I prayse God, we came safe to London, where we found all reasonable well: we came by Graces, my Lady is somewhat amended; I purpose (God willinge) to returne thither againe either to morrowe or on mundaye. heer is little newes: the coronation is put off till maye and then to be performed priuately: there is order giuen to the Bishops to proceed against the papistes by ecclesiasticall censures: and muche speeche of the Kinges purpose to bringe the Queene to our church:2 there be diuers Lordes come out of Scotlande theire busines is supposed but not yet certainly knowne.

As we came by Assington Mr. Gurdon made a motion of choosinge the master of the wardes3 for one of the Knightes of our shire, which my brother Downinge and my selfe consideringe off, haue written to Sir Robt. Crane Mrs. Bacon4 and some others about it: he is knowne to be sounde 326for Religion, firme to the Common Wealth (for which he suffered muche) and the meetest man to further the affaires of our Countrye, for our Clothiers businesse etc: I would haue written to Mr. Sandes about it but I haue not tyme: remember vs kindly to him and shewe him this.

Thus with all our hearty salutations (and my humble duty remembred to my mother) to my sister Downing, thy selfe etc: beseechinge the good Lord so to continue his good prouidence ouer you all and our selves, as through his mercie we may meet in peace, I rest thy faithful husbande

my ovne partickiuler afecktion to Sir Robert Nanton made me show it to the Concelmen at Super wher I aquainted them with his afecktion to religion and to the partickiuler good of this Cuntry his eminensy in plase abell to doe vs good, they aproved of what was sayed. but they aleged that he was tyed in so partickiuler an obligation to his magesty as if ther was ocasion to speke for the Cuntry he wold be silent, and in Generall they2 wolde giue no voise to anye Cortier espetialy at this time of all others. so that if I might advise I wolde not have it proseded with any further lest he shoulde sufer in it. for my ovne parte I shalbe alwaise redy to aford him what sucsese lyeth in my power.

I prayse God, I came safe to London on Fridaye, and haue continued in health hitherto. Our freindes heare are all in reasonable 327health; my brother Downinge is so full of businesse as I can scarce speake with him. I went this morninge to knowe if he would any thinge downe, but he was gone to Westminster he tould me yesternight, he would deferre to write or send till I went. I thinke longe to heare how thy selfe and the rest doe, and till God giue me opportunitye to returne, which I hope wilbe the next weeke: If I wright not to the contrarye let Robert come vp on mundaye: but I shall write againe (God willinge) on frydaye next. I send thee stockens starch silke and other thinges: If thou wantest ought els, write vp this weeke. heere is little newes stirringe, this bearer can tell you all.

God allmighty blesse and keepe thee and all ours, and our whole company, and grant vs to meet with ioye and peace in his good tyme: be Cheerfull my deare wife, and waite vpon our good God, who hath allwayes taken care of vs and ours, and will not faile our trust in him; continue to praye for me, as I doe for thee. Thus with all lovinge Salutations from all our good freindes heere to my sister Downinge, thy selfe, with all love and dutye to my good mother, hearty blessinges to our children, and lovinge remembrance to all the rest, I embrace thee in the best Affection of a louinge husband and rest Thine ever