It may please your most excellent Majesty,
I was at my house in the country what time the Commissioners and Instructions for Ireland were drawn by Mr. Attorney, but I was present this day the forenoon when they were read before my Lords; and excepted to some points, whereof use was made, and some alterations followed. But I could not in decency except to so much as I thought there mought be cause, lest it mought be thought an humour contradiction or an effect of emulation; which I thank God I am not much troubled with. For so your Majesty's business be well done, whosoever be the instrument, I rest joyful. But because this is tender piece of service, and that which was well directed by your Majesty's high wisdom may be marred in the manage, and that I have been so happy as to have my poor service in this business of Ireland (which I have minded with all my powers, because I thought your estate laboured), graciously accepted by your sacred Majesty, I do presume to present to your Majesty's remembrance (whom I perceive to be one of the most truly politic princes that ever reigned, and the greatest height of my poor abilities is but to understand you well) some few points in a memorial14 enclosed, which I wish to be changed.
They tend to this scope principally; that I think it safest for your Majesty at this time, hoc agere: which is to effect that you may hold a Parliament in Ireland with sovereignty, concord and contentment, and moderate freedom, and so bind up the wound made, without clogging the commission with too many other matters, and to take in other points of the grievances
And my fear is they will call up and stir such a number of complaints and petitions, (which not being possible to be satisfied), this commission meant for satisfaction will end in murmur. But these things which I write are perhaps but my errors and simplicities. Your Majesty's wisdom must steer and ballast the ship. So most humbly craving pardon, I ever rest.
Your Majesty's most devote and faithful subject and servant,
Fr. Bacon