ditional Manuscript 6178, folio 62). After this he was secretary to
Lord Monteagle. He was, says Greenway, "an accomplished and able man,
familiarly conversant with several languages, the intimate friend and
companion of Catesby, and of great account with the Catholic party
generally, in consequence of his talents for intrigue, and his personal
acquaintance with ministers of influence in foreign Courts." Gerard
adds that his "elder brother, and another younger, were also brought
into the action by his means. He was a reasonable good scholar, and
able to talk in many matters of learning, but especially in philosophy
or histories, very well and judicially. He could speak both Latin,
Italian, Spanish, and French. He had been a soldier, both in Flanders,
France, and I think against the Turk, and could discourse exceeding well
of those matters; and was of such a wit, and so fine carriage, that he
was of so pleasing conversation, desired much of the better sort, but an
inseparable friend to Mr Robert Catesby. He was of mean stature, but
strong and comely, and very valiant, about thirty-three years or more.
His means were not great, but he lived in good sort, and with the best.
He was very devout and zealous in his faith, and careful to come often
to the Sacraments, and of very grave and discreet carriage, offensive to
no man, and fit for any employment." His "living was eight score pound
by the year, by report of his man," (_Gunpowder Plot Book_, article 41);
namely, his annual income was about 160 pounds. Several letters of his
are still extant; three have been published in Notes and Queries (3rd
Series, one; 341), and are all addressed to Grant. One written to
Catesby has not seen the light hitherto, and as it is characteristic, I
append it. (Cott. Manuscript Titus, B. two; folio 292.)

"To my loving friend, Mr Robert Catesby.

"Though all you malefactors flock to London, as birds in winter to a
dunghill, yet do I, Honest man, freely possess the sweet country air:
and to say truth, would fain be amongst you, but cannot as yet get money
to come up. I was at Asbye to have met you, but you were newly gone; my
business and your uncertain stay made me hunt no further. I pray you
commend me to other friends. And when occasion shall require, send down
to my brother's or Mr Talbott's; within this month I will be with you
at London. So God keep you this 12th of October. Your loving friend,
Thomas Wintour."

John Wi