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A copy of George W. Manby, The History and Anticuities of the Parish of Saint David, South Wales (London, 1801), inscribed 'Dawson Turner from the author 1822'. Inserted in the volume are an etching of Capt. Manby by Mrs Dawson Turner and an autograph letter, dated 16 May 1813, from Manby to Dawson Turner.

Some four hundred and fifty letters, 1942-1962, from John Cowper Powys to Gilbert Turner, mainly containing personal news and comments on the progress of his literary work, particularly the composition and revision of his novel Porius (1951), with occasional references to acquaintances such as the novelists Elena Puw Morgan, James Hanley and Henry Miller, and the poet Huw Owen Williams ('Huw Menai'); together with some two hundred letters, ?1943-1979, to Gilbert Turner from Phyllis Playter, who writes initially as Powys's amanuensis during his periods of ill health and continues the correspondence with Turner after Powys's death in 1963.

Envelopes addressed to Phyllis Playter from Alyse Gregory (53, 1952-195[?3], 1956-1958, 1960-1967) (ff. 1-53), Gilbert Turner (42, 1954-1955, 1957-1958, 1960, 1963, 1969, 1976) (ff. 54-95), Littleton Charles Powys (17, 1948-1953) (ff. 96-112), [Francis Llewellyn Powys] (12, 1958-1959, 1963-1964, 1974, 1976 and indiscernible/missing postmarks) (ff. 113-122), Gerald Brenan (11, 1968) (ff. 123-133), Gamel Woolsey (1, indiscernible postmark, envelope torn in half) (f. 134), Luis José Bonito Ribeiro (1, [?1976]) (f. 135), Philippa (Katie) Powys (1, [1961]) (f. 136) and John C. Playter (1,1976) (f. 137). The contents of all the envelopes have been removed.

Since time did not serve to take his leave, he now delivers to William Maurice the plain truth in plain terms about the end made between his mother-in-law and himself. She passed a lease to the John Ellis's son, James Ellis of Hen Gastell, for three score years if she so long live, paying her £4 at Michaelmas and the feast of the Annunciation. John Ellis would not have been brought to this if she had not threatened to take it out of William Maurice's hands and make it away - to whom or how the writer knows not. Hopes that William Maurice will place in the tenement such a tenant as will pay the rent he pays. 'If I gett nothing by yt I wold not lose by yt'. If it please his Worship to write to him, the letter should be sent to Mr Tenby, trunk maker, hard by Paul's, who will convey it to the writer.

Thanks to William Maurice for the kindness he has shown to the writer's son-in-law, Mr Starling, when he was last in London, by whom he understands that William Maurice desires to see and speak with the writer rather than to hear from him. To satisfy that desire he proposes to come to London on Tuesday or Wednesday next come sennight at the furthest.

Four holograph letters:- to J. Horsfall Turner from Morris Charles Jones, Welshpool, 1885 (exchange of books on Nonconformist subjects from the recipient's library for the Powys-land Museum and Library), and to E. R. Horsfall Turner from Harold P. Cooke, Cambridge, 1908 (the writer's essay in competition for the Charles Oldham Prize at the University of Oxford, the vacant chair of Greek at University College, Cardiff), and W. H. Robinson, Central Welsh Board, Cardiff, 1910 (C. W. B. inspectors' reports on schools); and one holograph postcard to Mrs. [Hilda Gladys] Turner, County School, Llanidloes, from P. Davies, Llanidloes [1922] (a copy of a translation by the recipient's father).

Has received by the Oxford carrier his uncle's letter enclosing another from Lady Thomas wherein she seemeth to complain that her son wanted a chamber and many necessary things including a suit of apparel. Concerning the chamber, the writer took order at his coming away that her son might be admitted to his, where he might have continued if he had been willing, but having a mind to be alone, he removed to another chamber which was then void and which 'happily' he could not obtain hereafter when he would have it. Mr Dr Price was and is very careful of him. The writer brought him from London a suit of apparel of good black stuff with lace upon it. Understands that Sir William Thomas [his father] comes up to London before the holidays when he shall perceive that there is no such cause for grievance on his son's behalf as he suspects. Thinks that his mother sent him £5 by the carrier, but of that there is not a word in her Ladyship's letter. Has received by the carrier 40s. from William Maurice for which he thanks him. Will account for it and other things when he comes to the country, which will be a fortnight before Christmas. In the meantime, Mr Dr Price, to whom William Brynkir is much bound, keeps him there. He has no news from London more than William Williams can relate. Postscript: There was a casket found this week of my lord of Somerset wherein was found four score thousand pounds worth in jewels. The casket was delivered to Sir John Cotton, and he is now committed. There were found in the casket, letters from my Lord of Northampton to the Earl of Somerset, and other letters from the Earl to his Lady before they were married. What will come of them yet is not known.

Her brother, George Salusbury, having received the Lord President's letters to the deputy lieutenants of Caernarfonshire, she entreats William Maurice's favourable friendship towards him according to his Lordship's letters. She is sorry it was not her good fortune to be at the Council when William Maurice was there. 'Truly I found my Lord and Ladye greatly to regard me and very willing to doe me good and at his Lordship's meadyation all causes and controversyes betweene me and Sir Thomas are referred to his Lordship's awarde once wee had referred ourselves to twoe friends, yourselfe for me, and Mr Puleston of Emeral for him'. Knows that William Maurice will rejoice in any good that may befall her. Both he and Lady Maurice were often remembered by their son-in-law, Sir William Awbrey Awbrey, and herself 'in the best wyne wee could meete withal'. She desires them to render him great thanks for her, for immediately after they knew who she was and how she stood to Lady Maurice, there was no want of kindness and liberality by him and his father, Sir Edward, towards her. Their favours were very great with his Lordship and her Ladyship which 'I was glad to see in respect of our alliance'. Postscript: A note to Lady Maurice pressing her to persuade William Maurice to favour her brother in procuring his own. An invitation to her house for 'I would be very willing to be acquainted with you in respect of our alliance'.

The writer encloses a petition from one John Jones who remaineth in gaol upon William Maurice's commitment for departure out of Ireland without passport and without the licence of the Lord Deputy, the Lieutenant General or Sir Conyers Clifford. Since by his passport his discharge seemeth to be the last of March was twelve month, there is no authority to detain him. Asks William Maurice to consider the prisoner's offer to enter into bail for his appearance before the Privy Council, the Lord Lieutenant or the Justices of Assize. The writer means not to deal in these cases without William Maurice's privity.

She could do no less than write to her father having so fit a messenger to give him thanks for the token of 4s.4. His worship sent her to John Prothero for some money but because her father did not send a note he would not let her have none. So she must still her want till she sees her father. Sent him a letter by uncle Dr Price's man, when she was not able to write herself, how all things were with her, and in what misery she and her children were. Hopes William Maurice will relieve their want when he comes or writes. Prays pardon for her bad writing for she has not gathered strength since her sickness to write better. See also No. 410.

The writer made full account to have received a piece of money by one who had newly taken a piece of ground from him, and to have left it with his wife. Being disappointed thereof, and as well to secure himself for the under-sheriff and the great mise which he had soothly promised to the bearer against this time, he makes bold to ask William Maurice for the loan of a Jacobyn ... in gold ... until the next fair at Caernarvon. Reassurances of repayment. Postscript: Assures William Maurice of his own knowledge that the bearer has been both painful and hasty for the said mise, but one bad precedent given on our coast has made diverse backward, besides money is scant with some till after this fair.

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.

'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.

'Good son'. William Maurice has written so often and has long forborne. He knows not what to write for the sum is still increasing and the charges also. Therefore, his stepson [Henry Johnes] must give William Maurice leave to seek his own if he will not regard his promises nor the writer's wants. For the Sessions of Cardigan he promised the bearer that if William Maurice came there he would receive half the money in hand and the other with their use in May. But when he came thither no money was received though William Maurice wanted to go to the parliament and was so put to his shifts. This term will be chargeable to them both if no good course be taken for the writer's satisfaction. 'I would willingly pleasure you in anything I may though I did pawn my own land for you [but] I will not lease anything that is due to me by law for it is fitter your mother and I have our own than that you should let the same to others. I mean principally Llandeilo Fawr and such leases as you had for years'. Refers the full report to the bearer who is his cousin. Commits him to God whom he prays to make Henry Johnes careful for his good. Draft.

'Good son'. Hoped that Henry Johnes would have had some opportunity to come and see his mother. It might have made atonement between them as was meet and convenient as nature doth bind. Wishes to meet him in London where 'my dear and honourable friend and your uncle, good Sir Thomas Harbarte, shall I hope moderate all matters'. Meanwhile desires to know his stepson's pleasure for all those small things he has there in order to procure more easily his mother's content and kindness. The first touches the benefice of Llanbeblig - 'I think you made me a promise of it or any other thing you had about Caernarvon'. Wishes to be advertised how it stands and how he is to have it; or is he to deal with the lessee of the late Bishop of Chester whom he hears means to try the title and validity of the lease? The second matter is Henry Johnes's house at Caernarvon. Asks him to part with the inheritance or give him a lease thereon. William Maurice would repair it as it greatly needeth. Asks for an answer by his man. In margin:- If Henry Johnes will be advertized by his stepfather in his business and bargains, he will find him as kind and ready to the uttermost of his skill as if he were his only natural child. Endorsed: This natural kindness caused William Maurice to write blaming Lewis Aldwell for his remiss dealing in Henry Johnes's matter and not any evil will to him or to seek to dissuade Johnes from his wonted favour unto him. For he can do well if he list, which made his fault the greater than if he had done what he did by ignorance. Hopes Aldwell will not now be able to dissuade him from hearkening to William Maurice's advice - There is much matter 'good son' which he would have him consider, for the writer knows women may be more peremptory for trifles than for great matters. His mother's claim to sheep (or black muttons), a gelding, and some other trifles - increases these five years. Wishes him to satisfy her herein 'which will be my inducement for her easier content in other matters'. Damaged. Draft.

Would have him go to his wife's tailor and bid him to make her a velvet gown betwixt 20 or 30 piece of the best colour ladies wear except black. He must not fail to bring it home with him. Let it be laid with silver [lace] upon the 'whings' as fair as may be. If the tailor will not do it, he must go to Sir Baptist Higgs and bring home so much velvet as will make it. He is to bring home the bond from Watson touching the armour. Must not forget to bring home his master's livery as he did last time. Hopes he will have care of his business. Postscript: ...et the gown be of tawney velvet for he thinks that colour is the best.

According to William Maurice's desire, Morgan Wynne repaired to Llanymddifrie on Monday last, but by reason of the way being so far, by cause of the business the day before, it was greater noon before he could reach there. By then Sir Harry Johns was sworn and the book certified in the Town Hall in the presence of forty persons the most part townsmen. He questioned Sir Harry about some agreement with William Maurice. Found him somewhat obstinate relying upon two releases he had from 'my lady' his mother. One release was of the lands of Sir Thomas Johns and Rowland Puleston, dec., the other of all the goods, cattle, chattels of Sir Thomas Johns. He showed the releases to Morgan Wynne with witnesses thereupon endorsed. Morgan Wynne alleged a later composition between William Maurice and Johns. Then he showed a general acquittance under William Maurice's hand to undo the same estate bearing date a year after. In the end asked for a meeting to be had between the parties to see whether friends might draw them to some good agreement and he promised to come up to Llanbadarn on Wednesday or Thursday next come sevennight with a couple of gentlemen and two servants. If William Maurice will travel so far again, although it will be to his great travail, the writer hopes that the mediation of friends will see a good composition made. Advises him to bring with him a couple of understanding gentlemen to mediate the matter. Endorsed: Account of Morgan Wynn's expenses.

Expected to have word with the money as promised. Wants to send that money to London to his creditor and to send him double consideration for forbearance until the 1st Nov. at which time the writer is to pay £500 without fail. Writes to desire his correspondent to be careful of him and to request him to write to Mr Herbert and the rest to make this payment ready as soon as they may before their last day of payment that he may have all ready to bring with him to London to discharge himself with credit. Draft.

William Maurice, late deputy lieutenant of Caernarfonshire, by the direction and at the request of the inhabitants of the said county, humbly informs his Honour that whereas the said county being a maritime county and open to Ireland and other foreign parts, and withal the most part thereof being a hilly, mountainous and bare country, and therefore rather spacious than populous, so the greatest number of men to be appointed for trained bands (and so certified to his Honour) in that county was but 400, which afterwards upon a second certificate, by reason of mortality that there happened, had to be diminished to 300. And whereas in all former levies wherein the county was best able, the proportion of men sent out of that county was but half the number of Denbighshire or Montgomeryshire and the third part of less of Shropshire (which may well allow five for one), yet some three or four years ago by some wrong suggestion or interference to his Honour, Caernarfonshire was doubly charged in levies of men and money, which has brought the county to extreme want of the one and defect of the other. Since July 1598, 515 men have been sent out of that poor shire, and no more out of Denbighshire or Montgomeryshire which should by any due proportion double their number, and not many more out of Shropshire that might treble their men well. Whereby Caernarfonshire was compelled to send forth not only diverse of the trained bands but also man necessary servants of husbandmen, so that there is now a great scarcity of both. Ask for relief in future. For example in Sept. last there went out of that poor county of Caernarfonshire three score and one, out of Shropshire but three score, which might better have spared 300. Draft.

The recipient will receive by the bearer a suit of apparel and 40s. which he is to deliver to his tutor. He is to write how he profits from his studies, what authors his tutor reads to him, and what he spends weekly. He is to have care to serve God and to live as sparingly as he can. He is to consider his parents' means and great charge of children, insomuch that the writer cannot maintain any of the recipient's brothers at the University. 'Therefore prayse God that thou hast carefull parents to place thee in Oxenford, a famous University, the fountayne and wellhead of all learning. Keepe company with honest students who aphore evill courses as drinking and takeing toebacko to their own losse and discredit of their friends and parents whoe sent them to the University for better purposes'. The writer urges his son to be present at declamations and disputations and other exercises. He wishes him especially to be attentive to hear good sermons and to learn how to make brief notes and abridgements by figures and ciphers to express a whole sentence as the preacher delivereth. Any scholar having a swift hand may profit this way in receiving and observing all good sermons he hears. He should always have his paper book and ink ready to write what he likes best of sermons as well as other declamations and disputations. He is to call on his tutor or Mr Dr Ellis for any books or other necessities he wants. Wishes to know whether his son has received Owen's Epigrams by Edward ap William and what has become of his russet coat? His mother will provide him with a winter suit about Michaelmas and what other necessaries he wants he must write at large that they may be provided. 'I will allow you noe servitor. You may serve yourself and spare 6d. a weeke. Take heed least you be gulde by the buttler that he sett downe in his booke more for bread and beere than you call for. Speake noe Welsh to any that can speake English, noe not to your bedfellows, that therby you may attaine and freely speak Englishe tongue perfectly [sic]. I hadd rather that you shuld keepe company with studious, honest Englishmen than with any of your own countrymen who are more prone to be idle and riotous than the English'. Draft.