File Clenennau letters and papers 342 [RESTRICTED ACCESS] - [Sir] William Maurice to his friend [the REV.] Maurice Robbines, vicar and curate of Caernarvon and Llanbeblig,

Wrote his mind plainly to Maurice Robbines and sent Maurice Robbine's letter to William Lacon as a caveat to warn him to deal well with Maurice Robbines and William Maurice. Wrote to Maurice Robbines to deal honestly, which William Maurice does not doubt that he will, and allowed him [William Lacon] to deal for William Maurice this time, so that either of them may look to the other. Would not have Maurice Robbines consider, though William Maurice wrote to him to deal honestly, which is a kind speech to be spoken to anyone, that he therefore charges Maurice Robbines with any dishonesty. As Maurice Robbines, as he says, seeks only his own, so is it reasonable also that William Maurice seeks his own. Desires to be a mean for them both therein. Knows he is much behind every year and thinks Maurice Robbines may be also. So much of that matter. As to the second part of Maurice Robbines's letter touching his [Maurice Robbines's] kinsman, if William Maurice was truly informed, he must think as he said. Will understand the matter when he comes to the Quarter Sessions; wherever the fault was, it is worthy of punishment. How William Maurice's cousin Marye Gruffith should be so troublesome to Maurice Robbines at service time, a thing most unlawful, he does not know, unless upon some abuse offered her. As William Maurice said, upon due examination of the cause the truth shall be known and the offender censured accordingly. Maurice Robbines writes that they expect countenance at William Maurice's hands, as William Maurice wrote to the Chancellor, or else it would be otherwise. What Maurice Robbines means thereby William Maurice does not know, for if Maurice Robbines means to do them wrong, William Maurice will countenance them in their right, but if otherwise, they shall have no countenance of William Maurice in their wrongs or any other misbehaviour. Maurice Robbines knows William Maurice has and will further God's service to the utmost, and the order of the church, which he saw Maurice Robbines neglect sometimes. As Maurice Robbines said, so William Maurice hopes, that when the bishop comes they shall have all things in good order. Touching the words which Maurice Robbines says that Marye Gruffith spoke of all the clergy in general, terming them devils and black dogs, words, as Maurice Robbines rightly says, worthy of severe punishment, if they be duly proved, assures Maurice Robbines that he will further her punishment rather than speak for her. Wishes Maurice Robbines to know that William Maurice is not one to bolster any bad words or actions but will do his best to punish them and to seek redress if he finds fault in Maurice Robbines when the bishop, who, he is sure, will see any disorders redressed, comes. Draft.