Thanks for curing his daughter Mary's eye; fears she has long been a burden. Has long endured a prisoner's life but trusts to be enlarged soon; has worked out his own peace and quiet, but the smart his children bear tears his heart asunder. Is sending a keg of sturgeon.

Asks him to watch over John Bagot, Richard's brother, who is going to Ireland to sow his wild oats, that he may not fall into any penury. His brother is a sober gentleman, as highly thought of as any esquire not exceeding 300 marks land within three shires. (Phrase "white lie" in line 9 is earliest recorded use, as of 2017).

Bagot is abused by the clergy, who do not properly report their recusants. The lord lieutenant is wrong to charge Bagot with untruth (in L.a.803), but will probably not report it to the Council. Bagot and Mr. Blackwall to meet with Mr. Okeover soon.

Has reluctantly drawn the books between his cousin Richard Rugeley's father and father-in-law, but they will not fetch them. Is sending the articles here enclosed and wishes to be discharged.

Extreme feebleness prevents his travelling. At Sidbury met Mr. Trentham, who has done nothing about his will. Sends greetings to Richard Bagot [who is to die two days later].

On the previous Thursday, the Earl of Essex was at York House before the lords of the Privy Council and other lords, also two sergeants, the Queen's attorney and Bacon; he was touched only with some disloyalty to the Queen, to whose mercy he submitted himself. It is thought he will soon be discharged. He remained on his knees for two hours, while the matter was in talk. Grey gone to the Low Countries. Raleigh gone to the country; Her Majesty called him worse than I call a dog.

If Bagot wishes to repay the money shortly to be due, Adderley will come for it on the 10th of the month; otherwise the loan may be extended.

Plans to be in the country at the term's end. Has asked his brother Adderley Cotton to let Bagot have 100 for six months.

Mr. Cavendish or Mr. Agard has several closes available for Bagot if he wants them. Anthony Bagot ought to be told also.

Was filled with sorrow at hearing of the death of Bagot's father. Has furnished Thomas Beardmore with money, which he took up at interest. Repayment, 102 10 shillings, is to be made at George Allen's shop in Uttoxeter on May 8th. Jas bought blacks which will be to Bagot's liking. Expects to be in Staffordshire in the latter part of the month.