But I forbear quoting further the account of this same cardinal's pompous "_absolution of these realms_," and "_reconciliation to the church of Rome_," all which are given in "marvellous" detail by our worthy historian. I pass on to observe, in conclusion, that, from the fact (as recorded in the first of the foregoing historic extracts) that "Sir Richard _Pool_, chamberlain" to Prince Arthur, was sent by him into _Wales_, I gather your correspondent I. J. H. H. has been led to suppose him a _Welsh knight_. That he is called a _kinsman_ of the prince is also some confirmation of the statement afforded by J. G. N., that he became so by his mother's near connexion with the Countess of Richmond, but his own alliance with the house of Plantagenet must have taken place about the close of the fifteenth century (and I own this offers some objection to my theory of his descent); it could not have occurred in 1513, as your correspondent states, since Cardinal Pole was, as I have stated, born in 1500, and was therefore fifty-four years old at the commencement of Mary's reign, viz. 1553-4, when proposals were made for his marriage with the queen; for, says Sir Richard, once more, in speaking, of "the marriages propounded for Queen Mary:" "One was Cardinal Pool, of a dignity not much inferior to kings, and by his mother descended from kings; _but there was an exception against him also, because four and fifty years old_ (as old a batchelor as Queen Mary was a maid)," &c. &c. May I be allowed to suggest another Query as to the value of the aforesaid dignity of knighthood, since Lord Herbert and Lord Powis accepted it with men of plainer name and "lesser note." I should feel obliged to any of your correspondents for information on this point. H. W. S. T. Southampton. [Footnote 6: _English Baronets_, vol. ii. p. 546. ed. 1727.] * * * * * PROCLAMATIONS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF COAL. (Vol. v., p. 513.)