288 LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 



Monday is the day appointed for performing his majesty s 

 commandment. Till then I cannot tell what to advise you 

 farther, except it should be this, that in case the judges 

 should refuse to take order in it themselves, then you must 

 think of some warrant to Mr. Secretary, who is your friend, 

 and constant in the businesses, that he see forthwith his 

 majesty s commandment executed, touching the double 

 lock ; and, if need be, repair to the place, and see by view the 

 manner of keeping the seal ; and take order that there be 

 no stay of working of the seal for justice, nor no prejudice 

 to Killegrew s farm, nor to the duty of money paid to the 

 chief justice. Whether this may require your presence, 

 as you write, that yourself can best judge. But of this 

 more when we have received the judges answer. It is my 

 duty, as much as in me is, to procure my master to be 

 obeyed. I ever rest 



Your Friend, and assured 



Jan. 21, 1614. F R . BACON. 



I pray deliver the enclosed letter to his majesty. 



Indorsed To his very good Friend, Mr. John Murray, of 

 his Majesty s Bedchamber. 



To Mr. Murray. 

 Mr. Murray, 



My Lord Chancellor yesterday, in my presence, had before 

 him the judges of the common pleas, and hath performed 

 his majesty s royal command in a very worthy fashion, such 

 as was fit for our master s greatness ; and because the king 

 may know it, I send you the enclosed. This seemeth to 

 have wrought the effect desired ; for presently I sent for 

 Sir Richard Cox,* and willed him to present himself to 

 my Lord Hobart, and signify his readiness to attend. He 

 came back to me, and told me all things went on. I know 

 not what afterwards may be, but I think this long chace is 

 at an end. I ever rest 



Yours assured, 



January 25, 1614. FR. BACON. 



To Mr. Murray. 

 Mr. Murray, 



I pray deliver the enclosed to his majesty, and have care 

 of the letter afterwards. I have written also to his majesty 



* He was one of the masters of the green cloth, and had had a quarrel at court 

 during the Christmas holidays of the year 1614, with Sir Thomas Erskine ; 

 which quarrel was made up by the lords of the marshal s court, Sir Richard 

 being obliged to put up with very foul words. 315. Letter of Mr. Chamberlain 

 to Sir Dudley Carleton, January 12, 1614-5. 



