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TO THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

TO THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I send your lordship the certificate* touching the enrolment of prentices. We can find no ground for it by law. Myself shall ever be ready to further things that your lordship commendeth; but where the matter will not bear it, your lordship I know will think not the worse, but the better of me, if I signify the true state of things to your lordship; resting ever

Your lordship's true friend
and devoted servant,
FR. BACON, C. S.

Since my last to your lordship, I did first send York House, this 29th of October, 1617.

for Mr. Attorney-General, and made him know, that since I heard from court, I was resolved to further the match and the conditions thereof, for your lordship's brother's advancement the best I could. I did send, also, to my Lady Hatton, and some other special friends, to let them know, I would in any thing declare myself for the match; which I did, to the end that, if they had any apprehension of my assistance, they might be discouraged in it. I sent also to Sir John Butler, and after by letter to my lady, your mother, to tender my performance of any good office towards the match or the advancement from the mother. This was all I could think of for the present.

TO THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD Lord,

The liking which his majesty hath of our proceeding, concerning his household, telleth me that his majesty cannot but dislike the declining and tergiversation of the inferior officers, which by this time he understandeth.

There be but four kinds of retrenchments: 1. The union of tables; 2. The putting down of tables; 3. The abatement of dishes to tables; 4, The cutting off new diets and allowance lately raised; and yet perhaps such as are more necessary than some of the old.

These things are out of my element, but my care runneth where the king's state most laboureth: Sir Lyonel Cranfield is yet sick, for which I am very sorry; for methinks his majesty, upon these tossings over of his business from one to others

I did ever foresee, that this alliance would go near to leese me your lordship, that I hold so dear; and that was the only respect particular to In my opinion the first is the best and most myself that moved me to be as I was, till I heard feasible. The lord chamberlain's table is the from you. But I will rely upon your constancy principal table of state. The lord steward's and nature, and my own deserving, and the firm table is much frequented by Scottish gentlemen. tie we have in respect of the king's service. Your lordship's table hath a great attendance; In the mean time I must a little complain to and the groom of the stole's table is much resortyour lordship, that I do hear my lady your mothered to by the bedchamber. These would not be and your brother Sir John do speak of me with touched; but for the rest, (his majesty's case consome bitterness and neglect. I must bear with sidered,) I think they may well be united into the one as a lady, and the other as a lover, and one. with both for your lordship's sake, whom I will make judge of any thing they shall have against me. But I hope, though I be a true servant to your lordship, you will not have me to be a vassal to their passions, specially as long as they are governed by Sir Edward Coke and Secretary Winwood, the latter of which I take to be the worst; for Sir Edward Coke I think is more modest and discreet. Therefore your lordship shall do me right, and yet I shall take it for favour if you signify to them that you have received satisfaction from me, and would have them use me friendly, and in good manner. God keep us from these long journeys and absence, which make misunderstandings and give advantage to untruth, and God ever prosper and preserve your lordship. Your lordship's true and devoted friend and servant,

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The Certificate:

According to his majesty's command, signified by your lord

ship's letters, we have advisedly considered of the petition the petitioners' counsel, and do find as followeth:

touching the enrolment of apprentices' indentures, and heard

1. That the act of parliament 5° Eliz. doth not warrant the erecting of an office to enrol such indentures in cities, towns corporate, or market towns. But if any such enrolment should be, it must be by the officers there, who are assigned to perform sundry other things touching apprentices and servants.

2. That in country villages (for which the suit carries most colour) we cannot give the suitors hope, that any profit will be there made warrantable by law.

Thus we have (according to our duties) certified our opinions of this petition, submitting the same, nevertheless, to his

majesty's great wisdom; and rest, FR. BACON, C. S.

Oct. 25, 1617.

At your lordship's command,

FR. BACON, C. S.
H. MONTAGUE.
Tho. COVENTRY.

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Yesterday at afternoon were read at the table his majesty's two letters, written with his own hand, the matter worthy the hand; for they were written ex arte imperandi, if I can judge; and I hope they and the like will disenchant us of the opinion, which yet sticks with us, that to-day will be as yesterday, and to-morrow as to-day, so as there will be (as he saith) acribus initiis, fine incurioso,

I hold my opinion given in my former letter, that the uniting of some tables is the most passable way; but that is not all, for when that is done, the king may save greatly in that which remaineth. For if it be set down what tables shall be fixed, and what diet allowed to them, my steward (as ill a mesnager as I am,) or my Lord Mayor's steward, can go near to tell what charge will go near to maintain the proportion; then add to that some large allowance for waste (because the king shall not leese his prerogative to be deceived more than other men,) and yet no question there will be a great retrenchment. But against this last abatement will be fronted the payment of arrears. But I confess, I would be glad that I might see, or rather, that a parliament may see, and chiefly that the king (for his own quiet) may see, that upon such a sum paid such an annual retrenchment will follow: for things will never be done in act, except they be first done in conceit.

I know these things do not pertain to me; for my part is to acquit the king's office towards God, by administration of justice, and to oblige the hearts of his people to him by the same, and to maintain his prerogative. But yet because it is in hoc, that the king's case laboureth, I cannot but yield my care and my strength too in counsel, such as it is, which cannot be so much as it was between our Lady-day, and Michaelmas last. But whatsoever it is, it is wholly his majesty's without any deflexion.

TO THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I send your lordship a draught of a letter touching the sub-commission, written in wide lines, because it may be the better amended by his majesty. I think it is so penned as none can except to it, no, nor imagine any thing of it. For the household-business there was given a fortnight's day for the pensions, the course which I first propounded of abating of a third throughout, and some wholly, seemeth well entered into. These be no ill beginnings. But this course of the sub-commission thrids all the king's business. God ever preserve and prosper you. Your lordship's true friend and devoted servant, FR. BACON, C. S.

York House, 27th Nov. 1617. Sir Lyonel Cranfield is now reasonably well recovered.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD Lord,

I thought fit by this, my private letter to your lordship, to give you an account of such business as your lordship hath recommended unto me, that you may perceive that I have taken that care of them I ought, and ever shall in those things you recommend or remit to me.

For the suit of the ale-houses which concerneth your brother, Mr. Christopher Villiers, and Mr. Patrick Mawle, 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

Draught of the Subcommission: MY LORDS,

In this first and greatest branch of our charge concerning our house we do find what difficulties are made, and what time is lost, in disputing and of devising upon the manner of doing it, whereof the matter must be, and is so fully resolved. Neither can we but see in this, as in a glass, the like event to follow in the rest upon like reason. For the inferior officers in every kind, who are best able for skill to propound the retrenchments, will, out of interest or fearfulness, make dainty to do service; and that which is done with an ill-will will never be well done. Again, to make it the act of the whole table, for the particular propositions and reckonings, will be too tedious for you, and will draw the business itself into length; and to make any particular committees of yourselves were to impose that upon a few which requireth to be carried indifferently as the act of you all. For since the great officers themselves think it too heavy for them, as our state now is, to deal in it, without bringing it to the table, with much more reason may any particular persons of you be loath to meddle

in it, but at the board. In all which respects we have thought fit, (neither do we see any other way,) that you send unto us the names of the officers of our Exchequer and our Custom House, and auditors out of which we will make choice of

As soon as I find any possibility of health in Sir Lyonel Cranfield to execute a sub-commission, I will by conference with him frame a draught of a letter from his majesty, for which there is the fairest occasion in the world; and the king hath prepared it as well as possible. God ever pre-incline to be to attend the principal officers in their several serve and prosper you.

Your lordship's true friend

York House, Nov. 22, 1617. VOL. III.-11

and devoted servant,

FR. BACON, C. S.

some few, best qualified to be subcommittees, for the better

ease and the speeding of the business by their continual travails and meetings: whose part and employment we

charges, and join themselves to some of the inferior officers, and so take upon them the mechanic and laborious part of every business, thereby to facilitate and prepare it for your consultations, according to the directions and instructions they shall receive from you from to time.

the grievances put down in parliament; which if it be, I may not in my duty and love to you advise you to deal in it; if it be not, I will mould it in the best manner and help it forward. The stay is upon the search of the clerk of the parliament, who is out of town; but we have already found, that the last grievance in 7mo. is not the same with this suit; but we doubt yet of another in 3o. For the business of Mr. Leviston, for your lordship's sake (who I perceive keeps your noble course with me, in acquainting me with these things) I shall apply myself unto you, though in my nature I do desire that those that serve in the court where I sit, though they be not in places of my gift, and so concerns not me nor my place in profit; yet I wish, I say, I might leave them in as good case as I find them. And this suit concerneth the main profit of the six clerks, who though they be of the master of the rolls his gift, yet they serve in my court. But my greatest doubt is, that the grant cannot be good in law; and that it is not like those other precedents, whereof I have received a note. For the difference is, where things have been written by all the clerks indifferently and loosely, (in which case the king may draw them into an office,) and where they have appertained to one especial office; in which case the king can no more take away the profits of a man's office than he can the profits of his land. Therefore, I think your lordship may do well to write to Mr. Solicitor and Serjeant Finch, or some other lawyers that you trust, or such as Mr. Leviston trusteth, being persons of account, to inform you of the point in law before you proceed any further: for without that all is in vain. For the business of Hawkyns, touching the register for the commission of bankrupts, I am not yet satisfied, likewise for the law, nor for the conveniency, but I rather incline to think it may pass; and I have set it in a course by which I may be thoroughly informed.

For Sir Rowland Egerton's cause, and his lady's, the parties have submitted themselves unto me, and are content to do it by bond, and therefore, I will undoubtedly make an end of it according to justice and conscience.

For Sir Gilbert Houghton's business I am in very good hope to effect your lordship's desire for his good.

For Moore's business, concerning the printing of books, after hearing all parties, I have sealed his patent; but for his former patent of salt I dare not do it without acquainting the council therewith, which I am ready to do, if he require that course to be taken.

ted, being principal sinews of his majesty's authority. Therefore the course will be (as I am advised) that for this heinous misprison (that the party without all colour or shadow of cause should threaten the life of his judge, and of the highest judge of the kingdom next his majesty) he be first examined, and if he confess it, then an ore tenus; if he confess it not, then an information in the Star Chamber, and he to remain where he is till the hearing. But I do purposely forbear yet to have him examined till the decree or agreement between him and my Lord Aubigny (which is now ready) be perfected, lest it should seem an oppression by the terror of the one to beat him down in the other. Thus I ever rest Your lordship's true friend and devoted servant, FR. BACON, Canc.

York House, Jan. 25th, 1617.

I pray your lordship to pardon me, if, in respect of a little watering in one of mine eyes, I have written this letter, being long and private business, in my secretary's hand.

TO THE KING.

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR MOST EXCELLEnt Majesty, Finding as well by your majesty's despatches and directions to your council, as now by speech with Mr. Secretary Laque, that your majesty is content to be troubled with business of sundry natures, I thought good, according to the duty of my place and the necessity of the occasion, to put your majesty in mind, that on this day sennight, being Friday in the morning, I am, according to custom, to give a charge and admonition to the judges and justices of peace now before the circuits, wherein I am humbly to crave your majesty's pleasure and directions.

I have for your majesty's better ease set down the heads, which by the prescript of your book, and out of the consideration of the present times, I have thought fittest to be remembered. I have also sent your majesty the last account of the judges' circuits, not to trouble you with the reading of them all; but to the end, that if upon my memorial, or otherwise out of your majesty's own memory which is above memorials, you should have occasion to resort to those accounts, the papers may be by you.

The point of greatest weight in my opinion is the carrying of a balanced hand at this time in the matter of recusants, in regard of the treaty with Spain. For it were good in respect of your people, that there were no note made, that the If his majesty at any time ask, touching the string is relaxed, and in respect of the treaty, Lord Clifton's business, I pray your lordship that it is not strained: and therefore the proceedrepresent to his majesty thus much, that whatso-ing in those causes be rather diligent than severe. ever hath passed I thank God I neither fear him nor hate him; but I am wonderful careful of the seat of justice, that they may still be well muni

I am wonderful glad to hear that this extremity of weather, which I think the Muscovite hath brought with him, hath not touched your majesty,

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the 6th of February, 1617.

Secondly, The warrant (as is acknowledged) came only from my Lord of Suffolk, and not from Mr. Chancellor, and yet my lord was wont to boast, that since he was treasurer, all commissions and contracts for sale of the king's land were broken off and ceased.

Thirdly, The rate of the moneys paid by the

Your majesty will be pleased your answer be gentlemen, amounteth to but thirteen year's purchase, which is a plain gift of a good proportion of value.

with me on Thursday at noon, or soon after it.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer hath signified to me, this day, that yesterday his majesty called him to his coach and said to him, that one that had used ill speech of me should be called before me and make his submission to me, and, thereupon be called before the council and receive a sharp reprehension, and so be enlarged. And Mr. Chancellor could not tell me who the person was, but after, by some letter he received from my Lord Clifton, and speech with a man of his, he perceived it was he.

I pray your lordship, in humbleness, to let his majesty know that I little fear the Lord Clifton, but I much fear the example, that it will animate ruffians and rodomonti, extremely, against the seats of justice, (which are his majesty's own seats) yea, and against all authority and greatness, if this pass without public censure and example, it having gone already so far as that the person of a baron hath been committed to the Tower. The punishment it may please his majesty to remit, and I shall not formally but heartily intercede for him, but an example (setting myself aside) I wish for terror of persons that may be more dangerous than he, towards the least judge of the

kingdom.

Therefore, it may please his majesty to speak of it with myself and my lords when he cometh next; and in the mean time I will command from his majesty, the master of the rolls and Mr. Attorney, who were appointed by the table to examine him, to stay. God ever prosper you. Your lordship's true friend and devoted servant, FR. BACON, Canc.

March 17, 1617.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

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I am

very glad to hear of the honour his majesty intendeth to my noble lady, your lordship's mother. This, amongst many other things, showeth, in your lordship, good nature, which is the root of all virtues, next religion. Besides, it doth sort well in states, when place and power do meet, and stand not too far at distance.

For the passing of it by direction without bill signed, it cannot be in law. So is Mr. Attorney's opinion, and so is mine; and, therefore, there is presently a bill sent with an endorsement of passing it by immediate warrant, and this antedate.

For the antedate, I must present his majesty with my caution, and with my obedience.

For the statute tieth me from antedates; and, indeed, the mischief is infinite: for, by that means the king may grant any land, &c., and take it away a month hence, and grant it another by an antedate. And, surely, were it land or the like, I would not say absit, or your majesty cannot do it for the world; or your majesty is sworn, and I am sworn; or such brave phrases: but, surely, (I say) I would in humbleness represent it to his majesty. But the case of honour differeth; for, therein his majesty's prerogative and declaration is absoFirst, It is a perpetuity, and so much rent in lute, and he may make him that is last to be first. diminution of revenue certain. And, therefore, upon his majesty's signification

I pray your lordship to signify to his majesty that I thought it my duty to stay at the seal, a book of Sir Francis Steward's and Sir James Averlony, &c., of £200 land in charge in fee simple: my reasons.

of his pleasure upon the endorsement of the bill | hath been yielded communibus annis, by a medium signed, I take it I may lawfully do it.

I am here rejoicing with my neighbours, the townsmen of St. Albans, for this happy day, the 5th of August, 1618.

Gorhambury.

Your lordship's most obliged

friend and faithful servant,
FR. VERULAM, Canc.

of seven years. If the king be pleased to grant me this, it will a little warm the honour he hath given me; and I shall have a new occasion to be as I ever have been, and shall be

York House,
October 9th, 1618.

Your lordship's obliged friend and faithful servant,

FR. VERULAM, Cane.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I thank your lordship for your last loving letter. I now write to give the king an account of the patent I have stayed at the seal. It is of licence to give in mortmain eight hundred pounds land, though it be in tenure in chief to Allen, that was the player, for an hospital.

I like well that Allen playeth the last act of his life so well; but if his majesty give way thus to amortize his tenures, his courts of wards will decay, which I had well hoped should improve. But that which moved me chiefly is, that his majesty now lately did absolutely deny Sir Henry Savile for two hundred pounds, and Sir Edwin Sandys for one hundred pounds, to the perpetuating of two lectures, the one in Oxford, the other in Cambridge, foundations of singular honour to his majesty, (the best learned of kings,) and of which there is great want; whereas, hospitals abound, and beggars abound never a whit the less.

If his majesty do like to pass the book at all; yet if he would be pleased to abridge the eight hundred pounds to five hundred pounds, and then give way to the other two books for the University, it were a princely work. And I would make an humble suit to the king, and desire your ship to join in it, that it might be so. preserve and prosper you.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

My VERY GOOD LORD,

This morning Mr. Attorney came to me and desired of me many writs of ne exeat regnum against most of the Dutch merchants, and withal let me understand that there was a discovery of an infinite transportation of gold and silver out of this realm, by the said Dutch merchants, amounting to millions; and that Sir John Britten had made a book thereof, and presented the same to his majesty; and further that his majesty had directed him to prosecute the same; and had also given to Sir Thomas Vavisor the forfeiture of such ten of them as he should choose.

Hereupon, I thought it my duty, as in a matter of great weight, to signify to his majesty, by your lordship, what I conceive.

The discovery I think very happy: for, if it be true, it will be a great benefit to his majesty; it will also content his people much, and it will demonstrate also that Scotland is not the leech (as some discoursers say,) but the Netherlanders that suck the realm of treasure; so that the thing is very good.

But, two things I must represent to his malord-jesty: the first, that if I stay merchants from God ever their trading by this writ, I must do it either ex officio, or by special warrant from his majesty.

Your lordship's most obliged
friend and faithful servant,
FR. VERULAM, Canc.

York House, this 18th of August, 1618.

I have written to my Lord Chamberlain, being Chancellor of Oxford, to help in the business.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD Lord,

Looking for matter of service, I have found out a suit for myself, and it is proper for me more than all men, because it is within the accompt of the hanaper. But I have made a law to myself, that I will never beg any thing, which shall not bring a gain to the king; therefore, my suit is to farm the profits of the alienations, yielding a thousand pounds a year more to the king than

If ex officio, then I must have more than a bare surmise to grant the writ upon, so as I must be acquainted with the grounds, or at least appearance of proofs. If by special warrant, then I desire to receive the same. The other is that I humbly beseech his majesty that these royal boughs of forfeiture may not be vintaged, or cropped by private suitors, (considering his majesty's state as it is,) but that Sir Thomas Vivasor or Sir John Brittain may have a bountiful and gracious reward of their discovery, but not the prime, or without stint.

In sum, I would wish his majesty to refer the whole business and carriage of the same for his honour and profit to the commissioners of treasure, or because it is a legal forfeiture to myself, Mr. Chancellor, Sir Edward Coke, and my Lord Chief Justice of England, and by us his majesty shall be assured to know the best cause for his justice, honour, and profit, and that he may dispose what

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