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CCXXVI. To the Marquis of BUCKINGHAM. Stephens's

My very good Lord,

second collection, p.

103.

I Do not love to interlope by writing in the midst of business: but because his majesty commanded me to acquaint him with any occurrence which might crossed the way, I have thought fit to let his majesty know what hath passed this day.

This day, which was the day set down, the great cause of the Dutchmen was entered into. The pleading being opened, and the case stated by the counsel; the counsel of the defendants made a motion

to have certain examinations taken concernin the old defendants suppressed, because they were taken since the last hearing.

I set the business in a good way, and shewed they were but supplemental, and that at the last hearing there were some things extrajudicial alledged ad infirmandum conscientiam judicis, and therefore there was more reason these should be used ad informandum conscientiam judicis, and that there was order for it. The order was read, and approved both by the court, and the defendants own counsel; but it was alledged that the order was not entered time enough, whereby the defendants might likewise examine: wherein certainly there was some slip or forgetfulness in Mr. Attorney or Brittain that followed it, which I wish had been otherwise yet it went fair out of the court.

But after dinner my lords were troubled about it, and after much dispute we have agreed to confer silently and sine strepitu to-morrow, and set all straight, calling the judges, and the learned counsel, with whom I have spoken this evening, I think, to good purpose. For in good faith, I am fain to be omnibus omnia, as St. Paul saith, to set forward his majesty's service.

I discern a kind of inclination to take hold of all accidents to put off the cause, whereunto neither I shall give way, nor I hope his majesty; to-morrow, if

cause be, I shall write more, but I hope all shall be well. I ever rest

Your lordship's most obliged friend

and faithful servant,

FR. VERULAM, Canc.

Friday-night, Nov. 19, 1619.

Stephens's CCXXVII. To the Marquis of BUCKINGHAM. My very good Lord,

second col

lection, p. 104.

I HAVE conferred with Sir Lionel Cranfield, according to his majesty's special commandment, touching two points of value, for the advancement, the one present, the other speedy, of his majesty's revenue.

The first is of the currants, to restore the imposition of five shillings six pence, laid in the late queen's time, and drawn down unduly, to serve private turns, to three shillings four pence; which will amount to above three thousand pounds yearly increase.

The other is of the tobacco, for which there is offered 2000/. increase yearly, to begin at Michaelmas next, as it now is, and 3000/. increase, if the plantations of tobacco here within land be restrained.

I approve, in mine own judgment, both propositions, with these cautions: That for the first the farmers of the currants do by instrument under their seals relinquish to the king all their claim thereto by any general words of their patent. And for the second, that the bargain be concluded, and made before the proclamation go forth; wherein perhaps there will occur some doubt in law, because it restraineth the subject in the employment of his freehold at his liberty. But being so many ways pro bono publico, I think it good enough.

His majesty may therefore be pleased to write his letter to the commissioners of the treasury, signifying his majesty's pleasure directly in both points to have them done, and leaving to us the consideration de modo. God ever prosper you. I rest

Your lordship's most obliged friend

Nov. 22, 1619.

and faithful servant,

FR. VERULAM, Canc.

CCXXVIII. To the Marquis of BUCKINGHAM. Stephens's

My very good Lord,

I SEND the submission of Sir Thomas Lake, drawn in such form as upon a meeting with me of the chief justices and the learned counsel, was conceived agreeable to his majesty's meaning and directions; yet lest we should err, we thought good to send it to his majesty. It is to be returned with speed, or else there will be no day in court to make it. God bless and prosper you. I rest

Your lordship's most obliged friend
and faithful servant,

28 Nov. 1619.

FR. VERULAM, Canc.

CCXXIX. To the Lord Chancellor.

My honourable Lord,

I HAVE acquainted his majesty with your lordship's letter, and with the submission you sent drawn for Sir Thomas Lake, which his majesty liketh well; and, because he served him in so honourable a place, is graciously pleased that he maketh submission in writing, so that my lady of Exeter be contented and the lords, whom his majesty would have you acquaint therewith. And so I rest

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

Newmarket, 29 Nov. 1619.

second collection,

p. 105.

Ibid. p.

106.

CCXXX. To the Marquis of BUCKINGHAM. Ibid.

My very good Lord,

WE sentence to-morrow, but I write to-day, because I would not leave the king in suspense.

I shall write not so good news as I would, but better than I expected.

We met amongst ourselves to-day, which I find was necessary, more than convenient. I gave aim that the meeting was not to give a privy verdict, or to deter

[graphic]

Stephens's second collection, p. 107.

mine what was a good proof or not a good proof, nor who was guilty or not guilty, but only to think of some fit proportion of the fines, that there mought be less distraction in the sentence, in a cause so scattered. Some would have entered into the matter itself, but I made it good, and kept them from it.

I perceive the old defendants will be censured, as well as the new, which was the gole, and I am persuaded the king will have a great deal of honour of the cause. Their fines will be moderate, but far from contemptible. The attorney did very well to-day; I perceive he is a better pleader than a director, and more eloquent than considerate.

Little thinks the king what ado I have here, but I am sure I acquit my trust. To-morrow I will write particularly. God ever preserve you.

Your lordship's most obliged friend

Tuesday afternoon, this

7th Dec. 1619.

and faithful servant,
FR. VERULAM, Canc.

The marquis of Buckingham writes that he had acquainted his majesty with this letter, who commanded him to give the lord chancellor thanks for his speed in advertising those things that pass, and for the great care he ever seeth his lordship has in his service.

CCXXXI. To the Lord Chancellor.

My Lord,

[graphic]

His majesty having seen in this great business your exceeding care and diligence in his service by the effect which hath followed thereupon, hath commanded me to give you many thanks in his name, and to tell you that he seeth you play the part of all in all, etc.

tom

Yours, etc.

Newmarket, 10 Dec. 1619.

G. BUCKINGHAM.

Indorsed,

In the Dutch Cause.

CCXXXII. To the Marquis of BUCKINGHAM. Stephens's

My very good Lord,

To keep form, I have written immediately to his majesty of justice Croke's death, and send your lordship the letter open, wishing time were not lost. God preserve and prosper you.

24 Jan. 1619.

Your lordship's ever,

FR. VERULAM, Canc.

second col. lection,

P. 108.

CCXXXIII. To the Marquis of BUCKINGHAM. Ibid.

My very good Lord,

I DOUBT not but Sir Giles Montpesson advertiseth your lordship how our revenue business proceeds. I would his majesty had rested upon the first names; for the additionals, specially the exchequer man, doth not only weaken the matter, but weakeneth my forces in it, he being thought to have been brought in across. But I go on, and hope good service will be done.

For the commissions to be published in the starchamber, for which it pleaseth his majesty to give me special thanks, I will have special care of them in time. God ever prosper you.

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

10 Feb. 1619.

CCXXXIV. To the KING.

May it please your most excellent Majesty, ACCORDING to your commandment we met together yesterday at Whitehall, and there consulted what course were fittest to be taken now in this business, of your majesty's attorney-general, both for the satisfying your own honour, as also for calling in the late exorbitant charter of the city; which are the two ends, as we conceive, that your majesty propose unto yourself.

Ibid. p. 109.

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