1389-05-18, Westminster

To Thomas duke of Gloucestre constable of England. Order to take heed and deliver for execution to the marshal or his representative about Sunday after the Ascension next a sufficient command and sentence in the king's court of chivalry in a cause between William earl of Salisbury and John Montagu the elder knight for detinue of a forged indenture and of a bond or statute merchant dependent thereupon, confirmed after by the king, and a condemnation in costs against the defendant under the seal of the constable's office, so that by reason of the insufficiency or obscurity of the constable's command the marshal may no more make excuse, but if the constable shall delay it beyond the day above limited the king will deal as law and reason require in regard to execution, that because of debate concerning the sufficiency or insufficiency of the constable's command execution be no longer delayed to the prejudice of the plaintiff, as it is incumbent upon his majesty to fail in justice toward none of his subjects ; as long ago the king commanded the constable to send for execution the said sentence and condemnation in costs, taxed by the king at 2,500 marks, but delaying execution more than one year the constable lately addressed to the marshal a commission to execute the condemnation in costs, not commanding him to execute the said sentence, so that the marshal will not execute the same, being not bound so to do as he avers. By K. and C.