|
Oct. 1. Camp, at St. Martin's. |
1. Buckingham to Capt. Kettleby, of the Victory. Warrant to
press four able mariners to serve in his ship as midshipmen, with
the allowance of masters' mates. |
Oct. 1. |
2. Capt. George Alleyne to Nicholas. He and Capt. Pett are left
to bring off Mr. John Haydon. A brave prize has been sent home,
both rich and glorious, and taken with the least hazard that might
be. Finds his discourse true. Sir Sackville Trevor is only fit to
command a ship, and not a fleet. Within five miles was another
ship that would have delivered up, had Sir Sackville sent but three
of his worst ships to have taken her; and beyond her rode her great
Admiral, a glorious ship, without a gun in her, which might have
been burnt. This is the opinion of all the Dutch captains, and of all
our own mariners, but they have lost the opportunity, and it will
now cost many lives and much money before it can be effected. Sir
Sackville's want of direction and command causes us to be contemned by the Dutch. When the writer comes to England, will
relate the whole course of this proceeding. Sir Sackville neither
followed his advice nor would willingly let him share either honour
or profit. The French have lately bought four ships of 30 guns
apiece at Amsterdam. There are two similar ships at Enchuysen,
but this alarm will break off the design. At Enchuysen they have
opened their booms to secure them. |
Oct. 1. On board the Entrance, in Stokes Bay. |
3. Sir Henry Mervyn to the same. Will be in London to-morrow,
to give account of their wants, and to confer with him and Sec.
Coke. Doubts not of good success in this service, if it be not overthrown by Sir Sackville Trevor's going thither. Want of progress
in repair of the George. Difficulty of procuring men. Two East
India English ships came here to anchor late last night; they left
Sir Francis Stewart at Plymouth; they have on board the body of
Sir John Burgh. |
Oct. 1. Portsmouth. |
4. William Towerson to the same. Enumerates what French
prize ships are in that harbour. The two East India ships from
Plymouth now in Stokes Bay. The corpse of Sir [John] Burgh,
brought from Plymouth in the London, landed in that town that
evening. |
Oct. 1. |
5. Account of provisions and supplies demanded by Sir William
Becher and Mons. Dulbier, with marginal statements of what had
been done with reference to each separate particular. |
Oct. 1. |
6. Copy of the same. |
Oct. 1. |
7. "Might and Would not; or, The Observation of the Right
Honourable the Earl of Warwick his voyage, made upon the coast
of Portugal in the year of our Lord God, Anno Domini 1627.
With the passages which principally happened, and the proceedings
thereof; but especially of the rule and government in the good ship
called the Hector, under the command of Sir Francis Stewart,
Knight, captain of the said ship. And a true relation of the manner of his fight with the Vice Admiral of Spain the 12th day of
July, 1627; three more of the Spanish Armada giving her chase in
sight, very near at hand. Written by William Ball, mariner, clearing
himself of an aspersion falsely imputed upon him on the voyage."
The narrative extends from March 14, 1627, to this day. Ball
was master of the Hector. The narrative occupies 61 leaves of
manuscript. |
Oct. 1. |
8. Account of Collector of the Loan for the hundred of Melksham
and liberty of Trowbridge, in co. Wilts. Total assessment, 260l. 3s. 4d.;
uncollected 46l. 16s. 8d. |
Oct. 2. [Whitehall.] |
9. [Sec. Conway] to Sec. Coke. The King's pleasure is, that the
French ships with troops for the King of Denmark, stayed by Lord
Sunderland, be dismissed. The Dutchmen that ran away with the
captain's ship (see letter of the Earl of Sunderland, 1627, September 25, Vol. lxxix., No. 27,) are to be made answerable at law. The
King approves the drawing the King of Sweden into the league.
He thinks it a matter worthy of all endeavour. |
Oct. 2. |
Minute of the same. [Conway's Letter Book, p. 286.] |
Oct. 2. Tottenham. |
10. Sec. Coke to Sec. Conway. Sends letter from Mr. Ross, on
which direction is required: —1. Whether the priest, Trumbull,
who was sent over to be a Bishop for Scotland, as Smith is for
England, and who dissembled his conversion, shall be sent to Sir John
Hippisley for redemption of mariners; 2. Whether the fugitives
from Denmark and the States, for fear of serving the enemy, shall be
permitted to come for England; 3. Whether those that serve the
enemy shall be called home; and, 4. Whether Ross shall be further
employed. Conway can report to the King what passed at the
Council yesterday, and where the fault is if preparations be delayed.
Hopes on Wednesday they will resolve better. Wants directions as
to two French barks carrying men to the King of Denmark, but
captured on our coasts. Sends letters for despatch of Mr. Harrison
and the Ambassadors for Sallee. He has moderated what the King
thought too sharp. Hopes Conway will assist at their meeting
to-morrow. |
Oct. 2. Rochester. |
11. Mayor and another, of Rochester, to Sec. Coke. Gervase
Hambleton, Peter Hambleton, his brother, and Margaret, Peter's wife,
with two children, and a servant, have been stopped on their arrival
in that port. They are all Roman Catholics. Gervase took the
Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, but the rest refused. Gervase
represents himself as having been a scholar of Oxford, but now a
tailor. Peter is a physician. Information has been given that
they are both priests, and that Gervase, whose real name is Father
Hoard, is sent into England to attend the Roman Catholics, and do
"an other gates" exploit in England. Inclose, |
11. i. Information of John Freeman. Had been told that the
Hambletons were both priests, and that the latter of the two
was called Hoard. Rochester, 1627, October 1. |
11. ii. Separate examinations of Gervase Hambleton and Peter
Hambleton. Give account of their past lives. Gervase
denies that he is Father Hoard; both deny that they are
priests. Rochester, 1627, October 1. |
Oct. 2. Marlborough. |
12. Deputy Lieutenants of Wilts to William Earl of Pembroke,
Lord Lieutenant. By reason of the sickness, dangerously dispersed
at Sarum, and in other parts of the county, as also for want of
captains, they could not take an exact muster. Send names of
persons fit to be appointed captains. |
Oct. 2. |
13. Journal, of Capt. George Alleyne, of the proceedings of the
fleet sent to the Texel under Sir Sackville Trevor; it extends from
September 24 to October 2, and fully details the circumstances of
the capture of the St. Esprit. |
Oct. 2. At anchor, under Cowes Castle. |
14. Certificate of J. Carstenzoon and nine others, being the commanders and chief officers of the Golden Lion, the Orange, and the
Walcheren, the three Dutch East Indiamen stayed off the Isle of
Wight. Set forth a request, made at the Cape of Good Hope on
May 6 last, by the officers of the London, an English East Indiaman,
for assistance from the Dutch East Indiamen, the London being in
a very weak and desolate estate, which assistance was yielded; as
also the subsequent gift to them of a boat on the loss of their own
at St. Helena. [Copy, translated from the Dutch.] |
Oct. 2. At anchor, under Cowes Castle. |
15. Similar certificate from the same persons. Set forth another
request made to them, on August 29 last, by the officers of the same
ship, the London, and the Reformation, another East English Indiaman, for the loan of 30 men, which was complied with. The two
English ships had lost many of their crews from death, and the
latter ship was in a perilous condition from a leak. [Copy, translated
from the Dutch.] |
Oct. 2. |
16. Collectors' account of the loan for the hundred and borough
of Bradford, co. Wilts. |
Oct. 3. The Savoy. |
17. George Earl of Totness, Master of the Ordnance, to the King.
In the memory of man that office was never so weak in powder as
now. Difficulty of obtaining it. Beseeches the King to refer it to
the Council to advise what course is to be taken in a cause of so
great importance. Incloses, |
17. i. Brief of powder issued out of the King's store from March,
1625, to September 22, 1627. Total, 653 lasts; remaining
in store, 24 lasts. |
Oct. 3. Hereford. |
18. Commissioners for the Loan for the hundreds of Broxash and
Radlow, in co. Hereford, to the Council. Send accounts of collectors
and lists of defaulters. Inclose, |
18. i. Account and list for the hundred of Broxash. Collected,
475l 10s.; unpaid, 105l. |
18. ii. The like for the hundred of Radlow. Collected, 371l. 4s.;
unpaid, 104l. 9s. 4d. |
Oct. 3. |
19. Deputy Lieutenants of co. Warwick to the Council. Edward
Standish, having obstinately refused to pay his proportion of money
towards setting forth impressed soldiers, had been bound to answer
the same before their Lordships. |
Oct. 3. London. |
20. [Sec. Conway] to Sir John Hippisley. The King desires him
to observe when the ships now going from the Thames to Plymouth
come into the Downs, or pass Dover, and thereupon to haste a
despatch to Court to say what wind they have, and when they
may be expected to be at Plymouth. |
Oct. 3. |
Minute of the same. [Conway's Letter Book, p. 286.] |
Oct. 3. [Whitehall.] |
21. [The same] to Sir Henry Marten. Difficulties he feels with
reference to the proclamation forbidding trade with Spain, and
especially as to its operation on the States. Desires his clear judgment on the whole matter. [Copy.] |
Oct 3. |
Minute of the same. [Conway's Letter Book, p. 286.] |
Oct. 3. On board the Adventure. |
22. Capt. George Alleyne to [Sec. Conway]. Sends account of
occurrences since the departure of Sir Sackville Trevor. He advised
them to seek assistance from Mr. Barlow and Capt. Alexander
Baxter, men whom they know not. Some of them have victuals
only for four days. They have no money to buy, nor, if they had,
would the States' fleet allow them to fetch provisions. Incloses, |
22. i. Relation, by Capt. Alleyne, of his remaining in the Texel
in the Adventure, with the Ambrose, Capt. Pett, and
another vessel, Capt. Hooke, and being inclosed by 11
States' men-of-war, and there commanded to stay until
further order from the States General. The person who
brought this order, being asked to show his commission,
answered, that he would show it when Capt. Alleyne would
let him see by what commission he had offered violence
in the States' road, and that if Capt. Alleyne offered to
weigh anchor he knew what commission he had. Begs
speedy advice. |
Oct. 3. St. Martin. |
23. Sir William Becher to the same. By the Duke's commandment advertises occurrences since his letter of the 27th. On the 28th
there came two gentlemen to treat of rendering the citadel, who
demanded time until the next morning. The night being dark and
stormy, on warning given of an enemy's approach, the Duke went
to sea himself, but our barks taking a contrary course in the dark,
the enemy's fleet of 35 barks broke through the thickest of our
fleet. The Admiral and other gentlemen being stopped by the
hawsers, were taken prisoners, but 14 or 15, carrying a month's
provision, got through into the citadel. The next day an attempt
was made to set them on fire, which failed. The colonels thereupon
advised that it was fit to be gone, especially on account of the
sickness produced by immoderate eating of grapes, and the uncertainty as to the arrival of supplies from England. On this advice
the Duke determined to return, but on an offer of deputies from Rochelle to take 1,000 of the English sick into that town, and to
send 500 men to the camp, with supplies of meal and further ships,
it had been resolved to wait the arrival of succours from England.
He is therefore urged to hasten the setting forward of Lord Holland's and Lord Morton's regiments with supplies of meal and
fuel. The bearer, Mr. Griffin, is to be hastened back. |
Oct. 3. |
24. Copy of the same, without signature or superscription. |
Oct. 3. |
25. Another similar copy. |
[Oct. 3.] |
26. Capt. James Duppa to Nicholas. Recounts his proceedings,
under the orders of Sir Sackville Trevor, from September 21. Crossed
over to the Texel in a great storm. Entered the river on the 29th,
Sir Sackville swearing with a deep oath, that he would lay the
first French ship aboard, "but he that swears much, forgets much."
He gave his broadside; the Vice and Rear Admiral did the like;
and then they cried quarter. The Dutch pilots offered the Admiral
to pilot him the same night to the other ship, which was within
four miles. The next day eight ships were sent after that ship, but
she had lightened herself, and set sail, and got away. The next day
the fleet returned for England, leaving Capts. Alleyne, Pett, and
Hooke, with the ketches, in the Texel. The prize brought to Aldborough. Complains of his treatment. Is going to Sir John Savile,
who has sent for him. |
Oct. 3. Dover Castle. |
27. Sir John Hippisley to [the same]. Sends all the information
he can get as to what men came into Dover Castle "in eighty-eight."
Wishes defaulters to be punished. Mr. Norton's offence was that
he came not with men and armour as he was warned, and if he be
not punished, all the rest will next time follow his example. Ordered by the Lords to press 60 men, but only 10 appeared. |
Oct. 3. Plymouth. |
28. Sir Henry Mainwaring to the same. Ships are ready, but
no news of the London ships. The Fellowship, the ship of the
best force, rendered unserviceable by indiscretion of the pilot. The
Hector is a good ship for defence if the London ships be not of
good force. On Sunday last one landed at Falmouth, who said that
he was at St. Martin's on the Thursday before, where he heard
such an infinite number of ordnance go off that he was afraid to
go in. God send good news! Wishes this supply were there. |
Oct. 3. |
29. Estimate for re-victualling the St. George, Convertive, St.
Andrew, Antelope, and 14 other ships, for the terms mentioned in
an order of the Council of October 1, 1627. Total, 9,142l. 5s. |
Oct. 3. |
30. Copy of the above. |
Oct. 4. Ross. |
31. Commissioners for the Loan for the hundreds of Wormelow
and Graytree, in co. Hereford, to the Council. Send accounts of the
collector, who has received 445l. |
Oct. 4. Aston-juxta-Birmingham. |
32. Commissioners for the Loan for the hundred of Hemlingford,
in co. Warwick, to the Council. Return accounts of the collector.
Received, 397l. 13s. 4d.; uncollected, 27l. 12s. |
Oct. 4. |
33. Commissioners for the Loan for the division of Westbury, in
co. Wilts, to the same. Send accounts furnished by the collectors,
and list of those who, having been divers times sent to, have not
appeared before the Commissioners. Inclose, |
33. i. The list above mentioned. In it occurs the following:—"Walter Long, Esq., refuseth to lend anything." |
Oct. 4. Whitehall. |
Sec. Conway to Mr. Gerbier in the Low Countries. Signifying
his Majesty's pleasure that he return hither. [Conway's Letter Book,
p. 286.] |
Oct. 4. St. Martin's Lane. |
34. The same to Attorney General Heath. To prepare, with all
possible speed, a commission for the Earl of Holland to take the
command of the troops and ships assembled at Plymouth, and to see
them conveyed to the Isle of Rhé. This commission not to trench
on that granted to Lord Wilmot. [Copy.] |
Oct. 4. |
Minute of the same. [Conway's Letter Book, p. 286.] |
Oct. 4. Hampton Court. |
35. The same to William Towerson. The King lays upon him
the charge of seeing that there be no embezzlement of the goods of
the Dutch East Indiamen, whilst they are under arrest and protection.
Three or four very honest and trusty men are to be put aboard each
ship. Information is brought that some Dutch ships, lately come
into that harbour, take aboard from them their best and richest commodities. This would be a mere scorn to the King, and frustrate the
endeavours used to avoid discontents from the Dutch. If he wants
any power he is to address Lord Conway, as having a particular
charge in that place. [Copy.] |
Oct. 4. Bristol. |
36. Mayor of Bristol to Sec. Conway. This very day there
arrived in this port a ship of Hamburgh, taken as a prize. Christopher
Roder, skipper of the same ship, has given information of a great
navy preparing at the Groyne. Sends post that he may communicate
the same to the Council. Two ships of that port, bound for Rhé,
with provisions, will be ready within three or four days. Incloses, |
36. i. Examination of Christopher Roder, skipper of the Hunter,
of Hamburgh. Deposes to the assembling of various
ships on the coast of Spain, all said to be bound for the
Groyne, and thence to Oleron, to assist the French King. |
Oct. 4. |
37. Copy of the examination of Christopher Roder. |
Oct. 4. Tottenham. |
38. Sec. Coke to the same. Sir Henry Mervyn is come from
Portsmouth. Two Holland men-of-war are permitted to ride near
the East Indian ships, which may receive out of them the most
precious commodities. Has written to Sir John Jephson and
Mr. Towerson to put some Englishmen aboard, and to forbid ships
to ride near them. Three other Holland men-of-war have come in thither, and it is suspected that they purpose to carry away these ships
or goods underhand, or to assail our English East Indian ships now
come to Stokes Bay. Has written to Sir Henry Mervyn, requiring
him to take care of their safe convoy; it being said that some of
our commanders have been offered 5,000l. to connive in this business.
Suggests a royal warrant on the subject to Sir Henry Mervyn and
the Lieutenant of Portsmouth. |
Oct. 4. Canbury. |
39. Lord Keeper Coventry to Sec. Conway. Sends the signed
bill for Lord Wilmot's commission. The Attorney General has the
draft, and will make use of it in drawing up the commission for
Lord Holland if it be referred to him. Begs the original may be
safely kept, and returned, being his warrant. |
Oct. 4. Aldwinckle. |
40. Sir Miles Fleetwood to the same. Notwithstanding his
broken arm, he has travelled to Feckenham and Leicester Forests in
his coach, and with the company of his surgeon, and has so settled
Leicester, and entered on Feckenham, that he shall be able to give
an acceptable and profitable account on his return. In the discovery
of this great and profitable work of disafforestation he has shown
that the King may, in a short time, effect his pleasure in what
forests he pleases, and thereby exceedingly improve his revenue.
Begs that his return may be deferred for three weeks, on account of
his health; in which time he will also provide a proposition for a
respite of homage, which will improve the revenue, and free the
subject from grievous oppressions and loss. |
Oct. 4. |
41. Attorney General Heath to the same. Sends Lord Holland's
commission by a messenger, who will wait upon Lord Conway with
it, very early on the morrow morning. |
Oct. 4. |
Nicholas to Dudley Lord Carleton. Received his letter of the
19th on the 26th, and that day sent an extract of it by Mons.
Dulbier to the Duke; also gave notice of its contents to Sir Henry
Mervyn. They are daily expecting to hear of the success of
Sir Sackville Trevor. Sir Henry Mervyn has brought three East
India Dutch ships into Portsmouth, though the Admiral was very
obstinate. Mr. Ashburnham has been at Paris, and brought assurance
that France and Spain are entered into strict league, and that Spain
is to join the French with 60 good ships and 20 fire-ships to set on
the Duke. Wishes Lord Carleton could procure the Dutch to send
extra ships to lie before Dunkirk; also that the Dutch would send
provisions to St. Martin's. Death of Sir John Burgh; his corpse
now at Portsmouth. Preparations for supplies to be sent by Lord
Holland. The Duke wants principally some good engineers, whereof
here is no good choice, but Mons. Dulbier told Nicholas he sent
for one into the Low Countries. [Copy. Nicholas's Letter Book,
p. 48.] |
Oct. 4. Bristol. |
42. William Willett to Nicholas. Received the Lords' letter for
release of ships bound for the Isle of Rhé with provisions. State of
their preparations. Whilst the press was about for the St. Andrew
and the Antelope no sailors would come near them, and now the merchants are discouraged by the non-return of the ships taken up
by Sir Pierce Crosby to carry troops out of Ireland. The Fortune
has brought in prize a Hamburgher, laden with sugar, wood, and
tobacco. Rumour that the Charles has taken a good prize, and of
preparations in Spain for sending a great fleet to St. Martin's. |
Oct. 4. Camp, at St. Martin. |
43. Thomas Symonds to John Ashburnham, or Edward Nicholas.
Diary of proceedings at St. Martin's, from September 20, when Ashburnham left, to this date:—Defeat of attempt at relief on September 20; arrival of Sir William Becher with 400 recruits on the
23d; success of attempted relief on the 28th; shipment of guns and
ammunition in preparation for retreat; assistance given by the
Rochellers. Mr. Griffith despatched to England, who being close in
all his actions, was like to have stole away unknown to the writer. |
Oct. 4. Gravesend. |
44. George Tucker to Lord Treasurer Marlborough. On Tuesday
last there went two barks of Calais from this port by virtue of a
pass from the Council, and in them certain passengers with passes.
One Jennings made after them, in a little vessel called a sattee,
without warrant from the searcher's office, and pillaged both barks
and passengers. Desires inquiry, and that men-of-war may not
pass without giving the officers notice. |
Oct. 4. Ordnance Office. |
45. Field carriages and other things propounded to be sent to the
Isle of Rhé, with an estimate for the same. Total, 5,415l. 13s. 4d. |
Oct. 5. |
46. Sir Sackville Crow to Nicholas. Recommends Robert Jones
to be porter of the yard at Deptford. |
Oct. 5. |
47. Estimate, by the Commissioners of the Navy, for transporting
4,000 recruits, and also for three months' provisions for them, with victuals for 2,000 landmen for six months, and 4,000 landmen for 70 days,
with charge for transportation of the same to the Isle of Rhé; also
for 10 barges, 4 ketches, 6 ships laden with sea coal, 2 ships laden
with 5,000 deals apiece, with a quantity of timber for the use of the
army. Total, 50,495l. 11s. 5d. |
Oct. 5. |
48. Copy of the same, crossed through, as if cancelled; and on the
margin Nicholas has written, "Undertaken by Sir Sackville Crow,
Sir William Russell, and Mr. Burlamachi." |
Oct. 5. |
49. Another copy of the same. |
Oct. 5. |
50. Note of provisions necessary for 1,200 landmen for one week,
to be in a readiness to be laden aboard ships in London by the 13th
inst. With a memorandum underwritten, that the contractors have
taken order to despatch the like proportion of victuals every week
for three weeks after the 13th inst. |
Oct. 6. London. |
51. William Wood to the King. The writer having been applied
to by some Spanish [?] agent to give information respecting the
ports and harbours of England, and also solicited to come to some
place in Spain [?], with a view to give such particulars personally,
informs the King what answer he had made, and seeks direction what
he should do. It appears that he had had command of some of the King's ships many years together, both in the old Earl of Nottingham's time and also in the present Admiral's. |
Oct. 6. Whitehall. |
52. The Council to Sir James Bagg. In order to have ships in a
readiness to transport soldiers and provisions to the Isle of Rhé, he
is authorized to impress ships in Plymouth, Poole, Weymouth,
Dartmouth, and Falmouth. [Copy.] |
Oct. 6. Whitehall. |
53. The same to the Mayor of Lyme Regis. To apprehend and
commit to prison seafaring men, who having been warned to appear
on a press for the King's service, either did not appear, or, having
been impressed, ran away. [Copy.] |
Oct. 6. Portsmouth. |
54. William Towerson to Sec. Conway. Having communicated
to the Admiral of the Dutch East Indiamen, the directions received
from Lord Conway, and also a letter from Sec. Coke to have their
sails put ashore, he was well contented to land their sails, but hopes
the King will excuse them from having men put aboard, the
Admiral engaging to give an account of every parcel of goods laden
upon these ships in the East Indies. The other Dutch ships are
removed from their place of nearness to those from the East Indies,
and watch and ward is held night and day, so that Towerson doubts
not to give a fair account of this service. |
Oct. 6. Plymouth. |
55. Charles Viscount Wilmot to the same. This day there arrived
at Plymouth a Flemish ship from St. Martin's, the master of which
reports the treaty for surrender of the citadel and its subsequent
relief by 18 ships, as related in the letter of Sir William Becher of
the 3rd inst. [see Vol. lxxx., No. 23]. Delights not to be the messenger of ill news, but wishes him to use his discretion whether it be
fit for a serious consultation, now it be found possible to victual
the fort, what is timely to be thought on for a long siege. It is
scarcely to be imagined how this attempt could have succeeded, for
there is a nightly watch of 600 men in boats, and the Duke takes
such pains that the soldiers themselves pity him. He is commonly in
those boats or in the trenches till midnight, and there is a battery of
seven cannon that beats on the very landing place, besides a sunken
collier whose ordnance plays on the same spot. The wind is now
fair for Rhé, and the merchants have gone thither. But the supplies
are all detained by the non-arrival of the ships from the Thames. |
Oct. 6. |
56. Sir Henry Mervyn to Sec. Coke. One Newland, dwelling in
the Isle of Wight, near Cowes Castle, advised the Captains of the
Dutch East Indiamen not to come into Portsmouth Harbour, and
so far influenced them against compliance with the King's wishes,
as very nearly to have occasioned bloodshed. If the Secretary thinks
that Newland should be questioned, Sir Henry will obtain a
certificate of the fact. |
Oct. 6. |
Nicholas to Henry Viscount Falkland, Lord Deputy of Ireland.
Has been commanded by the Commissioners for the Duke's revenue
to desire Lord Falkland to send up an accompt of his Vice Admiralty
this next term. No news from the Duke that Nicholas's cousin,Welsted, Lord Falkland's agent, has not understood. Begs him to
encourage all men to send provisions to St. Martin's and Rochelle.
[Copy. Nicholas's Letter Book, p. 49.] |
Oct. 6. [Tilbury Hope.] |
57. Sir John Chudleigh to Nicholas. Last night was in good
hope of a fair wind, but this morning it proves clean contrary. The
pilot says, that, losing that day, they shall not be able to get over
[the flats and shoals] until Tuesday. They will strive to get down
as far as Lee or Queenborough. Mr. Burrell has not sent the drum
assigned to Sir John, and he wants additional water-casks. Intends
to apply to Sir John Hippisley for a supply of men. Of the score
pressed only six appeared. |
Oct. 6. Exeter. |
58. William Kift to the same. Sends the proceedings against the
290 hides challenged by Chamberlain, but confiscated to the Lord
Admiral. Hopes he shall be no farther troubled, for what he did
was for the Duke's service. Is putting foot in stirrup to ride to
Plymouth about the commission against Sir John Eliot, and on
Monday next they begin to sit. Could hardly be spared from his
other employments, but Mr. Drake and the other commissioners
will not proceed unless he be present. |
Oct. 6. |
59. Capt. Nicholas Thornburgh to the same. Relates his ineffectual endeavours to obtain employment in the Isle of Rhe. He
consequently returned with Capt. Buxton. Solicits the favour of
Nicholas. |
Oct. 7. Duchy House. |
60. Sir Humphrey May to Buckingham. Sorry to hear, by
Mr. Ashburnham, with what distresses and dangers he was beset.
Hopes the arrival of Sir William Becher has proved that those who
have an interest in the Councils of this State have neither been
wanting to the King's service, nor in affection to his safety and
prosperity. An hour's conference with the bearer of this letter, the
Earl of Holland, will convince him of the King's care and favour,
and that the malevolency of the last Parliament has had no influence
at the Council table. Slowness of supplies arises from the difficulty
they have to "congest" the required materials together in such a
penury of money. No man is wanting to the despatch of the
Duke's affairs. The Chancellor of the Exchequer is not a spark, but
a flame of fire, in anything that concerns the Duke. Intreats him
not to make his designs too vast. |
Oct. 7. Whitehall. |
61. Sec. Conway to William Earl of Northampton. Requests his
favour for Mr. Colwall [Colville], who lives at the Hague, in a suit
against Richard Ailway, depending in the marshes of Wales.
Colville has been an attendant on the King's Ambassador at the
Hague, and is very serviceable to Englishmen there. Through him
Sec. Conway and many others have been furnished with arms. |
Oct. 7. |
Minute of the same. [Conway's Letter Book, p. 286.] |
Oct. 7. Salisbury Court. |
62. Sir Sackville Trevor to Nicholas. He has put Philip Johnson
in charge of the French prize ship, the Holy Ghost, as boatswain,
and desires that he may have a warrant for his place. |
Oct. 7. Salisbury Court. |
63. Sir Sackville Trevor to the Commissioners of the Navy.
Sends Philip Johnson to give them account of the French prize,
and requests that he may be continued as her boatswain. With
underwritten recommendation to that effect, addressed by four of
the Commissioners to Nicholas, dated October 8, 1627. |
Oct. 8. |
64. Minute, signed by the King, that certain verbal alterations
in the bill for Sir Robert Harley, K.B., and others, were made by
the King's direction. |
Oct. 8. |
65. George Margitts to the King. Formerly submitted to the
King's father and himself a proposal of Henry Ashton for surprising
Dunkirk; the same person now offers to take the fort in the Isle of
Rhé, with only 200 men of his own training. |
Oct. 8. Coventry. |
66. Commissioners for the Loan for the city of Coventry to the
Council. The collectors have paid in 120l., and have 30l. in
hand. Within a few days they will attend the Council with a list of
defaulters. |
Oct. 8. Ash. |
67. Sir John Drake to Nicholas. Sends invoice of various ships,
and a note of the quantity of tobacco on which the customs are
unpaid. Wishes abatement of the customs, much of it not being
worth more than that amount. When he meets with any worth
having, will send it to Nicholas. Store of fishermen there with
bank-fish. The ginger prize at Bristol falls below the valuation.
Incloses, |
67. i. Note of tobacco above mentioned. |
Oct. 8. Bristol. |
68. Capt. Oliver St. John to the same. The Antelope has fallen
down to King Road; the St. Andrew will be ready to do the same
the latter end of the week. If they can get men they shall be
ready on the first fair wind. |
Oct. 8. Bristol. |
69. William Willett to the same. Two ships are gone with
provisions to St. Martin's and Rochelle. The rest are discouraged
by the non-return of the troop ships. Has received directions
from Sir Sackville Crow and Mr. Burlamachi to provide all manner
of victuals, and to freight a ship to carry them. They are carrying
out their directions. The St. Andrew will be ready this week.
The Antelope has been ready these 10 days. The James is on the
north of Ireland. Has not heard from Capt. Fogg since he went. |
[Oct. 8 ?] |
70. Note of provisions sent by Sir William Becher to the Isle of
Rhé, and of the state of the various arrangements for sending provisions and recruits by the Earl of Holland, and in other ways. |
Oct. 9. St. Martin's |
71. Proclamation of the Duke of Buckingham, to assure English
merchants who have brought victuals over to the Isle of Rhé that
they shall quietly make sale of their merchandise, and have liberty
to lade themselves with wine, salt, or other commodities they may
buy of the inhabitants of the isle. [Attested copy.] |
Oct. 9. |
Warrant to the Sheriff of Chester, to reprieve Thomas Sanderson,
convicted of stealing a nag, and send him to the wars, with the
forces to be levied there. [Docquet.] |
Oct. 9. |
Warrant to pay 50,495l. 11s. 5d. to the Surveyor of Marine
Victuals, and the Treasurer of the Navy, for transporting 4,000
recruits, with victuals and necessaries for the army and fleet at the
Isle of Rhé. [Docquet.] |
Oct. 9. Westminster. |
72. The King to Bishops Montaigne, of London, Neile, of Durham,
Buckeridge, of Rochester, Howson, of Oxford, and Laud, of Bath and
Wells. Commission to exercise the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of
Canterbury. Sir Henry Marten is confirmed in his offices of Dean
of the Arches and Judge of the Prerogative Court; Sir Charles
Cæsar in those of Judge of the Audience and Master of the Faculties;
Sir Thomas Ridley in that of Vicar General; Nathaniel Brent in
that of Commissary of the said Archbishop; and likewise the several
Registrars. |
Oct. 9. Westminster. |
73. Copy of the above. |
Oct. 9. |
The same to the town of Reading. To erect saltpetre works
there. Similar to a letter for the same purpose written to Oxford.
[Docquet.] |
Oct. 9. Hatfield. |
74. William Earl of Salisbury to Buckingham. Cannot let pass
the opportunity of this noble soul's coming unto him to give him
assurance of his unfeigned affection and devotion to his service. If
the messenger's worth did not challenge the Earl's love, he should
love him for nothing more than his gratitude to the Duke. Thinks
the time long since they had the honour to see him. The welcomest
news they could receive now, would be that he was master of the fort,
and was returning. |
Oct. 9. Whitehall. |
75. Sec. Conway to Sir Miles Fleetwood. The King's contentment at his account of the work done by him, and the probability
of its becoming a leading example to other parts. Dispenses with
his attendance for the time he desires. The King's service is interested in the preservation of his health. |
Oct. 9. |
Minute of the same. [Conway's Letter Book, p. 286.] |
Oct. 9. Portsmouth. |
76. William Towerson to Sec. Conway. The sailors of the Dutch
East Indiamen press to have liberty to leave their ships, and that
they may be secured of their wages. On Saturday their Admiral
sought permission to put aboard the men-of-war 30 men out of each
of the ships. Towerson replied, he had no authority. Requests
instructions. The Dutch men-of-war have all put to sea. |
Oct. 9. |
Nicholas to Sir Henry Marten. Sends a copy of a commission
intended to be granted to Sir Kenelm Digby, with various exceptions to it as derogatory to the Duke's office of Lord Admiral.
Wishes his opinion thereon. No such commission has been given
to any private person. The Duke thought much of the Earl of Warwick's commission, and will take it as great remissness in those
he trusts when he shall hear of such a grant to Sir Kenelm. [Copy.
Nicholas's Letter Book, p. 51.] |
Oct. 9. |
Nicholas to Sir George St. George. The principal goods in the
French prize, the Hope, being sugars, for which it was doubted
whether merchants in Ireland would give the full value, some sugarmen have sent over Matthew Kendrick, who is to be allowed to buy
them at a fair price on bills of exchange at eight days' sight. [Copy.
Ibid, p. 52.] |
Oct. 9. |
The same to the same. Has obtained a decree against the Hope,
brought into Galway, and sends a commission to him, as the Duke's
agent for Admiralty business in Connaught, to sell the same, and
return half the proceeds immediately to Mr. Oliver, the Duke's
receiver, with an accompt. The other half of the prize is challenged
by some Dutchmen resident in France. Divers officers would have
had this prize adjudged to the King, but Nicholas had procured it
to be sentenced as piratically taken, and so forfeited to the Duke.
It will be a good welcome for Sir George into his new office. [Copy.
Ibid, p. 53.] |
Oct. 9. Plymouth. |
77. Sir James Bagg to Nicholas. Received letters by Mr. Bold.
Delights in his brave and grave company, but wishes he had a wind,
as he had a ship the first hour of his arrival. Formerly sent list of
ships made ready for the thousand men to go with the Earl of
Holland. Sends now list of ships in that port, and Dartmouth, but
nothing but warrant and command will draw the owners to contract. The provisions shall be made ready on receipt of money.
Nicholas knows his wants. The merchants will not go to Rochelle.
They will not credit that they shall get money, but rest assured
that their goods will be taken from them and bills given them.
Incloses, |
77. i. List of ships belonging to Plymouth, with tonnage,
ordnance, and names of owners. |
77. ii. Similar list for Dartmouth. |
Oct. 9. Plymouth. |
78. The same to the same. Wrote two days ago to one Pentecost,
to sail from Plymouth to London, and not discharge his ship, the
Expedition, without Nicholas's direction. Begs that he may receive
despatch. |
Oct. 9. |
79. Duplicate of the above. |
Oct. 9. |
80. Account, by Sir John Chudleigh, of his endeavours to get out
of the Thames from the 6th to the 9th instant. |
Oct. 9. |
81. Accompt of those of the train of Artillery who have received
pay at St. Martin, Isle of Rhé, of Capt. John Mason, Treasurer of
the Army. |