[Sidenote: 1469 / MAY 22]
I would have been with you on Sunday before Ascension Day, had I
received any command to that effect. Henry Wheler told me my day of the
surety of peace was _quindena Trinitatis_, ‘and thereof he made me a
bill. He is foully to blame to serve me so.’ I am much bound to you,
nevertheless, for the safeguard of my sureties. Gives an account of
monies disbursed since parting with Sir John at London. Repaid ‘my
mistress’ 66_s._ 8_d._, part of 100_s._ she lent for Mariot’s matter.
Paid Dawbeney for household since Midlent, 30_s._ Received from the
farmer of the dairy, £11, 11_s._ 4_d._ Delivered ‘to the master of the
college onward for his hire,’ 50_s._ Has received of Paston’s ‘lifelode’
since he came from London but £18, 10_s._ Has spent £12, 10_s._ more
than he received, and has borrowed of John Wellys and others. Could
borrow nothing of Mr. William. ‘And of all this twelvemonth I have not
had one penny for my wages. There is none of them that hath purveyed nor
chevised have so much as I have done. Here is no man paid of their
wages, but all spent in household.’ Cannot get a penny in all Suffolk or
Flegge, of Paston’s ‘lifelode,’ nor in Boyton nor Heyneford. Can get
money only at Gughton, which I must gather myself, for the bailiff will
not come there. Much malt made, which had better be sold to pay the
men’s wages, who complain grievously, ‘and the master of the college and
Sir John Stille both.’ Will obtain for Dawbeney in ten days 6 or 7 marks
more, which should keep the household for the next seven or eight weeks.
The price of malt is but 20_d._ a quarter, but it would be better to
sell some than that the men should be unpaid. Wonders he has no word
from him about letting Spoorle. Cannot give Mariot an estate in Bekham
as Paston directs, for Paston has the deed which James Andrewes sealed,
but will talk with him and see how he is disposed; for it would be well
that Paston were through with him. He is not trusty, but seeks pretexts
for delay. Jekson’s crossbow is broken. Shall he send it to London to be
mended?
Caster, Monday in Pentecost week.
[The mention of Jekson’s crossbow being broken proves this letter
to be of the year 1469. Compare No. 710, p. 23.]
[Footnote 24-3: [From Paston MSS., B.M.]]
713