This bearer, Sir William Russell, hath lately done his Majesty good
service by lending money towards the discharge of the ships that come
from Argier, whereof I pray your Lordship to take notice and to thank
him.
The more I look into the King's estate, the greater cause I have
to be troubled, considering the work I have to do, which is not to
reform one particular, as in the household, navy, wardrobe, etc.; but
every particular, as well of his Majesty's receipts as payments, hath
been carried with so much disadvantage to the King, as until your
Lordship see it you will not believe any men should be so careless
and unfaithful.
I have heard his Majesty is now granting a pension. I pray your
Lordship to consider how impossible it is for me to do service if
any such thing be done, and withal whether it were not unjust to
stop pensions already granted, and at the same instant to grant new,
and what a life I should have with those whose pensions are stayed,
for whom I have now a good answer: viz., the King must and shall be
first served. I pray your lordship not only to stay the granting any
new, but to move his Majesty not to suffer any old to be exchanged
or altered from one life to another; and then, I dare assure your
Lordship, within these few months they will not be worth two years'
purchase.
I shall not desire to live if I do not the work; and therefore, good
my Lord, be constant yourself, and be the happy means to hold the
King so. It is my gratitude to his Majesty and your lordship that
hath engaged me: otherwise there is nothing upon this earth could
have tempted me to have quit the happy estate I was in within these
fourteen days, to enter into a business so full of continual vexation
and trouble.
I have called some men to account who have not accounted these seven
years. I doubt some will make their addresses to his Majesty or your
lordship; I pray let their answer be, his Majesty hath referred the
trust of ordering his estate to me.
I shall shortly call for an account out of the Isle of Wight. I think
out of moneys owing by some rich lords to pay some of his Majesty's
poor servants. I will spare no person, nor forbear any course that is
just and honourable to make our great and gracious master to subsist
of his own. The pains and envy shall be mine: the honour and thanks
your lordship's. Wherefore be constant to him that loves and honours
you, and will ever rest,
Your lordship's faithful servant and kinsman,
LIONEL CRANFIELD.
CHELSEA,
_12th Oct., 1621_.