#ntnotes

1251. Sir John Dudley to Cromwell. R. O. Yesterday, 10 Oct., the extreme rages of the sea have broken with such violence on divers parts of these coasts that all Gilford Marsh and certain villages near the sea have been drowned. The marsh is clearly lost, or will be as chargeable to win again as it was when Sir Ric. Gilford died in it, for the seabanks are borne down. I cannot yet tell whether John Gyldford or I have lost the most, for the matter is in the King's hands, who has not yet determined it. Gyldford is not at hand to help or set people to work on it, or to bear part of the charges; and if I should turn the broche while others ate the roast I should be well mocked for my labor. But if the thing be not seen to at once it will be lost for ever; so I will do what I can, hoping the King will consider my charges. Part of the marsh belongs to the land recovered to the King's use for payment of the debts owed by Sir Edward Gilford to his Highness. I beg you will be my good master in this matter, that my enemy may have no advantage over me in my absence. I think the King would not be pleased if he knew their crafty practices to defeat my right, when the matter is in his hands; but their title will appear little worth when it is thoroughly scanned. I beg you not to give too much credence to some great men who wish to make the best of it for Mr. Clement, as when I show you “how hotly the ending of Mr. Clement to the Fleet was taken by some that, may chance, you think to be your friend, you will not a little marvel.” If you will defer Clement I will wait upon you by Friday. This day the vicar of Tenterden exhorted his parishioners to stand on their old fashions and fly this new learning, and many other papists' doctrines, and when he bade his beads he said, because it was newly ordered that they should pray first for the King, therefore he would do it. Young Brikanden, your servant, heard him. I would not have told you this had he not been already before you. Halden, Sunday afternoon.Hol. pp. 3. Add.: Secretary.