[Footnote 134-1: [From Paston MSS., B.M.] Thomas Howard, Earl of
Surrey, the writer of this letter, fought for Richard III. at the
battle of Bosworth, and was taken prisoner. He was, however, after
some years’ confinement, liberated from the Tower, and taken into
favour. In 1489 the King sent him into the North to put down the
rebellion in which the Earl of Northumberland was slain, and
afterwards made him his lieutenant-general north of Trent; and for
ten years he resided continually in those parts. The date of this
letter, therefore, cannot be earlier than 1490, though it may be
several years later.]
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