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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 have thought fit to desire your lordship to give it what favour and furtherance you may, if you find it reasonable, and not prejudicial to his majesty's service, because it concerneth Mr. Patrick Maule, and my brother, Christopher Villiers, whose benefit I have reason to wish and advance by any just And so I rest

courses.

Your lordship's faithful servant,
G. BUCKINGHAM.

Royston, the 11th

of Jan. 1617.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.*

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

Sir John Cotton† 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,
G. BUCKINGHAM.

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,
But if he did consent, and,
I will restore him.
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 touch-
ing his consent; and I will do him reason.
Thus, with my thanks to your lordship, I will

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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,
G. BUCKINGHAM.

Newmarket, the 24th of January, 1617.

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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
G. BUCKINGHAM.
Newmarket, the 28th of January, 1617.
* Harl. MSS. vol. 7006.

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,
G. BUCKINGHAM.

Newmarket, the 4th day of February, 1617.

1

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.*

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

Though I had resolved not to write to your lordship in any matter between party and party; yet, at the earnest request of my noble friend, the Lord Norris, to whom I account myself much beholden, I could not but recommend unto your lordship's favour a special friend of his, Sir Thomas Monk, who hath a suit before your lordship in the Chancery with Sir Robert Bassett; which, upon the report made unto me thereof, seemeth so reasonable, that I doubt not but the cause itself will move your lordship to favour him, if, upon the hearing thereof, it shall appear the same unto your lordship, as at the first sight it doth I therefore desire your lordship to show in this particular what favour you lawfully may, for my sake, who will account it as done unto myself; and will ever rest

unto me.

Your lordship's faithful servant,
G. BUCKINGHAM.

Newmarket, the 4th day of Feb. 1617.

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A patent for the monopoly of which was granted to Sir Giles Mompesson and Sir Francis Mitchel, who were punished for the abuse of that patent by the Parliament, which met January 30, 1620-1.

Harl. MSS. vol. 7006. Sir Julius Cæsar.

Ibid.

¶ Sir Henry Yelverton. ** Dr. Thomas Jones, Archbishop of Dublin, who died April

10, 1619.

K 2

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,
FRA. BACON, Canc.

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,
FR. BACON, Canc.

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

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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 I was thought myself bound not to silence. credibly informed and assured, when the Spanish ambassador went away, that howsoever Ralegh and the prentices† should fall out to be proceeded

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withal, no more instances would be made hereafter on the part of Spain for justice to be done ever in these particulars: but that if slackness were used here, they would be laid up in the deck, and would serve for materials (this was the very word) of future and final discontentments. Now, as the humour and design of some may carry them towards troubling of the waters, so I know your lordship's both nature and great place require an appeasing them at your hands. And I have not presumed to say this little out of any mind at all, that I may have, to meddle with matters so far above me, but out of a thought I had, that I was tied in duty to lay thus much under your lordship's eye; because I know and consider of whom I heard that speech, and with how grave circumstances it was delivered.

I beseech Jesus to give continuance and increase to your lordship's happiness; and that, if it may stand with his will, myself may one day have the honour of casting some small mite into that rich treasury. So I humbly do your lordship reverence, and continue

The most obliged of your lordship's many faithful servants,

TOBIE MATTHEW.

Nottingham, this 21st of August, 1618.

TO MR. (AFTERWARDS SIR) ISAAC WAKE, HIS

MAJESTY'S AGENT AT THE COURT OF SAVOY.

MR. WAKE,—I have received some letters from you; and hearing from my Lord Cavendish* how well he affects you, and taking notice also of your good abilities and services in his majesty's affairs, and not forgetting the knowledge I had, when young, of your good father, I thought my self in some measure tied not to keep from you my good opinion of you, and my desire to give you any furtherance in your fortunes and occasions, whereof you may take knowledge and liberty to use me for your good. Fare you well. Your very loving friend,

FR. VERULAM,‡ Canc.

York House, this 1st of Sept., 1618.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.(

MY HONOURABle Lord,

any

thread business; as also of the profit that shall
way accrue unto him thereby. Wherefore his
pleasure is, that you shall, with all convenient
speed, call unto you the Lord Chief Justice of the
King's Bench,* the attorney-general,† and the
solicitor, and consider with them of every of
the said particulars, and return them to his ma-
jesty, that thereupon he may resolve what pre-
sent course to take for the advancement of the
execution thereof. And so I rest

Your lordship's faithful servant,
G. BUCKINGHAM.

Theobalds, the 4th of Oct., 1618.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOod Lord,

I send the commission for making Lincoln's Inn Fields into walks, for his majesty's signature. It is without charge to his majesty.

We have had my Lord of Ormonde§ before us. We could not yet get him to answer directly, whether he would obey the king's award or no. After we had endured his importunity and impertinences, and yet let him down to this, that his majesty's award was not only just and within his submission, but in his favour; we concluded in few words, that the award must be obeyed, and Ireland, he was to be punished by the justice of if he did refuse or impugn the execution of it in Ireland: if he did murmur or scandalize it here, or trouble his majesty any more, he was to be punished in England. Then he asked, whether he might be gone. For that, we told him, his majesty's pleasure was to be known.

Sir Robert Mansell hath promised to bring his summer account this day sevennight. God preserve and prosper you.

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

November 12, 1618.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.[]

His majesty is desirous to be satisfied of the | MY HONOURABLE Lord,

fitness and conveniency of the gold and silver

I send your lordship the commission signed by

the Spanish ambassador, on account of a boy's being hurt by his majesty, which he was very willing to

him as he was riding. [Camdeni Annales Regis Jacobi I., p. 33.] They were proceeded against by commissioners, at Guildhall, on Wednesday, the 12th of August following; seven being found guilty, and adjudged to six months' imprisonment, and to pay five hundred pounds apiece. Two others were acquitted. MS. letter of Mr. Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carleton, London, August 15, 1618.

* William Cavendish, son and heir of William, created Baron Cavendish Hardwicke in Derbyshire, in May, 1605, and Earl of Devonshire, July 12, 1618.

† Arthur Wake, rector of Billing in Northamptonshire, master of the hospital of St. John in Northampton, and canon of Christ Church, Oxford.

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› Walter, Earl of Ormonde, grandfather of James, the first Duke of Ormonde. This earl, upon the death of Thomas, Earl of Ormonde and Ossory, succeeding to those honours, should have inherited likewise the greatest part of the estate : but his right was contested by Sir Richard Preston, Lord Dingwell, supported by the favour of King James I., who made an award, which Walter, Earl of Ormonde, conceiving to be unjust, refused to submit to, and was, by the king's order, committed to the Fleet, where he remained eight years before the death of that king; but in 1625 recovered his

He had been created Lord Verulam on the 12th of July, 1618. liberty.
Harl. MSS. vol. 7006.

Harl. MSS. vol. 7006.

despatch, as a business very commendable and worthy to be taken in hand.

For the Earl of Ormonde, his majesty made no other answer, but that he hopeth he is not so unmannerly, as to go away without taking leave of his majesty.

For Sir Robert Mansell's account, his majesty saith he is very slow, especially being but a summary account, and that he promised to bring it in before and therefore would have him tied to the day he hath now set, without any farther delay. This last his majesty commanded me to put in after I had written and signed my letter. Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, G. BUCKINGHAM. Royston, the 13th of November, 1618.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.*

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

Having formerly moved your lordship in the business of this bearer, Mr. Wyche, of whom, as I understand, your lordship hath had a special care to do him favour, according to the equity of his cause; now, seeing that the cause is shortly to be heard, I have thought fit to continue my recommendation of the business unto you, desiring your lordship to show what favour you lawfully may unto Mr. Wyche, according as the justness of the cause shall require: which I will acknowledge as a courtesy from your lordship,

and ever rest

Your lordship's faithful friend and servant,
G. BUCKINGHAM.
Newmarket, the 18th of November, 1618.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.*

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

I send your lordship the bill of the sheriff of Hereford and Leicester, pricked and signed by his majesty, who hath likewise commanded me to send unto your lordship these additions of instructions, sent unto him by the surveyor and receiver of the Court of Wards; wherein, because he knoweth not what to prescribe without understanding what objections can be made, his pleasure is, that your lordship advise and consider of them, and send him your opinion of them, that he may then take such course therein, as shall be fit.

His majesty commanded me to give you thanks for your care of his service; and so I rest Your lordship's faithful servant, G. BUCKINGHAM.

Newmarket, 22d of November.

Endorsed, 1618.

*Harl. MSS. vol. 7006.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.* MY HONOURABLE Lord,

I have written a letter unto your lordship, which will be delivered unto you in behalf of Dr. Steward; and, besides, have thought fit to use all freedom with you in that, as in other things; and, therefore, have thought fit to tell you, that he being a man of very good reputation, and a stout man, that will not yield to any thing, wherein he conceiveth any hard course against him, I should be sorry he should make any complaint against you. And, therefore, if you can advise of any course, how you may be eased of that burden, and freed from his complaint, without show of any fear of him, or any thing he can say, I will be ready to join with you for the accomplishment thereof: and so, desiring you to excuse the long stay of your man, I rest

Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, G. BUCKINGHAM.

From Newmarket, 3d of December, 1618.

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Yesternight we despatched the Lord Ridgeway's account. Good service is done. Seven or eight thousand pounds are coming to the king, and a good precedent set for accounts.

There came to the seal about a fortnight since a strange book passed by Mr. Attorney to one Mr. Hall; and it is to make subjects, (for so is denization,) and this to go to a private use, till some thousand pounds be made of it. The number one hundred denizens. And, whereas, all books of that nature had an exception of merchants, (which importeth the king not much in his customs only, for that is provided for in the book, but many other ways,) this takes in merchants and all. I acquainted the commissioners with it, and by one consent it is stayed. But let me of this nature, so to raise money for himself, being counsel his majesty to grant forth a commission a flower of the crown: and Hall may be rewarded out of it; and it would be to principal persons, that it may be carried with election and discretion, whom to admit to denization, and whom not. God ever bless and prosper you.

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

December 8, 1618.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.†

MY HONOURABLE Lord,

I thank your lordship for the favour, which I understand Sir Francis Engelfyld hath received

*Harl. MSS. vol. 7006. + Ibid.

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