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produced this paper enclosed,* which I most | the adverse party shall attempt to bring it now humbly pray your majesty to excuse, being that back again into your lordship's court, you would which, in my judgment, I think to be good both de vero, and ad populum. Of other things, I have written to my Lord of Buckingham. God forever preserve and prosper your majesty. Your majesty's humble servant, most devoted and most bounden, FR. BACON.

March 23, 1616.

Endorsed,

My lord keeper to his majesty, with some additional instructions for Sir John Digby.

not retain it there, but let it rest in the place where now it is, that, without more vexation unto him in posting him from one to another, he may have a final hearing and determination thereof. And so I rest Your lordship's ever at command, G. BUCKINGHAM. My lord, this is a business wherein I spake to my lord chancellor, whereupon he dismissed the suit.

Lincoln, the 4th of April, 1617.

TO THE LORD KEEPER.†

MY HONOURABLe Lord,

Whereas, the late lord chancellor thought it fit to dismiss out of the chancery a cause touching Henry Skipwith, to the common law, where he desireth it should be decided; these are to entreat your lordship‡ in the gentleman's favour, that if

* Additional instructions to Sir John Digby,-[ambassador to the court of Spain :]

Besides your instructions directory to the substance of the main errand, we would have you in the whole carriage and passages of the negotiation, as well with the king himself, as the Duke of Lerma, and council there, intermix discourse

upon fit occasions, that may express ourselves to the effect

following:

That you doubt not, but that both kings, for that which concerns religion, will proceed sincerely, both being entire and perfect in their own belief and way. But that there are so many noble and excellent effects, which are equally acceptable to both religions, and for the good and happiness of the Christian world, which may arise of this conjunction, as the union of both kings in actions of state, as may make the difference in religion as laid aside, and almost forgotten.

As, first, that it will be a means utterly to extinguish and extirpate pirates, which are the common enemies of mankind,

and do so much infest Europe at this time.

Also, that it may be a beginning and seed (for the like actions heretofore have had less beginnings) of a holy war against the Turk; whereunto it seems the events of time do invite Christian kings, in respect of the great corruption and relaxation of discipline of war in that empire; and much

more in respect of the utter ruin and enervation of the Grand Signor's navy and forces by sea; which openeth a way (with congregating vast armies by land) to suffocate and starve Constantinople, and thereby to put those provinces into mutiny and insurrection.

Also, that by the same conjunction there will be erected a tribunal or prætorian power, to decide the controversies which may arise amongst the princes and estates of Christendom, without effusion of Christian blood; for so much as any estate of Christendom will hardly recede from that which the two kings shall mediate and determine.

Also, that whereas there doth, as it were, creep upon the ground, a disposition, in some places, to make popular estates and leagues to the disadvantage of monarchies, the conjunction of the two kings will be able to stop and impedite the growth of any such evil.

These discourses you shall do well frequently to treat upon, and therewithal to fill up the spaces of the active part of your negotiation; representing that it stands well with the greatness and majesty of the two kings to extend their cogitations and the influence of their government, not only to their own subjects, but to the state of the whole world besides, specially the Christian portion thereof.

Harl. MSS. vol. 7006.

This is the first of many letters which the Marquis of Buckingham wrote to Lord Bacon in favour of persons who

THE LORD KEEPER TO HIS NIECE, TOUCHING HER MARRIAGE.

GOOD NIECE,-Amongst your other virtues, I know there wanteth not in you a mind to hearken to the advice of your friends. And, therefore, you will give me leave to move you again more seriously than before in the match with Mr. Comptroller.* The state wherein you now are is to be preferred before marriage, or changed for marriage, not simply the one or the other, but according as, by God's providence, the offers of marriage are more or less fit to be embraced. This gentleman is religious, a person of honour, being counsellor of state, a great officer, and in very good favour with his majesty. He is of years and health fit to be comfortable to you, and to free you of burdensome cares. He is of good means, and a wise and provident man, and of a loving and excellent good nature; and, I find, hath set his affections upon you; so as I foresee you may sooner change your mind, which, as you told me, is not yet towards marriage, than find so happy a choice. I hear he is willing to visit you before his going into France, which, by the king's commandment, is to be within some ten days: and I could wish you used him kindly, and with respect. His return out of France is intended before Michaelmas. God direct you, and be with you. I rest

Your very loving uncle and assured friend,
FR. BACON.

Dorset House, this 28th of April, 1617.

had causes depending in, or likely to come into the court of Chancery. And it is not improbable that such recommendations were considered in that age as less extraordinary and irregular than they would appear now. The marquis made the same kind of applications to Lord Bacon's successor, the Lord Keeper Williams, in whose life, by Bishop Hacket, part i. p. 107, we are informed, that "there was not a cause of moment, but, as soon as it came to publication, one of the parties brought letters from this mighty peer, and the Lord Keeper's patron.

Sir Thomas Edmondes, who had been appointed to that office, December 21, 1616, and January 19, 1617-8, was made treasurer of the household. He had been married to Magdalen, one of the daughters and coheirs of Sir John Wood, knight, clerk of the signet, which lady died at Paris, De cember 31, 1614.

The proposal for a second marriage between him and the lord keeper's niece does not appear to have had success.

TO THE LORD KEEPER.*

MY HONOURABLE Lord,

I have acquainted his majesty with your letters, who liked all your proceedings well, saving only the point, for which you have since made amends, in obeying his pleasure touching the proclamation. His majesty would have your lordship go thoroughly about the business of Ireland, whereinto you are so well entered, especially at this time, that the chief justicet is come over, who hath delivered his opinion thereof to his majesty, and hath understood what his majesty conceived of the same; wherewith he will acquaint your lordship, and with his own observation and judgment of the businesses of that country.

I give your lordship hearty thanks for your care to satisfy my Lady of Rutland's desire; and will be as careful, when I come to York, of recommending your suit to the bishop. So I rest Your lordship's ever at command, G. BUCKINGHAM.

Newark, the 5th of April, 1617.

he can receive no assurance from your lordship of any precedent in that kind, his majesty intendeth not so to precipitate the business, as to expose that dignity to censure and contempt, in omitting the solemnities required, and usually belonging unto it.

His majesty, though he were a while troubled with a little pain in his back, which hindered his hunting, is now, God be thanked, very well, and as merry as ever he was; and we have all held out well.

I showed his majesty your letter, who taketh very well your care and desire to hear of his health. So I commit you to God, and rest Your lordship's most assured friend to do you service,

Aukland, the 18th of April, 1617.

G. BUCKINGHAM.

Since the writing of this letter I have had some farther speech with his majesty, touching my Lord Brackley; and find, that if, in your lordship's information in the course, you write any thing that may tend to the furthering of the despatch of it in that kind, he desireth it may be done.

TO THE LORD KEEPER.||

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

I spake at York with the archbishop,¶ touching the house, which he hath wholly put into your hands to do with it what your lordship shall be pleased.

I have heretofore, since we were in this journey, moved his majesty for a despatch of my Lord Brackley's** business: but, because his majesty never having heard of any precedent in the like case, was of opinion, that this would be of ill consequence in making that dignity as easy as the pulling out of a sword to make a man a knight, and so make it of little esteem, he was desirous to be assured, first, that it was no new course, before he would do it in that fashion. But since

* Harl. MSS. vol. 7006.

Sir John Denham, one of the Lords Justices of Ireland in 1616. He was made one of the Barons of the Exchequer in England, May 2, 1617. He died, January 6, 1638, in the eightieth year of his age. He was the first who set up customs in Ireland, (not but there were laws for the same before;) of which the first year's revenue amounted but to 5001; but before his death, which was about twenty-two years after, they were let for 54,000l. per annum.-Borlase's Reduction of Ireland to the Crown of England, p. 200. Edit. London, 1675.

Frances, Countess of Rutland, first wife of Francis, Earl of Rutland, and daughter and coheir of Sir Henry Knevet, of

Charleton, in Wiltshire, knight. She had by the earl an only daughter and heir, Catharine, first married to George Marquis, and afterwards Duke of Buckingham; and secondly to Randolph Macdonald, Earl, and afterwards Marquis, of Antrim, in Ireland.

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TO THE LORD KEEPER.*

My HONOURABLE LORD,

I send your lordship the warrant for the queen,† signed by his majesty, to whom I have likewise delivered your lordship's letter. And, touching the matter of the pirates, his majesty cannot yet resolve; but within a day or two your lordship shall see a despatch, which he purposeth to send to the lords of his council in general, what his opinion and pleasure is in that point.

I would not omit this opportunity to let your lordship know, that his majesty, God be thanked, is in very good health, and so well pleased with his journey, that I never saw him better nor

merrier.

So I rest

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he is shortly to go into Spain about some other
business of his own, I farther desire your lordship
to give him what expedition you can, that he may
receive no prejudice by his journey.

Your lordship's ever at command,
G. BUCKINGHAM.

Endorsed-May 6, 1616.

TO THE LORD KEEPER.*

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

I have, by reports, heard that which doth much grieve and trouble me, that your lordship hath, through a pain in one of your legs, been forced to keep your chamber. And, being desirous to understand the true estate of your health, which reports do not always bring, I entreat your lordship to favour me with a word or two from your self, which, I hope, will bring me the comfort I desire, who cannot but be very sensible of whatsoever happeneth to your lordship, as being Your lordship's most affectionate to do you service,

From Edinburgh, the 3d of June, 1617.

G. BUCKINGHAM.

His majesty, God be thanked, is very well, and safely returned from his hunting journey.

When I had written this letter, I received your lordship's letter of the third of this present, wherein your lordship showeth your solicitous care of my health, which did wonderfully comfort me. And it is true, that at this present I am very well, and my supposed gout quite vanished.

I humbly pray you to commend my service, infinite in desire, howsoever limited in ability, to his majesty, to hear of whose health and good disposition is to me the greatest beatitude which I can receive in this world. And I humbly beseech his majesty to pardon me, that I do not now send him my account of council business, and other his royal commands, till within these four days; because the flood of business of justice did hitherto wholly possess me; which, I know, worketh this effect, as it contenteth his subjects, and knitteth their hearts more and more to his majesty, though, I must confess, my mind is upon other matters, as his majesty shall know, by the grace of God, at his return. God ever bless and prosper you.

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

Whitehall, this 8th of June, 1617.

TO THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

TO THE LORD KEEPER.

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

Your lordship will understand, by Sir Thomas Lake's letter, his majesty's directions touching the surveyor's deputy of the Court of Wards. And though I assure myself of your lordship's care of the business, which his majesty maketh his own: yet, my respect to Sir Robert Naunton* maketh me add my recommendation thereof to your lordship, whom I desire to give all the furtherance and assistance you can to the business, that no prejudice or imputation may light upon Sir Robert Naunton, through his zealous affection to attend his majesty in this journey.

This day I have made even with the business of the kingdom for common justice; not one cause unheard; the lawyers drawn dry of all the motions they were to make; not one petition unanswered. And this, I think, could not be said in our age before. This I speak, not out of ostentation, but out of gladness, when I have done my duty. I know men think I cannot continue if I should thus oppress myself with business: but that account is made. The duties of life are more than life; and if I die now, I shall die before the world be weary of me, which, in our times, is somewhat rare. And all this while I have been a little unperfect in my foot. But I have taken pains more like the beast with four legs than like a man with scarce two legs. But if it be a gout, | Edinburgh, the 11th of June, 1617. which I do neither acknowledge, nor much disclaim, it is a good-natured gout; for I have no rage of it, and it goeth away quickly. I have hope it is but an accident of changing from a field air† to a Thames air;‡ or rather, I think, it is the distance of the king and your lordship from me, that doth congeal my humours and spirits.

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I will not omit to let you know, that his majesty is very well, and receiveth much contentment in his journey. And with this conclusion I rest Your lordship's most affectionate to do you service,

G. BUCKINGHAM.

TO THE LORD VISCOUNT FENTON.{

MY VERY GOOD Lord,

I thank your lordship for your courteous letter; and, if I were asked the question, I would always

* Surveyor of the Court of Wards.

Sir Thomas Erskine, who, for his service to the king, in the attempt of the Earl of Gowry, was, upon his majesty's accession to the throne of England, made captain of his guard in the room of Sir Walter Ralegh. He was afterwards created Earl of Kelly.

choose rather to have a letter of no news; for news imports alteration; but letters of kindness and respect bring that which, though it be no news amongst friends, is more welcome.

I am exceedingly glad to hear, that this journey of his majesty, which I never esteemed more than a long progress, save that it had reason of state joined with pleasure, doth sort to be so joyful and so comfortable.

For your Parliament, God speed it well: and for ours, you know the sea would be calm, if it were not for the winds: and I hope the king, whensoever that shall be, will find those winds reasonably well laid. Now that the sun is got up a little higher, God ordains all things to the happiness of his majesty and his monarchy.

My health, I thank God, is good; and I hope this supposed gout was but an incomer. I ever

rest

Your lordship's affectionate
and assured friend,

Whitehall, June 18, 1617.

FR. BACON.

TO THE LORD KEEPER, WRITTEN FROM
LAND, JUNE 28, 1618.*

to take tobacco, and to speak neither Scottish nor English. Many such diseases of the times his majesty was pleased to enumerate, not fit for my pen to remember, and graciously to recognise how much he was beholden to the English nation for their love and conformity to his desires. The king did personally and infallibly sit amongst them of the Parliament every day; so that there fell not a word amongst them but his majesty was of council with it.

The whole assembly, after the wonted manner, was abstracted into eight bishops, eight lords, eight gentlemen, knights of the shires, and eight lay burgesses for towns. And this epitome of the whole Parliament did meet every day in one room to treat and debate of the great affairs of the kingdom. There was exception taken against some of the Lower House, which were returned by the country, being pointed at as men averse in their appetites and humours to the business of the Parliament, who were deposed of their attendance by the king's power, and others, better affected, by the king's election, placed in their room.

The greatest and weightiest articles, agitated in this Parliament, were specially touching the SCOT-government of the kirk and kirkmen, and for the abolishing of hereditary sheriffs to an annual charge; and to enable justices of the peace to have as well the real execution as the title of their places. For now the sheriff doth hold jura regalia in his circuit, without check or controlment; and the justices of the peace do want the staff of their authority. For the church and commonwealth, his majesty doth strive to shape the frame of this kingdom to the method and degrees of the government of England, as by reading of the several acts it may appear. The king's desire and travail herein, though he did suffer a momentary opposition, (for his countrymen will speak boldly to him,) hath in part been profitable. For, though he hath not fully and complementally prevailed in all things, yet, he hath won ground in most things, and hath gained acts of parliament to authorize particular commissioners, to set down orders for the church and churchmen, and to treat with sheriffs for their offices, by way of pecuniary composition. But all these proceedings are to have an inseparable reference to his majesty. If any prove unreasonably and undutifully refractory, his majesty hath declared himself, that he will proceed against him by the warrant of the law, and by the strength of his royal power.

I WILL begin to speak of the business of this day; opus hujus diei in die suo, which is of the Parliament. It began on the 7th of this month, and ended this day, being the 28th of June. His majesty, as I perceived by relation, rode thither in great state the first day. These eyes are witnesses that he rode in an honourable fashion, as I have seen him in England, this day. All the lords rode in English robes; not an English lord on horseback, though all the Parliament House at his majesty's elbow, but my Lord of Buckingham, who waited upon the king's stirrup in his collar, but not in his robes. His majesty, the first day, by way of preparation to the subject of the Parliament, made a declaratory speech, wherein he expressed himself what he would not do, but what he would do. The relation is too prolix for a sheet of paper; and I am promised a copy of it, which I will bring myself unto your lordship with all the speed I may. But I may not be so reserved as not to tell your lordship, that in that speech his majesty was pleased to do England and Englishmen much honour and grace; and that he studied nothing so much, sleeping and waking, as to reduce the barbarity (I have warrant to use the king's own word) of this country unto the sweet civility of ours; adding, farther, that if the Scottish nation would be as docible to learn the goodness of England, as they are teachable to limp after their ill, he might with facility prevail in his desire: for they had learned of the English to drink healths, to wear coaches and gay clothes,

*From a copy in the paper-office. VOL. III.-14

His majesty's speech this day had a necessary connexion with his former discourse. He was pleased to declare what was done and determined in the progress of this Parliament; his reasons for it; and that nothing was gotten by shouldering or wrestling, but by debate, judgment, and reason, without any interposition of his royal power in any thing. He commanded the lords in state of judicature to give life, by a careful

execution unto the law, which otherwise was but mortuum cadaver et bona peritura.

Thus much touching the legal part of my advertisement unto you. I will give your lordship an account in two lines of the complement of the country, time, and place.

The country affords more profit and better contentment than I could ever promise myself by my reading of it.

My Lord of Pembroke, my Lord of Arundel, my Lord Zouch, and Mr. Secretary Lake, were new sworn of the council here.

TO THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I have sent enclosed a letter to his majesty con

The king was never more cheerful in body and mind, never so well pleased: and so are the Eng-cerning the strangers; in which business I had lish of all conditions.

The entertainment very honourable, very general, and very full: every day feasts and invitations. I know not who paid for it. They strive, by direction, to give us all fair contentment, that we may know that the country is not so contemptible, but that it is worth the cherishing.

formerly written to your lordship a joint letter with my Lord of Canterbury, and my lord privy seal,* and Mr. Secretary Winwood.

I am, I thank God, much relieved with my being in the country air, and the order I keep; so that, of late years, I have not found my health better.

Your lordship writeth seldomer than you were wont; but when you are once gotten into England you will be more at leisure. God bless and

The lord provost of this town, who in English is the mayor, did feast the king and all the lords this week; and another day all the gentlemen. And, I confess, it was performed with | prosper you. state, with abundance, and with a general content.

There is a general and a bold expectation, that Mr. John Murray shall be created a baron of this country, and some do chat, that my Lord of Buckingham's Mr. Wray shall be a groom of the bed-chamber in his place.

There hath been yet no creation of lords since his majesty did touch Scotland; but of knights many, yet not so many as we heard in England; but it is thought all the pensioners will be knights to-morrow. Neither are there any more English lords sworn of the privy council here, save my Lord of Buckingham.

The Earl of Southampton, Montgomery, and Hay, are already gone for England.

I have made good profit of my journey hither; for I have gotten a transcript of the speech which your lordship did deliver at your first and happy sitting in Chancery, which I could not gain in England. It hath been showed to the king, and received due approbation. The God of heaven, all-wise and all-sufficient, guard and assist your lordship in all your actions: for I can read here whatsoever your lordship doth act there; and your courses be such as you need not to fear to give copies of them. But the king's ears be wide and long, and he seeth with many eyes.

All this works for your honour and comfort. I pray God nothing be soiled, heated, or cooled in the carriage. Envy sometimes attends virtues, and not for good; and these bore certain proprieties and circumstances inherent to your lordship's mind; which men may admire, I cannot express. But I will wade no farther time herein, lest I should seem eloquent. I have been too saucy with your lordship, and held you too long with my idleness. He that takes time from your lordship robs the public. God give your body health, and your

soul heaven.

Your lordship's true and devoted
friend and servant,

Gorhambury, July 29, 1617.

TO THE LORD KEEPER.

MY HONOUrable Lord,

FR. BACON.

I have acquainted his majesty with your letter, who, in this business of Sir John Bennet's,‡ hath altogether followed your lordship's direction.

His majesty hath at length been pleased to despatch Mr. Lowder,§ according to your lordship's desire, for the place in Ireland. What the cause of the stay was, I shall impart to your lordship when I see you, being now too long to relate.

His majesty hath not yet had leisure to read the little book you sent me to present unto him; but, it to him again. as soon as I see the fittest opportunity, I will offer

His majesty, God be thanked, is very well; and I am exceeding glad to hear of your health, that you are of so good term proof, which is the best of it, being you are in those businesses put best of it, being you are in those businesses put most to the trial, which I wish may long continue in that strength, that you may still do his majesty and your country that good service, whereof we

Edward, Earl of Worcester.

+ Harl. MSS. vol. 7006.

‡ Of Godstow, in Oxfordshire, who was sent to Brussels to the archduke, to expostulate with him concerning a libel on the king, imputed to Erycius Puteanus, and entitled, Isaaci Casauboni Corona Regia.

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> He had been solicitor to the queen, but finding her dislike to him, he was willing to part with his place for that of one of the barons of the exchequer in Ireland; for which he

was recommended by the lord keeper to the Earl of Bucking ham, in a letter dated at Whitehall, May 25, 1617.

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