File Clenennau letters and papers 522. - William Brynkir, at Grays Inn, to his cousin, John Owen, esq., at Clenennau,

Has written by the post with directions to the post-master at Conwy. Cannot understand why they have not been received. Since the business was not great, the miscarriage is of so much the less consequence. Mr Meredith Price commends the enclosed paper. The present letter is being sent by Mr Rowland Vaughan who promises to be careful in conveying it. Is confident it will not miscarry. Knows that his cousin expects news whereof he can give no particular account but in the general. Tempora mutantur and all things are become new. The hopes of this present Parliament are great but as yet no act is passed. Divers grievances are put in and it is supposed divers delinquents (faded) suffer. But all are at a stay until the great business of the Church is settled and some grand offenders come to their trial such as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland - whose day is assigned for next Wednesday - and others. There is great notice taken of papists, and their ways narrowly looked unto. Knows that Owen has heard of a commission Lord Worcester had last summer - to which the Council was not privy - for the same and other practices in their Catholic cause. His Lordship together with Sir Percy Herbert are sent for to give account. The office of bishop is like to continue notwithstanding the petition of fifteen thousand Londoners and others who petitioned against the branch and root thereof. But a select committee is appointed to examine and find out those who are faulty - as is supposed most of them are - who shall not want condign punishment. The judges are now in play. Judge Barclay is already accused of high treason and committed to the Black Rod. The rest will follow. 'And I believe by this time doe wish they had provided shipps with theyr owne money and lett the subject alone and doe as my Lord Finch did'. The writer's brother, James, is well and so are the rest of the Caernarvonshire gentlemen. He is bound to appear when he is called on, but the House is busy about matters of greater weight, so that the committee to which that business was referred sits not this month as is supposed. He will acquaint Owen with what news he hears.