LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 339 



And till Sir Lionel Cranfield* be able to execute his part 

 in the sub-commission, it will, in my opinion, not be so fit 

 to direct it. He crept to me yesternight, but he is not well. 

 I did his majesty s message to him touching the tobacco; 

 and he said he would give his majesty very real and solid 

 satisfaction touching the same. 



This is all for the present I shall trouble your lordship 

 withal, resting ever 



Your Lordship s true Friend and devoted Servant, 



November 20, 1617. FR. BACON. 



To the Lord Keeper, f 

 My honourable Lord, 



His majesty liketh very well of the draught your lordship 

 sent of the letter for the sub-commission, and hath signed 

 it as it was, without any alteration, and sent it to the 

 lords. Which is all I have to write at this time, but that 

 I ever rest your Lordship s faithful Friend and Servant, 



Newmarket, the 2nd G. BUCKINGHAM. 



of December, 1617. 



To the Lord Keeper.^ 

 My honourable Lord, 



His majesty hath been pleased to refer a petition of one 

 Sir Thomas Blackstones to your lordship, who being 

 brother-in-law to a gentleman whom I much respect, Sir 

 Henry Constable, I have, at his request, yielded to recom 

 mend his business so far to your lordship s favour, as you 

 shall find his case to deserve compassion, and may stand 

 with the rules of equity. And so I rest 



Your Lordship s faithful Friend and Servant, 



Newmarket, the 4th G. BUCKINGHAM. 



of December. 



Indorsed 1617. 



To the Earl of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



Your lordship may marvel, that together with the letter 

 from the board, which you see passed so well, there came 

 no particular letter from myself; wherein, though it be 



* He was originally a merchant in the city of London, introduced to the 

 king s knowledge by the Earl of Northampton, and into his service by the Earl 

 of Buckingham, being the great projector for reforming the king s household, 

 advancing the customs, and other services ; for which he was made Lord Trea 

 surer, Baron Cranfield, and Earl of Middlesex ; but being accused by the house 

 of commons for misdemeanours in his office, he had a severe sentence passed 

 upon him by the lords in 1624. 



t Harl. MSS. Vol. 7006. t Harl. MSS. Vol. 7006. 



z2 



