Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Sir Francis Bacon's MSS relating to Ireland (Author: Francis Bacon)

Document 7

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Letter of Francis Bacon to Sir Francis Allen, 20 December 1598

Spedding, Life & Letters, I., 264–5.

Sir Francis Allen,

I do so much favour this gentleman, Mr Garret, who from my service entered into a course of following the wars, which hath succeeded unto him, as to his own commendation, so yet nevertheless not hitherto to his settling in any place answerable to his desert and profession; in regard whereof, understanding of the nomination and appearance of your employment in Ireland, he conceiveth it will be some establishment to him if he may run your fortune, being by you accepted in the place of your lieutenant, your own virtue and reputation considered, and the uncertainty of the French employment. Of his proof and sufficiency to serve I write the less, because I take it to be well known to yourself. But for my particular I do assure you I can hardly imagine a matter wherein you shall more effectually tie me unto

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you than in this. I wished him to use me but as a means of my brother's commendation, which I esteemed to be of extraordinary weight with you. But because this was the readier and that the entireness between my brother and myself is well known unto you, he desired to begin with this. Thus I wish you all prosperity. From Hampton Court, the 20th of December, 1598.

Yours in unfeigned good affection.

Fr. Bacon
I am sorry to hear from Mr. Anthony Standen how sharply and unreasonably you were assailed by the gout. But you have of him a careful solicitor, and if I can come in to him with any good endeavour of mine you may reckon of it.