File NLW MS 465E/512. - Letter from Sir William Thomas at Caernarfon to Sir John Wynn at Gwydir,

Complains that Sir John taxes him for being backward in the business of the Prince's Aid. Had the late Sheriff, cousin [Thomas] Bodvell, and Sir William Morris entrusted the whole charge thereof to the writer, as Sir John did, the business would have been performed long ere this. Had he done so, he might have been censured for over-forwardness, considering that in years and knowledge he must give place to the rest of the Commissioners. If he had not stirred the late Sheriff, nothing would as yet have been done, for he swerved from the writer's directions in appointing Collectors to levy the money before the cessments were allowed of by his fellow Commissioners. But now, seeing that much of the money is levied, let them all endeavour to increase the sum to one hundred pounds or thereabouts. The writer conferred and expostulated with the late Deputy Sheriff, Maurice Johnes, concerning Mr Sheriff's remissness in that business, but he would have posted over the fault from himself to the High Sheriff and Collectors. The writer demanded from him the rates and cessments in gross imposed on the commotes or hundreds within the county, and was given the enclosed note. The Deputy Sheriff also informed the writer that the greater part of the sum is levied in Evioneth and in one of the commotes of Llyne. Supposes also that Uchor and Iscor money is in the Collectors' hands. It is too great a hindrance and confusion to undo what is already done, therefore let each commote endeavour to make the sum of every commote amount to the note, according to the Prince's mise, which cannot be greatly disliked. The writer would rather compel them to pay than use an apology or excuse for them. Does not know one commote free from the King's lands. Their best course is for Sir John to take charge of Uchaph, Isaph, Nanconwey and Creuthyn; the writer and cousin Williams of Vaynol, Iscor and Uchor; Sir William Morris, Evioneth and some part of Llyne; and so collect and dispatch the same within a few days or as near as may be. Will write his mind at large one of these days on the proceedings of the musters.