File Clenennau letters and papers 982. - Will(iam) Griffith, at Caernarvon, to Sir John Owen, kt, at Clenennau.

The writer has with much difficulty stayed Owen's trusty old servant, Morrice Griffith, thus long in town, being impatient to make so long a stop where there is usually so much good fellowship. Hopes Owen will excuse his servant. The writer asks pardon for having been so bold as to add Owen's name to a letter written by Mr Bulkeley and the writer in answer to Mr Secretary Bennett's letter a copy whereof is kept for Owen's perusal in town, having no time to transcribe the same at present. The substance thereof is that they returned a written letter of John Williams to his Honour that he may be pleased personally to compare the said letter with the late intercepted (letter) which the writer and Bulkeley still believe to be his, all circumstances therein making it out very apparent. They examined Morrice Griffith, Jeffry Parry, and Marke Lloyd, interrogating them severally whether they knew the handwriting which was sent by Mr Secretary. All of them upon oath declared that they did not believe that written paper to be the hand of John Williams, and indeed none that knows his handwriting very well can imagine it to be so, because his guilt did direct him to alter his usual and common character lest it should be too near to the intercepted letter. Cousin Bulkely and the writer did parole the prisoners until the Quarter Sessions which will be the 12th of next month at Caernarvon where he hopes Owen will be to resolve further thereon and to settle other public affairs. They further humbly submitted the consideration of Edwards and Williams to his Honour's wisdom, they themselves being verily persuaded that Edwards full well knows the author, adding thereunto their innocence as touching any of the least spleen and malice in us concerning them as they cunningly give out, but that only their zeal, duty and loyalty encouraged them to hasten to his Honour what were discovered to be practised among such dangerous nonconformists. Acknowledges Owen's letter and is sorry that Owen lays that command aside. And since the writer finds others intent upon that employment, he shall readily comply with them, they being far better able to undergo the public care and expense thereof than the writer. Indeed it is more that time for the writer to learn that prudent lesson not to struggle for that which brings no other advantages with it but expenses and charges. Is informed that a little boat of less than a ton came lately to porth Nygull in Llyne, which is laid up and preserved. The writer would like to have it as it may be fully valued: it may be of some service to him. But does not press the request if Owen's own proper occasions may make use of it. What Owen may be pleased to do therein, his order to Cousin William Spicer will be observed. Respects to Lady Owen and his pretty cousin Nelly. The moneys are to the full paid to Owen's servant Morrice Griffith.