358 LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 



would take such course therein, that the gentleman s estate 

 may be redeemed from farther trouble, and secured from 

 all danger, by engaging those, to whom the trust is now 

 transferred by your lordship s order, to the performance of 

 that whereunto he was tied. And so not doubting but 

 your lordship will do him what lawful favour you may 

 herein, I rest 



Your Lordship s faithful Friend and Servant, 



G. BUCKINGHAM. 

 Indorsed -Received October &amp;gt; 14, 1618. 



To the King, concerning the form and manner of 

 proceeding against Sir Walter Ralegh.* 



May it please your most excellent Majesty, 

 According to your commandment given unto us, we have, 

 upon divers meetings and conferences, considered what form 

 and manner of proceeding against Sir Walter Ralegh might 

 best stand with your majesty s justice and honour, if you 

 shall be pleased, that the law shall pass upon him. 



And, first, we are of opinion, that Sir Walter Ralegh 

 being attainted of high-treason (which is the highest and 

 last work of law,) he cannot be drawn in question judicially 

 for any crime or offence since committed. And therefore 

 we humbly present two forms of proceeding to your majesty : 

 the one, that together with the warrant to the lieutenant of 

 the Tower (if your majesty shall so please) for his execu 

 tion, to publish a narrative in print of his late crimes and 

 offences; which, albeit your majesty is not bound to give 

 an account of your actions in these cases to any but only to 

 God alone, we humbly offer to your majesty s consideration, 

 as well in respect of the great effluxion of time since his 

 attainder, and of his employment by your majesty s com 

 mission, as for that his late crimes and offences are not yet 

 publicly known. The other form (whereunto, if your ma 

 jesty so please, we rather incline) is, that where your majesty 

 is so renowned for your justice, it may have such a proceed 

 ing, as is nearest to legal proceeding ; which is, that he be 

 catled before the whole body of your council of state, and 

 your principal judges, in your council-chamber; and that 

 some of the nobility and gentlemen of quality be admitted 

 to be present to hear the whole proceeding, as in like cases 



* He was beheaded October 29, 1618, the day of the inauguration of the Lord 

 Mayor of London. 



