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TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.*

MOST HONOURABLE LORD,

Ir may please your lordship, there was with me this day one Mr. Richard White, who hath spent some little time at Florence, and is now going into England. He tells me, that Galileo had answered your discourse concerning the flux and reflux of the sea, and was sending it unto me; but that Mr. White hindered him, because his answer was grounded upon a false supposition, namely, that there was in the ocean a full sea but once in twenty-four hours. But now I will call upon Galileo again. This Mr. White is a discreet and understanding gentleman, though he seem a little soft, if not slow and he hath in his hands all the works, as I take it, of Galileo, some printed, and some unprinted. He hath his discourse of the flux and reflux of the sea, which was never printed; as also a discourse of the mixture of metals. Those which are printed in his hand are these the Nuncius sidereus; the Macchie solari; and a third, Delle Cose, che stanno su l'aqua, by occasion of a disputation, that was amongst learned men in Florence about that which Archimedes wrote, de insidentibus humido.

:

I have conceived, that your lordship would not be sorry to see these discourses of that man; and therefore I have thought it belonging to my service to your lordship to give him a letter of this date, though it will not be there so soon as this. The gentleman hath no pretence or business before your lordship, but is willing to do your lordship all humble service; and therefore both for this reason, as also upon my humble request, I beseech your lordship to bestow a countenance of grace upon him. I am beholden to this gentleman; and, if your lordship shall vouchsafe to ask him of me, I shall receive honour by it. And I most humbly do your lordship reverence.

Your lordship's most obliged servant,

TOBIE MATTHEW. Brussels, from my bed, the 14th of April, 1619.

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TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR, AND SIR LIONEL TANFIELD, LORD CHIEF BARON OF THE EXCHEQUER.‡

MY LORDS,

His Majesty having been moved by the duke of Savoy's ambassador in the behalf of Philip Bernardi, whom he is to send about some special employment over the seas to the duke of Savoy, that before his going, the business mentioned in this petition may be ended, hath commanded me to recommend the same unto your lordships' care, that with all expedition the cause may be heard and ended by your lordships, according to his Majesty's reference; or left to the determination of the court of chancery, where it is depending, and where the party assureth himself of a speedy end. And so I rest

Your lordship's very assured friend at command, G. BUCKINGHAM.

Royston, the 19th of April, 1619.

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

I THINK fit to let your lordship understand what passed yesterday in the star-chamber touching Suffolk's || business.

There came to me the clerk of the court in the inner chamber, and told me, that my lord of Suffolk desired to be heard by his council at the ** sitting of the court, because it was pen *** him.

I marvelled I heard not of it by Mr. Attorney, who should have let me know as much, that I might not be taken on the sudden in a cause of that weight.

I called presently Mr. Attorney to me, and asked him whether he knew of the motion, and what it was, and how he was provided to answer it. He signified to me, that my lord would desire to have the commission for examinations in Ireland to be returnable in Michaelmas term. I said, it might not be, and presently drew the council then present to me, and made Mr. Attorney repeat to them the passages past, and settled it, that the commission should be returnable the first day of the next term, and then republication granted, that it might, if accidents of wind and weather permit, come to hearing in the term. And upon motion in open court it was ordered accordingly.

God ever preserve and prosper you. I pray God this great casterly wind agree well with his Majesty. Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant, May 6, 1619.

FR. VERULAM, CANC. Indorsed,

Sent by Sir Gilbert Houghton.

meanors in that office, together with his lady, and Sir John Bingley, her ladyship's agent; and an information preferred against them all in the star-chamber.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I AM much bounden to his Majesty, and likewise to your lordship. I see, by the late accesses I have had with his Majesty, and now by his royal and real favour,* that he loveth me, and acknowledgeth me for the servant I am, or desire to be. This in me must turn to a great alacrity to honour and serve him with a mind less troubled and divided. And for your lordship, may and doth daily receive addition, but cannot, nor never could, receive alteration. I pray present my humble thanks to his Majesty; and I am very glad his health confirmeth; and I hope to see him this summer at Gorhambury: there is sweet air as any is. God preserve and prosper you both. I ever rest

Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant,

May 9, 1619.

FR. VERULAM, CANC.

MINUTE OF A LETTER TO THE COUNT PALATINE OF THE RHINE.

MONSEIGNEUR,

JE me tiens a grand honneur, qu'il plaise à vostre altesse de me cognoistre pour tel, que je suis, ou pour le moins voudrois éstre, envers vous et vostre service et m'estimeray heureux, si par mes counseils aupres du roy, ou autre devoir, je pourroy contribuer à vostre grandeur, dont il semble que Dieu vous a basti de belles occasions, ayant en contemplation vostre tres-illustre personne, non seulement comme tres cher allié de mon maistre, mais aussi, comme le meilleur appui, apres les roys de Grande Bretagne, de la plus saine partie de la Chrestieneté.

Je ne puis aussi passer sous silence la grande raison, que vostre altesse fait a vostre propre honneur en choissisant tels conseilleurs et ministres d'estat, comme se monstre tres-bien estre monsieur le baron de Dhona et Monsieur de Plessen, estants personages si graves, discretes et habiles; en quoy vostre jugement reluict assez.

Vostre altesse de vostre grace excusera la faulte de mon language François, ayant ésté tant versé es vielles loix de Normandie: mais le cœur supplera la plume, en priant Dieu de vous tenir en sa digne et saincte garde,

Monseigneur,

De vostre altesse le plus humble et plus affectionné serviteur.

Indorsed, May 13, 1619.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.†

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

His Majesty was pleased, at the suit of some who have near relation unto me, to grant a licence for transportation of butter out of Wales unto one Lewis and Williams; who, in consideration that the patent should be passed in their names, entered into articles for the performance of certain conditions agreed upon between them, which, now that the patent is under the great seal, they utterly refuse to perform. My desire therefore to your lordship is, that you would call the said Lewis and Williams before you, with the other parties, or some of them, who shall be ready at all times to attend your lordship; and out of your consideration of the matter, according to equity to take such course therein, that either the said agreement may be performed, or that they which refuse it may receive no benefit of the patent; which upon reason thereof was passed in their names. And herein I desire your lordship to make what expedition you can; because now is the season to make provision of the butter, that for this year is to be transported, whereof they take advantage to stand out. And so I rest

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

Greenwich, May 14, 1619.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

THOUGH it be nothing, and all is but duty; yet I pray show his Majesty the paper enclosed, that his Majesty may see how careful his poor servant is upon every emergent occasion to do him what honour he can. The motion made in court by the king's serjeant, Crew, that the declaration might be made parcel of the record, and that I hear otherwise of the great satisfaction abroad, encourageth me to let his Majesty know what passed.

God ever preserve and prosper you both. Your lordship's obliged friend and faithful servant,

FR. VERULAM, CANC.

Indorsed, June 29, 1619.

My lord to my lord marquis, enclosing the form of a declaration used in point of acknowledgment in the lady Exeter's § cause.

Probably the grant made to him about this time of 12007. a year.

+ Harl. MSS. Vol. 7006.

Sir Randolph Crew, made chief justice of the king's

bench, Jan. 26, 1624.

Countess of Exeter, accused of incest and other crimes by the lady Lake, wife of secretary Lake, and their daughter the lady Roos.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I PURPOSED to have seen you to-day, and receive your commandments before the progress. But I came not to London till it was late, and found you were gone before I came. Nevertheless, I would not fail to let your lordship understand, that as I find every day more and more occasions, whereby you bind me to you; so this morning the king of himself did tell me some testimony, that your lordship gave of me to his Majesty even now, when you went from him, of so great affection and commend ation, for I must ascribe your commendation to affection, being above my merit, as I must do contrary to that that painters do; for they desire to make the picture to the life, and I must endeavour to make the life to the picture, it hath pleased you to make so honourable a description of me. I can be but yours, and desire to better myself, that I may be of more worth to such an owner.

I hope to give the king a good account of my time this vacation.

If your lordship pass back by London, I desire to wait on you, and discourse a little with you: if not, my prayers shall go progress with you, and my letters attend you, as occasion serveth.

God ever preserve and prosper you.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.*

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

His Majesty, upon a petition delivered by Mr. Thomas Digby, wherein he complaineth of great wrongs done unto him, hath been pleased, for his more speedy relief and redress, if it prove as he allegeth, to refer the consideration thereof unto your lordship. And because he is a gentleman, whom I have long known and loved, I could not but add my desire to your lordship, that if you find he hath been wronged, you would do him so much favour, as to give him such remedy, as the equity of his case may require. For which I will ever rest

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

Royston, Octob. 8, 1619.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.+
MY HONOURABLE LORD,

I HAVE acquainted his Majesty with your letter, who hath given order to Mr. Secretary Calvert, to signify his pleasure for the proceeding in that business, whereof you write, without any farther delay, as your lordship will more fully understand by Mr.

Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful Secretary, who for that purpose is to return to London against the day of hearing.

servant,

FR. VERULAM, CANC.

July 19, 1619.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

And

MY VERY GOOD LORD, THIS day, according to the first appointment, I thought to have waited upon his Majesty, and to have given him an account of my cares and preparations for his service, which is my progress. therefore, since his coming to Windsor is prolonged, I thought to keep day by letter, praying your lordship to commend my most humble service to his Majesty, and to let him know, that since I see his Majesty doth me the honour, as to rely upon my care and service, I lose no time in that which may pertain thereunto. I see the straits, and I see the way out; and what lieth in one man, whom he hath made great, and trained, shall not be wanting. And I hope, if God give me life for a year or two, to give his Majesty cause to think of me seven years after I am dead.

I am glad the time approacheth, when I shall have the happiness to kiss his Majesty's hands, and to embrace your lordship, ever resting

I have no answer to make to your former letter, and will add no more to this, but that his Majesty hath a great confidence in your care of his service. And so I rest

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

Royston, Oct. 10, 1619.
Indorsed,

Showing his Majesty's acceptation of your lordship's
care, in particular in the business against the
earl of Suffolk.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

AFTER my last letter yesterday, we entered into conference, touching the Suffolk cause, myself, and the commissioners, and the two chief justices. The fruit of this conference is, that we all conceive the proceedings against my lord himself to be not only just and honourable, but in some principal parts plausible in regard of the public: as namely, those three points, which touch upon the ordnance, the

Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful army of Ireland, and the money of the cautionary servant, towns; and the two chief justices are firm in it. I did also, in this cause, by the assent of my lords, remove a part for Mr. Attorney had laid it upon

FR. VERULAM, CANC. York-house, August 28, 1619.

Harl. MSS. Vol. 7006.

+ Ibid.

Sir Henry Montagu of the king's bench, and Sir Henry Hobart of the common pleas.

serjeant Davies to open the information, which is that which gives much life or coldness to the cause. But I will have none but trained men in this cause; and I cannot forget, that the allotting of the opening | of the information in this cause of the Dutch, I mean the main cause, to a mean fellow, one Hughes, did hurt, and was never well recovered.

By my next I will write of the king's estate: and I ever rest,

Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant,

October 14, 1619.

FR. VERULAM, CANC.

two resolutions: the one, to remit all importunity, touching this cause, to the lords in court of justice; the other, to pursue the designs first taken at Windsor, and then at Hampton-Court, for his commission of treasury: wherein I do my part, and it is reasonably well: but better would it be, if instruments were not impediments. I ever rest

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

October 27, Wednesday.

Friday will not end the business; for to-morrow will but go through with the king's evidence.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,

THIS morning the duke † came to me, and told me the king's cause was yesterday left fair; and if ever there were a time for my lord of Suffolk's submission, it was now; and that, if my lord of Suffolk should come into the court, and openly acknowledge his delinquency, he thought it was a thing considerable. My answer was, I would not meddle in it; and, if I did, it must be to dissuade any such course; for that all would be but a play upon the stage, if justice went not on in the right course. This I thought it my duty to let the king know by your lordship.

I cannot express the care I have had of this cause in a number of circumstances and discretions, which, though they may seem but small matters, yet they do the business, and guide it right.

God ever keep your lordship.

Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant,

October 21, 1619.

FR. VERULAM, CANC.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.§
MY HONOURABLE LORD,

THIS bearer, a Frenchman belonging to the ambassador, having put an Englishman in suit for some matters between them, is much hindered and molested by often removing of the cause from one court to another. Your lordship knows, that the French are not acquainted with our manner of proceedings in the law, and must therefore be ignorant of the remedy in such a case. His course was to his Majesty ; but I thought it more proper, that your lordship would be pleased to hear and understand this case from himself, and then to advise and take order for his relief, as your lordship in your wisdom shall think fit. So commending him to your honourable favour, I rest

Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, G. BUCKINGHAM. Royston, 27th of October, 1619.

Your lordship shall do well to be informed of every particular, because his Majesty will have account of it at his coming.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I AM double bounden to the king, for his Majesty's trust and acceptation; whereof the one I will never deceive; the other, though I cannot deserve, yet I will do my best, and perhaps as much as another man.

This day the evidence went well; for the solicitor did his part substantially: and, a little to warm the business, when the misemployment of treasure, which had relation to the army of Ireland, was handled, I spake a word, that he, that did draw or milk treasure from Ireland, did not emulgere, milk money, but blood. But this is but one of the little things, that I wrote of before.

The king, under pardon, must come hither with

Sir John Davies, author of Nosce teipsum, knighted in February, 1607-8, and made serjeant at law in 1612. He had been attorney-general of Ireland.

+ Lodowick, duke of Lenox. He was created duke of Richmond, May 17, 1623; and died February 11, 1623-4.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.||

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

I HAVE acquainted his Majesty with your letter, who commanded me to give your lordship thanks for your speed in advertising those things that pass, and for the great care he seeth you ever have of his service.

I send your lordship back the bill of sheriffs for Sussex, wherein his Majesty hath pricked the first, as your lordship wished.

His Majesty would not have you omit this opportunity of so gross an oversight in the judges, to admonish them of their negligence in suffering such a thing to come to his Majesty, which needed his amending afterward: and withal, to let them know, Sir Thomas Coventry, afterwards lord keeper of the great Harl, MSS. Vol. 7006. Ibid.

seal.

that his Majesty observeth, that every year they grow more and more careless of presenting fit men unto him for that place; and that you advise them to be more wary hereafter, that they may give his Majesty better satisfaction. And so I rest

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

Royston, November 14, 1619.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

THIS day afternoon, upon our meeting in council, we have planed those rubs and knots, which were mentioned in my last, whereof I thought good presently to advertise his Majesty. The days hold without all question, and all delays diverted and - quieted.

Sir Edward Coke was at Friday's hearing, but in his night-cap; and complained to me, he was ambulant, and not current. I would be sorry he should fail us in this cause. Therefore I desired his Majesty to signify to him by your lordship, taking knowledge of some light indisposition of his, how much he should think his service disadvantaged in this cause, if he should be at any day away; for then he cannot sentence.

By my next I will give his Majesty some account of the tobacco and the currants. I ever rest

Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant,

FR. VERULAM, CANC.

November 20, at evening, 1619.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I KNOW well his Majesty taketh to heart this business of the Dutch,* as he hath great reason, in respect both of honour and profit. And because my first letter was written in the epitasis, or trouble of the business; and my second in the beginning of the catastrophe, or calming thereof, wherein nevertheless I was fain to bear up strongly into the weather before the calm followed; and since every day hath been better and better, I thought good to signify so much, that his Majesty may be less in suspense.

The great labour was to get entrance into the business; but now the portcullis is drawn up. And though, I must say, there were some blots in the tables, yet, by well playing, the game is good.

Rowland is passing well justified; for both his credit is, by very constant and weighty testimony, proved; and those vast quantities, which were thought incredible, or at least improbable, are now made manifest truth.

Yet I find a little of the old leaven towards the • Merchants, accused in the star-chamber for exporting the gold and silver coin.

+ Harl. MSS. Vol. 7006.

Lord Bacon, in his letter of November 22, 1619, mentions,

first defendants, carried in this style and character; "I would this, that appears now, had appeared at first. But this cometh of haste and precipitation;" and the like. But yet I hope, the corruption and practice upon the ore tenus and the rectifying of Rowland's credit, will satisfy my lords upon the former proofs. For I would be very sorry, that these new defendants, which, except one or two, are the smaller flies, should be in the net; and the old defendants, which are the greater flies, should get through. God preserve you.

Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant,

FR. VERULAM, CANC.

This November 26, 1619.

Indorsed,

Touching the Dutch business.

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.+

MY HONOURABLE LORD,

I DO, from time to time, acquaint his Majesty with your letters, wherein he ever perceiveth your vigilant care in any thing that concerneth his service; and hath commanded me to give you thanks in his name, who is sure your endeavours will never be wanting, when any thing is to be done for the advancement of his affairs.

According to your lordship's advice, his Majesty hath written to the commissioners of the treasury, both touching the currants and the tobacco,‡ the plantation whereof his Majesty is fully resolved to restrain; and hath given them order forthwith to set out a proclamation to that effect; not intending in that point to stand upon any doubt of law, nor to expect the judges' interpretation; nor to allow any freehold in that case; but holding this the safest rule, "Salus reipublicæ suprema lex esto." And so I rest

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

Newmarket, Nov. 27, 1619.

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