Harley MS 6987

Royal letters and warrants, from the end of the reign of King James VI and I, 1621-1624.

ff. 1r-2v: Letter from King James VI and I to Lionel Cranfield, 1st Earl of Middlesex and Lord Treasurer. Sending a reminder to furnish George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, with 10,000 l. for his wife’s lying-in, and 20,000 l. to pay for his lands at Burghley, and 3,000 l. for his new house. 22 January 1621.

ff. 3r-4v: Letter from Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia, to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Hoping that her letter will arrive as soon to him as the ambassadors that are returned for England, assuring him of the King’s and her confidence in his affection to their service. Glad that he is content to forget the Baron of Dona’s hastiness towards him, and that his brother Sir Edward Villiers will be sent to them. Turin, 25 January 1621.

ff. 5r-6v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales. Instructing him to make Digby assure the Spanish ambassador of mild treatment of the papists, and discussing an unjust sentence to a Lady Lake and a broken promise to Lady Exeter in a matter of justice. No date, endorsed to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham.

ff. 7r-8v: Licence from King James VI and I to Dr William Harvey. To allow his attendance or waiting, like other physicians, although there was no vacancy. 3 February [1622/3].

ff. 9r-10v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Sent by the Earl of Carlisle, who is to advise and attend in them in their journey. [February 1622].

ff. 11r-12v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to his father King James VI and I. Concerning a masque they saw at Paris. 22 February 1622.

ff. 13r-14v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. On the business of the Spanish match. 26 February 1622.

ff. 15r-16v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Sent by Lord Andover. Concerning the servants that were to follow the Prince into Spain, the selling of Sedgmoore with three forests for the payment of Buckingham’s debts, and buying more land for him near Bewley. Also reporting that the King wears Buckingham’s picture in a blue ribbon under his waistcoat, near his heart. Newmarket, 29 February 1622.

ff. 17r-18v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Sent by Sir Robert Carr. Reporting that three ships are preparing to carry over his men and jewels. 2 March 1622.

ff. 19r-20v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Upon their arrival in Spain, the delay of the temporal articles, and the dispensation. [No date].

ff. 21r-22v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. On their reception in Madrid, the Conde d’Olivares, the opposition of the Pope’s Nuncio, the Pope’s reticence to grant the dispensation, and the effect of acknowledging his spiritual supremacy. Madrid, 10 March 1622/3.

ff. 23r-24v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. On the Prince’s interest in the Infanta. [No date].

ff. 25r-26v: Letter from Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, to her son George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. On his departure for Spain, her joy that he does service for the King, sending some verses on the journey, and wishing him a prosperous return. Goadby, 14 March 1622.

ff. 27r-28v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Reporting that he has agreed to deposit Frankendale in the King of Spain and Archduchess’s hands for 18 months, that he refuses to treat with the Emperor as he has broken his promise so often. Desiring they hasten the match, and see the terms for paying the dowry be not lessened or protracted. Newmarket, 15 March [1622].

ff. 29r-32v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Sending the Prince’s chaplains, Drs Mawe and Wrenn, with items for the service of God, which the Prince has liked to go with to Rome. Also sending the robes of the Order of St. George, and jewels to wear and present. Newmarket, 17 March 1622.

ff. 33r-34v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Concerning visits to the King of Spain, and the ceremonies of his public entry. With a postscript by Charles requesting the King advise as little as possible with the Privy Council in this affair. Madrid, 17 March 1622/3.

ff. 35r-36v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. On their receiving news from Rome, and reporting that Gage is in good hopes of soon effecting the dispensation. Madrid, 18 March 1622/3.

ff. 37r-38v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Expressing his grief at the King’s lameness in his legs, and gratefully acknowledging his manifold favours. Madrid, 24 March 1622/3.

ff. 39r-40v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to Sir Edward Conway. Concerning the Pope’s dispensation for Prince Charles’s marriage to the Infanta of Spain, having sent Michael Andrews to hasten the same. Madrid, 24 March 1622/3.

ff. 41r-43r: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Concerning the dispensation, and how far the King acknowledges the Pope supreme, or chief Bishop, from a passage in his book against Bellarmine. Wishes Charles good fortune in his wooing, and tells his ‘sweet Gossip Steenie’ that his Kate’s illness may make a gossip again. March 25 [1623].

ff. 44r-45v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Reporting that the Conde D’Olivares has concluded that they might prepare for their journey home, as if the dispensation had already come, and desires the ships may be ready. Also that Buckingham’s father, the Earl of Rutland, has been informed that he is to be Admiral. Madrid, 25 March 1623.

ff. 46r-47v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. That the Spanish court were hoping to convert them both, but now they conclude the business was never in a better way. Madrid, 27 March 1623.

ff. 48r-49v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Sending Crane’s letters to them both, that he may see what speedy dispatch the business requires, and that Charles shall no sooner have his mistress in his arms, but Steenie will hasten to throw himself at his feet. Madrid, 28 March 1623.

ff. 50r-51v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Approving of their writing jointly to him, and promising not to acquaint the Privy Council with any secrets in their letters, but Hamilton peeped over his shoulder while he was reading some of them, under pretence of explaining the hard words. Advising them to be sparing in expense, and to keep up their dancing privately, though they whistle and sing to one another for music. Sending letters of thanks to the King of Spain and the Conde D’Olivares. Theobalds, April 1 [1623].

ff. 52r-53v: Copy of a letter from Cardinal Ludovisi to the Nuncio in Spain. Concerning the dispensation. Rome, 30 March 1623. Italian.

ff. 54r-55v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Concerning their first meeting to accommodate particulars concerning the marriage. Madrid, 4 April 1623.

ff. 56r-57v: Letter from Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, to her son George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Glad to hear of his safe arrival under all her misfortunes, especially that of Mr Compton’s distemper in his head. Goadby, 6 April 1623.

ff. 58r-62v: Three letters from Susan, Countess of Denbigh, to her brother George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. [No dates].

ff. 63r-64v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Advising his ‘babie’ not to be ashamed of his religion, and assuring his ‘sweet gossip’ Steenie that he is ready to make him a Duke when he will. Whitehall, 7 April [1623].

ff. 65r-66v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to Sir Edward Conway. Observing that as his letters to the King are viewed by many, he sends one secretly herein to him, and advises how the dispensation should be spoken of, also enclosing a copy of Cardinal Ludovisi’s letter above. Madrid, 8 April 1623.

ff. 67r-68v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Reporting that the fleet to bring them home will be ready to sail before 1 May, and that the money and tilting items are ready. 10 April 1623.

ff. 69r-70v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Reporting on a new Star Chamber process, and that his Bay Spanish Mare has a fine foal, and wishes his ‘babie’ the like success. Also reporting that Christopher Villiers has been made an Earl. Windsor, 18 April 1623.

ff. 71r-72v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Complaining that this is the eleventh day since he received a packet from them, and informing Charles that he has sent his tilting items and jewels for them to make presents of, thereby to save money. Windsor, 18 April 1623.

ff. 73r-74v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. On the conditions of the dispensation, and what powerful reasons he shall use to qualify them to the King’s liking. Madrid, 22 April 1623.

ff. 75r-76v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to King James VI and I. Requesting he give directions to the Earl of Bristol, who would ask him leave to attend the Prince into England. Madrid, 22 April 1623.

f. 77r-77v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to King James VI and I. Requesting that he would send more jewels for his own wearing, all his bravery consisting therein, and to give his mistress. With a postscript by George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, also requesting some jewels to make presents. 22 April 1623.

ff. 78r-79v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Complaining how sparing he was of the jewels he sent to the Prince, considering how richly they dress in them there, and that the Prince has no other means to appear like a King’s son. Naming the particular jewels he desires to be sent, and sending the King some asses, camels, a Barbary horse and an elephant. Madrid, 25 April 1623.

ff. 80r-81v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Sending a duplicate of the power entrusted to them, reporting that he is pleased with their opinion against the conditions in the dispensation. Desiring the King of Spain may be thanked for the elephant and his kind letter. With further directions concerning the jewels. No date.

ff. 82r-83v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to King James VI and I. Requesting that the Earl of Bristol may stay behind them to finish the negotation of the Palatinate, so that they may not think he came for a marriage only, and not for friendship. Madrid, 25 April 1623.

ff. 84r-85v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Sending the good news that the dispensation is coming, and if it be clogged with other conditions than those they wrote of, they will advertise this to the King. Madrid, 25 April 1623.

ff. 86r-87v: Letter from Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, to her son George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. On her husband’s sickness. Goadby, 3 May 1623.

ff. 88r-89v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to King James VI and I. Reporting that the dispensation is coming from Rome, but is clogged. Concluding with his desire that the King would delay some honour intended for him, until he can speak with him. Madrid, 27 April 1623.

ff. 90r-91v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales to King James VI and I. Requesting an authority under his hand to perform whatsoever his son shall promise in Spain, in his name. Madrid, 29 April 1623.

ff. 92r-93v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Arguing how effectually the King’s signing of the above power would disappoint any further delays, which may arise in the match. Madrid, 29 April 1623.

ff. 94r-95v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Concerning the three conditions in the dispensation, and sending the power requested. Greenwich, 11 May 1623.

ff. 96r-99v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales to King James VI and I. Enclosing a copy of his answer to the Pope, and the articles and oath private and public which the King and his ‘babie’ are to take. Madrid, 6 June 1623. In the hand of George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham.

ff. 100r-101v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Fearing their letter by Cottington will shorten his days, because the fleet must be stopped and he knows not what reason to give. Desiring that if the Spanish court will not alter their decree they would come away. Greenwich, 14 June [1623].

f. 102r-102v: Letter from Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, to her son George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. That she has lost her husband, and hopes that where he is, this holy time will give him a taste of true religion. No date.

ff. 103r-104v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Concerning the Spanish delays until they hear further from England. Madrid, 21 June 1623.

ff. 105r-106v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to Sir Edward Conway. Desiring the King show favour to the bearer for his good intentions to the Prince’s service.

ff. 107r-108v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Reporting that they have the articles drawn up, and that new conditions had been slipped into them. With a postscript by the Prince concerning the foolish character which Tobie Matthews had drawn up of the Infanta. 26 June 1623.

ff. 109r-110v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Reporting that they had told the Conde D’Olivares of the King’s command to return, with their judgement on the Conde’s three ways in which the match may still be concluded. With a postscript by Buckingham in praise of Cottington. Madrid, 27 June 1623.

ff. 111r-112v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to Sir Edward Conway. Reporting that they should have their last answer on the following Wednesday. Madrid, 29 June [1623].

ff. 113r-114v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. On the procrastination of the Conde D’Olivares. Madrid, 29 June [1623].

ff. 115r-116v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Persuading him to execute the favour to his Roman Catholic subjects, which he is bound to do by the articles. With their reasons to the Spanish court for bringing away the Infanta by Michaelmas. Madrid, 15 July 1623.

ff. 117r-118v: Letter from Katherine, Marchioness of Buckingham, to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. An affectionate letter, glad that he has sent to hasten the ships to convoy him home. [No date].

ff. 119r-122v: Letter from Katherine, Marchioness of Buckingham, to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Reporting that when Dick Grime came, she perceived that Buckingham had not yet had his answer, and that when Sir Francis Cottington is dispatched, he is to come home. Sending some perspective glasses for the Prince, who is kept at such distance he needs them to behold his mistress. With some domestic matters, her desire that he will go to Gerbiere for his picture, that she may have it well done in miniature. On the pictures of the Infanta drawn by Tobie Matthew and Gerbiere. Sir Thomas Compton growing worse with sickness. York House, 16 July [1623].

ff. 123r-124v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. On his going to the ambassadors and taking the oaths. Reporting that he is displeased that the Infanta will not come until next year, and that one fleet must be sent for them and another for her. That he sent the power to treat for the Palatinate and the matter of Holland. Desiring his ‘babie’ to continue with the contract, but advising him not to lie with the Infanta in Spain unless he is sure of bringing her with him. To make sure that they keep their conditions regarding the portion, or risk bankruptcy. Whitehall, 21 July [1623].

f. 125r-125v: Letter from Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, to her son George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Expressing her joy at the likelihood of his negotiating the match with success. Goadby, 30 July 1623.

ff. 126r-127v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Reporting that they hope to begin their journey, bringing the Infanta, by the 29 August. 29 July [1623].

ff. 128r-133v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. On further reasons for taking the Infanta with them, with the Infanta’s resentment that the Prince would go without her, and not stay her time. 30 July [1623].

f. 134r-134v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to Sir Edward Conway. On the promises they have to bring the Infanta with them. 30 July [1623].

ff. 135r-136v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Informing him that the East India Company will present him with 2000 l., wishing a happy and speedy return to him and his ‘babie’. Bromame, 31 July [1623].

ff. 137r-138v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Reporting that he has ordered to put his promises into execution, discharging all debts owing to the King by recusants, whereby he loses 36,000 l. of good rent in England and Ireland, losing the third part at least of their dowry. Desiring them to hasten home, and sending his blessing. 5 August 1623.

ff. 139r-140v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Informing them that the ambassadors are pleased with what he has granted, and again urging them to hasten home. Cranborne, 10 August [1623].

ff. 141r-142v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Repeating his remission of the recusant fines, and sending Dr Mayerne’s opinion of his mistress’s illness. Cranborne, 10 August [1623].

ff. 143r-144v: Letter from King James VI and I to his son Charles, Prince of Wales. Renewing his desire for the Prince to return home quickly, with or without the Infanta. Adding that he will prefer his obedience to a father before his love to a mistress. 10 August [1623].

ff. 145r-146v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Directing him to deal as effectually as he can with the King of Spain and his ministers, for either their recall or an interpretation of their new pragmatic against perpetuances, and woollen goods, or their trade will be undone. [No date].

ff. 147r-148v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Thanking him for his letter, and praying he may never have comfort of his ‘babie’ longer than he shall remain a true friend to his Steenie. [No date].

ff. 149r-150v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to King James VI and I. Concerning the Marquess of Inojosa’s double dealing, and the unlikelihood of bringing the Infanta. With a postscript by George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, that if he ever gets hold of the King’s bedpost again, he will never quit it. 20 August 1623.

ff. 151r-152v: Letter from George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham, to Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia. Complimentary, and apologising for his delay in answering her letter. Reporting that her servant Nethersoll will tell her why her letters and tokens sent to the Infanta were returned. [No date].

ff. 153r-154v: Letter from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Expressing grateful acknowledgements and thankfulness for the many royal favours bestowed upon him of riches and honours, especially of the said Dukedom. [No date].

ff. 155r-156v: Letter from Susan, Countess of Denbigh, to her brother George Villiers, Marquess of Buckingham. Hoping his return is near, writing that he has gained much honour in being so constant to his religion, and reporting on the improvements at Newhall. [No date].

ff. 157r-158v: Letter from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Confirming the frustration of the match, and concluding with compliments for his favours. 29 August [1623].

ff. 159r-160v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, and George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Reporting that they set out for their journey the following day, and showing the pretense for leaving their errand unfinished, was the Pope’s not granting, through sickness, the dispensation upon the capitulations agreed upon. So the Prince could not be contracted until that power came, but discouraged with their insincerities leaves Lord Bristol as proxy, concluding with the business of the Palatinate. 29 August 1623.

ff. 161r-163v: Letter from Donna Maria, the Infanta, to King James VI and I. Madrid, 30 August 1623. Spanish, with English translation.

ff. 164r-165v: Letter from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Mentioning their stay to be a day longer for the letters of the Infanta and others. On his joy for their return, but that leaving the Infanta behind had almost broken his heart, because the King’s, his son’s, and the nation’s honour was touched. 1 September 1623.

ff. 166r-167v: Letter from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to Sir Edward Conway. Requesting he deliver the above letter to the King. 1 September 1623.

ff. 168r-170v: Two letters from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. [No dates].

ff. 171r-177v: Four letters from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to Sir Edward Conway. [No dates].

ff. 178r-179v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, after his return from Spain. Desiring that his mistress would observe his rules to prevent her miscarrying, and that he would hasten her out of town and return to him in the evening. [No date].

ff. 180r-181v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Sending his blessing, and all comfort in his sanctified bed, and blesses the fruits thereof, that he may have sweet bed chamber boys to play with him. [No date].

ff. 182r-183v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Sending his blessing on his ‘heart roots’, and informing him of the store of game and hounds he has with him. Blessing the master of his harriers, and hoping he will leave off his physic today. [No date].

ff. 184r-185v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Blessing the ‘heart roots’ of Tom Badger, for breeding him such a fine kennel of young hounds, worthy to lie on Buckingham and his wife’s bed. Calling God to thank the Master of the Horse for providing such a number of fair useful horses, and advising him to take care of his health. [No date].

ff. 186r-187v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Advising him to be wary of physicians, and reporting that he can take no pleasure in Theobalds Park until Buckingham comes, when it will be a great comfort that he and the women see him hunt the buck. [No date].

ff. 188r-189v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Desiring that he would speak to the Spanish agent and be with him the following day at supper, and would be glad to have the women there. Calling himself his purveyor, he sends a kid for dinner. [No date].

ff. 190r-191v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Reporting that he has passed the President’s Bill, that it is his office to try some complaints against the Hollanders, hoping that he will be at Bewly tomorrow, and hoping he will bring the women. [No date].

ff. 192r-193v: Letter from King James VI and I to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Reporting that he did not write yesterday due to being sick of a flux. He is resolved to stay where he is until Monday, that he may kill more of Zouche’s stags. He summons Buckingham, his wife and his sister to meet him at Harrison’s Heath Herd on Monday, with their bows. Hoping that Lord Percy is returned from France with better news than before, and sending a Barbary melon. [No date].

ff. 194r-195v: Letter from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Returning a draft of a letter to be signed by the King, reporting that a priest named Robert Watson has requested he write a letter of thanks to the Cardinal de Barberino for his favours. That the priest requires a pass to avoid being taken and searched. With his reasons why the King should stay ten days at Theobalds. [No date].

ff. 196r-197v: Letter from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Reporting that he will make an excuse to the Parliament that the King has a violent cold, for his not being able to appoint them a day if hearing. He will forbear to tell them that he was notwithstanding able to speak to the King of Spain’s instruments, though not with his own subjects. [No date].

ff. 198r-199v: Letter from Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Showing her confidence in his friendship, and excusing herself from sending many lines, because the messenger’s body should not be overburdened (possibly Jeffrey Hudson). The Hague, 8 April [no year].

ff. 200r-201v: Letter from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, to King James VI and I. Reporting that he does not wait on the King because the Spanish ambassador has been with him, which gives distrust to the people. Desiring him plainly to answer, whether if the people gave him a royal assistance, he would not accept it and their counsel to break off the match, with the other treaties, and whether he may not assure some of them of this privately, because it is feared that they will not be called together again. And that he will resolve once constantly to run one way, for so long as he wavers between the Spanish and his own subjects, to make his advantage of both, he is sure to do it with neither. [No date].

f. 202r-202v: Articles by George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, of a speech for the King to make in Parliament. Relating to the royal assistance, and applying it to the recovery of the Palatinate, recovering an understanding between the King and the people, and being in love with Parliament for making good laws, and reforming abuses. [No date].

ff. 203r-204v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Showing the King’s approbation of his dispatch, and agreeing that the safest place of landing the troops is in Holland, and so to go through the Bishop’s countries, but not near Breda. Reporting that the King thinks it fit the French King should hire merchant ships to transport their horses, and that Sir Edward Conway renew his commant in Count Mansfield’s army. The Prince advises him to leave his physic and come down in the country to them. [No date].

ff. 205r-206v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Reporting that the Lower House has given the King a subsidy, and design to entreat him to end the session before Christmas. With his opinion, that the King would command them to speak no more of Spain. Also concerning a letter received from Sir Edward Cecil, to be employed in a war for the defence of the Palatinate, but he would not have him promoted over Sir Horace Vere. [No date].

f. 207r-207v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Reporting that the Earl of Bristol stands upon his justification and will by no means accept his counsels. The King wishes the Duke to be at his trial to help charge him, or he may escape with too light a censure. But advising him not to come sooner that would be safe for his health. [No date].

ff. 208r-209v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Finding two errors in his draft of the letter to be sent from the King to the Pope. But approving of his letter to the Cardinal, that he will speak to Edward Conway for a pass for Robert Wilson. Desiring that Buckingham would be ready to go with the King to Theobalds. [No date].

f. 210r-210v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to Walter Montague. Sending assurances that the error which was committed is thought to have proceeded from the Earl of Bristol’s cunning that drew him on, rather than his own understanding or will. Enclosing a discourse clearing their proceedings, with a command to make a narration thereof to the ministers in Spain, not that it is their intention to make a new treaty, or alter the grounds laid in the last dispatch, which he is to take heed of. [No date].

ff. 211r-212v: Letter from Charles, Prince of Wales, to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Sending the interrogatories which the King thinks should be asked concerning the malicious accusations of the Spanish ambassador. 26 April 1624.

ff. 213r-214v: Copies of two letters from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham to King James VI and I. [No dates]. With a note by Mr Nixon recording his transcription of the first two letters from originals lent by Mr Harbin, and a later note by H. Gifford recording his receiving of these copies from Mr Nixon in 1757, and their presentation to the British Museum.

ff. 215r-240v: Copies of twenty one letters from George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham to King James VI and I. With three letters from Katherine, Duchess of Buckingham, to the King. Transcribed from the originals in the Advocates Library, Edinburgh.

f. 241r-241v: Warrant issued by King James VI and I. For the wages of the Guard. Greenwich, 21 May 1603. Vellum.

ff. 242-259v: Two indexes of letters.