I pray your lordship to sign to his Majesty that I thought it my duty to steal at the seal, a book of Sir Francis Steward's, and Sir James Averlony, etc. of £200 land in charge in fee simple: my reasons.
First, it is a perpetuity and so much rent in diminution of revenue certain.
Secondly, the warrant (as is acknowledged) came only from my Lord of Suffolk, and not from Mr. Chancellor. And yet my lord was wont to boast, that since he was treasurer, all commissions and contracts for sale of the king's land were broken off and ceased.
Thirdly, the rate of the monies paid by the gentlemen amounteth to thirteen years' purchase, which is a plain gift of a good proportion of value.
If the Majesty, and now informed, iterate his mandate, it is done, and I excused; but I could wish his Majesty would refer it to the commissioners of the treasury how the gentlemen may be otherwise satisfied.
I received yesternight a brave account of the commission of the wards in Ireland, which this one year is advanced two hundred pounds per annum to four thousand pounds, which is twenty fold multiplied. This I write for two reasons. First, because I glory in it, because it was my work wholly; next, because his Majesty may take occasion by this to look better to the improvement of his wards in England in due time. God ever preserve and prosper you.
Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant,
Fr. Verulam, Canc
York House,