Sir:

I have received your letters of Januarie the first: and they were soe full of kindness that I thinke you intended them for a Newe-years guifte. I thanke you hartely for them and your love and had intended to send you this letter of thanks for your often and lovinge Remembrances of mee, though I had had noe other occasion. But yesterday Januarie xiith Mr Staple came to mee, and brought mee a letter from you, which requiers more tyme to answeare; and finds mee (as I am for the most parte) with more business then tyme lefte to doe it in. Notwithstandinge I will God willinge dismiss him towards you by the end of this week that is comminge in, with your business as well settl’d as I cann. Yet I thought good to hould my former Resolution and send you these letters before, that you may knowe that though the Weather and the Wayes be daungerous; yet Mr Staple and your letters are safe come to mee.

I hartely wishe to your selfe and your Ladie (to whom I praye lett me be rememberd) a very happie newe yeare, of this which is begunn and many like it. And I hope nowe many of your carefull businesses are settld, the rest of your life will be succesfull. Soe wishinge you all happiness I leave you to the grace of God, and shall ever rest

Your very lovinge Frend

Guil: Batho: et Welle:

Westminster. January. 13. 1626.

I have sent a Bill of the Lent Services.

To the Right worshipfull my very worthie Frend Sir John Scudamore Knight and Baronett att Holme Lacy in Hereford Sheire bee these delivered.