LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 369 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



I think fit to let your lordship understand what passed 

 yesterday in the Star-chamber touching Suffolk s* business. 



There came to me the clerk of the court in the inner 

 chamber, and told me that my Lord of Suffolk desired to 

 be heard by his council at the * sitting of the court, because 

 it was pen * * * him. 



I marvelled I heard not of it by Mr. Attorney, who 

 should have let me know as much, that I might not be 

 taken on the sudden in a cause of that weight. 



I called presently Mr. Attorney to me, and asked him 

 whether he knew of the motion, and what it was, and how 

 he was provided to answer it. He signified to me, that my 

 lord would desire to have the commission for examinations 

 in Ireland to be returnable in Michaelmas term. I said 

 it might not be, and presently drew the council then pre 

 sent, to me, and made Mr. Attorney repeat to them the 

 passages past, and settled it, that the commission should 

 be returnable the first day of the next term, and then re- 

 publication granted, that it might, if accidents of wind and 

 weather permit, come to hearing in the term. And upon 

 motion in open court it was ordered accordingly. 



God ever preserve and prosper you. I pray God this 

 great easterly wind agree well with his majesty. 

 Your Lordship s most obliged Friend 



and faithful Servant, 



May 6, 1619. FR. VfiRULAM, Cane. 



Indorsed Sent by Sir Gilbert Houghton. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



I am much bounden to his majesty, and likewise to your 

 lordship. I see by the late accesses I have had with his 

 majesty, and now by his royal and real favour, f that he 

 loveth me, and acknowledgeth me for the servant that I 

 am, or desire to be. This in me must turn to a great 

 alacrity to honour and serve him with a mind less troubled 

 and divided. And for your lordship, my affection may and 



* Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, who had been made Lord Treasurer in 

 1614. He was accused of several misdemeanours in that office, together with 

 his lady, and Sir John Bingley, her ladyship s agent ; and an information pre 

 ferred against them all in the Star-chamber. 



t Probably the grant made to him about this time of twelve hundred pounds 

 a year. 



VOL. XII. B B 



