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Thanks for two letters received. The writer fancies that Owen has described his house and hill and wood and fountains only to tempt him to write something upon them, which he would certainly do but for admirable Cooper's Hill which nothing can outdo. Worthy Ned is in town and blesses the writer's eyes and ears with the sight of his sweet face and charming tongue. Ned has given Owen the news which the dull town affords. The plot is silent now and all the 'gentlemen peachers' cabal in private at Lord Shaftesbury's, the effects of which will be shown in good time to make them merry with. Owen knows that Shaftesbury is (out of) the Council. The Duke went yesterday to Scotland and the Duke of Buckingham to Holland with a French 'misse' and that is all. There is no new whoring, but for want of variety or through laziness - or want of cash - the old keep constant and 'dully moyle on still'. Little Ned and John Crosbie ... have had many shrewd bouts: the good lad grows weak in the head-piece and they say his drinking fails him, but this we must all come to. The writer has not seen a face of anyone of Owen's acquaintance. Sir Phill is in a little tribulation. The writer is plagued dull and has done just nothing since he saw Owen, otherwise he would have written some doggerel for Owen ... The valiant Cid stayed on some time after Owen left to complete his conquest of Moll ... but he used the wrong rhetoric or thought it not worthy to bestow on stale ware. Their sister poetess is newly equipped, they having made a purse for her which has put a new scabbard on the rusted blade - but still she stinks, for, as the writer's friend the mad lover has it, she may be a princess and stink still: she is much enamoured of Edward ... 'Tis thought she will facilitate her cure for the conquest ... health and a new gown go a long way to atone for a bad face; but the gentleman is still squeamish and so a little cruel. The writer has a rare book for Owen in which he will find great comfort; 'tis called the Count of Gabalis, a learned rosicrusian who tells us fine tales of sylphes, gnomes, nimphs and sallamanders all of which are faire ladys more kind, more desirable and safe than woman kind'. If Owen prays hard he may attain to the conversation of some of these - as good a mistress to entertain a man in the mountains of Wales as could be wished for. Wishes he could send Owen the book for it is very pleasant, witty and new ... Hopes Owen's matrimonial foppery goes not on: were it not for the blood of the Owens, it would be a pity that so excellent a man should be noosed ... but 'tis only exchanging 'the beaux garcons for the bone home' ... Asks for word how it goes ... PS For God's sake Owen must send him some verses to relish his fancy with. Tuesday night: the writer never understood an almanac though he reverences those that do: but tomorrow is Lord Mayor's Day.

Has received William Maurice's answer by the latter's kinsman, Mr Ellis Wynn, about hay, corn and hemp of the parish of Llanbeblig within the franchises of Caernarvon. The price is £32 yearly, and if Andrew Brereton thinks good to take half, then he will pay William Maurice the sum of £16 yearly. He is willing to raise and bring it to the greatest price for his Worship's sake. But he thinks it dear at that rate. But if it be William Maurice's pleasure to take £35 for all the hay, corn and hemp in the franchises, and all the lambs and wool in the whole parish, and the duties of the Church and chapel, the writer will be willing to be farmer for the one half with Mr Ellis Wynn. If Wynn refuses to be partner for all the lambs, wool and Church duties, then Andrew Brereton alone will give William Maurice £5.10.0 a year. Postscript: The poor widow, Brereton's tenant, is condemned and pays costs and charges to William Maurice and the Vicar to the sum of five nobles for the value of 2s. Must the woman pay tithe twice in one year besides the judgment of five nobles and her own cost? 'The Churche in defending of yt, will God forgive them for this open wronge?'.

About 1 Feb., Mr Moris, vicar of Llanbeblig and Caernarvon, in William Moris's name and his own, commenced a suit in Bangor and put in a libel against an old widow, a tenant of Andrew Brereton's and sometime of Lord Puleston, William Moris's father-in-law. The libel challenges hay tithes from the widow for this year, but Andrew Brereton will tell William Moris the truth of the matter, as three of the widow's sons, one of whom is the bearer, are ready to depose over a book. There is an accustomed tithe from the meadow to the person of Llanbeblig and the vicar thereof, and every year it was duly paid without any controversy. This last year the widow's sons duly and justly tithed the meadow leaving every tenth where it fell, some in water and some out. The tithe men came to the meadow to gather their tithe; finding the widow's sons there making up their hay out of the water and seeing their tithe in the wet ground, they were unwilling to wet their feet, but, being townsmen, had rather wet their bellies with good ale and made a motion to the widow's sons that they should have a certain piece of the meadow standing in dry ground for all their tithe thereof. Two of the younger brothers answered that they might not grant them the parcel of meadow but said, "You may go to our elder brother (who is the bearer) and speak with him", whereupon they did. Upon much entreaty, he granted their request for other years. The parcel of ground was given for the tithe; now it was a bargain. The widow's sons were to mow and cut the parcel of meadow within three days after, but it fell out that they mowed it the same day, and presently came foul weather. The tithe men, busy in the Quarter Sessions, neglected their hay and the spoiling thereof. When they came to make it up as their own, one of them, Harry ap Robert ap Hughe, said "I will never take the pains to gather it but had rather claim Bangor for my help". 'Well ther the hea was left in the ground by ther own neclegence'. Sometime after Harry ap Robert came to Andrew Brereton and complained about the widow, Andrew Brereton's tenant, about the tithe, whereupon Andrew Brereton called the widow and her sons and they answered as he has written. Meeting with this Harry, Andrew Brereton told him the widow's answer. Then he was willing to take two horse loads of hay for all tithe but since it was a bargain between them the widow would not give any more but her due. Now the vicar has only the third part of this; a 'pown' of hay was sold then for 14d., [?recte 24d.] so for the value of 8d. he troubled an honest woman to Bangor and has already made her spend more money that the tithe came to. Requests William Moris not to show himself in the matter but to write to the Chancellor to stay it from further proceeding. If the vicar stands, does not doubt that he will be overthrown. It rather proceeds from some other spleen than for hope of gain in the matter. Every year Andrew Brereton tithes the corn himself for fear that there should be any want, but has no part in the hay; hereafter as long as he is in the ground, will see that also tithed. Has troubled William Moris with a long relation of a small matter, but thought good to acquaint him with the matter at large. See also No. 469.

Her Ladyship has resolved on a course for her service in Wales by directing a commission to Salesbury and other gentlemen. They, being directed to join the local commissioners, ask him to procure the said gentlemen to meet at Ruthin on the last day of March. They propose to meet them there. Touching the rents of the encroached lands in Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire, the bailiffs of the said encroached lands are to be ready to attend the commissioners there. It is desirable to have some of the encroachers also present. There are letters enclosed directed to Sir Richard Bulkeley, Dr Ellis Price, Mr Gwynn of Gwydir, Mr Mostyn and Mr Maurice, which Salesbury is asked to send to them by a careful messenger with his special soliciting of them to meet at the time appointed.

The writer has often moved Owen to some settlement of the rent that is due to him out of that yard and tenement in Oswestry which now lies void in Willow St. But Owen is pleased still to defer it to his own loss and the writer's. The latter is now advised that he has a good action for his rent. Begs Owen to take some course to satisfy the writer, otherwise he will have to look after his right. Annexed Copy of a legal opinion on the above rent signed by Wi. Williams on 23rd April 1677.

Understands by John Ffoulkes that much wrong has been done to the writer and especially by Mr John Humphreys. Understands that Wynne has long satisfied his debt through Mr Rodrith Morgan. Mr Humphreys now says he cannot pay ten pounds. The writer has been long without his money and it is now time to have it satisfied.

Notebook in the hand of Margaret Owen of Penrhos, inscribed 'the Gift of Henry Thrale, Esqr. Streatham', containing mainly anecdotes concerning Mrs Thrale [later Mrs Piozzi], Samuel Johnson, Samuel Pepys, Albert Nesbitt, Charles Burney, Oliver Goldsmith, Handel and others, 1776.

Hopes and prays William Maurice is well. 'My ladie' and the writer's cousin Jane Gruffith are well as are all at home, longing for William Maurice's return. His countrymen, friends and neighbours report that William Maurice should 'solister' his business well in London for here in the country [in the Court] of the Marches William Maurice and his men are deeply fined and no-one showed them any favour there as William Maurice shall perceive from a letter written to the writer by Gruffith Jones, which she encloses. Therefore she and other well-wishers advise him to inform the King how he is treated by the Council and how hardly Justice Parker uses William Maurice at his late age, while William Maurice attends the King and cannot be dealing with his own business at home, and to show him how he [William Maurice] is fined everywhere, at the Great Sessions and the Council in the Marches. Thinks William Maurice should ask the King to tell the Chancellor and President to treat him well, and to show him favour for his great service to the Queen and then the King, being knight of the shire for so many years and attending Parliament duly and truly. 'By reason alsoe that you are his god father and intiteled his highnes Kinge of great Britaine', let the King speak a word or two for William Maurice or he [William Maurice] will suffer. William Maurice should not be 'abashed' to speak to the King and ask him to be treated with favour by him as by Queen Elizabeth. [The writer continues in her own hand.] Let William Maurice take in good part her boldness with his secretary, George, who went to serve the 'sirif [ ] of Anlley' a week ago. Mr Williams and company come in three weeks; let William Maurice remember to send servants to assist as soon as possible so that they may send for them against their coming. Requests William Maurice to get her a bottle of rose 'alolis' for she has had a pain in her back for three days. Thomas ap R[ ] asks for shears for the garden and seeds, for none are to be had in the country. Her ladyship asks for a bottle of 'sinamunt' water and one of 'sall'. Could obtain no money from his tenants; some trouble her more than others. Moris ap Elisa promised money every day and others besides which William Maurice shall hear when he comes home. Could get no money except 20s. from Robert ap Pue ap Rinallt which she gave to the boy to bring his charges to London. Her cousin Grase verch Humffrey is not willing for her son to be bound an apprentice for she has no money to spend on him; she is especially unwilling to have him be a tailor, and asks William Maurice to place him for a while in some service. Requests William Maurice to enquire in the Court of War[d]s about Tommas Pue; sent the parson of 'Llanvehenel a traise' [Llanfihangel y Traethau] £5 by Moris [ ]. Postscript illegible.

Wishes him to remember to go out of hand to Mr Justice Proud about the ffridd he does enclose in Harlech, for it is more commodious to William Maurice than to anyone else. Therefore she prays him not to be neglectful therein.

Thanks God for her brother's good health and prays night and day to continue it so. She cannot get the money from John Gruffydd as yet, but he promises that he will get it shortly. She told him that if he did not get it out of hand, he would not get any bargain out of her brother. If she can get the money, she will, God willing, send it with the next carrier that comes down to London. It greatly grieves her heart that William Maurice stands in so much need of money. He should show his mind to Morris ap John ap Morris knowing he is a 'backe frind unto us all'. She would not for anything that William Maurice had sent Morris ap John ap Morris to William Lewis Anwill about Erw Syran. He said that he would give no money to redeem it. Claimed that the right is in himself for that bargain and that he goes to law with his mother-in-law for it. Therefore urges her good brother to do what may be done to get the money to hire from Sir Thomas Myddelton or of any other. He can have as much of Brynkir land except the house 'itself as will save him harmless'. She has heard that 'a complaint was maied agenst you for hir[i]nge a masse, but the Lord be thanked all the worldell kn[o]we that you lovid the kinge beter nor aney of them all exepte the pryve counsell'. She prays night and day for his Grace and for her brother likewise that he both speak and do what pleaseth his Grace. She heartily beseeches him to take care of himself and not to take geat matters 'so light as you will take smoke matters'. It is reported in the country that William Maurice is Sheriff in Merionethshire and Constable of Harlech. If it be true she prays him remember the [torn] bailiffe for her. If he can get no money in London, prays him send her word when he [intends] to come home and she will meet him at Oswestry to see whether her son-in-law Roger [ap] Hughe can get any money there ... to pass the danger of the day. Begs her brother to make speed home.

Anne [Dudley, Countess of] Warwick, at the Court, to her friend Ellice Price, doctor of civil law and one of the Queen's Council. Remembering the kind and friendly disposition, which Ellice Price has shown towards Lord Leicester and her late husband, hopes she may beg for its continuation, for which she will be not unmindful to give the best return in her power. Has, along with some of her friends, chosen Ellice Price to be joined in commission with others of her officers whom she sends down about the lands there. Desires his assistance in the execution of the service which she believes by his means and those of the rest, may be brought to some conclusion that answers her expectation. 'As also those of the Countrey have cause to the like them selves behooulding unto you, for that ffrendly and indifferent course which they finde therin houlden, and for avoyding of their further Trouble in thaccomplishment hereof.' Hopes for his friendly regard for the carrying out of this matter which is of such importance to her. Is ready to requite him to the utmost as the occasion shall offer. Postscript: 'Post Script written with her owne hand'. Since Ellice Price has always hitherto been employed in this service and is the only man of whom special account has been made, Anne Dudley, thinking no less of him, expects the better dispatch of her business. Copy.

Has joined William Morrice with some of her friends in commission for dealing with the tenants relating to the lands in that country. Does not doubt William Morrice's friendly and best efforts in the execution thereof and hopes that the country will, in this manner of proceeding with them, have good cause to thank him in respect of the favour shown them, which otherwise they are unlikely to find, if it is not now accepted, as they should well perceive if it came to any other's land, and that to their further charge and trouble. Let him make every effort for the quicker & more effectual accomplishment thereof. William Morrice will perform Anne Dudley a good kindness in the execution of this service, and he shall find her not unmindful to require the same, as she has always done hitherto. Postscript, probably in Anne Dudley's own hand: Has grounded her business on William Morrice's sound and good advice. Wishes her officers to continue in the same way and that the people under William Morrice's command may be dealt with so that their good conformity be an example to the rest.

Thanks for William Morryce's readiness to offer his service to supply the place of the stewardship of Chirk, but has already disposed of the place, and hopes some good effect will result therefrom, according to the trust she has reposed; must make a trial thereof. Wrote recently to William Morryce by her officers, whom she has sent with commission to those parts about the encroachments. Asks William Morryce to give them his best advice for their better proceeding, which she hopes and believes she will find 'in a more extraordinarye sort' by his means than by any other there. William Morryce will always find her ready to requite him and his as the occasion is offered.

Appreciates William Morrice's friendly disposition. Touching Sir John Perrott's leases 'there is noe such thing', but if there were, would sooner use William Morrice than any other. As for Chirk, has sold the same to her cousin Lord St John for whom she requests William Morrice's good services.

'Most dear and reverend mother my bounden duty unto your ladyship craving your daily blessing', etc.. Thanks her ladyship that she has such a motherly care as to send her men and horse for the writer. But the messengers came upon a sudden, and she was not furnished with all things according to her mind, nor has she acquainted her uncle as is fitting. But will discharge her duty at any other time if she can come at a reasonable time. Her brother will furnish her with men and horses. No need to trouble her mother to send any more messengers.

Encloses a paper from the Bishop of Bangor, which is erroneous as she may well aver if required. As for Cefn Trefor, she refers Lady Owen to Madam Ellen's letter. Is sincerely glad to hear of Lady Owen's safe arrival home in good health. William Glynne has not been at Clenennau since the time that Mr Randole Wynne was there with him. Is grateful for the paper which came by Thomas Ellis. If her watch is ready she would be glad to have it by the next that comes. Hearty respects to Sir Robert, Madam Jane, Cousin Betty Wynne, Mr William, Mr John, Mrs Betty and Cousin Catherine Williams. PS She will send Owen Humffrey down with the money if Lady Owen wishes. Pray tell Mr Hanmer that the present tenant of the purchased lands declares it to be too dear at the rate it is, and that the taxes are to be allowed him. (A copy enclosed of a paper relating to lands (in Eifionydd) adjudged to Sir Robert Owen by the awards.).

Thanks her for acquainting her with the news of Madam Ellen's recovery. She was much troubled when she had a letter from Mrs Twistleton. Not having heard anything since, she sent on purpose to know how she is, as well as the rest of the good company. She encloses bills for what she has returned for Sir Robert, and so much money as will make up £700. She desires an acquittance from Mrs Owen's hands for all that has been received by her; by next time the writer will produce notes of what she has received and from whom. There was a rumour in those parts that Sir Robert was like to pass himself off for £2,500 which she hopes is altogether untruth. She thinks it is better for his interests and Madam Jane's that he should be as he is than to adventure on so small a fortune, and when St Andrew's is past she hopes he will be in a condition to have more: the recipient will also receive another note complete of what has been raised on the tenements, but no more is to be expected for this year, for she has let all the tenements except Arddu Bach. She has demanded the rent charge of 1/10 due upon the house and tenement of Charles of Penmorfa. He says he will not pay them unless he be forced to it. PS She had almost forgotten to add that Mrs Jones of Caernarvon had bosses in their burying place of Llanbeblig for her maids and her brother's maid, which the writer caused to be removed. Mrs Jones also disowns any right the Owens have in the chancel of the town church, though the writer knows it to be otherwise. How she has agreed with Maurice Griffith about his great repairs, she will let them know hereafter.

She knows her correspondent longs to hear that this troublesome commission is at an end late last night. Their commissioners say that they are much the better side though Robert Ellis brags hard and brought all the country in as witnesses. Pray acquaint 'my Lady' that the depositions are delivered to Mr Meirig by consent to have them copied if both parties agree, to save charges of either side to have them copied instead of copying the records, which will come to a great deal. So that Sir Robert must send to the Colonel to know whether he would have them copies. If not, her ladyship must speak to Mr John Edwards to have them copied of the records in London and bring them down with him and the writer will pay for them. Edwards can be found at the Sugar Loaf in Chancery Lane. The Bishop and Dean must be solicited to make an end by letters or to meet and make and end by Candlemas, for the order of the court is that there must be an end put to it before that time. Affectionate aunt. PS This comes by cousin Catty Wynne to Bala on her way home. The wedding at Brinkir - that is cousin Margaret's - is to be yesterday month.