University of Virginia Library

CCCXXIV. Captain Nathaniel Butler. Letter to Sir Nathaniel
Rich
April, soon after April 12, 1623

Noble Sr

Our diligent Aduersaries, neglect noe time. This Easter-Eue, they stole a
Court vpon vs, their sealed Beagle, warneinge only their owne side: but by
great chaunce some of ours comeinge to an incklinge of it, presented them-

selues, vnwellcom'd: who haue made thes obseruations ther. 1. that Our
Petition and my declaration are as yet (as far as they can perceiue) both
vncopied and vnknowen to them in the Perticulers. 2ly The Petitioners
haue bin (by Sr Sackfeilde) openly tearmed Traytours to the Company,
for deliueringe the sayd Petition to the King. 3ly My selfe was publickly
taxed for deliueringe any writeinge whatsoeuer concerneinge the Company,
(though vnto the King and by his Command as this was) wthout first
acquaintinge their Court wth it. 4ly most odd and sencelesse Propositions
haue bin offred to a decision by handes. 5ly They proclaime, that they
will deliuer a Crosse-Petition to his Maiestie ye wch they saye, shalbe
waited vpon by as good a man as ours had any. 6ly They blurred vpo9
my Lorde of Warwick in the point of the Treasorour and accordinge to
their wont, wer braulinge, loude and violent. I leaue it to your true
iudgment (thes considered) whether it wer not fitt that my Lorde wer
hasted in his returne from Rocheforde and that in the meane time your
noble selfe aduised throughly what Course to take herein; this is the desire
of our whole Company and mine, who shall euer rest