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you have made so good an entrance, and have taken the right way of examining the business. And, whereas, you give your opinion of the mint, we have thought fit to remember unto you the usual form which we have ever used in matters 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.

steward: forasmuch as I have but even newly recovered some degree of health, after a sharp sickness of some weeks, I am constrained to put off the hearing till Monday, the 20th of this instant, at my lodging at Gray's Inn, &c. Your very loving friend,

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

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 Lordship,

I have been moved to recommend a person and suit to your lordship, which I assure myself, if it with you by; for both I know perfectly the honesty may take place with you, I shall not lose credit and sufficiency of the man, and that which is the next point, I am so well acquainted with his dutiful affection to your lordship, as I dare undertake 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 which I am to sue to your lordship for. Wherein to move you, besides the fitness of the man hardly 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, 1 commend your lordship to God's goodness.

At your lordship's honourable
commandment,

FR. BACON.

TO MY VERY LOVNG FRIEND, THE MAYOR, &c. OF CAMBRIDGE.†

WHEREAS I am given to understand that there are some differences lately risen between the now 10ayor and aldermen, and other the members of that corporation, touching the election of the mayor next to succeed; wherein all parties have, according to charter, appealed to me as their high

Addit. MS. 5503, fol. 105, 1.

Ms. Cole, Mus. Brit. vol xx fol. 229.

A LETTER TO MR. MATTHEW.† MR. MATTHEW,

I hope it may stand with your business to come hither down to me on Monday or Tuesday next. My Lord Digby I understand is in town, my Lord of Doncaster not hastily expected, the king far off. I pray you, if your business be not very important, let me see you one of those days. I do hear from you by Mr. Meautys that I am still much bound to my Lord Digby. I take it, I

*MS. Lansd. Mus. Brit. vol. ccxxxviii. fol. 126, + Addit. MS. Mus. Brit. 5503, fol. 103.

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) 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.

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 nialice me for Long's cause, surely it was one of the justest businesses that ever was in Chancery. I will avouch it; and how deeply I was tempted therein your lordship knoweth best. Your lordship 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.

LETTERS FROM THE LAMBETH LIBRARY,

NEVER BEFORE PRINTED.

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.

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.

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

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 Adan 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

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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 MS. Gibson, Lambeth Lib. 936, fol. 181 d.

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. At that 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 Mar

quis 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

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

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 letters 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 farewell. Your loving friend,

FR. VERULAM.

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

LETTERS FROM MALLET.

TO THE LORD VISCOUNT VILLIERS.

IT MAY PLEASE your Lordship,

I pray let his majesty understand, that although my lord chancellor's answer, touching the dismission 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 disposition, 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.

TO THE EARL OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD Lord,

I know your lordship hath a special care of any thing that concerneth the queen. She was

♦ The remainder is in Lord Bacon's hand.

entered into dislike of her solicitor, this bearer, Mr. Lowder, and resolute in it. To serve, and not to please, is no man's condition. Therefore, upon knowledge of her pleasure he was willing to part with his place, upon hopes not to be destituted, 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 his majesty service in that place; he is grave and 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 Parliament, as Jones was, that the king hath made Chief Justice of Ireland. But I hold it no ill 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,

God

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

very well pleased with that account of your care- place; only in regard of my present urgent occaful and speedy despatch of business, &c.

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sions, to take some present orde for the debts that press me most. I have petitioned his majesty to give me leave to stay at London till the last of July, and then I will dispose of my abode according to the sentence. I have sent to the prince to join with you in it, for, though the matter seem small, yet it importeth me much. God prosper you.

June 20, 1621.

Your lordship's true servant,

FR. ST. ALBAN.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD Lord,

by you in this stirring world, not for any love to place or business, for that is almost gone with me, but for my love to yourself, which can never cease in Your lordship's most obliged friend

and true servant, FR. ST. ALBAN.

Being now out of use, and out of sight, I recommend myself to your lordship's love and favour, to maintain me in his majesty's grace and good intention.

AFTER my hearty commendations, being informed by the petition of Mr. Thomas Porten, a poor Yorkshireman, of a heavy accident by fire, whereby his house, his wife, and a child, together I thank God I am come very well to Gorhamwith all his goods, were utterly burnt and con- bury, whereof I thought your lordship would be sumed; which misfortune the petitioner sug-glad to hear sometimes. My lord, I wish myself gests, with much eagerness, was occasioned by the wicked practices and conjurations of one John Clarkson of Knowington, in the county of Warwick, and his daughter, persons of a wandering condition; affirming, for instance, that one Mr. Hailes of Warwick did take from the said Clarkson, certain books of conjuration and witchcraft. That the truth of the matter may be rightly known, and that Clarkson and his daughter, if there be ground for it, may answer the law according to the merit of so heinous a fact, I have thought good to wish and desire you to send for Clarkson, and his daughter; and as upon due examination you shall find cause, to take orders for their forthcoming, and answering of the matter at the next assize for the county of York; and also to confer with Mr. Hailes, whether he took from the said Clarkson any such book of conjuration, as the petitioner pretends he did, and to see them in safe custody. Whereupon I desire to be certified how you find the matter; and your doing thereupon. So, not doubting of your special care and diligence herein, I bid you heartily farewell, and rest

Your very loving friend,
FR. VERULAM, Canc.

York House, May 15, 1619.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

Your lordship, I know, and the king both, might think me very unworthy of that I have been, or that I am, if I should not by all means desire to he freed from the restraint which debarreth my approach to his majesty's person, which I ever so much loved and admired; and severeth me likewise from all conference with your lordship, which is my second comfort. Nevertheless, if it be conceived that it may be matter of inconvenience, or envy, my particular respects must give

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

EXCELLENT LORD,

I have received the warrant, not for land, but for the money, which, if it may be speedily served, is sure the better; for this I humbly kiss your grace's hands. But because the exchequer is thought to be somewhat barren, although I have good affiance of Mr. Chancellor, yet I hold it very essential, and therein I most humbly pray your grace's favour, that you would be pleased, by your letter, to recommend to Mr. Chancellor the speedy issuing of the money by this warrant, as a business whereof your grace hath an especial care; the rather, for that I understand from him, there be some other warrants for money to private suitors at this time on foot. But your grace may be pleased to remember this difference, that the other are mere gifts; this of mine is a bargain, with an advance only.

I most humbly pray your grace likewise to present my most humble thanks to his majesty. God ever guide you by the hand. I always rest Your faithful and more and more obliged servant, FR. ST. ALBAN

Gray's Inn, this 17th of November, 1624.

I most humbly thank your grace for your grace's favour to my honest, deserving servant.

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