Catalogue description CAPT. M. FOSTER to JOHN PRIDGEON.

--"I have had but one letter from you since you were att Rome, where I can beleave you much employed in seeing great persons and novelties, and that you may without a wonder forgett your old servant." My master bids you follow your own discretions in your return, but would have you by the middle of May so near to England that you may be here in fourteen days if he require it. "The goodwife of Grimsthorp has twice mis-carryed, and 'tis thought will scarce ever hold againe. Sisters are all well. The youngest brother's come from Amersham because the doctor has given over schoole. I hope you heare from the gentleman in France, where wee heare they have given the Spanyard a great overthrow. The King of Scotland has so cajoled their parliament and kirke that he now over-masters their party by votes in both, and, 'tis thought, will have the ymmediate commaund of all their forces, which renders the interest and quarrell purely cavalierish, upon which divers of the godly have declared against the proceedings of the Parliament, and one Straughan [Col. Strachan], a brewer's son, who had gott some commaund, is comed in to the English at Edinburgh, where they yet remaine without any considerable action on either side. The Parliament of Scotland has appointed the first of January for crowneing their King.

"Pray bring a setled religion with you, or you will finde sects here that gives sutch liberty as will tempt a strong devotion; for endeavour to beleave the most and greatest heresies, and you cannot reach their monstrous opinions, such as will give you cause of astonishment and laughter."