242 APPENDIX. My Lord Bishop* told me that the like informationwas brought to your Lordship, concerning my brother Thomas as concerning myself. As for him, though I had not sooner opportunity to signifye, I had a most grateful sense of your Lordship's favor in making him a Master in Chancery. He doth most humbly profess the like, and what I have alleadged for myself, I can do the same for him ; that both his religion and loyalty are most affec- tionately orthodox and sincere. Having said thus much, I beseech I may add the tender of most humble service to your Lordship from my brother Robert, who still remains with me in a very weak condition. I hope your Lordship will vouchsafe credit to these lines of truth, in behalf of a poor family, which bath not deserved ill, I am confident, of those who have mis- represented us. I heartily- forgive all the injury, except the necessity of so long a trouble to your Lordship, from, my Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, most humble servant, E. HARLEY. Brompton Brian, Dec. 12, 1665. (2.) LETTER FROM THE LORD CHANCELLOR TO SIR EDWARD HARLEY. 18 DEC. 1665. Sir-Though I am very glad always to hear from you, yet I am very sorry that you had such an occasion to give yourself the trouble of writing to me the 12th of this month, when it seems you thought my friendship was lessened towards you. I make no doubt but I might say any thing to my Lord Bishop, which his Lordship sayth I did say to him ; and that he meant no ill, either to you or me in the representation ; but I do as well know that I have received no late informations concerning you which made the least impression on me to your prejudice. I know too well the humours of this age, and how frankly they speak of things and persons, according as they like or dislike, and I do in some degree know the temper of Hereford- shire ; and, if any information had about that time been given to me, to your prejudice, it is very probable I might communicate it to my Lord ' Dr. Herbert Croft.
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