132 - 4 Oct. To the earl of Essex

Summary

My verye good Lord.

I receaved your Lordships letres bye thiss your Servant the last weeke, and I am hartelye sorye for your iust Cause of greefe, if the busynes be soe as you apprehend it. But I could not give you any answear till I had spoken with his Maiestye; because your wife beinge as yett honored with your priviledges, cannot be proceeded against bye me without the Kings leave first obtayned. And howsoever, I cannot command hir to be searched bye women wheather shee be with-child or not, till thear be some proceedings against hir in a legall waye, which hath not yett bine donne.

Upon Sundaye last att Windsore I acquainted his Maiestye with what your Lord had written, and tooke the boldnes to have your honourable frend mye Lord of Holland bye. The Kinge is as Carefull for you as maye be, but his Maiestye bid me tell you, your Lordship shall have all Justice done you that maye be. At last thiss was resolved. That it is most fitt for your Lordship to goe presentlye to hir, and take mye Lord of Harford and some other frends with you, and see hir, for it is impossible if shee be with childe, but that it must needs shewe it selfe. And if you suspect anye Cushin-greatnes you maye your selfe in the right of a Husband requyer of hir for your satisfaction to submitt hirselfe to search bye honest and grave women. And if shee refuse soe to doe, your Lordship must then thinke of farther Counsells.

In the mean tyme, your Lordship is advised to take present Counsell of some Civill Lawyers what course is fittest for you to hold against hir. And his Maiestye hath Commanded the Lord Keeper and Mr Atturnye generall to advise what maye be done bye the Common Lawe. And hath farther given me power to call hir into the Highe Commission if anye bye your Lordships appointment will Article against hir, whear you shall (upon proofe made) be sure of the Justice of that Court.