68 - 24 Aug. To Sir John Coke

Summary

Right Honourable.

Thiss message Concerninge the Bishoprick of Man nowe voyd is occasioned bye a Leter sent from mye Lords Grace of Yorke, and bye me imparted (as mye dewtye bound me) to the Kinge. And if Mr Controlers Leter to your Honour had bine as full as yt was which he sent to me (and I thought it was) you would have needed noe farther direction. Since it proves Otherwise; I crave pardon, and send you hence all the direction I can give.

It is thought the Byshoprick of Man is not in his Maiestyes gift but in the dispose of the Earle of Darbye. The last Byshop filled those parts of the Church with manye unlearned and unworthye Ministers. Mye Lords Grace of Yorke (in whose province it is) Complains of thiss, and desyres remedye for the future. His Majestye hearupon is verye graciouslye pleased that you wright to the Earle of Darbye and his sonne the Lord Strainge, that nether of them pass anye grant of that Bishopric till they have acquainted his Maiestye with their right to Nominat. And then if the right be theirs, as his Maiestye will afford them all that is theirs; soe he will Expect from them that they name noe Man, but such as shall be worthye the preferment to such a place; nor untill his Maiestye be first made acquainted with it.

I can give noe fuller information then thiss, and I hartelye praye you that the Leter maye be sent awaye as soone as maye be. I take my leave and rest

Yours honours lovinge poore frend and Servant

W: Cant: Elect:

Fulham, September [recte, August] 24 1633

To the Right Honourable, my verye worthy Freind, Sir John Coke Knight, one of his Majestys Principall Secretaryes of State. these.