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ING MOMPESSON'S BUSINESS OF INNS.*

MY VERY GOOD LORd,

We are left a little naked in the business of

December, and have taken care of you rather ac- A LETTER TO MY LORD OF BUCKINGHAM, TOUCHcording to your request than at your request; forasmuch as I had done it before your letter came. This you may perceive by the joint letter which you shall receive from my lord chancellor, my lord treasurer, and myself. And, for me, you may rest assured that nothing can concern you little, or more nearly, or afar off, but you shall have all care out of my affection, and all strength and help out of my means and power to conserve and advance your good estate and contentment. And so I remain

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Inns, by the death of Justice Nicholls; and my
Lord Chief Baron and Mr. Justice Crooke having
been with me, do desire the number of three may
be fulfilled. I have, therefore, sent your lordship
a warrant for the king's signature, wherein Justice
Winch is put in Justice Nicholls' place. It is
also altered at my request, in that other point of
the former warrant, whereby the certificate was
required in writing, which they desire may be by
attending his majesty themselves, at his coming,
which I do think to be the more convenient and
the more usual for judges. I ever rest
Your lordship's true and most
devoted servant.

October 18, 1616.

FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE.* RIGHT HONOURABLE,

The confidence which the townsmen have, in obtaining their charter and petition, makes us bold and importunate suitors to your honour, by whose favour with his majesty and protection, we again humbly entreat, the university and ourselves may be freed from that danger which by them is intended to us. By their own reports, it is a matter of honour and advantage for which they sue: when they were at their lowest, and in their meanest fortunes, they ever showed themselves unkind neighbours to us; and their suits with us,

within these few years, have caused us to spend

our common treasury, and trouble our best friends,
and, therefore, we cannot expect peace amongst
them, when their thoughts and wills shall be
winged and strengthened by that power and au-
thority which the very bare title of a city will
give unto them. Since our late letter to the right
honourable lord chancellor, your honour, and his
majesty's attorney-general, we (being better in-
formed of the course they take, and of their con-
fidence to prevail at the end of the next term)
have sent letters from the body of the university
to the king's majesty, the lord chancellor, and
others, our honourable friends; showing them of
our fear, and their purpose, and to entreat them
to join with your honour and us, to his majesty,
to stay their suit before we be driven to further
charge or trouble, in entertaining counsel, or soli-
citing our friends. Thus, humbly entreating your
honour to pardon our importunity, and often
soliciting your lordship in this business, with our
earnest prayers to the Almighty for your honour's
long life and happy estate, we end this.
Your honour's in all duty
to be commanded.

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February, 1616.

* Sloan MS. 3562, art. 41.

TO MY LORD OF BUCKINGHAM, TOUCHING MOM-
PESSON'S BUSINESS, THE MALTSTERS, &c.f
MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I am much troubled in mind, for that I hear you are not perfectly well, without whose health I cannot joy, and without whose life, I desire not to be. I hear nothing from Mr. Mompesson, save that some tell me is knighted, which I am glad of, because he may the better fight with the bull and the bear, and the Saracen's head, and such fearful creatures.

For Sir Robert Killigrewe's suit of enrolment of apprentices, I doubt we must part it; but yet I suppose it may be left valuable.

Your office is despatched, and your books in effect. I have given his majesty an account of those things wherein I have received his pleasure those things wherein I have received his pleasure from your lordship by this letter which I send

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Your very loving friend,

FR. ST. ALBAN. From Gray's Inn, this 8th September, 1624.

you have made so good an entrance, and have | steward: forasmuch as I have but even newly taken the right way of examining the business. recovered some degree of health, after a sharp And, whereas, you give your opinion of the mint, sickness of some weeks, I am constrained to put we have thought fit to remember unto you the off the hearing till Monday, the 20th of this instant, usual form which we have ever used in matters at my lodging at Gray's Inn, &c. of consequence, that when you have taken the laborious part upon you in examination of the business, we first here report of the whole proceeding, before we give our resolution thereupon. And, therefore, until we hear the report of it in particular, we cannot conclude with you. As for the point of the stay of commerce, we agree with you in opinion thus far, that you call three or four of the aldermen whom you shall think fittest, and assure them, in our name, that we see no likelihood or reason of raising our coin, for aught we have yet heard, but rather of the contrary; and that the raising of the value of the coin will be the last course we shall take, when we see no other means left; for which we yet see no cause, and, therefore, the stop of money is needless. As for the committee, we think it fit that they should

continue to meet, until we have brought the busi

ness to such ripeness, that by the report thereof, at our return, we may perfectly understand every particular.

Given at our court at Newmarket, this 4th of December, 1618.

A LETTER TO MY LORD BUCKINGHAM.* MY VERY GOOD LORD,

Your lordship's former letter was honourable, but this your latter letter was both honourable and comfortable; for which I yield your lordship humble thanks. And for my liberty, as your lordship hath, in your letter, vouchsafed to show a great deal of tenderness concerning the same, so you will be nobly pleased to take some opportune time to move it; the rather, for that the season cometh on now fit for physic, which at this time of the year I have ever used; and my health never so much required. I ever humbly rest

Your lordship's most obliged friend
and faithful servant.

5th March, 1621.

A LETTER FROM MR. FRANCIS BACON TO THE
LORD PRESIDENT OF YORK, IN FAVOUR OF MR.
JOHNS, FOR THE SECRETARY'S PLACE AT YORK.*

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR GOOD LOordship,

suit to your lordship, which I assure myself, if it I have been moved to recommend a person and may take place with you, I shall not lose credit with you by; for both I know perfectly the honesty and sufficiency of the man, and that which is the ful affection to your lordship, as I dare undertake next point, I am so well acquainted with his duti

faithfully at your commandment. It is conceived no servant of yours shall be more observantly and in court, that Mr. Secretary Herbert shall have conferred upon him the place of secretary there, whose good will, by that which we do already find, Mr. Edward Jones hath reason to hope well of for a deputation. There rest two points, the one her majesty's good allowance, and the other yours. The former whereof I hope he shall have good means to procure, and the second is that to move you, besides the fitness of the man hardly which I am to sue to your lordship for. Wherein to be matched in any other particular, I will undertake for his thankfulness in as good a manner as any other can be whatsoever; and all the poor credit myself have with you, which I have not been unmindful to cherish, I desire may appear in this suit rather than in any motion for myself. And so, with my humble signification of duty, I commend your lordship to God's goodness.

At your lordship's honourable commandment, FR. BACON.

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A LETTER TO MY LORD TREASURER LEA.*

MY LORD, I humbly entreat your lordship and (if I may use the word) advise your lordship to make me a better answer. Your lordship is interested in honour in the opinion of all that hear how I am dealt with. If your lordship malice me for Long's cause, surely it was one of the

directed Mr. Meautys to tell you, that having somewhat better signs of my lord marquis's good disposition towards me, than when I wrote to my Lord Digby last, I would raise my request to his lordship, that, whereas I desired his lordship to move a temporary leave to come to London next Lent for my health, and Easter term for my business, he would now (if he so think it convenient) | justest businesses that ever was in Chancery. I deal for a release of the confinement indefinite, for the same reasons of an infirm health; and the settling the poor planks on my wrecks will continue still. If my Lord Digby make haste to court, I pray do this before you come down to me; if not, you may defer it till we have spoken. God keep and prosper you.

15th February, 1621.

Your most, &c.

will avouch it; and how deeply I was tempted
therein your lordship knoweth best. Your lord-
ship may do well to think of your grave as I do
of mine, and to beware of hardness of heart. And
as for fair words, it is a wind by which neither
your lordship nor any man else can sail long.
Howsoever, I am the man that shall give all due
respects and reverence to your great place.
20th June, 1625.

FR. ST. ALBAN.

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TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.* GOOD MY LORD,

Procure the warrant for my discharge this day. Death, I thank God, is so far from being unwelcome to me, as I have called for it (as Christian resolution would permit) any time these two months. But to die before the time of his majesty's grace, and in this disgraceful place, is even the worst that could be; and when I am dead, he is gone that was always in one tenor, a true and perfect servant to his master, and one that was never author of any immoderate, no, nor unsafe, no, (I will say it,) not unfortunate counsel; and one that no temptation could ever make other than a trusty, and honest, and Christ-loving friend to your lordship; and howsoever I acknowledge the sentence just, and for reformation sake fit, the justest chancellor that hath been in the five changes since Sir Nicholas Bacon's time. God bless and prosper your lordship, whatsoever become of me.

Your lordship's true friend, living and dying,
FR. ST. ALBAN.

Tower, 31st May, 1621.

Endorsed,

To the Marquis of Buckingham, from the Tower.

EDWARD FRANKLIN TO LORD ST. ALBAN.†

SIR,-You falsify the common proverb: Out of sight, out of mind. Distance of place makes * MS. Gibson, Lambeth Library, 936, fol. 147, Orig. + MS. Gibson, Lambeth Lib. 936, fol. 210, Orig. VOL. III.-22

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no divorce of your love; but present or absent you baulk no opportunity for my good. I shall never deserve your love unless that which is mental may requite that which is real; and that good prayers may be balanced with good deeds.

Touching the present overture, (the errand of your letters,) though there be a great conflict within myself, yet nor must nor will I hold you in long suspense. Though I could content myself with the obscure condition of my country fortune, yet should I not neglect and slight the fair opportunities of my better preferment. It is a sullen, stoical humour, not to be drawn out of a dark retired corner into the warm and open sunshine. But I cannot resolve on the sudden: my present affairs being somewhat involved and perplexed. Respite me (I pray) but till the funeral; and then (God willing) I shall visit London, and give up my determinate and satisfactory answer. Meanwhile, I desire my thankful love may be tendered to that honest Mr. Hatcher. So I rest a devoted homager to your virtues; or (if you suspect a compliment) Your assured friend, ED. FRANKLIN.

Cressingham, April 30, 1625.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.†
MY VERY GOOD LORD,

Your lordship's former letter was honourable, this later is kind and loving; wherein I took much comfort. This I protest to God, who

* Addit. MS. Mus. Brit. 5503, fol. 109 b.

+ MS. Gibson, Lambeth Lib. 936, fol. 210, Orig.

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us in effect an old song to a new tune, for his errand was only a formal relation of the passages of that achievement and defeat in the Low Countries, (wherein, by the way, I heard not any mention at all of my Lord Craven's prowess, though some say he expects a room in the next Gazette.) The

knoweth the secrets of hearts, that I do not think | solemn and public audience in the presence, sung there was ever a son of Adam who wished more prosperity to another that was a subject than I have done and do to your lordship; and, as low as I am, I had rather sojourn in a college than recover a fortune by any other but yourself. Marry, to recover you (if I have not) or to cease you of doing any thing for me wherein you would | ambassador, in magnifying of the victory, when not be seen, I would use any man.

God preserve and prosper your grace. I rest.

Endorsed,

To Buckingham

T. MEAUTYS TO LORD ST. ALBAN.*

MY ALL HONOURED Lord,

Upon the first reading of your lordship's, received this day, I had almost put pen to paper to ask your pardon for having (as I supposed) too rudely broken open a letter intended to another, some more deserving friend or servant of yours, (for, by the infinite disproportion between the noble favours therein expressed, and my disability any way to merit, I could not otherwise conjecture;) but, upon second cogitations, remembering it to be incident to heroic natures and spirits to measure out and confer their graces and favours according to the latitude and dimensions of their own noble and capacious hearts, and not according to the narrower span and scantling of others' merits; and calling to mind that this is not the first time by many, that your lordship hath pointed me out as an instance hereof, by your singular and accumulated favours, I come now, instead of asking pardon for a supposed error of my own, to render unto your lordship all humble acknowledgment for a wilful, or rather, willing error of yours, in so overprizing the poor endeavours of your unprofitable servant.

he had said as we thought enough, concluded with that which was more than all he had said before; namely, in resembling it, both for the extent of the design, the greatness and expense in the preparation and manner of the deliverance, to that of the invasion in eighty-eight. At home we say, Mr. Attorney-General is past hope of being Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, for he is assured of it; and, by the like reason, my Lord Richardson is past all fear of being removed to the King's Bench. The attorney's place is now in competition only between Noye and Banks, for Sir John Finch is out at all, and Banks is the likeliest to carry it. St. George was less beholden this year than ever, either to the lords of the order or to the other lords, there being only present those in the margin. So, praying your lordship to believe that I have more room in my heart than in my paper for my devotion and service to your lordship, my most honoured lord and lady, and all my noble ladies and especial friends, I rest

Your lordship's to serve you,

October 11.

T. M.

Your commands to Mr. Maxwell I performed at Windsor on Monday was sevennight. Pardon this scribble, for my candle winks upon me to hasten to an end, and my maid Mary is a bed and in her first sleep, and very wayward if she be waked.

LORD CHAMBERLAIN, LORD TREASURER,
LORD MARSHAL,
LORD LINDSEY,
LORD SALISBURY,
LORD BOXBORough,
LORD CARLISle,
LORD MONMOuth,
LORD HOLLAnd, LORD GORING,
LORD DORSET,
LORD DONCASTER,
LORD ANDOVER,
LORD DUNLuce.

Endorsed,

Next, I take leave to say somewhat of what we say here, arising as well from abroad as at home; viz. that, upon later and more certain advertisement out of Germany, it is found the blow given to the imperialists was far greater, both for numbers, being at least 20,000, and for quality of the persons, than was first reported. Tilly himself being mortally wounded, and escaping to a town, called Holverstat, some miles distant, was pursued by the King of Sweden, who, being advertised that he was dead, and that his body was newly taken thence, to be conveyed by a guard of 1500 horse to the Duke of Bavier's court, instantly went after them, and in a few hours overtook them, defeated the whole troops, TRASTLATION OF THE LATIN LETTER TO COUNT and brought back the corpse to Holverstat, where it remains in the town house, a spectacle of the divine revenge and justice, for the bloody execution of Mackdeburgh. On Sunday, at Hampton Court, the States' ambassador here resident, at a

* MS. Gibson, Lambeth Lib. 936, fol. 252.

For your noble self, my most honoured lord,

EXCELLENT Count,

GONDOMAR.'

I do first, as I ought, congratulate with you your new honour, which, though great in itself, it is much greater because it was given you upon so

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At that

ERS AND FEOFFEES FOR THE POOR OF THE
PARISH OF ST. ALLDATS, IN OXFORD.

noble a ground. The repair of Mr. Matthew, my | TO HIS VERY LOVING FRIENDS, THE PARISHION true friend, as your lordship well knoweth, into these parts, makes me call to mind those great and singular favours, which upon your noble visits, which both in field and town, by his means and appointment, your lordship vouchsafed me a little before your departure, and the great endeavours which your lordship used both with the king and the marquis for my fortunes. time, if one had whispered me in the ear and said, stay these things; England is a cold country; defer them till the Prince of Wales, and the Marquis of Buckingham, and the Count Gondomar meet in Spain, where fruits ripen faster, I should have smiled at it. But since your lordship hath had power to work these miracles in a public fortune, it is a much less matter for you to work a miracle* in the fortune of a private friend. And since your lordship hath power, and I have faith, a miracle is soon wrought, if your lordship think it worth the stretching forth your noble hand. Having written so lately to your lordship, I shorten this letter, only desiring your lordship to give Mr. Matthew the same freedom to propound or advise with your lordship concerning my business, as heretofore you have vouchsafed; and resting

AFTER my hearty commendations, I send you here enclosed a copy of an order made by the late lord chancellor, my predecessor, in the cause depending in Chancery between Edmond Blyth, plaintiff, against John Phillips and others, defendants, and formerly directed by his lordship's let ters unto you, to show cause why a decree made by commissioners for charitable purposes should not be confirmed by decree of the Chancery, which hitherto you have not done; and, therefore, it was desired that it might be decreed accordingly, which I have forborne to do, but have thought fit to recontinue the said order, and to renew the said letters unto you, requiring you to show good cause by the second return of the next term, why the commissioners' decree should not be confirmed, otherwise the plaintiff is to have his lease decreed as he hath desired. So, wishing you due respect herein, I bid you fareYour loving friend,

well.

FR. VERULAM.

From York House, this 13th of Feb., 1619.

LETTERS FROM MALLET.

TO THE LORD VISCOUNT VILLIERS.

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR LORDSHIP,

entered into dislike of her solicitor, this bearer, Mr. Lowder, and resolute in it. To serve, and I pray let his majesty understand, that although not to please, is no man's condition. Therefore, my lord chancellor's answer, touching the dis-upon knowledge of her pleasure he was willing mission of the farmer's cause, was full of respect and duty, yet I would be glad to avoid an express signification from his majesty, if his majesty may otherwise have his end. And therefore I have thought of a course, that a motion be made in open court, and that thereupon my lord move a compromise to some to be named on either part, with bond to stand to their award. And as I find this to be agreeable to my lord chancellor's disposi- | tion, so I do not find but the farmers and the other party are willing enough towards it. And therefore his majesty may be pleased to forbear any other letter or message touching that business. God ever keep your lordship.

Your lordship's true and most devoted servant,
FR. BACON.
January 23, 1616.

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to part with his place, upon hopes not to be des-
tituted, but to be preferred to one of the barons'
places in Ireland. I pray move the king for him,
and let his majesty know from me that I think
(howsoever he pleased not here) he is fit to do
grave and
his majesty service in that place; he is
formal, which is somewhat there, and sufficient
enough for that place. The queen hath made Mr.
Hackwell her solicitor, who hath for a long time
taken much pains in her business, wherein she
hath done well. He was an opposite in Parlia-
ment, as Jones was, that the king hath made
But I hold it no ill
Chief Justice of Ireland.
God

counsel to join, or to remove such men
preserve and prosper you.
Your true and devoted friend and servant,
FRA. BACON, C. S.
Whitehall, May 25, 1617.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.

MY MOST HONourable Lord,

I acquainted his majesty with your letter, at the first opportunity after I received it, who was

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