Since I parted from you, I heard of a motion made by a gentleman of our Countye for Electing Sir Robert Nanton the master of the wardes to be one of the knightes for our Countye, so as havinge Conference with my broth: Down: about it, we have thought fitt to moue your selfe and some others in it, I suppose there wilbe no exception against him, except for that he is a privie Counseller, which may easyly be removed by consideration of what he hathe formerly suffered for the Common-wealthe: and you well knowe of what vse the favour and helpe of suche an honorable person may be, in the Causes of our Countye especially for our Clothiers; as for his greatnesse that need not discourage them, for besides, that I knowe, he beares a speciall affection to our Countrye, (and would take it as the greatest honor that could befall him in this kinde, to have this testimonye of their love to him againe) I dare vndertake, for their readye accesse to him at tymes convenient;

If you approve of this motion, I desire you would please to propounde it to the other gentlemen at Sessions, and if you thinke good to write to Ipswich or any other place about it, the master shalbe certified of your care and paines about it, who (I knowe) will take it verye kindly from you, and will be thankfull to you; for a meet person to be ioyned with him, I could wishe your selfe would take it vpon you,2 but if you like to refuse, some eminent and discreet person would be thought of; if it were one of the deputy Leiutenantes it were the better, and it might be of good vse if some of the gentlemen of the leiutenantie were moved for their assistance: If you please you may thinke of Sir Nath: Barnardiston tho he be out of the Countye.

Having diverse lettres to dispatche I cannot write to you as I desire, for news there is none certaine but of the putting of the coronation till maye and then to be performed privately: and of order taken with the Bishops to proceed with the Papists by Ecclesiasticall Censures: and so with remembrance of my humble service to you, I take leave and rest allwayes yours to be commanded

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