Dangos 2523 canlyniad

They shall do well to take a view of all the arms within their limit on Tuesday next, and what defect they find ... then to give 'tickette' to such as they think good to make up the number. Then may they the better satisfy the Lord President by the time 'they' propose to meet together at Caernarvon which, God willing, shall be upon Wednesday next.

Wishes to be remembered to various members of the family. Sir Harry Johnes is committed to the Fleet for breaking the decree. A messenger has been sent by the court for Thomas Jones and Watkin Morgan who are to pay their rents and arrears. The rest of the tenants are to pay their rents at Llanbadarn Fawr and not at Abermarlais. Sir Harry now sues William Maurice's bond of a thousand pounds and has been served with a subpoena to stay his proceeding. Progress of suit against Owen Ellis in the Star Chamber. He sends daily to her Ladyship for agreement but she will not yield to him. Concerning the lease for fishing he will move Sir Thomas Trevor and Sir John Walter herein with a letter under his master's hand. As for the quarries, William Maurice shall have his patent next term ... it will cost £8 as the secretary told the writer. As for the cloaks he was fain to go to his master's old friends, Mr Prat, and there took up eight liveries and a cloak for the footman. The cloak, though somewhat coarse, is the best he has. The writer has put his hand to the bill conditionally, so that his Worship may agree when he comes up to London himself. As for the spices and sugar loaf, he has no money to pay for them but will do what he can therein. He and Rowland Gruffydd entered into bond with one Mr James Medlecot, merchant tailor, for £40. Morris Jones received £20 and her Ladyship the other £20, so that the writer received not a penny. Sends two new books by the bearer. Has also sent two quarts or more of 'sallet oel' by the Oswestry carrier, Robert Floyd. His master should cause someone to inquire for the same at Mr Blodwell's shop. He cannot say when he will be home because her Ladyship is to go to Northamptonshire for two or three days and then she will come home. She has done her best endeavour in William Maurice's causes 'soe did wee all: ut apparet'. Has spoken with Morris Jones for money to buy Mrs Anne a hat but he complains that he wants money himself. The writer is not acquainted with any hat-seller and therefore wonders whether he can be trusted. Paper and both kinds of wax will be sent with the cloak. Morris Jones and Humffrey Jones are cold friends, but the writer could not tell Morris Jones that William Maurice means to have a lease of Aberglaslyn 'for they be both fiends and foes for anythinge I know'. Owen Ellis cannot abide honest Rowland Gruffydd and the writer. Rowland was very rude with Sir Henry Johnes about William Maurice's money, and so likewise was Morris Jones. But Mr Price, Sir William Thomas's son-in-law, railed against Rowland Gruffydd, Morris Jones, and the writer. He is against William Maurice tooth and nail and is very 'yelle' both in his discourse and carriage teste Henrico Bodvell armig. Sir Ffoulk Grevell's letter to Sir John Walter (delivered by the writer) did much good in their cause against Owen Ellis. Sir John Walter will be himself in place at the next hearing to see that the Prince shall not be wronged.

Understands that Lady Maurice has influence with the Bishop of Bangor. Asks their assistance by writing on behalf of this young man, William Lloyd, to be admitted to the living of Llangefni. He is a son to a sister of the writer's wife. His learning is not much, but he is a distinct reader, and for life and conversation of the best sort. The writer will undertake it upon his credit, for Lloyd has lived with him in household, teaching his children three or four years.

William Maurice wishes to take up what little money the writer is to receive in London, which is a small kindness in respect of that infinite bond of love by which the writer is tied to his uncle for his great kindness at all times. Has borrowed £16 from a friend, and has arranged for it to be repaid out of the money by his brother and his cousin, Rowland Gruffydd. William Maurice is to receive all the writer has with Mr Warren, which is £29. Desires William Maurice to give Warren half a piece for his kindness. Asks that his cousin, Mr Rees Williams, of the Falcon in Paternoster Row, and Mr Roger Jones, of Bow Lane, shall have £3 a piece. The rest William Maurice can pay the writer at his leisure.

The constables take no care for the mending of the highways and have not done so these many years. The writer warned the inhabitants of our township last year in church to be ready upon a day appointed to mend a foul puddle by the parson's house. Did the like another Sunday, but none came but the writer's man and one or two others who did nothing for want of more help. And the constables and people are so careless that they will do nothing without some straight command from some of the justices of the peace. Requests William Maurice by warrant under his hand to command the constables to do therein according to the form of the Statute, and to appoint overseers of the work and to present all such as make default and do not send men and tools meet for the work. If Mr Vaughan be here, the writer will put his name to the warrant ... 'the more hands be to it the better will move the constables and the people to be stirring'. The bridge called the Bont Vechan is 'at one end where four rayles come from Merionethshire which will be but a day or two's work to put them to it'. But there are great holes made by the water at the further end of that bridge, which must be mended to avoid great danger. Rowland, William Maurice's man, has promised to bring home a load of timber to [m]end the bridge of Llanstyndwy. Hopes that William Maurice will care for these affairs and of the commonwealth, and God will reward him and the people will pray for him.

Legal business. The Lord President went on Monday last towards Compton and so to the court. Mr Justice went home on Tuesday and Sir Francis Eure on [blank]. The Lord Bishop of Worcester has been attending the Council. Has no news of note except that a lottery is kept in Bewdley and has many a one consumed and brought to low estate.

Is writing on behalf of the bearer, his kinsman and neighbour. Desires William Maurice to move the Bishop of Bangor to admit his kinsman to be curate of Llannor and Denio, the place being void ever since Easter last. But this young man, at the request of the parishioners of Denio, read service every Sunday and holy day, being very well liked of them. He is the only man the parishoners do desire to have. There came an idle, drunken fellow who read service this day. Who sent him the writer knows not. His name is Powel, sometime Vicar of Llanwnda. 'Wee doe dislike of him and not without just cause'. If the Bishop be resolved to place him there, they are resolved to petition the Archbishop of Canterbury 'for here he shall not be'. There are too many drunkards in town already and it would be fitter to have a minister who would dissuade from going to the ale house than a captain to lead and give bad example. 'For our towne [Pwllheli] as yourself can wittness, hath much resort unto both by sea and land, a markett town containeinge of manie inhabitantes and dwellers, and great pittie it is wee have not a civille minister at least amongest us'. The bailiffs thought of petitioning the Bishop, but now their request is to William Maurice, who is sworn burgess of the town, to move the Bishop in this matter.

Thomas Glynne has hitherto sought the place of deputy lieutenant in hope of the continuance of William Maurice's amity towards him 'as formerly betweene yourselfe and my father ... by which how muche good the countrye found I leave to be aenounced by you livinge and his prayse in the grave'. Now understands that William Maurice is drawn by those who neither love his credit nor their country's quiet to observe his own glory and that only for the private ends of those who make show of fidelity. It was always William Maurice's plausible custom to muster Evionydd and Uwchgwyrfai as his own limits, and the writer doubted not that William Maurice's care had still continued that they might have reserved that limit to themselves. 'Alas is it not a shame in suche an unseasonable time to trouble the whole limit to goe to Caernarvon. I assure myselfe it proceeds not from you but from the instigation of those whome I formerly mentioned. Certainly the election of Knight of the Shire should proceede from the free will of the freeholders accordinge to the statute and by His Majesty's proclamation ... and not from the threatts of these musters, the ende whereof will not prove auspicious unto them'. Asks for his request to be granted ... which proceeds from no other respect but care of William Maurice's reputation and Thomas Glynne's love of his neighbours whom he must defend against the malice of those who seek their trouble. Let it please William Maurice therefore to write by the bearer to the constables to recall the warrant for mustering Uwchgwyrfai and Evionydd until the writer's commission to come home which is under seal. At which time he will by William Maurice's directions perfect whatsoever may be thought amiss. This being granted he will ever honour him as a worthy uncle and best friend.

'The experience of your love in this late election hath made me to thinke myself infinitelie bound unto you. I pray you continewe yt to the end, and rather for that your owne reputation lieth att the stake as well as myne; and in requitall you shall find me to answeare your kindness in matters of greater ymportance'.

Was bold to write on behalf of his uncle, John Sonlley, whom it has pleased God to call for out of this transitory life since the time William Maurice wrote to him for answer in this matter. The reply imported that money is scant this year and advised forbearance for a time. Robert Sonlley's aunt, John Sonlley's wife, is destitute, having charge of children, and is in debt, finding the benevolence of men in churches to be of small purpose. She was advised to make means unto friends to speak to their tenants to bestow their devotions in lambs and kids. And because William Maurice's country is well furnished with cattle and such like, and the price of them so low this year, and money so scant, Robert Sonlley's aunt entreats William Maurice's expected and respected favour among his tenants. In so doing he will do a charitable deed in taking compassion on the fatherless children and widow.

As heretofore William Jones has been spokesman for Mr John Griffith, his brother in law, so now he makes bold to renew the same suit unto William Maurice. Is fully persuaded that, if occasion requires, William Maurice will show kindness and courtesy, and will give good testimony of the continuance of his love for the father, though he be dead, in regarding his son after him. As at first it is kindness to grant, so secondly it is acceptable to have swift performance.

Morris has insinuated in his letter some cross whispering for the election again. They cannot do so but that they will disgrace Henry Rowlands and themselves greatly. Has his warrant for anything he did. Indeed he must tell William Maurice that he was fain to be very earnest with Mr Jones. Mr Gwynn has since been there. Henry Rowlands told him of the muttering but found no averseness in him. 'When Mr Jones cometh home I doe of my love wishe you to take all kindly as I well knowe that you are full of humanityie that I need not so advise you. And for his frends yt is no wisdome to carie any hand over them'. Has written to William Maurice's factor, Cadwaladr Owen, to reserve him eight barrels of Portugal salt but at the price the country had it. If it be more, he will take up to twelve barrels. Desires it to be safely kept in some room in Pwllheli until some boat come his way. As for the money, William Maurice can send for it at any time.

Best uncle and most dear godfather. Has received William Maurice's loving and comfortable letter. Mr Owen, the writer's tutor, received 40s. Concerning other charges William Maurice shall know about them from the tutor and from Brynkir. Has but one pair of sheets. Cannot be without two pair. Nothing else is wanting 'for which I do hope and assure myself the Lord of Heaven will recompense you whom I do daily desire most humbly so to do'. Has written to John Williams to London about some books, and hopes they will be provided soon for indeed they be very needful. Mr Owen has brought him two or three, and the writer has bought some in the second hand. Would not take three times as much as he paid for them. Besides he has bought other necessary things which he will subscribe with the 10s. John left for him. If he can spy any booke which he thinks would delight William Maurice, either for matter or method, about 'astronomie' or anything else, he will by God his grace send it to him. Feels he need not be very tedious to his uncle since William Maurice shall understand his tutor's mind about everything. But he would desire his dear uncle to do after the tutor's letter as near as he possibly can for in truth he is a very kind man. Wishes his sister Mrs Margaret Morris to be thanked for the token she has sent him. 'Though the token was great I do twenty times more accept her great good nature and remembrance of me'. There follows a long list of College expenses including prices of second-hand books.

Will agree to no division for Her Majesty's service of musters. Sees not how it can be done 'for your doings ought to be also mine and mine yours'. Knows of neither commission, letters, direction, nor any other instrument which has given John Wynn or himself any limit. Therefore John Wynn is out of the way of good order and challenges over much privilege when he says that he will not meddle in the writer's limit. He speaks against Her Majesty's and the Lord Lieutenant's commission. William Maurice would not willingly do anything in John Wynn's absence, for he wishes his presence to join a company together. John Wynn's end of the country is more populous of serviceable men and greater by reason of the greater towns. John Wynn has objected to bringing men so far to Caernarvon, without thinking how far he brings men to Conwy, as though the case were altered. John Wynn has brought him examples from other shires, so he will bring to his correspondent the example of their next neighboring shire - Anglesey - where they do make the general assembly. Is quite sure that Sir Richard Bulkeley and his associates would as willingly spare the country as any other. Insists again that the commission is hound and not several.

When it pleased the Lord President to appoint him one of his deputy lieutenants in Caernarfonshire in joint commission with John Wynn of Gwydir, Wynn requested a division of the county (being about forty-eight or fifty miles long) for the trained bands, which the writer agreed to, though his limit was far inferior to Wynn's especially since the three great towns of Conwy, Bangor and Caernarvon were in Wynn's allotment. Realising this, Wynn insisted on the division in all musters including foreign services. Besides the inequality of the number of people, Wynn's limit is the nearer by the half way to Chester, their common port, than the writer's limit. Which division of the muster William Maurice opposed and wanted it held at the shire town of Caernarvon. Wynn utterly refused this and mustered his company at his own door and used his own will and pleasure therein to the great hindrance of the service. Refers to the Lord President's personal command, his cousin and associate refuses to join and says that he has the Lord President's warrant to deal alone for his limit as he terms it. Desires to acquaint his Lordship with these facts.

The writer's master has send him word to send to William Maurice to know when and in what place he might meet with William Maurice about the musters. Could he take a step to Gwydir? His master's health does not serve to travel in the winter time. At another time when he is well, he will come twice as far at William Maurice's request. Says that it has almost cost him his life to come to Caernarvon about the upper end of the shire. Asks for an answer with the bearer who is but simple messenger.

Whereas John Wynn has received letters for the mustering and furnishing of a hundred soldiers out of Caernarfonshire for the service of Ireland to be delivered to Richard Trevor for conduct to Chester, begs to be informed through the bearer the day and place when they shall be ready. For furnishing them there is allowed £4 for every man-for coat and hose of good broad cloth well lined, doublet, stocking, shoes and cap beside their arms. Prays that care be taken to appoint such men as will justly perform it 'and not after the old manner used in all our shires - that half the allowance were put in ther owne purses'. The writer will fit them with arms and apparel at Chester.

This Friday at 5 in the afternoon John Wynn received letters from the Privy Council. Copies enclosed. Muster day appointed at Caernarvon on Thursday next for the whole country to assemble. He meant to summon every gentleman and principal freeholder, by the pole if need be, at his house, by the constable of every hundred. Means also to press men for service and those of the choicest he can get, and he that will not effectually further it, the writer accounts him no good subject nor true hearted to his country. Urges William Maurice that there is no matter wherein he ought more to respect his credit than this. Therefore he should not either for friend or foe spare the tallest and likeliest men. Either John Wynn or William Maurice or both must see the men delivered to Lord Essex. The taunt which the Lord Lieutenant put in his letter can be borne better by John Wynn and William Maurice if it be general to all lieutenants in North Wales, but if it be special to the writer and his colleague it is not by them to be borne 'for I protest I desyre not to lyve the day wherein I shall be ashamed of my doyngs or must be forced to bear so open a dysgrace, for what could he have saud mor ... to despite us. I am persuaded that it was the secretary messenger that wrought us this blow because we wear not lyberale unto him ... but yf if wear to the expence of half I have I wyll cleere my credyt and wyll tell the secretary to his face that he is a lying knave'. William Maurice is to do the like if he carries the heart of a man. John Wynn does not wish that part of the letter to be read and asks William Maurice to bolt it out of the copy before it is sent to any man. 'For though we be cleere yett geeve not oure enemyes that advantage to understand that we are condemned in our Lord's conceat'.

Has received John Wynn's letters wherein William Meirick is told that he should have sent to John Wynn a copy of Her Majesty's mandate to his Grace of Canterbury, and of the Archbishop's letters to the Bishop of Bangor. Writes that the mandate has been kept by the Archbishop, and that the latter's letters to the Bishop of Bangor are the writer's only warrant. These letters were sent to him by the Bishop to be executed in his absence since he is now commanded to give his attendance to preach before Her Majesty on Palm Sunday and Easter Day. Forasmuch as [the musters] meet at Conwy, and Anglesey at Beaumaris, on one day, and that being Friday, he cannot attend at both places 'if any because it is the court day'. But desires on behalf of the clergy of Caernarfonshire (for he means not to trouble John Wynn with others) that every endeavour will be made to help them. William Meirick has no authority to procure them [i.e. men] 'but by your means if you will do so much'. The names of such as are within Caernarfonshire charged to send forth men and furniture are these: - Mr Dean of Bangor, a light horse furnished; Mr D. Edward Meirick, Archdeacon, a light horse furnished; Mr James Ellis, Treasurer of Bangor, a light horse furnished; Mr John Bold, parson there, petronel furnished; Mr Owen Meredith, parson of Llanystyn', petronel furnished; Mr D. Mostyn, parson of Aber, petronel furnished; Mr Arthur Williams, parson of Llanbedrog, petronel furnished; Mr Humffrey Robinson, parson of Llanengan, a musket furnished; Sir John Roberts, parson of Rhiw, a musket furnished; Mr Hugh Evans, parson of Llanllyfni, caliver furnished; the Vicar of Clynnog, caliver furnished; Sir William Davies, parson of Criccieth, caliver furnished; Sir Thomas Mellars, parson of Llavairfechan, caliver furnished.

Understands by William Maurice's letter that he is determined to go to Llanfrothen, 'which I would for your sake it were not so far', to meet the Sheriff of Merionethshire. Owen would have been glad to accompany him but for an appointment with his friend and kinsman, Humfrey ap Ievan ap Hugh, to go on Wednesday morning to Caernarvon to meet Mr Richard Bulkeley and his mother about the money 'we' are bound for in his grand uncle, Mr William Glyn, dec. William Maurice meant to have Owen with him or he would not have procured the writer's niece, Mistress Elin Morris, to insert her hand 'to your letter whereby you judge I wold doe muche for her sake. I wold indeed yf yt lay in me anyway'. Asks to be excused for he must be up on Wednesday at night, God willing, and so attend the execution of his business. Commendations to his Aunt Ann and his niece Mrs Elin.