The Stonor letters and papers, 1290-1483; ed. for the Royal historical society, from the origial documents in the Public record office, by Charles Lethbridge Kingsford.

92. JOHN CROOCKER TO THOMAS STONOR 18 OCTOBER, [1468]

In Michaelmas Term, 1467, a writ was issued to the Sheriff of Devon to bring up William Saunder, Hugh Helyer, John Roberd and William Skryche

of Ermyngton on the morrow of St. Andrew (1 Dec.) to show cause why they should not pay 10l. damages which Richard Drayton had lately recovered against them for trespass. They failed to appear, and were cited for Hilary Term, when it was ordered that Drayton should have execution. In Trinity Term, 1468, a writ of exigi facias was issued to the Sheriff against them. (Coram Rege Rolls, 826, m. 41, and 829, m. 105; see also p. 83 above.) Thus the date of this letter is 18 Oct., 1468, a fortnight after Drayton's death. Lyneham is in Yealmpton, not far from Ermington. The writer is no doubt the John Crocker who was knighted in 1471 and died in 1508-9, and is commemorated on a brass in Yealmpton Church. From A.C., xlvi, 40.

Ryght worshipful cosyn and frende, I commawnde me unto you. The cause that y write unto you at this tyme ys to pray you for to do for me in þat I woll desyre you as ever ye will that y shall do for you. Ther as on Hewgh Helyer is at exegent at your father Drayton ys sute with William Saunder, John Robard, and William Skryche, and as for John Robert ye have utterly promyseyd me that he shall not be hurt in no wise, and as for Scryche my broder Predyax telleth me that ye and he be agreyd for hym, but in especiall y pray you to save Hewgh Helyer that he be not hurt, for he came into my service now at Michel|masse and ys my plowghman, to thentent that y shulde make an ende betwyxt hym and you. And yf evere ye woll have my good will and service, favereth hym at this tyme. Be the same token that ye were with me the Fryday before that ye departeyd from Ermyngton, and that y promiseyd you to have be with you at Ermyngton the Sonday than next folowyng: the cause that I cam not yt ys nat unknowne to you: my will ys trewe unto you, as God knoweth. Also here y sende you halfe a ryall to token that at the next tyme that ye and y mete y shall make an ende for my servaunt Hewgh Helyer, as y am trewe gentyl|man &c. And God have you in his kepyng, Amen. I-wryten at Lynham on seynt Lukes day,

Be your owne John Croocker.

Unto my Ryȝt Tresty and wel beloveyd Cosyn Thomas Stoner, Squyer, this letter be delyvered.