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Ralph [Eure, Lord] Eure, Ludlow castle, to his friends Sir John Wynne, kt, bart, Sir William Moris, Sir William Thomas, kt's, and John Gruffyth [of Llyn], esq., deputy lieutenants of Caernarfonshire. Covering letter with a letter of the Privy Council. Requests their careful execution thereof. Jealousies that the state conceives are not so mean or on such uncertain grounds that they should be neglected or not prevented. Whatever arises from gentlemen in their places or is expected to arise in the county which should be suppressed, they are enjoined to do so. Wishes to be informed of their proceedings either during his stay in Ludlow or in London, so that he may duly inform the lords of the Privy Council.

Was yesterday at Clenennau as he promised, to distrain for the £10. 'Prissed' four oxen and delivered them to the pricers, who undertook to answer the prices. Sends the bearer to William Maurice, desiring William Maurice to give him the £10 as promised. Does not doubt William Maurice's performance; must otherwise return, for he cannot settle his account without them. Endorsed: Accounts in the hand of Sir William Maurice.

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.

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.

Troubles William Maurice with regard to a matter which he forgot to mention because of his sudden departure for London, namely, the rent of Tythen yr henre, which William Maurice, of his kindness and upon Thomas Owen's undertaking to content him otherwise, surrendered to Thomas Owen. Last Hilary Term William Maurice, to Thomas Owen's instance, wrote a letter to Sir Thomas Midleton signifying that he did not challenge it, and would yield further security thereof. Thereupon Thomas Midleton caused a release to be made from William Maurice and Thomas Owen, which Thomas Owen sealed and delivered. Asks William Maurice that if Thomas Midleton sends his man with the lease to him to be sealed, William Maurice will do so; assures William Maurice that he will do in lieu thereof whatever William Maurice thinks fitting in answer to his demand at Clenennau. Postscript: William Maurice is sure to have occasion to talk to Mr Bale, whom Thomas Owen has instructed to explain to William Maurice Thomas Owen's matter against the heir and executors of Maurice Gruffith, that Thomas Owen was 'damnified' and how the law will give him damage on the book and his part of the payment of £20 to Mr Arthur Williams.

Prayers for William Maurice's health and safe return. Would seem forgetful of the many tokens of love shown by William Maurice, if he did not send a few lines as pledges of remembrance and filial duty, which he knows William Maurice as always will accept. As ever troublesome, if one whose proceedings William Maurice has always furthered may be so called, now asks William Maurice's help in bringing to an end the matter between Herbert Johnes and his foster brother. Asks William Maurice to speak to Herbert Johnes's uncle, Sir John Herbert, asking him to speak to Judge Williams and Judge Everton on Henry Johnes's behalf. Will send a note of remembrance with William ap William, who told Henry Johnes of William Maurice's great care since his 'goinge up'. Can only repay William Maurice with prayers for his success in all his intentions.

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.

Crosses in all ages have been the quickest means of men's recognition of their folly. Humbly acknowledges that Owen ap John's disordered tongue was the cause of William Maurice's offence. His heart is oppressed with heaviness since William Maurice, having heretofore 'experimented' Owen ap John's faithfulness and readiness in any service towards him or to his benefit, because of which some of Owen ap John's neighbours have always borne spleen against him, and having now used Owen ap John's best time, now seems upon a small dislike to punish Owen ap John's old age. As this grieves Owen ap John, so it is an occasion of joy to his neighbours whom he crossed, who take a 'complacemente' in Owen ap John's durance - a grateful requital of all his former service to William Maurice. The consideration of Owen ap John's folly and obstinacy towards William Maurice makes the former send these lines as messengers of his distressed case to show with submission his grief to William Maurice's compassionate heart and charitable conscience. Prays William Maurice to pour the oil of his mercy and comfort into Owen ap John's wounded heart as he expects the same at God's hands. Exposes himself to William Maurice's mercy; he that shows mercy shall find it. Owen ap John's poor estate is a thing of nothing to William Maurice; let William Maurice accept his prayers, which are of more value than wealth, and Owen ap John's submission for his fault. To forgive is the noblest kind of revenge; blessed is he that bears a revengeless heart and commiserates with his neighbour's extremity. Whoever does not show love and mercy grievously injures these attributes of God's majesty. Let William Maurice set his heart justly towards Owen ap John and end all difference in the court of his good conscience. Sighs and heaviness prevent Owen ap John from giving further direction to his clerk. Let William Maurice's heart be opened with the key of mercy to receive Owen ap John's submission, as the grave is open for his 'decayed carcase' soon to inhabit it. It is the way of all flesh; old age and white hair are the harbingers of death. Let William Maurice weigh Owen ap John's case, for they are of an age, and let Owen ap John's prayers like angels make William Maurice's way ready to heaven, and William Maurice's mercy be to his eternal praise. The remembrance of a good deed will never perish. Rests in hope of a comfortable answer.

Recent storms have caused many shipwrecks. Knows of no shipping forced to these parts, but agrees with William Maurice in wishing that a 'happie gale' might compel 'him' to these coasts so that the state might be delivered from such a dangerous enemy and that they, according to their authority, might perform the duty of faithful subjects. Will search and inquire diligently within his limit, as required by the consequence of the business. Postscript: Is informed by the bearer of William Maurice's motion, but has promised to please a friend with what may be spared. Had he heard sooner, would have been willing and ready to content John Gruffyth.

Ralph [Eure, Lord] Eure, Ludlow Castle, to his friends Sir John Gwynne, kt, bart, Sir William Moris, Sir William Thomas, kt, and John Gruffith, esq., deputy lieutenants for Caernarfonshire. The recipients shall see from a copy of the enclosed letters, addressed to Ralph Eure with extraordinary haste, how important are their contents, namely the apprehending of Lord Maxwell, a Scotsman, a convicted traitor. Their discretion and loyalty in this business will enable them to act as required. Adds the following directions: such a person, having broken prison, where he was committed and convicted for such high offences, would probably not return except with worse intentions. Therefore the search for him after his return is as necessary as was pursuit of him on his flight and escape. Requires and authorises the recipients diligently and with all speed to search all likely places, where ships put in or where any strangers are found suspect. Let each of them search his own 'particular', and wherever they are suspicious, extend the search outside the county, using this letter as their warrant. If they come upon Lord Maxwell and are resisted while apprehending him or fear a rescue while they convey him to Ralph Eure as the letter requires, authorises them to raise such power as may [...] him and them. Request for their best endeavours.

The Privy Council (named), at the Court at Whitehall, to [Ralph Eure], Lord Eure, Lord President of the Council in the Marches of Wales or in his absence to his vice-president. The King is informed that Lord Maxwell, who, being convicted of treasonable practices and conspiracies against the King and state, broke prison a few years ago in Scotland and fled overseas, embarked a few days ago at Bordeaux in France on a Scottish ship from Glasgow for Scotland or Ireland as supposed. Since it is very likely that because of the recent storms he will be forced to put into some harbour or creek in Ireland or on the coast of Wales, they have ordered the Lord Deputy of Ireland to have diligent search and enquiry made for him and likewise despatch this to Ralph Eure with all possible speed letting him know that it is the King's pleasure that he should take similar care with all diligence that a speedy search be made for him throughout that country. If he is apprehended, he should be sent to London, a prisoner, with as much speed and safety as Ralph Eure conceives to be fitting for one whose person is of the greatest consequence to the state. Copy: Subscribed: 'Hast Hast Post hast for life'.

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.

Hearing by William Maurice's man the bearer that William Maurice needs a man to solicit his law business, presumed to write to William Maurice on behalf of one Jeffrey Evance, a kinsman of Robert Kyffin, who is very eager to serve William Maurice, has reasonable skill as a solicitor and following any business in which William Maurice would employ him, is a good 'penman' and has a good knowledge of Latin. Robert Kyffin, as far as his credit extends with William Maurice, will vouch for Jeffrey Evance's honesty. Awaits William Maurice's answer as to whether he will accept him, and whether he wishes him to come down or await William Maurice's coming to London. Postscript: The Master of the Rolls is in good health and remembers William Maurice at his table to William Maurice's praise. William Maurice's servant Robert Davies will pass his word for the 'good Cariadge and truethe' of Robert Kyffin's kinsman.

Would gladly have attended William Morys at Clenennau but has to hasten home since the time of his attendance at the term is approaching. Sees no impediment in proceeding in the intended division of Harlech marsh but the claim that William Morys made to part thereof in the right of his lands in Llanfihangel. Does not know what certificate the other gentlemen, to whom the Lord President has written, will agree upon. Requests William Morys either to certify his lordship in writing or to go to him to satisfy him in such reasonable sort as William Morys thinks good so that his intended motion may take good effect for the settling of the marsh.

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.

Has suffered by a grievous accident a great loss by a fire in which he sustained great harm. Among other things he lost a great store of timber which was consumed and grieved him more than all his other losses. Is therefore urged by necessity to ask William Maurice to let him have as much timber as he sees reasonable and convenient for the timber Robert Tregarne left at Gest, being 'joistes and boordes', for which he had paid, were delivered to Rolant, William Maurice's tenant, and cost Robert Tregarne much money. Asks William Maurice to provide him with the timber in his necessity, for his house is burned and he is in a pitiful plight; let it be done as soon as possible and an answer sent by the bearer.

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.

Is very sorry that he could not see William Mores at his going to Carmarthenshire or at his return. Had he known of William Mores's coming, would have seen him at his first going to Carmarthenshire. Had notice that he passed by and hastened after him to Llanbadarn, but since William Mores made no stay there, Thomas Prise could not overtake him. Again he passed very near Thomas Prise's house and the latter did not hear until his cousin Mores Vaughan told him that William Mores had gone towards Dyfi. Would gladly have seen William Mores and his good lady if he knew they were passing by, and if he could not have begged William Mores to take a simple lodging with him, would have accompanied him that night over the passage to Sir James Prise for Thomas Prise was very eager to see him to confer about some mutual business which he must now defer until he sees William Mores. Has paid William Mores's servant, the bearer, the rent of Llanilar, for Thomas Prise's cousin Thomas Wynne has assigned to him his years in the rectory. Had Thomas Prise known of William Mores's coming, William Mores should have received it himself and shall at any time he wishes. Regrets William Mores's sudden departure through these parts.

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.

Thomas Trafford, Receiver General, Esdus his house, to Sir John Wyn, kt & bart, Sir William Morris, Sir William Thomas, kt and the rest of the commissioners for the Prince's mise in Caernarfonshire. Has been lately in London on the Prince's service and was required to see to the delivery of the commissions for the mises within the six counties of North Wales and Cheshire to the Commissioners and to move the latter to take special care that the service is performed according to the tenor of the commissions, in which they should follow former precedents touching the rating, collecting and times of payment, [...] security of the collectors for answering and payment [...]. If the recipients send their bonds to Thomas Trafford, he will keep them [...] until they have made full payment of their several [...], poor men may not be driven after they have performed [...] or be at any other charge in getting up their bonds, as [...] cases heretofore have been. It is the Prince's wish that [...] be well dealt will and eased of any needless charge or unnecessary burden. Thomas Trafford will make known the endeavours of those commissioners who take pains to expedite and effect his first service in these parts to the Prince who will take special knowledge thereof. Leaves to their care and wisdom all further proceedings appertaining to the service, wishing to be excused as a commissioner himself since he is to attend in the adjoining counties. Damaged.