84 - 4 June To John Bridgeman, bishop of Chester

Summary

Salutem in Christo.

My very good Lord

I have receyved your Lordships Letters, and with them the other Papers which you sent to me and presently sent them to Mr Mottershed to be kept for Evidence against Hesketh may be taken, And to require him to drawe up an Attachment, with a good round Intimation to bring in Hesketh, and the like though not soe deep for his Pandars. And I assure your Lordship if they come not in I will proceed very roundly, and make worke for the Exchequer. If he be soe wealthy I make noe question but he will give roundly for a Pardon, and shelter himself that waye, but I will be as watchfull as I can to prevent it, and to bring him to that Censure which he deserves. In the mean tyme you doe very well to see that the Harlott be kept safe, and being soe miserably poore to keep her there, till the Court be farther possest, both of the Cause and the Person of the Adulterer.

When you have more of such worke as this ready, if you send it up, wee will doe our Dutyes here, both to punish the Crimes, and to make such farther advantage both for the Churches honour and proffitt, and for his Majesties service, as shall be just and fitting; But it seems this Hesketh is in feare in good earnest if he have sent about his Pardon all ready.

I am very glad, if that which you writt in your last Letters eyther have allready, or be likely to give any ease or reputation hereafter to the Clergye in those partes, in freeing them from the insolency of the inferior Officers which you complained of. And had not Mr Atturney been ill disposed for his health, I should before this tyme have given you farther direction in the other busynes. As for your Judges, I knowe them to be discreet and respective men, and such as will favour the Clergy to the utmost. I pray therfore at your next opportunity commend me to Sir John Bridgman, and let him knowe what confidence I have in him for the Churches good.