207 - 2 Dec. To the dean and chapter of Exeter

Summary

Salutem in Christo.

After my hearty Commendations etc.

I lately received a letter from you by the hands of Sir Simon Baskervill, by which I understand how troublesome and chargable a new Survay of Staverton would be to you in this wynter season. And am therefore well contented to passe that by, in case the maine busenes for the lease may be proceeded in and finished. And this I now conceave may be done with the Consent of all parties. For in your letter I have received a note inclosed, by which it appeareth that one Mr Walker and Dr Vilvayne will really performe their promise subscribed with their hands, and pay the Church eight thousand pounds for a fyne to have the lease of Staverton granted to them. And I have likewise received a letter from Mr Helyar dated November 21; by which he declares unto me that if you will not proceed to a new survay and thereupon assigne him a moderate fyne, he is very well contented that you should proceed and let your lease for the eight thousand pounds which is offred you upon these two iust and very reasonable Conditions. The one that you proceed presently to the letting of this lease that soe he may have his proportionable part of the fyne named and may not be prevented in regard of his age by any delay. The other is that he may enioy his old lease and the remainder of his yeres with such liberty and power as is in him by lawe. Upon your performance of these two Conditions to him. I doe hereby sett you free to lett that lease or any other and will send you downe the Seale which I recalled by the first safe messenger to which you shall direct me, being not willing to trust it in the hands of an ordinary Carrier. But if you will not proceed presently that soe the old man may have his iust satisfaction then I require you to lett all things stand as they be as you will answer it to his Majesties Commaunds delivered by me.