"Sir,—If my health were not so ill as yours, with all my business to boot, I should not hope to be excused for being so slow in giving you thanks for two so great favours. I heartily wish we were in a condition of being able to make use of any good inclinations to us beyond sea, and perhaps they are the kinder, because they find it safe to be so, whilst we are as we are, that is, unable to take them at their words, and make use of their kindness. Of Mr. Wightman's commitment I never heard before I read your letter: the petition for him is in Mr. Secretary's hands, but I will assist it to my power; though I conceive it indiscreetly done of the Company to send so obnoxious a person, and yet more indiscreetly done of him to be sent, who could not but know that he was such. My desire of peace, and my opinion of the way to it, agree wholly with yours, for which I congratulate with myself, and wish the second followed (but both sides must then contribute) that the first might be obtained, and I might then have occasion to congratulate with the kingdom too. His Majesty hath commanded me to let you know that he is very sensible of your present condition, and that he is sorry for nothing more than that his friends (especially so honest and deserving a man) should be in danger for being so, and be not able to protect them, but that if retiring of yourself hither out of their power would stand with your occasions, he assures you, you shall be very welcome, but what to advise you, if you stay, I find he knows not, and I am sure I know as little. I wish, whether you stay or come, it might be in my power to serve you. I assure you, Sir, if there were any occasion of doing it by my readiness to catch at, and my diligence in pursuing it, you should find what I must now desire you to believe, that I am, Sir, your very really humble Servant,
Falkland.
"18th April."
(Addressed) "For the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Rowe, Knight, one of His Majesty's most honourable Privy Council."—Dom. Car. i., April 18, 1643.
[371] Rushworth, v. 486.
[372] Perfect Diurnal, 2nd of Sept., 1643.
[373] Baillie's Letters, ii. 99, 113-115.
[374] Rushworth, v. 358.
[375] "Horses have stood ready in several stables, and almost eaten out their heads, for those that were to go with the news to Oxford."—Parliament Scout.
[376] The Diurnals which supply these statements are not trustworthy.