Letters: Earl of Oxford to Baron Burghley, 1583. [Spelling modernized.]

BL Lansdowne 38/62, ff. 158-9 (bifolium, 300mm x 190mm, 225mm x 190mm), Oxford to Burghley; 1583 (W245-6;F303). [Click here for original spelling.]

I have been an earnest suitor unto your Lordship, for my Lord Lumley, that it would please you for my sake to stand his good lord and friend, which as I perceive your Lordship has already very honorably, the which I am in a number of things more than I can reckon bound unto your lordship so am I likewise especially. For he has matched with a near kinswoman of mine, to whose father I always was beholding unto, for his assured and kind disposition unto me. Further, among all the rest of my blood, this only remains in account either of me or else of  them., as your lordship does know very well, the rest having embraced further alliances, to leave their nearer consanguinity. And as I hope your lordship does account me now on whom you have so much bound as I am to be yours before any else in the world, both through match, whereby I count my greatest stay, and by your lordship’s friendly usage and sticking by me in this time wherein I am hedged in with so many enemies, so likewise I hope your lordship will take all them for your followers and most at Command which are inclined and affected to me. Wherefore I [shall] once again be thus bold with your lordship to be importunate in this matter your lordship’s favor in [easing] my lord Lumley’s payment to her majesty wherein we all give your lordship thanks, and you shall do me as great an honor herein, as a profit if it had been to myself. In [this] through your lordship’s favor I shall be able to pleasure my friend, and stand needless of others, that have forsaken me. Thus, for that your lordship is troubled with many matters where you are, I crave pardon for troubling you.

Your lordship’s to command

(signed) Edward Oxenford

Addressed by Oxford: To the right honorable and his very good lord my lord Treasurer of England give this. [seal]

Endorsed by Burghley: Earl of Oxford for the Lord Lumley

Second endorsement: 1583

 

 

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