THE MANUSCRIPTS OF C. COTTRELL DORMER, ESQ., This is an interesting collection. In the 16th century William Dormer married Mary Sidney, an aunt of Sir Philip Sidney, and became by this marriage brother-inlaw to one Earl of Leicester and uncle to another, In the next century the Cottrells were faithful to their king and his family when in trouble and in exile, and in that and the next century held office at Court. The letters and papers at Rousham are the results of those connexions and employments, and are of peculiar interest. A packet of letters numbered 1. Copy of a letter from the King of Navarre (on his departure) to his wife (no date). This is a translation into English. He regrets the unhappiness of his wife; mentions the injuries to those of his religion; "we "have received advice from the States that they will "make war upon us." Asks her to recommend the inhabitants of Navarre to make ready for her defence. 2. Sir Philip Sidney to the Earl of Leicester. Salisbury, 26 Dec. 1581. Thanks for his care of him; excuses his not coming. 3. John Talbott to the Earl of Leicester, 18 July 1581, Aldersgate Street. Asks his influence to procure the writer's liberty. 4. M. Southampton to the Earl of Leicester. Cowdry, 15 Dec. 1591. Bespeaks his favour for one of her children. 5. The same to the same. Cowdry, 25 Oct. 1591. Bespeaks favour for herself; is left so badly off by her husband. 6. The Countess of Bedford to the Earl of Leicester. 27 Dec. 1591. With a new year's gift. 7. Copy of a letter (neither date nor signature) to the Queen (Elizabeth), asking pardon and forgiveness. 8. W. Herle to the Queen. Greenwich, 1 July 1583. Asking pardon for one of his friends, John Herlle, of Oxfordshire, heir to the ancient house of Tilleglace, Brecknock. 9. Thomas Bromley (Attorney-General) to the Earl of Leicester, 14 Dec. 1575. Touching a complaint made against him to the Queen. 10. " 66 Copy of my letter to Her Majesty the last of April, sent by M. D. Clarke from Flushing," 1585. "Being here ready to take shipping when any wind "would serve me to return to your highness]. Your 66 Majesty's letter with your last appointment sent by "Brown the messenger is commen to my hand and "hath brought (and that is the worst turn) more heaviness to my heart than for anything to this hour I have ever felt."-Defends himself, and speaks of his service of 30 years. 66 11. Copy of the Archbishop of Canterbury's submission, 19 Jan. 1590. He had refused to obey only for conscience. 12. Anthony Montagu to the Earl of Leicester. Cowdrey, 4 Dec. 1581. About the affairs of the late Earl of Southampton; puts forward his cousin, Edward Gage, as the most likely person to manage the affairs, and asks for his liberation from prison. 13. Sir Philip Sidney to the Earl of Leicester. Salisbury, 15 Dec. 1591. Asking (seemingly) for penalties on papists to the extent of 3,000l.; less will not suit him. Truly I like not their persons and much worse their religion, but I think my fortune very hard that my "fortune must be built uppon other men's punishments." 66 66 14. K[atherine] Suffolk to the Earl of Leicester (March 1580/1579). Complains of her sons unadvised marriage to an unpleasant woman; defends herself; has retired for quiet to her little unwholesome house of Hampstead. 15. H. Pembroke to the Queen. Wilton, 24 Oct. 1591. Wants to renew a lease of the Manor of Downton held of the Bishop of Winchester which Mr. Thomas George is seeking to get over his head. 16. Philip Dormer's verses on Easthampstead House: begin," Adieu ye toilsome pleasures of the town" (about 50 lines). 17. M. Southampton to the Earl of Leicester. Oct. 1592. About her late husband's affairs. 14 that her Majesty will have his (Burghley's) opinion for the allowance of M. Bullyngton to be Bishop of Gloster; the bishops of Sarum and Rochester commend him; speaks against the marriage of bishops, as preventing hospitality. 20. Sir Philip Sidnei to the Earl of Leicester. Clarinton, 2 Aug. 1580. Has brought home his sister; has a bad cold which keeps him from Court; doubts not her Majesty will ask for him, "but so long as she sees a silk doublett upon me her Highness will thinke me in good cace." There are a considerable number of letters from Sir Charles Cottrell to Robert Dormer, Esq., of Rousham, his son-in-law; Peregrine Bertie to the same; John Dormer to his father Robert, nearly all on family matters, and all at the latter part of the 17th century. 66 66 In a letter from Sir Chas. Cottrell to Robt. Dormer. Nov. 15. 1683. He says, "Charles was touched by the King yesterday, by which and his drink together his lip is now very well, and will I hope be no worse.” In a letter dated 24 Nov. 1683, he says, "The Duke "of Monmouth his peace is made and is come this night to Whitehall." 66 On Dec. 8, 1683, Chas. L. Cottrell tells Robert Dormer that yesterday he was "at Tower Hill to see Col. Sidney beheaded, who said nothing to the people, but "delivered a speech in writing to the sheriff." The head was severed at one blow. "It is said that the "Duke of Monmouth, but a few days since restored to "favour, is now forbid the Court." On the 7 Feb. 1685, Chas. Cottrell mentions the death of Charles II., and the quiet accession of James II. On Jan. 5, 1683 he notices that the small-pox is rife. There are also some letters from Sir Wm. Trumbull, son-in-law of Sir Chas. Cottrell. A folio volume contains letters from Sir Chas. Cottrell to C. L. Cottrell, while abroad at Paris and elsewhere in 1674 and 1675, and to a son, who died young, of the latter; and Two letters from Frankfort, 30 Sept. and 9 Nov. 1676 from R. Rockwood (who was in the service of the Elector Palatine). In the second he says that the Elector would be happy for C. L. Cottrell to come to Germany. Reasons against repealing the Test Act, 1687; begins, "If the just apprehension." Le conjuration du Chevalier de Rohan (12 pp.). Account of the Court and Electoral family of Hanover (26 pp.); begins, "Sir, it would be hardly worth the while." Another account of the same (11 pp.). A folio volume contains many original letters by and relating to members of the royal family while in exile during the protectorate. Sir Č. Cottrell was steward of the household to the unfortunate Queen of Bohemia, daughter of James I., and it was much wished that he should be tutor to her nephew the Duke of Gloucester. Thus, as might be expected, Mr. CottrellDormer possesses many interesting letters and papers of and relating to the royal family during their residence abroad. There are letters from Queen Henrietta Maria to the Duke of Gloster, from the Queen of Bohemia to the same, from the Princess Henrietta and from (apparently) the Duke of York. The letters of Queen Henrietta Maria are dated in the year 1660, but the others have no year. They are dated from Paris, the Hague, Breda, and other places, and do not contain much of public interest. Two letters from Charles II. in 1652 are respecting the intended appointment of Charles Cottrell, and are addressed to the Queen of Bohemia. Two letters from N. Oudart in 1646 about payments of money for the Duke of Gloster and Charles II., order dated 21 Jan. 1660 for the payment of money to the late Duke of Gloster's servants, giving their names. A letter from E.N. to Chas. Cottrell dated Hague 7/17 Dec. 1652, notices that the French King was about to acknowledge the English republic. Several letters from Edward Hyde (afterwards Earl of Clarendon) to to Sir C. Cottrell, some on personal matters and some containing notices of public matters. Several letters from M. Maurice (in the Queen of Bohemia's) to C. Cottrell. In one dated Cologne, 3 Sept. 1655, he says that he thinks when Cromwell is made King, there will be an oath of allegiance to that villain and of abjuration of the King and his family. A few days later he notices the bad state of the French army in Flanders. Several letters from Morley, afterwards Bishop of Winchester. On the 11th Sept. 1655, Hyde announces the King's choice of C. Cottrell to be Secretary to the Duke of Gloster, and in a postscript, says "you will have a jolly "journey.' In June 1656, the King at Bruges, signs an order for 500 guilders per month to the Duke of Gloster, C. Cottrell to keep 2,000 annually as his salary. Another folio volume contains letters from Sir C. Cottrell to his grandson, about 1650; and Memoires des assistances et liberalités faites en consideration de la reyne de Boheme par les deux rois de la Grande Bretagne derniers defunts a la maison electorale palatine en ses adversités et aux prince et princesses de la dite maison en leur exile. 1620 to 1641 (61⁄2 pp.) Sir Abraham Williams's account of the Queen of Bohemia's arrears and demands in consequence on England, June 6, 1651. In French, signed by A. Williams. And a translation into English. Original commission by the Queen of Bohemia to C. Cottrell concerning her demand for her jointure on her son the Elector, Nov. 2, 1651. Memoranda for C. Cottrell's assistance, signed by Elizabeth (8 pp.). Passport for C. Cottrell, signed and sealed by Elizabeth, and a passport by the elector. Other papers on the subject, propositions and offers by the elector. Papers about the Queen of Bohemia's debts. 1651, &c. Instructions signed and sealed by her, for C. Cottrell on his entering her service. Accounts of what he sold and what he paid, and list of jewels. Order for the government of the Queen of Bohemia's family, sealed by the Queen (11 leaves). A list of her household. List of new year's gifts, 1632, signed by her. Directions signed and sealed to pay C. Cottrell's arrears. C. Cottrell's letter of vindication to the Queen of Bohemia, Nov. 1, 1656 (5 pp.). Many letters to him by the Queen, the elector her son and his Minister, the Princess Elizabeth, the Abbess of Maubuisson Several from the Princess Sophia, with answers to several. Some by the Queen of Bohemia are in cypher. Some have been written partly with invisible ink made legible by application of heat. There are letters by Charles the Elector while at Heidelberg in 1655. Several letters from Charles the Elector at Ratisbon 1653 and at Heidelberg 1654. Many letters from the Princess Sophia ranging from 1654 to 1706. Another folio volume contains Pym's speech in the Parliament dissolved in 1640; begins, “He that takes away." A true relation of the taking of the Spanish Plate ships, 9 Sept. 1656, by Captain Slayner (3 pp.). A true relation of the destroying of the Spanish ships about the island of Tenariff, 20 April 1657, from the first intelligence we had of them as we lay before Cades (6 pp.). This has a note written on the back "For the "Duke of Gloster." Voyage to the Indies, 1655 (34 pp.); begins, "7 April "1655, I went aboard the John and Susan, Stephen Limberg master." Copy of the Protest, 1677, of Peers on the commitment of the Earl of Clarendon. The King's speech 8 March 1672 to the Lords and Commons. Copy petition against Popish recusants by the Parlia ment. Copy of the King's speech in 1677. The Earl of Shaftesbury's case, 1677. Order by Charles II. for (some person) to go beyond sea for the present. Whitehall, Feb. 28, 1678/1679. The Earl of Shaftesbury's speech in the House of 'Lords, 31 March 1679. The Earl of Ossory's reply thereto. Names of conspirators discovered by Titus Oates. Notes of the King's speech to the Council about the Duke of Monmouth, 12 Dec. 1683: Copy of the Duke of Monmouth's letter. Copy of Sir John Fenwick's letter to his lady immediately after he was taken. Copy of a recantation by a papist embracing the reformed religion (8 or 9 leaves). Copy of a letter by Father Peters, Almoner to the King of England, to Pere la Chaise, Confessor to the King of France, touching the present affairs of England (5 pp.). Begins, " Si j'ai manqué." Observations of most towns and harbours and landing places round the coast of England, from Barwick Roade to Carlyll. Signed, "Your Highnes most humble servant, Johne Strachan." (6 leaves.) 66 The Office of Master of the Ceremonies was no sinecure under the Stuart Kings. The "Observations of "Sir John Finett" published by Howell in 1656 show the serious and often ludicrous labours and anxieties of him who held the office. Sir Charles Cottrell succeeded Sir John Finett, having first been his Deputy. A fair manuscript copy of Sir John's Observations is at Rousham; it contains 590 folio pages besides the table. As his death and epitaph are given at p. 576 it would seem to contain a little more than Howell printed. Sir Charles Cottrell and his successor Sir Clement Cottrell kept notes of their doings in office and of the presents which they bore from the Sovereign to Ambassadors, and of what they received in return from Ambassadors. A folio volume contains, Fees to be paid by a Baronet or by a Knight. Certificate of Sir C. Cottrell being sworn Master of the Ceremonies, 1660. Copy of the patent revoking Sir B. Gerbier's patent and granting both offices to Sir C. Cottrell, and other papers respecting the office down to 1727. A folio volume contains, List of presents given by Kings Charles II. and James II. to Ambassadors and foreign Ministers. (31 pages.) The like by King William and Queen Mary. (15 pp.) The like to foreign Ministers by Queen Anne, delivered by my father, then Master of the Ceremonies, July 6, 1702. (5 pp.) Presents to foreign Ministers, &c., 1710, and by Kings George I. and George II. (Ends in 1758.) Another folio volume contains, A Journal by Sir C. C. Dormer, Master of the Ceremonies to King George III. It begins in 1741 when he was assistant, and ends in 1779. (116 folios.) Accounts of Ambassadors sent to his Majesty since his re-establishment in 1660. (454 pp. and index.) The above MSS. by the Masters of the Ceremonies are full of curious and amusing anecdotes and remarks. There is a box labelled 66 Correspondence relating to "Prince George of Denmark, husband of Queen Anne." But it contains only receipts for presents, copies of royal answers to addresses by Ambassadors and Presidents, mostly marked entered. They have been imported probably into the folio collections. A folio volume contains a Journal by Sir C. Cottrell in London and on the continent for 15 months, commencing in 1740. (About 12 leaves.) Papers relating to the affairs of Villiers, 2d Duke of Buckingham. A letter from Lord Henry Jermyn, 1650, concerning the Duke's debts. A folio volume contains letters of Lord Carnarvon, H. May, Stephen Gough, and J. Hewson, a servant of the Duke of Buckingham, 1650-1654. The letters of Gough touch on the Duke's pictures, including one of Mercury, Venus, and Cupid. There is a receipt by Abraham Cowley for 150 agates for the use of Lord Jermyn. This volume relates chiefly to the Duke of Buckingham's affairs and the sale of his effects. Another folio volume contains some letters on political affairs by Sir Clement Cottrell, about 1711; and A copy of the harangue by the Marquis Sauli, Envoy Extraordinary from Genoa, to the Queen Anne, at his public audience in 1711;-and of the Queen's answer, and a translation into French of the harangue. Copy of the speech to Queen Anne of the Germanic Ambassador from Vienna at his public audience in 1711; and of the Queen's answer. Account of Count Galla's reception. Copy of letter by Sir C. Cottrell to Grimani, the Venetian Ambassador, about going to Westminster Abbey ;-and His Excellency's answer. Many papers on State Ceremonies and forms, and letters about Ambassadors' audiences, down to 1733. Another folio volume contains a copy (temp. Geo. I.) of a journal of a tour abroad. Journals of Sir C. Lodowick Cottrell, in 1669 and later years, in France and elsewhere. At p. 263 is an account of Sir Wm. Trumbull's receptions at Leghorn, Pisa, and Florence, 1687 and 1690. Eight small quarto volumes contain letters addressed to Charles Cæsar commencing in 1710, and to his widow commencing in 1717. Charles Cæsar was M.P. for Hertford, was sent to the Tower in 1705, and was Treasurer of the Navy in 1711. His wife was in correspondence with many political and literary persons. In this series of letters I noticed several from the Duchess of Marlborough and Pope. Others are by Robt. Harley, Bolingbroke, Wm. Shippen, and H. Bromley, and Mrs. Masham. And there is one letter (complimentary only) from Jonathan Swift, dated Dublin 1730. There is an index to the entire collection of the Cæsar letters. I must be permitted to add that Mr. Cottrell-Dormer's hospitality and urbanity at Rousham left me nothing to desire. ALFRED J. HORWOOD. THE MANUSCRIPTS OF J. R. ORMSBY-GORE, ESQ., M.P., or BROGYNTYN, Co. SALOP. The manuscripts at Porkington consist of forty volumes numbered, and numerous letters of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. As will be seen from the brief sketch below, they afford much interesting matter illustrative of English and Welsh history and literature. The volumes within the scope of the commission will be first briefly described. No. 1. A folio volume, paper, 16th century, in Welsh. It contains a few chronological stanzas, genealogies of N. Wales; computum manuale, by David Nanmor; a tract on heraldry; and genealogies of families of North and South Wales. No. 2. A folio volume, paper, 16th century, contains Welsh poetry to p. 433, by various persons; a table, seven leaves of Welsh heraldry, and a few more poems. No. 3. A folio volume, paper, 16th century, 578 leaves; contains Welsh poetry of the 14th and 15th centuries. At the beginning is a list, in pencil, of the authors. No. 4. A folio volume, paper, 16th century. A Latin and Welsh dictionary to the end of the letter D. No. 7. A folio volume, paper, 17th century. poetry by various authors. Welsh No. 8. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century. Welsh proverbs translated into Latin (Welsh & Latin), by Dr. John Davies, of Mallayd (about 103 leaves). No. 9. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century. The laws of Hoel dha, transcribed from the library of Thomas Allen, of Gloster Hall, Oxford. No. 10. A small 4to volume of 211 leaves, of which the first 25 are vellum, and the others are paper, 15th century. The volume has been described by Sir F. Madden in his preface to the romance of Sir Gawain, printed for the Roxburghe Club; but as only a few copies were printed, it is well here to give a fresh description. Fol. 1. Secundum Anticos Grecorum; being short prognostications for the results of sickness; lucky and unlucky days, and astrological notes; all in English. Fol. 2a. Chronological and historical notes ending on 3b, the last being of the battle of Agincourt. Fol. 4a.-86. Kalendar, description of the veins in the human body, and a table of eclipses. Fol. 8b.-4a. The knowledge of the impressions concerning the wedyring (a tract on the weather in English). Fol. 12a.-27a. Romance in verse of Sir Gawain and the carle of Carlisle (printed by Sir F. Madden). Fol. 28a.-53b. A treatise of grafting and planting trees, and the craft of limning of books (printed by the Warton Club, 1855, p. 66). At the end, on a scroll, the name H. Hattu is written. Fol. 54a.-57a. A poem beginning "Lovely lordyngs ladys lyke." (Warton Club, p. 1.) 576. The ten wives tale, beginning "Love lystynes to "ends, He is not worth a nay.' 60b.-62a. A poem beginning "Lord, how shall I me "complayne." (Warton Club, p. 6.) Fol. 62a.-64a. A poem, beginning " As I went on my playing," Under an holt upon an hylle." 99 66 It may be remarked that in Leicestershire is a place called Holt-on-the-Hill. It is possible that the author's locality may be thus indicated. Printed by Warton Club, p. 9. Fol. 646.-79a. A poem in seven stanzas, beginning "The fadyr of pytte and most of mysericord;" it is the vision of Philibert the hermit giving a conversation between the soul and body. (Warton Club, p. 12.) A French poetical version of this vision was printed at Paris, 1486, at the end of the Danse Macabre. Similar in spirit are some of the beautiful coplas of Don Jorge Manrique, a Spanish poet of the 15th century. Fol. 796.-816. A poem, beginning" Lo worldly folkus, "though this processe of dethe." (Warton Club, p. 39.) These poems contain the verses, "Earth upon earth." Fol. 816.-836. A poem, beginning "Bi a forest as I 66 gan fare." (Warton Club, p. 43.) It is a lamentation by a hare. Fol. 836.-86b. The Knight and his Wife, a poem, beginning "Ther was a knyst in a cuttre, "That a ryche man was wont to be." 866.-896. Two short poems on the virtue of meekness, illustrated by stories of St. Martayne and St. Anthony, and a poem in honour of the Virgin, beginning "Of alle "the briddes that ever theyt were.' After, a few medical receipts come 91a.-129a. The life of Saint Catherine. After a short prologue, the text begins "In the greate cite of Alexandyr." 66 Fol. 130a.-132a. A poem, beginning "Be trewe and "hold that ye have hyste.' Fol. 132a.-1356. The Stacyons of Rome. (Printed by Early English Text Society, 1867.) 1356.-1386. The Wife's Advice to her Daughter, a poem, beginning "The good wyf wold a pylgrimage. Fol. 139a.-150a. The story of the friar and the boy, begins "God that dyed for us all." (Warton Club, p. 46.) Fol. 150a.-152a. A poem, beginning “As I stod in a "ryalle haulle." (Warton Club, p. 62.) Fol. 152a.-154a. A short comic poem, beginning "Harkens to my tale that I schall here schow." 154a.-155b. Two love letters in verse, one begins "Honoure wit all mannere of heylle; " the other begins "Have alle my herte and be in peys.' Fol. 1556.-157a. A poem, beginning "As I cam by a "forest syde." Fol. 1576.-184a. The siege of Jerusalem in prose, begins "Al men that wil here of the sege of Jerusalem." Fol. 184a.-188a. The technical words for numbers of animals, birds, &c. Fol. 188a.-1996. Characteristics and qualities of men, beasts, and birds. Fol. 191a.-193b. A prophecy in verse, beginning" when "the cocke in the northe hath byld his neste." Fol. 195a.-1976. An English poem, headed with, and every verse ending with, the words Timor mortis conturbat me. It begins "Timor mortis conturbat me. This is my song in my olde age. Fol. 198.-202. Two or three Christmas carols, and the song of bringing in the boar's head. Fol. 233a.-2076. A poem, called Mercy and Righteousness, begins "Bi a forest as I gan walke; ends "for mercy passes ryzttusnys. Fol. 2076.-211b. A tale of the merchant, beginning Lystens, lordynges, I yow pray, How a merchand can "his wyf betray.". 66 No. 12. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century, Welsh poetry. No. 12. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century. History of the Gwydor family, by Sir J. Wynne, with additional pedigrees and notes. At the end of the volumes is the autograph signature "Ellis Humphrey." Mr. Wynne, of Peniarth, tells me that the pedigrees are by H. Humphreys, Bishop of Bangor, afterwards Bishop of Hereford. No. 16. A small folio volume, vellum, 13th century, by an English scribe. The Psalter glossed, Latin, double columns; imperfect, beginning in the middle of the 16th Psalm. No. 17. A 4to volume, vellum, 13th century, Latin, double columns. Geoffrey of Monmouth's British history, not divided into books. On flyleaves at the end of the volume are seven columns of French verse of the 14th century, headed " Co est la chartre au diable fet al "Cuveitus." Begins "Beau mester le mi direz, A la manere ke jo sai. Sachent trestuz cen ke oir mettunt. Ends "De quor e de dreit amur Vers son prince e vers nostre seignur. No. 19. A small folio, vellum 15th century. Tretyse of the seven poyntes of trewe love and everlastynge wisdom drawen out of the booke that is wretten in latyne and clepede Orologium Sapientie. Table and proemium of 7 leaves and 81 leaves of text. The introduction or address is to a lady (not named) by her chaplain (not named). The author of the Latin work was John of Suabia; the French translation by an unknown person has been several times printed. No. 20. A 4to volume, vellum, 15th century, 105 leaves. This volume contains The Pricke of Conscience by Richard Hampole. Begins "The mizte of the fadyr alle myzthy, "The wyrth of the sone alle wytty," Ends (93 b.) "To the wuche place than he alle us bryng. 66 "That for oure hele on rode gan hyng. Amen." Then follows: Trigentale de matre cujusdamn pape.” Begins Some tyme in Rome a pope ther was "That had a moder full fayr of face." Ends (95 b.) "God of hevene brynges us thedyr "That we may evere have joye togeder. Amen." The remaining nine leaves are occupied with the seven penitential psalms in English verse, probably by Hampole. The Pricke of Conscience and the Trental of Pope Gregory have been printed from other manuscripts. No. 21. A folio volume, vellum, 14th century. At the head of the first page is written, in a hand a little later than the text of the volume, "Liber "epistolaris quondam Ricardi de Bury, Episcopi "Dunelmensis;" and there is also the note liber "monachorum Sancti Edmundi regis martiris," The volume according to a second numeration of the leaves begins now at fo. 53; after 199 comes 1000, and the numeration is continued to 1094 where the volume ends imperfectly. Five leaves, between 113 and 119, are absent. It is a beautiful specimen of writing of the reign of Edward III. The contents are copies of letters by and to different Popes to and by various Kings of England and other countries, letters to and by archbishops, bishops, and other ecclesiastics; many of the letters are to the King's officers in Gascony. With very few exceptions, the dates of the letters are not given; but the name or initial letter of the Pope or King, or Archbishop or Bishop, as the case may be, and the names of the persons mentioned in the body of the letter, would, I believe, with some trouble, and aided by reference to Rymer's Foedera and various Chronicles, render it possible to add the dates to most of the letters. That the letters are not here dated may be thus explained. The volume was doubtless compiled as a book of reference for the Bishop of Durham and his Secretary, when a formal letter was required to be written There are marginal notes showing the occasions of the letters, and now and then noting the merit of the style: and in the middle of the volume is a collection of blank forms for harangues and letters on various occasions composed apparently in A.D. 1255 by P. de. Some of the letters are of the time of Henry II.; some of the time of Richard I., and those of the times of Kings Edward I. II. and III. are numerous. It is probable that some of the letters are little, if at all, known. For instance, it is well known that Richard I. declared Arthur, Duke of Brittany, his heir, if he himself should die without issue; and he arranged with Tancred, King of Sicily, a marriage between a daughter of that King and the young duke; and Tancred paid 20,000 ounces of gold to Richard in consideration (partly) of the arrangement. (See Radulphus de Diceto col. 657, ed. Twysden.) The Foedera, however, does not mention (although Hoveden does) Richard's letter to Pope Clement at fol. 33 bis of this volume, which shews that Richard agreed that he would repay the money if the marriage did not take place by reason of the death of either the Duke or the young lady, or by reason of the fault of Richard or the Duke. Mr. Ormsby-Gore has very kindly entrusted this volume to me for the purpose of fully examining the contents, for the use of the Commission. No. 22. A 12o volume, vellum and paper, 15th century, in Latin. Early history of Britain, succession of Kings, and accounts of writers and saints (16 leaves). Here a new foliation begins, "Quædam omissa in subsequentibus et "hic merito inserenda : de ætatibus mundi. Begins with the Deluge, A.м. 1656, fol. 3. De orbis divisione ; fol. 4a. De Europa et ejus provinciis; fol. 5. Gallia; fol. 6. De Wallia et ejus origine; fol. 7. De Britannia et ejus partibus vide in altero parvo libello qui intitulatur Sic adest Britannia juxta promissum novissime describenda. De quibusdam personis sive regibus famosis que non fuerunt de regno Anglie; 12b. de Civitate Lincolnie et ejus preconiis (the author refers to Geoffrey of Monmouth, and gives the succession of the Bishops of Lincoln); fol. 19. The preface of Peter Comestor, and extracts from his work, and from Henry of Huntingdon; and other early history of the world down to Brutus : fol. 35. Incipiunt annales de gestis Britonum, Saxonum, Danorum, Normannorum, qui diversis temporibus regnaverunt in Anglia (begins with Æneas and ends fol. 78. with Ethelred). No. 24. A 12 volume, paper, 16th century, in the original binding of dark leather; on each are the royal 66 66 66 66 : arms, in gold, and the inscription Rex Henricus VIII. Dieu et mon droit. Most likely it was the presentation copy to the King. On fol. 1. is the following dedication, "Unto our most Christian King, supreme head of the Chirche of England. and of our happy remembrance King Henry the VIII. The contents three dialogues The 1st, concerning a governance of the Church; the 2nd, is between the poore man and fortune; the 3rd "between deth and the goer by the way. God keepe "the Kynge." On fol. 2, "The interpreters of this "speeche be three, the Chyrche, the two bysschoppes, "the three dissemblars, the foole, the harlotte, and the ryche man." At the end of the third part are the words, "Your Grace's humble subject, Robert Radcliff, professor of Artes and scholemaster of Jesus Collegg, "in Cambrygg." An interesting little volume for its dealings with ecclesiastical and social matters. 66 No. 28. A 4to volume, paper, 16th century. Poems in Greek, Latin, and Italian, by Charles Bill. Among them I noticed poems on the death of Parr, Marquis of Northampton, 1569; on the death of Walter Haddon, 1569; and on the death of a son of Walter Haddon, who was drowned in the same year. No. 29. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century, contains an account of Sir Walter Raleigh's trial, in 28 pages; beginning" After that Sir Walter Raleigh was brought "to the bar, he sat down upon a stoole .;" ends "with his going back to prison, as a condemned man 'should do;' followed by two letters by him to the King and Queen." 66 Objections against the change of the name or style of England and Scotland into the name or style of Great Britain, to be moved and debated in the Conference. 44 pages. The mappe or survey of a kingdom. Begins "The "understanding painter describing a battaile in the "livelie colours. 16 pages." A discourse of the first beginning and continuance of the traffique of the subject of the realme with forrayn nations (21 fos.) Begins "Whosoever shall enter into consideration of the present state of the intercourse." Ends "and humbly desire it may receive no "other interpretation." 66 prince to be unlamented.” No. 30. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century. Essaies of conjecture upon certain negotiations touching peace between the Archduke and the States in Anno Salutis, 1607, by C. F. An offer made by the Archduke, and accepted by the States in April 1607. Begins The "Archduke affecting nothing. (3 pp.)" Essaies of conjecture upon the aforesaid propositions and negotiations touching cessation of armes, and peace between the Archduke and the States, by C. F., "veri"tate et reverentia." Begins "The scope of my con'jectures." Ends (fos. 27.)" it seems of worth "to be preferred, else not." 66 66 A politique dispute about the happiest match for the noble Prince Henry (21 pp.) Begins "There is no body "that persuaded our Prince to match with Savoy.". Ends for those that depend on others, to wit the Savoyards and the Florentines, W. R. (Walter "Raleigh)." 66 66 66 March 30, 1613. The present for the King of Spaine. A tract of 6 leaves, beginning "The charge which I "hold having so necessary a relation and dependency on that place." . . Ends "That a daughter, whose sex giveth ever the privilege to be sought, being "offered hath not been accepted." (This is about the proposed marriage of Prince Henry.) 66 Some points to be noted for Secretaries (4 leaves). Begins "When one negotiates." Instructions to the Right Honourable Lord Peter Caietan when he went into Flanders to the Prince of Parma (13 leaves). Begins "Your honorable Lordship "shall in your voyage. Ends and show it in 66 your actions." . 66 66 A discourse of Don Scipio de Castro about the Archduke going into Flanders (4 leaves). Begins This going of Prince M. into Flanders. Ends "God "send you happiness and encrease of state." 66 A discourse of the same Don Scipio de Castro concerning the Duke of Alençon going into Flanders (3 fos.) Begins "Your honourable Lordship demands of me "three poyntes. Ends "the three aforesaid poynts. (About the Duke of Alençon succouring the Flemings.) General remembrances for the ministers of the Princes Ligier about the other Princes, and other observations meete for Secretaries (5 leaves). Begins "First to "shew himself both toward prince and people. Ends "both to expostulate and request a favour." No. 35. Thomas Alured's letter to the Marquis of Buckingham (against the Spanish match). . No. 39. A folio volume, paper, 17th century. Considerations for repressing the increase of Priests, Jesuits, and Recusants without drawing of blood; written by Sir Robert Cotton, Kt. and Bart. (24 leaves). Begins 66 I am not ignorant that this latter age. Ends "and others dishartened and counsell gravelie." No. 40. A folio volume, vellum, 15th century, Latin, double columns, Higden's Polichronicon, ends at A.D. 1377. Higden's text ends at A.D. 1344, with the sentence, "Qua causa rex Anglie offensus sub anno gracie, 66 1344, provisiones per papam factas cassavit, et sic "quis deinceps tales provisiones afferret sub pena 66 capitis et carceris interdixit. Explicit polycronicon se"cundum Ranulfum monachum Cestrensem completa," &c. The additions begin, "Hoc anno nonas Junii "natus est regi Ed. 3° Edmundus apud Langeley" (13 leaves), ending with a character of Edward III.; the concluding words are, " quod dolendum est longum continuacionem diu postea habuerunt." Then follow 14 columns of a summary of the ages of the world. There is a folio volume (not numbered), paper, 16th century, containing copies of letters and documents about the proposed marriage of Queen Elizabeth with the Duc d'Anjou. It begins with a protestation by the Queen and the Duke, that the contract was not to bind them until they had had personal explanations. Dated 11th June 1581. Instructions to Walsingham, 22nd July 1581, &c. &c. Ends with a letter dated 13th Sept. 1581, beginning "It may please you, my good lord, to under"stand that on Sunday the 11th of this month." The volume is of 28 leaves. It A vellum roll of the 13th century, about 40 feet long, with delicate drawings, coloured chiefly green. contains Scripture History down to the resurrection of Christ. At the commencement is an explanation of the Golden Candlestick, and at the end is an exposition of the Lord's Prayer. All in Latin. A vellum roll of the 15th century, between 30 and 40 feet long. History from the Creation to Edward IV. Harold is lauded. King John is said to have been poisoned. All in Latin. A vellum roll upwards of 30 feet long. The funerall proceeding of Queen Anne from Denmark House in the Stronde to Westminster Abbey the 27th daie of May, 1619. It gives the order of the procession with banners beautifully drawn and coloured. Letters. The letters are numerous. Most of them are of the 16th and 17th centuries; and a few are of the 18th century. There are two large volumes with letters and papers between the blank leaves. One of these volumes contains, amongst other things, copy of instructions to the Commissioners for levying and collecting the Aid money due to His Majesty for the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth, His Majesty's (James I.) eldest daughter. Papers about Musters (end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth); copy of a Council letter, and copy of Lord Pembroke's letter to the Deputy Lieutenant of Carnarvonshire, on the same subject. 1593, the last of December. Copy of Council letter to ascertain what sons of gentlemen are sent beyond sea for education; it breeds corruption in religion and manners. And a copy of letter in answer. 1595. Copies of letters about the relief of maimed soldiers. 1595. Copy of Council letter about sending men to Ireland from divers counties in Wales. 1598. Receipt for 25 able soldiers for Ireland. 1612. Note of armour rated on the clergy; signed, H. Bangor. 1612. Copy of Council letter to seize the arms, &c. of recusants and ill-affected. 1636. Original Council letter to the Sheriff of Monmouthshire; to provide a ship of 400 tons, for North Wales; its value is 4,000l., the County of Merioneth to bear 4001. Instructions (4 pp.) 1637, July. Council letter calling for the arrears of the above. 1639, April 29. Edinburgh. The Covenanters to the Earl of Essex, on his assembling forces at the Borders, Signed by Argyle and thirteen others. The Civil War letters are nearly all to Sir John Owen, Sheriff of Carnarvonshire. 1644, Aug. 3. From Prince Rupert at Chester, to Sir John Mennes, Kt., Governor of N. Wales and others ;Enquire what moneys have been levied for the King for armes, powder, repaire of bridges, poll money, &c.; what is unexpended pay to the High Sheriff to be employed in the public service. 1644, March 29. Prince Rupert to Sir John Owen; to receive the contributions of the hundred of Grethin, &c. for the support of the garrison and town of Conway. 1644, Oct 23. Prince Maurice to Sir John Owen; orders him to march to-morrow with all foot, &c, to Ruabon and rendezvous in the first great field between that and the river Dee, by 9 o'clock on the way to Newbridge, 1643, Nov 10. Rowland Vaughan (Sheriff), Owen Salisbury, and Edmund Meyrick to . . . ., the Parlia ment forces have taken Wrexham and those parts, . . fear an advance, are going to raise 100 musketeers to repair to Edyrnion, to be billeted there on the charge of the county. 1643, Feb 14. Oxford. to a printed proclamation. of 201. Sign Manual of King Charles 19 Car. 1. Nov 13. Copy of a letter from King Charles (not addressed); expects soldiers from Ireland to provide clothes, shoes, stockings, and apparel for 500 men, and victuals for 4,000 for 15 days, or money suffi cient for the same use, to be brought to Conway, where he has appointed a magazine. 1644, May 16. From Prince Rupert at Salop. He will confirm the appointment of John Morgan to be Governor of Harlech Castle. 20 Car. 1, Dec. 10. Prince Rupert appoints Sir John Owen to be Governor of the Castle of Conway (parchment, with seal). 1644, Jan. 27. John Byron to Sir John Owen; complains of having made journies and written volumes of letters to Wales, and only received promises but no performance to help to retrieve Chester; makes another appeal. Brereton, Middelton, and Miller are drawn about the city; the garrison weak. Numerous letters and notes by King Charles, Prince Rupert, and Prince Maurice, and John Byron in 1644 and 1645, relative to the rebellion in Wales, the siege of Chester, &c. 1644, Feb. 17. From Prince Maurice (at Ruthen). A proclamation about his soldiers who had deserted; all mayors, &c. to seize them. 1644, March 2, 3, 7, 12, 16. Five letters from Prince Rupert to Sir John Owen about the enemy, and with regard to Sir John Owen's troops. 1644, March 3. Prince Maurice (at Chester) to Sir John Owen; hears that the enemy intend to force their passage into Wales, either by Hoult pass or some of the fords; tells him to draw all his foot together to be at the rendezvous on Common Wood at four that afternoon, where he is to expect further orders from him; when drawn together he is to send the Prince an exact list of his number of foot. 1644, March 20. Prince Maurice (at Chester) to the Sheriff's and Commissioners of Array for the counties of Denbigh and Flint; to search for arms left by the soldiers of Anglesey, Merioneth, and Carnarvon in several houses in the counties, and bring them to Wrexham for the King's service. 1645, April 2. Prince Rupert to Sir John Owen and Col. Thelwall. Order to march, with the 1,000 men which were to be raised out of the counties of N. Wales, and all others they can get, to Hereford, and then to receive further orders from him. 1645, April 7. King Charles (at Oxford) to the High Sheriff of Carnarvon. Asks for a list of all persons who have come into Carnarvonshire from other counties (countersigned by George Digbye). 1645, April 12. John Byron to the Sheriff and Commissioners of Array of the counties of N. Wales. Directs them to have troops ready at an hour's notice to aid the Prince in the relief of Chester. Indorsed, Received the 29th April). 1645, July 20. King Charles (at Ragland) to Sir John Owen. Endeavours to effect a reconciliation between Sir John and the Archbishop of York (Williams). Copy of articles of high treason exhibited against the Archbishop by Sir John Owen. Extracts from Hacket's life of Williams. charge by the Archbishop. Counter 1645, July 20. King Charles (at Ragland) to the |