then his service here, It is desired he may returne to his chardge. The bearer Coll. Barrow wilbe ready to waite on you in y=e= delivery of the l=tre= if you judge it convenient. Yo=r= Ex=cies= most humble servant, John Jones. Dublin, 27=th= October, 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO CHARLES FLEETWOOD^] To his Ex=cie= the Lord Gen=ll= ffleetwoode. May it please yo=r= Ex=cie=. My hon=ble= friend Coll. Barrow being here upon the place can give yo=r= Ex=cie= a better accompte of affayres here then I can by l'=res=. I hope yo=r= fforces here will be found in a very good disposition to preserve the publique peace, and love and union w=th= the armyes of England and Scotland, and that they will not be discomposed by any practice y=t= may be attempted upon them to y=e= contrary. The Lord Chancell=r= Steele is under some indisposition to health, w=ch= necessitates my constant attendance att the Councell Board, and therefore I humbly desire y=t= o=r= Lieu=t= Gen=ll= may be hastened unto us to beare his share of the burthen, and qualified w=th= power as Com=r=. There was this last weeke a Horrid Murther com~itted neare Ardmagh, upon (as they say) a Godly Englishman, who came lately into that countrey to plant. He was killed in his bedd, and his wife by him received 8 wounds, and thought by the villanes to have beene killed. There were tenne of them; three taken by track and pursuit of the neighbo=rs=, but noe Power in Ireland to doe justice upon them (as my long Robe assotiates tell mee. It is well Phineas, his companion, were not of that profession), nor to force them to impeach the other seaven. There is a clause in our Power requireing us to cause justice to be admistred, w=ch= is judged of noe force w=th=out other com~issions, or more articulat direction. Robberyes are frequently com~itted on y=e= English, and noe Power to make reparation to y=em= upon the Irish as was accustomed formerly is necessary to be put in execution now. There is noe Power here (as they say) to compell one man to right another by paying him his due, as to y=t= we are in p'fect confusion, and it is a wonder if violence and fforce be not used by the people to right themselves, and wee drive them to it, for noe publique Revenue is paid but as it is assigned to souldiers, and y=e= poore men

y=t= are to pay it, must have the souldiers helpe to compell their creditors to pay them, and thus you see w=t= kind of Courtes of Justice are like (through the cautionary prudence of Hon=rble= ffreinds in England), to grow up amongst us. I beseech yo=r= Ex=cie= let there be power placed somewhere to p=r=vent these greate unparalled misscheifes, and p=r=don y=e= boldness of yo=r= Ex=cies= most humble and faithfull servant, John Jones. Dublin, 28th October, 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO CHARLES FLEETWOOD^] To his Ex=cie= Lord Gen=ll= ffleetewood. My Lord, At my comming away from Whitehall the Councell were pleased at yo=r= Lo=pps= motion to grannt me +L500 out of the Treasury of the army for my advance, but injoyned me to repay it to y=e= Treasury here in Ireland. Truely the charge of my journey and preparation was soe greate y=t= I had not +L20 of y=t= money left when I came to Holyhead, soe y=t= if y=e= pleasure of the Councell bee such y=t= it must now be paid unto y=e= Treasury, I have not wherewith to support myselfe here, where my expenses are unavoidably more then some of my Brotheren. This is noe place to borrow, and truely my wholl Estate in England is settled [^scttled IN EDITION^] for paym=t= of my debtes, being upwards of +L2000, and afterwards upon my son, w=th= power of revocation (after paym=t= of my debts) by advise of my Trustees, and not otherwise, whereof I made bold to name yo=r= Ex=cie= as one of them, soe y=t= I am in an incapacity to raise money for my p=r=sent maynteynance; in this station my humble request is (if yo=r= Ex=cie= judge it fitt) that if the said +L500 be not allowed me towards my chardges

in repayreing hither, the repaym=t= thereof may be respited untill I am called away hence, w=ch= I humbly leave to yo=r= Ex=cies= wisdome to determine, and rest Yo=r= Ex=cies= most humble servant, J. Jones. My wife is through mercy in a good measure recovered of her late distempers, w=ch= was y=t= w=ch= she had for these 3 yeares. It wilbe an occasion of much rejoyceing to us to heare often y=t= y=e= Lord deales kindly w=th= y=r= Lo=pp= and yo=r= deare Lady, and sweete Branches in respect to health.

[^JOHN JONES TO ROBERT BARROW^] To my Hon=ble= Friend Coll Robert Barrowe. Deare freind. As many officers as were about y=e= Towne this morning mett to advise w=t= is fitt to be done upon y=e= papers w=ch= Mr. Payne brought over to be subscribed. I finde them all in a very good, honest frame of spirit, very willing and ready to act anything y=t= may mayntayne and strengthen union and love between them and y=e= army of England, and shall be warranted by y=e= rule of prudence and christianity. Some difficulty lay upon them in regard y=e= declaration of y=e= Army of England in relation to a future settlem=t=, (and y=e= insisting upon some reall good things to be established to y=e= Nations, w=ch= may make y=e= people happier in their Civill and Spirituall concernements, then the late Powers have hitherto rendred them), is not come forth for want of a thorough assurance thereof. His Ex=cie= the Lord Generall ffleetewoode made some demurre (as we have beene informed) of accepting the Gen=ll=ship untill he should bee satisfied of

their full purpose therein, and how farre he recieved satisfaction in y=t= matter doeth not appeare here. Another consideration lay before them, w=ch= was y=e= private state of this army, many officers discharged of their commands w=th=out a court marshiall, and very many more expecting y=e= like measure; and how to p=r=vent these persons appeareing w=th= their commands, and attempting a discomposure amongst the fforces, is matter of seriouse advise. In the close they appointed a further debate of this matter to be on this day seaven-night, and in the meanetyme every man in his respective station promise to consider how w=th= full unanimity it may bee carried on, and to endeavour to remove scruples where they meete w=th= them, hopeing likewise y=t= by that time the said declaration may come over, and y=t= it will bee soe comp=r=hensive of good things, and soe suitable to y=t= spirit of an army of ffreeborne Englishmen and Gospell professo=rs=, that it will give universall satisfaction. I desire you to give L=t= Gen=ll= Ludlow this accompte, and likewise to his Ex=cie= and to others as you shall receive directions from him. Yo=r= affecc~onate ffriend and servant, John Jones. Dublin, 30th October, 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO GEORGE MONCK^] To Generall George Moncke, att Edinborrough, in Scotland. S=r= Your letters and papers by y=e= bearer to L=t= Gen=ll= Ludlowe coming to my hands, who am appointed to Command here in Chieffe in his absence, I have opened, and finding them to be of publique concernm=t= wherein you desire advise and councell, I have impairted them to the ffield Officers here, who have had longe acquaintance w=th= you, and a high esteem of yo=r= merritt, ffrom whom you are to expect very

speedily some account concerning what you are pleased to menc~on in yo=r= said letters, whereof I thought fitt to give you this intimation by your owne messenger, and remayne Sir, yo=r= humble servant, Jo. Jones. Dublin, 4th November, 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO JOHN BARRETT^] To Majo=r= John Barrett. S=r= The Councell of Officers here have thought fitt to make choice of you to go as an Expresse from them to Gen=ll= Moncke. They have caused copies to bee sent you of y=e= Dispach w=ch= is to goe w=th= you, and of such other papers as are come over to us w=ch= may informe yo=u= of y=e= state of matter of ffact concerneing the transactions of those affaires menc~ioned in y=e= papers. That you may be y=e= better able to informe o=r= ffriends in Scotland of the grounds and reasons of these extraordinary Actings, and dispose them to a peaceable frame of spirit, wherein yo=r= ffriends here are confident y=t= the Lord will make you an useful Instrument. They doe not Conceive y=t= any particular Instructions are needfull for you yo=r= worke being onely to indeavoure the undeceiveing of o=r= ffriends and p'vent Breaches betweene them and their Brotheren, who have been soe many years ingaged in one Com~on Cause and must stand or fall together. It is desired likewise y=t= you will settle a course of intelligence betweene o=r= ffriends in Scotland and us, and in y=e= meane tyme of yo=r= returne y=t= yo=u= Com~unicate unto us the State of Affaires so farre as they come to yo=r= Knowledge. If you find an opportunity to take up fifty pownds for y=e= beareing of yo=r= Chardge in that Expedition, and Chardge it upon y=e= Treasury in Ulster or att Dublin, care wilbe taken y=t= it be made good unto yo=u= w=ch= being all I have att p'sent to Trouble you I remayne, Yo=r= assured ffriende to serve you, Jo. Jones. Dublin 4=th= November 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO DANIEL AXTEL^] To my honored ffriend Co=ll= Daniel Axtell to be com~unicated unto Co=ll= Robert Barrowe. Deare friend, I am exceedingly obliged unto you for yo=r= very punctuall Intelligence of Affaires, all my other ffriends except honest Vernon, being silent and myself forgotten of them. Yo=r= letter this weeke gave the most Articulate and Satisfactory Account of any. The Armyes Declaration hath but a mixed operation amongest us, it is conceived by sober men that the Clawse of Repeale might have been better worded, and a Legislative Expression forborne, and yet the purpose obtained more effectually by shewing the Lawe declared ag=t= to be destructive to y=e= Navy our Bullworke ag=t= forreigne Nations, to the Army o=r= Strenght and Security ag=t= o=r= home and comon Enemy, to the people in opening a doore for free Q=rs= and sword powere imediately to returne upon them, and y=t= by necessity the highest and most indispensible Lawe, The Clawse Concerneing Tythes conceived not seasonably inserted, nor thorroughly satisfactory to any. The Good things expected to be insisted upon by them as peculiar blessings to these Nations not att all particularly menc~oned, but wrapped in Gen=lls= These things I menc~on as the sense of others, that a publication of a more thorough satisfaction may be hastened. Wee are here inquireing and listening after things and substances, and haveing them we can dispence w=th= fformes and fframes (y=e= best and most righteous of w=ch= will in a short tyme decay, and decline from their primitive lustre) (as is experienced in this day) but righteousnesse itselfe and holyness itselfe will never decay, although it may sometimes bee hid as it were under a Cloud of Tyrannouse and oppressive powere. The Officers here conceived fitt that the papers which passed from them to England and Scotland should be printed for y=e= Information o=r= ffriends in y=e= remote parte of this Land, copies

whereof I have sent yo=u= inclosed. The fayleings y=t= are in them I must acknowledge as mine ymediately, but mediately as theirs who sett me on worke. Colonell Cooper is now going to y=e= North to Com~and in those parts, the Lord be his wisdome and strength. The papers for subscriptions were by concent of the Officers presently sent abroade, some Spirits are unquiett, they are mostly such as were unsatisfied att the abolition of the Governem=t= by a single p'son and recalling of the longe Parliament. The Cavelleeres of all sort are of this temper, and now much raised in their Spirite and hope for Good newes for their King from Scottland, which makes me feare y=t= poore Moncke is Trepanned, for if he ownes the Interest he will surely be destroyed, wee shall indeavor as the Lord shall inable us to p'serve the peace heare, our fforces are very scant considering y=e= temper of Ulster and Munster, I pray begge my pardon of my Lord ffleetwood and o=r= L=t= Gen=ll= Ludlow y=t= I cannot write unto them. Wee shall be observant of their Com~ands, and be pleased to acquainte them w=th= soe much of the contents hereof as yo=u= judge fitt for thier cognizance or p'usall, remember y=t= wee want power to putt Lawes in execution for p'servation of y=e= peace, punishing Murtherers, distributeing Justice, Relieving dispoyled English, and noe man layeth our condic~on to heart, Ireland quite forgotten in the proclamation sett out by the Com=tee= of safety. Yo=r= most affectionate friend really to serve yo=w=, Jo. Jones. My deare love to Vernan w=th= thankes for his remembrance of mee. Dublin, 8d. 9m., 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO ROBERT BARROW^] To Co=ll= Robert Barrow, w=th= an inclosed. S=r= I have noe tyme to inlarge. The inclosed in short is o=r= Condition, and questionlesse its sadd. Com~unicate it as yo=w= see Cawse. It is w=th=out question y=t= Ch. S=t= his Interest is endeav=r=d to be sett up here, and believed y=t= the same will be advanced in Scottland, for the Cavailleer Spirit is y=e= lively Spirit, and they carry it as if a day of greate redemption to them drew neigh. If y=e= Lord were not of o=r= side, may we now say we should be suddainely destroyed by them. Get an ymediate Ord=r= to recruit these fforces, that wee may not be found neglecting the meanes. Wee have noe exact Intelligence how Affaires goe in England, nor what to declare for if there were need. Wee are undone for want of Power to administer Justice. A copie of M=r= Waring's Intelligence. [^INTELLIGENCE OMITTED^]

S=r= This intelligence comes from a good hand, compare y=t= you have from abroad. If the truth of this can be made out, there might be good use made of it in makeing it publique, to undeceive our English friends who are ready to bring ruine upon themselves, by being fooled into an ingagem=t= for the restoreing of the Long Parliament, not as it last mett, for some of the most ingenious of them confesse they were not satisfyed in their authority, since y=e= exclusion of y=e= major p~te of their members and y=e= House of Lords, soe y=t= it is very evident y=t= Ch. S=t.= is intended by the designers to be brought under y=e= covert of y=e= Longe Parliam=t= for there are noe greater friends to a single Governm=t= then the excluded members of both Houses. I doe not find one man opening his mouth for restoreing y=e= Long Parliam=t= as they last mett. Excuse me both our Gen=lls.= My hands are full. The inclosed gives y=em= y=e= state of things here. S=r= This day is very gloomy w=th= us, and seemes to portend a very sad tyme approaching from Carrigfergus. It intimated that newes is come to them by a Scottish merchant y=t= Major Crisp hath secured one Markes Eyre for Monck, and y=t= Coll. Sawry and his Lieut. Coll. are fledd. The High Sherriefe of the Queenes County hath chardged the collectors of y=e= assessm=ts= at their p~ill not to collect them, The like is done in Ulster, and it's conceived there wilbe a gen=ll= defection by the inhabitants. The forces in y=e= worst posture imaginable, very many Troopes and Companyes their Officers unfixed, and being in expectation to be

casheered, are very much incensed and yet continue in y=e= head of their com~ands, and this is the condition of some of yo=r= chief Guarrissons, all the fforces soe placed in Guarrissons and Plantations that we cannot draw out 500 horse and 1000 foote in any one place in Ireland without indangering y=e= ruine of y=e= Quarters from whence they should be drawen out. Some designe supposed to be on foot for the restoreing of some friends to com~and y=t= w=ch= I dare not ment~on w=h=out further light. Private meetings give cause of suspition. W=th=out wee bee in such a condicion of security as to be able to draw together into Ulster 500 horse and 1000 foote, and the like number into Munster, and as many in the head Quarters w=th=out hazarding o=r= Guarrisons, we cannot have any confidence in o=r= outward strength. It is good we have a good God to trust to. I think it were adviseable y=t= Ord=ces= should be sent hither for y=e= recruiting of y=e= Troopes to 70, and the Companyes to 100, and y=t= some course be taken to pay them till this calamitouse hower is over. The Lord be yo=r= wisedome and strength, that o=r= Land may have cawse to rejoyce in you. Yo=r= humble servant, John Jones. Dublin, 15=th= Nov., 1659. Wee are here undone for want of Power to Administer Justice and noe man layeth o=r= condic~on to heart.

[^JOHN JONES TO THOMAS(?) SCOTT^] To Lieu=t= Colonell Scott. Worthy Sir, I have according to yo=r= request sent you the inclosed, and heartily wish y=t= the Lord may Guide yo=u= in yo=r= way and Resolutions; The dissatisfaction yo=u= had (when I sawe yo=u= last) touching the Legallity of y=t= Power then discoursed

of, or compleatnesse thereof as then it acted, makes me somew=t= to doubte w=t= yo=u= meane by restoreing y=e= p'sent Parliam=t= to their just Rights & Priviledges. Whether to y=e= same condic~on they were in when they were last interrupted in October, or to the compleatnesse of three Estates, according to y=e= auncient usadge & Custome of England, I cannot believe you intend y=t= wherein yo=u= had noe satisfaction. And I am confident yo=u= are very sensible that the attempting of the other will bring ruine and desolation upon us, & the Cawse in w=ch= wee have been engaged soe many yeares, and y=t= free Parliam=ts= & restoreing of them y=t= is but a faire umbridge devised by the common Enemy to disguise a wicked designe to bring in Ch: S=t.= and soe I Cannot beleeve yo=u= intend y=t= neither, and untill I am better informed I Cannot answer y=t= part of yo=r= l'=re=. As touching the com~aund yo=u= mention I have not taken upon me to alter any, but leave them as I found them disposed by him whose place I now supply. Beare w=th= my hast, & esteeme mee Yo=r= assured friend to serve you, J. Jones. Dublin, 17=th= Nov., 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO EDMUND LUDLOW^] To his Excellencie L=t= Gen=ll= Ludlowe. Deare S=r,= I have not much businesse to give yo=u= an acc=t= of from hence. The last night I sent out Summons to all y=e= Coll=s= and Capt=s= of Troopes & Companyes in Ireland to meete w=th= y=e= Officers of y=eir= respective Regiments to Chose Members for y=e= Gen=ll= Councell, menc~oned in y=e= third Article of the Agreem=t.= Wee could not proceede sooner in this Election, because y=e= Agreem=t= Came not to us untill Saturday y=e= 26=th,= late at night, by M=r= Payne the Messenger. There be many symptoms of an Unquiet Spirit indeavouring

to bring us into trouble. Ardres Treav=r= and many others (amonge whom D=r= George was) had their Meetings in y=e= North from Howse to Howse, beginning at Hillsborow for about 14 dayes, Scottish Papers industriousely scattered. Such of o=r= Army as were formerly Cavalleeres or new Royallistes, and were positively ag=t= y=e= restoreing of y=e= longe Parliam=t,= & would have hindered it if they Cold runne much into y=t= fframe of Spirit for dividing of us, and setting us in opposition to y=e= Army in England, under y=e= Notion of being for a Parliam=t= the sence whereof & y=e= Scope of y=e= Designe is in all probability but y=e= same y=t= S=r= George Booth & his confederats indeavour to Carry on, w=ch= although Crushed in England is kept intyre in Ireland, wayteing for an opportunity by reason y=t= none of the Instrum=ts= w=ch= probabley were to Carry it on have beene incapacitated or Cleereley discovered. S=r= Since the perusall of yo=r= last l'=res= to me, & of another to my Brother, I have been much troubled y=t= I should be soe uncharitably Censured by you before I had admittance to speake for my selfe. I thank God I have a faithfull Witnesse w=th=in me, testifying that I am not much in love w=th= the Hono=r= of my Implym=t= That I never sought it, That I gain nothing by it, That I have hitherto indeavoured to dischardge y=e= duty of y=e= place w=th= all faithfullnesse & Integrity, and y=t= nothing moved me to accept this Burthen but a willingnesse to appeare serviceable unto you. If I have fayled in answering yo=r= Expectation It proceed not from unfaithfullnesse or want of love, but from weakenesse & want of discretion, wherein men of greater Reason and foresight than my selfe may fayle. But really S=r= I am not Convinced wherein I am Guilty of deserting the Parliam=t= who sent mee hither, & by whose Authority I now Act, or of doeing of any Act tending to the diminution of their Hono=r= or Authority. Am not I equally concerned (allthough unworthy) w=th= any

Member of y=t= Councell in the Hono=r= & reputation thereof. Whatever yo=u= are pleased to judge of me, I doe on yo=r= behalfe blesse y=e= Lord y=t= yo=u= were freed from y=e= Snare of such a Turne as this, although I know yo=u= would have managed those affayres w=th= more Wisdome & better successe then at p'sent they are, for by y=t= meanes you are freed from the censures of other men, & in a capacity to helpe yo=r= ffriends. As touching the l'=re= sent to Scotland it was mine only, as a Serv=t= to y=e= Army, drawen by the direction of y=e= Officers p'sent, and signed by them w=th= my selfe, and I cannot find y=t= any thing in it disrespects y=e= Parliam=t,= or publique safety w=ch= is above Parliam=ts,= that o=r= Armyes should engage ag=t= one another in blood. It is the grand designe of o=r= Com~on Enemy, & y=e= ready way to y=e= utter ruine of these Three Nations, & of y=e= Interest of Christ in them, and to be silent in such a Case was to be wickedly sinfull. The letter pointed att any other as well as Moncke y=t= should attempt such a design. It could not be for the Hono=r= or Interest of y=e= Parliam=t= y=t= soe many Godly Officers should be taken from their Comands, and imprisoned, &c. As touching the Subscriptions I find yo=u= doe not understand how it was. The Papers Came hither inclosed in l'=res= & directed to the respective Chiefe Officers of each Regim=t= Att the first meeting of y=e= Officers many were earnest to have their Packetts, But the Debate was adjourned to y=t= day senight, to give way for o=r= attendance on my L=d= Steele and Colonell Barrowe to y=e= Waterside. Att the next meeting w=th=out any further Debate every Officer tooke his owne Packett, conceiveing y=t= they ought not to bee kept from, and y=t= it rested in their discretion what to doe w=th= them, soe y=t= herein I was least Concerned of any. Yo=u= were pleased to write unto mee when you were upon yo=r= way to London, y=t= if those now in power would resolve to establish honest righteouse things yo=u= would w=th= y=em,= if not yo=u= would take

yo=r= Retirement. I have had noe other intimation from you w=ch= might be an example for me to follow, w=ch= really I am inclined in most things to doe. Truely S=r= I have by this tyme tyred my self in writinge, & I am affrayed y=r= patience in reading w=t= I have scribled betwixt sleeping & wakeing, being streightened in Tyme, & full of the Sence of w=t= you have writt, that I beleeve yo=u= will find little sence in this. I shall take leave to close w=th= this Request, y=t= if you find me not to answer yo=r= Expectation, or y=t= you thinke this Trust may be more serviceable in another hand, be pleased freely to remove yo=r= Com~and from me, and I shall indeavo=r= in any other Capacity as well as in this wherein I now stand to approve my selfe really, S=r,= Yo=r= most affectionat freind & faithfull servant, John Jones. Dublin, 30=th= Novem., 1659. S=r= I am advised by the Com=rs= Of y=e= Com~onwealth & the Councell of Offic=rs= here to com~unicate unto you the enclosed paper, being a copie of y=e= Agreem=t= of y=e= Gen=ll= Councell of Offic=rs= of y=e= Armyes in England, &c., and from y=e= Com=rs= sent from Gen=ll= Moncke and y=e= Gen=ll= Councell of Offic=rs= in Scottland, w=ch= came to my hand but the last night, and for the effectuall execution of y=e= third Article in y=e= same. It is ordered that yo=r=selfe, and y=e= Com~ission Offic=rs= of yo=r= Company (haveing a care to leave yo=r= Garrison in a safe posture) be and appeare on the [{...{] day of December next, att [{...{] and there joyne w=th= the rest of the Com~ission Offic=rs= of your Regim=t= in

y=e= chusing of two Com~ission Offic=rs= for y=e= same Regim=t= to to be Members of y=e= Gen=ll= Councell, mencioned in y=e= s=d= third Article. Hereof you are not to faile. Yo=r= assured Friend, John Jones. Dublin, 28th of Nov. 1659. For y=e= tymes and places for each Regim=t= to meete, see a list of y=e= matter conteying the names of y=e= Regim=ts= in generall, and their tymes and places for y=t= service.

[^JOHN JONES TO THOMAS COOPER^] To Coll. Thomas Lord Cooper. S=r= I have, by the joynte Advise of y=e= Com=rs= of this Com~onwealth and of as many Offic=rs= of y=e= Army as are in Towne att p'sent, appointed severall places for the Com~ission Officers of every respective Regim=t= or of as many of them as can well be spared from their duty, to meete upon a Certaine day likewise appointed, and being soe mett, to elect two Com~ission Offic=rs= for every respective Regim=t= to be and appeare at a Gen=l= Councell, to be holden att Whitehall, y=e= 6=th= of December next, according to y=e= Tennor of y=e= Third Article in y=e= inclosed paper. Y=e= tyme & place of meeting appointed for y=e= Officers of yo=r= Regim=t= in order to y=e= said service, is att Newry, upon y=e= 6=th= day of December next. I have, for y=e= more effectuall and expeditiousse performance of this Service (by y=e= s=d= advise), sent notice, by letters, unto each Troope & Company in each Regim=t= in Irel=d= of y=e= respective tymes, places and occasion of their meetings. The managem=t= of y=e= Election, and y=e= returning of y=e= names of y=e= p'sons w=ch= shalbe elected for yo=r= Regim=ts= to my selfe, w=th= all possible speede, is left to yo=r= Care. It is desired by such of o=r= ffriends as long for peace and settlem=t=

upon y=e= foundac~ons of love, Trueth and Righteousnesse, y=t= we should endeavo=r= to have such men elected as have y=e= largest portion of a meeke, loveing, peaceable, healing spirit, such as delight not to nourish or uphold a spirit of contenc~on or by a law to impose their judgem=t= or practice in matters of Religion in other men's conscienses. I am likewise to recomend to yo=r= observation y=t= y=e= inclosed Agreem=t= doth not require y=t= y=e= Officers to be chosen should be of every respective Regim=t= for w=ch= they are Chosen; any Comission Offic=r= of y=e= Army is capable to be elected, and conceived adviseable, as well for expedition as avoiding unnecessary Charge, y=t= as many of y=e= Officers of y=e= Army as are in England, Capable of being elected, and fitly qualified, should be chosen to serve in y=e= Councell - it being very probable y=t= y=e= worke of y=e= Councell wilbe at an end before any from hence can repayre thyther, And haveing to use his freedome in debate and choise, and y=t= all o=r= endeavo=rs= may be att those meetings to be united in freindship and mutall love towards each other, w=th=out w=ch= we are not farr from ruine. The Emissaryes of o=r= comon Enemy and his confederates being att this instant very busy in all corners of y=e= Three Nations, especially in this Land, in sending forth Libells and Seditiouse papers to divide us amongst o=r=selves; But if y=e= Lord have pleasure in us, he will defeat their councells, and bring them to shame and Trouble who delight in Troubles and divisions. Yo=r= assured Freind to serve you, John Jones. Dublin. 29=th= Nov., 59. Post: I desire y=e= returne may be under y=e= hands of all y=e= Offic=rs= consenting.

[^JOHN JONES TO ROGER BOYLE^] To the Right Hon=ble= Roger L=d= Broghill. S=r= The favo=r= of yo=r= Lo=pps= l'=re= of y=e= 25=th= instant I received, and doe very much approve of yo=r= Lo=pps= Judgement y=t= y=e= best seale to y=e= Agreem=t= wilbe the immediate restoreing of y=e= Suspended Offic=rs= to their respective commands, and untill y=t= be actually done, We may feare y=t= some of o=r= ffreinds may be under Temptations, because those y=t= have been ag=t= o=r= common Cause and Interest are very much exalted in their hopes of y=e= issue of these Capitulations and distances. The last Paquett brought us noe further acc=t= of y=t= matter, but y=t= all things Continue quiett and receavable in England. The L=d= ffleetewood sent over y=e= Agreem=t= w=th= his Advise, that wee should proceed in y=e= election of members for the Gen=ll= Councell of Offic=rs= w=ch= are to meete att Whitehall, according to y=e= Tenn=r= of y=e= Third Article, but Crosse Windes stayed the messenger at the Waterside till Saturday last, Soe y=t= y=e= tyme of meeteing att Whitehall is Come upon us before wee canne have any Regimental meetings of o=r= Offic=rs=; neverthelesse I have sent l'=res= to all y=e= Troopes & Companyes in every respective Regim=t= now in Ireland, w=th= a copie of y=e= Agreem=t= and appointed y=e= respective Tymes & places for their meetings. That in pursuance of y=e= said Article they might proceed to elect, as y=e= inclosed papers will more p'ticularly informe you. Your Lo=pps= Troope being not Regimented, I have noething to direct me how their suffrages should be taken - the Agreem=t= being silent therein - whether this and others in y=e= same case be omitted by inadvertency or of purpose I know not. Coll. Wallis, his Regim=t= being the Horse, in yo=r= Quarters, are to meete at Clonmell, on y=e= 7=th= of this moneth, Coll Zanbye's Regim=t= meete at Cashell y=e= same. What yo=r= Lo=pp= Conceive fitt to bee done in this Case I humbly submitt to yo=r= Wisdome. I am of opinion y=t= y=e=

worke of y=e= Councell wilbe neither done or undone before any can repayre thyther from Ireland. The nature of y=e= worke and y=e= p'sent state of things will admitt of noe longe Debate or divideings in Councell. If the Lord hath pleasure in us, he will guide them in Councell, and make them Instrum=ts= to Establish Justice and Righteousnesse in o=r= Land. I am, My Lord, Yo=r= affectionate and humble Ser=t= John Jones. Dublin, 1=st= December, 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO CHARLES FLEETWOOD^] To his Ex=cie= the L=d= Gen=ll= ffleetwood. May it please yo=r= Ex=cie= I made boulde formerly to crave yo=r= Ex=cies= order for y=e= withdrawing of Cap=t= Moulds Company from Beaumares there being no neede of them there, and we extreamly want ffoote. I did likewise mynd yo=r= Lo=pp= that y=e= new Recruits at Beaumares are in a starveing Condition, & humbly desired y=t= Some Speedie provition might be made for them, and I make bold now humbly further to Crave That yo=r= Ex=cie= will be pleased to order a Recruit of 100 Musketts for y=t= Garison, the 50 old Musketts being delivered into yo=r= Stores, I cannot see how y=t= Garison can be recruited, but from hence you may be pleased to signifie yo=r= pleasure herein, & it wilbee readily obeyed. The publique afiaires here att p'sent in a quiet posture, but very sad practises used to divide yo=r= fforces here whereof you had full intimation by y=e= last, many honest men are fooled into this designe, w=ch= hath its Roote & life in Ch: S=t.= Interest, ffor the Polititians whose hopes are onely in o=r= Armyes Divitions know y=t= Armyes once

thoroughly divided in termes of Opposition will never Cordially unite, and y=t= Councells w=th=out fforce to justify them are insignificant, drive on furiously to perswade freinds to an opposition to y=e= English Army in ord=r= to y=e= restitution of y=e= Parliam=t= but doe not declare w=t= Parliam=t= and therein lyes a fallacy ffor y=e= best of those y=t= seeme thus zealouse for a Parliam=t= were ag=t= y=e= restitution of y=e= longe Parliam=t= to their last sitting. Wee have noe direction how to deale w=th= men of unquiett Spiritte, & we are unwilling to use Power w=th=out some positive direction, w=ch= we shall waite for, I beseech y=r= Lo=pp= to conferre w=th= Lt. Gen=ll= Ludlowe for y=e= restoreing of Lt. Coll. fflowere to some Command, hee is a man y=t= will die att yo=r= ffeete, and utterly declines associating w=th= any discontented p'ty. Bee pleased to afford some signification of yo=r= pleasure concerning him. This is the first day of the Election of Members in Ireland, yo=r= com~ands fayling to come to us, tymely enough and because it is not probable y=t= any Can Come from Ireland before the Councell breake up, I beleeve most of o=r= Elections will fall upon o=r= ffriends now in England. Those y=t= would rejoice in o=r= Troubles give out That L=t= Gen=ll= and my L=d= Steele are highly dissatisfied, that Gen=ll= Moncke utterly refuseth to Confirme the Agreem=t= made by his Officers, That he calls a Convention in Scotland, and raises very large Taxes, and Baggage horses, & refuseth to restore y=e= Officers to their Com~and, & many such like Reports, w=ch= make y=e= Cavallieres exceedingly to rejoyce, being confident y=t= Ch: S=t.= his Interest cannot bee prevented, there being noe other Interest intyre in y=e= Three Nations, That y=e= Parliam=t= if it should be restored to sitt againe will never agree w=th= this Army as now conducted, and therefore either y=e= Army or Parliam=t= must be layd asside. That if y=e= Army be layd aside, another Army must be raised of other principles, and

those wilbee such as Countenanced S=r= George Booth's designe (viz=t=) Cavalleeres under y=e= maske of a Presbiterian Interest, such as would have the peace established on y=e= Concessions at the Isle of Weight. These are y=e= hopes & Expectations of y=e= Wicked. But o=r= Trust is in y=e= L=d= who turnes y=e= Wisedome of men into folly. I beseech you by y=e= next to remove as many of these reports as you find to be false, by Com~anding some person to give a right State of things. Whatsoever y=e= Lord directs you to doe, att yo=r= Generall Councell doe it quickly, Delayes and longe Debates are exceedingly dangerouse, if y=e= Spring overtake you before yo=u= come to a Settlem=t= I cannot see how yo=u= will avoyd ruine according to y=e= reasonings of man. Yo=r= Ex=cies= humble servant, John Jones. Dublin, 6=th= December, 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO EDMUND LUDLOW^] To his Ex=cie= L=t= Gen=ll= Ludlowe. S=r= ffinding here one Mr. William Courtney, a Brother to o=r= good friend Mr. Hugh Courtney, in a very low and necessitouse condic~on, and also finding an Ensignes place voyd by meanes of y=e= death of one of y=t= Capacity in Co=ll= Sanders Company, soe returned on a muster taken since yo=r= Lo=pps= going over, I have presumed to place this Mr. Courtney in y=t= imploym=t= and to y=t= Company w=ch= I thought fitt to acquaint yo=u= w=th= all, desireing y=t= if yo=r= Lo=pp= doe aprove thereof you will please to send over (by y=e= next opportunity) yo=r= order confirming the same, the younge man hath very good parts, and hath behaved himselfe well since he came into this country, w=ch= is about seaven yeares. I am not att rest in my spirit until I have heard from yo=u= I am perswaded were yo=u= here you would

doe noe otherwise than wee have done. Truely S=r= the scope of a Designe is best understood (by them y=t= are not in it) by y=e= persons y=t= Carry it on, of w=t= Principles they are and by y=e= reports they give out, I shall not inlarge att this p'sent upon this Theame, having given you y=e= like Trouble soe lately. Send you yo=r= ord=r= in w=t= you would have done, and I doubte not but you will recieve satisfaction from yo=r= Servants here, I have written to my Lord ffleetwood, to intreate his Lo=pp= to conferre w=th= yo=r= Ex=cie= about y=e= restoreing of L=t= Co=ll= fflower to some Command. Hee is a man thoroughly faithfull, and one y=t= doeth not att all Consort w=th= those y=t= are malignantly affected. Unheard of crueltyes com~itted by Torryes every night. The Irish Concieved in a greate readinesse to rise. The Brittish in ffermanagh about Lesnabeaugh, were in Armes last weeke, to y=e= number of 240 horse well mounted: pretended in their owne defence ag=t= y=e= Irish, but suspected upon some intimation from Scotland. There hath beene an indeavo=r= to disaffect every Troope & Company in Ireland, under y=e= notion of giving Countenance to Moncke. The Two Comp~ in Carregfergus mutinied, & were soe high y=t= noething cold allay y=em= but fforce: Co=ll= Cooper & y=e= Officers were faine w=th= their naked swords & pistells to fforce them to their Quart=rs= I am loath to mention w=t= acceptation y=t= disord=r= had amongst some persons here, who are looked upon as freinds. I hope y=e= Lord wilbee p'esent w=th= yo=u= att your great Councell, w=ch= meete this day, & y=t= hee will direct yo=u= to a speedy settlem=t= ffor I am cleare of this Judgem=t= that a breach in y=t= Councell, or a longe delay in pointe of coming to a resolution, whereby y=e= Spring may come upon us before a settlem=t= be declared, will enevitably bring in Ch: S=t.= for thereby all Interest wilbee broken but his, and his wilbee intyre in y=e= Three Nations, and all Presbiterian and other Interests w=ch= can

consist w=th= y=t= Interest will joyne to it, and how large y=t= wilbee is easily disccerned by y=e= Countenancers of S=r= G. B. his designe, both in City & Countrey amongst Ministers, & all other sorts of People. I have noe Tyme to inlarge although I am very full of this apprehention. Yo=r= very reall & humble Servant, John Jones. Dublin, 6 December, 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO HENRY CROMWELL^] To the L=d= Henry Cromwell. S=r= Mr. Wood being to waite upon yo=u= gives me y=e= opportunity of acknowledging y=e= favo=r= of yo=r= lettere, and as to y=e= contens of them soe farre as they relate to publique Interest, It becomes me not to returne any Acc=t= thereof, in any other way then by the Resolutions of y=e= Board, onely I begge leave humbly to informe yo=r= Lo=pp= that I have inquired and cannot finde why yo=r= Servants made any Complaynt y=t= they were Threatened to be turned out of Cork Howse. The Title indeed hath been a little debated upon some thoughts of useing y=e= Howse for Com=rs= sitting as formerly and not for any Mans private acom~odation. And it was then conceived y=t= if there were a forraigne Tytle Claymed ag=t= the Common Wealthe many yeares po=n= yo=r= Lo=pp= was most incompetent of any to purchase such a Title in regard yo=u= were chiefely intrusted by y=e= Com~on Wealth to mayntayne their Interest in Ireland, & came into possession of y=t= Howse as belonging to y=e= Com~on Wealth & under y=t= Trust. And likewise because about 2000=+L= was disbursed out of y=e= publique Trer~y as we were informed upon y=e= repayreing, inlargeing and fitting of y=t= Howse for publique use and especially for yo=r= personall accom~odation as being the Chiefe Magistrate, yet notw=th=standing that these and other argum=ts=

for y=e= justifying of y=e= Com~on Wealths Right to the said House were in consideration w=th= y=e= Com=rs=. They have not soe much as inquired when yo=r= ffamilie was to remove thence, but had a very tender & due Respect to yo=r= Lo=pp=, and really this is all I know of y=t= matter. Wee have of late beene excersised under very unpleaseinge dispensations, The confidence w=ch= men should have in each other uppon acc=t= of Relation or friendship have beene soe shaken, That instead of mutuall manifestations of love and kindnesse, Jelousies & diffidences have too frequently been fomented amongst ffriends by y=e= projections of such as sought themselves more than y=e= com~on good, under w=ch= unhappie influence I have beene for some yeares past, w=ch= deprived me of much of y=t= sweetness & comfort w=ch= y=e= Lord in his Good Providence towards me did seeme to promise by that Hon=ble= Relation unto w=ch= I was admitted, The sence of w=ch= I hope will ever ingage mee to strive for another frame of Spirit, And as God shall administer an opportunity to endevo=r= to bee serviceable unto those to whom I am related, & especially to yo=r= Lo=pp= of whom (w=th=out flattery) I have a very greate Esteeme and doe account it a duety incumbent upon me, and all that professe y=e= name of Christ, to promote union, peace and love betweene Relations, and to beare o=r= Witnesse against divideing Principles & Practices amongst those that feare the Lord. In the pursuite thereof I shall ever remayne, Yo=r= Lo=pps= most affectionate and most humble servant, Jo. Jones. Decem. 10=th= 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO HARDRESS WALLER^] To S=r= Hardres Waller, Kn=t= &c. S=r= The sense I have of y=e= ruine and desolation w=ch= the English Interest and people will inevitably be brought unto,

by that Rash action lately com~itted By those whom yo=u= have com~issioned for y=t= end, Which tends to the Engageing of y=e= English fforces in Ireland, one against another, The casting off the English Governm=t= & Parliamentary Authority in this nation, and by yo=r= assuming a Power of Legislature to Com~and the fforces as Major Gen=ell= of y=e= Army, and to give Com~issions for Com~ands to some, and deprive others of their Com~ands, contrary to the Rules & discipline of Warr, (having never had any Com~ission or authority for yo=r= soe doing) and by yo=r= interrupting y=e= Com=rs= of Parliam=t= in y=e= manadgem=t= of the Governm=t= & Interest of England in Ireland, by putting fforce upon them, yo=e= doe indeavo=r= to make y=e= Governm=t= of Ireland, distinct from y=t= of England, and thereby to start a Warr betweene the Two Nations, and to deprive y=e= Army and fforces of Ireland of their Reliefe, pay, and other immunityes which they enjoy as being Englishmen & members of y=e= Army of England, yo=u= doe likewise by this meanes shew an easy way for Ch: St: to invade this Land, and by y=e= assistance of his Irish, British, and other Confederats in Ireland, utterly to destroy y=e= English Inhabitants, and make y=e= period of y=e= English Interest in Ireland more bloody than the beginning of the late horrid Rebellion, you returne y=e= Sould=rs= to ffree billett & y=e= next step wilbee the taking of ffree quarter & thereby yo=u= Act Contrary to y=e= known Law in y=t= Particular (haveing noe necessity putt upon yo=u= for yo=r= soe doeing) By w=ch= Practise yo=u= make y=e= poore Sould=rs= to bee hated by the Inhabitants of y=e= Land, I say y=e= sad sense I have upon my Spirit of the matters abovesaid. The respect I have to yo=r= Person & family being exceeding desirous (if y=e= will of y=e= Lord be soe) to be instrumentall in rescueing you from this impending ruine w=ch= probably will reach you (although others have a way to escape) if not speedily prevented, by offering unto you a seasonable word of advice, and likewise y=e=

duety I conceive incumbent upon mee, as much as in mee lies, to prevent the said Evills, by Exercising the Power put into my hand for the Com~anding & ordering of the fforces in this Land, hath inforced mee to give yo=u= this Trouble, and to require you & I doe in y=e= name of the Parliament of the Com~onwealth of England, (and by vertue of y=e= Power and authority to mee dericted from the same) hereby require yo=u= imediately upon receipt hereof to issue out Orders to require all the fforces of Horse and ffoote, which are marched to this Towne, or are upon their march, (w=th=out speciall ord=rs= from myselfe) imediately to returne to their respective Quartr=rs= where they were Ordered to quarter y=e= Tenth present, and thereto continue till they receive further Ord=rs= from myselfe or from L=t= Gen=ll= Ludlowe or from y=e= Com=rs= of Parliam=t= & that you cawse the said Ord=rs= to be effectually put in Execution for y=e= incouradgem=t= & p=e=servation of y=e= English Inhabitants, and secureing the publique peace. And likewise you are hereby required by vertue of the Authority aforesaid to cawse all Persons not being members of y=e= Army, who have appeared in Armes, to countenance or assist the surprisall of this castle, to lay downe their Armes, & retourne to their respective Habitations, upon payne of being declared Rebels against the Com~on Wealth of England, To order all Offic=rs= both of Horse and ffoote to retourne to their respective Com~ands, and y=t= yo=u= doe imediately sett y=e= Com=rs= of y=e= Comon Wealth for ye Goverment of this Land into a condition of liberty, whereby they may p'forme the Trust reposed in them by the Parliam=t= All w=ch= I require of yo=u= as yo=u= are y=e= Person y=t= takes upon yo=u= y=e= Excersise of y=e= place of Majo=r= Gen=ell= as yo=u= answere y=e= contrary att yo=r= uttmost Perill. Dated at y=e= Castle of Dublin, this nineteenth day of December, 1659. J. Jones.

[^JOHN JONES TO MATTHEW THOMLINSON^] To S=r= Mathew Tomlison. Knight, &c. S=r= This disorder is like to produce very sadd Consequences. The Troopes & Companyes are drawne out of their respective Quarters & are marched & marching to this Towne upon promises of receiving three monethes pay in hand, w=ch= is a thing impossible to bee performed, and from whence will followe an imediate ruine to y=e= English in their plantations, by the Toryes, who will growe into such strength as will enable them to justifie themselves, & open a new Warr upon y=e= English, and thereby give an entrance to Ch: St: his Confederates. This will likewise follow that y=e= Troopes coming up here and y=e= incouradgem=t= promised being not made good unto them, They will fall foule upon y=e= Citie or att least upon such as wilbee represented unto them as Adversaryes, and I believe M=r= Winter's congregation will not escape, To p=r=vent w=ch= I have sent last night to S=r= Har: Waller to require him to Ord=r= all y=e= Troopes and Compainyes to march to their respective Quarters for y=e= defence of y=e= Countrey. To require all persons in Armes not being members of y=e= Army to retourne to their respective Habitations upon payne of being declared enemyes to this Com~on Wealth, and thereby to make way for y=e= Com=rs= of the Com~on Wealth to be att liberty and safety, for y=e= exersising of y=e= Trust reposed in them, & to y=e= end y=t= noe honest meanes for preventing the said Evills might bee left unattempted, I humbly offer to consideration whether it be adviseable to propound. That it be Agreed that all places of Strength now in the hands of the Offic=rs= of y=e= Army bee continued in y=e= same hands, untill y=e= pleasure of L=t= Gen=ell= Ludlowe o=r= Com~ander in Chiefe be knowne concerning them; That the present Com~and=r= in Chiefe upon y=e= Place doe act noething in relation to his Com~and, but according to y=e= Advise of S=r= Hardres

Waller, The Three Warrens, Coll. Lawrence, Coll. Cooper, or any foure or more of them, untill the pleasure of L=t= Gen=ll= Ludlowe bee knowne concerning the said com~and. That all the Troopes and Companyes be returned to their Quarters in the Countrey, To the end the former Evills may bee prevented, and the Commissioners of Parliament may returne to their duty. But the Com=rs= cannot act w=th= safety untill the fforces returne to their Quarters; for the Sould=rs= if they bee in Towne will mutiny and fall on them for the pay w=ch= their Officers have promised them, and therefore let y=t= bee donne in the first place, and if that bee not done soddainely, The sould=rs= will take ffree quarter and Plund=r= &c. I conceive if these proposalls bee made knowne to M=r= Winter and his people, they wilbee earnest to promote them; But if they will refuse to stand to the L=t= Gen=lls= Determination, there is more Evill in y=e= Bottome of this Designe then is yet discovered. The most honest and prudent way to proceed in these proposalls is first to p'pound them to such as are reputed most honest amonge them, and best fixed to the Cause and Interest wee are to may~tayne, as to M=r= Winter and his people, and by them to Waller. The Lord direct you what to doe, and keepe you from Snares. Yo=r= most affectionate and humble Servant, John Jones. Dublin Castle, 20=th= 10=ber= 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO HARDRESS WALLER^] To S=r= Hardres Waller, Knight, &c. S=r= There came to my hand this day a printed Paper, intituled a Coppie of a l'=tre= from Gen=rll= Moncke, bearing date y=e= 11th day of November last, importing an answere to a letter sent

from me, yo=r= selfe, and others, to him, beareing date y=e= 4th of November. If such a l'=tre= came from him, It was not advisedly donne to conceale it soe longe, if agreement betweene the Parliament and their Army bee the thinge wee ayme att; for I judge the substance of y=e= l'=tre= to bee both in matter & language, soe honest & sober, & soe full of Christian Expressions of faithfullnesse & integrity to the Cause & Interest we have beene ingaged in during all y=e= tyme of the late Troubles in these Three Nations, That I doe very freely agree w=th= the desire in y=e= Close thereof (vizt), That wee here should joyne w=th= him & the fforces in Scotland in o=r= desires to y=e= Army in England that this Parliam=t= may be restored, and put a legall Period to their sitting, and settle such Expedients as may bee for the secureing of these Nations against the Comon Enemy; and had y=e= letter come to my hand when I was in a capacity to have propounded it to the officers here, I had done it w=th= as much ffreedome as any that pretend to more zeale in that matter; and if yet I may bee any way instrumentall to promote y=t= meanes of accommodation, I doe hereby declare unto you y=t= I am ready to use my endeavo=rs= in such way as may bee judged most effectuall. Had this or the originall come to my hand sooner, I had sooner tendered my services herein, which I leave to yo=r= consideration, and rest S=r= y=r= humble servant, John Jones. Dublin Castle, the 22=d= of December, 1659.

[^JOHN JONES TO RICHARD CROMWELL^] To the Right Hon=ble= the L=d= Richard Cromwell. S=r= M=r= Waterhouse informes me y=t= yo=r= Lo=pp= have been pleased to interdict the Paym=t= of the Annuity w=ch= his late

Highnes yo=r= father settled upon my wife untill you should signifie yo=r= further pleasure therein. I believe it is not unknowne to yo=r= Lo=pp= upon what consideration the Interest to y=t= Anuity came unto mee. I was ingaged by agreem=t= before marriage to settle upon her 300=li= p~ ann. Joynture w=ch= I have done. The anuity abovemenc~oned, his late Highnes assured mee he had settled upon her dureing her life, besides some other Emolum=ts= which I had intimation of I should have, but came short of, occasioned probably by my own indiscretion. Truely S=r= I thought there was not in y=e= Worlde better security for 120=li= p~ ann. dureing an ancient life then his Worde and Deede under his hand and seale, I cannot believe y=t= his Highnes intended there should be any discontinuance of that Anuity, and it were very unworthy in me to thinke soe, neither can I give way to my thoughts to apprehend otherwise of yo=r= Lo=pp= but you will be pleased to make good his Highnes Acte, although by the letter of Lawe you may possibly avoyde it; I humbly desire the signification of yo=r= pleasure in this particular, and remayne Yo=r= Lo=pp's= most humble servant, John Jones. London, 12th March, 1660.

[^JOHN JONES TO HENRIETTA MARIA STUART^] To her Highnes Dowager. Madam, You may judge mee exceeding remisse in my duety in not waiteing in person on yo=r= Highnes to tender y=t= gratitude and service w=ch= I humbly acknowledge to owe unto yo=r= La=pp= and w=ch= yo=u= may justly expect from mee as the retourne of very many kindnesses & favoures yo=u= have been pleased to hono=r= me w=th=, which I shall have in a very high esteeme as Influence of an humble Soule in y=e= highest

Pitch of worldly exaltation w=ch= naturally incline our Spirits to another frame. But beeing informed y=t= y=r= Highnes & yo=r= ffamily are very highly offended w=th= mee for reasons not yet come to my knowledge, I humbly conceived it more prudent and less offencive to forbeare yo=r= presence untill it please God by some meanes to give mee opportunity to remove those apprehentions w=ch= yo=r= La=pp= is possessed w=th=, concerning mee, and w=ch= I dare affirme wilbee found fictitiouse when honestly & candidly examined. I am loath to menc~on what sadde impression those missunderstandings seeme to make upon my L=d= Richard yo=r= Sonne by his interdicting or with holding y=e= paym=t= of y=t= Anuity w=ch= his late Highnes now w=th= the Lord settled upon my wife, alleddging y=t= his father had noe Power to Graunt it, But I hope when he may bee pleased to seriously consider it, he wilbee more tender of his fathers Hon=r= then to make his Act under his Hand & Seale voyd. If yo=r= Highnes please to favoure Justice & the hon=ble= memory of yo=r= late pretiouse husband soe farr as to advise his Lo=pp= what you conceive fitt in this particular, and thereby prevent y=e= evill consequences of a more publique disquisition, you will performe an Office acceptable to God and aboundantly obligeing to him who desires to be esteemed & found in y=e= way of Love Truth and Peace Yo=r= Highnes most faithfull & most humble servant, Jo. Jones. 4 Apr. 1660. [^THE CORRESPONDENCE OF ISAAC BASIRE, D.D. ARCHDEACON OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND PREBENDARY OF DURHAM, IN THE REIGNS OF CHARLES I AND CHARLES II. WITH A MEMOIR OF HIS LIFE. ED. BY DARNELL, WILLIAM NICHOLAS. LONDON: JOHN MURRAY. 1831.^]

[^FRANCES BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] (\A Monsr. Monsr. de Preaumont.\) From Eglesclif, February 19, 1651. My Dearest, I haue receiued yours from Missina, dated the last of Nouember, which is all

I haue receiued sens S. Morkes day. I haue and shal praise God for his gracious providenc over you, in deliveing you from the Pope and fryars enuie. I pray God to prosper you stil in the good successe of your ministery, and to continnue your prudence and care of your self. I ham sory for your deare frend deth. Thoue you are not plesed to nam him, yet I thinke I know him - Ser John Gudrike brother. He tould me his brother was dide of a pleuresy as he was in his voyage for Englon. He axed me for you, and desired me to remember him to you. I sow him as I was retorning from bringing my Lady Blaxton in hear going to see Ser Willam her husband, wich is a presnor at (^Moretoke^) casel neare Coventry. My lady now is at Londan, waiting if she can get him relest, and for the present is put of with good words. Our dotter Mary is at hom with me, she is (I praise God) a relegos child, and servesaable to me. Mr. Hums hath tout her to rit. My lady had a gret love and care of her. I found her all her close and paid Mr. Broune for teching her on the verginalls. I shall have a care of all the rest as much as in me lais. I ret to my frend Busby acording to your desire about Isacke, but neuer had ansar from him. I very much desire if it ples God to settel you at Rome, that he may com to you. I do thinke

he will be a gret comfort to you, and loves rising earlly to go to coul. When I tel him I haue had a letter from you, he axes if you haue send for him. Thy are all very well, praised be God, and present thire duty to you, and John is lerning fast to red a chapte in the bibel agens Easter, that he may haue breches, and then he would faine see his father, as I should be if it ples God to send vs a good oppertunity. I shall rit to Monsieur Roussell, I have not hard of Peter a long time. I haue send you a bill of all the monny I haue reseue from you this five yeers and almost a half, to a farthing, and I haue set doune what I haue paid out and laid out, in my hous and on my self and oure chedren. I haue found my vnkle very faithfull and carefull, my fifths is alowed me still in Mr. Busill's hand, and wall peaid but much of it gos in seses. I most kindly thanke you for your deare, louing, and constand care of me, and I do ernestlye desire to aproue my self what you thinke me in your cherrittabl good thots of me. All your delit, is wall heare, and I shall pray and long to heare of your prospring in your besnes and good settelment agine; my vnkle ret to me that the marchands had agroeed to (^leon^) every one so much for you to agment your stipend. I shall just now rit to my Lady Blaxton, and let her

know you are wall. Mrs. Man and Mrs. Garnet, the Dauensons and Dr. Clarke are wall. My Lady Gercon I thinke is ded, for when I saw her, theare was no hops of lif. My Lady Huten was wall, and remembers her to you. Oure good frend Mrs. Hiington and her husband are both ded, and Mr. John Kilinggoul. All the res of our neighbours and frends are as yet wall. My deare respetes and seruis to your good frend Mr. Tindal. Yours as much as euer in the Lord, No, more thene euer, F. B. I praise God for all your contentednes to bare your crosses, for that is the way to make them eassie and lite to you, to consedeer from hom thy com, and how gustly wee deserue them, and how nesserary they are for vs, and how they cannot be auouded in this lif. My dearest, I shall not faille to looke thos plases in the criptur, and pray for you as be cometh your obedent wife and serunt in the Lord, F. B.

[^FRANCES BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] (\A Monsieur, Monsieur de Preaumont.\) Jesu! Eaglescliffe, 8th February, 1653. My Dearest, I prais God for your wellfare, but I found it somthing heuie for me to beare your being so far from me, and being a hole year but tow dais afore I hard from you, wich is your letter 22 of July I haue, and your in May to me and your frends, with your tokens, are mescaried as all mine to you are. Now I rit to you tow for won, and send them acording to your tow dyrexons. I sent you a not of the barell of oyle, and of all the parshalls of coreans you sent me from Zant: but the oyle and the last corans ware not of the best, wich made them thy gaue not so much as you thought. I haue all my unkel's letters to show what thy all cam to, and haue them all rit doune, and all the monnis I haue had from you, and the twenty pounds you sent me twelue moneths agoe, when you went for Gerusilem. All your freanes heare ware exceding glad theare from you, the Dauesens, and Doctore Clarke, Mrs. Garnet, Mrs. Man, and harty Blad, and our ould seruan, An Robesson, and all the rest. I haue not hard from our sonn Pette this tow years. I hau rit to Monsor Rusel very oft, but can not heare from

him. Present my seruise and deare loue to Doctor Duncom, and giue him thankes for his cordyouall leter to me. I desire much to fowllow his direxcion. I shall not faill to pray for your nobel frend Mr. Daniel Penington, but yet enuie him that he should enjoy that happines I want. But so that you are wall and content I hall holy submet to God, tel he see it for me to injoy what I want. I thanke you very kindly for all your gret and constan loue to me, thoue so far of and so long as all mos seuen years. I do ashoure you mine is the sam to you. For Isaac, I haue ret to my frend Busbe, but haue had no anser. I heaue let him know by Mr. Carter that you haue ret to him but hit mis caried, and I ret to her to send me his ansar, and I shall let you know, and the tim I haue them all with me, I shall, God willing, bring them vp as well as I can. Our doter Mary is very seruesabel to me when I ham not wall. I haue ben very sore trobeled with the stone in the kidney, and a weknes in the bake. For the ston I have got som qewre, but for my bake I thinke it will be hard to get it qewored. I prais God I ham very wall, and I cro fat. Your delite heare is very wall. Oure 4 cheldren heare present thire

dutty to you. John very much desirs to see his father, for he sais he is gon so far as he thinke he knas not the way bak, or els he wants a hors. I pray God send vs all a happy meting. I ham your faithful in the Lord, F. B.

[^FRANCES BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] (^To my good frend Dr. Isaac Basire, this present.^) Jesu! 30th May, 1654. My Dearest, Yours of the 27th of February, 1654, I receiued May 22, and that hath bin all I haue receiued from you sens February 20, 1653, your being so far from me, and the times so very bad, I could not heare from you, which mad my enimy to threten me to stay my feft part tel I pruved you were liueing: and ould Tomas Red began a shut a genst me for the det you ode him, but I being aduised by my frends to anser the shut, he was glad to let it fall. I prais God wich hath in abeled me to go throue many trobels with thankfullnes and conteent. I ded oft thinke of your direxcion, and I an oure children meet so much oftner at the throne of grace for you, wich I find now by my one experans the shoureest refuge. The deuill and the flesh I know hath and will be besey, but throu God gras in me I haue and shall ouercom them. My Lady Blaxton is very wall I hop, for a fortnet sens I had a letter from her. She was then at Lonan but

I looke for her shortly at her one hous. I pray you pray for her, as she hath constantly dun for you, besids her husbant, wich is at liberty with her, and is free. Her dotter, the tim my lady was at Lonan, maried James Sir Wil man, and her father hering of it sent for her, and she confesed to him she was maried to him, but the man had rauesed her agenst her will, and so forsed her to marie with him agenst her will. Her father beliueing her, caried her vp to Lonant to her mothe to liue with her priuetly from him. She hath maried another wors then the ferst. My Lady would often tell me of a saying of yours, oure cros may be changed, but not removed. So Lord grant what heuer he ples to send us for a cros wee may vnder go it with christan pasons. Monser Russel ret to me in Genuary, Pette was wall and at scoul. He is very wary of your shut. You must lose what thy owe with pasans, for the one brother has sould all. Hee is woreth nothing and is miserable, and the other, to awoyd paying, hath diuorced him selfe from his wife. I haue ret doun Mr. Jonathan Dawes nam, and I and oure lettel ones will pray for him. I do assure you I do as much as in me lais to bring vp our children in the feare and knowledge of God,

and to keepe them from idlenes, and I prais God I haue comford of them for ther lerning and [^IN EDITION ad^] piety. My frand Busby ret to me if I could precure a plas for Isaax in Wasmenster neare the coule wheare he mit be tabeled, hee would giue him his bookes and lerning, and what plas fel, with in the skole or with out, he would do his best for him. But I was not abel to pay for his diet, and to find him cose in that plas, I receiuing nothing from you this tow years and all most a half, but the twenty pounds you sent me from Missina, wich you mean of at the begining of your trauels. I have not yet reseued the twelue pouds and the ten pounds, but I hop I shall. Dr. Duncom did rit to his brothr very ernestly about it, but his brother could not do it. Dr. Duncom ret to his brothe he intends for Englant. Your delit is safe, but I ham com from Mr. Garnet hous, it being like to fool on oure heds, I have taken one of Mr. Lee hear in Eaglisclif, and have taken it for 21 yers. I ham seteled heare with content. Mr. Garnet in all my trubels stands my good frend. I haue had my feft part granted as yet; but, with much grif and trobel, but no sertenty of the contenuens of it. Dr. Clark is wil, and the noble Dauisons, Mrs. Man, and her [\...\] and good Mr. Panninan, thy all in queare very much of you, and will regious in your will

being. Mr. Tematie Thriscros ret to me from Lonan a very comfortable lette, and sent me 5 ponds. The paine of my back and the stone do very much in crec, and yet I kip fat. I want whit wain to take my pouthers in, heare is non to be got tht is god. I do hartily prais God for your prospring in your (^cauling^) , and thy that torn many to ritousnes thy shall shine as stars. Wee do extremly want you and your brethern here, for there are very many that is faln from the faith. Things are very bad for the presan, but it is thot by all wais men thy will be beter, and then I hop you will in joy your one with the comford of a good concans, and if you ples to let me stay heare for a tim tel I see the euent of things, then as soune as you send I shall with God's assistans abay you, thoue the sea be neuer so terabel to me. Thoue, Lord, vs direct, but in no case send for me sotenly, for I trust God in his prouidens and marci will send you to me, wich is my soul's thersting desir, and in truth your being so far from me hath ben som sorow to me when I could not here from you: but I and oure cheldren do dayly pray for your prospring in your colling. To God glory, the comford and reliue of vs all.

The cheldren, not knowing any thing, ax me when you will com hom, and when thy mos go to see you. I haue reseuied the tokens you sent me formerly, with the 9 pare of Gerusalem garters. I shall deliuer them according to thir name. Dear Husband, I haue considered of what you ret to me, and intend faithfully to abay you as my menester and husband, when you send for me. All our cheldren are will, and in tret your blesing. My vnkle Pigott hath reseuied your tow pels of 22 ponds and as soune as he reseuied the monny he retorns all very saue. Harty Blad is will, and hould An, and long to see you. I ham yours in the Lord F. B.

[^FRANCES BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] (^For my good frend Dr. Isaac Basire, this present.^) My Dearest, Jesu! I have received your tow letters, the one bering dat the 27 of February and the other dated April 21, and tow bills of exchange, the one for twelue pouds and the othe bill for ten pounds more. I haue receiued the 22

pounds from my vnkle Pigott, but had you not send a new bill I should haue had but ten pounds. I thanke God for your good health, and Gods speciall prouidence in sending you fauor from a Protestant prince, wich makes me think of that plas that sais, see est thou a man dillygent in his colling, he shall stand be fore princes. I and your children do pray to God that Allmity God may direct you best for his oner an glory, and the comfort and relife of vs and oure children. A certen being with the prince and his honourable maintenance is the beast for oure present condeson, and dos not hinder vs of oure one heare when it falls. Ther is hopes wee may injoy oure one agine heare, when God is plesed to say a men to it. All your frends heare very much regis in your well fare, the Dauesens, Dr. Clarke, Mrs. Gernet, Ser John Gudrike, my cosen Swnborn wich cam to see me. My Lady Blaxton is will, but at Lonan still. Mrs. Man is very wall, and was heare to see mee, and I gave her your token, and she dos very much joy in your wall fare, and hath seene your delit that it is wall: and if you should send for me and oure cheldren, she will com to see me set forart, and to helpe what she can. Harty Blade longs to see you. For our 4 children with me, I do kipe them to skoule, and do bring them vp as wall

as posible j can out of that mens i haue had, the twentiy pounds you sent me from Missina, and this tow bels of 22 ponds, wich is all I haue had from you this thre yeares. Dr. Duncom ret to his brother to lend me som, but he was not a bel to do it. I most kindly thanke you for all your louing care of me and our cheldren, and j pray to God that he will giue mee that wisdom that he requirs from me as I am a wife and a mother, and then I hop i shall settisfie your expextacion in both, wich is the desire of my hart to you and them. I shall couer my letters and rit acording to direxcion. For all I mad my condison with you to haue two letters for my one, yet I neuer receued any from you but I anseared them all. Our children present ther duty to you, and are all wall, and long to see you. Farewall my dearest, I ham yours faithful for euer F. B. Egls., this 18 of July, 1654.

[^FRANCES BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] Jesu! 14 of September, 1655. My Dearest, This mounth of September is a houle yeere sens I haue receued any letter from

you, your prince sending an agent to my Lord Protetter heare, and I not heareing from you by him, mad me feare you ware not with the prince. I did wich most harttily you had ben the agent your self for by that menes I mit a com to a seean you. I haue prased God for your saue being with the prens, and for all his gracsos favoers he hath ben plesed to be stow on you. I and oure cheldren and my good Lady Blaxton, wich now is at (^Hutten^) with Ser Willam and remember them to you. Wee do constantly pray for Prence Gearge and for his Princesse Sofia and young prince Frencis. I ham very sad that your burthen is so gret as to put you past your rest, and to feare your helth. For God sake and mine and your cheldren vndertake no more then you are wall a bel to go throue. I should prais oure gracious God that may fatch you ouer to me with liberty of consans, and menes to liue on. I hop your gracious prence will not let the burthen ly to heuie on you, if you let him know it. Ser I most kindly thanke you for your discret loue to me in not commanding rasly and sudenly out of England. My determinate will is to be obedient to you, and to kep me constant to my serios resolucion wich I thot I had satisfed you in my tow former leters. Thes are the chif things I ame at in my stay from you; the hopes of God

provedens in geuing you your one, the plasing of som of our sons at Wasmester, and setteling the feft part of them and the payment of dets, the trayal of the contry how it may a gree with my weake and sikly body, the vncertainty of the countre by reason of wars, the remotenes and far destance, the language vnknowne to me. My earnest desire is that I may haue one of oure with my frend Busby, wich I could not haue all this tim for want of a carten a lowans from you, being all most 4 years and receuing but 22 pounds from you, it hath gon very hard with me, I haueing the feft part of nothing but the pacheng of Eglescif, and paying all ses and (^belet^) out of it. I could not spare twelue pouns a yeere out of it, and durst not venter to send him vpon vnsertintis, lest he should be dis plesed as Monsieur Roussall. His letter and poure Peter's I haue sent you. I wich Peter or Isaac ware with you, won to haue in Frans, and one to haue with you, and one with my frend Busbe, and two with my self. If God send me the 50 pounds sauef you haue sent me, I shall not feale at spring of the yeare to bring or send one of my sonns to my frend Busbe. You haue not named ho you haue sent this 50 pounds, by that my vnkle Pigott mit know how to looke for it. I ham glad you will thanke my vncle Pigott for his care, and I pray

you present him with som token to ableiage him, and to show oure thankfull nes. I haue your delight safe with me, and now my greatist want j haue in my hous is you for a guest, wich God in his due tim to send me. Oure son John axed me the reson why his father know how to send a letter, and can not com him self. I ham in the sam mind you are, that if it ples God we met we shall liue more comfortably then euer. Mr. Thrrosse has your papers and will keep them tel he giue them into my one hand. If you ples to haue Petter with you then could I bring vp Isaac for to send to freans, and chorls for my frend busby, and then see to get my fift part mad shour to my cheldren, and reseue your papers, and looke to the tronke you haue with Mr. Busby. Haue not giue in any anser to Monser Rosel or my sone. If this burthen be not to heuie on you you haue a greater blesing than any of your brethern, for Dr. Clark and Dr. Nealer liue of some (^temberall^) mens thy haue, but do not prech. Mr. Threscros has prech and praid acording to youre chorch, and his name is geuen in and thre core: more that folowed his way. My [\...\] in Shropshire, my brothe Crene, and sest and brother Bamfeld, are all wall, but haue all

wasted and ron throu thyr astats, My brothe Renolt Corbett leues the best. My neuie Andrue Corbett is marryed and leues very wall, and ret to me if i woull com to him I should be as walcom as his one wif. My cosin Ramsden is ded, and has left his wif and ten children more in det than all he had was worth. My hunkel a lous them som thing ot of the (^percnech^) to leue on. Mr. Garnet, Dr. Clake, the nobel Dauisons, Mr. Man, Mr. Pennynton, thy are all very wall, and much goyfull to heare of you: my deare husbeand I pray to God to send you wisdom and abelitis health of body, long life to dischard your couling to the oner and glory of God, the releuef of me and your cheldren: so prays constantly your faithfull wife F. B. All oure cheldren are wall, and present there dutty to you, and desirs your blesing. Mal is very sersabel to me. She is now gon to see my Lady Blaxton.

[^FRANCES BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] (^For Dr. Basire, at his house, Alba Julia, in Transyluania.^) Jesue! Eglesclift, 24th of January, 1656. My Dearest, I haue receued your three letters sens your safe arriuall to the prince of Transsluania

is court, and the fiue and fifty pounds sterling. I and our children do dayly pray for your prince and his princess Sophia, and the young prince Francis. I will, throue God helpe, as soune as you sent to my unkle Pigot the hundred pounds, and that I can order my afars heare to make my self and oure thre children redy, wich I in tend to take with me. Mary most be one that I most bring with me; she is so seruisable to mee, that I can [\...\] in no cas, want her; and I not knowing of any maid or companan, or man, as yet fet to com with me, Peter and Charls, I in tend, God wiling, to bring with me, and John to leue at Eglsclif with oure frends, and Isaac with Mr. Busby. I know I shall haue all thos olld detters about me when thy know I ham to go, but I most, with the best aduis and wisdom I can, get to quiet them, and to peart with som at, to them that stands in the most ned. I shall haue [\...\] care with the aduis of my best frends abut your delit to bring saf with me, and shuch of my best housold stof as is fet. About June or July I shall, God willing, obbay you and your prince's desirse, in leueing my one natif contry, kindred, and frends, in coming to you. You most neds thinke it will be som grif to me at the present, but I trust in God and you wich will be abel to soplay the want of all. Ser

Willam Blaxton, his good lady, and Mr. Gernet, the Dauessons are all wall, and very glad to heare of your wallfare, but sead to peart with us from hens. I shal not forget the sednes of my Lady Blaxton contennens when I tould her you had sent for me. God Allmitty reward heare and Ser Willam for all thyr love to vs. Mary is now with her. I shal beg consil of God, and take advis of my best frends conserning all my afears heare. Tow of oure sons most be left heare in Ingland, or thy can haue no feft part. Mounsir Rousill hath ret to me agin, and I haue ret, I haue sent his letters to you, and haue not yet had your anser; but I haue ret to hem to intret his care of Peter, and that I intend at spring when I com to Lonan to send for him and to let him know what condeson you are in, and that it is yure desire to haue him com with me; and thoue for the present you ware not abel to settifis his bels be cos of oure present expenes, yet as sown as we can we would with all thankefullnes. I haue ret to Pette. And now, my dearest, I ntret your prayers for me and oure lettel ones. I intent, God willing, to be const in my ressolucion to com to you, without I shall haue just occasons to see you heare, or som gret danger in my peseg as I know not of. Our cheldren

and frends are all wall, and desire yor blesing. I shall euer remine Yours faithfull in the Lord, F. B.

[^FRANCES BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] Jesu! My Dearest, I prays God for your halth and save coming to your gornys end. I like your ressolusion of takeing concill of God and your good frends, wich of thes nomber I pray you make Ser Pilip Worwicke one of the chif. I pray you presend my best serves to him, and thanke him for me. I have sent you his loveing letter, and I ded open it to see what it did consern. I am very glad Mr. Busbe is liveing, and I hope at the spring of the yeare you will have your cheldren to lern with him. I am very sorry my Cosin Pigot cannot col to mind your booke. I gave it to him by your order with my one hand, and I ded see him le it in his lettel closet wich was in his parler at London, and prid him to have a gret care of it, and then he caried me to a hie loueft, and shoud me a gret box or chest of bookes of yours, that he had reseved of Mr. Andreus. I wish you may rit to Dr. Hud about your trunke you left with him, for it never cam to Mester Busbey. If you may have your choys, next to the glory of God, chus that wich my bring you the most

present profet, and do your frends the most good. Remember Dr. Smolwod, and this bearer, Mr. Ouelefer, hath ben very redy to serve your Cure, and if you can do him any sevel kinnes in his besnes, I pray youe do it for him. Deke Carter is coming to his mother agin; I wish you would axe her what is oing to her, and pay her it. My Cosen Sknner and Pegort will stay. John Howly and Mrs. Carter and my good Cosen Skener will help you to by what you of nesesity must have for housold stof, and send it done in Wiginers ship. All your frands heare are wall. I pray you remember me to my Deare Brother Thriscos, and all the rest of my frands. So with my dayly prayers to God for you, I desire to remene your faithfull loveing and obedent wif F. B. 10 November, 1661.

[^PETER BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] Rouen, this 12th of 10=bri=, 1662. Reverend Sir, and most loving Father, This reiteracon, since your last to me (by Esq=e= Balmley's favour,) being my 3d, I might a little wonder, but reflecting upon Tibullo's saying, (\Pluribus intentus minor est ad singula sensus.\) I desist: your faithfull friend, Mr. R. (who, since his arrivall, told me he had writt to you from Orleans,) did weekes agoe expect a line from you; [\...\] he, uncertain to write, presents his services to you; wee have not as yett (by reason of his urgent affaires) dispatched with your adverse party, but as soone as wee shall have put a period to part of his obstinate and allmost implacable litigacons, I shall, (God willing) give you an ample account. It would not prove amisse, if (without an inconveniency) which I fear you cannot, (\vous pouvies preparer

le Racquittes de cette Rente (Sixiesme) que Tocque a acquis au nom de sa Femme\) . Do=r=. Brevint did honour me with a Lre. from Paris about 3 weekes agoe, in answer to which I thanked him for the favour he did proffer me, as yet unnecessary; the Messrs. de Langle, Jeansse, and Le Moyne, tender their humble service to you. If you would honour the last with a line, he would take it for a great favour, you being a person after whose intelligence and conference he dayly aspires. His repute is not ordinary, but beares the characther of a profound student. I find, and that by experience, that liberty of conscience is a more precious pearle than those which jewellers adventure, by sea, land, and fyre, to attaine; wee have here on the one side Babylon, which under the pretexte of religion and visor of piety runs into a labyrinth of superstition, yet filling the aire with boasting of their workes, when most men know, and you of all other, that her wayes are but like the tyger's skin, as if the Thisle could bragge of her Figgs, or the Thorne vaunt itself against the Vyne of Canaan, saying her berries are better grapes than hers. On the other side, we have the Presbyterian Protestants, who to avoid Charybdis (Superstition, nay innocent ceremonies unfittly termed Charybdis) run headlong upon Scylla,

(Irreverency, most sinfull and undecent); betwixt both, it is very difficult to practice (I meane to (\Faex Populi\) ,) what learned Mercer judiciously observes, that the same words in Hebrew, which signifyes an eare, in the duall signifyes a pair of balances, [^GREEK OMITTED^] (\et\) [^GREEK OMITTED^] , (\ut os cibum, sic mens verba\) , saith Chrysostome. The one speaking in an unknown tongue, the other with such rethoricall flowrishes, that, (\potius sua munera, quam audientium Vulnera demonstrat\) . I find your words most true, no church like England. The late stormes have proved the losse of many French, both vessels and men; because only upon her coasts. It is generally reported here, that the King of France prepares an irreconcileable warre with his lord the Pope. I wish it may throw his triple crowne to the grounde. I intreate you to desire Mr. Actham by your next to send me your Lres. directly to Mr. R. by the post, and not by Mr. Cognard's correspondent, because I p'ceive a p'judice upon me. Humbly beseeching God to direct, further, and perfect all your affaires, both eccli'cal and temporall of the next succeeding yeare, as also devoutly craving the continuance of your prayers and blessing, I remaine, Reverend Sir, and most loving Father, Your very obedient Son, P. B.

I humbly intreate you to p'sent my duty to my Mother, desireing her blessing, likewise my love to my Brothers and Sister. P'don, I beseach you, my presumption.

[^ISAAC BASIRE JUNIOR TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] I. H. S. (^Isaac Basire to Dr. Basire.^) Reverend Sir, At Cambridge I was on the 4th of this instant, when I received both your's dated the last week: within two houres of the receipt I set forward for London: I have left the chief of my business at Cambridge undone, as my own exeat, my Bro. Ch. settlement, and a chamber for him, my Br. P. admission, &c., all w'ch will cost mee a journy back for 2 or 3 daies. Yours to Dr. Busby, then very busy, I delivered in my riding habit, that to Mr. Sayer (who entertaines mee with a great deall of civility and thankfulness) on the 6th of May; to my Ld. of Winchester and Mr. Eyles, I p'esented theirs the same day; my Lo. Grace of Canterbury was then in the room: as soon as my Ld. had read your letter, his Lp. told mee he would not write then, (I heard they were going to sit in councill, and the French Ambassador had publick audience that day) but appointed mee to come and receive the answer to-morrow morning, betwixt 7 and 8. Mr. Durell is at Windsor, and will not be in town till next week. Mr. Sayer can p'cure

mee a bill of exchange payable in France, so that I shall need but as many livres as I shall need in France till my bill be paid. Yesterday I was with Dr. Busby; in these words he gives my brothers a character, (^they are industrious and good children^) , that my Br. Ch. has learning, and is much improved since his coming up, and that very many not so good scholars as he are gone from his school to the university. The Dr. will not p'mise that he is so exquisite and every way qualified as you desire. His advice is, ( (^you know very well his way and humour^) ,) that you should call him down to you to try yourself and to give him your instructions (w'ch may be done, as to mee it was, by letter) for his behaviour and studys in the University. The Dr. gave mee his benediction when I took my leave, and desired mee to sup with him and our D. of Durham this night, (whom I have waited on yesterday morning). If Dr. Busby say no more concerning my Bro. I will follow your former instructions and take him to Cambridge and admit him; from thence if you please (which I hope you need not) you may send for him to you. By the next you will receive my Lo. Bp.'s answer and an account of what I could not dispatch by this. I humbly beg your good prayers

for prosperity in all our undertakings and for a blessing upon, Sir, Your dutifull son, Isaac Basire. Westminster, May 7, 1665. P.S. You may please to direct your's at my brother's lodgings here.

[^PETER BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] I. H. S. Very Rev. Sir and loving Father, The newes of your arrivall (I hope safe, I am sure prayed for,) I receive with joy and thankefulness, seeing I am deprived of, (upon what account truly I know not, however submitting to my mother's com'and) wayting upon you in p'son. This proxy, 1. tenders my H. duty to you; 2. craves your blessing, and, 3. gives you the inclosed account of my time, spent according to your charge. I do not alledge those deductions directly to apologize for my idlenes, but that you may see the naked truth and sincere account; and if you shall judge that I have not well spent my time, I humbly begge pardon, and promise endeavour of amendment; but if otherwise, then it will

prove matter of encouragement and comfort to have answered your expectation. Thomas White is to give you an account of other concerns. I am here ready, 1. to obey your commands; 2. to endeavour to become serviceable (to my power) unto you; 3. to approve myselfe ( (\factis et verbis\) ) every day more and more. Very Reverend Sir and loving Father, your sincerely obedient son, and humble servant, Peter Basire. July 13, 1665, Stanhop.

[^ISAAC BASIRE JUNIOR TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] (^For the very Rev. Dr. Basire, at his house in Durham.^) Jesu! Rev. Sir, Y=rs= of the 3d I haue received. Mr. Churchill is at his countrey-house in Somersetsh'. It will not be amisse to imploy Mr. Jones, of our house in his stead. I will first try him, I thinke he will be faithfull. In my last I gave you notice that my Ld. of Carlisle had writ to the Deane, he writ also to you at the same time, and enclosed in yours a coppie of his to the Deane; the B'p would haue a letter writ as from the D. and Chapter, touching the Abridgmt' of the Privileges of the see, the publick ills, the private losses which might ensue upon the grant of the bills, as also

to appoint some p'son (a lawyer) from them to speake these things to the comittee; my L'd B'p of Carlisle brought mee to the B'p of Exeter, who, upon my begging it, laid his hands on mee, and blessed me. He was pleased to inlarge upon your worth, and say that the Church of England was much beholding to you. I acquainted him with the whole business, he would haue mee bee at the comittee myselfe with him that speaks in the name of the D. and Ch. that I may answer to what these may object, but then you will be open to the B'p of D.'s language, and what else he can doe. The B'p of Exeter saies, that will be nothing; however, you will be so wise as to keep out (I mean as single,) as much as you can. Mr. Rushworth has been very busie, and not to be met with. To-morrow morning wee are to meet at his house in Danby Lane, in the Strand. I was at Mr. Swaddell's lodging and missed. I hope to settle your correspond' with him, however, I shall part with the other at the day. I haue writ to Mr. Roussell and Mr. Jeanse, and Mr. Brathwait, who cannot be with you possibly at the day you menc'oned to mee: my brothers are well yet at Colne. The Deane of Paul's has given 40s. for Tuvill's use, God reward him! I shall move Mr. Fframpton to speak to the Master of the

Rolls, who is to allow, as from the publick, something to converts in this kind. The Hungarian I shall visit and doe your comands to him and the rest, as soon as [\...\] busines in Parliam't be over [\...\] if he stay to see an end of this bill, will not be in the countrey time enough at the examination, which is something considerable. Mr. Brewer's men came to mee for money. Something I doubted of, and so would not pay all till I speak with the master. The terme draws neare, wee must p'vide, and see to get something done to the purpose. God speed! Money will goe quicker away than before. I see I cannot stirr hence till next terme be over, it may be a good while after. S'r Ph. R. has been, and is yet ill, I intend to wait on him. I pray, Sir, give mee your blessing, whilst I am, R'd S'r, Your obedient Son, Isaac Basire. Gray's Inne, Jan. 8, 1666. My duty to my mother, &c.

[^PETER BASIRE TO ISAAC BASIRE SENIOR^] (^To the verie Reverend Dr. Basire, at his Prebendary House in the Colledge of Duresme, Durham.^) Reverend Sir, Mr. Peck intends the next weeke to meete Mr. Grove, and get the key of his study, to get his booke which is in the Colledge,

and then may you have the whole of our accounts. That you have them no sooner is not our fault, but our tutor's, who promised to send his booke three moneths ago, but wee have not seene him since. He is in Kent, with the Lord Maidstone, his pupill. Notwithstanding this neglect of his, he is thought to be a man every way worthy, and is beloved of the M'r. He hath touched all the monies you have sent, but when you are pleased to send againe, it were not amisse rather to let my bro' Isaac touch it. The p'ticulars of our last quarter's dyet (to wit, from the 22th of June to Michaelmas Day,) my bro' Charles doth send you, I shall therefore here only instance generally what it hath cost me this quarter. [^BILL OMITTED^] Wee might table out for +L4 a qre., but Mr. Peck thought to have lessened expenses by keeping house: what to do, he resolves not till

he see Mr. Grove. May it please you to send me my trunke, for I want some winter cloathes in it. You may direct it to be left at Mr. Finche his house in Lynn (a noted man,) to whome I have spoken about it. It may come from Newcastle to Lynn, and thence by water 30 miles, till it come within a mile of our Colne towne. The want of a bed and 2 paire of sheetes, puts me to the charge of 11sh. a qre. Besides this quarterly expenses, all the members of colledges are put to charges in detriments, though absent. The Lord remove from us the occasion of our abode here! expecting which, I remaine, Reverend Sir, Your dutifull Son, Peter Basire. Colne, 8=ber=, 13, -66. Be pleased to present my h. service to the Reverend Mr. Wrench. May you not be offended that I name Tobacchow here, for lesse I take than I did by halfe, each day, stinting myselfe, but I pay a dearer rate for it. I beseech you, vouchafe (if safe) to send me my trunke, for I want a trunke, and would buy none. [^TIXALL LETTERS; OR THE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE ASTON FAMILY, AND THEIR FRIENDS, DURING THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. VOL. II. ED. BY CLIFFORD, ARTHUR. LONDON: LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN AND EDINBURGH: ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE AND CO, AND JOHN BALLANTYNE AND CO. 1815.^]

[} [\LETTER XL.\] }] [^WINEFRID THIMELBY TO MRS HERBERT ASTON^] Dearst dearst Sister, Were it possible to be angry with you, these lins wod chide yr kind folly, in desiring my picture: for besides the idle expence, twas my advantage to be drawn by that neate pencil of yr love, wch I am sure enough would flater me in every kind. But I must confes, since you pretend to likenes, you may with more justice aske, then I deny another painter; therefore I must yealde, and the truth is, I can deny you nothing. As for the present, we are frighted with some feares of new trobles with you. If the tempest blow over, you may expect to see me this sommer. But when, O

when, shall I see you. It is my dayly comfort to remember how fast we approach each other, and that every moment dispatches some part of the way: this makes me content with present absence, nay even love it. Forgive the sound of that last word, and consider the sence of it. For I pretend not to a good expression, but clame yr beleefe I meane as well, as truest love can teach; and really, sister, you cannot imagin how much the memory of you gives increase of very solid ioy. For when I looke upon the condition I might have expected, or hoped for in the world, methinks, I am so sorry twas noe better, noe greater, that I might have left, and contemed something worthy my pretentions. But when I cast my eyes upon the tresures of my loved friends, and in perticuler yr sweetest selfe, I grow hugely comforted, because Ile not allow the world could give me better. I mean kinder, dearer. Therefore, you must give me leave to love our seperation, because it helps to secure an eternall, mutuall, inioying.

You must be sure to present my humblest, and most afectionate service to my Lady Wessen. Tis really my cross I never deserve her sisters kindnes; they also have a brother here, who is as kind as good. If you knew him, you would know this. A very great expression. (^The best is, they are such noble friends, tis no paine to be obliged^) . Say all you can of kindnes to my brother Aston. My hart will be sure to make it good. Is he as willing to give me a child as you? If so, I shall have very great hopes. Be sure if I dye before you can compasse it, cheange not yr resolution: the child will loose noe happines by want of me. I forgot to tell you, I shewed yr letter to my lady Mary, who sweetly blusht at that conserned herselfe. Pleased with yr prety kind complaint; yet bids me tell you, the fault was all yr own you were noe more acquainted; for she did covet it, but could not fasten on you, you were so

extremely silent; wch, I must confesse, she is not in yr prayses. But, by her discourses, adds to that sea, wch flowes, but never yet knew ebbe. I would be understood the love of yr most affectionate sister, W. T. I have not a iot of my sisters haire: mine is too short to do any thing with; but take it as it is. The gray haires you will account my sisters, for she made them so.

[} [\LETTER XLI.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO MRS HERBERT ASTON^] Dearest dearest Sister, Why after so long a patience, will you mix my ioy with such distast, to find you shuld the least suspect a change of hart in me, because you heare not from me. I may as well complayne, sence tis a whole yeare sencce I receaved line from you, and then I presently answered it, to stopp your kynd folly, (give me leave to call it so), which desyred to have my picture drawen. Take notis, I was the last that writ: for it was then, you mentioned so many perticulers of your new house, all which I answered; but it is not the first of mine wch hath miscaried: for really, I have never mised any oportunitie wch gave any hopes of aryving you. So carfull selfe love made me, to soe my seede, in hope to reape the pleasing fruit of yr answers. But, when they fayled, I never did

admitt a thought your love did so. Sweet sister, doe the same by mee, who willingly confesse, you goe before me, in all except a constant love: but ther, Ile give no place. Know therfor, though you shuld never hear from me, (which yet shall never be when I can helpe it), I am as dayly mindfull of you, my brother Aston, and yours, as of my selfe. Really, I tell you this, with as much truth can be. It is not possible for me, to forgett you one day, so much I am, and can not chuse but bee Your most affectionat sister, Winefrid. I injoy my health, methinkes, but too well; sence itt delayes my meeting with my sister Franck. However, know, I am won of the hapiest persons living; though still methingkes, I shuld be hapior diing. Sweet sister, when you rite to me, allwayes give notis of how my lady Aston dus. Her sister, my Lady Mary Weston, desyres itt of you; and really she dus so hugely oblige me with continuall kyndnis, I

shall be mitty glad to serve her, in any kynd. Her chambers are almost finished, and we hugely taken with her sweet conversation. Why did you not rite me some perticulers of your sweet children. How dus my pore Keat with the ricketts? Remember I must have won. Oh tell me what hopes. I never had line from brother Ned, sence he leaft you, but heard he intended to winter hear; if brother Thim- give leave; to whom I rite to beg that comfort; but hear no answer. I think Dick is dead, at least to me. But I cannot say, (\requiescat in pace\) . Lets always rite when we can, and have patience when we cannot, so shall we be more hapy when we meet whonce agen. Know certeynely my hart can never change to you. You have many frinds, who will not lett me seal my letter, without incloasing ther kyndest love.

[} [\LETTER XLII.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Hond. dear Brother, Though you have pleased so soone to drye my teares, yet you have filld my hart with other greafe, to finde myselfe so deepely in your debte, both in regarde of my deare sister, and my selfe, without hope of ever paying you, tell harts shall be revealed. But then, I am certaine, all which you layd out upon me, will appeare dischardged upon loves score; for ther I dewly paye. I know not what to say concerning my picture. Twas as far from my thoughts, as from reason, to imagin you shuld desyre it now: but since you are so strangely kynd, methincke I shuld be as strangely coye, if I shuld not afford my sisters picture that advantage it will gaine by myne; therfore I shall not fayle to send it. I suffer much with you, concerning

your great charge. I have as many hopes, as you have cares: tis onely your burthen, under which I growne, as fearing you may fainte. For them I rest secure, so longe as God preserves them such a father; for which I dayly pray. Therfore I silence all my owne repining thoughts, and tune them to comfort, by hope you will beleeve this great, though hiden truth, that I inheritt all my sisters dearly dere respects to you, and love of your sweet little ones. Your most affectionat, though unworthy sister, Win. Thim. I fear to suffer in yr thoughts, as one to much incroaching upon goodnes, whylist I beg you will please, at yr best leysure, to send that loved relation of my sisters death, my brother Harry so much ioys to have. Forgive me, tis a bold request.

[} [\LETTER XLIII.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Hond. dear Brother, I have the dear content of receaving your most obliging lines. All the thanckes I can give, I entreat you will take, as interest for what I owe. The whole summe I confesse myself not able to pay; but though I looke upon your kyndnis as now aryved to a (\non plus ultra\) , and am delighted in giving it the wellcome, yet I find one distast, and must complayne, why you dispence onely comforts, and conceile your cars. I must share of all. Your good nature, I am sure, can not be ignorant of the great satisfaction is found in suffering wth our frinds: Na, it puts downe all joyes (I meane temporall) wherin they are not concerned; and why then, not a word of thos poore sweet children, that have the rickets, or any other suffering of yours? Indeed you must not deale so with me. See, how redily I lay clame to the

privilege your kindnis gave me, of confidently asking any thing of you. This is my request, and in this is included all my desyres; except your beleefe, I shall ever, ever retayne my sisters hart to you and yours. I have obeyed you, my picture is drawen by the best payneter; one, that hath the esteem of drawing much to the life. But still my hardest taske is to performe, why lest I must tell you; it cost 40 shillings. O the shame! Did not your commands give countnance, and content; sence, tis as much the picture of your kyndnis, as of me; and thus methinckes tis cheape. I have rite to my brother Harry, to inquire for it, of Mr Foster, who lives at the Venetian imbassidors; for thither I shall direct it, with a few pittyfull toakens for your children. But, if you looke upon them, with that kindnis, they are sent, they will expresse what words cannot, without wronging Your most affectionat, though unworthy sister, Winefrid Thim.

My Lady Mary Weston presents her humble servis. Next time you rite, thanck her for me. For my obligations are very many, and great.

[} [\LETTER XLIV.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Sep. 12. Hond. deare Brother, How strangely kynd are you, in coveting my empty lynes, sence all my store of selfe love could never flatter me into the deceat of the least satisfaction in them, further then as I consider them seede of yours; but now, you please to give incouragement another way; for your desyre gives worth: which great truth cannot be denyed; but give me leave to ad another. I ever found shame and pitty greatest paynes; and truely you put me to both. Whats my shame every line can tell you: consequently my pitty; though more obscurely rit, for selfe love is never willingly unmasked. All

this whyle I say nothing; my bisinis is begging, with all importunity, I request, as you love my peace, and patience, beleeve I have enoufe to pay all thos great and many debts I owe your kyndnis; but so fast sealed up, that death can onely open. If I meet you not just then, what matter? You know who will be ready to receive all that is dew to you; and with her helpe, I may be able to convaye somethinge towards my discharge, tell we can meete. Is it not strange, I shuld have nothing to say for Keat: my sylence speaks your love; for wear I not assured she inioyes the best father, I shuld conceive itt my duty to wooe for the best chyld; but your car cuts of all myne: yet I wod faine know more perticulers concerning her health, and if she grow. I am strangely ioyed in the hopes you give us, that her meanes will be recovered. Sweet Jesus grant itt so. How willingly shall I singe a (\nunc dimittis\) , when I see Keat as happy as my self, I mean as contented, for true hapinis consists in goodnis; and wheresover she

bee, I hope she will exceede me in that; for I can boast of nothing but your favour, and the profesion, that I am, as much as Keat can wish, Your most affectionat sister, Win.

[} [\LETTER XLV.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Hond. deare Brother, Saving my quarill, a thousand thanckes for yr sweet condescendance, in letting me know part of yr, now my afflictions: though, for the first, I am more angry than sad: it seemes a kynd of ridle, you had need expound it to me, how you can wish to dye, pretending love to her, who, by yr death, would dye yet ten times more: for, have you any chyld can live, much lesse, live well, without you? Besydes, you know, tis saufest living, when we least inioye; and, sence the sadnis of your condition helpes to secure you are in the right way, for pitty, be content to goe att such a rate, as all your little flocke may see yr steps, and follow you; and heer it is, I see my selfe with much compassion. For, though wholy unprofitable to any frind of mine, and, I feare, even to my selfe; yet cannot find the way to dye. Doe but looke

upon your owne advantage in this poynt, and I am confident, you will equally derive patience for your selfe, and pitty for me, Your most affectionate sister, Winefrid. My picture lyes yet at Brudges, in a frinds hand, who watcheth opportunity to send it with saufty; could it speake my thoughts to you, I shuld not blush to have you take such car for itt. O no, I shuld be hapy, did you know what kynd thoughts I have to you and yours, which never can take change. My Lady Mary desyres you receave her humble servise. She tooke your letter very kyndly; and bids me tell you, she beares a part both of yr crosse and hapines. But your strange inventive kyndnis will doe yr selfe some servise; for I shall no more importune yr thanckes in my behalfe: it cost me too much shame. My dearest love to all yr children. I fear I am a little partiall to Jacke.

[} [\LETTER XLVI.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Agust 22. Hond. Deare Brother, I must begin wher you end the first part of yr letter, for all, tell then, is far above what I can answer, and infinitly beyond my desert. But o the force of truth! I am strangely in love with it, which tooke from yr eyes that multipliing glace, through which you are ust to looke upon the seeming good in me. Jesus, what doth my brother Aston say, what meanes he? Upon another score, thinck what my dear sister, I hope now in heaven, wod have me pay you; who never rit without this coniuration. (^Be sure you infinitly love and honore Mr Aston, who makes me the hapiest creature in the world.^) Thinck if it wer possible to deny a sister, and such a sister, such a request, which even justice wod have rong from the flintiest hart. Well then, all that she desyred is, and will ever be

ready for you; please to receave it, and, when you are payed, it is still intyre. For I never found love of that nature, to diminish by dealing out, but rather lyke fire, take increase the farther itt spreads. But alas! myne is onely the passive part; I can act nothing in order to your comfort, or my owne. Suffer I doe beyound expression, in the small hopes of ever seeing Keat so hapy as my selfe. I dar never mention itt to her, for, on that proiect, I could better spend teares then inck. This sad thought puts me quit out of saying more then that I constantly am Your most affectionat sister, Win. Thim. Nothing must make me forgett my most humble, dear respects, to sweet Mrs Ger. Aston. I am proud she is pleased to remember so poor a servant.

[} [\LETTER XLVII.\] }] [^LETTER NUMBERED XXXIV IN THE EDITION^] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Honored Deare Brother, 'Twas great discretion to publish such ioyes as yr last promised, long before ther tyme; both to temper the discomfort of our present seperation, and, by a quiet, hopefull expectation, moderate that excess, which so unexpected a happinis would have caused in mee, in case I had bine surprised ther with. But you must answer for a greater fault, (because of longer continuance, I cannot say more voluntary) my great impatience; how shall I reckone the houres, how shall I fall out with tyme for ever; now as too slowe, then, I am sure, too quicke; after that, scarce to bee indured, except sweet Keate prevaile to reconcile us, for a whyle. However, tis my comfort, time distroyes itt selfe; whylest itt tiraniseth over us, we are sure to ont live itt, and dying live, Your most affectionat sister, Winefride Thim.

[} [\LETTER XLVIII.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Honored Deare Brother, You are, I see, resolved, I must never answer you in your owne language, tis pride enouf to understand itt; and equall comfort to find my stamering understood so well by you. This is my incouragement to speake of such a sister, such a chyld; though no worce pen then your owne can doe them justice. But sence your kyndnis is my kynd interpretor, I shall not fear to give you som acoumpt of them. First, for our dearest sister, though her eyes' deluge not yet wholy ceaced, yet who can repine att so hapy a flood, which has raysed her to the contemplation of heaven, wher such pearlls as her teares contribute with other jewells to the ritches of that ocean of delight.

Keat also goes along with much smoothnes, not knowing any thing but hapines. Yet can complaine, she must expect so longe before she be a nun. In won word, they both bereave me of the loved payne of kynd solicitudes; they leave me nothing to wish; I have but won desyre between them, yet wholl to both, which is, continuance of that peace the world cannot give. Oh may ther soles glide in this sweet streame, till they arrive at that torrent of delights wch heaven prepares for them and you, wher you may perhaps meete Your most affectionat sister, though now unworthy Wine. I wod faine be knowne to every chyld of yours, though ther poorest ante, yet the most truly affectionat.

[} [\LETTER XLIX.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Hond. Deare Brother, I have not, without much resentment, long deprived myselfe of the delight of hearing from you; for I am so aquanted with your constant kyndnis, that I conclude, had I written, I had ere this been hapy by yr answers. But, the truth is, I have partly beene hindered by my owne infirmity, but cheefly by poore Keates; whos ill health so hindered her learning, she could not sooner obay your comaund in wrighting. She is now to take the spawe waters, so that I hope my next will tell you better newes of her. Truely, I must acknowledge God allmightes wisedome shynes equally with his goodnis in her, that so sweetly tempers my ioyes; wch otherwyse would passe the bounds of moderation. For had she health, I shuld fynd too much comfort in this world's banishment; our dear sister Thimelby goeing forward so beyound expectation,

every way. Upon Michallmas day she makes her profession; perticulars of wch Keat is resolved to tell you in her next. She forgott to aske whither you have receaved her toakens, and feares they have mischaried, as did the manuall you sent her. I find my paper filled, before I have sayd any thing of that wch most fills my hart; my constant duely dear respects, and all a hart can owe, which, though not all expressed, yet momently payed by Your most affectionat, other wyse most unworthy sister Win. My dear love to all yours. You must favour me delivering itt perticulerly to every one. Lady Mary is extremly kynd to us all three.

[} [\LETTER L.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] (^For her Hond. Dear Brother, Mr Herbert Aston, this present,^) att Bellamore. Hond. Deare Brother, You doe so confound me with yr high and sweet expressions, that, though I have more to say than ever, I never knew lesse how to speake then now; yet, will not helpe my selfe with that ould mistaken principall, as you call itt, and urge that love is blind; and such the prospective by wch you looke on me. No, I find rather, that yr kyndnis resembles a multiplying glace, wherin you see small meritts great, and by that, judge of mee farr from the truth.

Really, I wod faine put a scruple in yr mynd of flattering me. Forgive that word, and understand, I am as confident it is not so in you, as I am unhapy in finding my demeritt tornes itt so to me. But enouf of this sad subject; I must have place to comunicate my ioys. Our dear sister hath now changed murning into whight attire. Oh had you seen the solemnity, I am confident yr hart wod not have contained all the ioy, but shed som att yr eyes. Keat was the bearer of her crowne; was itt not fitt she shuld, who meanes to duble itt, in the last, and lasting nuptiall feast? No less then heaven can dim the splendor of this glorius day. All thinges wear so compleatly acted, both by bride, and

bridmayde, that my brother Ned and I wear not a lettle goodly. Poore Keat longes to tell you the whole stoary, but alas, she cannot rite in hast, having discontinued her practis allmost 3 munths, upon too iust excuse. My sister has promised to tell you all perticulers of her infirmity, wch, thanckes be to God, she hath now well recovered, though itt cost me first many a hart ake; but had you seene her cariage in receiving yr little letter, she knew neither how to expresse her ioys, or manyfest her love, to her owne satisfaction: though we can all wittnis, she discharged herselfe very well of both. For pitty, rite againe, for this letter is allmost quit worne out with her continuall kissing it. She impatiently expects yr long letter, promised wth her bro. Jack's, and sister Cons., and feares her not riting now will deprive her of them; but I have undertaken to beg it may not, which I earnestly doe, by all the kyndnis wherby you honore and oblige Yr most affectionate sister, Win. My dear dear love to Jacke, and all the rest as in perticuler.

[} [\LETTER LII.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Hond. Deare Brother, Though you have forgiven much in all my letters, yet this will take a greater proofe of your indullgence to mee, wher I must confess a high iniustice in so much repyning to lend you backe your owne, though even my owne dim judgment discovers itt best, both in regard of her present and future happynes, besydes the warrent of greater and better lights who plainely see itt the onely meanes to recover her. But of this and all perticulers my sister will best informe you. Her's the active, mine the passive part. I am strangely confounded to fynd so much selfe love, wher I lest suspected it, none living could have perswaded me I could have suffered any thinge in order to Keat's good, but now I blushingly confesse tis time she retorne to Bellamore, till I lerne how

to love. And though I cannot passe the seaes with her, I am sure tha-l passe my eyes. O may she fynd a sweeter calme in thos, then I in thes, but when I hear she is aryved, (wch I coniure you by all you ever loved, to lett me quickly know) I shall inioy much peacc in the assurance, nothing shall be wanting wch the best father can alow his best chyld. I please myself also in the thought what comfort she will receive in that sweet little company of brothers and sisters, all wch I hope will contribute much to her speedy recovery, that I may have my deare Keate agen. Meantime I will soe in teares that I may reape in joy. Your most affectionat sister, Win. Forgive also my late thancks for yr last dearly obliging letter. Sweet brother, lett not Keat know my sadnis. I have strangely dissembled itt, not to afflict her tender loving hart, kynd to me as much beyound expression as desert. I shall no more troble you with remembering me to all yours. This little mesinger of love

will, I hope, make me knowne both to you and them.

[} [\LETTER LIII.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Jan. 3. Hond. Deare Brother, What a strange mixture is this world of ioy and greife, or rather what a weaknis, I, so quickly moved by either. My last to you had more need of teares then incke. In this I know not how enouf to speake my joys, that sweet Keat is well with you. See a copius subiect for your prayers, and pitty; O lett them gaine for me an equall love to God, in all his wills; my want of this is iustly punished by Keat's absence, but I am confident God will retorne that mercy to mee, and I hope quickly too, for I believe the company of her brothers and sisters will help much to her perfect recovery; for a little mallincolly was all the fault she had, and certainely did her much hurt; and heer she wanted divertisment, not haveing any of her owne age or condition. I am ashamed she learnt so little, but her ill health was so continuall, a hard

hart could not have sett her seriusly to any thing. I onely beg you will quickly rite, and I will ceace to troble your eyes with longer scribling. Yr hart, I know, kynd enouf to bear all my defects, and kynder yet, if you beleeve my affection equalls the reasons I fynd for itt. This supposed, I must needs stile my self Your proud sister, Winefrid Thimelby.

[} [\LETTER LIV.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Jan. 28. Hond. Deare Brother, I had receaved most complet satisfaction in my sister's letter, had I not perceaved your suspition that I wanted itt. O God! how longe must I suffer? not being understood by you. Truely, I am neither so blyndly proud in myselfe, not so uniust to you, as to chalinge your letters, by the number of my owne, no, I understand both too well, and set so due a value upon yours, that, though I receave but won line for a letter, I esteeme itt a ritch purchase; and shuld scruple to aske more as worse then usury; to require juels for counterfeits. But its lawful to receave a boundty, therfore when you please to give it, I gladly take, as poor folckes use to doe, unconcerned to give agayne, because

I have itt not. But thanckes and prayers shall ever waite upon you, and the last knocke at heaven's gate tell we are both lett in, wher my hopes perswade you will owne I ever was Your most affectionat, though unworthy, sister, Win. O what hopes of having my dear Keat againe? my want of resignation deserves, I fear, this rod of separation.

[} [\LETTER LV.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] (^Thes for Mr Herbert Aston, humbly present^) , Bellamore. Hond. Deare Brother, I am so revived with a poore little glimpse of hope wch my brother Edward gives me of seeing our dear Keat againe, that sylence growes too dull a thinge. I must proclame my ioys, though 'twill discover much of my weaknis to be so esily transported from won passion to a nother, when the bisinis is onely this: My brother has promised he will goe a purpose to Standel, to visit Keat; and if he can find she hath any frinds that will contribute to the making of her hapy heer, he also will offer his mite. O

that it wear possible he could speake with you. I doe not meane for her, but his owne satisfaction; for I shuld not deserve your pardon, had I a thought to begg of you, as beeing certaine you are too good a father to her, too dear and kynd a brother to us, too much a furtherer of good intentions, to need solicitation in that behalfe, as far as yr ability will permit; further wear most uniust for us to desire, and infinitly from the hart of your most affectionat sister, Win.

[} [\LETTER LVI.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Dearest - I never had more impatience in your silence (which is a great expression) then in present circumstances; for I suffer much in fear least our lov'd pride in Cottington will bee severely humbled. For God-sake lett me know my part that I may act it well. Naturally I am sure I shall, whither it bee ioy or greife. Tell me, therfore, is she ... or has envie onely disguised her. How faine wod I believe this last, and how hartely could I forgive that crime. Na, how doe I wish it had been committed, though I wear to undergoe the pennance dew to itt. Tell me quickly, but largely, all the story. Doe not suppose me a well mortifyed nun dead to the world; for alas tis not so, I am alive, and as nearly concern'd for thos I

love, as if I had never left them, and must shar in all their fortunes whither good or bad. For God-sake, what's become of my dear brother Ned. I rite upon this subject to him, but never had word of aunswer. Now hee's with you, I can easily forgive his neglect of his poor sister, but tell him, at his retourne to Cambray, his sylence will bee unpardonable. I know not what to say to dear Cottington, for I beleeve ther is no corner left for me in her loved memory; but when you meet good Mrs Collier, I charge you say a great deal of kyndnis from me; for she expres'd so much of dear respect and disinterested love for my poor neece, that she left me much her debtor. Hapy Keat smiles at the world, and wonders ther can bee varietie of concerns, she knowing but one which she follows closs, always doeing ing what she shud doe; yet for all her perfection,

the name of her brother John, or Bellamore, brings frech blood into her cheeks, which witnesses she is alive still.

[} [\LETTER LVII.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Sep. 8. Hond. and dearest Brother, Your letters are never in this world to be answerd. I referr you therfore, till we meet in the Vale of Josaphat. Ther you'l recive reward of all your unwearied charities, and unchangeable kyndnis to a poor unworthy sister. Yet this comfort, your pietie may reap from present circumstances; that, notwithstanding my great stock of self love, which naturally inclines to sadnis, in the neglect of frinds (now experienced in our once dear Cottington). I find my self so chearish'd by your lov'd kyndnis, and so filld up by it, thers no roome left for any repyning thought. For it apears most unreasonable, to covett more from any, when I cannot corispond in any visible maner, with half that I receive from you. Therfore, as I intimated

before, I defereving accounts, till we meet in etternitie. I must intreate you'l teache your girls the same patience, for really I can never express myself what I am. But in pitty, beleeve none lives that more loves you and yours, then your poore sister, Win. Keat trusts me with her duty, and with reason, for sure I am, none wod take more car it should not mischary; therfore receive it whol, intire, and sound, for so she gave it me, as lykewyse her love to all her brothers and sisters.

[} [\LETTER LVIII.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] June 24, 77. Ever hond. dear Brother, I received by sister Gray an aunswer to those complaints I whispered in your eare. Your kynd concern for myn in the neglect of frinds was balsom to my wound; and, indeed, I am too covetous, if I esteem not my self ritch inouf by your favours, though all other frinds forgott me quite; but to doe them iustis, I lately fynd it is not so. My neece Cottington has made me full amends, by a long, and dearly kynd letter. My nephew Aston 2 or 3, but of him I never was guilty of a ielous thought. All of Bellamore may doe what they will, for tis impossible to mistrust kyndnis ther. Dear Brother, give my thancks the advantage of yr presenting them to worthy Mr Fitter, for his promiss concerning my dear Mrs Fowler, who will have but too much need of his assistance. I esteem her tryall by kyndnis

more dangerous to shake her resolution, then tortures would bee; too hot sunshine, dus you know more harme to young groing plants, than hard frosts; but I hope grace will overshadow her. What doe you meane wher you seeme to thinck my confidence in you was shaken? Tis the darkest ridle I ever hard. I understand nothing of itt; and I hugg my ignorance, and shuld hate any such bould thought, as durst be so iniurious both to you and mee. Tis more then time to thanck you for all your civilities to Sr Gray, wch she tells me, wear both many and great, both att Bellamore and St Tomas, wher you pleasd to visit her. I can retourne nothing, because I cannot be more than I was Your affectionat sister, W. T.

[} [\LETTER LIX.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO MRS ELIZA COTTINGTON^] (^These for Mrs Cottenton.^) Dear Neece, Presuming I heer incloss a large love letter, each word a figure, to expresse how much itt is, I take the advantage to ad my sifer as a compendius way to summ up my owne; for when you have read all a kynd mother can say, I wod be understoode a greater lover still of

you. These words seeme proud and high; but we ought not to blush in the confession of truth, and that will answer for me, none lives that more loves you, then Dear neece, Your affectionate ante, Winefrid Thimelby. Lett all the knott of our dear frinds receive my love. I wod fayne know how sweet Gat dus. If you wod please to comaund either my brother or hers to give me notis, I am sure thay wod obaye.

[} [\LETTER LX.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO MRS ELIZA COTTINGTON^] (^For yr dear self.^) Both dearly kynd and cruell Neece, You feast me so with choyce excesse of kyndnis, I am torn'd epicure: upon your conscience bee itt. Every line of yours is such a severall daynty dishe I can not feede on it without glottony: God forgive you. You seeme to raigne as queene of love, say, doe, what none els can; shoote arrows wher you please, wound, and heale att once, whilest I, lyke som poore slave, looke on, admire, receive your favours with blushes, and with ioy. Burne in my hart with love, yet dar not speake of itt, because tis naked, and can not apeare. It wants all yr advantages of power to sett it forth: but glory not too much; for ther is great complaynts of yr government. You violently rob'd a preist of all the treasure of his love: he has not so much

as a graine, to bestow upon his poore sister heer att Lovaine; but kynd providence has given her better fortune in loves trafick, then her brother (^bankerot^) ; for though she spent att Lovaing as much as he could loose att London, she fynds itt an unexhausted treasure, and if but wysely lay'd out, the comings in inritch beyounde expression. Arithmatick cannot coumpt the dear satisfactions which true worth renders to its lovers. Thus you crowen the most sencire, constant, cordiall love of Dearly kynd neece, Yr poor and infinitly oblig'd ante, W. Thimelby. My thancks can no wayes reach yr bounty. My debt so great nothing but love can crosse the score.

[} [\LETTER LXI.\] }] [^ELIZA COTTINGTON TO HERBERT ASTON^] Deare Uncle, After the good purposes, and strong resolutions, which I think, if I can remember so long agoe, my last did expres, I would by no meanes have you think it, all to gether the ould neglegence; or what is worse, ill youmer: but that I have bine so holy taken up with the gaity of the French, that I have not time for so seriose imploiment as righting; this, perhaps, you may think but a new excuse; but when you reflect that you wisht it, you will not, I hope, repent if I am so conversed. I am only sorry to hear no better newse of my country;

and I wish they had some of the good example which is hear: at least Madame Lavalier is more then pretended; for she gos through all the rigor of the order as much as any one. But there is a lady in Queen-street, says, all ar not bound to be Lavaliers. I must beg her pardon, if I think all that have done like her aught, and that she can sattisfy no other way. I doe not doubt but you will be of the same opinion. When shall I hear your dear child is hapyly bestowed? That were something I should reioyce at indeed; but she deserves so well, I must confes I know no man worthy enouf. Had she

such a husband as father, it would be too much for this world, therfore, while she hath you she can not be pittied by Your ever affectionat neece and servant, Eliz. Cottington.

[} [\LETTER LXII.\] }] [^ELIZA COTTINGTON TO HERBERT ASTON^] Dearest Unkle, I hope now I may venter to say something for myself. If cosin Gatt deseaves me not, I will not feer by this time but my pease is chefly maid with you. Pardon the presumption, dear unkle, for I owne my fault great; and have no other recourse so prevalent in my opinion, (mistake me not all to geather) as yr partiallity. For I remember once, you were not pleased at that expression of me, so that I should be very unwilling to incur it a second time. You must give me leave only to tell you, wher ther is such true desert, as none doubts butt is ther, who knowse her, you can not reward it better, then by a more than ordinary kindnes; and it must not be calld a partiallity: that being a contrary thing, a blindnes without any meritt often times. But why doe I talk thus to unkle Aston, who knowse every thing, and I nothing? I am

ashamed of my self, and will stop my pen to consider, if I can find something that may give him a better satisfaction. But it will not be, I can not thinck of so good a subiect as I have begun with. To continue with Bellamore, you must know cousin Aston is this day gone to a new play, which was never acted but by the Lady Castlemaine. Wee ar in in expectation still of Mr Draidens play. Ther is a bowld woman hath oferd one: my cosen Aston can give you a better acount of her then I can. Some verses I have seen which ar not ill: that is commendation enouf: she will think so too, I believe, when it comes upon the stage. I shall tremble for the poor wooman exposed among the critticks. She stands need to be strongly fortified agenst them. The greatest newse I can tell you, Lo. Buckhurst hath wright his mistress a letter, wherin he shewse himself, what

she mought daly expect, inconstancy. She tooke it heavily for a day; but thay say, is so well provided, as if she had bine the occation of the change her selfe. Hary Jerman is the man. Wee have so dull and so wicked a towne, as it will aford no newse but of this kind, which will be so seriose to you. With such ill expressions, I can not to soone end, when I have done my greatest bisnes, which is to asure you, that none is more Your humble servant, Deare unkle, Ever to command, Eliz. Cottington. I can not but tell you, I think my self more bowld then the wooman I have named, when I wright to you. For yr sensure is to me what all is to her. Wonder not I doe it so seldom.

[} [\LETTER LXIII.\] }] [^ELIZA COTTINGTON TO HERBERT ASTON^] Deare Unkle, Though I think you have resolved never to see this plase more, methinks you should not quarell with all for one. Many frends for one enemy should sattisfy, which I doubt not but you have. But that which is above all, you inioy so much hapines in the sweet solitude of Bellamour, that you despise all other satisfactions, even King and no King, which is this day acted. Maskerades, I know not what powre they might have with you, but I know a gentleman of yr acquaintance, that, the first as ever I was at, came and squeesd me by the hand; and I knew him not, tell he discoverd him self: then I was obliged to say nothing. For that trick, I am resolvd never to see any more, except it were to meet you ther: and then I think it weare a very convenient plase to discourse many things, too seriose for me to

wright. I am the less conserned that cosin Aston performes the part of sending you the newse, when there is any. Nor have I time for more, then my love to dear Gatt, with yr leave; and I am yours. Eliz. Cottington.

[} [\LETTER LXIV.\] }] [^ELIZA COTTINGTON TO HERBERT ASTON^] Deare Unkle, I doe asure you, though I preferd my health in the first place, I look upon France to be no less advantagose, in all other respects. But what is this to you, who inioys all that can be, at your little Bellamour? Only, you can extend so far the greatest charity, when you remember me at your so regular devotions. As to my owne perticuler, some says hear, I am not in so much danger, but I doubt it is all one: if so, I hope I shall have your advise, what will be best to doe, for a poor banisht creature, who is, in all conditions, more yours then you have reason to believe. As you ar iust I will say no more, but that I am Your most affectionat nece, to serve you, E. C.

[} [\LETTER LXV.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] (^Thes for Mr Herbert Aston.^) Hond. deare Brother, Sure you thincke me so hardned by affliction, that I have lost both sence of ill, and tast of ioy, els you'd never keepe me so short of comfort. You rite seldomer now then ever; though I never wanted that satisfaction so much as now. Lett me undeceive you, I am no stone: kyndnis is as living in my breast, as full in power as ever: cloude yours no more with sylence: wher love shynes with full beames grife disapeares. O hasten that fayer day. Meane tyme Ile steale som glimes of comfort,

by remembering we are both walking towards each other, and certaynely shall meet att last, sence every houre dispatches part of our way: you know our harbenger went longe agoe, to provide us a place. All things are ready, when when we are ready for them; and every houre brings the good newes of our aproach to death, that gate of lyfe. Forgive me, that I longe to fley before you, sence I dar promise when you com, to give you place before me, preheminence in all but love. But ther Ile boast I am certaynely even, at least with you: na, my hopes give warent, I shall be proclamed eternally, Yr most constant, most true, most affectionat sister, Winefrid Thimelby.

[} [\LETTER LXVI.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Hond. dear Brother, I longe to breake the flattering glasse your kyndnis thinckes a true one. You still will looke upon me much better than I am. Why will you sett me so hard a taske, allwayes to unpie what is so finely wroaght? You tricke me netely up, but I must pull all of, to pay truth what I owe. Know then, really I am infinittly unworthy of the esteem, you too too favourably expresse every way of me: for pitty put me no more to the confution of this publick confession. My pride suffers much in itt, my kyndnis more by thes sad delays in my sister's bisines; but this unconstant world does so use us to perpetuall changes, that methinckes, ther is no hope without fear, nor fear without hope. O when, O when, shall ther be an end

of both, and I knowen what now I beg to be beleeved to bee, Your most affectionat sister, Win. Thimelby. Aprill 22. Dear Brother, take car that poore Gatt greave not. I am truly glad she growes, and growes well too. How shuld I pitty her, had she any other father. Teach her to mingle happines with me, for betweene us we have all. She what I want in you, I what she wants heer. Letts putt all in comon.

[} [\LETTER LXVII.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Hond. dear Brother, My iust kyndnis, though a continuall springe ever flowing to you, is lost in yours, as rivers in the sea. But know, though itt appeare not, you receive itt in full streames, yet drowne itt quit, in yr full tide of high and dear expressions; to which I can make no answer, but must needs take leave to aske some questions. What doe you meane in ye desyre you expresse ...? I suffer strangely ly in the fear you may imagine I have power to ...; wch really I have not. My power is onely payne. It brings no liberty but restraint. The truth is, Keat gives so

great, so very great a satisfaction to all, that every one desires more of the broode. If you suspect the least of my indeavour to advance the bissines to my utmost power, you doe a high iniustice to, and understand not one jott, Hond. dear brother, Yr most affectionat sister, and humble servant, Winfrid Thimelby. Dear Brother, say a very great deale for me to my hond. lady. I am in all reallity, her most most affectionat, though unprofitable servant.

[} [\LETTER LXVIII.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Aprill 30. Ever hond dear Brother, I had patience to fast all lent from the lov'd dayntys of yr letters; but Easter brings an expectation of such feasts agen. I therfor now bring in the first corce of an ordinary homly dish, tis yr torne to bring the secound; upon which, my apetit is wholly bent, as sure to relish every bitt and crome that falls from that table of comfort. I suspect, mischariage of letters has rob'd me of many a good bitt; for I evr found in you so kynd a bounty towards my satisfaction, that sure I am, you wod have ansured all you received from me; wch makes me conclud, divers wer lost. One espetially, wherin I whisperd you concerning Gatt; desyring you to lett me know, how her pulse beats towards Lovaine; for my weaknis requires som warning. If I must for ever loose her, tell me

by degrees, not all at once, least I be soone and more inseparably wedded to greife, then she to a husband. Be sure she read not this, but you, I know, will esyly forgive me. For, though perhaps I am faulty by too immoderat desyres, yet still my falt is not agaynst charity; for I love, and wish her as my self. But as for faith and hope, I owne my selfe as weak in both concerning her, as perfect in all three to you, Dearest Brother, W. T. My Lord Portland, I thinck, will be with you before midsomer; but take no notis that I tell you so. He presents his humble service, and desyres to know what hopes of a good fortune for Mrs Weston. I doubt he will expect to know Gatts finall resolution before his retorne. Keats eye mends: I hope she will shortly rite herselfe, for the best I can say for her dus her wronge.

[} [\LETTER LXIX.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Ever hond. more then ever loved, I canot rite without reluctance, what I know you canot read without troble. Our dearly dear Gatt wears still her crowen of thornes, and with adition of sufferance, for she has got a quartin ague; yet beares itt with so sweet a cherfullniss, and her sister too, that to my shame I speake itt, I am the most unresigned person of the 3. What a wretch am I, that knowing the indispensible decree (even to the maker of the law), that none shall enter Heaven by any other way, then sufferance, doe yet repyne to meete the marke that tells us we goe right. Keate is resolved to keepe sylence, all she can obay yr last comaund; and tell you her sisters head is well. Gatts excuse is too largely tould. She can say nothing. I am left alone to tell this sad story, and have sayd too much,

yet not enouf, till I style myselfe, beyound all expression, and I fear beleefe, Yr most affectionat sister, and humble servant, Winefrid Thimelby. Dear Brother, rite as oft as ever you can to Gatt, twill be her best medisin.

[} [\LETTER LXX.\] }] [^WINEFRID THIMELBY TO GERTRUDE ASTON^] (^These for Mrs Gertrude Aston.^) My sweet Chyld, How couldst thou fynd in thy hart to give adition to my troble, in parting with thee, and to be at such charges to vex me? I beleeve you thought itt discretion, to temper one pation by another; and therfore raysd my coller to moderate my greife; but you fayl'd in your ayme, and left poore Keat, to bear alone the scourge of my just anger. You have read how it goes with me, tis now your torne to tell me how you doe. See you performe yr taske clearly and largely: no general termes will serve my torne. I must know all perticulers of yr indispositions, that I may better know how to direct my prayers:

whether thancksgiving, or petition, suits you best. I have allready past the hardest, I meane that of oblation, and shall continue the second in a corner after matins, but the 3d I long to have publicke in company of my good sisters. Tell us therfore quickly, is your ague quit gon, that we may all give thancks to God. How strangely doe I speake, as if health wear the proper motive of gratitude, wheras certaynely patience in sicknis is far above itt; and presuming one of thees, com what will, my hart shall ever prayse God for thee: for I am confident yr lott shall be made good, which you chose with Mrs Hacon. Remember it well, but doe not mistake me. I meane not, presently to be a nun. I mean not to seale thee up in a cloyster, (as for that, his will be done, in spyt of fond desyres), but I meane to seale thee up to his owne servise. Love God, and doe what thou wilt. Ile promise to love thee every iot as well as if a nun: as truely, as constantly, as dearly, because unchangebly thy most affectionat ante, W. Thim.

[} [\LETTER LXXI.\] }] [^WINEFRID THIMELBY TO GERTRUDE ASTON^] Feb. 23, 1672. My dear sweet Chyld, I know not whither I shuld chyd or pitty thee, as being ignorant of the cause of thy sylence. I am inclyned to fear, thou art either sad or sick. The last may excuse thee, but the first not at all. Na, if so, thou art most uniust, and keepe my owne from me, and defrawdest me of my right. So I esteeme it, to bear part in all thy concernes, espetially sufferance. Ther thou shalt never be alone, by my consent. Therfor, dear chyld, tell me truly and largely, how it goes with thy content; and, if I may have leave to compare bace and meane things with high, perhaps God deals with thee, as my mother did with me, when a little foolish chyld, and nuely weaned from the brest. I gott a trick to suck my thum, but she so rub'd it with worm wood, I quickly left that sport. So I phansy,

Allty God sprinkels with bitternis all thy lov'd pleasures, and will not have thee suck dry broken cesterns; but drinck full draughts at the fountayne head of true and lasting ioys, such as flow in religion. Forgive me, my chyld, I cannot forbear to say this; my hart is so topfull of desyre to have thee as happy as my self. But I wod not have thee take it for persuasion, unless thou finde, as I suspect, no solid content wher thou art; but supposing thou doest, I am truly satisfied, and will beleeve, and hope, God will make thee a sayntt, wher thou art, and thats all I car for. I never till now had ambition to be a prophetess. I must desyre yr prayers for dear Sr Mary Coyny, who dyed in 14 dayes sicknis: so frayle a flower is youth and beauty. Trust not to itt Gatt, if thou beest wyse: but you know

who says, no matter how soone the fruit fall, so it hang till it be ripe. Though her death was unexpected, yet she had the excellent preparation of an Inocent, and virtuous lyfe. We have hope next sumer, to see Mrs Weston, and Mrs Mary Hacon; and Keat sais, you must make up that trinity of ioyes. But tis time to present the kyndnis of yr frinds, lest I want roome. The first place is our dear father's dew. None before him in tender love for you, except my selfe. Next my lord, in his playne but cordiall way. "Remember me to poore Gatt: wo'd she be a nun? Faith, if she knew the world half so well as I, she wod make haste out of itt. Dear Prokaty goes further, and further than I can tell, in kynd expression. Yr misteris follows closs, in a more sylent way, and wearys me with her oft kynd whispers, is ther no hope of Gatts retorne, &c. Sister Clayton, Lame, King, Musgrave, Constable, (^Marina^) , Clarke, Stafford,

Aurelia, Bessy Claye, all, and every one, nuns and sisters, perticulerly poore Heicott, wod be named by som marke of kyndnis; but our yong nun, sister Hacon, longs for a whisper; and tells me, she repents som things she said to you, as fynding it much otherwise then she thought. She is growen so constantly mery, you wod scharce know her, but it strangely becoms her. She longs for yr coming mitely, but says, I must have patience a year or too; and then she dar almost swere by her owne experience, you will know so much of the world, as to hate itts deceats, and fly to saufty, wher she has alredy taken sanctuary. I had almost forgott our 2 Novises, Nan Constable, and Franck Tomson, who desyre you receive ther kyndnis. Mrs Mary Worthington is scholer for order, all alone; but we expect Crathornes sister. I have spent so much place in delivering others kyndnis, that I must croud my owne to

my dearest brother Aston. In one word, I am all his, and thyne as much; for I fynd no disbursment of love diminish my stocke. Every one kindles, and mentaynes there owne fyre; and burne in it, though never can consume, thy most affectionat ante, W. T.

[} [\LETTER LXXII.\] }] [^WINEFRID THIMELBY TO GERTRUDE ASTON^] (^For Dear Gatt.^) Sep. 20. My Dear sweet Chyld, Yr sylence, though never so long, could never have betrayed your forgettfulnis of me, so much as yr letter did. Lord! know you me no better, then to thinck I can have any change to thee, or take any thing ill. No, no, my love is of a higher straine. God, I hope, has ordered it to be eternal; therfor can receive no diminution by any thing can hapen in this world. Now, to give thee a true acoumpt why I rite so sildom, really tis partly to spare thee. I meane to favour thy lasy umore, wch I know hates riting, and yet wod suffer not to answer me. Partly also, I must confesse, because I fynd it hard to speake to thee, and not to speake the bottom of my hart; and that agayne might troble thee, because our dissyres differ. I am

confind therfor to repeat, over and over againe the old story. None ever did, or can love thee better, and (except thy father) none so well as thy poore ante, W. Thimelby. I will not lett your sister rite for fear of putting her eyes out of tune; because Sr Anne Gifford lyes a dying, and then you know how many (\dirigis\) she is obliged to read, besydes the psalter; but next tyme write to her, not to me. I shall take itt full as well, for Keat and I are but one. No body knows of my riting, els I shuld bee loaded with remembrances to you. Cosen Crathorne is com back, and to be cloathed with Mall Worthington.

[} [\LETTER LXXIII.\] }] [^WINEFRID THIMELBY TO GERTRUDE ASTON^] My dear dear Chyld, I have received both yr father's dear letter, and yours, of the 12th of January: I confess, the best new years gift I ever had; for thay brought ioy, equall to my former greife and care. Yours a whole pack of comfort, pure wyne of gladnis: but yr fathers had a mixture, a great deale of water with his wyne; and twas fitt it shuld be so, els between you both, I had been tipled quit. Sence yr letters came not tyme enouf for me to answer both this weeke, your father, I am sure, will pardon me, for making choyse of riting first to you, whom I so lattly iniurd by loves impatiens; but I hope you received my (\mea Culpa\) , wch I presently dispatched to you. For when yr father, prophet lyke, admonished me of my sin, I presently cryed, (\peccavi\) . Your sister's patience in yr sylence to her, exacts the lyke in iustis from you; and,

alas! she has too much reason on her syde, for her eyes are not yet well. Yet thinckes she sees to much in yr last to me. I cannot excuse her. She is indeed too covetos. She fynds no satiety in her owne hapines, because she lookes upon you as wanting itt: this she will have me say from her. Now take my owne sence. I car not wher thou livest, so thou livest right. I make a shift to meete thee in a corner every night after mattins; wher, though I can not speake with thee, I am allowed to speake for thee, as much, and as longe as I will; and, if it prove not so pleasing, yet I know tis more profitable: ther I negotiat all thy affayers: ther Ile present all thy concernes: ther Ile petition all thats good for thee. I cannot desemble, but I have somthing of Keats weaknis, in resentment of thy absence: but really I blame my weake hart for it; sence tis certayne, that itt imports not wher, but how wee live. We are too tender lovers. So we meet att our race's end, what matter though we see not one another runne. Dear chyld, take this truth from me: Thy settlement in the world will be no diminishion of my love, but onely augmentation of my car

for thee, because there is more obiects to devide that love, wch in one flame ought to ascend to God. Live freely in the world, but garde thy hart from loving itt for thats forbid, because it passeth. Cast not therfor away a portion of thy immortall soule upon any thing transitory: fix all thy love on God, and then doe what thou wilt, sweet chyld, for I am unchangeably thyn for ever, W. T.

[} [\LETTER LXXIV.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Sep. 3. Hond. dear Brother, Is it not preposterous to com with complaynts, wher in justice I owe so many thancks? It wear so, if my complaynts wear not of that nature, that they may pass as part of payment; but they are of so good mettall, that, if tryd, thay will be found pure and weighty gould. I apeale to your judgement for best proufe; yet with this exception. Ile not alow you waye your self, for ther your ballence is not even with myne, but with all the rest of yr dear company, I will trust you. Waye then iustly, what I must suffer for every one, when I know not how any one has past so long, so dangerous a jornye. I, who have so much love for all, that it seemes an undivided flame; and yett agayne, so much perticuler love for every one, as if one onely person wear sole heir of it. Waye, I say,

and redresse the greif, the care, and if you can, the love of Dear Brother, Your most affectionat sister, W. Thimelby. Sweet Keats hart can take no change. She has all resentments due, yet none of power to change her steady temper. She is hapy in spyt of fate.

[} [\LETTER LXXV.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Septem. 2, 1672. Hond. deare Brother, Keat has received yours with all dutifull (that is unexpressible) ioy; and kyndly flatters me into beleefe you'l receive her answer, as willingly by my pen as her owne; especially when I tell you, tis to spare her ill eyes, which fynd too much imployment by the dutyes of order, in present circumstances. Sr Anne Gifford lying a dying; wch brings an obligation of reeding many prayers for her, both living and dead. But poore Keat knowes not how ill a choyce she has made; for I, that could never yet speak what was fitt for my self, how is it possible I can doe it for her? But Ile trust your goodnis will keepe my councill, and make good by yr kynd faith, whats neither seen nor hard: beleeving

stedfastly she retornes all she shuld; and now methincks I have hitt itt, and defye any can say more for her. Therfor, be so obligingly kynd, as to aplye the same words to Yr most affectionat sister, W. Thimelby.

[} [\LETTER LXXVI.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] (^For Mr Herbert Aston, these humbly present^) , att Bellamoore. Hon. deare Brother, Tis a kynd providence guides yr pen, equally dispensing pleasure and profitt. Your letters feast me with delight, your sylence proves a wholsom fast; humbling me by discovery of my great selfe love. I used to flatter my selfe with beleeve, I had so much reason, as to receave full satisfaction in my dear sisters ioyes. But now I fynd self love is ravenous. Tis not a sweet bit you carve from her table, can satiat a starved stomake. I am not so erogant to lay clayme to desert, though as you see almost impudent in begging yr favour. Thus I have sowed

my poore, little, black, contemptible seede, in hope of a plentiful harvest of comfort. O deny it not for pity to Your most affectionat sister, though the most unworthy, Winefrid Thimelby. Sep. 2.

[} [\LETTER LXXVIII.\] }] [^WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HER NEPHEWS AND NIECES AT BELLAMOUR^] (^For Bellamor.^) My dear Children, Girls and Boys, Ever since my jubily, I have long'd for opportunity to convay thes little things wear given me then; because I expect none so fine agen. I hope you understand me well enough, to know, that when I send you nothing, tis because I have nothing I thinck you will car for; or els for want of opportunity. However, I have one way of convaying kyndnis, which can never mischary; and dayly make use of itt. Yet perhaps you will not receive it, till the day of eternity. Then youl see my cares, my prayers, my neer concerns for each of you. Gatt, I rejoice in thy health, and ability to serve thy father, and assist thy brothers, and sisters. Tis a hapines, I hope, dear Franck will share in

shortly. But I have some aprehension Franck, that thou wilt want Doctor Conquest in the country. I will thanck him for the good he has done thee: be sure thou leavest of greif for my good lady. Thou must not bee such a stranger to heaven as to thinck itts gaine, your losse. We have all indevored to speed her flight to that b. eternity. God bless sweet Mall, Wat, and Hab, and all of you. I forgot to tell thee Gatt, I never had that letter yr father tells me you ritt; but Franck I had both of yours, and sent a little purs, and christall, to thee, by one Mr Digby; but I doubt he ner delivered it, tho he promised fare. Now I send all together, agree among yourselves, as I know you will: but what ever your father lyks best, know for certayne, that is designed for him, From your most intirely loving aunt, W. T.

[} [\LETTER LXXIX.\] }] [^TO HER NIECES AND NEPHEWS IN BELLAMOUR^] My dearly dear Children, Yr brother Jack tells me you kyndly thinck it long, since you hard from me. I perceive ther has been miscariage of yr letters, for certainely had I received any, I shuld have aunswered them; though I confess, twas my design to wean both my self and you, from that satisfaction: for now my age tells me, I have not long to live; therfor my dear sweet chillderen, I wod have you remember me, onely in your prayers. Ile doe the same by you: yet if a letter com from you, I owne twill be a pleasant distraction; and I will be sure to give you another: but this will pass. Lett our constant labour bee, who shall runn swiftest towards the happy eternity. For nothing in this world but may advance our speed, if we know how to make right use of itt. As long as your father

lives, I have no car for you. I am sure he is no less yr spirituall father then yr naturall. I praye God, you may hould him fast. But alas! you must att last, you must, when God calls, lett him goe. Be sure, therfor, to make benefitt of the time mercy indulges him to you; and pray I may not out live yr happinis in him, for being totally unable to give you any comfort my self, twod prove an unsufferable cross, to your poor, but most affectionat aunt, W. T. When you rit, be sure to tell me perticulers of each of you, for really my love is so perticuler to every one, boys and girls, that a generall accoumpt serves not my turne. When you see worthy Mr Morgan, give him my best respects, though I shall never clearly forgive his forsaking Lovaing: tell him, ould dear father lives now, I thinck, onely to give us a pattern how to dye. He is so weake, not able to goe one stepp, nor scarce to speake to be understood by any, but thos that are continually about him. Yet so cherful in the expectation of death, that he even vexes me to see him so long to leave us. Tother day, hearing him sigh,

I demaunded the cause. He tould me he long'd to dye. I answerde, he was about itt. He replyed, O may itt bee this day, this hour, this moment. His teares mayd out the rest. You may be sure he wept not alone. We dayly expect his death, wch will bee his ioy, but unspeakable grife to your poor affectionat aunt, W. T.

[} [\LETTER LXXX.\] }] [^WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HER NIECES^] For my dear Girls, My dear sweet girls you must not think your sister Keat is dead, though my ioys bee so. She truly lives, and shall never dy. She laughs at our fond tears, for God has wyp'd her eyes. Wonder not that I speak so confidently, for all

that saw her virtues, (which is every one in the house) thinks what I say. This last half year God was pleased to try her with much infirmity and great paines, especially in her head; in that extremitie, that somtimes she could not speak; but she had made a bargan with me, that when she held up her fingar, I must torn to God for her, with a (\fiat voluntas tua\) . Just the night before God took her from me, she had been discoursing with one of our sisters, who lamented the misery of humaine frailty, that drags us somtimes to doe or say, what wee know to be amiss. No, sed she, say not so, tis too true, that we often frayly doe amiss, but I cannot belive that any will doe ill, when they perceive itt so. When this was told our father, he aunsered, she measured others by herself, for she never did. Ile say no more, least I coole yr devotion in praying for her, and we must remember, our judgments fall infinitly short of allmightie Gods, in whose sight the very stars are not pure. I am your too much affectionat aunt, W. T.

[} [\LETTER LXXXI.\] }] [^FROM WINEFRID THIMELBY TO HERBERT ASTON^] Hond. dear Brother, I will not measure you, by my owne weake hart; you understand better the kings high

way, and know crosses are blessings, and markes that we go right. Therfore I feare not to tell you, our dear sister, to tye up our ioys in due limitts, broke her owne, and went, I dout not, towards the liberty of saynts. Upon the 24th of last munth, she fell sick, and after 9 days

began to recover, as we hopet; but fell back into a relapse, which toke her from us. Rype and ready for heaven, she fell to ryse for ever. My eyes and hart are full, receave the overflow. Your most affectionat sister, W. T. July 26.