163, Feb. 18. Petition of the inhabitants of Kidderminster to the King for confirmation of their old privileges, and for a new Charter; and other papers about it: viz. Reference to Noy the Attorney-General;-his report; and reference to prepare a Grant of Incorporation.

1633, Oct. 15. Report by Lord Keeper Cottington and Noy the Attorney-General to the King about the right of Mr. Burrell and Captain Gilbert to an engine invented some years since for taking up gravel and sand from the Thames.

Several letters by Bulstrode Whitelocke.

1634, Sept. 23. Mayence.-Axel Oxenstiern, Chancellor of Sweden, to Sir Robert Anstruther, English Ambassador in Germany:-hoped to have spoken with him, but the difficulties arising out of the battle of Nordlingen will excuse him. Speaks of the necessity of the interference of the King of England to stay the progress of the common

enemy.

1634, Sept. 29. Answer by Anstruther.--He promises 'to lay Oxenstiern's proposal before the King. He has written on the subject by the bearer his servant whom he is sending to England.

1634, Oct. 20. Copy of King's letter to the bailiffs of Ipswich, Oxford, &c., &c., and to the sheriffs of the Counties of Suffolk and Essex, to provide a ship of 700 tons with 250 mariners and proper ordnance, ammunition, and victuals for 26 weeks, to be by the 1st of March, at Portsmouth.

Papers about the Merchant Adventurers and the Staple. (1634?). Observations by Bulstrode Whitelocke in France on the various degrees of lawyers in that country; with the mode of admission of advocates; also on the insolent behaviour of the students of the University of Paris.

163, Jan. 11. William Culpepper, sheriff of Sussex, to the Council. Certifies proceedings for levy of ship money. Has raised 9481. from the Western parts of the County, and has an appointment on the 15th to receive the share of the Eastern parts.

163, Jan. Repairs of St. Paul's.

163, Jan. 30. Kidderminster Petition for confirmation of their Incorporation, &c.-Order of the King that the Charter should pass as prepared by Noy, A. G.

1635, June 4. Brief in the Star Chamber; AttorneyGeneral v. Thomas Violett, Francis Chapman, and others, for transportation of gold.

(1635), June 24. Journal written from the fleet in the Narrow Seas by Sir William Monson, Vice Admiral thereof, to the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, from 8th of June to that day. He details their operations with a view to bring about a meeting between the English fleet and the combined fleets of France and Holland.

1635, Nov. 13. Petition of Sir Saunders Duncombe, one of the King's Gentlemen Pensioners. He mentions his Patent for the sole benefit of putting to hire all covered chairs or hand litters in London and Westminster, and prays that he may have the sole privilege of making, selling and putting to hire all such chairs in all other places in the Kingdom.-November 19. A reference to the Attorney-General or Solicitor-General to prepare a book according to the Petition.

1635, April 14. Proposition of Baron John Skytte, Ambassador of Sweden, for a league between England and Sweden, and for assistance in case of war with Poland.-And Answer, by the King's Command, to the Proposition. (fo. 94-129.)

1635. Note of all Ships to be provided in England and Wales by the 1st of March 1635, with their burthens, men, and charges. (55 ships at a charge of 218,5001.)

Vol. VII. (1636-1639).

163, Jan. 5. Petition of Richard Freeborne, servant to James, Duke of Lenox, to the King, for a grant for 30 years of the sole gathering of a sea weed called Oaze, which may be advantageous to the Kingdom in saving of straw and fodder for cattle and other necessaries. and reference to the Attorney-General or Solicitor-General to prepare a Bill accordingly.

1636, March 30. Petition of Wm. Westby, for the sole benefit of an invention for making pan or Flanders tiles :And a Reference to the A. G. or S. G. to prepare a book accordingly.

1636, April 13. Letter to Bulstrode Whitelocke by Edward Hyde. The plague is in town.

Many petitions of various kinds.

1636, April 15. Decree of the Lord Keeper in the case of Edmund Terrey and others v. Sir Edmund Fowler and others, on a question under the Will of William Bowes, father of Anne, wife of Sir E. Fowler.-It was held that under a bequest half of residue to grand children and greatgrand children, those living at the testator's death and at the time when the residue became divisible were entitled.

1636, May 5. Petition for a Patent for 21 years for Refreshment boats on the Thames.-And reference to the A. G. or S. G. to prepare a Bill.

Petition to be allowed to suffer a recovery of land to pay debts.

Petition for remission of fines.

1636, Dec. 21. Separate examination of John Rowsewell, clerk, Vicar of Dowltinge, Co. Somerset and others, before Bishop Pierce of Bath and Wells, and the Archdeacon of Wells, and a Justice of the Peace, touching the book spread in the county of Somerset called "The Divine "Tragedy lately acted, or God's judgments upon Sabbath "breakers." The copies in question were traced home to John Ash of Freshford, clothier, who received a fardell containing 200 of these books sent anonymously from London, with instructions to sell them at 8d. each, and remit the money to Henry Burton, a minister in London. (Indorsed by William Dell, Secretary to Archbishop Laud.)

(1636.) Other informations of more dispersions of the late libels, chiefly relating to the book called "News from "Ipswich."

(1637?) Petition of Bishop (Williams) of Lincoln to the King, asking for further time to prepare his answer to the Information against him.—Brief in the matter, and other papers.

(1637) Notes of charge against W. Prynne that he was the author of the "Tragedy of God's Judgments, &c.," and also of the "News from Ipswich."

Letters by Edward Hyde to Bulstrode Whitelocke.

Vol. VIII. (1640-1642).

1638, Jan. 7. Notes by Edward Nicholas of business to be transacted by the Council of War; with a subsequent list of Orders made since that day. These relate to mili

tary preparations in the North of England, pay and provisions to soldiers, and supply of ordnance and ammunition.

Accounts of profits of the Court of Common Pleas.
Parliamentary Elections, Co. Bucks.

Petitions, by the Merchant Adventurers trading to Guernsey and the Low Countries, &c., &c., clothiers, Co. Somerset, &c.

A Star Chamber Case,

1641, July 1. Notes by Bulstrode Whitelocke of business transacted by the House of Commons, concerning breach of privileges of the Commons by orders of the Lords.

1641, July 7. Notes of Discussion in the House of Commons on the King's message of the 5th instant respecting a Manifesto on behalf of the Elector Palatine.

Parliamentary proceedings; Irish rebellion, and Papists. 1641, Nov. 17. Speech of the Venetian Ambassador at the Council, regarding the opening of his letters.

(1642, April.) Letter (imperfect at beginning) about operations of troops under Lord Ormond and Lieut.-Col. Monk engaged in the suppression of the Rebellion in Ireland.

Letters by Edward Hyde to Bulstrode Whitelocke.
Paper about the Glass-makers.

Vol. IX. (1641-1648).
House of Commons Business.

164, Jan. 5, Oxford. Attested copy of the King's letter to his Generals, &c., to permit certain of the Lords and Commons assembled at Westminster, together with certain Lords and gentlemen of Scotland to repair to Uxbridge from London, stay there, and return at pleasure.

(1645.) Notes, partly in the handwriting of Bulstrode Whitelocke, deduced from the communication between the King and the Parliament Commissioners for the treaty of Uxbridge. These shew what were the proposals of the Commissioners, and what were the King's answers on most of the principal subjects of treaty.

164, March 16. Letter by Col. Christopher Which cote, Governor of Windsor Castle, regarding treasure said to be found there. John Marston, Clerke, said to be author of "The City's Complaint."

Letters, &c. regarding the Surrender of Sherborne House. Orders of the House of Commons:-various.

Vol. X. (1649-1650).

164, Jan. 6. Ralph Darnall to Bulstrode Whitelocke. (A news letter.) The King is a prisoner. A Court of Justice to be appointed. Intelligence of the Prince of Wales, Duke of York, &c.-Another letter by Darnall.

1649, Aug. 4. Dublin. Col. John Moore to Bulstrode Whitelocke. Surprise of the Irish rebels at Bayatrea, near Dublin: 300 killed, and the Earl of Fingal, Col. Butler, and Lieut.-Col. Searle, and other considerable persons prisoners. Then, in pursuit, the main body were attacked and routed with loss of 3,000 killed and 1,500 prisoners. Orders of Commissioners for compounding with Delinquents.

Prince

164. N. P. to Elton Reade (at Rouen). Charles is to marry Duke Hamilton's daughter. Petitions, various. (Whitelocke was one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal.)

Particulars of Estates compounded for.

1650, June 21. Report of the Committee appointed in the Reign of James I., stating reasons for the repeal of 247 Statutes; and Order of the House of Commons that it be referred to a Committee to revise all former Statutes and Ordinances now in force and consider how the same may be produced (reduced ?) into a more compendious way.

1650, July 31. Ralph Darnall to Lord Commissioner. Whitelocke. A news letter. He tells of Cromwell's movements in Scotland.

(1650.) Petition of Sir William Davenant, prisoner in the Tower, to the Council of State.--He sets forth the course of his former life, and prays to be admitted to bail.

Vol. XI. (Jan. to Dec. 1651).

165, Jan. 19. Anonymous letter to Bulstrode Whitelocke (Indorsed" Cousin Petty ").--Lord Montrose is gone from Gottenburgh, bound for the Isles of Orkney, where intends to enter Scotland with 1,200 men of all nations; but is frozen in, and will hardly come forth this winter. Has with him the King's colours of foot, of black taffeta with a man's head in the middle, bleeding as if newly cut off (and certain other symbolical flags). John Mackeleare, a rich Scot merchant in Gottenburgh has disbursed for Montrose's design about 60,000 crowns.

1651, July 19. The camp near Callendar House. R. Hatter to (B. Whitelocke). News letter from Scotland.Callendar House taken by storm. The King's speech in the Council of War yesterday. The Council said that quarter should be given. The Ki g said they might do what they would; but for his part he would not give any, for he was sure he should have none.

1651, Aug. 21. Amerigo Salvetti, the Florence agent, to Sir Oliver Fleming, Master of the Ceremonies.-The Grand Duke is not pleased that no answer is returned to his letter of acknowledgment sent to the English Republic.

1651, Dec. 26. (Sir John Danvers to Lord Commissioner Whitelocke). Names various persons as fit to be included in the nomination expected for supervising or .contracting the laws.

(1651 ?). Proposals concerning the support of Windsor Castle. (A draft corrected by Whitelocke).

A good deal of matter in the Chambers of the Lords Commissioners.

Vol. XII. (1652).

165, Feb. 12. John Milton to Lord Commissioner Whitelocke ;-regarding the safeguard to be granted to the Count of Oldenburgh, who wished the grant to go to his successors provided they did nothing against the Commonwealth of England. - (Signed, and three or four words interlined by Milton. Seal of a double headed eagle).

Papers about the Earl of Leven, a prisoner on parole to the Commonwealth.

1652, June 11. Sir Balthasar Gerbier to Whitelocke.Refers to his proposal for some tax or levy which would get seven millions from strangers " and which will sweeten more than excises and taxations."

Vol. XIII. (Jan.-Sept.).

165, March 22. Marchmont Needham to" My Lords." -Dutch naval affairs;-Rupert at Nantes, ill with dysentery. The Dutch much dispirited at the Victory of the English,

Correspondence with Israel Lord Lagerfeldt about pro- MARQUE posed treaty with Sweden.

1653, Sept. 2. Cromwell and Sir Geo. Pickering announce to Whitelocke his nomination by the Council of State as Ambassador to Sweden. (Copy). Lord Lisle had excused himself, for want of health. Papers about the Embassy.

Vol. XIV. (1653, Oct.-Dec.).

Many papers about the Embassy to Sweden.

Vol. XV. (1654, Jan.-May.)

Letters by Marchmont Needham, John Thurloe, W. Lenthall.

Drafts of letters to and by the Queen of Sweden and the Chancellor.

Drafts of letters by Whitelocke.

Instructions to Whitelocke, signed and sealed by Oliver Cromwell.

Vols. XVI-XIX.

These contain letters and papers from June 1654 to Dec. 1662.-Nothing about the Restoration.

Vol. XX. (1663-1684).

In the vols. XI-XX., there are, besides the letter by Milton, four letters by Selden, six by Cromwell, 22 by Thurloe, one by Hyde, four by Algernon Sydney, two by Admiral Blake, and several by Monk and Needham.

Vol. XXI.

Papers relating to family history, principally pedigrees of noble families.

Papers relating to fees taken by judges and others, principally at Assizes.

Notes in the handwriting of Sir E. Littleton (afterwards Lord Keeper)-legal and parliamentary.

Vol. XXII.

A miscellaneous collection; chiefly on legal subjects. No. 19 (38 leaves) is a description of Embassy to Sweden; in the shape of a narrative.

Embassy to Sweden, with Whitelocke's meditations and notes thereupon, and touching the Government, public councils, and persons there, and of our own and other countries, with some resemblance to the Commonwealth of Israel.

Vol. XXIII.

Extracts from public Records.--John to Charles I. No. 2 is Account of what rolls there remain among the public records from 1 John to 22 Edw. IV.

Vol. XXIV.

Legal and Historical Collection; tempp. James I. and Charles I.

pp. 123-6. Notes of the history of the Knights Templars in England.

pp. 349-50. The Earl of Clare's Case concerning his new building between Lincoln's Inn Fields and Drury Lane, erected by license under the Great Seal which cost above 1,000l. He has reserved an open space for the country people to vend their commodities, and part thereof for a church.

pp. 411-414. Commencement of a Petition to the Prince d'Amour from his oppressed subjects in the Temple, complaining of the interference of some of his vice-gerents in alterations of costume.

Vol. XXV.

Particulars of Estates (between 80 and 90) for sale at various places.

Extracts from records chronologically arranged, principally relating to the right of fishing in the Narrow Seas, the arrest of goods of foreigners by way of reprisal for wrongs done at sea, right to wreck and other marine affairs (Hen. III. to Edw. IV.).

Vol. XXVI.

Correspondence between the Courts of England and Denmark and their Ambassadors, 1590-1600.

Transcripts and Abstracts of original documents principally in relation to complaints on both sides of acts of spoliation committed at sea.

Vol. XXVII.

A work by Whitelocke.-The History of Persecution, from the earliest period. (It comes down to about 1620.)

OF BATH

The beloved City, or the Saint's reign on earth 1,000 years, 4to, 1643, with alterations and corrections by the author (W. Burton).

Another tract by Burton, beginning, "Clement, the blessed Paul's fellow labourer in the Gospell, in the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians." 4to. 1647.

(Burton was usher to Farnaby the grammarian while he kept a school in London, and was afterwards Master of the Grammar School of Kingston-upon-Thames. He was tutor to Lord Weymouth.)

Correspondence of Matthew Prior.

(A box full of volumes and letters.)

A 4to volume containing 103 letters to Prior from the Secretary of State and others. 1693-1696.-The writers are Burnet, the Earl of Dorset, Sir William Trumbull, Mr. James Vernon (many), the Duke of Shrewsbury, Mr. J. Tucker, and the Earl of Pembroke.

A 4to volume containing 144 letters to Prior by the Secretary of State and others. The writers are Mr. H. May (at Dublin), the Earl of Galway, Vernon, the Marquis of Winchester, the Duke of Shrewsbury, Mr. Pidmore (at Dublin), Mr. Ellis, Mr. Van Leewen, M. de St. Evremont, Mr. Tucker.

A 4to volume containing letters from R. Powys to Prior, 1694-1699.

Under the date 1698, July 14, he writes, "Mr. Godfrey "Kneller has drawn at length the picture of your friend "Jacob Tonson, which he shewed Mr. Dryden, who "desired to give a touch of his pensill, and underneath it "writ these 3 verses:

"With leering look, bull faced and freckled fair, "With frowsy pores poisoning the ambient air, "With two left leggs and Judas coloured hair." A 4to volume containing 113 letters to Prior from the Secretary of State and others. 1697. The writers are J. Tucker, James Vernon, Sir W. Trumbull, Secretary Blathwayt, H. May (second Secretary of Ireland), the Marquis of Winchester, Mr. Dawson (Clerk in the office at Dublin), and the Earl of Galway.

A 4to volume containing News Letters to Prior by R. Yard at Whitehall. Jan. 1697 to 1 Dec. 1698.

A 4to volume containing 130 letters to Prior by the Secretary of State and others; 1699. The writers are J. Vernon, the Earl of Portland, Lord Bernard, Tucker, H. May, M. Robethan, M. Fromard, the Earl of Albemarle, the Earl of Jersey, the Earl of Galway, John Gordon bishop of Galloway, Blaythwayt, the Earl of Manchester, J. Marky (at Dover), and Abraham Stanian.

The letter from the Bishop of Galloway (no date) says that he had served King James, but after ten years reflection wishes to return and perform his duty as an honest man and a legal subject.

A letter from Abraham Stanian (Paris, 5 Dec. 1699), says that King James is ill; they say he has got a carbuncle near the fundament, very like the plague.

A 4to volume, contains letters to Prior and to the Earl of Jersey, from the Earl of Manchester. 1700.

A 4to volume contains 140 letters to Prior; from the Duke of Marlborough, Lord High Treasurer, the Secretary of State, and others, in 1700. Among them I noticed a letter from Rigaud, chief painter to the King of France, about a picture of the Earl of Jersey and Prior.-A letter from Mons Huel at the Hague (literary).-A letter dated Jan. 28, 1702, from Robert Sanderson, asking for employment. He says" My affairs have but a melancholy aspect " at present, for I'm out of all manner of business by reason Mr. Rymer is out of that work which his late Majesty in his Council committed him to attend. I "have been for several years assisting him therein.

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66

66

"wish you would wayte on Mr. Churchil and desire him to "let Mr. Johnson know that the rectory of Knoyle in the pleasantest part of Wiltshire in my gift is now void, and, by the command of my Lord Duke of Marlborough, at "Dr. Shaw's service. I wrote to Heron about a fortnight "since to give Mr. Johnson by Mr. Churchil notice of "this; but it seems he was out of town, and on his journey collecting the rents of my business. I would "have Dr. Shaw be very nimble in the matter and go "down with speed to see it while his instruments are preparing, because it is harvest time, and he will certainly "suffer by the Bishop of Sarum sequestering it into ill "hands. I suppose you have got the form of all manner of "presentations; for that of one Bishop to another is very "different from that of lay persons to Bishops. I am, &c."

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Letters from the Duke of Montagu, the Duke of Kent, Edward Southwell, Sir Thomas Hanmer, Lionel Earl of Dorset, Peter Needham, Lord Cholmley, Lord Weymouth, Henry St. John, the Earl of Oxford (about the dowry of King James's Queen, &c.), Lord Lexington, Atterbury, the Earl of Stafford, Lord Bathurst, the Duke of Buckingham, Capt. W. Philips, the Honble W. Bromley, Jonathan Swift.

A letter from Swift dated Dublin, March 24, 1719, asks Prior's influence to get Lords of his acquaintance to attend the hearing of an appeal in the House of Lords in a suit between Sir Theobald Butler and Lady Pendergras, "a sister of Cadogan, and the greatest widow Blacacre now in Christendom." He says that Sir Theobald was one of his flock upon the Deanery, a gentleman universally beloved.

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"Sir, I

1719, April 28. Dublin.-Swift to Prior. thought to have had the happiness of seeing you before "this time, because my health required a journey. But "whether I fancy my Head is something better, or that "little paultry impediments stop me, or the sang froid of fifty, I can not tell; but so it is that I have past the time, and can not be at Aix la Chapelle in May as I intended " and writt to my friends in London that I would. But I am going to try a more lazy remedy of Irish Country "air; and as my return is uncertain, I thought fit to let you know that your subscribers want their books, and "that your bookseller is a blockeed for not sending them. "I spoke to one Mr. Hyde a bookseller here who has been employ'd that way. And they must be sent in quires consigned to Mr. Hyde, bookseller, at his shop in Davies Street, Dublin. Pray, order that they may be sent as soon as possible, and care shall be taken to have them "delivered to the subscribers and receive the second guinee. I am just getting on horseback, and have only "time to desire you will please to present my humble "service to the Earl of Oxford, &c."

A folio volume containing copies of letters by Prior from the Hague. 1693, Jan. 3 to 1697, Nov. 5. (436 pp.) A folio volume containing copies of letters by Prior from Paris, 14 Feb. 1693 to 20 Oct. 1698.

A folio containing copies of letters by Prior from Paris, 10 Oct. 1698 to 14 Nov. 1699, and from London, 16 Nov. 1699 to 22 Aug. 1701.

A folio volume, containing copies of letters by Prior, from London; 1 Sept. 1701 to 21 July 1712.

A folio volume containing copies of letters by Prior, from Paris; 12 Oct. 1714 to 21 March 1715; and from London, 27 April 1715 to 31 Aug. 1721. (This volume is lettered Vol. 7.)

A folio volume contains original papers, some signed by the Commissioners and by the King (William III. at Loa) in the matter of the Treaty of Ryswick, 1697, &c. &c.

1697, Aug. 10. Report (signed by Bridgwater, Tankarville, John Pollexfen, John Locke, and Abraham Hill) to the Lords Justices, in relation to Trade between England and Russia.

Papers relating to Hudson's Bay and the French claims thereto :-the Plantations.

There are the Articles of the Treaty of Ryswick, signed and sealed by the Commissioners; and the Treaty and the separate Article, both signed and sealed by the King.

Folio.-Copies of letters in the matter of the treaty of Ryswick and other papers relating thereto;-and referring to Journal B. and the Appendix. 1697.

Folio. Journal of proceedings at Ryswick, 1697;—with Memoirs and Treaties relating thereto, and referring to the 1st volume of Letters written by Mr. Prior, 1696.

Folio.-Memoirs and Treaties, &c. referrible to the 1st volume of Mr. Prior's letters written at the Hague, 1696, &c.

Folio. Trade and Plantations: Revenue and Management of Customs, 1685-1711.-Copies of various letters, and notes regarding the different Countries. Papers on the Revenue, tempp. James II. and William III. Folio.-Miscellaneous. Original letters and Memoranda,

1690-1700, referrible to vols. A. B. C. D. and Appendix. -Project of a Treaty of Alliance between England, Holland, and Savoy.-Papers relating to release of ships, goods, prisoners of war, &c. With answers: some by Marshal Tallard, &c.

Folio. Copies of various Treaties, 1547-1709, referrible to A., B., C., and Appendix.

Folio.-A help to History, or Annals from 1459 to 1711, by M. Prior, Esq. (Short entries.)

Folio.-Remarks on Treaties.-Journal of proceedings in the Treaty of Utrecht, 1711.

Articles of the Treaty of Munster and Osnaburgh, 1648. Pyrenean Treaty, 1659.

1712. Diary of Prior (several leaves in his own handwriting).

Remarks on Religion in Germany.

Many pages of Notes by Prior on events and persons.

Folio (400 pp.).-Poetical Miscellanies. A few in print. -Some fragments apparently not included in his printed works.-An Index.-A few remarks, perhaps by Lord Oxford.

A 4to volume in red Morocco.-Poems on several occasions.

A 4to volume in red Morocco.-Prose.

1. Heads for a treatise upon Learning. Begins, "we commonly call School-learning."

"What

2. Essay upon Opinion. Begins, "Since Opinion is said "to be the Queen of the World."

3. Dialogue between Charles the Emperor and Clenard the Grammarian.

4. Dialogue between Mr. John Locke and the Seigneur de Montaigne. Begins, "Locke.-Is it not wonderful."

5. Dialogue between the Vicar of Bray and Sir Thomas More. Begins, "Farewell then to the dear Vicarage."

6. Dialogue between Oliver Cromwell and his Porter. Begins, "What a vicissitude doth death bring to human "affairs."

Folio (7 leaves). Fragments in prose and verse transcribed from loose papers in Prior's own hand.

A bundle of Original letters by Prior to Robert and Edward Harley, Earls of Oxford.

Folio (76 leaves). Begins, "The present design of vin"dicating the University of Oxford from the odious and "unjust charge of disloyalty to His Majesty King "George."

1721, May 12. Copy letter (in French) from Prior to Montfaucon, introducing to him Mr. Sherrard, who had been more than 20 years in the East collecting antiquities. (24 pp. fol.)

1721, July 11. Answer by Montfaucon. - Has met Sherrard before.-Thanks Lord Oxford for three plates

which he has sent.

The Duchess of Portland's Box.

Folio. Copies of letters by Robert Harley, afterwards 16 Earl of Oxford, to the Duke of Marlborough, April 27 Dec. 25 1706 to 1711. At the beginning of the volume is Jan. 6 a copy by Harley of Additional Instructions to the Duke of Marlborough, 10 April 1706.

Folio.-Parentela; sive Parentalia Hollesiorum, &c.; by Gervase Holles of Grimsby, 1658. (Extracts from this volume are in Collins's Noble Families; referring to this volume as then belonging to the Duchess of Portland.) No copy of this volume is in the British Museum, which has some volumes by the Author, who was nephew to John Holles, 1st Lord Clare.

Folio.-Original letters (and some copies of letters) to Earl Rivers, 1706 and 1707. The writers are the Duke of Marlborough, Halifax, Godolphin, Sir C. Hedges (many), Robert Harley, Col. William Stainforth (at Lisbon), James Stanhope (at Valencia), Charles, King of Spain (several originals), Sunderland, Anthony Stoughton, Somers, Prince Lichtenstein, Paul Methuen, the Duke of Berwick, Lord Coningsby, Hugh Boscawen. (The volume contains copies of some letters by Earl Rivers.)

A 4to volume containing 50 or 60 letters to Robert Harley, 21 July 1704 to 30 Jan. 1707.

Three 4to volumes of Extracts by the Duchess of Portland from various MSS.

A 4to volume containing letters by Mrs. Elizabeth Montagu to the Duchess of Portland, 1780, &c.

A 4to volume containing letters by Elizabeth Robinson to the Duchess of Portland, 1740, &c.

A 4to volume unbound. Copy of account of the defence of Bramton Bryan Castle, co. Hereford, by Lady Brilliana Harley, 1643 and 1644 (112 pp.).

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Richard Pace, priest, to King Henry VIII. :-" Pleaseth hyt your hyghnes to be advertised that upon the 21 "day of July we entered the montens named le Colle de "Tenda;" . . . . difficult ascent and passage.-The fifth day after "we attayned Nise, the foot of the said hil, when themperor banketted for the space of two hours of the "Duke of Savoy, and the duchesse departed incontinent "to the camp, lying three miles beyond, in St. Laurence, "within the jurisdiction of France."-Mentions a town called Freieu;-a storm damaged the tents of the army;-the defeat of the French by the Spaniards;-two French nobles, M. Busie and Monteiaine, taken, but ransomed and gone home, &c. (3 pp., some part in cypher.)

Instructions for Pace, containing such things as he shall disclose to the Duke and Senate of Venice, or to others

having principal authoritie in the government of the bien publique of that dominion. (5 pp.)

Confession of Katherine Howard. Cotemporary copy signed by Norfolk, Hertford, Stephen Winton (Gardiner), Anthony Brown, Thomas Wriothesley, and others. (About 4 pp.) 15.

Jan. 15. Cardinal Wolsey to Pace, Ambassador in Italy to treat with the Venetians for aid to the Emperor against the French. (6 pp. signed by Wolsey.)

15.., Aug. 25. Wolsey (at Sothewell) to Mr. Secretary -Thanks him for kindness to the Provost of Beverley. -The King has taken him as his poor orator and scolar.— Asks his means with the King for his college.

15.., Aug. 25. Wolsey (at Sothewell) to the same.—Prays him to be his friend in the uncharitable suit of Strangwashe for 7007. which he pretends Wolsey owes for the ward of Bowes." At his first coming to my service the matter was ended. Perceiving that I am out of favour, destitute of socour, and in calamite, he has renewed his suit and complained to the King."-Has received the King's letter, which of course the Secretary knows.-Has written to his trusty friend Mr. Cromwell to make reasonable offers to him.-Asks the Secretary's aid, according to what Cromwell shal Itell. . . "In the doing whereof ye shall bind me to be your daily bedesman."

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15. ., March 2. Wolsey (at Westminster) to Richard Knight, ambassador to Lady Margaret. He acknowledges Knight's letter from Mechlin of the 10th instant. 4 pp.)

1551, July 25. J. Warwyk (John Dudley) to the Lord Chamberlayn, or in his absence to Mr. Vice Chamberlayn (concerning a picture of Lady Isabel, the daughter of France, sent to King Edward).

The writer says that, Half a year or more past, when Guy"dot gave to the King a gilt cup, he also presented to him a picture of lady Isabel, with whom now the contract "between the King and His Majesty is begun to be made ;"but Guydot was only an instrument of the French Queen, "who most desires the marriage; it is well for the King "to shew that it is neither here nor there in the matter:-"he sends the picture, if the King's pleasure be so that

"the same should be in a redynes for the last day. Look"ing in a desk of mine I found it there," and "recollected "that whereas Guyot gave it to the King, the King gave "it to me; thinking it my duty to send it to his highness "with the considerations before rehearsed."

Eight letters from Cranmer to Sir W. Cecil. (Printed in Strype's Memorials of Cranmer, Oxf., 1812.)

1551, Aug. 23. Cranmer to Cecil.-The bearer, Mr. Coverdale, bishop elect of Exeter, is now through in all matters to the consecration, save only in doing his homage and in despatch of his first fruits.-Asks, in consideration of his long attendance, and the great lack the western parts have of him (Coverdale), that he may soon take the oaths and have Cecil's assistance for obtaining his suit concerning the first fruits.-Intends, on the 30th of the month, to consecrate him and the bishop of Rochester.

A letter in Greek (4 lines) by Sir John Cheke, to his brother, Mr. Cecil, servant to the Protector.

Letters by and about Sir W. Ralegh.

1584, July 9, Feb. 10, Feb. 20. Letters to the ViceChancellor and others of the University of Cambridge (arising out of his patent for sweet wines).

1592, Aug. 27. Walter Ralegh to the Lord High Admiral-desiring three ships to guard the East India Ship (the Madre de Dios), which Sir John Burgh was bringing into Plymouth.

1592, Sept. 17. Walter Ralegh to the Lord Treasurer and the Lord Admiral :-asking for a commission to enquire about the pillage of the ship at Plymouth.

1592, Sept.

Walter Ralegh to the Lord Treasurer. -Sir George Carew hath dealt with him to know in particular how her Majesty might be profited by the Carecke; -he cannot give account of the doings of so many persons; -of 5,000 tons of shipping her Majesty took but 1,100;of 18,000l. in money her Majesty hath but 1,5007., and for the other 1,8001. has employed in her two ships ;-as by Sir John Hawkins' account will appear, her Majesty hath one tenth ;-he thinks 200,000l. is the value of the Carack;-if she had borne the cost, it would be 40,000l., but it stood her only 1,500l. ;-if instead of 20,000l. he had made it 100,000l., he had done injury to none but himself; hopes she will accept the benefit as his ransom. "From this unsavoury dungeon, this of Sept."

15. July 12. Walter Ralegh (at Sherborne) to Mr. Michael Hext, servitor to the Lord Treasurer.-Ásks favour (partly for love and partly for honest consideration) for Capt. Springe, that her Majesty owes 3007;-he has served her long and received many wounds in her service.

July 2. Walter Ralegh (at Sherborne) to Mr. Michael Hext, secretary to the Lord High Treasurer of England. (p. Nothing important.)

(No date.) Walter Ralegh to Sir M. Hickes.-Asks him not to press John Shollney for a debt for which he was surety for Ralegh ;—if he be imprisoned Ralegh cannot get his arrearages for wines.

(No date.) Walter Ralegh to . . . . about some suit about land, which he says was not his; but a lease was granted by the King to the use of his wife and children.

(No date.) Copy of a letter (eight lines) of Ralegh to Buckingham, beginning, "Sir,-You have by your media"tion put me again into the world."

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(No date.) Cecil to Michael Hicks, Esq. The body of the letter is unimportant, but the addition is, "Whatever you hear of innocency, know they are all in the King's mercy. For Sir W. Ralegh, his contempts are high, "however his crimes may fall in foro judicii."

1618, Midsummer eve, Greenwich.-Thomas Lorkin to. . . . He writes to correct his former in one part concerning Sir Walter Ralegh, who, according to common fame and vogue at Court, wrote to be at London, whereas in truth he is yet in Devonshire, committed to a private gentleman's house. He mentions letters from Spain against Ralegh for the Guiana business ;-Sir Thomas Lake's place and the pretenders to it (named);-the censure of Trask (a minister) in the Star Chamber for Jewish opinions as to the Sabbath, and swine;-other news.-At Wanstead Buckingham entertains the King and the Prince. Friday last week the King was there, but the Prince was not invited, and he took it amiss.-Buckingham's excuse was that he was short of provisions, and he made it up by ordering hangings and furniture for two rooms to feast and lodge him.

[15], August 23. Thomas Crumwell to Sir John Wallop, the King's Ambassador resident at the Court of France. Directs him in what manner to justify the King's actions in the matter of the divorce and the execution of Sir Thomas More and the Bishop of Rochester, &c.-News. (6 pp.)

1559. A paper indorsed by William Cecil," 1559. "The first devise to sett the armes of England in the

"Scott Q. name."-On the other side is a well drawn and coloured shield of arms; quarterly, 1st and 4th, France and Dauphiny, quarterly; 2nd and 3rd, Scotland. On an escochen of pretence France and England quarterly.

1560, March. William Cecill to Thomas Randolfe, the Queen's servant in Scotland.-Sends a memorial by order of the Queen;-directs him to suspend as much as he thinks necessary;-he may open the question of marriage, and a league perpetual between the two countries, which, if not done now, while Queen Elizabeth is free from marriage, and Scotland from the band of France, may never be.

1567, Nov. 15, Norwich. The Duke of Norfolk to Queen Elizabeth.--Opinions about her marriage with the Archduke Charles ;-he thinks him not very careful of religion, and that her Majesty may persuade him afterwards to change; hopes she will marry soon; the people desire it. (3 pp.)

(No date.) Sir Thomas Gresham to the Queen.-Information about the fall of the Exchange ;-he gives the causes; alludes to Henry VIII.'s doings;-his remedies are: 1.-To coin base money into fine. 2.-Not to restore the Still Yard to their usurped privileges. 3.-To grant as few licenses as she can. 4. To contract as small debts as possible beyond sea. 5.--To keep her credit, specially with her own merchants. (34 pp.)

1658, Nov. 3, Dublin. Sir Thomas Ware to W. Dugdale (in reply).-About the Irish bogs; and refers to Dr. Gerard Boat's Ireland's Natural History; 8vo., Lond., 1652.

Copies of three Letters by Oliver Cromwell.

1650, Sept. 4, Durham. Oliver Cromwell to his wife; telling of success in battle.

1652, Dec. 10. Cockpit.-Oliver Cromwell to Anthony Hungerford, Esq.-Explanations for not having visited him.

1655, Nov. 19, Whitehall. Oliver P. to Col. Norton ;asks him to assist Col. Goffe, who will be at Winchester to-morrow.

Edward Hyde to Col. Gervase Holles. Fourteen letters from Paris, Breda, and other places. -. Eleven letters, beginning

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Edward Hyde to

My dear," or "My dear daughter," from Madrid, St. Sebastian, Paris, &c.

Edward Hyde to Major General Massey. (One.) The Princess Anne to King William III. Letter of condolence on the death of the Queen.

Charles I. and Charles II.

1644, May 16. Oxford. Holograph letter by Charles I. to his Nephew ;-has sent Sir Richard Cave to tell of the end of his Sons' journey in the West.

1659, July 25. Brussels. Charles II. acknowledges that he had 2001. of the Earl of Leicester, while in difficulties. 1660, March 16. Brussels. (Charles II. ?) to Acknowledges his goodwill and fidelity;-has the peace and happiness of the nation at heart;-asks him to continue his zeal with friends and relations for the King. (At the corner of the bottom of the page is the letter K., apparently for the signature.)

(No date.) Holograph letter or Memorandum by Charles II. to -That Ostend be delivered to him without delay, that he may make provision for the effectual and speedy assistance of Flanders, which he can't do unless it be entirely in his hands. In recompence, he is to send 12,000 men into Flanders over and above the garrisons of Ostend and Neuport; the particulars of the treaty must take time, therefore till he have an answer to them he must put off the meeting of Parliament; "and what prejudice the delay of time will be to the whole affair I "leave them to judge." (1 p.)

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1659, June. Brussels. Edward Nicholas to Col. Holles. On politics in England.

1660, May 5. Breda. The same to the same ;-has received his letter by Warner, Master of his Majesty's barge; hopes it will not be long before his Majesty makes use of his services in person. (He expects the Restoration.)

Philip and Mary: (their signature and seal). Order for delivering to the parish Church of Wabridge, for the better furniture of the same, certain stuff, specified.

Letters, temp. Queen Elizabeth.

(c. 1570.) Archbishop of Canterbury to the Lord Treasurer.--The state of the Dean and Prebendaries of Chester. (1 p.)

1584, May 8. The Archbishop of Canterbury to Burghley;-defense against charges by Mr. Beale that he spake opprobriously of the House of Commons, and the Church of Scotland.