LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 449 



ceipt of it. Your former letters, which I received from Mr. 

 Griesley, I had answered before, and put my letter into a 

 good hand. 



For the great business, God conduct it well. Mine own 

 fortune hath taught me expectation. 



God keep you. 



Indorsed To Mr. Matthew, into Spain. 



To Mr. Tobie Matthew. 

 Good Mr. Matthew, 



I have received your letter, sent by my Lord of Andover; 

 and, as I acknowledged your care, so I cannot fit it with 

 any thing, that I can think on for myself; for since Gon- 

 domar, who was my voluntary friend, is in no credit, 

 neither with the prince, nor with the duke, I do not see 

 what may be done for me there ; except that which Gon- 

 domar hath lost you have found ; and then I am sure my 

 case is amended : so, as with a great deal of confidence, I 

 commend myself to you, hoping, that you will do what in 

 you lieth, to prepare the prince and duke to think of me, 

 upon their return. And if you have any relation to the 

 infanta, I doubt not but it shall be also to my use. 



God keep you. 



Your most affectionate and assured Friend, &c. 



To the Duke of Buckingham. 

 Excellent Lord, 



Though I have formerly given your grace thanks for 

 your last letter, yet being much refreshed to hear things 

 go so well, whereby we hope to see you here shortly, your 

 errand done, and the prince within the vail, I could not 

 contain, but congratulate with your lordship, seeing good 

 fortune, that is God s blessing, still follow you. I hope I 

 have still place in your love and favour ; which if I have, 

 for other place, it shall not trouble me. I ever rest 



Your Grace s most obliged and faithful Servant. 



July 22, 1623. 



To the Duke of Buckingham. 

 Excellent Lord, 



Upon Mr. Clarke s dispatch, in troth I was ill in health, 

 as he might partly perceive. Therefore I wrote to my true 

 friend, and your grace s devoted servant, Mr. Matthew, to 

 excuse me to your grace for not writing. Since, I thank 

 God, I am pretty well recovered ; for I have lain at two 



VOL. XII. G G 



