Richard Calle to Sir John Paston

712

ABSTRACT³

RICHARD CALLE TO SIR JOHN PASTON

     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’ 66s. 8d., part of
100s. she lent for Mariot’s matter. Paid Dawbeney for household since
Midlent, 30s. Received from the farmer of the dairy, £11, 11s. 4d.

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Delivered ‘to the master of the college onward for his hire,’ 50s. Has
received of Paston’s ‘lifelode’ since he came from London but £18, 10s.
Has spent £12, 10s. more than he received, and has borrowed of John Wellys
and others. Could borrow nothing of Mr. William. ‘And of all this twelve-
month 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 20d. 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.]

     ³ [From Paston MSS., B.M.]

MAY 22

1469
MAY 22