Dangos 834967 canlyniad

The writer encloses a petition from one John Jones who remaineth in gaol upon William Maurice's commitment for departure out of Ireland without passport and without the licence of the Lord Deputy, the Lieutenant General or Sir Conyers Clifford. Since by his passport his discharge seemeth to be the last of March was twelve month, there is no authority to detain him. Asks William Maurice to consider the prisoner's offer to enter into bail for his appearance before the Privy Council, the Lord Lieutenant or the Justices of Assize. The writer means not to deal in these cases without William Maurice's privity.

She could do no less than write to her father having so fit a messenger to give him thanks for the token of 4s.4. His worship sent her to John Prothero for some money but because her father did not send a note he would not let her have none. So she must still her want till she sees her father. Sent him a letter by uncle Dr Price's man, when she was not able to write herself, how all things were with her, and in what misery she and her children were. Hopes William Maurice will relieve their want when he comes or writes. Prays pardon for her bad writing for she has not gathered strength since her sickness to write better. See also No. 410.

The writer made full account to have received a piece of money by one who had newly taken a piece of ground from him, and to have left it with his wife. Being disappointed thereof, and as well to secure himself for the under-sheriff and the great mise which he had soothly promised to the bearer against this time, he makes bold to ask William Maurice for the loan of a Jacobyn ... in gold ... until the next fair at Caernarvon. Reassurances of repayment. Postscript: Assures William Maurice of his own knowledge that the bearer has been both painful and hasty for the said mise, but one bad precedent given on our coast has made diverse backward, besides money is scant with some till after this fair.

Thanks God for her brother's good health and prays night and day to continue it so. She cannot get the money from John Gruffydd as yet, but he promises that he will get it shortly. She told him that if he did not get it out of hand, he would not get any bargain out of her brother. If she can get the money, she will, God willing, send it with the next carrier that comes down to London. It greatly grieves her heart that William Maurice stands in so much need of money. He should show his mind to Morris ap John ap Morris knowing he is a 'backe frind unto us all'. She would not for anything that William Maurice had sent Morris ap John ap Morris to William Lewis Anwill about Erw Syran. He said that he would give no money to redeem it. Claimed that the right is in himself for that bargain and that he goes to law with his mother-in-law for it. Therefore urges her good brother to do what may be done to get the money to hire from Sir Thomas Myddelton or of any other. He can have as much of Brynkir land except the house 'itself as will save him harmless'. She has heard that 'a complaint was maied agenst you for hir[i]nge a masse, but the Lord be thanked all the worldell kn[o]we that you lovid the kinge beter nor aney of them all exepte the pryve counsell'. She prays night and day for his Grace and for her brother likewise that he both speak and do what pleaseth his Grace. She heartily beseeches him to take care of himself and not to take geat matters 'so light as you will take smoke matters'. It is reported in the country that William Maurice is Sheriff in Merionethshire and Constable of Harlech. If it be true she prays him remember the [torn] bailiffe for her. If he can get no money in London, prays him send her word when he [intends] to come home and she will meet him at Oswestry to see whether her son-in-law Roger [ap] Hughe can get any money there ... to pass the danger of the day. Begs her brother to make speed home.

'Most dear and reverend mother my bounden duty unto your ladyship craving your daily blessing', etc.. Thanks her ladyship that she has such a motherly care as to send her men and horse for the writer. But the messengers came upon a sudden, and she was not furnished with all things according to her mind, nor has she acquainted her uncle as is fitting. But will discharge her duty at any other time if she can come at a reasonable time. Her brother will furnish her with men and horses. No need to trouble her mother to send any more messengers.

'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.

'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.

Would have him go to his wife's tailor and bid him to make her a velvet gown betwixt 20 or 30 piece of the best colour ladies wear except black. He must not fail to bring it home with him. Let it be laid with silver [lace] upon the 'whings' as fair as may be. If the tailor will not do it, he must go to Sir Baptist Higgs and bring home so much velvet as will make it. He is to bring home the bond from Watson touching the armour. Must not forget to bring home his master's livery as he did last time. Hopes he will have care of his business. Postscript: ...et the gown be of tawney velvet for he thinks that colour is the best.

According to William Maurice's desire, Morgan Wynne repaired to Llanymddifrie on Monday last, but by reason of the way being so far, by cause of the business the day before, it was greater noon before he could reach there. By then Sir Harry Johns was sworn and the book certified in the Town Hall in the presence of forty persons the most part townsmen. He questioned Sir Harry about some agreement with William Maurice. Found him somewhat obstinate relying upon two releases he had from 'my lady' his mother. One release was of the lands of Sir Thomas Johns and Rowland Puleston, dec., the other of all the goods, cattle, chattels of Sir Thomas Johns. He showed the releases to Morgan Wynne with witnesses thereupon endorsed. Morgan Wynne alleged a later composition between William Maurice and Johns. Then he showed a general acquittance under William Maurice's hand to undo the same estate bearing date a year after. In the end asked for a meeting to be had between the parties to see whether friends might draw them to some good agreement and he promised to come up to Llanbadarn on Wednesday or Thursday next come sevennight with a couple of gentlemen and two servants. If William Maurice will travel so far again, although it will be to his great travail, the writer hopes that the mediation of friends will see a good composition made. Advises him to bring with him a couple of understanding gentlemen to mediate the matter. Endorsed: Account of Morgan Wynn's expenses.

Expected to have word with the money as promised. Wants to send that money to London to his creditor and to send him double consideration for forbearance until the 1st Nov. at which time the writer is to pay £500 without fail. Writes to desire his correspondent to be careful of him and to request him to write to Mr Herbert and the rest to make this payment ready as soon as they may before their last day of payment that he may have all ready to bring with him to London to discharge himself with credit. Draft.

William Maurice, late deputy lieutenant of Caernarfonshire, by the direction and at the request of the inhabitants of the said county, humbly informs his Honour that whereas the said county being a maritime county and open to Ireland and other foreign parts, and withal the most part thereof being a hilly, mountainous and bare country, and therefore rather spacious than populous, so the greatest number of men to be appointed for trained bands (and so certified to his Honour) in that county was but 400, which afterwards upon a second certificate, by reason of mortality that there happened, had to be diminished to 300. And whereas in all former levies wherein the county was best able, the proportion of men sent out of that county was but half the number of Denbighshire or Montgomeryshire and the third part of less of Shropshire (which may well allow five for one), yet some three or four years ago by some wrong suggestion or interference to his Honour, Caernarfonshire was doubly charged in levies of men and money, which has brought the county to extreme want of the one and defect of the other. Since July 1598, 515 men have been sent out of that poor shire, and no more out of Denbighshire or Montgomeryshire which should by any due proportion double their number, and not many more out of Shropshire that might treble their men well. Whereby Caernarfonshire was compelled to send forth not only diverse of the trained bands but also man necessary servants of husbandmen, so that there is now a great scarcity of both. Ask for relief in future. For example in Sept. last there went out of that poor county of Caernarfonshire three score and one, out of Shropshire but three score, which might better have spared 300. Draft.

The recipient will receive by the bearer a suit of apparel and 40s. which he is to deliver to his tutor. He is to write how he profits from his studies, what authors his tutor reads to him, and what he spends weekly. He is to have care to serve God and to live as sparingly as he can. He is to consider his parents' means and great charge of children, insomuch that the writer cannot maintain any of the recipient's brothers at the University. 'Therefore prayse God that thou hast carefull parents to place thee in Oxenford, a famous University, the fountayne and wellhead of all learning. Keepe company with honest students who aphore evill courses as drinking and takeing toebacko to their own losse and discredit of their friends and parents whoe sent them to the University for better purposes'. The writer urges his son to be present at declamations and disputations and other exercises. He wishes him especially to be attentive to hear good sermons and to learn how to make brief notes and abridgements by figures and ciphers to express a whole sentence as the preacher delivereth. Any scholar having a swift hand may profit this way in receiving and observing all good sermons he hears. He should always have his paper book and ink ready to write what he likes best of sermons as well as other declamations and disputations. He is to call on his tutor or Mr Dr Ellis for any books or other necessities he wants. Wishes to know whether his son has received Owen's Epigrams by Edward ap William and what has become of his russet coat? His mother will provide him with a winter suit about Michaelmas and what other necessaries he wants he must write at large that they may be provided. 'I will allow you noe servitor. You may serve yourself and spare 6d. a weeke. Take heed least you be gulde by the buttler that he sett downe in his booke more for bread and beere than you call for. Speake noe Welsh to any that can speake English, noe not to your bedfellows, that therby you may attaine and freely speak Englishe tongue perfectly [sic]. I hadd rather that you shuld keepe company with studious, honest Englishmen than with any of your own countrymen who are more prone to be idle and riotous than the English'. Draft.

Understands that there is a meeting this day at Caernarvon for conference to decide what mise should be imposed on the poor country towards furnishing a hundred soldiers for Her Majesty's service in Ireland. Owen Thomas intended coming. Indeed came as far as Llanaelhaearn. There of a sudden he was intercepted by a fit of ague which made him return. Asks to be excused. But urges William Maurice to have regard to the present state and poverty of the country. 'Soe shall you, Sir, remove that wrongfule conceite of you which by some of your privie adversaryes hath bene formerly bruted (as you have partlie heard yourself). Winne the love of your countrey and drive some of your underminers to a non plus, which wold willingly and maliciouslie joine with you to any such proceedinge, and afterwards wold be the first that would by privie whisperinge emblaze your defame and discredit, such even with the best, as I can partlie tell, imposing the whole offence in you and setting themselves on cleere ground ... Whyle they have you to beat the bush they will be sure to catch the byrd'. Craves William Maurice's gracious favour for two of Owen Thomas's tenants - Richard ap Morice and Gruff' ap Ievan Lewis that they not be pressed. 'For the rest they can play the knaves and fawn upon others'. There is a tenant of Owen Thomas, a young fellow, a bachelor, who has played the knave with the writer, for having got a poor honest maid of the parish with child, a cousin german of William Morgan, the writer's cousin, whom Owen Thomas would have him marry. He utterly refuses it and denies to father it. He has since (notwithstanding he dwells on Owen Thomas's land) offered his service to another man. His name is Ievan ap Owen alias Evan Vaughan. If William Maurice thinks good he may send a warrant for him and let him either pay or go forward.

Thomas Owen [Actually Owen Thomas Owen. In his early letters [Nos 75, 273, 286, 293] his signature appears as Thomas Owen, but internal evidence shows that the writer could not have been Thomas Owen, senior], to William Maurice. This evening, coming to London from North Wales, he received a letter from William Maurice by Mr Roberts. Understands that others are sent by Henry Hughes to be left with Mr Powel. These have not yet come to his hands. William Maurice need not excuse himself to the writer of any suspicion of sinister dealing concerning the matter between William Maurice and the writer's young cousin. He never believed any such conceit. Only this he knew (and therein found himself to be overmatched) that William Maurice was very wise, circumspect and politic in his matches and bargains and the writer of small experience and practice in such things. Therefore he opposed against William Maurice his cousin Henry Lloyd, and to second him his cousin Gwyn, as he thought men of indifferent good judgment in the affairs of the world. But he found them far inferior and weak to deal with William Maurice as by their offers did appear. For they left the ground given them to deal for a younger brother and passed too far the bounds of the offer limited. 'You like a wise buylder and proporcioned and squared all your demands with such arguments and reasons that they knew not when to detracte anything from them, but still tooke more and more from mee to adde thereunto'. He will never have any man to be umpire in these matters any more. Either it must be ended quietly between William Maurice and himself or not at all. Cannot come home any more. Sir Thomas Sicil and he have bargained and now they are in terms again of a second bargain, namely that he will buy it back again or exchange it with other lands which are pastures, 'for mine being arrable landes will not yield in this cuntre so great a profytt as inclosures, and the freeholders that are mixt with me will not sell me their part that I may enclose yt'. Is bound to attend Sir Thomas Sicil when his leisure serves. Does not account deferring of time a material point. Neither force nor bad dealing can be offered William Maurice's child in William Maurice's own country. 'I assure myself your affection and love towards me is permanent and fyrme, and therefore time breaketh no square unless you determyne on other courses to seeke land and therein I am as I yelded at fyrst minimus apostolorum'. Postscripts: Other general personal matters. For William Maurice's reply see No. 442.

Has received the letter, and for performance of William Maurice's will therein, he shall understand that touching Owen's new brother-in-law [as William Maurice was told by mouth at Clenennau] the writer was once, as he thought, at a reasonable point with him. Owen agreed to assign him a certain portion in such sort as he could conveniently do, without any great hindrance to himself. Could not do this until certain small debts had been satisfied. His brother-in-law seemed well pleased with this as Robert Lloyd can testify. Whereupon he desired, and Owen yielded, that he might receive the benevolence of the writer's tenants, and thereupon each of them gave somewhat 'for which I have accordingly thanked and must hereafter acknowledge'. Has bargained a tenement accordingly to some loss as William Maurice shall hear when they meet at Conwy. Asks that all the writings William Maurice has touching the same shall be brought.

Is glad of William Maurice's return. Protests his friendship and good will. Besides in whatsoever William Maurice has had occasion to use the writer 'to my poore power you have not found me yet one of your bacwardest kinsmen to wish you either losse or dishonour'. Owen's grief is then the greater that William Maurice should on mean suggestion publicly pronounce him an excommunicated man unworthy to come to any honest company and make a vow that he should never come 'within your walls as yt was told me ... which yf yt be soe I can be butt sory and I must be content. Yet ytt would glad me not a little if I might once see Clenenney in his former estate and you enjoye the glory of your owne hospitality whereby you might att your plesure prohibite or invite whome you thought good to your doores'. About the money which Owen is to pay at Michaelmas, he cannot give an answer this fortnight, but if he is not greatly disappointed, William Maurice shall have it then or most part of it. Prays him to be patient and thanks him for his gentleness.

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.

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.

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'.

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.