Ffeil Clenennau letters and papers 762. - John Godolphin, at London, to John Ellis,

A reply to a letter of the 10th Oct. Sir William Godolphin at Madrid having resolved to part with his Auditor's place of Wales, the writer has lately written him for the pre-emption thereof, which he expects will cost him no less than 16 or 1700 pounds, Sir William having been formerly offered £2,000 for it. That is why the writer cannot be so positive in complying with Ellis's demands as he would wish. As to the demands, he has never consented to them. Notwithstanding, he may agree to them if at the next session of Parliament the dark cloud which at present seems to hang over them be dissipated so that a man may hopefully say that he is likely to have property in what he calls his own. The land shall be purchased at 17 years value, and the wood and timber - as much thereof as is fit for sale - may be sold and the proceeds thereof equally divided, and the rest bought by his son at a reasonable value. The chattels within and without doors to be treated in much the same manner as the wood and timber. The whole of Abertanat is to be settled on the young lady in the manner mentioned in Ellis's paper. All the writer's lands in Cornwall to be settled forthwith on his son, and surrendered forthwith into his possession; and the latter is to be considered as the writer's eldest son on the writer's decease. He also professes in all seriousness that such is the high esteem he has for that noble family and those incomparably obliging ladies, that nothing in his power will be withheld to complete his son's happiness under God in this affair: to expect more would but infelicitate J.G.