Catalogue description LORD WYLLUGHBY to the EARL OF ESSEX.

--"I am sory I cannot for my infirmyty attend you better, and most sory to presse your Lordship as I am inforced, contrary to my nature and it may be to your Lordship's oportunyties. Her Majesties graces towards me the last day (in due regard to the same) would not by a negligence in myselfe be overpassed, and yett my lame leggs only will not let my selfe folow the same. And truly, knowing the difference betwene gold and copper, I would rather joigne myself to the nobler metall tho I went in smoake away, than receave a tincture by an Alchimist saffron. I beseach your Lordship therefore, not for me only (whom your Lordship can judge of) but for that you will be like youre selfe, say so mutch for me but as your ey hath sene and as the worlde thinks, and as the present daunger of the place [Berwick] requires, whereunto I sue for guerdon and payment to be preferred. If her Majesty be pleased to accept judgement of generals as your self, Kings or souldiours, I am sure they will say as mutch for me as my competitours. If stele might try it, I am assured I have as good a mine as they, if gold, they have only this advantage, that by har gratiousnes they are all so golden, and yet I equall them in this at least, I am and will be as faithfull and dutyfull, tho I have not ben nor never be so mutch as silvered.

"The occasyons of har Majesties sarvice in that place (I have of long and late by har Majesties favour only pretended to) requires, for questions within the towne, for differences without, for insultings of the adverse party, present remedy or worse, which being matter of State I leave to your Lordship, better informed of the circumstances, only herehence I conclude, I would not be an occasyon to hinder her Majestie's sarvice, if I my selfe be not so happy after a long expectation to have a short resolution, which the soner the better, howsoever it suceedes with me." Holograph.

* Endorsed as date of receipt ; probably written same day.