Folios 101-103. From [Sir] P [Philip] Yorke. To [Duke of Newcastle]. Place: Lincoln's...

Folios 101-103. From [Sir] P [Philip] Yorke. To [Duke of Newcastle]. Place: Lincoln's Inn.

Letter. That he has signed a bill for the Lords Justices' signature for a pardon to Sir Alex [Alexander] Anstruther and comments 'Upon this I think it my duty to put your Grace in mind of the affair of the Warden of the Fleet against whom two actions of escape were brought amounting together of upwards of £19,000, upon account of Sir Alexander's being taken by the messengers out of the Fleet prison , where he was then a prisoner in execution. Before Mr Solicitor and myself had fully considered that matter the last term, the plaintiff in the actions put off the trial to the next term, which put a stop to any further proceedings then; but upon the instructions we then had and particularly by reason of the plea pleaded by Mr Huggins, we apprehended there was a danger that the plaintiff might succeed in those actions. The reason of my giving your Grace this trouble is to submit it to your consideration, whether if Sir Alexander is to have the benefit of His Majesty's grace and favour, it may not be reasonably expected from him in the first place to put an end to these actions, and not leave the government at the hazard of indemnifying the Warden of the Fleet in case there should be a recovery against him'.