Charles I - volume 393: June 15-30, 1638

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1637-8. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

This premium content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Charles I - volume 393: June 15-30, 1638', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1637-8, (London, 1869) pp. 514-540. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1637-8/pp514-540 [accessed 25 March 2024]

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

June 15–30, 1638

June 15. Privy Seal for levying 6s. 8d. per yard for subsidy and 15s. per yard for impost, for "tabies" and other like stuffs, for that the property of tabbies, formerly rated at 5s. subsidy and 10s. impost, is now altered, being now made as broad again as they were, and of better value than broad taffety, which pays 6s. 8d. subsidy and 13s. 4d. impost. [Docquet.]
June 15. Privy Seal whereby his Majesty requires that the duty on foreign silver imported, which is 30s. per cent., be raised to 40s. per cent., in respect that his Majesty has licensed the merchants of foreign silver imported to transport two parts of the same, leaving a full third to be sent up to London to be coined, and to ship as much as they think fit in one vessel. [Docquet.]
June 15. The King to the Company of East Country Merchants, recommending Henry White, a freeman of London, to be admitted of their company. [Docquet.]
June 15. Warrant under the signet to the Master of the Great Wardrobe, for a livery to Hugh Pope, Groom of the Queen's Robes, in place of James Bardowe. [Docquet.]
June 15. A like to James Bardowe, now Yeoman of the Queen's Robes. [Docquet.]
June 15. Confirmation of Charter granted in the 11th year of his Majesty's reign to his Majesty's musicians, with some additions. [Docquet.]
June 15. Entry on the Admiralty Register of the appearance of Walter Rugge; he is to remain in the messenger's custody until discharged. [See Vol. cccliii., p. 108.]
June 15. 1. Inigo Jones to the Council. In regard that the water that serves his Majesty's houses of access is of so great importance, both for his Majesty's diets and all other necessary uses, the writer suggests to the Lords to give order for a proclamation or other writing to be read in the neighbouring churches prohibiting all persons to erect any building, dig any pits, or lay any laystalls, near the springs or conduit heads which serve any of his Majesty's houses, or to break up any of the pipes, or take away any of the water which passes through their grounds; in which also his Majesty's plumber be strictly charged to give notice of any abuse or nuisance, upon pain of punishment. [= 1¼ p.]
June 15. 2. Examination of Mary Cole, widow, of Cranham Hall, Essex, taken before the Attorney-General. She is a Roman Catholic, and so has been for 12 years past. She has not been in any tide-boat or any other boat since Lent last. Never heard of Pickering, nor that he was censured in the Star Chamber. Denies the words imputed to her in the information of Thomas Porter, calendared under the date of 12th June inst., No. 61. Confesses that about Shrovetide last, falling out with Thomas Powter [Poulter], she said to him that if she were a Queen, and he a King, she would hang him if she could. [½ p.]
June 15. 3. Receipt of Balthasar Gerbier, the King's Agent at Brussels, for 225l. for port of letters and secret services for three quarters of a year ending the 31st March 1638. [½ p.]
June 15. 4. Bill of charges of Ralph Hellyer, in connexion with an award, remaining in London 35 weeks, and paying scriveners and others for writings; total 47l. 2s. [Endorsed by Nicholas, that Sir William Becher and himself taxed Mr. Ludlow to pay 30l. of the same, besides the 30l. ordered by the Earl Marshal and the Board. 1 p.]
June 15.
Theobalds.
5. Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord Chamberlain, to Sir Dudley Carleton. I have special occasion to use the books and records in the Council Chamber concerning his Majesty's Household and Chamber. Let my servant Oldisworth have the use of such as he shall think "conducible" to my service. For his re-delivery of them I will be answerable to you. [Underwritten memorandum by Nicholas, that he delivered to Mr. Poole, upon this letter, the old Book of Eltham and the book signed by this King concerning Orders of Household. ½ p.]
June 15. 6. John Cutteris to Richard Harvey. All things are as you left them. We could not send the horses according to promise, by reason they were so fat, till we had ordered them three or four days, and our purses so lean that we had not money to bear the fellow's charges. What Mr. Murrell says regard not; he will say anything to serve his own turn. Send me word what he says. [1 p.]
June 16.
Whitehall.
7. Order of the Lord Treasurer, Lord Cottington, and Sec. Windebank, referees of a petition of Sir Philiberto Vernatti, John Gibbon, and others, participants in the Level of Hatfield Chace. It was Ordered that the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, Mr. Justice Jones, and Mr. Justice Berkeley, should take into consideration the particulars complained of, the exceptions of Mr. Gibbon, and the answers of the Commissioners of Sewers, and come prepared to give the Lords information concerning the same on Wednesday next. [5/6 p.] Underwritten,
7. i. Appointment of the Lord Chief Justice and Mr. Justice Jones to consider the matters above mentioned on Monday then next, at Sergeant's Inn in Fleet Street. 8th December 1638. [1/6 p.]
June 16.
London.
8. Leonard Pinckney to [Nicholas.] Henry Finnimore and he are agreed. Finnimore has given his bond for payment of 5l. on 1st July. [½ p.]
June 16. Entry on the Admiralty Register of the discharge of Henry Finnimore of Yaxley, co. Huntingdon. [See Vol. cccliii., p. 108. ¼ p.]
June 16. Similar entry on the Register Book of the Commissioners for Saltpetre. [See Vol. ccxcii., p. 82. ¼ p.]
June 16. 9. Petition of Roger Hollings of Methley, co. York, to Archbishop Laud. On the last of May last you desired Sir Henry Marten to consider petitioner's petition then preferred, and to take order for payment of the legacies of 20l. apiece given by Grace Gomersall unto the three daughters of petitioner. Sir Henry Marten called the parties before him on 7th June inst. Nathan Akeroid, the executor, was willing that the legacies should be paid, but Francis Zacharie, the overseer, having the money in his hands, did not appear; whereupon Sir Henry stated that he had no power to compel the said Zacharie to come in, which properly belonged to Sir John Lambe, and willed petitioner to procure either an order against Zacharie or a reference to Sir John. Prays an order that Zacharie shall pay the said legacies to petitioner for his three daughters, he giving security. [2/3 p.] Underwritten,
9. i. Reference to Sir John Lambe to take such order as he shall find just. 16th June 1638. [1/6 p.]
9. ii. Appointment of Sir John Lambe to hear the cause on the 25th June inst. [1/6 p.]
June 16. 10. Joan Crowne to Richard Harvey. Being ill, and in distress, she entreats him to disburse 5s. to redeem her trunk, and do other acts of kindness; also to answer an enclosed letter from her brother Roger. [1 p.] Enclosed,
10. i. Roger Harvey to Mrs. Joan Crowne in Tugfall's Alley near the Scotch Arms in Westminster. Her husband is at Bicknell. Would be joyful if things might fit well to her content, but wishes her to desist from her farther resolution. The writer's daughter, Ursula, died yesterday. St. James's, 11th June 1638. [1 p.]
June 16. 11. Account of Sir William Russell of ship-money received and outstanding for 1637; received 107,511l. 5s. 1d., outstanding 88,903l. 2s. 7d. [=2 pp.]
June 16. 12. Note of ship-money collected and remaining in the hands of the several sheriffs; total, 5,900l.; making the total paid 113,411l. [1 p.]
June 17. Petition of Humphrey Slaney, Nicholas Crispe, Abraham Chamberlaine, and William Clobery, merchants of London, to the King. Petitioners by former petition set forth their great losses by the French men-of-war in taking the Benediction, and by the owners of the ship in unconscionably prosecuting them at common law, seven years afterwards, upon which they got a verdict of 2,000l. upon pretence of the want of 12 men. Your Majesty referred the same to the Lord Privy Seal and the Earl of Dorset, and to call to them Sir Henry Marten. The referees found petitioners' complaints just, and declared that the business being settled by way of state, the subjects of both nations were to rest pacified, and being a case of great extremity the trial at common law was improper. Upon their certificate your Majesty declared that all proceedings at common law should be stayed, and that the cause should receive a final determination in some of your courts of equity. Thereupon petitioners entered their suit in the Court of Requests against the owners. Being this day to receive a hearing, the owners produced a petition by them preferred to your Majesty, whereupon, by misinformation, they had obtained your directions to stop proceedings in equity, and to go on at common law, whereby they intend to take execution to-morrow for the 2,000l. Petitioners pray that their cause may proceed to an end in the Court of Requests, and that the proceedings at common law be stayed according to the former order. [Copy. See Vol. cccxxiii., p. 311. 11/6 p.] Underwritten,
i. Minute of the King's pleasure that these matters be examined by some of the Council, from whom he will be informed of the true state thereof. Greenwich, 17th June 1638. [Copy. Ibid., p. 312. 1/6 p.]
ii. His Majesty, having been informed of the state of this business, declares that he will appoint some time after his return from the progress to hear this business in person, at which time Sir Henry Marten shall be required to be present, and in the meantime all proceedings to be stayed. Greenwich, 26th June 1638. [Copy. Ibid. 1/6 p.]
June 17. Petition of Thomas Killigrew, his Majesty's servant, to the King. Upon petitioner's former suit your Majesty declared that you would in person hear the matters in question between the Attorney-General and Sir Peter Riddell and others, on the 25th May last, at which time defendants neglected to give their attendance. Prays a reference as to the validity of the information to the Lord Keeper and Lord Privy Seal. [Copy. Ibid. ½ p.] Underwritten,
i. Appointment by his Majesty of Sunday the 1st July next for hearing this business, and that in the meantime the Lord Keeper and the Lord Privy Seal shall examine the validity of the information, and certify whether it will hold plea in a court of equity. The Queen's Attorney-General is to open the state of the business to the referees. Greenwich, 17th June 1638. [Copy. Ibid., p. 313. ¼ p.]
[June 17.] Heading of petition of John Gibbon to the same. Blank left for this petition, but it was not transcribed. [Copy. Ibid. 2 lines.]
June 17. 13. Petition of John Browne, his Majesty's servant and gunfounder, to the same. Petitioner has cast the ordnance for the Royal Sovereign as far as the estimate will extend, there remaining 4 demicannons of 12½ foot long of 5,300 lbs. for the lower tier for the chase abaft, which will weigh in all 10 tons 12 cwt., amounting to 1,700l. Prays order to the Lord Treasurer to direct Sir John Heydon to pay petitioner the said 1,700l. out of money received for powder. [Copy. ½ p.] Underwritten,
13. i. Minute of his Majesty's pleasure that the Lord Treasurer give the order desired. Greenwich, 27th June 1638. [Copy. ¼ p.]
June 17. 14. Agreement of Hubert le Sueur, sculptor, to cast for the King two statues of 5 foot 8 inches high, one of King James, the other of King Charles, for 340l., to be paid 170l. in hand, and the other 170l. when the work shall be finished and delivered to the Surveyor of the Works in March next. [Attested by Inigo Jones. 2/3 p.]
June 17.
Kingsthorpe.
15. Dr. Samuel Clerke to Sir John Lambe. The sickness is sore at Northampton. The deaths in the last three weeks have been of the plague 26, 16, and 29. Before the last sessions the Prince's attorney and myself made a tax for the 5-mile towns, and at the sessions I got an enlargement, with much reluctance, over the whole county. The first was 48l. weekly, the second 100l. more, and the market is kept on Northampton Heath. In requital of my love and pains they now do what they list in the church service at All Saints in Northampton. Some very lately cut the rail or cancel that was about the Lord's board in pieces, and brought down the Lord's table into the middle of the chancel. I long since advised the mayor and his brethren that the Thursday lecture, and sermons on Sundays in the afternoon, should be forborne in these infectious times. They then raised a report of me, that I was about to starve their souls. You may do well to acquaint his Grace with so much of this as you please. The schismatical puritans now bring their appeals from the Audience, as, namely, the churchwardens of Towcester, for not presenting some 80 or 100 of their parish who refused to receive the blessed sacrament at the cancel at Easter last, and one Mr. Clerke (my namesake), of Eastcote, in the parish of Pattishall, for calling the Divine sermons porridge, and the long puritan sermons roast meat. Your cousin remembers her kind respects to you. [1 p.]
[June 18.] Henry Earl of Holland, Chief Justice and Justice in Eyre of all the Forests on this side Trent, to Richard Willis and James Crompe, his Majesty's Woodwards for co. Northampton. It appears that, notwithstanding the late repair of pales in the park of Grafton, there are places about the said park still decayed, which will want 70 oak trees to perfect the said reparations. You are to cause the specified number of trees to be felled within the forests of Whittlewood and Salcey, or one of them, causing the old pales, posts, and rails to be made to serve again as far as they may. [Copy. See Book of Orders concerning Forests, Vol. ccclxxxiv., p. 14. 12/3 p.]
June 18. Lord Treasurer Juxon, Henry Earl of Holland, and Francis Lord Cottington, to Richard Willis and Thomas Beale, his Majesty's Woodwards of cos. Northampton and Rutland. For small decays of lodges, rails, and mounds in co. Northampton, there have been formerly allowances made of timber and money by your predecessors, upon a dormant warrant, which you have hitherto forborne to do, not having like warrant. We authorize you, as often as need shall require, calling to you two or more regarders of the forests where such want of repairs shall be, to take view thereof, and assign timber trees and money for the performance of that service. [Copy. See Vol. ccclxxxiv., p. 15. 1⅓ p.]
June 18. 16. Archbishop Laud and others, Judges of the Court of High Commission, to Lord Chief Justice Finch. There is lately issued out of the Common Pleas a writ of ne admittas to the Bishop of Norwich at the suit of Sir John Rous, original patron of Dennington, Suffolk. Certify that on the 14th inst. sentence had been given in the High Commision against John Ward for simony, and against William Castle and Robert Cade for presentations surreptitiously obtained from his Majesty to the support of the said simony. His Majesty has hereupon granted a presentation to a clerk of his own. We therefore pray you to revoke the said writ of ne admittas, to the end the church may not lie void, the cure of souls be unserved, and the King's presentation be hindered. [Underwritten is a memorandum that a supersedeas was granted out of term and in the absence of the patron, by virtue whereof Mr. Wright held possession, and the profits for three years, and so long kept the patron in suit, causing him to spend 400l. Copy. 5/6 p.]
June 18.
Originally dated from 'Uckfield,' but that was afterwards struck out.
17. — to the Mayor of some borough or city not named, —. I am retained by Samuel Sampson to be of counsel with him concerning a suit begun against him upon a recognizance taken by your predecessor for his appearance, and he informs me that your town-clerk has denied him a copy of any of the proceedings against him, and yet that they urge him peremptorily to enter a traverse on Tuesday next before you. Argues the impossibility of his doing so, and prays the person addressed to order him a copy of the proceedings, and a further day to put in his traverse. [Draft. ¾ p.]
June 18. 18. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
June 19. Petition of Sir Pierce Crosby, his Majesty's servant, to the King. By reference on the petition annexed the Attorney General was left at no liberty to do anything for petitioner's relief (see 14th May 1638. p. 432), although petitioner offered him to assign lands to the value of 500l. per annum, to be made liable to a fine in case he should be censured in the Star Chamber. Prays order that Mr. Attorney shall take assurance of the said lands to be liable as aforesaid, and to cancel petitioner's bonds, whereby he may dispose of the rest of his estate for payment of his debts, freeing his sureties, and relieving his necessities. [Copy. See Vol. cccxxiii., p. 314. ¼ p.] Underwritten,
i. Minute of the King's pleasure to license petitioner to dispose of part of his lands for payment of his debts to the value in the petition desired, if he can satisfy the AttorneyGeneral that he has other lands worth 500l. per annum which will be liable to a fine in case he should be censured in the Star Chamber. And for the bonds in the petition mentioned, Mr. Attorney is to certify his Majesty whether any other defendant in like case has been bound to appear at the hearing. Greenwich, 19th June 1638. [Copy. Ibid. ¼ p.]
June 19. Petition of John Persall, son of Sir John Persall, to the King. Petitioner about — years since married the daughter of Robert Knightley, who in that space has not, until within 3 years last past, given unto her 10l. towards her maintenance in apparel, since which time he has given unto her 24l. per annum, a means very insufficient, not discharging her very diet. For which cause petitioner is enforced to supply that particular out of his own means, being but 50l. per annum, an amount also very insufficient, as also to defray charges of nurses, maintenance of children, and servants' wages, which charge far surmounting petitioner's present estate, the said Robert suffers, having before and since petitioner's marriage boasted that he would give 3,000l. with his daughter, so that petitioner might have estated upon her 300l. per annum, which petitioner's father cannot do, but offers in present and reversion 200l. per annum. Further, this unnatural conduct of petitioner's father-in-law towards his daughter has drawn on her such inconveniences that without speedy relief her life cannot avoid eminent danger. Prays reference to the Council to order this difference. [Copy. See Vol. cccxxiii., p. 315. ½ p.] Underwritten,
i. Reference to Lord Privy Seal, Lord Cottington. and Sec. Windebank. Greenwich, 19th June 1638. [Copy. 1/6 p.]
June 19.
Coggs Court.
19. Sir Thomas Penyston, Sheriff of co. Oxford, to Nicholas. My wife's great weakness has hindered my coming to London. I have not received in money above 1,200l., which is paid to the Treasurer of the Navy. Three corporations are directed to pay in their money themselves, being 205l. I sent also to Sir Christopher Clitherow and Mr. Ridge, aldermen of London, to pay the Treasurer of the Navy 20l. apiece the 1st May, having good estates in this country, so that there is paid in and directions given for 1,445l. The country generally forbears to pay, and expects some declaration of the judges' opinion, but I have sent out new warrants to all the towns that have not paid, and will endeavour to get in all, which as I receive shall be sent up. [Seal with crest. ¾ p.]
June 19.
Greenwich.
20. Minutes of the Proceedings of the Commissioners for the affairs of his Majesty's Household, sitting as a Committee. Mr. Cofferer and the rest of the officers of the Greencloth were prayed to cause the clerks of the kitchen to attend the committee this day se'nnight, at their next meeting, and to bring with them the bills of fare of all the tables of ten dishes and upwards. It was ordered, that when the Lord Chamberlain shall dine or sup abroad in the Guard Chamber, then the gentlemen ushers daily waiters shall sit at his table, as they have used to do, and when his lordship shall have his table in his said chamber then the gentlemen ushers shall have their five dishes to themselves. The Lord Chamberlain and Mr. Treasurer and Mr. Comptroller are desired to bring to the next meeting a list of all his Majesty's servants fit to be sitters at tables in the King's house. [Draft. 1¼ p.]
June 19. 21. Memorandum of Francis Andrewes, that he this day repaired to Henry Cusse from Edward Nicholas, to desire him to go to Mr. Awdley, to tender himself as ready to seal the conveyance mentioned in the decree for settling Bushton [Bishopstone ?], upon the passing which 520l. is payable to the children of Mr. Hunton, deceased. Mr. Cusse and the writer went accordingly to Mr. Awdley, who said that until all the debts were compounded he was resolved to sit as he is. [2/3 p.]
June 19. 22. Suggestions [by Sir John Lambe] for a division to be made by Archbishop Laud of the personal estate of John Belke, late of Sheldwick, Kent, deceased (see 11th April last, No. 54). The estate amounted to 2,001l. 9s. 10d. Of this sum it was suggested that 900l. should be allotted to Valentine, Thomas, Michael, Gabriel, and Anne, the five children of Gabriel Belke, brother of the intestate; 40l. to William, only son of Michael Belke, deceased, another brother of the intestate; 560l. to Anne and Frances, the two children of Elizabeth, deceased, sister of the intestate; 21l. 9s. 10d. allotted by Sir Nathaniel Brent for pious uses. [¾ p.]
June 19. 23. Certificates of Mary Wight and three others, in testimony that John Evans, footman to the Marquess of Hamilton, was at Chelsea in the afternoon of Easter Eve last. [¾ p.]
June 20. 24. Informations taken by the Attorney-General respecting words alleged to have been spoken by Mary Cole (see 15th inst., No. 2). Thomas Porter of Barking, Essex, gentleman, stated that William Godney said that Mrs. Cole, discoursing about Pickering, spake the words in question. William Godney, gentleman, deposed that he heard John Lambard say that Mrs. Cole spoke the words alleged. Richard Hastler, clerk, said that he heard John Browne affirm that Mrs. Cole, speaking with some of the servants in Mr. Petre's house touching marriages between protestants and papists, and one of the company demanding why it might not be, in regard the King had matched with a catholic, the said Mrs. Cole said, if she were as the Queen she would hang the King for dealing so hardly with papists. Browne related these words from Mark Heyward, Mr. Petre's gardner. John Browne affirmed that Mrs. Cole used the words aforesaid, but he did not hear her; the relation was made to him about six weeks since. [1½ p.] Underwritten,
24. i. Further examinations respecting the said words, taken the 23rd June inst. Thomas Poulter stated that about three months [ago] Mary Cole, his fellow servant at Mr. Petre's house, discoursing with him, and being angry, used these words:—If she were a Queen she would hang the Kingthe Keeper she meantGod save the King! And her son, Roger Hepthrow, standing by, said, Mother, take heed what you say. The words were spoken all at one time. He did not hear her speak of Pickering. Anne Snow confirmed the account given by Thomas Poulter. Mark Heyward said that on the 2nd March Thomas Poulter and Mary Cole, servants in house to Mr. Petre, were discoursing about the powder treason, and Poulter, asking who they were that committed the same, she answered, "By God if I were the Queen I would have the King hanged." Then her son-in-law, Roger Hepthrow, said, "Oh mother ! take heed what you say. I have known one hanged for a less word." Then she answered again, "As Christ save me, I meant the Keeper. I pray God bless me, and sweet Jesus bless the King !" Poulter and Heyward, being confronted, affirmed their examinations without variation. Roger Hepthrow, of Ockenden, labourer, is a papist. Married the daughter of Mary Cole. Was present at her discourse with Poulter. Heard her say, "If she were a Queen she would hang the Kingthe Keeper I meanGod save the King !" Examinant said, "Take heed, mother, what you say." [2 pp.]
June 20. 25. Affidavit of John Brooke, Sir William Killigrew, and Robert Long, all described as of London. John Lyons, master-workman, and director of the Earl of Lindsey's undertaking for draining the Great Level, co. Lincoln, and the Eight Hundred Fen there, about January last obtained leave of the Earl to go into the Low Countries, upon promise to return in March or April. The Earl's undertaking hitherto depended upon Lyons's sole direction, and by reason of his absence the works have been much retarded. [⅓ p.] Underwritten,
25. i. Memorandum of the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington, that having made his Majesty acquainted with the above affidavit, he had given them permission to allow the adventurers six months more to perform the draining of the Eight Hundred Fen. Fulham House, 5th July 1638. [½ p.]
June 20.
Office of Ordnance.
26. Additional estimate of the Officers of Ordnance for 102 brass pieces for furnishing the Sovereign of the Seas; total, 1,688l. 4s. 6d. [2 pp.]
June 20. 27. A List of pieces of Brass Ordnance, with the weights, endorsed with this date, and probably connected with the preparation of the preceding. [½ p.]
June 20. 28. Similar shorter List, without the weights. [¼ p.]
June 20.
Westminster.
29. Nicholas to Sir John Pennington. My Lord Admiral is relapsed into his fever, and though his fits be but small the physicians advise him to lay aside the thought of all businesses, insomuch as now the place of Lord Admiral is totally managed by Mr. Comptroller, who I fear shall go admiral in the great ship when she goes to sea, but this is told me in secret. Viscount Bayning is lately dead of a fever. The judgment for the ship-money is now given for the King, and so entered, and the business goes on well and quietly. Mr. Mason, the famous master of fence, was Thursday last in the evening murdered by a Frenchman of the same profession and his associates. The Frenchman is fled to the French ambassador's house, but his servant is taken, and the fact is notorious. The Queen much importunes the King for the Frenchman's pardon. We hear that the Prince of Orange has received a great blow near Antwerp, where he has lost six pieces of ordnance and 1,500 men, which has almost quailed the States' hopes of taking that important city. There are various reports of the business in Scotland, which is kept here very secret; but I am told it is like to be all well composed. The King's progress holds, and he sets forward from Theobalds the 16th July, and about that time the Queen goes to Oatlands. I shall continue here this fortnight, and shall not fail to be at court every Sunday till the King be gone. Order is given for victualling eleven of your ships for six months, to begin the first of July next, but for what service none but Mr. Comptroller knows. Your preparation for shipping of landmen is, I suppose, at an end. [1p.]
June 20.
St. Nicholas, Harnham.
30. Dr. Matthew Nicholas to Edward Nicholas, his brother. Thank you for the timely advertisement of the King's gests, by which I shall be prepared to give attendance, and perform that service which shall be required of me. I hope the business which oppresses you at other times will not [sic] then set you at liberty, when we should receive some benefit in the opportunity to enjoy your company. If you be required to attend his Majesty at Salisbury, I shall free my house of the widow, and account it best employed for your accommodation. If the Council meet here (as I imagine it may, because of the many Sundays the King comes hither,) I hope you then must attend. We talk here that my Lord's Grace [the Archbishop] will be here, whether there come any of the rest of the Council or not; and blessed is that man, and bishopped shall he be, that receives him under his roof. The orders you speak of have been put in execution long since. Two residentiaries are to give their attendance at prayers instantly twice a day for a whole quarter of a year. My quarter falls to begin at Christmas. Your advice in the injury I sustain about my stables accords to my own thoughts. I will only add this to what I have already done, get that claim to be recorded, and then I shall be at liberty to revive my right, if I see occasion, and prevent the prejudice of my successor by my quietness. Dr. Henchman is the only visible man in our church; the rest are contented to obscure themselves to give him light, and for their own ease derive on him all business. Dr. Steward is firm to him. Dr. Mason would gladly remember that he once set his hands on his shoulder to leap over his head, but his relation to Mr. Packer biasses him to the bishop. There is only Dr. Osborne, a constant man, but seldom here; the rest are his, or not their own, and I must follow the cry, or spend my mouth to no purpose on a singular scent. This is the power of the man, and I think he has sufficient malice, but I thank God I fear him not. The worst he can do is to charge the hospital with Harnham Bridge. That he endeavours with all his strength; and I, as much as I can, decline being seen in the business because I doubt the issue. Explains the cause of his father's desire to procure a renewal of his lease from the bishop, and comments on a purchase offered to Edward Nicholas by Mr. Paulet. Health of the writer's wife. His daughter Betty is grown much awry, and he doubts is liver-grown. [Seal with arms. 2 pp.]
June 21.
Whitehall.
Commissioners for Gunpowder to Montjoy Earl of Newport. To issue 12 barrels of gunpowder at 18d. per pound to Edmund Beane of Tower Street, London, ship chandler. [Minute. See Vol. ccclv., No. 61, p. 6. ¼ p.]
June 21. 31. — to Mr. John Fleming, merchant of Edinburgh, at his house on the north side of the Weigh House in Edinburgh. Letter of intelligence, consisting partly of ciphers, expressed in numbers, and partly of written words, the greater number of which last are nullities. The letter is wholly written upon one page. At its four corners there are, 1st, a perpendicular line; 2nd, a horizontal line; 3rd, a horizontal line; and, 4th, a perpendicular line, which last occurs at the corner where the signature ordinarily stands. [1 p.]
June 21. 32. Copy of the preceding, disposed in numbered lines, and with the nullities underscored. [1 p.]
June 21. 33. Another copy, in the same state as the preceding. [2½ pp.] Annexed,
33. i. Explanation of many of the numbers in the original. It is also here suggested, in another hand and in another ink, that the horizontal line above mentioned means "Antrim." If this is to be construed as if Randal Earl of Antrim were the writer of the letter, it seems unlikely. [1 p.] With the assistance afforded, sometimes by one and sometimes by the other, of these copies, the letter reads as follows, the orthography being modernized:—
"Here's not a man of the English Council knows any passage of Scotland, except 56 [conjectured to mean the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Marquess of Hamilton], which they take all in ill part; the King and 66 were lately shut up close together for half a day; and no packet comes from Edinburgh but is answered by them both. There do want arms for 20,000, with all provisions suitable. This is advanced upon the customs. Here is a speech that 81 [the Lord Lieutenant] hath promised to bring out of 171 [Ireland] 15,000 with furniture. It is thought he dares not set out nor attempt it. 201 hath much diffidence. Antrim will supply him with a ship or with two, but if yr [they ?] come, no harm that way. 92 [the people ?] are your sure friends, it's thought plenty gotten here; if more be, you and your brother shall have notice. The King and 56 comes to 247, and will not be known but that all the rest of 361 [Edinburgh] goes onward, and none of the Council in Scotland dare take notice of it. The protestants and the precisians and many others very tenderly remembering you, heartily desire that you receive no conditions of agreement but in a parliament, and you will find pardon with other the like conditions of peace of having 9 or 10 more makes 82 for their and your safety. The end of all is, 201 [Hamilton ?] will promise anything at this hard pinch, which he cannot perform afterwards. The King cannot sleep for want of his friend Thomas [Wentworth ?] who cannot come here. Say, if they condescend on any agreement with him for [in ?] the name of three or four of the rest, all will be disappointed, and all your so happy work be spoiled. Wherefore clear the root and branch, for you are suspected by Will. and Tho. [Laud and Wentworth] and by 201 [Hamilton?] to have him for your correspondent 111 [which I believe not], and that you will have more use for your money than that. Protection unto 362 is denied, and much harm comes to him, with discontent among his neighbours. 102 you may withhold, seeing he doth so persist in your demands of his house. Nothing can either help or hinder you, but the great God, your assured friend, and mighty helper to all yours that be distressed."
June 22. 34. Petition of Mark Proudfoot, the King's servant, to the King. Prays for licence for 21 years for transporting 20,000 dozen pounds of tallow candles every year into places in amity with your Majesty, paying 3d. for every dozen pounds transported. And petitioner will every year bring into England a like quantity of tallow. [½ p.] Underwritten,
34. i. Reference to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington. Greenwich, 22nd June 1638. [1/6 p.]
34. ii. The Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington to the King. The exportation of tallow is against the law, chiefly for that it is accounted munition, as that without which ships cannot be drest. And the care of not raising [the price of] candles has always been very considerable. The offer of petitioner to bring in tallow is not considerable, for from Ireland is now imported as much as can be spent, and from any other place it is presumed the petitioner will not bring tallow. Upon the whole the suit is very inconvenient, of ill consequence, and cannot be granted. 5th July 1638. [¼ p.]
June 22. 35. Sir Edward Bromfield and others, Governor and Assistants of the Society of Soapmakers, to [the Council]. Report on a petition of — Lenning. Petitioner did not, as he pretends, give over his trade in obedience to commands of his Majesty, but having got ample estate by the trade, and purchased lands 44 miles from London, where he resides, about two years before his Majesty's grant to the late corporation of Westminster, he gave over his trade, and let his soap-house to John Rowell, one of the present society. Further, when his Majesty settled the trade, it was proposed that personal security should be given for performance with his Majesty. Petitioner offered to join, and was nominated, but afterwards refused, to the distraction of the business, alleging that he had renounced the trade, and had an estate, and would not adventure it with partners. Thirdly, he is of such a haughty spirit and turbulent disposition that he will trouble his Majesty's service and perplex the society. The writers are willing to admit his son, when he shall attain 21. [1 p.]
June 22. 36. The late Overseers of the Poor of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields to the Council. Certify names of persons who refuse or delay to pay the rate for relief of the poor. Have given them warning for attendance on your Lordships. [Amongst the persons named are "Monsieur Amigoe," Mungo Murray, Paul Williams, who attended the Council, George Colt, William Carr, and "The Lord Choare." 1 p.]
June 22. 37. Notes of various payments made to John Taylor, his Majesty's agent in Germany, upon privy seals dated from the 30th November 1633 to the 23rd April 1638, the last payment being made this day. [1¾ p.]
June 22. Commissioners for Gunpowder to Montjoy Earl of Newport. To deliver 12 barrels of gunpowder to Edmund Beane. [Minute. See Vol. ccclv., No. 61, p. 6. 3 lines.]
June 22. 38. Sir Theodore Mayerne to the Count d'Amont [Lord Livingstone of Almond]. Long letter of medical advice. He must not believe that the remedies he has used have been useless, although he has not yet experienced any benefit arising from them. Recommends him to use what he terms "spa waters," and especially to go to the waters of Knaresborough, which are sharp, vitriolic, and ferruginous, if in his own country there are no similar waters. Wishes him to drink these waters in increasing quantities, beginning with four glasses or 40 ounces by the day, and augmenting the amount day by day until he is able to take ten glasses or 100 ounces, which is enough to do him good, although some people run on to 120 or 150 ounces. Thinks he will be well pleased to get away some little distance from the place where he is, where it must be difficult for him to do his duty and to please all the world. May God protect and direct him. For the writer, he is devoted to the public good and the service of the King. [Indorsed by Sec. Windebank. "Dr. Mayerne to my Lord of Amont, inclosed in the letter without name directed my Lord of Amont, which appears to be Levingston, the tailor; first intercepted coming." French. 12/3 p.]
June 23. Grant to the Marquess of Hamilton of Chelsea Place and the manor of Chelsea, to be held in socage, rendering 10l. per annum, which mansion house and manor were granted by the late King to the Countess of Nottingham, and to James Howard her son, since deceased, for 40 years after her decease. [Docquet.]
June 23. Grant to Robert Earl of Ancram, of power to find out ambergris within his Majesty's dominions, and to recover things out of the sea which belong to his Majesty, for 31 years, reserving to his Majesty a tenth part. Sir George Douglas and Degory Priske had the like grant in the 3rd year of the King's reign, for 31 years, whose interest in the same is now transferred to the Earl of Ancram. [Docquet.]
June 23.
Greenwich.
39. The King to Sir John Manwood. About two years since our Council, at the petition of the corporation of Dover, and upon certificate of the farmers of our customs, ordered that a boom should be made in the harbour of the said town, and the custody thereof be committed to the corporation. We now think fit to commit the custody thereof to Sir John Manwood, lieutenant of our castle of Dover, during the time of his lieutenancy, taking such droits as the commissioners of the harbour shall think fit, having respect to the custom of other countries, and when Sir John Manwood shall cease to be lieutenant, the said office shall be disposed of by the Lord Warden to the lieutenants of the said castle successively. [Copy. ½ p.]
June 23. 40. Edward Fenn to Nicholas. Received since the last certificate, of the late sheriff of Hertford, 77l. 7s. 8d., and of the late sheriff of Worcester, 20l. [On account of ship-money for 1636. ¼ p.]
June 23. 41. Account of Sir William Russell of ship-money received for 1637; total, 108,471l. 5s. 1d.; outstanding, 87,943l. 2s. 7d. [=2 pp.]
June 23. 42. Account of ship-money for 1637 levied by sheriffs, and not yet paid in, 6,250l.; which makes the total sum collected, 114,721l., which is 29,499l. less than this time twelve months. [1 p.]
June 23. 43. Opinion of Mr. Thomas Tempest on the matters in difference between the companies of Merchant Adventurers of London and Newcastle. States the substance of the facts proved on both sides, and wishes the company of Newcastle to be acquainted therewith, that if they can add anything thereunto for further instruction it may be inserted. [1½ p.]
June 23. Lords of the Admiralty to Sir Charles Howard, Sir William Elliot, and Henry Weston, Justices of Peace for Surrey. We send you a petition of John Warner, of Hamhaw, wharfinger, complaining of Samuel Cordewell, his Majesty's gunpowder maker. We pray you to examine the said complaint, and certify your opinion of what is fit to be done. [Copy. See Vol. cccliii., p. 109. ¼ p.]
June 23. Copy of the same. [See Vol. ccxcii., p. 83. ½ p.]
June 23. 44. Particular by Mr. Hill, of such works as are yet to do for the perfect draining of Bourne Level and the Eight Hundred Fen. [1 p.]
June 23. 45. J. P. to John Jemmat, minister at Berwick. I doubt not you have sympathized with me in my condition. I shall be glad sometimes to hear from you. Great expectation there is with us what issue the Lord will put to the great difference that is now raised betwixt the nation beyond you and me. You are placed as it were in the centre betwixt both nations, and no doubt have intelligence of more occurrences than is in other places. And as you have an advantage that way, so also to have your spirit affected and prepared according to occasions. Surely the Lord is working a great work, and when he pleases can want no instruments to effect it. Well will it be for us if we can keep close to him. Jeremy, Daniel, and others that have been most careful to keep their consciences tender have sped best in afflicting and trying times. If those times of temptation be at hand (as is conceived by many), then it concerns us to labour to get the church of Philadelphia's condition, and be within the promise of Him who is able to preserve. P.S.—Put Mr. Symons in mind of the 5l. I paid upon your motion to Mr. Letchford. [Endorsed by Sec. Windebank. "First intercepted going." 1 p.]
June 23.
Burderop.
46. Sir William Calley to Richard Harvey. Acknowledges receipt of things formerly directed to be purchased, and orders currants, case pepper, nutmegs, ginger, cinnamon, mace, cloves, and Jordan almonds. [⅓ p.]
June 23. 47. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
June 24. 48. Order of the King in Council. On the complaints of the stuff weavers, exhibited to the board by divers aldermen against a clause in the charter granted to the weavers of London ready to pass the great seal, It was Ordered, that the clause inhibiting all mercers to put forth any silk to be made in stuff, unless they had served seven years to the trade of weaving, and were admitted to that company, be expunged; and that it should be lawful for mercers and others to put forth silk or yarn to any weaver that is a free brother of the said company, having been an apprentice to the trade; also that no merchant shall set any looms on work in their houses; and that the said stuffs shall be all brought to the public hall of the said company, to the end the King may not be defrauded of the duties. [Seal of the Council attached. 1 p.]
June 24. 49. Endymion Porter, of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, to his servant, Richard Harvey. Letter of Attorney to receive his rents in the parish of North Somercotes, co. Lincoln, and to settle all accounts concerning the same. [Seal with arms. ¾ p.]
June 25.
The Court at Greenwich.
50. Sir Henry Vane, Comptroller of the Household, to Nicholas. Sends Jasper Selwyn to him, whose examination he desires Nicholas to take about the business of powder, upon the same interrogatories which were formerly taken in a like case by Mr. Attorney, and to bring the same to Sir Henry on the morrow afternoon at Whitehall. [Seal with arms. ⅓ p.]
June 25. 51. Examination of Jasper Selwyn. I agreed with John Pigott, of London, grocer, for 110 barrels of powder, and paid for them to John Evelyn, by the hands of William Bevis, his servant, which was about May 1637. The powder was sent to my storehouse by John Brush. Furthermore, the aforesaid John Pigott received of John Vincent, saltpetreman, divers hogsheads of petre, and sold them again, entering them in his book for ginger. [¾ p.]
June 25.
[Edinburgh.]
52. [—Borthwick?] to some unnamed persons whom he addresses "Noble Lords." Thanks for letters.
"As to the common business here in hand, concerning religion, there is nothing as yet done, but time delayed, and a great deal of money spent by the subjects in waiting so long at so high a rate as we live here in Edinburgh. The commissioner had a purpose . . . . to make some declaration of his Majesty's will by a proclamation, but hitherto has been stayed by reason that the petitioners are ready to protest that they rest not satisfied without a free general assembly and parliament, as the only way to settle this present combustion. The commissioner has been petitionated for those remedies, and replied, that some impediments being removed he would. This was found to be the destroying of the late covenant, at least a fair explanation of that part which seems to import unlawful combination, and this has spent the most part of the time since the commissioner came. Now they have cleared sufficiently that they intended no rebellion or combination for any other end but in defence of their religion and laws, and so this day they are to petition of new for a free general assembly and parliament, which if they be refused of it is like they will call both themselves, and settle the estate of the country the best may be, and so continue in possesion of what they think warrantable. There remains here of the nobility Rothes, Montrose, Eglintoun, Hume, Dalhousie, Weemys, Lyndsay, Boyd, Sinclair, Yester, Cranstoun, Montgomery, Fleming, Frissell, Forester, Elcho, Almond, Balcarres, Carnegy, Drumlanrig, Burley, Balmerinoch, Couper. [Besides these names there are added in the margin, "Cassilis, Lothian, Loudon, Johnston."] General Lesley, four commissioners from each shire for barons, and with them three, four, or five score of assessors of the gentry of each shire, and so of ministers and barons, so that there will remain, of the whole, betwixt three and four thousand in Edinburgh, with which the town may subsist and determine as occasion offers till the rest be advertised when need is. This I may say, all degrees goes on without fainting, and not a man is known to fall from their number, but daily coming in. There was never at any time such plenty of preaching and prayer as is now in Edinburgh. All the most able ministers are set a-work, preach every day in many places, and on the Lord's day three sermons in each church ordinarily, and so in all the halls and other great houses. God is not wanting with his blessings, for the obstinate are powerfully brought in by the ministers of the word. This last Lord's day the commissioner was earnestly solicited by the bishops to go to chapel, and hear sermon and the English service, which has been long in use there (the two former he was at Kinneil, where he heard Mr. Alexander Henderson and Mr. Richard Dickson). It was heard of in the town, but if the Bishop of Dunblane, who is dean of the chapel, had not gone and petitioned the commissioner that all should be discharged, and fled himself to Seatoun, it is like we should not been longer troubled with him and some others who stay privately about the abbey. So the commissioner went to Dalkeith on Saturday at night. It is true there was a guard strong enough put to the Castle of Edinburgh, and at the commissioner's desire was discharged. Only it is well looked to, and the town of Edinburgh keeps a strong watch in their town, about 150 musketeers. We hear much of English armies and ships to come, but we neither see nor fear anything that way." Acknowledges receipt of letter which "a kind friend" directed to John Smith, a direction which should be continued. "Show Mr. Morehead that I have spoken with James Douglas . . . but mind never to meddle with him more. . . . I found him altogether mad and without reason. . . . Render Sir John hearty thanks for his news. Lord Eglintoun assures me that he writes to him all occurrences here, and so I find it more convenient to write only to you."
[Endorsed as intercepted. 4 pp.]
June 25.
Lincoln's Inn Fields.
53. Felix Long to Richard Harvey. Sends a note for Mr. Malet's bond, and wishes Harvey a happy and prosperous journey. [¾ p.]
June 25.
Salisbury House.
55. William Earl of Salisbury to Denzil Holles. It has been made known to the Earl that Holles had caused divers timber trees to be felled, and others to be lopped, on the Earl's land at Damerham, contrary to the covenants of his lease. States the numbers of trees so dealt with, and that it is conceived that 250l. will not satisfy the wrong done. Could not have suspected such spoils from Holles, who has always professed such a respect unto the Earl. Lets him know that he expects satisfaction, and his answer whether he denies or acknowledges the premises de facto, and why he should not make due payment. Although Holles has not regarded the warning of the Earl's servant, wishes him to take notice of the covenants of his lease in future, or the Earl shall be enforced to seek the preservation of his inheritance by legal means. [Copy. 1 p.]
June 25. 55. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
June 26. 56. Petition of the Company of Weavers of London to the King. State the effect of their charters from the time of Henry II. to the present day, and complain that an infinite number of strangers, men of other nations, and especially Walloons, who are neither of the church nor have served for the trade of weaving according to the statute, daily come over, and prove very hurtful to the poor English weavers, whose bread they take out of their mouths, and tend to the utter destruction of petitioners. The strangers too are thrust up with their families in tenements of very small receipt in the city and suburbs, which are much annoyed with offensive and troublesome inmates, against the free usages of the city and the statutes of the land, and likely to breed contagious diseases. Pray order for reformation. [5/6 p.] Underwritten,
56. i. Reference to the Commissioners for Trade to certify their opinion. Theobalds, 26th June 1638. [1/6 p.]
[June 26.] 57. Note of the number of Dutch, French, and Walloons now exercising the trade of weaving in and about the city of London. Totals, Dutch, 95; French, 137; Walloons, 1,998. [2/3 p.]
June 26. 58. Bills of fare, according to the several seasons of the year, for the dinners and suppers of 10, 7, and 6 dishes, as they are usually served in the King's household. [7½ pp.]
June 26.
Whitehall.
59. Order of the Commissioners for the affairs of the Household. Pray Mr. Cofferer and the rest of the officers of the Green Cloth to examine from the 17th Henry VIII., and to certify what diet has been allowed to the Master of the Jewel House, and why it has been retrenched. [Draft. ½ p.]
June 26. 60. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
June 27. 61. Order of Council. On further consideration of the objections made by those of Congleton, against William Bramball, concerning his indirect procuring the manor of Congleton to be passed from the crown to the City of London, and afterwards to himself, It was Ordered that the Attorney and Solicitor General and the Attorney of the Duchy should examine the said matter, and if the obtaining appears to have been to the prejudice of his Majesty, and to the wrong of the ancient tenants in any considerable value, then the Attorney and Solicitor General are to advise of a legal course for recovering the same manor. [1¼ p.] Underwritten,
61. i. Appointment by the Attorney and Solicitor General to hear the said matter on the 27th October. 28th June 1638. [Council Seal attached. ¼ p.]
June 27.
London.
62. Thomas Viscount Somerset to Sec. Coke. Was commanded by the King to leave the enclosed petition with Sec. Coke, which through his interference will he doubts not receive a gracious reference from his Majesty. The King has promised to take the writer's long faithful service and great charge and expence into his consideration. Excuses himself for not taking leave personally of the Sec. Begs him to accept of a paper of reasons in favour of his petition. [1 p.] Enclosed,
62. i. Petition of Thomas Viscount Somerset to the King. Petitioner is given to understand that your Majesty intends to disafforest the Forest of Deane, co. Gloucester, and to distribute the lands and woods thereof to such persons as you shall think fit. Prays, in consideration of his long and faithful service to your Majesty, as also to your father and mother, (for recompense whereof petitioner has not been importunate,) that you will bestow upon him 4,000 acres of the said lands to be disafforested, he paying for the same as it shall please you to appoint. [1 p.]
62. ii. Statement of reasons to move his Majesty for granting 4,000 acres of the disafforested Forest of Deane to Viscount Somerset. i. He gave up his place of Master of the Horse without recompense, whereas all others that had places under the late Queen, your Majesty's mother, were restored to places or had other recompense. ii. He yielded to the late Duke of Buckingham the patent he had of the Treasury of the Common Pleas, for which he had the King's word for a recompense. iii. His quitting pensions of 600l. per annum with 4,000l. arrears for marsh lands in co. Lincoln, the rates of the purchase being far higher than any man would have given, and he not to receive any profit for 17 years. [1 p.]
June 27. 63. William Calley to Richard Harvey. Mr. Davison will bring a bill of the writer's to Harvey. If Felix Long has no money of Sir William Calley's in his hands, prays Harvey to pay the amount. Wishes to have a fan of black feathers with a handle of either silver or otherwise, as is most worn. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
June 27. 64–65. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
June 28.
Greenwich.
66. Proclamation to the people of Scotland. We neither were, are, nor by the grace of God ever shall be, stained with popish superstition, but are resolved to maintain the true protestant Christian religion, and we assure all men that we will not press the practice of the book of canons and service book, nor anything of that nature, but in such a fair and legal way as shall satisfy all our loving subjects that we neither intend innovation in religion or laws. And to this effect have given order to discharge all acts of Council made thereanent. And for the High Commission, we shall so rectify it, that it shall never impugn the laws, nor be a just grievance to our loyal subjects. And what is further fitting to be "agitat" in general assemblies and parliament for the good of the Kirk shall be taken into our royal consideration in a free assembly and parliament which shall be called with our best conveniency. And we take God to witness that our true meaning is not to admit of any innovations either in religion or laws, but carefully to maintain the purity of religion already professed and established, and noways to suffer our laws to be infringed. [Printed. Broadside. 1 p.]
June 28. 67. Statement by the Armourers of London of the lowest prices at which they can make armours, with the reasons of the prices, and why they cannot make them at the rates in the schedule formerly granted. For a cuirassier's armour, 5l.; for a harquebusier's, consisting of breast, back, gorget, and head piece, 40s.; for a harquebusier's armour, light, 35s.; for a footman's armour, unlined, 25s. The reasons for these prices being higher than those mentioned in the commission are: 1. Dearness of plate, coals, and victuals. 2. Many journeys before they can have order what to do. 3. These are the prices the King used formerly to pay. As to the prices in the commission, they were brought to them by many fair promises of enlarged and continual employment, which have not been fulfilled. [1 p.]
June 28. 68. Copy of the paper calendared under date of the 19th inst., No. 22, relating to the distribution of the estate of John Belke, but with blanks for the sums to be allotted to each of the intestate's next of kin. [¾ p.]
June 28. 69. Petition of John Gibbon, on behalf of himself and other participants in the level of Hatfield Chase, to the King. Upon complaint of petitioners, who are fee-farmers unto your Majesty, of unjust sales of their lands contrived by commissioners of sewers (see Calendar for 11th December 1637, No. 65), there was a reference to the Lord Treasurer, Lord Cottington, and Sec. Windebank. The referees on the 16th June inst. entered on the hearing thereof, and appointed a time for further hearing, and commanded petitioners to deliver particulars to the commissioners, which petitioners did accordingly, and the commissioners desired time till Michaelmas term to answer the same, and had it granted. In the interim, the commissioners, on the 24th June inst., without informing your Majesty that anything had been done upon the reference, have obtained a direction transferring the examination from the referees to the Council Board. When the matter shall be examined by the referees, petitioners will be suitors to your Majesty to hear the same in person, but they pray that the reference may go on, and a certificate be first made, before there be any further order. [¾ p.] Underwritten,
69. i. His Majesty, understanding that the former referees have entered into this business, commands that the said reference shall proceed, any direction given to the contrary notwithstanding. Greenwich, 29th June 1638. [¼ p.] Endorsed,
69. ii. Appointment by the Lord Treasurer, Lord Cottington, and Sec. Windebank, to proceed with this business on Friday se'nnight; and they desire the judges mentioned in the order of the 16th June (see Calendar of that date, No. 7) to pursue the directions thereby given, and the commissioners of sewers to attend. Whitehall, 16th December 1638. [⅓ p.]
June 28. 70. Sir John Lambe, Sub-collector and Receiver to Francis Bishop of Peterborough of all tenths payable to his Majesty by the clergy of that diocese, to the King. Sir John being accountable to his Majesty by reason of the said office, and divers persons in a schedule mentioned by their writings obligatory standing bound to him the said Sir John in the sums of money therein mentioned, Sir John assigns over the said writings and moneys to his Majesty. [Copy. 2⅓ pp.]
June 28. 71. G. T. [?] to —. I have never been in a country where things go so slowly or stupidly as in this country. I seem to be in the middle of Spain. As a proof of it I will tell you a little of what is going on in Scotland, where the good people, under the mask of religion, are setting up an anarchy, and to that end refuse everything that the King offers them, because they seem to be able to resist all that he can do against them. It is confidently asserted that they have more than 40,000 effective men armed cap à pied. They have four commanders, men of celebrity bred up in the wars of Germany. They have made all the people take an oath of fidelity to those of their covenant, as they term their rebellious league. They have set up three bodies of councillors, and one of war. They have taxed the whole country to maintain the war, and the King having sent a ship laden with munitions and other necessaries for the castle of Edinburgh, they have seized them, and distributed them amongst their soldiers, and taken possession of the castle and all the other strongholds of the kingdom. They make pretence to defend their liberty and religion from innovation, to hold a free parliament, to reform the church of England, to have the King reside with them six months every year, and to regain their ancient liberties, of which the King has of late deprived them, as they pretend. The King in this affair has gone on too quietly, and in the judgment of wise men has too much despised them, and shown such feebleness that his subjects begin to raise the head, and make little revolts and mutinies even in England. He has sent the Marquess of Hamilton to try to gain them over; which most people think very strange, knowing how little affection he has for the King's affairs, and the authority he might have with that people, being descended from their blood royal, and a man fit for their designs. At first they would not allow any one to speak to him alone, and when he prayed them to lay down their arms against the King, assuring them that the King would give them content, they flatly refused. They have also given him a guard, as it were of honour, but it is thought that if he wished to return this guard would let him know that he could not. From the whole proceeding the King sees evidently that they will not submit to reason by treaty, and has resolved to compel them by force. He is about to raise an army in Ireland, not daring to trust the English, who are greatly irritated against him by reason of the ship-money. This counsel, of raising an army in Ireland, has been suggested to him by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Deputy of Ireland, who govern him entirely, for he has never yet opened his mouth upon the subject to his Council of State, but strives to keep all close, which very much displeases them. They hold that the raising an army in Ireland is very dangerous; but I know not what better he could do, for in England everybody is discontented, and to raise an army here is to put a sword in their hands to defend themselves, for the party of the puritans is so numerous, and has such correspondence with the Scotch, that they begin already to break down the altars which the Archbishop had raised, bring accusations against the bishops, and demand the re-establishment of many silenced ministers, with a thousand other insolences. Such is the state of one little kingdom, which seems to be in profound peace and flourishing, but latet anguis in herbâ, and the least insurrection in Scotland would occasion great trouble in this country. Some think that in two or three months we shall see a revolt, but the difficulty is, that here they have neither soldiers nor commanders; in Scotland they have all. [Endorsed as "Writ by a Jesuit to his superior in France." French. 2¾ pp.]
June 28. 72. G. T. [?] to Messrs. Lamaghi. Letter upon the same subject as the preceding, and giving a detail of the same incidents, with some variations in phrase, and a few additional statements as of fact. Among the latter it is asserted that among the Scottish demands were the delivery of the Archbishop of Canterbury to them as a prisoner, the banishment of Mons. Con, whom they call the Pope's man, and of all catholics. It is added, also, that it was feared that if the King endeavoured to suppress them by force they would call in the Prince Palatine to be their King. On the morrow the writer intends to return to the country for some time, and after that to come back to London, to remain until the proper time for going to Italy. Hopes in passing to salute the person addressed, as he does in this letter, with his brother, "mademoiselle sa femme," Mons. Benagla, and all the house. [French. 2 pp.]
June 28. 73. Notes of Orders dated 24th November 1636, 25th July 1637, and this day, for Sir Henry Marten to examine and certify the whole loss and damages which Robert Powlett and company have suffered by Capt. T'Kint with the St. Peter of Rotterdam. [11/6 p.]
June 29. 74. Account of Brass Ordnance weighed at Mr. Browne's new foundry, appointed for the Sovereign of the Seas: total, 55 tons 15 cwt. 2 qrs. 9 lbs.; with account of certain pieces for the same ship, and others for the Providence and the Expedition, cast but not proved. [1½ p.]
June 29. 75. Dr. Robert Sibthorpe to Sir John Lambe. Wishes all happiness to the married couple, and that a couple of those who, as Sir John says, danced at the wedding, were married. Northampton men continue still inveighing against idolatry, yet idoling their own inventions, insomuch that on the 21st inst. there was a preachingfast by Mr. Ball in the forenoon and Mr. Newton in the afternoon, but neither of them prayed for any archbishops or bishops, nor used the Lord's prayer at conclusion of theirs before sermon, nor did they or the people use any of the reverend gestures or rites and ceremonies enjoined. How these things are like to be amended, except some higher hand vouchsafe to assist, he may perceive by the enclosed copy of a letter sent to Dr. Clerke, from a reverend man, a bachelor of arts of 16 or 17 years standing at the least, Sir Noake, Mr. Bacon's brother-in-law, and a chaplain, &c., wherein he will observe that if it take not, it is but Sir Noake, not his lord, nor so much as the doctor's chaplain, &c. If it take, and be ill taken, either Sir Noake was mistaken, or others mistook him, or at the least it must be others doing, not the lords, yet if others will not do it they are the wicked persecutors, and not he. But be it as it may the writer for his part is resolved, and so he thinks he has settled him to whom the letter was sent, except direct command come to the contrary Reminds Sir John of his promise to let the writer have a copy of the sentence in the High Commission against the Sussex churchwardens (he thinks of Lewes), for removing the communion table out of the cancelling, &c. It may concern the writer. Beseeches Sir John to give Mr. Knight some item that he may not favour Miles Burkitt, nor disfavour Gare or his proctor too much. His wife had some relation to a Burkitt, which inclines him to favour Mr. Miles. The assizes at Daventry were very small by reason that the gaol could not be removed from Northampton. There is no new commission come down, although the prince's attorney told Dr. Clerke that the Lord Keeper told him he had given warrant to put out Sir Richard [Margin by Sir John Lambe: "Sir Richard Samuell"], and the clerk of the peace told the writer that a warrant lay at the Crown Office, &c., but they expect some fees before they are willing to write so much as it comes to, and I believe somebody will be at some charges rather than it shall be long undone, only your assistance may be implored as formerly. P.S.—These Towcester men, on whose behalf the inclosed letter was written, were infected by Stoner, a lecturer, maintained by the Londoners, now gone to New England, and they have misapplied divers texts of Scripture against the communion table standing at the east, and their coming up to receive, with divers other disorders (not to call them blasphemies or profanations) which I will acquaint you with hereafter. [Seal with arms. 1¾ p.]
June 29. 76. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
June 30. 77. Petition of Thomas Bushell, your Majesty's servant, to the King. Upon information by petitioner that there were great quantities of ore which held silver daily transported beyond seas, contrary to law, and if generally suffered might redound to the prejudice of your mint, and frustrate your design in the silver-mines, you prohibited the transporting of any ore unwrought. Some persons who study only their private ends have petitioned to transport poor ore, under the cloak of charity, for supplying the country and miners with corn. Your mines royal can never be brought to perfection if any subject has power to transport ore, unless it be the servant whom your Majesty trusts for discovery of the same and preservation of your mint. Prays the King to authorize petitioner, and none other, to transport refuse ore that holds no silver, by approbation of the paymaster, to prevent clamour for corn and relief of the miners in danger of dearth, but to encourage the subjects to discover their mines by giving the tenth ton of ore to themselves. [½ p.] Annexed,
77. i. Copy order of the King prohibiting the transportation of any metal as it is drawn out of the mint. 15th October 1637. [1 p.] Written under the above petition,
77. ii. Reference to Sec. Windebank, to prepare a letter fit for his Majesty's signature, for the purposes mentioned in the said petition. Greenwich, 30th June 1638. [1/6 p.]
June 30. 78. The King to Thomas Bushell. Authorizes Bushell, and none other, to transport refuse ore in the terms prayed for in the preceding petition, and gives the tenth ton of ore to such persons as shall discover their mines. [Copy endorsed by Robert Reade, Sec. Windebank's secretary. ½ p.]
June 30. 79. Copy clause in the Charter about to be granted to the Weavers of London, which was objected to by the stuff-weavers, and ordered by the Council on the 24th June inst. (see No. 48) to be expunged. Certified by the Attorney-General, with annexed draft of a clause proposed to be inserted in its place. [= 1¼ p.]
June 30. 80. Copy clause to be inserted in the Charter to the Weavers, in lieu of the clause to be expunged, as mentioned in the preceding article. Certified by the Attorney-General. [¾ p.]
June 30. 81. Account of Sir William Russell of ship-money for 1637. Received 109,391l. 5s. 1d.; outstanding 87,023l. 2s. 7d. [= 2 pp.]
June 30. 82. Account of ship-money levied and in the hands of the sheriffs. Total 5,340l., making the whole sum collected 114,731l., being 33,468l. less than was paid in on 1st July 1637. [1 p.]
June 30.
Burderop.
83. Sir William Calley to Richard Harvey. You wrote me that low-priced Spanish cloth was falsely made now-a-days, but so is some Kentish also, for the livery cloaks now sent are made of hollow, bracky, and mill-washed cloth, and the bracks very botcherly mended. [Seal with arms. ½ p.]
June 30. 84–85. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."
June. Grant to the Corporation of Bristol to hold a weekly court for trial of personal actions within that city belonging to the Admiralty, with an appeal from the same court to the Lord High Admiral or Judge of the Admiralty Court. [Docquet.]
June. 86. Account in the same handwriting and of a similar character to that inserted on 22nd June inst. relating to John Taylor. The payments here are classed under the heads of "King James," "King Charles," "Queen Mary" [Henrietta Maria], and "Sweet Waters," and at the bottom of each page is a statement of the amount due on each account up to Midsummer 1638. [4 pp.]
June. 87. Estimate for such provisions as are forthwith to be made for the King and Queen's service and their children. Amongst other things, linen for his Majesty's royal person, for the quarter to end at Michaelmas next, 260l.; apparel and other necessaries for the princesses, 300l.; trunk for his Majesty's linen and robes, and barehides for his Majesty's Bedchamber carriages, 66l.; furniture for a chapel and service books, 200l.; a bedstead and bedding for the Duke of York, 520l.; a robe of purple velvet, lined with taffety, &c., for the Chancellor of the Garter, 40l.; 480 ells of fine Holland for sheets for her Majesty, 288l.; two rich carroches lined with velvet, trimmed with gold and silver laces and fringes, for his Majesty; one great horse-saddle of velvet, embroidered with gold and silver, and fringed suitable; two pad saddles and six hunting saddles, all for his Majesty's own service, 2,400l.; a side saddle cloth and furniture of velvet, trimmed with gold and silver fringes, with buttons and loops, suitable for the Queen; the like for the Duchesse of Chevreuse; a side-saddle for the Groom of the Stool to her Majesty; two coaches of wrought velvet, trimmed with silk, for the ladies and maids of honour, and ten side saddles for them, 900l.; total, 9,608l. 6s. 8d. [2¼ pp.]
June. 88. Petition of Sir Lewis Pemberton to the Council. Petitioner, having occasion to reside for some time in London, took lodgings for himself, children, and servants in the house of one Sampson in Holborn. As it after happened, an extent was to be executed upon the said house and goods by the under-sheriff of Middlesex, of which petitioner and his children and servants, and also Sir Thomas Burton and other lodgers, taking notice, without giving any offence or resistance, they got quietly forth of the said house at the back door, the street door being shut upon them, before the gentlemen of Gray's Inn acted any violence. Upon information you committed petitioner to the custody of a messenger, and also the said Sir Thomas Burton and others, to answer their being in the house. Upon Sunday last at Greenwich you discharged Sir Thomas Burton. Prays, in that he is aged and sickly, that he also may be discharged. [2/3 p.]
[June ?] 89. [The Council] to the King. On the petition of Ralph Massie, his Majesty referred the examination of great accounts and the composing of Massie's debts to us. We referred the preparation of the same accounts to Lawrence Whitaker and Robert Wolrich. His Majesty granted Massie a protection for one year. Massie has diligently laboured therein, but has not been able to bring the same to perfection by reason of the absence of Rolfe, who is principally chargeable in the said accounts, and Blake from Massie demands great sums, who has absented himself altogether, but both of whom are now about London. Whitaker and Wolrich, having also reported their inability to perfect the same accounts, we recommend to his Majesty to renew the protection to Massie for one year. [2/3 p.]
June. 90. William Bramhall to the Council. Answer to the offer of the town of Congleton, mentioned in an Order of Council of the 6th inst. With protestation of the untruths contained in the petitions of the said town, I answer that the intention of the offer is said to be that they might become his Majesty's immediate tenants, as formerly they were. The corporation neither are nor ever were such tenants, and those that are farmers thereof are no parties to the petitions, and are more willing to continue tenants to my brother, the Bishop of Derry, and myself, (being joint purchasers,) than to become tenants to the corporation, which may subsist for the future without having any interest in the demesnes and royalties of the manor, as well as they have done for 350 years. All the tenants gave their consent to petitioner's purchase by a voluntary attornment in 1629, and by payment of rent to Sir Thomas Fanshawe, petitioner's brother, and himself, for divers years. Besides 60 years' purchase paid to the city of London almost ten years since, and the interest thereof, and almost 400l. more spent in his defence, petitioner has been damnified by missing the office of Chief Remembrancer in the Exchequer in Ireland, and by being withdrawn from all employment, both in Ireland and this country, ever since his landing here two years ago, by the prosecution of the town of Congleton. Prays the pardon of the Lords for not accepting the offer of Congleton, whose aim therein is rather the private ends of particular persons than his Majesty's service or the good of the town. Besides that his brother is joint purchaser, petitioner, being drawn into a good deal of debt by the violent prosecution of Congleton, has been forced to charge the manor with encumbrances. [1¼ p.]
June. 91. Brief of the cause of the Justices of Somerset in defence of their Orders of Sessions against Edward Shoard and Thomas Whatman, and respecting the assessment of Maiden Bradley. The question was whether Yarnfield, a liberty in the parish of Maiden Bradley, was to be taxed with the hundred of Norton Ferris in Somerset, or with the hundred of Mere in Wilts (see this Vol., pp. 385,412.) [2 pp.]
June. 92. Articles ministered in the Court of High Commission against Miles Burkitt, one of the vicars of Pattishall, co. Northampton. He is charged with not bowing at the name of Jesus, and disobeying an injunction of his ordinary to keep within the rails at the ministration of the sacrament, and to administer to none that would not come up to the rails; also with irreverent speeches against the Lord's Prayer, the Belief, the Ten Commandments, and the Virgin Mary, and with abetting Paul Ganner, one of the churchwardens of Pattishall, in the removal of the communion table into the body of the chancel. [Endorsed, "Gare contra Burkitt." 21/6 pp.]
June. 93. Similar articles against William Warde, parson of Allesley, co. Warwick. Defendant was charged with having been for at least 12 years past a common frequenter of alehouses in Allesley, Coventry, and other towns, drinking with coblers, butchers, tinkers, pedlers, and the like persons of base condition in excessive manner. Being legally questioned before the then Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield for the crime of drunkenness, he received a canonical admonition, and was enjoined to preach a sermon in his parish church, and therein to acknowledge his vice of drunkenness and inveigh against its heinousness, since which he has frequented alehouses as usual. Instances are alleged of his excessive drunkenness during the performance of divine service, and whilst drunk of his playing at ninepins with a butcher on a Sunday afternoon, of his tumbling and wallowing in the highway, fighting with a cobler in the yard of an alehouse, tumbling from his horse on his return from Coventry, swearing at Mrs. Hemingham, and threatening, with a naked knife in his hand, to kill her dog; with a variety of other profanities and immoralities, concluding with his producing in this court a false certificate of his sober and quiet demeanour. [11 pp.]
June. 94. Bishop Wright, of Coventry and Lichfield, to Edward Archer, M.A. Appointment as coadjutor and curate of Endfield [Enville], co. Stafford; Anthony Fowke, the rector, being a lunatic. [Latin. Parchment. 31 lines.]
June. 95. Calculation as to the way in which 3,000l. on the 1st July next, and the like sum on the 1st August following, were to be paid by the shareholders in the Earl of Lindsey's works of drainage, in co. Lincoln. The contributors were: Sir William Killigrew for five shares; the Earl of Lindsey for four shares; the Earl of Dorset, Lord Willoughby, and Sir Edward Heron, two shares each; Peregrine Bertie, Sir Thomas Stafford, and Sir Francis Godolphin, for one share each. [2/3 p.]
[June ?] 96. Names of such persons as have of late years compounded with the Vestry of St. Martin-in-the-Fields to be excused from bearing offices in the said parish, with a suggestion, attributed in the endorsement to Mr. Hulbert, that if these sums were "repaired," and no more such fines taken, it would produce much good to the parish and his Majesty's service. [= 2 pp.]
June. 97–99. See "Returns made by Justices of Peace."