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William Beake, although having received process under the Great Seal to deliver up the Queen's records relating to the Custos Rotulorum of Caernarfonshire to the present holder of the position, puts the matter off on to William Maurice; between them, the records are withheld and neither accomplishes his duty. Wonders at this, for they both know that the records are the Queen's, not to remain with any private man, but with the Queen's appointed officer. Request to deliver them without delay, upon threat of legal action.

Sends what abstracts he had of 'Cessementes' of arms in the commote. They are both 'rente' [torn] and the notes may be difficult for William Maurice to understand since they were only set down to aid William Glynne's memory with a word of French here and there when anyone behind him cast an eye on the page. William Maurice shall receive them as they are. There follows a copy of the abstracts in Sir William Maurice's hand. The information is arranged by parish.

Papers arising from cases in Chancery and the Court of the Exchequer between Sir William Maurice, plt. and his step-son, Sir Henry Johnes of Abermarlais, Carmarthenshire and others who included Sir Richard Pryse of Gogerddan, defts, 1611-1620. The cases concerned the non-payment of annuities and maintenance out of the estate of Sir Thomas Johnes, whose widow, Jane, had married Sir W.M. in 1605. The grievances of the plaintiff include arrears of rents due from leases of the rectories and tithes of several Cardiganshire parishes, the King 's mill in Llanbadarn Fawr and fishing rights in Aberystwyth, which Sir H.J. had assigned to Sir W.M in 1610 to effect part-payment of the annuity; non-payment of other debts; unkind treatment of Jane by Sir Henry Johnes and his wife; and the sale of lands belonging to her father (Rowland Puleston) without her permission. A court order of 1618 instructed that the money owing to Sir W.M. was to be repaid but by 1619 Sir Henry Johnes was in custody of the sheriff of Middlesex, to be committed to the Fleet prison for contempt and non-compliance. A later bond shows that Sir W.M. 's descendant, William Owen, was still attempting to recover £1201 from the estate of Sir H.J. in 1642.

Has received his letters, and learns that the letters delivered to Sir Francis Eure were received with unreasonable consideration and censure. Hopes he will be careful in the business between George Williams and his good attorney and solicitor Richard Anwyl. He is to see that there are no defects anywhere and that there is no privy dealing anywhere without the writer's privity. A few vague business matters.

There is a matter touching a poor town in which the King receives about £18 or £20 a year; it has a very fair castle which now falls into decay and all the town 'allmost become beggers' unless the King will relieve them not at any charge of his but by granting them that the assizes, quarter sessions and concourses may by his grant and the confirmation of their charter, be granted to them with such other things as they shall petition for their own good and the King's advantage. To further their suit and petition, since William Maurice has promised his best endeavours, being himself one of the corporation and his ancestors having for long been constables who dwelled in the castle and kept it in repair until recently in the late Queen's time the office and fee were granted to strangers who only accepted the fee and allowed the house to fall into decay, they requested William Maurice to name someone to deal for them as the cause required. He, in goodwill to Pattricke Morrey and from his acquaintance with him, was bold to prefer the bearer, his kinsman, to Pattricke Morrey to move the matter and if Pattricke Morrey is willing to take it in hand, William Maurice had rather they should gratify him than any other, not doubting his care in prosecuting the cause. Refers the rest to the bearer's report. Copy.

Wrote his mind plainly to Maurice Robbines and sent Maurice Robbine's letter to William Lacon as a caveat to warn him to deal well with Maurice Robbines and William Maurice. Wrote to Maurice Robbines to deal honestly, which William Maurice does not doubt that he will, and allowed him [William Lacon] to deal for William Maurice this time, so that either of them may look to the other. Would not have Maurice Robbines consider, though William Maurice wrote to him to deal honestly, which is a kind speech to be spoken to anyone, that he therefore charges Maurice Robbines with any dishonesty. As Maurice Robbines, as he says, seeks only his own, so is it reasonable also that William Maurice seeks his own. Desires to be a mean for them both therein. Knows he is much behind every year and thinks Maurice Robbines may be also. So much of that matter. As to the second part of Maurice Robbines's letter touching his [Maurice Robbines's] kinsman, if William Maurice was truly informed, he must think as he said. Will understand the matter when he comes to the Quarter Sessions; wherever the fault was, it is worthy of punishment. How William Maurice's cousin Marye Gruffith should be so troublesome to Maurice Robbines at service time, a thing most unlawful, he does not know, unless upon some abuse offered her. As William Maurice said, upon due examination of the cause the truth shall be known and the offender censured accordingly. Maurice Robbines writes that they expect countenance at William Maurice's hands, as William Maurice wrote to the Chancellor, or else it would be otherwise. What Maurice Robbines means thereby William Maurice does not know, for if Maurice Robbines means to do them wrong, William Maurice will countenance them in their right, but if otherwise, they shall have no countenance of William Maurice in their wrongs or any other misbehaviour. Maurice Robbines knows William Maurice has and will further God's service to the utmost, and the order of the church, which he saw Maurice Robbines neglect sometimes. As Maurice Robbines said, so William Maurice hopes, that when the bishop comes they shall have all things in good order. Touching the words which Maurice Robbines says that Marye Gruffith spoke of all the clergy in general, terming them devils and black dogs, words, as Maurice Robbines rightly says, worthy of severe punishment, if they be duly proved, assures Maurice Robbines that he will further her punishment rather than speak for her. Wishes Maurice Robbines to know that William Maurice is not one to bolster any bad words or actions but will do his best to punish them and to seek redress if he finds fault in Maurice Robbines when the bishop, who, he is sure, will see any disorders redressed, comes. Draft.

Is disappointed for his money everywhere, especially now in his need, since he lacks sufficient money for the bearer, his cousin Mr Richarde Ieuan, who is going for William Maurice to London to solicit William Maurice's business, and that of Frances Eure. Desires Frances Eure if she can to give him £10 for William Maurice which will make him more ready to take pains in their causes and better able to fee his counsellors. This shall be to Frances Eure's credit and his [Richarde Ieuan's] satisfaction. Postscript: Reminds her what trouble and charge he takes about her causes.

'Good son'. William Maurice has written so often and has long forborne. He knows not what to write for the sum is still increasing and the charges also. Therefore, his stepson [Henry Johnes] must give William Maurice leave to seek his own if he will not regard his promises nor the writer's wants. For the Sessions of Cardigan he promised the bearer that if William Maurice came there he would receive half the money in hand and the other with their use in May. But when he came thither no money was received though William Maurice wanted to go to the parliament and was so put to his shifts. This term will be chargeable to them both if no good course be taken for the writer's satisfaction. 'I would willingly pleasure you in anything I may though I did pawn my own land for you [but] I will not lease anything that is due to me by law for it is fitter your mother and I have our own than that you should let the same to others. I mean principally Llandeilo Fawr and such leases as you had for years'. Refers the full report to the bearer who is his cousin. Commits him to God whom he prays to make Henry Johnes careful for his good. Draft.

Understands a letter for him has been sent to Mr Receiver to offer him the lease of the quarries which, though the last was very chargeable to William Maurice in preserving the title of the King and Prince thereto, he will accept. Desires the recipient to thank Sir Fulke Grevell and Sir James Fullerton and the rest for remembering him, and will take a lease like the other beginning payment at the next audit if convenient. Knows he will receive no profit but must sue therefor. Thinks no-one will venture to sue Sir Richard Bulkley except William Maurice who will spare no money or pains to do the prince a service. He and his people are now served to appear in the Star Chamber and the Marches to defend the Prince's title to a township which William Maurice holds called Gest. The bearer will tell William Maurice's mind to the recipient; William Maurice had meant to come himself, but was prevented by the King's business. Draft; followed by another draft of part of the same.

When they were conferring in London about a settlement between Henry Johnes and his mother, Henry Johnes seemed 'conformable' by his words and promises to satisfy her in all points required by law and conscience. He yielded that she should have the church among other things, and what other satisfaction he demanded, and promised to appoint for her annuity of £320 a year lands to cover it at rates such as others had from him, thereby ridding him and his sureties of the danger of bonds, having already forfeited for non-payment in May. He also promised to make similar arrangements for his brothers' portions and for his sister, which William Maurice and Henry Johnes's steward David Morgan Rees thought most fitting, and undertook to visit his mother for her blessing and to make settlement. William Maurice was ready at Henry Johnes's request to return home with him to settle things, which would have been no hindrance to Henry Johnes. Though William Maurice wrote several letters mentioning also the sending of Henry Johnes's sister Anne to her mother, which is the cause of his present writing, he received no answer except that he should have the church at as reasonable a price as any other, as indeed he should have his own by right at a reasonable rate. But Henry Johnes's price was high to William Maurice and Henry Johnes's mother, though reasonable to a stranger, and despite what Henry Johnes said William Maurice finds from his son Sir William Thomas that he [William Thomas] has another year yet paid for. Thus has generally run over matters. In particular, with regard to Henry Johnes's mother's claim for maintenance, his mother granted Henry Johnes good allowance hoping to find him a kind and obedient son, and Henry Johnes treated her hardly as she says, not allowing her to have her own after agreeing with her, and selling it before her face which could not but grieve her, and keeping other things from her such as her gelding, sheep, household stuff and her father's gown. [This does not show due consideration to her by Henry Johnes] if he wishes to enjoy her love. Cannot answer her to the contrary on Henry Johnes's behalf although he has argued for him so much that she thinks him partial to Henry Johnes. Can therefore prolong no longer but must see what law and equity will allow for her maintenance, security for her annuity and her other rights Writes to Henry Johnes to move him to have due consideration lest when 'a gappe is opened (which I maye doe) it is not so easily shutt upp againe'. Let Henry Johnes therefore decide and send his decision by a good messenger with full instructions, if he cannot come himself to settle matters. Perhaps he may not if he goes to London, but William Maurice wishes Henry Johnes's mother to be satisfied before he goes to London or else has promised her to try what the law or Chancery will yield. With regard to Henry Johnes's sister, whom her mother wishes to have with her, as befits her and Henry Johnes more than to be with another, even a close friend, William Maurice and Henry Johnes's mother promise not to 'matche' her without Henry Johnes's consent and William Maurice promises not to speak of any match but by Henry Johnes's direction. Henry Johnes promised to send her long ago; if her one leg is the reason, no-one will take more care to seek a cure for it than her own mother. Knows no other reason why Henry Johnes should keep her from her mother unless it be the request of Sir William Thomas, William Maurice's son, to William Maurice and Henry Johnes's mother which it is unreasonable to ask at William Maurice's cost and her mother says she will never yield. Henry Johnes's father left Henry Johnes's sister by his will £500 to be paid soon with an increase of £50 use for the same yearly until she is married from which she may spare much besides her maintenance so that her portion is increased yearly, apart from what Henry Johnes, her mother and William Maurice would add for her preferment. It would be ungrateful in William Maurice to yield, even to a kinsman or friend, to see her matche in a place that cannot deserve half her portion, and unnatural and unkind in Henry Johnes to wish it; it might be prejudicial to him. There is no haste to bestow her except to a good place; if she died Henry Johnes would gain her portion. Request to send her to her mother or appoint a time and William Maurice will send men and horses to fetch her; Henry Johnes may send a sufficient man, David Morgan Rees or another, to settle matters. Draft.

Kind commendations, etc., saving that Lloyd did not come and see William Maurice as he came from the assizes. Entreats him to read over and pen an indictment. Wants 'this man' indicted of perjury the next term when the matter comes to hearing at Serjeants' Inn in Chancery Law. It will much disgrace Owen Ellis's cause. John Lloyd replies. Has read the indictment which is carefully and painfully drawn up. Likes not the recital of the statute and therefore has omitted it. Other suggestions for improving its form.

Thanks the recipient for taking pains for William Maurice's business in the Star Chamber and putting in a demur[rer] to the bill of Owen Ellis against William Maurice and thirty others in the Star Chamber, seventeen of them a jury and the others witnesses for the King touching his inheritance upon a Commission of Survey, as appears by the Answer of Demur[rer]s which was referred to the King's sergeant, who should have best course to consider the King's title, and to countenance all that truly endeavour therein. For if juries and witnesses [that] upon their oaths and evidence set down the King's right shall therefore be called to the Star Chamber without good cause, it will procure unwillingness and unreadiness for any to appear to do the King's service. Marvels at Sergeant Finch's report that this new trouble should arise, firstly for William Maurice to make a better answer, for he had hoped the recipient had answered all points reasonably, being no great matter and fit for the Star Chamber, but especially for the jury and witnesses for the King, the cause being already in the Exchequer Chamber to be tried there. As for the rest of the matters against William Maurice in the bill, touching incontinence in his younger years, a matter already pardonned and fit for ecclesiastical censure otherwise, and touching mises and other defects falsely supposed against William Maurice as one of the deputy lieutenants of his county, fitting for the Lord Lieutenant to examine rather than the Star Chamber, and such other trifling matters in the bill, William Maurice was ready (but upon the recipient's opinion upon his demurrer, that all should be dismissed) to answer. So he now only desires a dedimus potestatem to make his answer at home, being a man employed in the King's service of musters appointed at this time, and also of 80 years of age and unable to travel, especially since the process is served only seven days before the day of appearance. For the rest, [desires] upon so short a warning, to have such a Commission as the other five defendants had, the proceedings wherein appear by the Commissioner's Certificate which William Maurice hopes will declare the manner of his proceedings, that after he [?the Commissioner] had examined them upon a number of articles, he left the Commission with the Commissioners' clerk to be engrossed and went on his way. Also hopes the recipient will talk with Sergeant Finch of how he reported the cause and the matter referred to him. Commits all to the recipient's care and consideration and the rest to the report of William Maurice's cousin Mr Evance, William Maurice's solicitor.

Has a commission to be executed at Dolbenmaen on the 20th day of this month. Desires William Owen's favour to write to Hugh Owen, Gwnnynog, to ask him to come to William Maurice by that time since he has skill in surveying land. The principal thing that William Maurice would learn is the quantity of the bovate and how many acres the same contains. Will consider William Owen's charges and gains therein. Subscribed: William Owen's reply. Begs William Maurice to accept reply by word of mouth with his man, as William Owen has no time to express his mind at length in writing.

Indisposition and grief prevent William Maurice from travelling or taking pleasure in attending Justice Barker at Merionethshire or these sessions (though he has various complaints), to answer the false suggestions of such notorious fellows as Sir Ieu'n, that irregular minister. Will not [...] other honest gentlemen his cousins Mr Robert ap John ap [...] John Powell ap Owen and his son Robert [...] and unjust dealing with William Maurice to rob him and wrest [...] from him contrary to their pretended recovery. These are emboldened by Justice Barker's favour [...] against William Maurice whom they see Justice Barker disfavours and thought [...] have Justice Barker's countenance against him in law [...] of pleas or in the Chancery Court of equity. William Maurice hoped to find justice in both. Desires no more and deserves no less; grounds his greatest title on King James, who, as Lord Cooke called him, is the fountain of justice, in whose name William Maurice craves the same. Never offended Justice Barker except in being earnest in the King's requests which he hoped Justice Barker would be as willing to perform. If any cause moved Justice Barker to the contrary, he had no cause to bear spleen against William Maurice especially in matters of justice and law. Particularises two or three in which William Maurice thinks and is advised, Justice Barker granted hard order against him, and for two of which he asks redress at Justice Barker's hand. Two are in respect of himself and the King, touching their [...] and inheritance, and the third is for a poor widow with five children, some of them cripples, for whom William Maurice speaks in charity and hopes Justice Barker will act likewise. Ends with a greeting in Sir William Maurice's hand. Torn.

Will be very willing at Roger Mostyn's request to show his servant any pleasure that shall lie in him. As for this matter, he has already promised the poor widow that was the tenant (for he seldom removes any tenants except upon great occasion) the 'tennement' saving that he provided that if he sold it he might dispose thereof at his pleasure. If it please Roger Mostyn's servant Ellis ap Hughe he shall have it at Roger Mostyn's request before any man and 'better cheape thenn it standeth mee in'. Thus he may please Roger Mostyn's man at Roger Mostyn's request and keep his word with the poor woman. Draft.

Is very sorry that he is compelled to write, for he is unable to come himself as he wished, to salute Thomas Chamberlen at the Marches as general chief justice for Wales, though he is sorry for his departure. Informs Thomas Chamberlen of two 'harde accidentes' which happened to William Maurice in Ludlow when he met Thomas Chamberlen and Sir Frances Euere, the present justice. Firstly, William Maurice in good faith and hope of good dealings as promised, 'comprimetted' the matter he had in law against his neighbour Robert Wynn to the order of the Lord President, Sir Richard Lewkener and Sir Harry Toneshede who never came together to hear him. All that was done was before the Lord President only, with Thomas Chamberlen and Sir Francis Ewer present. William Maurice disclaimed his submission of any trial except before Thomas Chamberlen, the then justice, in the county, as Thomas Chamberlen knows, and the President then seemed to give it over to Thomas Chamberlen, which William Maurice hopes Thomas Chamberlen remembers. But in William Maurice's absence the President and Sir Harry, who had never heard his cause, made this award, charging William Maurice most unjustly with the payment of 20 marks of money and barring him from seeking remedy by law except in the county and that also partially tying William Maurice and leaving him [Robert Wynn] free for a second trial of the cause. Has sent the award by the bearer to show Thomas Chamberlen; if the latter has leisure to peruse it, would be very glad. The second harde happ' was to be bound for his kinsman Rowlande ap Elisse with the latter's son-in-law for a sum of £50 imposed on him, to save from further punishment. The son-in-law promised to discharge William Maurice but did not. Process came from the sheriff upon his bond for £29 which should have been paid at Midsummer. William Maurice was then in London and now sends the money, desiring Thomas Chamberlen's favour that it may be accepted for this payment; will bring the next himself in convenient time. Postscript relating to Sir William Maurice's dispute with Robert Wynn. Draft, in the hand of Sir William Maurice.

'Good son'. Hoped that Henry Johnes would have had some opportunity to come and see his mother. It might have made atonement between them as was meet and convenient as nature doth bind. Wishes to meet him in London where 'my dear and honourable friend and your uncle, good Sir Thomas Harbarte, shall I hope moderate all matters'. Meanwhile desires to know his stepson's pleasure for all those small things he has there in order to procure more easily his mother's content and kindness. The first touches the benefice of Llanbeblig - 'I think you made me a promise of it or any other thing you had about Caernarvon'. Wishes to be advertised how it stands and how he is to have it; or is he to deal with the lessee of the late Bishop of Chester whom he hears means to try the title and validity of the lease? The second matter is Henry Johnes's house at Caernarvon. Asks him to part with the inheritance or give him a lease thereon. William Maurice would repair it as it greatly needeth. Asks for an answer by his man. In margin:- If Henry Johnes will be advertized by his stepfather in his business and bargains, he will find him as kind and ready to the uttermost of his skill as if he were his only natural child. Endorsed: This natural kindness caused William Maurice to write blaming Lewis Aldwell for his remiss dealing in Henry Johnes's matter and not any evil will to him or to seek to dissuade Johnes from his wonted favour unto him. For he can do well if he list, which made his fault the greater than if he had done what he did by ignorance. Hopes Aldwell will not now be able to dissuade him from hearkening to William Maurice's advice - There is much matter 'good son' which he would have him consider, for the writer knows women may be more peremptory for trifles than for great matters. His mother's claim to sheep (or black muttons), a gelding, and some other trifles - increases these five years. Wishes him to satisfy her herein 'which will be my inducement for her easier content in other matters'. Damaged. Draft.

Has received a letter from the Privy Council to the high sheriff and justices of the county requiring to be informed of the names, additions, quality and places of all the freeholders in the county by [ ] at the furthest; encloses a copy thereof. Requests William Maurice's assistance with the names and additions of all the freeholders in the commote of Eifionydd, William Maurice's limit. Sir John Wynne promised to send a note of the names of those in Creuddyn, Nantconwy and Isaf by Palm Sunday, and William Thomas has written to the justices of the peace of Llyn to do the same for those three commotes and to Sir William Glynne in Uwchgwyrfai. Has also written to them to be at Caernarvon next Monday for further conference; William Maurice's presence or advice will greatly avail for the county's good. The word 'quality' in the letter admits various constructions; all should agree as nearly as possible for the county's good. 'Pauca sapienti'. Partly torn and faded.

Is glad of William Maurice's return home. Received William Maurice's letter concerning his seeing the letters for loans or the copies thereof. William Maurice travelled to the Council on Monday after the Quarter Sessions; after that William Thomas received the letters from Sir John Wynne by which they were required to certify by the last of the month which made them hurry and William Thomas did not hear of William Maurice's return home until last Monday, and on Wednesday they sent their certificate. Because of the bearer's haste, will inform William Maurice of the 'maner' of the certificate in detail upon the latter's coming to town, which William Thomas hears will be soon after Candlemas.

Perceives that William Maurice was prevented from coming to Caernarvon as he promised. In case he does not come before the Assizes, shows him Sir John Wynne's opinion concerning the Prince's mise and encloses his letter for William Maurice to peruse before returning it to William Maurice. Conferred yesterday with Mr Johnes the Counsellor about the business and he says it does not require any extraordinary haste since this mise, he says, is not to be levied as long as the first seven years are unexpired and the former payments unpaid. He says that the Prince expects nothing else at their hands but the custom of the county as used in all mises hitherto. He further says that they are agreed in Anglesey that the mise shall begin to be paid immediately after the expiration of their mise or six years, and it would wrong the county if [the commissioners for Caernarfonshire] did besides draw greater inconvenience on them by admitting the subsidies to come upon them at the same time as this does. This business requires some advisement and deliberation but since William Thomas cannot be at the Assizes and Sir John Wynne is willing to bear the blame for this small delay, William Thomas will return the commission and will agree with whatever the majority of the commissioners agree, whether it be at the Assizes or not. Subscribed: Note of receipt by Sir William Maurice.