286 LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 



Secondly, Where it is desired, that unto the words 

 degree or dignity of baron, the word honour might be 

 added ; I know very well, that in the preface of the ba 

 ronets patent it is mentioned, that all honours are derived 

 from the king. I find also, that in the patent of the baro 

 nets, which are marshalled under the barons (except it be 

 certain principals) the word honour is granted. I find also, 

 that the word dignity is many times in law a superior word 

 to the word honour, as being applied to the king himself, 

 all capital indictments concluding contra coronam et digni 

 tatem nostram. It is evident also, that the word honour 

 and honourable are used in these times in common speech 

 very promiscuously. Nevertheless, because the style of 

 honour belongs chiefly to peers and counsellors, I am 

 doubtful what opinion to give therein. 



Thirdly, Whereas it is believed, that if there be any 

 question of precedence touching baronets, it may be ordered, 

 that the same be decided by the commissioners marshal ; I 

 do not see but it may be granted them for avoiding dis 

 turbances. 



Fourthly, For the precedence of baronets I find no altera 

 tion or difficulty, except it be in this, that the daughters 

 of baronets are desired to be declared to have precedence 

 before the wives of knights eldest sons ; which, because it 

 is a degree hereditary, and that, in all examples, the daugh 

 ters in general have place next the eldest brothers wives, 

 I hold convenient. 



Lastly, Whereas it is desired, that the apparent heirs 

 males of the bodies of the baronets may be knighted during 

 the life of their fathers ; for that I have received from the 

 Lord Chamberlain a signification, that your majesty did so 

 understand it, I humbly subscribe thereunto with this, that 

 the baronets eldest sons being knights do not take place of 

 ancient knights, so long as their fathers live. 



All which, nevertheless, I humbly submit to your ma 

 jesty s judgment. 



Your Majesty s most humble and most bounden Servant, 



FB. BACON. 

 To the King. 

 It may please your most excellent Majesty, 



Having understood of the death of the Lord Chief Jus 

 tice, f I do ground, in all humbleness, an assured hope, that 



place and precedence ; and four years after, viz. in 1616, another decree to the 

 same purpose. See Selden s Titles of Honour, Part II. Ch. V. p. 821. Ch. 

 XI. p. 906, and 910. 2d. Edit. fol. 1631. 



t Sir Thomas Fleming, who died about August, 1613. 



