382 LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 



For the proposition of Sir Giles Mompesson we have 

 met once. Exchequer-men will be exchequer-men still ; 

 but we shall do good. 



For the account, or rather imparting, of the commissioners 

 of treasury to the council, I think it will but end in a com 

 pliment. But the real care (and I hope good purpose) I 

 will not give over, the better, because I am not alone. 



For the Star-chamber business, I shall, as you write, keep 

 the clock on going, which is hard to do, when sometimes 

 the wheels are too many, and sometimes too few. But we 

 shall do well, especially if those whom the king hath hitherto 

 made bondmen (I mean, which have given bonds for their 

 fines) he do not hereafter make freemen. 



For Suffolk s business, it is a little strange, that the 

 attorney made it a question to the commissioners of trea 

 sury, whether Suffolk should not be admitted to the lease 

 of the extent of his own land, which is the way to encourage 

 him not to pay his fine. But when it was told him, that 

 the contrary course was held with the Earl of Northumber 

 land, and that thereby he was brought to agree for his fine ; 

 then he turned, as his manner is. 



For the errors, we have yet so much use of the service 

 of Sir Henry Britten in bringing in the fines (indeed more 

 than of the attorney) as we cannot, without prejudice to his 

 majesty s service, enter yet into them ; and besides, Sir 

 Edward Coke comes not abroad. 



Mr. Kirkham hath communicated with me, as matter of 

 profit to his majesty, upon the coals referred by his majesty 

 to us of the treasury; wherein I hope we shall do good, the 

 rather, because I am not alone. 



The proclamation for light gold Mr. Secretary Calvert, 

 I know, hath sent to his majesty; and therefore of that I 

 say no more. 



For the raising of silver by ordinance, and not by pro 

 clamation, and that for the time to come we have given 

 order to finish it. I hear a whispering, that thereupon the 

 commissioners of the navy, the officers of the household, 

 the wardrobe, may take occasion to break the book and 

 the undertakings, because the prices may rise, which I 

 thought good to signify to his majesty. And, to speak 

 plainly, I fear more the pretence than the natural effect. 



God evermore preserve your lordship. I rest 

 Your Lordship s most obliged Friend 



and faithful Servant, 



January 20, 1619. FR. VERULAM, CailC. 



