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Understands the bailiffs of Harlech have upon special occasions and trust reposed in William Morris, for a time committed to his custody the charter of Harlech, with the patent of free farm thereto belonging. Requests William Morris if the writings are still in his hands, to repair without fail to Ralph Eure at Ludlow Castle by 8 or 9 April, bringing the two grants under seal, so that he may confer with the bailiffs or their deputies touching necessary affairs concerning the town. Without a view of the grants, the conference for that business will be frustrated.

Has received William Maurice's letter by his cousin Roland Grefit, saying that Henry Johnes's grandmother has 'departed this meserubell wordel' [world]. Is sorry, but God's pleasure must be done. Regrets that he cannot be there himself to perform the part of a dutiful grandchild; would have been there with all his heart if he had had time to make himself ready. Will come to do his duty to his mother and confer with William Maurice within a fortnight at the latest. Refers the rest of William Maurice's letter until they meet, which shall be soon. Requests William Maurice to excuse Henry Johnes to his mother until he comes to answer for himself.

William Moris has Henry Johnes in suit in London for his money. Confesses that he does 'a gredell of rong' for his money, but is himself wronged in the same way otherwise William Moris would not have been without it all this while. Would willingly content William Moris with any lands he has until he can provide the money, and if William Moris will delay his suit for next term, Henry Johnes will come himself in the first week of Lent to settle with him; for Henry Johnes knows William Moris will not be the better to put Henry Johnes in [...] and is sure that it does William Moris no good to see Henry Johnes spend his money, though the ? fault be his. This request is only for one term so that Henry Johnes may do his best to settle with him. Then William Moris shall write to Henry Johnes about the suit between Henry Johnes and his sister Anne Mortimer for if William Moris cannot settle between them, the worst is to go to law; therefore let William Moris stay his suit for this term and they can settle matters and then Henry Johnes will be with him. Has written to Sir Richart Prise to pay William Moris the money which is unpaid. Ends with his duty to William Moris and Henry Johnes's mother and begs William Moris to desire her to conceive of him as one that will be ready to perform anything she commands for he knows she will bid him do only what is best for him. Postscript: Henry Johnes's wife remembers her duty to William Moris and Henry Johnes's mother.

Has no news except that her ladyship, his mistress, and William Morris's friends thereabouts are in good health and long to see him home. Widow Beate has married Cadwalled ap Humffrey and Mr Deane Wooddes is dead. The cause of his writing is to ask William Morris that if he learns of a commission to be sued forth by any men or women in Caernarvon to sell wines, that he should have Ellis Wynne's name put in with Elizabeth Owenn because there is none but [? she] in Caernarvon. Ellis Wynne will pay the cost thereof. Refers all else to William Morris's discretion.

Has received a letter from William Morris from which he understands that William Morris is chosen one of the bailiffs of Harlech, in which he may stand his good neighbours in some stead. The repair of the King's castles is not in Henry Lee's hands. It is a place that may be spared and so to some charges. Henry Lee procured the last repair and the allowance was bestowed on it. The town may be the less poor if William Morris has procured two assizes for it. Had he dealt better with Henry Lee touching his land in the marsh, might have had as much as he now desires.

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.

The petitioner for 50 years and his ancestors for many years before him have been tenants of the King and his predecessors in two parcels of ground, called coed keven and coed y Garreg vawr, part of the [township] of Gest, Caernarfonshire, at a certain yearly rent. The suppliant about 20 years ago took a lease for 26 years for the parcels from Sir William Mores, the King's 'ffermor' of the township, at a certain rent; he permitted the suppliant to enjoy it for 20 years but about six months ago, and at various times since, has vexed the suppliant in the Court of Exchequer at Westminster for supposed trespass on the parcels and often interrupted the suppliant's possession therein and chased and impounded his cattle feeding there. In further wrong to the suppliant, understanding that he came to answer his suit, William Mores had him arrested at two actions and he was committed to the Fleet and the 'counter' without just cause and to his hindrance. William Mores, one of the King's deputy lieutenants in the county and of great command and ability, threatens to beggar the suppliant with long and tedious suits of law for the lands, which are all the living he has to maintain himself, his wife, children and family. [He] has grown poor and aged and is unable to follow his cause in law with so great an adversary, though his title is good. Begs Robert Cecil to refer the examination of his cause to the Justices of the Great Sessions for the county, and that they, on proof of his title, settle the possession of the premises in him according to equity, and make an end thereof by the assent of both parties, or else certify who's at fault and the suppliant ... Copy.

Extracts from published sources, lists, notes, etc., relating to various historical and antiquarian subjects, [1656], 1693, [1761], [late 19 cent.]. Original material includes a description, dated 1795, of how the predecessors of the Tanat family were awarded the Broniarth charter in return for the capture of Lord Cobham in 1417; and substantial annotations by W.W.E. Wynne to a list of Caernarfonshire sheriffs, with a covering letter and genealogical enquiry to William Ormsby-Gore, 1832. Also of interest is a roll of casualties in Major Bringhurst 's troop at Waterloo, 1815.

The Privy Council (named), from the Court at Whitehall, to their friends [Thomas Bodvel], high sheriff, and the rest of the commissioners for levying aid in Caernarfonshire. Since sending the King's commission and instructions for levying aid to make Prince Henry, the King's eldest son, kt, have understood more fully what is desired or doubted by the King's subjects therefor. Thought good therefore to assist the recipients' endeavours with their advice. Though the service is important, being a matter of demonstration of duty to the King and Prince, in this and all other things they are careful that furtherance thereof does not cause a subject more hardship than the King intends. They consider therefore more and more the consequences to subjects of looking into evidence, distinctions of tenure, inquisitions of the true quantities and values of lands by jury and the like, which is required by the ordinary course of law, for it does not rest with them to warrant what light any busy person may take by perusal of evidence, upon what just ground men's lands may be charged with tenures in chief or knight's service or how the estimation of the true quantities and values of soccage lands though meant for the present service may in future be turned to the subject's prejudice. Cannot see how these effects may be prevented if there are separate proceedings for knight's service lands and soccage lands and the rates taxed on soccage lands are applied to the quantity and value of the several lands, though it be in the nature of an offer or composition. Inform the recipients that the King will not be displeased if they proceed by way of composition rather than inquisition unless the parties are too partial to themselves in a matter that arises so seldom and from so great a cause for comfort. The composition for every person should be in one gross sum for all his lands in the county without distinction of tenures, quantities or values. Believe this will be safest for subjects for the future and therefore more acceptable for the present if they are made to understand it; the King's benefit will be better advanced by this course of composition by their care and good example than by the other formal and legal course. Considering the rates returned on the several commissions in the realm compared with the differences requisite, will be the fire in every man's work. They will perform the service so much in their hands so that they deserve a good report to the King and the King's special thanks, the fruits of which they will find to their comfort. Have considered the best course to take in their own particulars who would rather go before than come behind and other in anything appertaining to this service and would be loth to cause the recipients to spend more time than was necessary in the execution thereof through the negligence of persons whom they are forced to employ in their absence since they have already said how fit they think it is for all men to be received to composition, in which they are sure no man will conceive that the contributions ought to be guided by the ordinary rule of taxing men at inferior rates as in subsidies considering the different nature thereof. Therefore inform the recipients that the King has allowed them leave to make their particular composition in London with commissioners appointed by him so that they will be relieved of the trouble of sending their evidence or committing trusts to several persons in every county to agree for their composition but will have it delivered in London in one entire sum for a composition in gross without distinction of the portions of land or tenure. Request the recipients to give notice that if any of the lords spiritual or temporal wish to compound in London rather than the counties, their compositions shall be so accepted on the recipients' certificate of their names, as long as they send authorised persons by 20 June. But if the recipients believe they are more willing to deal with them in the county by composition or ordinary course of law, let them proceed therewith by virtue of the commissions.

Cannot show their gratitude except by acknowledgement of William Maurice's goodness to them, unless William Maurice proposes some office in their power to perform, in which he would find them as dutiful as his own children. William Maurice not only entertained Elizabeth Awbrey in fatherly manner but also, seeing their slender stock, supplied it with his own, a token of his care for their well-doing. Were it not for his 'troublesome office' this year, William Awbrey would have come before this to do his duty to his mother in law and 'to repaye words in lieu of your reall bountye', which he will shortly do.

Forbore from too much haste in agreeing on William Maurice's commission since he could not have the place of execution thereof as he wished. This afternoon, 9 June, it was moved by Mr John Powell, William Maurice's attorney, and ordered to be executed at Llanfrothen. Has not yet agreed the time or in which of the two inns there; as soon as he does will inform William Maurice. There is good news, hopefully true, of William Maurice's rightful victory in his cause in the Exchequer for which and William Maurice's prosperity otherwise he praises God, with whose help they will prosper in all matters as the justice of William Maurice's cause observes. Attending the council at Ludlow are Mr Justice Sir Henry Towneshend, Sir Ffraunce Eure and Mr Justice Overbury; the Lord President is expected, but his arrival not known. Postscript: Hopes William Maurice will pardon his not writing sooner about his business and suit, but was not eager to write before being able to inform him of the full discharge of his duty. Although he is long in performing something that should have been done long since, hopes William Maurice will soon be contented in all matters at John Lloid's hands.

Received William Moris's letter in which he speaks of Henry Johnes's father's will. Knows what it is, but the words in William Moris's let[ter] should not be sent to a man of Henry Johnes's position and Henry Johnes would give William Moris a min. for them except for his duty to his mother. In regard of that will be patient and let William Moris consider the cause he gave Henry Johnes to speak with kindness. Will do what is fitting for William Moris's le[tter], otherwise will 'wayel' it lightly, for he is not to be 'thetrent' [threatened]; no words can make him stoop to any man living but rather die. Is sorry for his uncle Morris's death. Postscript: Remembers his duty to his mother and friends; wishes well to his cousin Dorothy 'goyd' on her marriage. Request for his grandmother's acquittances for payments made. Slightly torn.

Has received William Moris's letter in which he seems to be angry about his money. Confesses that he wrongs William Moris against his wish, but wishes him to understand that money is scarce 'in this contry', and that he does not 'bruk' wilfully with William Moris but will pay as soon as possible. As for the rest of William Moris's 'loument' which is unpaid since last Michaelmas and all other payments due from Henry Johnes, William Moris will find that Henry Johnes will content every man as nearly as he may. Concerning Llanbadarn, William Moris will find Henry Johnes as good as his word in anything concerning William Moris, and honest, however William Moris conceives to the contrary. Will meet William Moris at Llanbadarn a fortnight next Friday 20 Jan., at night. Postscript: His wife remembers her duty to William Moris and Henry Johnes's mother.

The man from whom John Gruffythe had the old commission sent to him three times this week for it and John Gruffythe promised to bring it with him on Monday to the Quarter Sessions at Beaumaris. Remembers that William Morris told him that he left a copy with the Clerk of the Crown and that will serve as William Morris well knows. If John Goche comes home before William Morris's going, William Morris shall receive all the news that John Gruffythe has. Marvels for John Goch. Hopes William Morris will excuse John Gruffythe in [?Parliament] if necessary.

William Morice's 'unkynd conceate' of George Lloyd's dealing with him is without cause, for to make William Morice an acquittance for last year was to acknowledge himself satisfied with rents as yet unpaid, in regard to which must tax the farmers with unkindness and more. Willingly acknowledges what he has received and wishes William Morice to note that two and a half years' rent is unpaid; if William Morice or any other should pay it to the bishop of Bangor, he is authorised to receive it by George Lloyd who also allows his acquittances. If this seems unreasonable, George Lloyd must get his rents out of the [ ] as best he can, still retaining love and friendship. Concerning the last clause in William Morice's letter can say nothing before he sees William Morice's lease, since he has no counterpart. Endorsed: Note in the hand of Sir William Maurice.

Has sent £120 by the bearer. Since he had to send his brother Herbert to Oxford and is behind in receipts from tenants and farmers, this being the 'most bare and needye yeare for money' that he remembers in these parts, is compelled to presume on William Maurice's love and borrow £40 of William Maurice's money for a while; will send it in a fortnight. As for his acquittance from William Maurice last May, did not ask for it when they last met because of William Maurice's sickness; request to send it by the bearer.

Hearing that his mother is 'somwhat diseased' thought it his duty to send his servant the bearer to see them, hoping and praying that she will make a full recovery. Has heard by report, though not with any certainty, that William Maurice expects Henry Johnes to meet him at Llanbadarn next Monday or Tuesday. Since his wife has been brought to bed of a girl and is still very ill, cannot do this, but begs William Maurice's patience to postpone it for a fortnight, by when Henry Johnes hopes she will be stronger. Will send William Maurice's money by Monday next by his man John ap Ieuan. Endorsed: Accounts in the hand of Sir William Maurice.

Let William Mores not be offended that Henry Johnes has not sent him his money by the bearer as expected; this is because his Cardiganshire tenants are not to pay him until 20 days after St Luke's day [18 Oct.], as the bearer, to whom Henry Johnes has shown the leases, will say. After that will pay immediately without fail; will also send payment to his grandmother, as she demands and whatever else is required to discharge himself with regards to every other point of William Mores's last letter. Endorsed: Note in the hand of Sir William Maurice.

Has received William Moris's letter chiding him for many faults; will see William Moris and Henry Johnes's mother at home a fortnight on Saturday. Request to excuse him until then when he will discharge himself.