The Hertford Correspondence. 



175 



which I was the better pleased to bear with, because I hoped that he would 

 long before this have come, and, before me and the rest of you, have confessed 

 his fault. But since he hath not so done, let him understand that for the 

 King's service I bid him not fail to send his lieutenant with his company to the 

 musters, which shortly do begin as you know. And albeit he be sheriff, which 

 was one of his pretended excuses, besides his poverty which he alleged, let him 

 not fail to send, unless he mean to provoke me to lay open his said wilful peremp- 

 tory refusal. I would be sorry so to do, knowing he is not able to answer so 

 high a contempt. I discharged Alexander Stanter [of Mere ?] last year from 

 being a captain, whom I understand you have now sent unto, without my 

 privity. I have sent my letter to Mr. John Hartgill [of Warminster ?] to take 

 the place. And thus with my loving commendations to yourself, I leave you 

 From my house at Easton, 18 Sep., 1608. Your loving friend, 



HERTFORD. 



Sent from Easton, 

 Sunday, the 18th. 



LETTER XIII. 



Lord Hertford to the Deputy Lieutenants concerning the Planting of 

 Mulberry Trees and increase of Silkworms. 



I have received his Majesty's letters of privy signet, the true copy whereof I 

 have herewith sent, whereby it seemeth that his Majesty hath, for the benefit of 

 the commonwealth, an earnest desire to establish a course for the breeding and 

 maintaining of silkworms, which is expressed to be by setting and planting of 

 mulberry trees. I need not use any exhortation or persuasion unto you to be 

 careful for the putting in execution of these his Majesty's directions, but do 

 only refer you to the contents of the said letter of privy signet, not doubting but 

 you will be ready and diligent, as well to advise others, as to give such example 

 touching the service as is wished in the said letter. From Hertford House, in 

 Cannon Row, in Westminster, this 20 November, 1608. Your loving friend, 



HERTFORD. 



LETTER XIV. 



The Deputy Lieutenants to Lord Hertford desiring the Muster to 



be delayed. 



May it please your lordship : your lordship's letter of the 28th of May, 

 touching the martial business, came to the hands of Sir Thomas Gorges, being 

 at Bath and not well, on the 9th of June last. And since then we assembled at 



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