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Thanks Owen for his kind and friendly letter of condolence. Prays that God will enable him to undergo with Christian patience what is laid upon him ... and hopes that Owen will never have occasion personally to meet with the least affliction.

Is sorry that the weather together with the abundance of rain should be so excessive as to deprive him of kissing Owen's hands at Pwllheli. When the waters are laid and the weather more calm he will wait upon Owen at the place and time appointed. They may reasonably expect a summons from the deputy-lieutenants of the other end of the county to meet to consider several matters relating to the King's service. If any such come to Owen, asks for his commands by the bearer or some other. Sends by the bearer a merlin, as he supposes it to be, which if it be otherwise Owen will have to excuse an ignorant falconer. It came from Ireland with a single bell, and was taken to Aberdaron and kept there a fortnight with a worse falconer than the writer, where his train was broken and bruised. He hopes it will prove well. Services to Lady Owen and to his cousin William Owen who, as he is informed by the bearer, is with Owen.

The writer has with much difficulty stayed Owen's trusty old servant, Morrice Griffith, thus long in town, being impatient to make so long a stop where there is usually so much good fellowship. Hopes Owen will excuse his servant. The writer asks pardon for having been so bold as to add Owen's name to a letter written by Mr Bulkeley and the writer in answer to Mr Secretary Bennett's letter a copy whereof is kept for Owen's perusal in town, having no time to transcribe the same at present. The substance thereof is that they returned a written letter of John Williams to his Honour that he may be pleased personally to compare the said letter with the late intercepted (letter) which the writer and Bulkeley still believe to be his, all circumstances therein making it out very apparent. They examined Morrice Griffith, Jeffry Parry, and Marke Lloyd, interrogating them severally whether they knew the handwriting which was sent by Mr Secretary. All of them upon oath declared that they did not believe that written paper to be the hand of John Williams, and indeed none that knows his handwriting very well can imagine it to be so, because his guilt did direct him to alter his usual and common character lest it should be too near to the intercepted letter. Cousin Bulkely and the writer did parole the prisoners until the Quarter Sessions which will be the 12th of next month at Caernarvon where he hopes Owen will be to resolve further thereon and to settle other public affairs. They further humbly submitted the consideration of Edwards and Williams to his Honour's wisdom, they themselves being verily persuaded that Edwards full well knows the author, adding thereunto their innocence as touching any of the least spleen and malice in us concerning them as they cunningly give out, but that only their zeal, duty and loyalty encouraged them to hasten to his Honour what were discovered to be practised among such dangerous nonconformists. Acknowledges Owen's letter and is sorry that Owen lays that command aside. And since the writer finds others intent upon that employment, he shall readily comply with them, they being far better able to undergo the public care and expense thereof than the writer. Indeed it is more that time for the writer to learn that prudent lesson not to struggle for that which brings no other advantages with it but expenses and charges. Is informed that a little boat of less than a ton came lately to porth Nygull in Llyne, which is laid up and preserved. The writer would like to have it as it may be fully valued: it may be of some service to him. But does not press the request if Owen's own proper occasions may make use of it. What Owen may be pleased to do therein, his order to Cousin William Spicer will be observed. Respects to Lady Owen and his pretty cousin Nelly. The moneys are to the full paid to Owen's servant Morrice Griffith.

Has received Owen's letter by his cousin William Madryn, and finding it impossible to receive the moneys with that secrecy enjoined upon him, forbore to call for them out of the hands they were lodged in. But upon inquiry into David Glynne's receipt, the writer discovered that he had - being very necessitous - spent no less than £10 of the said £50. The writer rattled him and told him that he had rendered himself incapable of further trust and the public service could not long suffer by his unfaithfulness, for he would in the end smart for it. The other five pounds were promised, but the writer doubts his performance. To avoid further extravagancies, the writer has ordered Mr Robert Evans to receive the £40 and to bring them to Owen. He also sends 50/- being Owen's rent for the old Shire Hall. He also knows that Owen will be pleased to pay Robert Evans £53.15.0 in silver, otherwise 50 guineas, to the writer's use; he will say no more about it, being sufficiently possessed with Owen's just and honourable dealings.

Congratulates Owen on the apparent hopes he has of comfort from Lady Owen who he understands is in a brave and thriving condition. Reminds Owen of a former kindness in trying to arrange for the writer to become his neighbour in Oswestry. But at that time Mr Evans was not provided for, although he had a promise of another thing more suited to his genius and inclination, which he hears is now adoing if not already done. Has also been informed that the Bishop and the Town have come to an accommodation about that school's concern and that Mr Evans is to quit that employment very suddenly. If all this be true and the Bishop and the Town think fit, the writer can now comply with Owen's former kind motion to serve his friends in that troublesome and thankless employ to the best of his capacity.

Since William Maurice rides to Shropshire tomorrow, informs him of two letters received by William Gruffith from Mr Hogeson, the 'heade coustomer' of North Wales touching the Queen's customs on the ship laden with bay salt, which he wishes William Gruffith to pay and certify immediately. William Maurice knows that no entry has yet been made, either skipper, merchant or bill of loading, in the customs house, nor any 'Band of ymployment' taken. How well William Gruffith can answer this, he refers to William Maurice's discretion. Unless William Maurice takes order with his factor before his departure, understands that Mr Powell and Mr Williams, with whom William Maurice has bargained, will come to Pwllheli as soon as the wind is favourable to carry the ship and the rest of the salt and iron away without satisfaction to the Queen. Begs William Maurice to consider William Gruffith's position so that he may be answered with payment, without vexation, according to his trust. Otherwise is likely to feel a smart to his discredit, negligence, loss and hindrance. Cannot state what custom to demand because no entry is made. Can only rely on William Maurice's promise to William Gruffith to see all discharged. Asks for William Maurice's answer in writing by the bearer. Would have come in person, but is not well.

Having occasion to ride with his eldest son who returns to Cambridge next week, requests William Maurice to send the residue of the customs money which is 20s.9. The total was £6.3.9 of which William Gruffith received £3.3.0, and allowed 40s. which he borrowed from William Maurice. Money is scant with William Gruffith, and 20s. now would please him more than 40s. another time, otherwise would not have troubled William Maurice.

He sends three small 'grillipots'. On the one is written the purgation. 'Take half of that on Saturday in the morning fasting. Eat not for fully three hours. Then take a little thin broth. At 5 o'clock eat a light supper of boiled mutton or chicken. Then about 8 or 9 o'clock, in bed, take half of that which is in the box whereon is written to be taken at night. Keep warm. On Sunday morning take half the green ginger which is in the third box or pot. On Monday do as was done on Saturday, and on Tuesday as on Sunday. Mingle the purgation with posset ale and drink it that it may the better be done.' She is to write to him some three days after how she does. Then when she comes to Caernarvon, the writer will finish his cure, God willing, for this year, till next spring. With blessings to his son.

At William Moris's request to provide coal and stone for the key [quay], according to William Moris's care of that good work and special means to procure the money therefor at his own charge, received from the bailiffs of Caernarvon £6 which answered as nearly as possible to the proportion set down for William Gryffyth to provide. William Moris's rate was for 24 boat loads of stone. William Gryffyth laid first 10 boat loads of stone under the posters which by William Moris's letter to William Gryffyth's cousin Elis Wyn were carried thence to the work to which they were assigned. William Gryffyth delivered accounts of all he received to the overseers of the work from whom asks William Moris for his discharge to pay the 10 boat loads in money or stone as they have cause to call for them. Endorsed: Accounts in the hand of Sir William Maurice.

Ever truly honoured Sir. Colonel Mark Trevor tells the writer that he has a goshawk which he intends to present to Sir John in discharge of his former promise and testimony of love. The writer did not see 'her' for he conceives that 'she' is at the house of Colonel Hill. But Trevor assured the writer that 'she' would be ready within fourteen days. Humbly requests Sir John to let the writer know how he would have 'her' conveyed to him. If a messenger is sent over Sir John shall have a cast or two of 'merlions' from Trevor by the same hand. Had 'she' now been ready 'she' could have been sent by Richard Wynn of Beaumaris 'who passed this weeke from us over in John Smythe's shipp who brought over to us slates for buildinge, but that opportunity lost I well know not how to sende her you but as you shall please to directe'. Captain Kinaston has newly gone for England with hawks, so the writer understands not now of any other messenger. They have heard there to their no little grief of the extremity of Sir John's sickness, but to their hearty rejoicing of his safe and good delivery. When Sir John writes the speediest way is by post to Holyhead, so to Dublin, thence to Newry to post-master Butterfeild who will safely convey the letters to Green Castle where the writer resides. PS The writer's cousin Dic Price presents his humble service. The writer also heartily entreats from Owen a couple of good and staunch spaniels that may win their credit in Ireland.

Compliments and acknowledgment of Owen's letter. He has also received one other which was so tattered and worn out with carriage that he is still ignorant of the substance of it. He will wait on Owen after Christmas provided he receives word when Owen will be at home, which may be sent by post to Shellrock, the postmaster at Salop. The writer will continue to be dear Robin's friend and servant, etc.

Is required by his friend Mr Robert Knowles to commend to John Wynne a servant of Robert Knowles, Robert Gruffith of Caernarfonshire, who finds himself and his few tenants heavily burdened by taxes which his master hoped to redress by William Herbert's mediation. Is sure John Wynne can satisfy Robert Knowles's desire; if he cannot do so without his associate, let him make the request known to Mr Morrys, and William Herbert will be doubly beholden to him. Appended is a note of examination by John Wynn.

Thanks for William Maurice's kind letters. Has written to his cousin Richard Hu[...] enclosing his measure to buy and make him a suit of apparel and asking him if he did not intend to satisfy William Humffrey's request to deliver the letter to William Maurice, who might see to providing William Humffrey's necessities. Believed this rather than fail in his purpose, but as he now sees, is behind unless upon other letters which he has written and sent William Maurice by Hugh ap Harry Caddarne. To prevent the worst, thought it requisite to write to William Maurice fully telling him his mind. Asks William Maurice to procure for him a dozen [?liveries] and cloaks, about 30s. each, a robe for a foot boy and thirteen hats and feathers, with a reasonable day to pay therefor. The purse which William Humffrey sent in William Maurice's trunk is £8 or £9, and is under seal; asks William Maurice to see the money counted himself for William Humffrey had intended to send £10 and cannot remember taking out more than 20s. Sends by the bearer to deliver what he can spare to William Humffrey for buying a suit of apparel for William Humffrey. Expects the suit to be of coloured satin, cut with a 'diamond pincke' all over, with a cloak 'liend befor with vellvett and a fayer lace about of gould and silke and a fayer gould and silver bottom upon the coller hanging dowen further'. Begs William Maurice to have one of his men, or some man of skill, help the bearer to provide all William Humffrey's necessities, according to the note which he has. Asks William Maurice to supply in ready money or credit what the bearer lacks besides the 20 marks in the trunk and what he has; will pay when the drovers come down about All Saints or St Andrew at the furthest, which is 'just half a yeare forbering'. His bidding has wholly emptied his purse. Had to treble what he intended to bestow and as it happened a hundred marks will hardly finish it. Had the weather been such that he might have made it ready against Mr Justice's coming by, would have been well pleased for his charges and toil, which is worse than the charges. Hopes others will have comfort hereafter. Whatever undertaking William Maurice makes for William Humffrey, the latter promises to pay and discharge and to save William Maurice harmless.

Legal business. On the advice of Mr Vaughan's counsels the writer yesterday repaired to Mr John Thelwall and found him very courteous. But at the moment Thelwall has been directed by the Lord Keeper to treat with Esq. Roberts about their interests in the judgment obtained in Thelwall's name against Mr Vaughan. Has only this day waited upon Mr Ellis about Owen's queries. Has arranged a meeting between Ellis and others of Mr Vaughan's counsel. Counsel's opinion signed by William Ellis on 17th Nov. appears on the dorse: Sir Francis Russell obtained a decree in chancery in 1649 against John Bodvel, esq., for £500 per annum for the maintenance of his wife, Anne, and her two children. Bodvel resisted and his estates in Caernarvon and Anglesey were sequestrated. In 1656, Mr Vaughan, being then sheriff of Caernarvonshire, by authority of the court, ejected the Lady Elizabeth Bodvel, John's mother, from Bodvel's house, she being in possession of part thereof as her dower, and having goods in the house and cattle upon the land. She was living apart from her husband, Mr Thelwall, and had separate maintenance. Thelwall and his wife then brought an action for battery against Vaughan and the sequestrators in the Common Pleas, and secured £450 damages, and in a further action £1,000 damages for the goods and cattle. The sheriff and sequestrators then exhibited a bill in equity claiming that they acted only in obedience to the order of the court. But the damages are now being disputed between Mr Roberts, administrator for Lady Bodvel, and Mr Thelwall who claims the benefit of the judgment, and suits of equity are proceeding between them for the same. The question is with whom it is most safe for Mr Vaughan to agree while these suits are pending - with Mr Roberts or with Mr Thelwall? And if he agrees with either of them, what security is fit to be taken against the other? Counsel's opinion is that Thelwall has the best title at law, but that Roberts has the better title in equity, and that it is better to agree with Roberts.

If business had not hindered the writer he would have been in the country during the vacation. He would then have endeavoured to mend the controversy between Sir William and the writer's cousin, Henry. The writer wished the other arbitration to proceed, and if 'they' cannot, he will do it himself upon his return. Has written to his cousin to that purpose. The King of France and his sister are contracted to the Prince of Spain and his sister, and the same was solemnly declared in France on Lady Day. There is an interview arranged in Baion in Galicia between the King of Spain and the Queen of France for a marriage. 'The tyme had beene that Sir William Maurice would have beene glad to have bene attorny for the Kinge of Spayne in such an accion fuit Ilium et ingens gloria troiorum [sic], iam seges ubi Troia fuit. Fo ayth yn llwyd lhe y bu felyn, nid fel yr ayr da ir ayr dyn'. News of a marriage between the Lady Elizabeth and the Count Palatine of the Rhine. Proceedings over precedence between the lords' youngest sons and the knights banneret to be heard before the King. The Council meets at the Lord Treasurer's house where he joins them from his couch. The Lord Warden is to marry the Earl of Duncome's daughter. Remembrances to members of the family.

Received William Maurice's letter that day and wrote an answer. Cannot answer William Maurice about the business between him and William Jones's cousin until he sees the letter, but will come for a meeting with William Maurice on Wednesday if he can, or if not, very early on Thursday. William Maurice writes that Sir William Thomas will be with him on Wednesday, William Jones knows him to be good-natured enough to stay a little if William Jones cannot come on Wednesday.

William Jones's cousin, Robert ap John ap Humphrey, being also his Worship's kinsman and near neighbour, is prepared to agree with William Maurice and to be at peace and unity with him. William Jones for his part is very willing to further the matter all he can for the love he bears to both of them, and because he is sorry to see any discord between two of his good friends, and is loath to be of counsel 'against Sir William Maurice, the good and well natured knight whom I found always lovinge to me'. But this notwithstanding when he considers the matter more nearly, having had a taste of his cousin's mind and resolution, he draws back again, fearing his good intention will not produce any good effect. His cousin is settled in his opinion of right in the lands. He would rather lose all than accept any treaty offered to the contrary. But to make an exchange for lands of like value (though the lands lie convenient for him) William Jones thinks he will do by mediation. Is William Maurice inclined to that course? If so, William Jones will travel to the lands and his cousin will procure Mr Robert to be there, and William Maurice may employ Sir William Thomas and Mr Hugh Gwyn Pennarth. Day of meeting arranged.

Received William Maurice's letter 'yesternight'; this morning has come to Bangor on business of his own and his cousin Brynkyr, and will spend the day there. On Friday or Saturday a commission is to be executed concerning William Jones, and at the beginning of next week sets out for London. Hopes therefore that William Maurice will not blame him for not coming to Eifionydd. Had time permitted, would have been very willing to end all suits between William Maurice and William Jones's cousin; knows it does not please William Maurice to be in suit, and neither is it to the ease and profit of William Jones's cousin. Will endeavour to end things between them as soon as possible.

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.

The writer's son, Evan, continues his suit for Wynne's niece of Tan-y-bwlch, and now she has promised to marry him if Wynne will but say the word. She says she is now growing old and her father is backward in bestowing her. Asks that she be told that the writer will give Evan £300 which will be paid at the rate of £100 a year upon every New Year's Day yearly. If Wynne will give his word, the writer will save him harmless. If she be willing, the best course is for them to go suddenly to Kemes and be married out of hand.