One letter of the 15th century has been preserved. It has no date, but I think it must be of the year 1417; it is of such interest that a copy cannot be dispensed with. It is as follows:

My ryght worchypfull master and mastres, I recomend me unto you, desyr to here of your wellfare evermore. Plesse hytt your gude mastercyp ye schalle undorstand be thys wrytteynge that the Kyng our sofran lord with all his lords and in a spechall my lord schambrylen the were in gude helthe and mere the xxvij. day in Julii, and the were att agyngcort at this day aboyff wretten, und there the were R. worshypfully in the cherches; and the mayre of the toun and the Kaptens of the frenshe men were in agyncort iij. days afore that the Kyng came thedur, and there was ij. lords among the frenche men that be a lii (allies) unto the Kyng of ynglond; and when the understood that the Kyng wold cum thedyr, the brynt up all the small touns bettwene callis and agyncort und all the subbars of egyngcort; and as for all wallyd touns bettwyne egyncort and calles the be undur the Kynges abesehans, lowyd be god; and the lords wywys of france aboyf wreten labyr un to the kyngs gude grace to hawe there lywys and there lywelode, and the wyll be tru men unto the Kyng; and as for the french kyng, he ys in Paryshe as the understond, and the kyng of ynklond has mayde a woy that he wyll not ibyd ij. nyghts in a toun to he hawe understandyng whedur the frenche kyng wyll gywe hym batell or not; and yf he wyll not, he wyll gywe him batell, he wyll a say whedyr he may make the frenche kyng to remewe hys resstyng place, &c.; this ys nay fayll; for a man of ly[ch]yfeld brougt thys tydyngs to my ladie for ware troythe fro my lord chamburlene; that knoys god, who haiv yow in hys blessyd kypyng; wretten in hast

from John Albon youre one man. (Addressed) Unto Master Thomas Palmer, sqwyere, Holt of the hyll.

Henry VI.-A long paper roll, the commencement is torn away. It consists of charges (in English) against William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, by reason of his dissolute life, his corrupt dealings in France, bringing about the loss of Anjou and Maine, and his acquisitions of offices and property. It is most likely one of the charges referred to in the rolls of Parliament as having been made against him. It is not the same as that printed in the Paston Letters, vol. iii. p. 63. A copy of this Roll will be deposited in the Public Record Office.

Henry VI.-Petition, in English (on vellum, much decayed), by Sir Henry le Scrop, son and heir of Richard le Scrop, for seisin of certain lands of which Sir Richard died seised, under a grant in 6 Edw. II. to Sir Henry le Scrop, the petitioner's great grandfather.

21 Henry VI., Dec. 1. Commission to levy an aid granted to the King in a previous Parliament.

Henry VI.-In this reign are three charters by Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, who styles himself "Regum filius frater et patruus."

3 Edward IV., July 6.-Mandate to the Sheriff of Rutlandshire to make proclamations in his bailiwick of the ordinance against the adulteration of wool made in the Parliament, 3 Edw. IV., and a similar ordinance made in the Parliament in the 8th year of Henry VI., late "de facto et non de jure " King of England.

3 Edward IV., July 1.-Commission to several persons to levy the share of the county of Rutland of an aid of 37,000l. granted by the Parliament then sitting.

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9 Edward IV.-Grant (in English) by the Princess Cecille "the Kyngs mooder, and late wyf unto Richard rightfull Kyng of Englande and of Fraunce, and lord "of Irland," to Thomas Blacusley and his assigns, for 11 years, of the herbage of the park of Whaddon, in the county of Buckingham. The seal of red wax is perfect; France and England quarterly, impaled with Neville. This deed is noticeable, because of the grantor's assertion of the right of her late husband to the Crown.

Seals, with armorial bearings, are numerous on the deeds of the 14th and 15th centuries. I specify in particular those of Chaworth, Bishopesdon, Talbot, Nevile, Marmion, Hastings, West, Humphry Duke of Gloster, and Joan, widow of King Henry IV. Those of Chaworth are very remarkable. And specially noticeable is a very large seal of the Monastery of St. Andrew at Rochester; it is of green wax, and has an one side a finely executed representation of the

martyrdom of St. Andrew. Attached to a document mentioned below is a seal (about five inches long, but broken) of Cardinal Pole, at the base is his shield of arms; the quarterings agreeing with those on his tomb. Attached to another document mentioned below is the seal of the Prerogative Court beautifully executed, Christ scourged, surmounted by a canopy, and the arms of the see impaled with the private arms of Thomas Cranmer, the then archbishop.

5 Henry VIII.-A certificate by the Abbat of the Monastery of our Lady without the walls of York, and the Mayor and four Aldermen of York, as to the identity and pedigree of certain persons who appeared before them.

13 Henry VIII.-A grant by Charles, Duke of Suffolk, with his seal and autograph signature.

2 Edward VI.—A vellum document of 11 pages, in Latin, under the seal of Cardinal Pole, reciting malicious charges of immoralities against Thomas Nevill, of Holton, in the county of Leicester, and the proceedings thereon, and acquitting him. A notarial certificate is at the end.

1556, April 1.-An instrument of dissolution of the marriage between Anna Warde daughter of Christopher Warde of Cuerdale and John Wansford of Kirtlington, Esquire, by reason of a previous contract "per verba "de præsenti between her and Ralph Nevill, and declaring Ralph and Ann to be lawful man and wife under the seal of the Prerogative Court, Cramner being Archbishop. Notarial certificate of Thomas Argall is at the end.

In the 37 Eliz. is an inventory of the goods and chattels of Francis Paynell of Boothbie in the county of Leicester, Esquire, upwards of 10 feet long. A cast of goss hawks and a falcon were valued at 41. A pair of virginals was valued at 108.

A.D. 1360.

In this large collection are the following wills and probates. Will of John atte Well of Drayton. Another will of John atte Well. Will of Wm. Bishopsdon Esq.

40 Edw. 3. 10 Hen. 4.

23 Hen. 6. Will of Sir John Basynges at Empyngham.

4 Edw. 4. Will of John Jay of Witham. 1466. Will of William Hardyng of Witham. 1469. Another will of William Hardyng. 1485. Will of Hugh Smyth of Witham.

1508. Will of Isabell Nevill widow of Thomas Nevill, Esquire.

1610. Will of George Cliffe of Cressing in Essex,

cook (a copy).

There is a pedigree on vellum (16th century) of the Carringtons of the North. This is a very interesting document. The pedigree ends with Sir John Carrington who died A.D. 1446 and contains a copy of his own statements to his wife Milicent; it is in old English, and the phraseology and spelling show that it must have been copied from a document of the 15th century. Sir John was a partisan of Richard II. Fearing the cruelty of Henry IV. he fled abroad and assumed the name of Smyth; after a time he returned to England, made himself known to the Abbat of St. Osyth in Essex, lived with him, and was by him supplied with money so that he was enabled to marry, and he died at an advanced age.

A folio volume, paper, 16th century, contains copies of various state papers in the reigns of Henry VIII. Edward VI., Mary and Elizabeth. The contents are as follow* :—

King Edw. VI., July 1550. Instructions given by the Kings Majestie with the advise of his Highnes Councell to H. M. trustie and well beloved Councellor Sir Anthonie St Leger, Kt., and others (named) whom his Majestie hath appointed to be of his Highnes privie Councell in his Majestie's said realme of Ireland, for the better government of the said realme and the nobles and commons resiant within the same. pp. 1-9. (Carew MSS.)

Queene Elizabeth. Instructions for St. Henrie Sidney, knight of the order of the garter, L. President of the Councell in the marches of Wales, our deputie of our realme of Ireland, and one of our privie Councell, to be communicated with our Councell in our said realme of Ireland. Signed by her Majestie at Lichfield the 24 of August, 1575. pp. 11-17. (Carew MSS.)

* When any document could be found in the printed Calendars the reference is placed at the end.

A brief memoriall of Instructions for Mr. Edmond Tremaine, being sent to the L. deputie of Ireland. pp. 19-21.

Queene Elizabeth, A° 1574.-Instructions given by the Queenes Majestie to her right trustie and wellbeloved S. Henrie Sidney, knight of the noble order of the garter, and President of her Maties Councell within her Graces dominions and principalitie of Wales and the marches of the same, &c. &c., renewed, the . . . day of June, in the xvjth yeare of her highnes raigne. pp. 2343.-Cal. 482.

Orders sett downe by the Queenes most excellent Matie, with the advice of her privie Councell, for the direction and reformation of her Highnes Court in the marches of Wales, viz. :—

The order concerning the Court.

For the Ministers of the said Court.
What matters shalbe heard in Court.

The fees of the Court (with items in marginal
notes).

For the Porters lodge.

pp. 47-58.

The difference of the olde and newe Instructions for the marches of Wales. pp. 59, 60.

Instructions given by the Q. Majtie, to her right trustie and welbeloved Cosen Henrie, Erle of Huntingdon, President of her Highnes Councell in the Northe parte, and to all hereafter named, appointed by her Matie to be of the said Councell, to be observed by them and everie of them, according as the same is hereafter declared in Maye 1574. Ano. regni Elizabeth xvj. Forty-five heads; followed by a letter of instruction to the Lord President in the North. pp. 61-85.

The ancient statutes of the towne and Castle of Barwick, signed by the Queenes Mate, the first day of October 1560, and the 24 yeare of her Highnes raigne. Fifty heads, with marginal notes to each heading, epitomising each order. pp. 87-100.-Cal. 329.

Newe orders for the towne of Berwike and garrison of the same, signed by the Q. Octob. an. 1560. Regno secondo. Begins with an address which is to be read so that every soldier may hear, and that it is to be repeated quarterly 3 days before the payes. Followed by Items with marginal headings. pp. 101-112.-Cal. 329.

An Instruction for our trusty and ryght welbeloved Cosen and Counsellor Fraunces Erle of Bedforde appointed to be our warden of the East Marches and governor of our towne of Barrwicke, xxvijth of Februarie 1563. pp. 113-115.

A Summarie of certaine orders to be observed in our towne of Barwicke over and beside such ancient orders as have heretofore bine in force in the tymes of our deare father brother and syster, xxvijth Febr. 1563. Ano 6 Elizabeth Reg. Followed by the forms of oaths to be administered to the Governor, to the Marshall, to the Treasurer, to the Porter, the Mr of Ordinance, the Clerke of the Cherch, the Capts of Bande, or anye number of souldiers, to everie common souldier. Other orders universall consisting of 20 items, dated 25 Febr. 1563. pp. 116–129.

The new establishment at my lorde of Bedfordes comminge to Barrwicke, beginninge from 25 of Marche 1569.

Certaine articles for the observation of this former establishment.

12 Items, dated 1563, Februarie, Anno ijdo Elizabeth, pp. 129-132.

Marye ye Queene.-Instruction geven by the kinge and queenes mats to there right trusty and right welbeloved Cosen the Earle of Bedforth, appointed their highnes lyevtenant of the counties of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, and thier citie of Exeter, the xvij day of March, the fourth and fyfte yeares of there mats Raignes. Signed Marye the Queene. pp. 133-135.-Cal. p. 100. Elizabeth R.-Instructions geven by the Queenes matie unto her right trusty and right welbeloved Coasen and Counseller the Erle of Bedforth, lieutenant of hir Countyes of Devon, Cornewall, and her Cytie of Exceter.

Imprimis that the Earl is made and constituted hir mejesties lieutenant, and to give notice thereof to the Justices of Peace, &c. 5 items; followed by the price of armour and artillerie. pp. 135-140.-Cal. 480.

Instructions given to our right trustye and right welbeloved Cosen and Counsellor the Erle, &c., ut supra, the feirst of June 1574. 3 items. pp. 141, 142.— Cal. p. 480.

A privat memoriall for Williame Heele (Herle ?) of charge gyven to hime by the Queenes matie. Instructions had previously been given him for the recovery of armour and munition, &c. remaining at Hamburg, Breame, &c., "but our speciall charge to you is to procure a bargaine "for the borrowing of a sum of money to the some of iiij or c. thouthand poundes sterlinge, and to pay "for thinterest therefore for the space of one yeare not "above vj. in the hund, and if you cannot atteyne so great a some, yet yf ye can obteyne a some above iij. or iiij. thousand pounde upon such a reasonable "interest we shall allow of your service," &c. &c. Then follows a computacion of the charge of one hundreth thouthande pounds to be taken up at interest by her Matie for vi. yeares, with table. pp. 143, 144.

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Instructions for Sr Thomas Gresham, knight, sent to Andwarke for order in payment and prolongacion of such debte as the queenes matie doth owe there to soundry straungers the xxth of Desember 1563, 6 reg. 10 items. pp. 145-147.

Instructions geven by the Queenes matie to hir trustie and welbeloved servant Sr Thomas Gresham, knight, beinge sent over for the prolongacion of hir mats debts on thother side the seas, the xxijth of februarie 1566. ao 9o. 12 items. pp. 148-150.

Instructions gyven by certayne of my lords and other of hir mats most honourable privie Counsell to Robt Colshill, esquier, Christopher Hudson, and Edward Eastline beinge sent into Germanye for the takinge up of certyne sommes of monye for hir matie the xjth of June 1576.

Begins, "Whereas not only soundrie of the inhabi"taunts of the Citie of Culline and Hamborough, but "also many other on the countries there abouts beinge "of great wealth and good qualitie have made offer "to lend to hir matie good sommes of monye for a "reasonable interest hir majtes pleasure is that you "make your repaier to the sa citties and countrie there to deele, talke, and conclude with such as are willing "to lende the said sommes in manner and forme followinge." Then follow 13 items. pp. 150-153. Copie of the Commission for the takinge up of the monye. In Latin, dated 21st of May 1576. p. 154.

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Copie of the safe conducte for the Commissioners appointed to take up the monye in Germanie. Latin, dated 20 May 1576, 18th year of her reign. Followed by "Forma obligacionis Maioris et Communitatis Civi"tatis London." dated from Guildhall 1576, 18th year of her reign.

Forma obligationis Serenissimæ Reginæ. pp. 155-157. A memoriall of serteyne Inquisitions and orders committed to the chardge and execution of Sir Peter Carew and Sr Thomas Wrath, knights, Mr Henrie Knowles and the recorder of London, for things to be don in the Tower of London, dated the 15 of September 1572.-Cal. p. 450.

Instructions for Musters, n.d. 7 items. pp. 163

165.

Ed. VI.-A commissyon for Marshall Justice in a towne of warre. From Edw. VI. to St James Wilford, Knight, not dated. pp. 170, 171.

To revoke shippes from the sea, the warres being ended. A form in blank. p. 171.

To leavie men with armor and weapons and to goe to a Porte. Ditto. 1st yeare of our raigne. p. 172. To muster horses and geldings according to the Statute. xxixth of July, in the 7th yeare of our raigne. pp. 173, 174.

A letter from the kinges matye for preparation to the warres. A blank form with no date. pp. 174, 175. A letter from the counsell to have deue respecte and regard to the Instructions. p. 175.

A speciall letter sent with Commission for musters. pp. 175, 176.

A letter to levie pioners. pp. 176, 177. Instructions for a lewtenaunte of a Shire. 6 items; one for Trayninge of men. pp. 178-182.

A letter to the Commissioners to appoint muster (Elizabeth, n. d.)

A letter to the Maior of Cambridge for mustring of the Towne.

A letter from the Queen of warning, to prepare shippes against the doubtful movements of the French. pp. 183-186.

Articles devised for the manner of musteringe of all the able men within the County of to be delivered to the Queenes's Mats. Leivetenante or his deputies there, and the rest of the justices of peace sent thither as a muster m'. for the same contrye._Articles for musters, consisting of various items. Prices of Artilerie and other items. pp. 187-192.

Instructions for leivetenants.

198.

6 items. pp. 193

A letter for levienge of certaine men to be sent into Irelande.

A form in blank

dated

of Marche, in the iijd. yeare of our raigne. pp. 199–200. A letter to will captens to stande ever upon their charges.

18mo. Martij. Anno Primo Regine Marie. pp. 200201).

A letter to watche Beacons and to be in a readines with them. p. 202.

A letter to speciall men to see to the Beacons. pp. 203-204.

Instructions for the execucion of the Commission directed to all the Justices of peace in the Countie of for generall musters, and traininge of all manner of persones able for the warre, to serve as well on horsebacke as one foote. pp. 205-232.-1573, Cal. p. 459, March 14.

A Commission for a Generall of Warre, n. d., in Latin. 1 p. p. 233.

Instructions for a lord Lievetenaunte, n. d. 9 items. From Her Majesty to the Earl of Arundell, whereby he is made hir Mats. Levetenante of the County of Sussex. pp. 236–239.

A Comyssion to take Malyners, gonners, &c. Form of, from Henry, &c. pp. 240.

A Commission to take up workemen. A blank form. pp. 240-241.

A Commission in blank form for the taking of Musters in County. pp. 241-242.

Articles.

Imprimis, the saide Luthemaker shalbe bounde to bringe to the Kinges Mats. service Vc. men of warre well trained and equipped for the warrs as shall apertaine, amonge whome he shall have CCC1. launces, and of them C1. harqucbuz, the which men of ware carriinge launces shalbe armed with their ablyments of the heed, with vissardes and salladres, &c. (40 items); ends (with date in the margin, 2. December 1572) And to thintent thes articles be firme and stable it shalbe subscribed and sealed accordingly. pp. 243-247.-Marginal note. These Capitulacions seeme to have bene made with Mathewe Luthmaker, a duche Coranell, who served K. H. and E. 6, wyth certayn companies of Almons.

A m. To such as have chardge alongest the sea cost for the ease of wachinge of beacons. A form for the defence of the coast beacons, dated Hampton Court, 2nd of Dec. 1572. p. 248.

To St James Crofte to cause a perfecte declaration to be made in writynge of the armor and munytion in the Northe. n. d. pp. 248, 249.

To the Duke of Norfolke dischardginge hime of his Lewetenancy in the Northe, dated 22d August ij. 1560. p. 249.

A letter from King Edwarde to the gentelmen of B. shire. To muster and resist attempts of the Scots to recover what they have of late lost. pp. 250–252.

A letter to provide for the Invasion of forren Enemyes; dated from our Manner of Greenwich, the xvjth of June, 27 yeare of our raygne. pp. 252-255.

Here followede the lawe for Beacons from the Kinge. M. n. A letter (in blank form) apointynge one to attende the defence of a certayn place.

This is for the towne of Portesmouthe, and appoints SA. B. to be Captain of the sd town and Isle of Portesaye during the King's pleasure, having under him a

certain number of men in garrison for the defence, &c. p. 256.

Articles of Instructions for William Holstocke, esquier, Comptroller of her Mats Shippes, apointed by the Queenes May to repaier to the Leas with suche shippes as shalbe appointed by the L. Admirall: dated at Windsore, the firste of november 1576. 7 items. pp. 257-259.

Copy of a letter indorsed, To our trustie and right welbeloved Counsellor S Raffe Sadlyer, knight, one of our two principall Secretaries, and our Commissioners in Scotland; from King Henry 8, dated from St James the xviijth of Aprill the xxxiiijth yeare our ragine at sixe in the night. pp. 261-272. Relates to the marriage of Mary Queen of Scots.

Instructions given by the Queens Matie unto hir right trustie and welbeloved Cosen and Counsellor, the Erle of Bedforthe, keper of hir Privie Seale, and hir right trustie and welbeloved the L. Fitzwaters, beinge presently sent as hir Highnes Ambassadors to the Prince of Spaine for the purpose ensuynge, the xijth of Marche 1553. (Queene Marye in margin.) Relates to the proposal of the King of Spain for her marriage with his sonne. pp. 273-275.

A letter appointing S Thomas Cornwallis and S Robert Bowes to be Commissioners for the suppression of spoiles, roberies, murders, and other great enormities don upon frontiers of Scotland. pp. 277-279.

Instructions for Sr Thomas Challenor sent to the Dowager of Scotland in Februarie 1555. Relates to the same subject. pp. 280-280.

Queene Marye.-Instructions given to our trustie and welbeloved servaunte Shelley sent to our good brother the Kinge of Romans for the purposes ensuing. Delivered at Westminster, the xjth day of Desember 1557. Asking his advice relative to her marriage with the Prince of Spaine. pp. 284-286. Cal. Scot. 1. 104?

Queene Elizabethe.-A memoriall of certaine matters committed to our servaunte Thomas Randolphe sente to our good syster the Queene of Scottes, the xxth of August 1563. Concerning the marriage of the Queen of Scots and its relation to Queen Elizabeth's interest. pp. 287-290.-Cal. 510. Cal. Scot. 1. 891.

A memoriall for Mester Thomas Randolphe sent by the Queene Matie to the Queene of Scottes, the xviij. of November 1563. On the same subject. pp. 291-294.Cal. 593. Cal. Scot. 1. 193.

A memoriall delivered to Thomas Randolphe beinge sent to the Queene of Scottes in message from the Queenes Matie, the 4 of October 1564.

On the same subject; alludes to the coming of James Melvin, the Queen of Scots on her service. pp. 295299. Cal. Scot. 1. 200.

A memoriall for Henrie Killigree beinge sent from the Queens Matie in meassage to the Q. of Scotts for the things followinge, the xvth of June 1566, anno viij. Elizabeth Regine. Cal. Scot. 1. 235.

Instructions regarding affairs of Scotland. Among other things complains about a "certaine booke newlie "made and written to the prejudice of hir title, The "other that an other should be secreatly made

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touchinge the honor of the said Q. in sondrie pointes, "which last shee saith should be named Randolphes "Dreame. A 3rd matter is the openinge at Barwicke "of a packette of letters brought by a french man out "of France to hir, and at the same tyme a takinge "awaie of a perrot from the same man; the last was "the stayinge Robert Melvill at Barwick beinge sent by the said Q. to the Q. Mais of all which the Killigree shall saye that hir Matie hath harde by "Robert Melvill, &c." He is to be most careful "to understand certaynly what is done by that Q. in the matters of Shane Onele and Rokeby;" is to find out "what Shane Onele hath done with "the Erle of Argile, or with Mr. Eland, or any other "of the Irishe Scotes for his supporte. And as soone as he can finish his message to the Q. and procure answeare he shall returne with speede." Very interesting. pp. 300-307.

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Instructions given by the Queenes Matie to hir trustie servaunt Henry Killigree, beinge sent into Almaine to Fredericke, the Counte Palatine, for these thinges ensuinge; at Hampton Courte the 26 of Januarie 1568. pp. 307-312.

Instructions for Henrie Killigree, Esquier, beinge sent into Fraunce to supplie the place of Fraunce Walsingham, Esquier, hir Mats Ambassador with the

Instructions given to Henrie Killigree, esquier, touchinge the troubles in Scotland, beinge sent thither immediatly after the great murdre that was in Fraunce in August 1572, and the pacificatione thereof. pp. 316318.

Instructions gyven to our trustie and welbeloved servaunte Henry Killigree, Esquier, presently sent into Scotland, the 22 of Maie 1574, in the xvjth, yeare of our raigne. pp. 319-320. Cal. Scot. 1. 382 ?

Other instructions given to the saide Mr. Henrie Killigree, the 27 of Maij 1575, beinge aboute that tyme sent into Scotland. pp. 321-324. Cal. Scot. 1. 390.

Elizabeth R.-Instructions for Frauncis Walsingham, esquire, beinge sent by the Queenes Matie to the Frenche kinge for the matters followinge. The xjth day of August 1570, in the xijth year of hir Mats raigne. pp. 325-330.

A memorial of the matters to be intreated at the Colloquie to be holden at Bruges betwixt the Commissioners of hir Matie, that is, the Vicount Montague, Mr. Doctor Wotten, and of hir Mats Privie Counsell, and Mr. Haddon, Master of Requests of the one parte, and the Commissioners of the King of Spaine of the other; made at Westm, the xjth of March 1565, in the seventh yeare of hir Mas raigne. pp. 331-345, with marginal notes.

Instructions given the viij of June 1575 to Daniell Rogers, beinge then dispatched into Holland to the Prince of Aurange by hir Mats orders. 6 items, with marginal headings. pp. 346-349.

A letter from the Lordes and other of the Counsell, with a memoriall of instructions sent to Sr Humfray Gilbert and the English in the Lowe Countries by Pyckman, one of hir Ma's ordinarie Captaynes at Barwycke. (Marginal heading "by the L. Thr.") pp. 351-352.

A memoriall for Pickman, one of his Mats ordinarye Captaines at Barwicke (with the same heading). pp. 352–355.

of Maij

Instructions gyven by hir Matie, the 1575, to Daniell Silvester, beinge then sent to the Emperor of Russia. pp. 357-360.

The answear delivered to the said Daniell by worde of mouthe to be mad by him in hir Mats name to the Emperor. Secreat message sent by Anthonie Jenkinsone fyrst, and afterward by the said Daniell. pp. 360361.

Elizabeth.-Instructions given to Sr Henrie Cobham, Knight, the of July 1575, beinge then sent from hir Matie to the King of Spaine. pp. 362-370.

[1575.]-Instructions given, the xxixth of October, unto Robert Corbette, esquier, beynge then sent from hir Matie to the Governor for the Kinge of Spaine in the Lowe Contries. pp. 371-379.

Instructions for John Hastinges to be sent into Hollande to the Prince of Aurange, the xxixth of October 1575. pp. 380-387.

Elizabeth R.-Instructions for William Davison sent into the lowe Contries, the 29 of Marche 1576, to_perswade an abstinence from warre betweene the King of Spaine and the Prince of Orandge and the States. pp. 389-394.

Instructions given by the Queenes Matie to her trusty and welbeloved servant Thomas Randolphe, esquier, sent in speciall Ambassage to the Frenche Kinge, the second of Aprill 1576, to perswade him not to intermeddle with the protection of the lowe countries, and to advise him to assent to a peace for the finishinge of the civill warres. pp. 395-400.

Instructions given by the lords of the privy counsell to Mr. Robert Beale, dispatched to the Prince of Orange the xvjth of Aprill 1576. For the releasement of certeine marchantes ships staid at Flushinge. pp. 401-402.

Elizabeth, R.-Instructions geven by the lords of her Mats privy Counsell to Henry Palmer, esquier, appointed to be Capen of her Mat shippes set fourth for the clearinge of the seas, the xixth of Maye, 1570, with chardge to use the Prince of Oraindge ships and people well, and such others as are in league with her Matie. pp. 403, 404.

Instrucions for William Hosstoke, esquire, Comptroller of her Mats Shippes appointed by her highnes to be at the seas by the fyrst of August, 1576. To skowre the narrowe seas for pirattes. pp. 409-412.- Cal. p. 526.

Instrucions for our trusty and welbeloved Sr. Amyas Poulet, knight, appointed to be our Ambassador resident with our good brother the French King. pp. 413-416.

Instrucions given to Mr. Docter Wilson sent into the lowe Countries to the States there the xxijth of October 1576. pp. 417-420.

Instrucions given to St. John Smyth, knight, beinge sent from us to our good brother the Kinge of Spaine for our affaires the xxviijth of November 1576. pp. 421429.

Instrucions given by her Matie to Edward Horssey, esquire, the xiiijth of December, beinge sent to don John d'Austria. pp. 430-436.

Instrucions given to Phillippe Sidney, esquire, beinge sent to the Emperor the vijth of Februarie 1576. pp. 437441.

Instrucions given by hir Majtie to Edmond Huggines sent to the kinge of Marrucos and Fesse, the of Aprill 1577. pp. 442-443.

Instructions given to our lovinge frend Martine Forbusher, Gentlman, for orders to be observed in the viage now recommended to him for the Northe-weste parts and Cataia. pp. 444-447. [1576?]

Instructions for the better direction of suche as shall have licence to passe the seas for the takinge of Pyrates and Sea Rovers to be annexed to their Commission. p. 448.

Instruccions given by the lords of the Q. Mats Privie Councell by her Highnes order and commandement to George Winter, Esquire, now appointed to goe to the sea for her Mats service. pp. 449-453. 11 items. July 1577.

A letter from the Lords to sertayn Bishopps for the salfe custodie of Fecknam, Watson, and others committed unto them for Poperye. p. 455. [1577 ?]

A forme to be observed by my Lords the Bushoppes in the orderinge of suche as weare committed to their custodie for Poperie. 7 items. pp. 456-457.

Instrucions given to Mr. William Davison, Esquire, beinge sent to reside as her Mates Agente in the lowe Contries the seconde of August 1577. pp. 458–460.

Instructions given to Mr. D. Rogers and Mr. Jenkinson beinge sent to Embden to treat with the Kinge of Denmarkes Commissioners. pp. 461-462. Incomplete. A shorte discourse wherein is set down the very truth of the K. of Spayne hys designs against this hole Ile, by the Master of Graye, 1589. 8 leaves. Wants a few lines at the end of the Epilogue.

ALFRED J. HORWOOD.*

THE MANUSCRIpts of Mrs. Prescott, Oxford Square.

Mrs. Prescott (née Cromwell Russell) is a lineal descendant of Oliver Cromwell, the Protector, and possesses some interesting letters and papers which she most obligingly submitted to my inspection. Besides the letters and papers relating to the family, Mrs. Prescott possesses some personal relics of the great man; a copy of a cartulary of Carisbrook, and some original documents relating to the distribution of the funds collected for the relief of the distressed and persecuted Vaudois. (Milton's fine sonnet on the persecution will occur to the reader's recollection.)

1628, April 28. Copy of the Lord Keeper's speech to the Lords, and of His Majesty's answer to the remon

strance.

A catalogue or schedule of the shipping of this Kingdom taken by the enemy in the last three years. (This gives the numbers of ships of different tonnages, their values in money and their respective ports. The total was 260 ships, value 197,000l., besides other ships not named belonging to other ports. I have seen it in print.)

* After this Report was printed another parcel of papers was sent by Mr. Peake. It comprises some letters by Count Gastaldi (at London) Envoy from Genoa, during the years 1740 to 1760.

N

1638, Oct. 13. Copy of letter by Oliver Cromwell to his cousin Mrs. St. John at Sir Wm. Masham's house, called Oates, in Essex. Religious and wordy.

(No year) Sept. 6 or 5, Sleeford. Oliver Cromwell to Col. Walton. Regrets the sad condition of the armies in the west.

13, Car. 1. The case of ship money. The arguments, &c. (a thick volume in folio

).

1640. Diurnal occurrences in Parliament, from 6 Nov. to 26 July 1641. Includes the proceedings against Strafford

1641. Diurnall occurrences, or heads of proceedings in Parliament, from 2 August to 9 August 1641.

1644, July 5. Letter by Oliver Cromwell to his brother, after the battle of Marston Moor. (Printed by M. Daubigné.)

1647, Feb. 25. Copy of letter by Oliver Cromwell to Col. Richard Norton, about the marriage of one of his sons whom he has sent over to Norton.

1648, March 28. Copy of a letter by Oliver Cromwell to Richard Cromwell.

1649, Aug. 13. The same to Dorothea, wife of Richard Cromwell.

1655, August 14. Sir Francis Russell to his son-in-law Henry Cromwell (son of the Protector) in Ireland; promises to send him his hounds.

1655, Nov. 21. Oliver Cromwell to his son Henry; mentions that certain persons are dangerous and may be made the heads of a new rebellion.

1655, June 15. Order to Mr. Waterhouse to pay Mr. Robert Walker 241. for a draught of his Highnesses picture; (signed, Simon Cannon); and the receipt below signed by R. Walker.

1655, Aug. 10. Lady Fauconberg to Henry Cromwell; raising of the siege of Londonderry; conversation between Lord Fauconberg and the King, who said he wanted money and did not intend to raise men.

1657, December 19. Katherine Russell (wife of Sir Francis) to her daughter Mrs. Reynolds; gives an account of the death of General Reynolds who was drowned on his return home.

1657, January 19. Sir Francis Russell to Henry Cromwell, Lord Deputy of Ireland, respecting his daughter Reynolds' claims on the estate of her late husband General Reynolds.

1658, January 18. Return signed by the Earl of Themond and others, of the revenues of public institutions in Ireland. Includes Trinity College, Dublin, the new college, allowance for public library, professors, schools, &c. (a large skin of parchment).

1658, May 1. Return (on parchment) of the state of the revenues of Ireland made in obedience to Oliver Cromwell's commands for one year ending 1658 (the assessment and parochial letters excepted). The balance towards pay of the army and special purposes was 18,4651. 1s. 34d.

A

(1660, July 30). Case of Oliver St. John, Esquire, concerning his actions during the late troubles. defence. 1. As to his friendship with Cromwell. 2. That Thurloe related to some of the army that Cromwell and St. John advised the King's death. 3. About his escaping to Holland.

(No date). An account of money disbursed for mending of the Toyle for his Highness the Lord Protector; for the service done in Greenwich park.

1660, June 9. Cockpitt, George Monck to Col. H. Cromwell, at Sir Francis Russell's, Chippenham, Cambridgeshire. Thinks it not yet convenient for him (Cromwell) to come up; when it is seasonable will acquaint him.

Papers relative to Henry Cromwell's pardon, and testimonials in favour of his conduct while he was Lord Deputy of Ireland.

1664, Feb. 20. License by Manchester, Ashley, and Anglesey to Henry Cromwell, of Spinney, to repair to London for his private occasions.

1634, April 16. Copy will of Benjamin Hewling of London, and letters by him. (His daughter Hannah married Henry Cromwell, second son of Henry 4th son of the Protector.)

1685, Sept. 16. A letter to Mrs. Hannah Moreley, relative to (inter alia) Mr. Hewling and his brother Benjamin Hewling, executed in the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion.

1690, December. Certificate of Henry Cromwell being sworn of His Majesty's (William 3rd) most Honourable Privy Chamber in Ordinary.

A letter undated, from Henry Cromwell to his wife; and one dated Dec. 18, 1690, from Richard Cromwell to his daughter Anne, and another in 1696 to Clark, Baron of the Exchequer.

Many papers, pedigrees, and memoranda, used by Mr. Oliver Cromwell for his published Memoirs of the Protector, and his sons Richard and Henry; and letters of a domestic nature by and to members of the family in the 17th century.

(No date). Copy Declaration of Sir Charles Coote, Lord President of Connaught, and the officers and soldiers under his command, against the oppression of the army, and saying that they will not side with those who uphold the oppression of the army, but will side with the Parliament.

A clear and exact account of the 16,500l. remitted by the order of his Highness and Council to be distributed among the poor distressed Protestants of Piedmont, &c., perfected by Samuel Morland during the time of his abode in Geneva, in qualitie of his Highness's Commissioner Extraordinary for the affairs of the Valleys; 20 21 Nov. viz., 30 Nov. 1655 to 1656. This is a large 1 Dec. folio volume, and contains copies of letters by Thurloe, and of letters by Pell and Morland to Thurloe. At fo. 74 is the conclusion by Morland, and he submits his accounts to Cromwell. Signed by Morland. Appended are many original receipts and vouchers by Goldsmiths, and by Pastors of the Churches of the Valleys.

The

A large folio volume (about 80 leaves filled), begins with a memorandum that Tuesday, 24th Nov. 1657, the Right Honourable Lord Henry Cromwell was sworne Lord Deputy of Ireland. This is followed by copies of letters during Henry Cromwell's tenure of office. The first letter is dated Dublin, 25th Nov. 1657. letters are to Secretary Thurloe, Lord Fleetwood, Lord Broghill, Oliver Cromwell, and others. In a letter to Lord Fleetwood, dated 20th December, 1658, the Lord Deputy says that he is very ill. The last is a letter to the Speaker of the Irish Parliament, dated 15th June 1659.

A small folio paper, 16th century, contains A trew copy of the black book of the priory of Carisbrook, and a survey of the manors and lands thereunto belonging. The cartulary ends at fo. 836. It is all translated into English. Then follow The customs of the manor of the priory of Carisbrook delivered to me John Kingsmill, by some of the tenants of Carisbrook in a Court holden there, to be their customs for 40 years since.-After this comes a rent roll of the possessions of the late priory of Carisbrook, taken in 1573. Folios 174-231 are occupied by a copy of a survey of the manor of Freshwater. The site of the priory of Carisbrook was held by Sir Francis Walsingham. The volume seems to have been compiled by John Kingsmill.

After I had looked over the MSS., Mrs. Prescott was good enough to show me two swords formerly belonging to the Protector, and the very large hat worn by him when he dissolved the Long Parliament, and several other personal relics. One thing of great beauty is a small cabinet presented to him by the Grand Duke of Tuscany; it is of fine Florentine mosaic, enriched with fruit and flowers in pietra dura; its three drawers contain numerous vases of opal-coloured Venetian glass, filled with soaps, powders, and oils, the perfumes of which are still fragrant.

His medicine cabinet is of black wood, fitted with numerous silver cups, boxes, and instruments, but none of the drugs remain.

ALFRED J. HORWOOD.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF J. J. ROGERS, ESQ., OF PENROSE, COUNTY OF CORNWALL.

The volume and papers sent by Mr. Rogers for examination contain transcripts and notes of letters of the 17th and 18th centuries, addressed to and by members of his family. The originals are in the possession of Mr. Rogers.

The letters noted in the papers relate to local politics and family matters.

The letters and fragments of letters copied into the 4to volume contain some matters of public interest, and the notes and illustrations which Mr. Rogers has added make them fully intelligible and interesting.

Eleven letters are from Charles Rogers to his father, John Rogers, who lived at Truth wall, near Godolphin House in Cornwall. A few are written to and by John, son of the said John Rogers. Fourteen or fifteen letters