Page:Archaeologia Volume 13.djvu/489

April 6, 1797.

Robert Aldersey, Esq. F.R.S. exhibited to the Society a curious Original Paper, dated in May 1577, indorsed "Thomas Shakespeares bill," of which the following is a copy:

"Mensis Man A^o. Regni Regine
Elizabeth decimo nono 1577.

"Thomas Shakespeare, one of the messengers of the Queenes Ma^ts. chamber, asketh allowaunce for being sent, by the comaundment of the Q. Ma^ts. most honerable pryvie counsell from the court at Grenew^ch to the Lord Bisshopp of London being at his house at Fulham, and ther to hym dd l͏̃res from thence to the Lord Bisshopp of Yorke being at Tower Hill, and ther to hym delivered l͏̃res; and from thence to the Bisshopp of Chichester being at Westm^r. and ther to him delivered l͏̃res; and from thence to the Lord Bisshopp of Durham lyeing in Aldersgate Streate, and ther to hym de- livered l͏̃res; and from thence to the Lord Bisshopp of Wor- cester lyeing at Paules Churche Yard, and ther to hym de- livered l͏̃res; wherefore the said Thomas prayeth to have al- lowance for his chardgs and paynes, to be rated and paid by the treasurer of the Queenes Majesties chamber.

vi^s & viii^d.

FRA. WALSYNGHAM."

Extract