History of the Fife Pitcairns

ANDREW PITCAIRN. 157
On March 12, 1628, Andro Pitcairn was at Theobalds,
for he wrote from there to Sec. Conway, asking for a pass
for John Danker and Walter Danker, who were employed
by him to bring over hawks for his Majesty.
On July 22, at Westminster, the King ordered a warrant to
pay to Andro Pitcairn, groom of the Bed-chamber, ^2000 as
the King's gift. 1
On March 22 the following year, Sir Roger Thornton wrote
from Snailwell to Mr Pitcairn, Master of the King's Hawks, in-
forming him " that Coston, who dwells in his Majesty's Duck House
in Kennet nr. Newmarket, says that the late King gave him his
dwelling there during his life, and that he will not be removed,
except he be torn in pieces. If it were true, it is upon his good
behaviour and care of the game, but he takes a contrary course,
and suggests the obtaining of his Majesty's command to the
Constables of Kennet to remove him."
In the Calendar of the State Papers, 1629-1631, written
in the time of Charles I., there are the following entries :
1630, April 14, Letter from Andrew Pitcairn to Secretary
Dorchester : —
"Andrew Pitcairn, Master of the Hawks [to Sec. Dorchester],
Begs him to acquaint the Council that the King had commanded
the writer to complain to them when the commission for hawks'
meat was not obeyed. Lately sent warrants into Herts to that
purpose, whereof he had no other return but that the gentlemen
of the county — namely, Sir Richard Lucy, Sir Robert Chester,
and Sir Thomas Dacres — intreated forbearance until the Sessions.
He consented thereto, and was put to hard shifts for food for
the King's hawks, then at Theobalds."
After consultation the answer is, that they conceive it not due,
and that they are willing to be called to the Council Board to
answer it.
Below is another letter from Andrew Pitcairn to
Conway : —
August 12th, at South Hampton.
Andrew Pitcairn, Master Falconer to the King, to Lord Presi-
dent Conway. When Captain Penn gets his despatch the King
1 Calendar of Domestic State Papers, Car. I., No. 43.