God ever preserve and prosper you. * All these four, at least the last three, I wish not discovery upon the discourse you had with me to be stirred in till his majesty's coming. this day. For I do freely confess, that your offer of submission unto me, and in writing, if so I would have it, battered so the unkindness that I had conceived in my heart for your behaviour towards me in my absence, as, out of the sparks of my old affection towards you, I went to sound Your lordship's true friend and devoted servant, FR. BACON. Your lordship will be pleased to have a little his majesty's intention towards you, specially in care of the bestowing of this letter. York House, this 6th of December, 1617. TO THE LORD KEEPER. any public meeting; where I found, on the one part, his majesty so little satisfied with your late answer unto him, which he counted (for I protest I use his own terms) confused and childish, and his rigorous resolution on the other part so fixed, that he would put some public exemplary mark MY LORD, I have received so many letters late- upon you; as I protest the sight of his deep conly from your lordship, that I cannot answer them ceived indignation quenched my passion, making severally but the ground of them all being only me upon the instant change from the person of a this, that your lordship feareth I am so incensed party into a peacemaker; so as I was forced against you that I will hearken to every informa- upon my knees to beg of his majesty, that he tion that is made unto me; this one letter may would put no public act of disgrace upon you. well make answer unto them all. As his majesty And as I dare say, no other person would have is not apt to give ear to any idle report against been patiently heard in this suit by his majesty men of your place; so for myself, I will answer but myself; so did I (though not without diffithat it is far from my disposition to take any ad- culty) obtain thus much, that he would not so far vantage in that kind. And for your lordship's un- disable you from the merit of your future service, kind dealing with me in this matter of my brother's, as to put any particular mark of disgrace upon time will try all. His majesty hath given me your person. Only thus far his majesty protestcommandment to make this answer in his name eth, that upon the conscience of his office he canto your letter to him, that he needeth not to make not omit (though laying aside all passion) to give any other answer to you, than that which in that a kindly reprimand at his first sitting in council, letter you make to yourself, that you know his to so many of his counsellors, as were then here majesty to be so judicious, that whatsoever he behind, and were actors in this business, for their heareth, he will keep one ear open to you; which | ill behaviour in it. Some of the particular errors being indeed his own princely disposition, you committed in this business he will name, but may be assured of his gracious favour in that kind. without accusing any particular persons by name. Thus your lordship seeth the fruits of my natural inclination. I protest, all this time past it was no small grief unto me to hear the mouth of so many upon this occasion open to load you with innumerable malicious and detracting speeches, as if no music were more pleasing to my ear, than to rail of you which made me rather regret the ill-nature of mankind, that, like dogs, love to set upon them that they see snatched at. I will not trouble your lordship with any longer discourse at this time, being to meet you so shortly, where will be better trial of all that hath passed, than can be made by letters. So I rest Your lordship's at command, Warwick, Sept. 5, 1617. G. BUCKINGHAM. THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAM TO THE LORD KEEPER, MY LORD,-I have made his majesty acquainted with your note concerning that wicked fellow's speeches, which his majesty contemneth, as is usual to his great spirit in these cases. But notwithstanding his majesty is pleased that it shall be exactly tried whether this foul-mouthed fellow was taken either with drunkenness or madness, when he spake it. And as for your lordship's advice for setting up again the commissioners for suits, his majesty saith, there will be time enough for thinking upon that, at his coming to Hampton Court. But his majesty's direction, in answer of your letter, hath given me occasion to join hereunto a And to conclude, my lord, you have hereby a fair occasion so to make good hereafter your reputation, by your sincere service to his majesty, as also by your firm and constant kindness to your friends, as I may (your lordship's old friend) participate of the comfort and honour that will thereby come to you. Thus I rest at last Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, G. B. The force of your old kindness hath made me set down this in writing unto you, which some, that have deserved ill of me in this action, would be glad to obtain by word of mouth, though they *At Windsor, according to Sir Anthony Weldon, who may * This seems to be the letter to which the lord keeper re-perhaps be believed in such a circumstance as this See Court turned an answer, September 22, 1617, printed in his works. and Character of King James I., p. 122 be far enough from it for aught I yet see. But I beseech your lordship to reserve this secretly to yourself only, till our meeting at Hampton Court, lest his majesty should be highly offended for a cause that I know. Endorsed, A letter of reconciliation from Lord Buckingham, after his majesty's return from Scotland. year's gift, a plain cap of essay, in token that if your lordship in any thing shall make me your sayman, I will be hurt before your lordship shall be hurt. I present therefore to you my best service, which shall be my all-year's gift. TO THE LORD KEEPER." MY HONOURABLE LORD, Lest Mr. Secretary† should be come away before the delivery of this packet, I have thought fit to direct it to your lordship, with this letter to your lordship about the Court of Wards, and another to the lords from his majesty. Which is all I have now to write, but that I ever rest Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, G. BUCKINGHAM. Newmarket, the 7th of December, 1617. TO THE LORD KEEPER.‡ MY HONOURABLE LORD, I have acquainted his majesty with your lordship's letter, who hath followed your directions therein, and written to the lords accordingly; which is all I have now to write to your lordship, but that I shall ever rest Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, Newmarket, the 9th of December, 1617. My Lord of Buckingham to your lordship, showing TO THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD LORD, Sir George Chaworth and I am agreed, so that now I shall retain the grace of my place, and yet he rewarded. The king hath no ill bargain; for, he hath four times as much as he was offered by Sir George, of increase; and yet I take upon me to content my servants, and to content him. Nevertheless, I shall think myself pleasured by his majesty, and do acknowledge, that your lordship hath dealt very honourably and nobly with me. I send enclosed a letter, whereby your lordship signifieth his majesty's pleasure to me; and I shall make the warrant to Mr. Attorney. I desire may be carried in privateness. I ever rest Your lordship's true friend and devoted servant, FR. BACON. it This New Year's eve, 1617. TO SIR JAMES FULLERTON.* I PRESUME to send his highness this pair of small candlesticks, that his light, and the light of his posterity upon the church and commonwealth, may never fail. I pray you do me the favour to present it to his highness, with my best and humblest service. Your most affectionate * Harl. MSS. vol. 7006. Sir Thomas Lake; his colleague, Secretary Winwood, died October 27, 1617; and Sir Robert Naunton succeeded to the post of secretary, January 8, 1617-8, from that of Surveyor of the Court of Wards. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.† His majesty having given order to Mr. Solicitort to acquaint your lordship with a business touching alehouses, that, upon consideration *He had been surveyor of the lands to Prince Charles, when Duke of York; and was groom of the stole to him when king. He died in January, 1630-1. + Harl. MSS. vol. 7006. Sir Thomas Coventry. The lord chancellor, in his letter to the Marquis of Buckingham, dated January 25, 1617, printed in his works, has the following passage: "For the suit of the alehouses, which concerneth your brother, Mr. Christopher Villiers, and Mr. Patrick Maule, I have conferred with my lord chief justice and Mr. Solicitor thereupon, and there is a scruple in it, that it should be one of the grievances put down in Parliament. For the title of Marquis of Buckingham to himself and the which, if it be, I may not, in my duty and love to you, advise riale heirs of his body. you to deal in it; if it be not, I will mould in the best manner, Harl. MSS. vol. 7006. thereof, you might certify your opinion unto his | of whom you write, Sir John Cotton, I know no majesty, whether it be fit to be granted or not; I Your lordship's faithful servant, Royston, the 11th of Jan. 1617. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.* MY HONOURABLE Lord, Sir John Cottont having acquainted me with a petition he intended to exhibit to his majesty, that, without any apparent fault committed by him, he was put from his office of custos rotulorum; I have persuaded him to forbear the presenting of his petition until I had written to your lordship, and received your answer. I have, therefore, thought fit to signify unto your lordship, that he is a gentleman of whom his majesty maketh good esteem, and hath often occasion to use his service; and, therefore, besides that he is a man of good years, and hath served long in the place, I know his majesty, out of these respects, will be loath he should receive any disgrace. I desire, therefore, to understand from your lordship the reasons of his remove, that, if I cannot give satisfaction to the gentleman himself, I may at least make answer to his majesty for that act of your lordship's, which is alleged to be very unusual, unless upon some precedent misdemeanor of the party. Thus, having in this point discharged my part in taking the best course I could, that no complaint should come against you to the king, I rest Your lordship's faithful friend, Newmarket, the 16th of January, 1617. cause in the world why I should have displaced him, but that it was certified unto me, that it was his own desire to resign: wherein, if I was abused, I will restore him. But if he did consent, and, now it is done, changeth his mind, then I would be loath to disgrace the other, that is come in. Therefore, I pray your lordship, that I may know and be informed from himself, what passed touching his consent; and I will do him reason. Thus, with my thanks to your lordship, I will TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.* My Honourable Lord, Since I received your lordship's letter, Sir Lionel Cranfield being here, hath informed his majesty of the whole proceeding in his business of the household; which his majesty liketh very well, and is glad it is approved by your lordship, of whose care and pains therein he receiveth very good satisfaction. In the business touching Sir John Cotton, your lordship dealeth as nobly as can be desired; and so, if it should come in question before his majesty, I would answer in your behalf. I leave Sir John Cotton to inform your lordship by his letter of the business, and ever rest Your lordship's faithful servant, Newmarket, the 24th of January, 1617. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD LORD, I do not easily fail towards gentlemen of quality, to disgrace them. For, I take myself to have some interest in the good wills of the gentlemen of England, which I keep and cherish for his majesty's special service. And, for this gentleman, and help it forward." A patent for licensing alehouses being afterwards granted to Sir Giles Mompesson and Sir Frances Mitchel, and greatly abused by them, they were punished for those abuses by the Parliament, which met January 30, 1620-1. * Harl. MSS. vol. 7006. + Of Landwade, in Cambridgeshire, knight. He served many years as knight of the shire for that county, and died in 1620, at the age of seventy-seven. His eldest son, Sir John Cotton, was created a baronet, July 14, 1641. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.* MY HONOURABLE LORD, I have been entreated by a gentleman, whom I much respect, to recommend to your lordship's favour Mr. John Huddy, between whom and Mr. Richard Huddy there is, as I am informed, a cause to be heard before your lordship in the Chancery on Saturday next. My desire unto your lordship is, that you would show the said John Huddy what favour you lawfully may, and as his cause will bear, when it cometh before you, for my sake. Which I will not fail to acknowledge, ever resting Your lordship's faithful servant TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.* MY HONOURABle Lord, I understand that his majesty hath been pleased to refer a suit unto him by two of his servants, Robert Maxwell and John Hunt, for the making of sheriffs and escheators' patents, to your lordship's consideration. My desire unto your lordship on their behalf is, that you would show them thus much favour for my sake, as with as much expedition as may be, and your lordship's other occasions may permit, to certify your opinion thereof unto his majesty; which I will be ready to acknowledge, and ever rest Your lordship's faithful servant, Newmarket, the 4th day of February, 1617. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.* MY HONOURABLE Lord, Your lordship's faithful servant, Newmarket, the 4th day of Feb. 1617. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. MY HONOURABLE LORD, I have acquainted his majesty with your letter, who liketh well of the course you mention in the end of your letter, and will speak with you farther of it at his return to London. In the mean time, he would have your lordship give direction to the Master of the Rolls|| and Mr. Attorney ¶ to stay the examination. And so I rest Your lordship's most assured Hampton Court, the 18th of March, 1617. the deputy I approve and commend; for I ever loved entire and good compositions, which was the old physic, better than fine separations. Your friendly attributes I take as effects of affection; which must be causes of any good offices, wherewith I can requite you. We conceive that kingdom is in growth. God send soundness to the increase; wherein I doubt not but your lordship will do your part. God keep you. Your lordship's very loving friend, York House, April 15, 1618. TO THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE OF IRELAND.* MY LORD CHIEF JUSTICE, I thank you for your letter, and assure you, that you are not deceived, neither in the care I have of the public in that state, nor in my good wishes, and the effects thereof, when it shall lie in my power towards yourself. I am glad to receive your testimony of my lord deputy, both because I esteem your judgment, and because it concurreth with my own. The materials of that kingdom, which is trade and wealth, grow on apace. I hope the form, which giveth the best living of religion and justice, will not be behind, the rather by you, as a good instrument. I rest Your lordship's assured friend, York House,✶✶ of April, 1618. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. MY HONOURABLE LORD, Whereas it hath pleased his majesty to recommend unto your consideration a petition exhibited by Mr. Fowle, together with the grievances and request for the rectifying of the work of gold and silver thread; and now understandeth that your lordship hath called unto you the other commissioners in that case, and spent some time to hear what the opposers could object, and perceiveth by a relation of a good entrance you have made into the business; and is now informed, that there remaineth great store of gold and silver thread in the merchants' hands, brought from foreign parts, besides that which is brought in daily by stealth, and wrought here by underhand workers; so that the agents want vent, with which inconveniences it seemeth the ordinary course of law cannot so well meet; and yet they are enforced, for freeing of clamour, to set great numbers of people on work; so that the commodity lying dead in their hands, will in a very short time grow to a very great sum of money. To the end, therefore, that the undertakers may not be disheartened by these wrongs and losses, his majesty hath commanded me to write unto your lordship, to the end you might bestow more time this vacation in prosecuting the course you have so worthily begun, that all differences being reconciled, the defects of the commission may be also amended, for prevention of farther abuses therein; so as the agents may receive encouragement to go on quietly in the work without disturbance. And I rest Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, G. BUCKINGHAM. From Bewly, the 20th day of Aug., 1618. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.† MY HONOURABLE LORD, All is I will not go about to excuse mine own fault, by making you believe his majesty was backward in your business; but upon the first motion he gave me directions for it, which it was my negligence, as I freely confess, that I have no sooner performed, having not been slack in moving his majesty, but in despatching your man. done which your lordship desired; and I will give order, according to his majesty's directions, so that your lordship shall not need to trouble yourself any farther, but only to expect the speedy performance of his majesty's gracious pleasure. I will take the first opportunity to acquaint his majesty with the other business, and will ever rest, Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, G. BUCKINGHAM. Theobalds, the 8th of May, [1618.] Sir William Jones, to whom, upon his being called to that post, the lord keeper made a speech, printed in his works. + Harl. MSS. vol. 7006. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. MOST HONOURABLE LORD, Herewithal, I presumed to send a note enclosed, both of my business in Chancery, and with my Lord Roos, which it pleased your lordship to demand of me, that so you might better do me good in utroque genere. It may please your lordship, after having perused it, to commend it over to the care of Mr. Meautys for better custody. At my parting last from your lordship, the grief I had to leave your lordship's presence, though but for a little time, was such, as that being accompanied with some small corporal indisposition that I was in, made me forgetful to say that, which now for his majesty's service I thought myself bound not to silence. I was credibly informed and assured, when the Spanish ambassador went away, that howsoever Ralegh and the prentices† should fall out to be proceeded *Earl. MSS. vol. 7006. Who, on the 12th of July, 1618, had insulted Gondomar, |