LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 415 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



The reason why I was so desirous to have had conference 

 with your lordship at London, was indeed to save you the 

 trouble of writing : I mean the reason in the second place ; 

 for the chief was to see your lordship. But since you are 

 pleased to give me the liberty to send to your lordship one 

 to whom you will deliver your mind, I take that in so good 

 part, as I think myself tied the more to use that liberty 

 modestly. Wherefore, if your lordship will vouchsafe to 

 send to me one of your own (except I might have leave to 

 come to London), either Mr. Packer, my ancient friend, or 

 Mr. Aylesbury,* of whose good affection towards me I have 

 heard report ; to me it shall be indifferent. But if your 

 lordship will have one of my nomination, if I might presume 

 so far, I would name, before all others, my Lord of Falkland. 

 But because perhaps it may cost him a journey, which I 

 may not in good manners desire, I have thought of Sir 

 Edward Sackville, Sir Robert Mansell, my brother, Mr. 

 Solicitor General*!* (who, though he be almost a stranger 

 to me, yet, as my case now is, I had rather employ a man 

 of good nature than a friend), and Sir Arthur Ingram, not 

 withstanding he be great with my Lord Treasurer. Of these, 

 if your lordship shall be pleased to prick one, I hope well 

 I shall entreat him to attend your lordship, and to be sorry 

 never a whit of the employment. Your lordship may take 

 your own time to signify your will in regard of the present 

 business of parliament. But my time was confined by due 

 respect to write a present answer to a letter, which I con 

 strued to be a kind letter, and such as giveth me yet hope 

 to shew myself to your lordship. 



Your Lordship s most obliged Friend 



and faithful Servant, 



FR. ST. ALBAN. 



Indorsed To the Lord of Buckingham, in Answer to his of 

 the 16th of December. 



* Thomas Aylesbury, Esq. secretary to the Marquis of Buckingham, as 

 Lord High Admiral. He was created a baronet in 1627. Lord Chancellor 

 Clarendon married his daughter Frances. 



t Sir Robert Heath, made solicitor in January 14, 1620-1. 



