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| Feb. 11. |
Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Chichester to
the King. That whereas it pleased his Majesty for order to be
made at the Council Board, the 17th of December last, requiring
petitioners to surrender their charter 15 Jacobi, and receive a new
one to the same purpose with the later charter 19 Jacobi, only
the liberties of the dean and chapter were to be admitted,
and for that some things were admitted out of the former charters
necessary for petitioners to be sued for, both for the more [fully]
effecting his Majesty's commands, as also for the ease and benefit of
this city, it was desired that the King would refer the things, in the
paper annexed to the petition, to the Attorney-General, that he
might in drawing up the new charter by way of addition or confirmation confirm them to the petitioners. Underwritten, |
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i. Reference to the Attorney-General, who is to consider of this
petition and the desired privileges annexed, and to certify
his Majesty his opinion whether they be fit to be granted,
whereupon he will signify his further pleasure. Special
care is to be taken that nothing pass in prejudice of the
church. Whitehall, 11th Feb. 1639-40. [Copy. See Book
of Petitions, Vol. cccciii., p. 149. 1 p.] |
| Feb. 11. |
Petition of the Dean and Chapter of Worcester to the King.
The causeys and highways near the city of Worcester, leading
towards Stowton [Stoulton], Swineshead [in Gloucestershire], and
Kempsey, are much decayed, the repairs of which belong by law,
as petitioners are informed, to such only as have lands adjoining
or to certain parishes; notwithstanding which the present Dean
and Chapter and their predecessors have often contributed in a liberal
manner towards the repair of these ways out of their mere charity
and free benevolence, as is confessed under the hands of such as
from time to time have received their moneys given to that good
use. But now their former great charity is like to be turned to
their prejudice, if some men, who are concerned in that charge, may
have their will, who threaten to indict petitioners at their sessions
and to force upon them, against all reason and conscience, the whole
burden of repairing those causeys, pretending that of right they
ought to do it; whereas petitioners are not any way obliged to
any part of that charge nor able to support it, being already brought
to very great necessity by the heavy and perpetual expense of
repairing their edifices, and especially the great and goodly fabric of
the cathedral church of Worcester, which lies wholly and solely upon
them, and which being formerly too long neglected and built of a
soft and mouldering stone, still decaying, has cost them within these
past 13 years above 2,000l., besides which it requires many thousands
more to make it strong and fair, as it ought to be; in addition to
this charge they disburse about 40l yearly in alms to the poor of
the city, which with their other ordinary burdens necessitates them
every year to borrow money for which they are often forced to pay
interest, and to forbear their own private salaries for supplying the
public necessities. They therefore pray your Majesty, out of your
princely piety, your love of public justice and care over all such
churches, being the religious foundations of your royal progenitors,
to prevent their oppression, and relieve them in this their extreme
grievance, either by referring the hearing and determining of this
cause to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Keeper, the Lord
Treasurer, and the Lord Privy Seal, or otherwise as you shall think
fit. Underwritten,
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I. Reference as prayed. The referees to examine to whom the
repair of these ways by right appertains, and either to
order them forthwith to amend the same, or else certify
the King what they find, together with their opinions of
the whole business, whereupon his Majesty will signify his
further pleasure. Whitehall, 11th February 1639-40.
[Copy. See Book of Petitions, Vol. cccciii., p. 150. 1½ p.] |
| Feb. 11. |
Report of the Lord Treasurer, Lord Cottington, and AttorneyGeneral Bankes to the King. Upon a reference from your Majesty
[see last Vol. of Calendar, p. 485,] concerning Mrs. Margaret Kirby's
pretences to 3,500 acres in Sutton Marsh in March 1638[-9], we
certified your Majesty, that admitting Mrs. Kirby's own accompt,
save only 6,000l. for purchase of lands, and 12,851l. for interest, the
sum remaining to her amounted to 17,000l. But withal we
informed your Majesty that the country in their petition allege
that the adventurers have received more money by the crops of
the said marsh than was expended in embanking and improving
the same, and so left it to your judgment what to order thereupon,
which produced your command for a commission to issue out of
the Exchequer for examining the charge of the same, upon return
whereof we referred the same to the Surveyor-General and the
auditor of the county, who found that from the year 1631 to
1637 the embanking and sluicing of that work amounted to
13,781l. 15s. 11d.; but they were of opinion that if the marsh were
now to be embanked a far less sum might have been expended herein.
The clear profits made of the marsh, at the least rate, they found
amounted to 10,000l. The particulars here stated were not examined
by the Surveyor-General and auditor, but by your Majesty's permission have been since presented to us. To which particulars we
can only take these exceptions. In our former certificate we thought
fit to disallow the 6,000l. for buying in the titles, and the interest
money, which was then reckoned at 12,000l., but now 15,000l. Of
the 956l. for rent there has been paid only 400l., and we conceive
no more ought to be allowed. The 1,230l. being principally for Tydd
St. Mary, we believe it fit to be charged thereupon. So the sums
we allow in this report make the demand fall from 17,000l. to
7,397l. 7s. 6d. All which we humbly submit to your wisdom.
11th February 1639[-40]. Underwritten by Sec. Windebank, |
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i. According to your Lordship's report in this business, petitioned
for by Mrs. Kirby, his Majesty commanded me to signify
his pleasure to you, that he approves very well of what
is certified herein, and, for conclusion thereof, further
refers to you to advise the best and speediest way to satisfy
the petitioner the sum you have conceived to be due to her
in your report, and herein you are to make a present
return to his Majesty. To Bishop Juxon, Lord Treasurer.
Whitehall, 4th April 1640. [Copy. See Book of Petitions,
Vol. cccciii., p. 173. 2 pp.] |
Feb. 11.
Castleton. |
1. Robert Holte, sheriff of the county palatine of Lancaster, to
the Council. Gives an account of his proceedings in the ship-money.
On the 24th January, the high constables, according to appointment, came and made their several answers touching the imposition
of assessments on the several hundreds. Only the constables of one
hundred, and that the least in the county, brought any assessment;
the rest alleged that the persons they required in every town to
assist them in assessing the ship-money refused to join with them;
in some places they alleged that they were not able to pay it, others
quarrelled with the assessment imposed by me on their hundred,
and in consequence the high constables had not assessed the same
on the several parishes, because they did not conceive that they had
power to do so, without the assistance of some discreet and sufficient
persons within every town. Upon return of which answers I
granted them new precepts, commanding them to require such
assistance for the subdividing of the assessments, and in case they
had no such assistance to proceed by the best means they could to
make an indifferent and equal assessment, and to bring the same
to me on the 5th February, on which day all the high constables
appeared and brought their several assessments, whereupon I issued
my warrants to the constables for levying and collecting the money
so assessed. By reason of these unnecessary delays of the high
constables and the backwardness of the people to this service, I
could not put the business into that forwardness as to have any of
the money levied and paid in by the time the Lords commanded;
yet I shall not cease to expedite the levying of the same so soon as
possibly I can; but I perceive that the country in general is very
averse to the payment of this money, and that it will be great
trouble and much difficulty to levy the same. [1 p.] |
Feb. 11.
Drury Lane. |
2. [Sec. Windebank] to Sir Michael Ernle. I acquainted the
Lords of the Committee [of Council for War] with your certificates
of the stores and state of the houses and magazines [at Berwick],
of which they approved, and will give you further direction in all
those particulars very shortly. As for what you wrote, that you
had thought on a way for supplying the Castle of Edinburgh
with men, which you believed would have taken effect, but that
you had received my order to the contrary, I believe this to be a
great misunderstanding, seeing I never gave you any such order
to the contrary. I only acquainted you that his Majesty had
sent a ship to Leith with ammunition and men to be conveyed
openly and avowedly into Edinburgh Castle, but I gave you no
order to forbear the pursuing of any design you had to that
purpose. And therefore, if you have any such fair way of effecting
that service, you are to put it in execution, that so, if that which
his Majesty has attempted openly shall fail, yours may be put in
practice; and to this end you will find in a letter I lately wrote to
you that his Majesty's pleasure is you shall make use of some of the
men in the garrison [of Berwick], because in a former of yours you
seemed to find more difficulty in procuring the men than in conveying them into the castle, and that such as you shall employ of
the garrison shall be supplied to you again. You are likewise
ordered by that letter to promise them extraordinary reward for
the service, which shall be allowed to you again. So I desire you
not to neglect any means for supplying the Castle at Edinburgh
with men, which his Majesty takes much to heart, and his service
is highly concerned in it. [Draft. 1 p.] |
Feb. 11.
Berwick. |
3. Sir Michael Ernle to Sec. Windebank. By yours of the
25th January I received express order to send some men secretly
into Edinburgh Castle. I sent immediately to the governor for
his opinion as you gave order, but in your letter of the 28th ult. I
mistook, as it seems, your intention. Your words were these: "that
whereas I had order for the sending of men secretly and by stealth
I must now understand that the King is pleased to send 100 men
by sea, for the reinforcing of that castle, and in case they were
refused they were to repair to me at Berwick." This I took to be
a discharge of your former order. I only acquainted Capt. Lloyd
and Mr. Payler, who understood it as I did; but now in your last
of the 4th inst. I have absolute order, and perceive my mistake, for
which I must humbly desire your pardon. I have already got
14 or 15 very proper men, who, I doubt not, will be there before this
come to your hands. I will every day send some as I can get them.
I have nothing worth informing you of at this time. [Seal with arms,
broken. ¾ p.] |
| Feb. 11. |
4. Deposition of Henry Carr, touching the coming of Sir Walter
Riddell and two other Scotchmen to his father's inn at Newcastle.
It was reported, after these Scotchmen were gone out of Newcastle,
that they had viewed the strength of that town. It was also
reported that the mayor should have entertained them, it being
the usual custom of the place for the mayor to invite men of good
fashion; and, after their departure, that Sir John Marlay should say
to the mayor that he did not know what he had done, to which
the mayor answered that he, Sir John, being a justice of peace,
might have stayed them, if he had known they had not been the
King's friends; but I cannot cite any author for this particular. I
know they had not all their diet at my father's house, but where
they had it I know not. It was further reported after Sir Walter
Riddell's departure that he was a covenanter, and that his brother
was an ensign. If I have done or spoken anything that is not
fitting, I am heartily sorry for it, hoping of my releasement. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 11. |
5. Particulars of an agreement made by Sir William Uvedale,
Mr. Crane, and Mr. Pay, with Robert Haughton, the King's brewer,
for beer to be brewed at Berwick for 10,000 men. He is to brew
there after the rate of 145 tuns per week, and to avoid sending of
any from London, he is to have 500 tuns ready brewed in his
storehouse fit for the service of the King's army by the last day of
June, and from thenceforth shall maintain a store, so as to have 12
or 14 days' provision beforehand, until he shall have warning to
surcease brewing. [1¼ p.] |
Feb. 11.
Edinburgh. |
6. J. Stewart to Mr. Hearne, at the Blue Anchor in Cheapside.
I am sorry you have so just challenge of my neglect of duty, and
likewise my remitting money to others. Some have expressed your
jealousy against me because of the times. [Seal with arms. ½ p.] |
| Feb. 11. |
7. Sir Anthony Thomas to Mr. Long. If the Earl of Lindsey
will remit the 60 acres under Keal Hill, co. Lincoln, being allowed
his charges for enclosing, I entreat you to present to him and
Lord Willoughby 200 acres under Toynton, which, with 174 acres
already had, amount to 374 acres, in consideration of their noble
favours to be showed towards the settling my peace in the fen
business. [½ p.] |
| Feb. 11. |
8. Affidavit of Henry Browne, that the last year he being one
of the constables of the town of Grantham, co. Lincoln, was charged
to conduct the soldiers raised in that town to Great Coates, near
Grimsby, to be there received of their captains, and shipped for to
serve his Majesty in the late northern expedition. Whilst waiting
for transport this deponent being much importuned by some of the
soldiers of Capt. Hammond's band, did move that officer to accept
substitutes to serve in their rooms, to which he assented, provided
the soldiers would be at the charge of hiring such substitutes, and
the money so paid to this deponent for that purpose he handed over
to the captain, who affirmed that he would procure the necessary
substitutes. Part of this money was lent by deponent out of his
own purse to the said soldiers, which, since this inquiry was made,
these soldiers will not repay, and this deponent further saith that
some money which he is charged to have received by the information he never received, and the rest which he did receive he paid
over to the captain and his officers. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 11. |
9. Affidavit of Francis Freeman, of Wilby, co. Northampton,
husbandman, that upon Sunday, 29th of December last, a man
calling himself Davenport accosted him as he was leaving church,
and said that he had a warrant to him from the Council, to whom
this deponent answered that he would obey it, desiring Davenport
to show it, which the latter refusing, he persisted in going home
to his dinner, but offered no opposition, always professing his
readiness to obey the warrant. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 11. |
10. Order made in the Court of Wards and Liveries in the suit of
Lady Anne Beauchamp, mother of Edward Lewis, the King's ward,
by information plaintiff on behalf of the ward, against Bishop Murray,
of Landaff, and Marmaduke and George Matthews, defendants.
It is now ordered that the possession of the manors of Landaff and
Bishopstone or Bishton-in-Gower shall be decreed to the plaintiff.
[1 p.] |
| Feb. 11. |
11. Notes of business to be proceeded with [in the Queen's Court]
at Denmark House, relative to her estates in cos. Lincoln, Berks,
Cumberland, and Notts. [½ p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
Pardon to William White, convicted at the Berkshire assizes of
stealing three horses, but reprieved by Justice Jones upon signification of his Majesty's pleasure. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 12. |
Grant of an almsroom to Thomas Lewis in the Cathedral of
Rochester, void by the death of John Palmer. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 12.
Whitehall. |
Minutes by Nicholas of business transacted this day at the Council
of War. Resolved that there shall be raised for the Lord-General's
guard of horse 100 cuirassiers and 60 harquebusiers with officers as
other troops. The captains to have 2l. 4s. 0d. per diem [sic] besides
six horses, and the charge to be added by the auditor to the list.
The five troops of horse to be raised for the garrisons of Berwick and
Carlisle to be taken into pay so soon as 40 of their 60 horses shall
be brought to the rendezvous at Nottingham The indentures for
the standing troops for Berwick and Carlisle and for the troops for
the army are to be different; in the latter a proviso is to be inserted
that if the arms be returned in good condition into the King's store
the soldier shall have his money returned. [Written on the same
paper as Feb. 6, No. 43. ¾ p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
Copy of the proviso in the last clause of the preceding entry.
[Written on the same paper as Feb. 8, No. 56. ⅓ p.] |
Feb. 12.
Whitehall. |
12. His Majesty's pleasure signified by Sec. Windebank that the
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl Marshal, the Lord Chamberlain,
and the Lieutenant-General of Ireland, with the two Principal
Secretaries of State, shall call before them Sir Thomas Holt, Bart.,
and Edward Holt, Esq., his son, and determine the differences
between them if they can; otherwise certify his Majesty the true
state of the same, together with their opinions of the business,
whereupon he will signify his further pleasure. [2/3 p.] Subjoined, |
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12. i. Order of the referees appointing the hearing of this business
at the Council table for 21st inst., when Sir Thomas Holt
and any else whom it may concern are to attend. 13th Feb.
1639-[40]. [½ p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
13. Duplicate of the preceding, but without the order of the
referees. [2/3 p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
14. Bishop Juxon, of London, to the King. The supplication of
the petitioner [Capt. James Duppa] to your Majesty falls under the
following heads: First, to be allowed 1,890l. for charges and expenses
in the business of the malting and brewing [licenses; see Vol. ccccviii.,
Nos. 18 and 19] during the time of the late commission. Secondly,
to be considered for his seven years' service in preparing the
business and bringing the maltsters and brewers to a conformity,
and herein he values his charges at 3,000l. Lastly, that he may be
authorised to return the bonds of the maltsters and brewers remaining in his hands, they rendering back their licenses and being
content to lose their fines and rent paid. The Attorney-General
having considered with me the demands and reasons annexed, we
thought it our duty to certify our opinion as follows: 1st. Though
we conceive the business might have been more frugally managed,
your Majesty may please to allow thereof, for if the business had
gone forward the expenses would not have been thus weighed.
2nd. The endeavours of petitioner in this business are wholly out
of my knowledge and are only partially known to the AttorneyGeneral, and though it may have been chargeable to him, yet we
both conceive not in any nigh proportion to the sum of 3,000l.; we
therefore leave this to your consideration and bounty. 3rd. The last
desire we conceive very reasonable, and that the Attorney-General
should draw up a form for signature by such as desire the return
of their bonds upon the former conditions for discharging your
Majesty from repayment of their fines or rent. A Privy Seal should
be drawn out for such sum as your Majesty may be pleased to allow
on the first two heads. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
15. Petition of Sir John Junes, prisoner in the Gatehouse at
Westminster, to the King. Francis Harris having intruded himself
into petitioner's acquaintance, drew him into conversation concerning Scotland and the news received from thence, being only
such vulgar passages as he had heard and were the frequent discourse in all public meetings. Subsequently Harris, pretending
himself to be the Prince's solicitor, maliciously informed against
petitioner, who, under warrant from Sec. Coke, was detained seven
weeks in the custody of a messenger, and then committed to the
Gatehouse prison, where he has remained these 13 months without
means, his estate having formerly been extended for your Majesty's
service. Prays the King to give order for his speedy enlargement.
Underwritten, |
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15. i. This petition to be delivered to Sec. Windebank, who is to
attend therewith, and to receive his Majesty's further
pleasure therein. Whitehall, 12th Feb. 1639-40. [1 p.] |
Feb. 12.
Whitehall. |
16. Order of the Council of War. That Viscount Conway,
Colonel Goring, and four others named should consider of the
notes herewith sent concerning an indenture for the captains of the
horse troops, and make a perfect draft thereof, as may seem best for
his Majesty, and present the same to this Council. [Draft. ½ p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
17. Petition of Sir John Curzon, late sheriff of co. Derby, to the
Council. That he had levied and paid in upon the writ of 1637,
being the year of his shrievalty 3,398l. ship-money; yet, notwithstanding, he had been sent for up, upon pretence that there was still
106l. in arrear, whereof 55l. was formerly remitted to the town of
Derby by your lordships, and 4l. more since paid in by the town of
Chesterfield, besides which he has in hand 19l. 15s. ready for your
disposal, so that there is only behind of ship-money unlevied for that
county 27l. 5s., which petitioner cannot yet obtain, but will use his
best endeavour. Prays that in regard he has been twice sent for to
attend the Board above 100 miles from his dwelling, and been at
much charge in collecting the ship-money, to the amount in all of
150l. at least, that he may be allowed such charges as the Lords shall
think reasonable. Endorsed, Received, 12th Feb. 1639-[40]. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
18. Report addressed to the Council by William Churchill, sheriff
of co. Dorset, of his proceedings for the levying of 5,000l ship-money
set upon that county. The whole sum is assessed, and he has
appointed collectors and given order to levy the money. [= 2 pp.] |
Feb. 12.
Berwick. |
19. Capt. Charles Lloyd to Sec. Windebank. The drawbridge at
the bridge is up. I sent the warrant to Newcastle, whence I
expect the coming of 12 carpenters and 20 masons, all of whom I
shall employ so soon as the weather permits, for we have been
continually troubled with frost and snow, so that I could not work
to any purpose. I have desired the mayor to cleanse the streets,
and have staked the places upon the rampart where it must be
stowed to his Majesty's advantage. [¾ p.] |
Feb. 12.
Berwick. |
20. George Payler to the same. We remain in the same condition
as formerly, save that the works of fortification are advanced, and
the small breastwork, if the weather permit, will be speedily
finished. The drawbridge upon that over the Tweed is almost
perfected, and the other works are in good progress. Last week I
solicited the Lord Treasurer to prepare supplies for the garrison,
being advertised that only 2,000l. remained in the custody of Sir
Alexander Davison, from whom I had the residue of his Majesty's
treasure, and I compute that what is in my custody will only
continue us five or six weeks according to the present expenditure.
I desired permission to come to London to accompt for what money
I am charged with. The arrival of the King's ships at Leith has
engendered a strange suspicion amongst the common people, and
there is much commotion in Edinburgh and opposition to the
landing of the men. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
21. Petition of John Weston, clerk, to Archbishop Laud, of Canterbury. Petitioner, since his last suit for stay of a sequestration to
any one of his creditors till all of them came to agreement, has now
obtained their consents to accept of their several debts jointly by
sequestration of 200l. per annum from his living of All Hallows,
Lombard Street, of your Grace's peculiars and of his prebend in
Wells, as by the Commissioners' order under the seal of the Office for
the Commission of Grace appears, which sequestration petitioner
is enjoined forthwith to procure, or to be deprived of the benefit of
the order. Prays the archbishop, for the rescue of himself and family
from poverty, to vouchsafe him a sequestration of his tithes and
whole profits of All Hallows directed to the churchwardens for payment of these dues to his creditors in such manner as the Commissioners have set down in their order. Underwritten, |
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21. i. Reference to Sir John Lambe, who is to peruse this petition
and the order of the Commissioners, and to give the archbishop an account how this sequestration may legally be
granted. I shall then do further as is fitting. W. Cant.
12th Feb. 1639-40. [1 p.] |
Feb. 12.
Emanuel College, Oxford. |
22. Dr. Richard Holdsworth to Sir John Lambe. I am sorry to
have to interrupt your great employments with frequent letters,
yet the case being of some importance and new occasion offered, I
thought it needful to acquaint you with the contents of this letter
from Mr. Reynolds [Rennold], curate of St. Ives. By this you will
perceive of what spirit they are who refuse to come up to the rail
[at the communion table], not only obstinate and contemptuous
themselves, but seducers of others; in a word the most illtempered of any that ever I yet met with. There is not the most
conformable man in the Church talks more of canon and rubric,
nor any who more despises them. Like crafty merchants, they
frame a defence of their own, coming short of cannon by other
men's overshooting it. However, I conceive it to be agreeable both
to canon and rubric to keep them to those postures which the
Church has either expressly set down or implicitly entrusted to
the discretion of the ordinary. I am so far from repenting of the
order I made that, although I were sure to incur displeasure, nay,
to lose this little archdeaconry, I would never be guilty of betraying
the Church's power and pious constitutions by complying with such
factious spirits, who from the first Reformation have been thorns in
our eyes, by opposing dignities, authorities, and every decency of
religion by their humours. You will please to pardon me if I seem
a little heated. It is the weakness of my disposition both ways to
be very yielding to tender consciences in cases scrupulous, especially
when I meet with ductible spirits, and, on the contrary, as stout
when I see the discipline of the Church to be struck at, as it is in this
case, and by these persons. But I have transgressed too much in
these enlargements, having already sent to you on Monday last both
a copy of my order and an account of my proceedings, of which I
have no cause to be sorry, only I leave them to those higher and
graver judgments who see better, being well content to have them
disannul all that is done, if they conceive it more agreeable to
reason, piety, and the peace of the Church. [1 p.] Annexed, |
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22. I. John Rennold, curate of St. Ives, to Dr. Holdsworth,
archdeacon of Huntingdon. Our people are still the same
they were, still refractory, and go on in a more violent
course than heretofore, for besides those who before refused,
two or three more have joined them in this obstinacy.
Ever since your coming hither they have exerted themselves to obtain proselytes to their cause, insomuch as they
have not neglected to go from house to house throughout
the whole town to seduce as many as would hearken to
them, and have caused such as they could gain over to set
their hands to a certain writing or petition which they
had drawn up, and have now sent to London by Robert
Story, William Covell, and James Baily, to be delivered
to the Archbishop of Canterbury, or, as some report, to the
King. Whilst I was engaged administering the Holy
Sacrament to others, William Covell came into the body
of the chancel, and calling to me used these words: "We
are all here present to receive the Sacrament according to
the laws of our kingdom and Church of England, and,
therefore, if you will give us it, you may. However, we
intend not to come any nigher." In reply I used some
exhortation suited to the time and place, but all being of
none effect, I left them to themselves, not going down [the
church] to them according to your order. P.S.—If you
have anything you would have me do in this behalf, you
may send me word by this bearer. St. Ives, Feb. 11,
1639-40. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
23. Copy of the preceding letter of Dr. Holdsworth. [1 p.] |
Feb. 12.
Chester. |
24. Sir Thomas Power, sheriff of Cheshire, to Nicholas. Be
pleased to acquaint the Lords that I have endeavoured to get a good
round sum of the ship-money out of my bailiwick, to be paid in by
the 20th inst., but such is the poverty of the country and its
grievances, that I failed in obtaining the same, owing chiefly to an
erroneous course in the taxation of the country, which has continued until this year, leaving a surplusage of charge to be defrayed
by the townships in regard of personal estates of men then living
there, but now dead or removed, against which grievance the
country in general protests, and for which I was forced to promise
redress by a new division of the whole county, and assessing
thereof on houses and lands, and the usual manner of payments,
viz., by myzes. So soon as I can obtain leisure, I purpose to do
this, for otherwise we must not expect the ship-money to be paid
without rigour and much discontent. I could not possibly obtain
from the whole county more money than is expressed in the
schedule here inclosed, which I did not think worthy to be
returned, owing to its small amount; but, nevertheless, in conformity to the commands of the Lords, I have thought requisite to
certify for my own discharge. Upon receiving notice from the
Board to that effect, I will send it up with what convenient speed
I may. I pray the Lords by their next letters to authorise me in
the new course of division above mentioned, though I conceive I
have authority sufficient by his Majesty's writ. Though this
re-assessment be for the good of all, and content of the greater part,
yet it will not be pleasing to those townships which are now underrated. I conceive his Majesty's pleasure, as signified by the Lords'
instructions, to be, that moneyed men in each parish or township
shall ease and bear part of the burden of the poor in that place, but
not be the cause of imposing a greater taxation upon the place than
is warranted by the houses and lands belonging to the same. I
should present the petition of the country in general for a longer
time to pay this money in, and of the hundred where I dwell in
particular, to have the half of their payment respited until Midsummer next, it being the poorest part within the county, and
wholly dependent on its corn crops, which partially failed this
last year. [Seal with arms, broken. 1 p.] Encloses, |
|
24. i. Certificate of ship-money received up to this date on the
writs of 1639 within the county of Cheshire. Total,
159l. 18s. 9d. [½ p.] |
| Feb. 12. |
25. Robert Paddon, Treasurer of the Chamber [to Sec. Windebank].
I have perused the accounts from Michaelmas 1636 to Michaelmas
1639, and find only paid by the Secretary's warrant two warrants
for packets, viz., 66l. 13s. 4d. to John Bassford for going with letters
to Venice, and 66l. 13s. 4d. to Richard Fanshaw, secretary to Lord
Aston, for returning and going into Spain, both which sums are
entered in the accompt for 1637. [½ p.] |
Feb. 12.
Office of Ordnance. |
26. Estimate by the officers of the Ordnance of the charge of such
provisions for the army, being part of the grand proportion
amounting to 21,285l. 18s., as will require the longest time for
preparing and present payment. Total, 9,000l. The residue of the
provisions included in the grand proportion can be provided within
14 days after money issued. [2/3 p.] |
| Feb. 13. |
27. Estimate by Nicholas of the cost of arms, munition, and other
supplies to be provided for the intended army against Scotland,
headed, "A brief state of the arms for 35,000 foot and 3,000 horse."
[2½ pp.] |
| [Feb. 13.] |
28. Fair copy of the preceding estimate, with some alterations
and additions. [2 pp.] |
| Feb. 13. |
29. Petition of Elizabeth Burrows, widow, to Algernon Earl of
Northumberland, Lord High Admiral. Petitioner, being a waterman's widow of 80 years, has but one servant, Allen How, who is
her apprentice and only support. This young man, her servant, is
now pressed for his Majesty's service under the command of Sir
John Pennington. Prays order for her said servant's discharge.
Underwritten,
|
|
29. i. Note by Thomas Smith for Sir John Pennington. The
Lord Admiral, in commiseration of the poor aged widow,
is pleased that Allen How be discharged, and doth desire
Sir John to give order therein accordingly. Queen Street,
13th Feb. 1639-40. [1 p.] |
Feb. 13.
Lambeth. |
30. Final order made in the Court of High Commission against
James Oades, of Preston-Candover, Hants. Defendant appeared,
and the proofs were publicly read. It appeared that in August
1637 he had, in a profane and scurrilous manner, rhymed on the
Lord's Prayer, and been accused of blaspheming the Scriptures,
for which the court enjoined him a public submission to be performed in his parish church and in the cathedral church of Winchester, and fined him in 100l. to the King's use, with costs, to be
taxed the next court day. The commissioners also decreed letters
missive to issue out against John Wigge, to call him to answer his
being foresworn in his presentment. [4 pp.] |
| Feb. 13. |
31. Form of submission enjoined by the Commissioners for Causes
Ecclesiastical to George Draughton, of the diocese of Peterborough,
convicted of seizing and detaining the keys of St. Peter's Church, in
Irthlingborough, co. Northampton, thereby keeping out Mr. Enfield,
clerk, who was licensed to serve the cure there, so that divine
service was not performed on Sunday, the 21st October 1638.
[1½ p.] |
| Feb. 13. |
32. Receipted bill of Richard Veasey, carpenter, for 4l. 0s. 6d.,
received of Edward Nicholas for a piece of oaken timber. |
Feb. 14.
Westminster. |
Commission of King Charles, directed to Algernon Earl of
Northumberland, Lord-General and Lord High Admiral of England,
and President of the Council of War, to Lord Treasurer Juxon,
James Marquis Hamilton, Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey,
Montjoy Earl of Newport, Thomas Earl of Strafford, Edward Viscount Conway, Francis Lord Cottington, Sir Henry Vane, Sir
Francis Windebank, George Goring, Esq., Sir William Uvedale, Sir
Jacob Ashley, Sir John Conyers, and Sir Nicholas Byron, appointing
them to be his commissioners and Council of War, with authority
to take into consideration all questions concerning the securing of
his dominions, assisting and helping his confederates and allies, and
all other matters concerning war and warlike provisions. [See
Case E., No. 18. 1 skin of parchment.] |
Feb. 14.
Whitehall. |
33. Order of the Council of War that Sir Job Harby be required
to procure 100 cuirassiers arms to be provided in Flanders, in addition to the 500 previously ordered, the same to be made pistol-proof.
[Draft by Nicholas. ½ p.] |
| Feb. 14. |
The like that Sir Job Harby be required to provide in Flanders
30 tons of good match; also 500 saddles furnished with bridles,
bits, stirrups, stirrup-leathers, girths, pectoral, and crupper, at as
cheap rates as he can procure the same. Of this service he is to
give an account to this Council. [Written on the same paper as the
preceding draft. ½ p.] |
Feb. 14.
Whitehall. |
34. Sec. Vane to Sir Thomas Roe. The proposition sent with
your last despatch to Sir John Coke, before I succeeded him in his
place, was presently handed by the King to Sec. Windebank, from
whom you will understand his Majesty's answer. But what hereafter you shall direct hither, according to the information given you
by my last of the 7th inst., I hope to give you a good account of.
I send enclosed to you the King's letter to the King of Denmark, by
which you will understand that his Majesty acknowledges and seconds
the thanks himself, which you have already passed in his name for
the royal expressions that King has by his chancellor declared to
the French ambassador, Mons. D'Avau, how much he resented the
unjust detention of his nephew, the Elector Palatine, in France. The
delivery of this letter you will best know how to accompany so that
his Majesty's grateful and true affections and valuation of that
King's good offices may best appear: As for news I have but little
to impart to you. Although it may seem there are many reasons
which might threaten some rubs and difficulties in the desired
success of his Majesty's gracious resolution and intention of meeting
with his subjects in parliament, fixed for the 13th April next, yet
there is great hope that by his wisdom all shall be overcome and
carried so that so happy a meeting may be followed by a like conclusion, to the contentment and satisfaction both of the King and
his subjects. Their Majesties, with their royal children, are in
perfect health, and for their recreation intend to dance again their
mask this Shrovetide; the joy of her Majesty being enceinte again,
advancing rather than hindering that pastime. [1½ p.] |
Feb. 14.
Lambeth. |
35. Archbishop Laud to Sir Thomas Roe. Your letter of the
24th December last came to my hands on the 16th January. In it
there was little which I can answer, for the whole letter concerns
the parliament and your good wishes for the prosperous success of
it, and lament that you cannot be present to do service in it. For
this last I am as sorry as you, and in my good wishes to it as
forward as any, and so, God willing, shall all my endeavours be;
but what I doubt or fear I shall bury in silence till I see more. I
have taken the best care I can to move his Majesty seasonably for
your return this spring, and shall continue it upon all occasions;
and the rather, because what other men see I know not; but I, for
my part, see no use of your stay there [at Hamburgh] as the times
are. I wrote a year since to you, and wished your return, had I
been able to procure it. I then told you that there might be an
opportunity to do you good, which, if then lost, I knew not how it
would be recovered; and lost it is, for Mr. Secretary Coke has given
up the seals of his office, and Sir Henry Vane is both Treasurer of
the Household and Secretary. I pray God your despatches be the
better by it, for you often complained in the old man's time. The
Queen was his means, and very earnest. [1 p.] |
Feb. 14.
Sighall House. |
36. Robert Midford, sheriff of Northumberland, to Nicholas. I
received the writ and instructions for the levy of ship-money on the
25th January. Upon communication with the authorities of the
towns of Newcastle, Berwick, and Morpeth, it was arranged that
those towns should contribute respectively 700l., 20l., and 20l. of the
2,100l. charge of ship-money, and the residue be assessed upon the
county as suggested by the Lords. The authorities of Newcastle,
however, refused to be assessed, and still persist in their difference
of opinion from us, pretending the tax to be an unjust pressure on
them; we, on the contrary, maintaining the same to be just and
equal. In order that this should be as little hindrance to the service
as possible, I have sent out warrants to all parts of this county for
levying the residue of that sum with all possible expedition. Before
I could put the writ in operation I received another letter from the
Lords of the 12th January, requiring me to pay in to the Treasurer
of the Navy all the money collected by the 20th February, and to
render an accompt to the Board of my proceedings. I pray you
certify the Board of my proceedings accordingly, and that I cannot
possibly pay in any part of the money by the prefixed day for the
reasons stated. I desire the Board that I may have some longer
time limited for collection of the money. [Seal with arms. 1¾ p.] |
Feb. 14.
Westminster. |
Nicholas to [Dr. Thomas Rives ?]. Prays him to move the Lord
Warden to suffer Thomas Fulnetby to transfer his place of lieutenant
of Deal Castle, for his best advantage, to some able man. Hears that
William Ambrose is not only a sufficient man for that charge, but
one to whom the captain of the castle cannot justly except. The
delay in the admittance of this lieutenant hath given that captain
too much boldness to say that my lord doth obtrude a lieutenant
upon him, when as the sole right and power of placing such officer
is in the Lord Warden, without so much as acquainting the captain
with it. [Copy. See Nicholas's Letter Book, Dom., James I.,
Vol. ccxix., p. 179. = 1 p.] |
| Feb. 14. |
37. Names of commissioners to be appointed to swear the justices
of peace. [½ p] |
| Feb. 15. |
Warrant to the Exchequer to pay to Clement Rennersley, yeoman
of his Majesty's removing wardrobe, 213l. 6s. 8d., without account,
disbursed by him for a suit of tapestry hangings for his Majesty's
withdrawing chamber at Whitehall. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
Minutes by Nicholas of business transacted this day at the
Council of War. Resolved that there be added to the list three
surgeons, three physicians, and three apothecaries, who are to
receive the same pay as the like officers of regiments have, and the
same allowance for their chests. [Written on the same paper as
Feb. 6, No. 43. ⅓ p.] |
Feb. 15.
Whitehall. |
38. Order of the Council of War. The Lords having taken into
consideration the commission granted by his Majesty to Sir William
Uvedale, whereby he was last year appointed Treasurer-at-Wars for
the northern expedition, think fit that the like commission be again
given to him for the present intended expedition, with these alterations and additions:—That the clause of the hundred penny which
by the former commission was granted him out of the soldiers' pay
shall be totally left out, but in lieu thereof he shall be allowed
12l. 10s. out of every thousand pounds received by him for portagemoney, which allowance the Lords hold fit to be paid by the King,
in regard his Majesty, by the establishment now settled, shall
have the benefit of the dead pays. The Treasurer-at-Wars is to be
allowed two deputies, each at 6s. 8d. per diem, and six clerks, each
at 2s. per diem; these pays to commence from 1st March next. One
of the Secretaries of State are hereby required to acquaint his
Majesty with these alterations and additions, and to move him that
order may be given to the Attorney-General to draw up a commission
for the said Sir William Uvedale accordingly. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| Feb. 15. |
39. Warrant to Attorney-General Bancks. Whereas James Duke
of Lenox has lent to the King for his most weighty affairs 30,000l.,
and paid the same into the Exchequer, for which you have received
warrant from the Lord Treasurer to prepare a bill under the Great
Seal for payment of the same, with interest at 8 per cent.; also
10,000l. more to be paid out of the receipts of the Court of Wards
and Liveries at Michaelmas next, as by two tallies of 5,000l. each
appears; these are, therefore, to require you to prepare the like
bill for repayment of the aforesaid sum of 10,000l., with interest, at
Michaelmas next, and to insert the same in the aforesaid bill of
30,000l., according to the warrant given you. [Draft. 1 p.] |
Feb. 15.
Hinton St. George. |
40. John Lord Poulett to Edward Viscount Conway and Killultagh. I have seen your letter to my father, filled with good expressions towards myself and my brother, for which I give you most
humble thanks. I have had a great desire to offer myself to the
Earl of Northumberland and your Lordship, and had done so before,
only my parents have been inclined to stay me at home with a wife
and my sick brother; but now, being invited by the offer of your
favours, I hope I shall prevail with my father to wait on your
Lordships, and that command will be most acceptable to me wherein
I may be under you, from whom I have received so many obligations.
[Seal with crest. 1 p.] |
| Feb. 15. |
41. Edward Nicholas to his father, John Nicholas. I am glad
to hear of your health and my mother's. When I refused to peruse
the information brought me by Mr. Wiltshire, I not only told him
I saw no cause of suit, my sister having both the lease and possession, but that I would not meddle in it, because neither you nor she
ever told me about it, and I appeal to your judgment whether it
were fit for me to promote a suit for my sister without her or your
privity, the party who brought it being a stranger. Why I should
be desired to own my sister Ryves I cannot imagine, unless some
have circulated false tales about me. I have been and will ever
continue to be as loving a brother to all my sisters as might be
justly expected. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| Feb. 15. |
42. Certificate of John Agard, sheriff of co. Derby. By the
Lords' letter of the 12th, which I received on the 24th January,
I was commanded to pay to the Treasurer of the Navy what shipmoney should be collected by the 20th February, and certify my
proceedings in collecting the residue. The writ which issued forth
in November for the ship-money came not to my hands till the
6th Jany, when I used all diligence to forward the same, and fixed
the days for settling the assessments on the several hundreds.
This having been done before the receipt of the Lords' letter, I could
not then have time to alter the days appointed for the assessments,
nor gather in any of the money, but I will endeavour to the utmost
of my power to collect the same. [¾ p.] |
| Feb. 15. |
43. Second deposition of Henry Carr. Was told by Richard
Hodshon, of Newcastle, that he heard Edward Mann and Henry
Holmes, of Newcastle, were at a conventicle supper with Sir Walter
Riddell and his company in Newcastle; also that Sir John Marley
meeting with the mayor upon the penthouse charged him with
connivance at those covenanters, to whom the mayor answered that
there were divers masses in the town which were never looked
after, and he wondered why he should take so much notice of this;
and further told this deponent that he heard that the mayor invited
Sir Walter publicly upon the penthouse one day to dinner, but the
latter declined it then, saying he was to dine that day with Sir
Thomas Riddell. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 15. |
44. Account by Sir William Russell and Henry Vane of
ship-money received by virtue of writs issued in 1637. Total,
178,429l. 15s. 8d., leaving 17,984l. 12s. unpaid. According to a
foot-note 8l. 19s. 10d. was paid in, after the making out of this
certificate, by the late sheriff of London for the borough of Southwark,
and 11l. by the sheriff of Kent. More received since the last
certificate for 1636 of the then mayor of Salisbury 6l. 5s., and of the
then sheriff of Middlesex 49l. 13s. 10d. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 15. |
45. Similar account for 1638. Totals received, 54,698l. 19s. 2d.,
leaving 215,051l. 0s. 10d. unpaid. After the making out of this
certificate there was received of Sir Maurice Abbott, late Lord Mayor
of London, for the borough of Southwark 5l., and of the late sheriff
of Kent 25l. 7s. 8d. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 15. |
46. Account of ship-money for 1638 levied and remaining in the
hands of the sheriffs, 810l., making the total levied and paid 55,539l.
There were also paid in this week for arrears of 1636, 55l., and for
arrears of 1637, 412l. The arrears of ship-money were for 1635,
4,536l.; 1636, 6,954l.; 1637, 17,002l.; and for 1638, 15,020l. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 16. |
47. Certificate of Thomas Atkin, late sheriff of Middlesex, of shipmoney assessed on that county by writs of 1637. Collected in the
county of Middlesex and paid in to Sir William Russell 3,132l. 3s. 6d.,
leaving uncollected 535l. 16s. 6d., besides arrears in Westminster,
322l. 10s. 1d. The charge upon Southwark in 1637, when Sir
Richard Venn was mayor, was 330l., of which 280l. 3s. 7d. has been
paid in to Sir William Russell, leaving uncollected 49l. 16s. 5d.,
which the collectors affirm to be unrecoverable. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 16. |
48. Archbishop Laud, of Canterbury, to Bishop Towers, of Peterborough. I am given to understand that Sir John Lambe has an
advowson of the rectory of Northborough, belonging to the Dean
and Chapter of Peterborough, and assigned to him by those who
had it, for Dr. Pocklington; and though I could like well there
had been no such advowsons granted, and hope there shall be none
hereafter, yet being formerly granted I see no reason but Dr. Pocklington, being one of your prebends, should enjoy his advowson, seeing
others of your prebends have had theirs; neither do I like the
assigning it to any other but to the prebends themselves, and
therefore I have persuaded Sir John Lambe to present Dr. Pocklington, whom I pray you to admit and institute to it. Yet I
rather wish (if the Dean and Chapter will present Dr. Pocklington)
that Sir John Lambe would surrender and deliver up the Chapter
seal of the said advowson to them, that so Dr. Pocklington might
take it originally as from them, and not pass through any other
hands. This way will be best, as I think; yet if the Dean and
Chapter like it not, I pray you give Dr. Pocklington institution
upon Sir John Lambe's presentation, for I hold him an honest man,
and one that I know has need of it, and is worthy of your favour
herein. [On the same paper are written rough notes of proceedings
of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners on 13th February 1639-40,
but as these are entered on the Register, and will be found in their
place, I omit them here. Draft in Lambe's hand. 2 pp.] |
| Feb. 17. |
Petition of John Cary, your Majesty's servant, to the King. That
the manor of Caldicott, county Monmouth, is in lease for two lives
at 52l. 13s. 4d., and is of no benefit to your Majesty save the rent,
but belonging to it are large wastes and commons, out of which
some improvement may be raised to your Majesty with charge and
pains. Petitioner prays the King to grant him a lease of the manor
for 41 years in reversion at the present rent, and also a lease for the
like term of such improvements as shall be made at his own charge
out of the wastes and commons at the rent of 6d per acre, and
that his Majesty would give order to Lord Newburgh, Chancellor
of the Duchy of Lancaster, within whose charge these lands are,
for granting the same as is hereby desired. Underwritten, |
|
i. Reference to Lord Newburgh, who is to consider thereof and
certify his opinion, whereupon his Majesty will signify
his further pleasure. Whitehall, 17th February 1639-40.
[Copy. See Book of Petitions, Vol. cccciii., p. 168. 2/3 p.] |
| Feb. 17. |
49. Account rendered by Richard Childe, sheriff of co. Beds, to the
Council touching his proceedings in the ship-money business. I
delivered to Messrs. Chester, Boteler, and Plummer, sheriffs for the
years 1636, 1637, and 1638 respectively, copies of the Lords' letters
of 12th January last for the gathering of arrears of ship-money
during their times. The two first-named demanded of me warrants
for collection of the arrears of their years, but refused to give me a
note under their hands to hold me harmless should their bailiffs do
any unlawful act, or run away with the money, neither did they
tender to me a list of the names of those in arrear, nor any warrant
to me for levying the arrears in their times. From Mr. Plummer
I have not heard. I have conferred with the mayor of Bedford and
gave him a copy of the Lords' letters and instructions, and a warrant
to certify me his proceedings concerning the 120l. charged on that
town, that I may give the like account to the Council on 20th
February next. The mayor returned answer that the assessors
could not agree in the taxing, but desired that it might be openly
published to every parish that they might meet together, that men
might make their estates known and their grievances, that men
may not be oppressed too sore in the taxing, to which request of
theirs he gave consent, so it might be done with speed. Upon
issuing my warrants to the chief constables of the several hundreds
to appear before me on the 13th January, they met, but could not
agree as to the division of the money to be taxed upon their several
hundreds, whereupon I was constrained to take time and taxed the
hundreds myself. I then made second warrants to the chief
constables to call the petty constables and townsmen together, and
to distribute the tax upon every parish and town, and to report to
me on the 8th February, when only two of the chief constables made
their appearance, and affirmed that there came very few of the petty
constables and townsmen to the meeting, and such as did come, being
required to tax their parishes, refused to do it; while the rest of
the chief constables neither appeared before me nor made any
return. I am now informing myself how I may subdivide the tax
laid upon the nine several hundreds, upon the towns, parishes, and
villages, in order that it may be done indifferently, to avoid clamour
if possible. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
Feb. 17.
East Markham. |
50. Thomas Williamson, sheriff of Notts, to the Council. In
pursuance of your commands of the 12th January I have to certify
that the writ for ship-money, although dated 18th November did
not come to hand till the 1st January, since which I have applied
myself with all care and diligence to execute the same. I have
assessed the corporations according to your instructions, saving that
I took into consideration the poor estate of Newark, and in accordance with your former directions to some of my predecessors, I have
eased that town of 40l. and imposed it upon the body of the county,
and am now assessing the particular towns and parishes. I have
received only 300l., the corporations having not as yet paid any,
and sent it to the Treasurers of the Navy. I pray advise me whether
the occupiers and farmers of impropriations, consisting merely of
tithes or of tithes and glebe be assessable to this charge, for some
refuse to assess them, and others refuse to pay. [Seal with crest.
1 p.] |
Feb. 17.
Holborn, London. |
51. Thomas Levet, sheriff of co. Rutland, to the Council. Upon
the 20th December I received the writ and your instructions for
levying the ship-money to be paid to the Treasurers of the Navy
by 1st April, and on the 20th January the Lords' second letters
requiring me to pay by the 20th February such money as I should
by that time have collected, and then likewise to give the Lords
an account of my proceedings. I have to certify that I have lain
sick here in London since Martinmas last; nevertheless I have by my
agents been framing my assessment, but cannot perfect it till I get
down into the country, whither I am now going, and hope by my
diligence to make amends for my former infirmity, and bring in the
whole money for my small county by 1st April. [Seal with arms.
2/3 p.] |
| Feb. 17. |
52. John Brownlowe, sheriff of co. Lincoln, to the Council. The
writ for levying ship-money, although dated in November, came not
to my hands until 30th December, since which time I have used my
best diligence to advance the service, but in divers places I find a
great backwardness in the assessors in making their assessments. I
have not yet received any money, but so soon as I do I will observe
your directions for payment of it. [Seal with arms, broken. 1 p.] |
| Feb. 17. |
53. John Nicholas to his son, Edward Nicholas. I am not willing
to have any further discourse about your sister Ryves' business, but
leave the success thereof to God, who I doubt not will defend the
widow and fatherless in their just cause; yet I cannot do less than
remind you that I wrote requesting you that when Mr. Wiltshire
came to you he might have your countenance and best assistance,
which letter you answered to the effect that you had seen Mr. Wiltshire, and had spoken with Lord Cottington, who advised that an
information should be preferred. You write that you had not
information from any particular person of the cries made to me
against you, but that you observed my coldness and those you believe
to be more tender of your sisters than of you, at which I cannot but
marvel, and will not discourse further therein. If your sisters have
cause to use your countenance in their honest occasions it will be
no hurt nor disgrace to you to afford it, and to acknowledge them as
your sisters. For the news you sent me, God send us peace if it be
his will. [Seal with crest and arms. 1 p.] |
Feb. 17.
Easton Maudit. |
54. Sir Christopher Yelverton, sheriff of co. Northampton, to
Nicholas. In obedience to the Lords' letters of 16th January I have
sent them an account and perfect relation of my proceedings in
levying the ship-money. Although a stranger to me, I am confident you are not unacquainted with the condition and state of
this county, where the inhabitants daily increase in their resolutions
to oppose this service. It is no defect in any man not to work
beyond his power, but I will do what I can to give the Lords satisfaction. In the meantime I shall be a suitor to you to present these
enclosed to the Lords in as fair and advantageous a way as you may.
[½ p.] Enclosed, |
|
54. i. The same to the Council. Giving an account of his proceedings in the assessment of ship-money in co. Northampton. I have presumed to trouble you with a relation not
only of what I have done and the manner and reasons of
my so doing, but also present to you in what posture the
country now is in. Easton Maudit, 18th February
1639-40. [7 pp.] |
| Feb. 17. |
55. [Report of Bishop Bancroft, of Oxford, to Archbishop Laud].
Your Grace will remember that by the first order of the Board in
the case of Churchill, Oxfordshire, all the differences being referred
to me, I was to cause a survey to be taken of the decays of that
church, and to settle the rates of payment towards the reparations
upon every man secundum qualitatem et quantitatem, and all suits
concerning these rates were stayed. The Lords required the churchwardens and others to obey such order as I should set down. I
caused a survey to be taken by a carpenter, mason, and plumber,
who estimated the charge at 90l., for raising which I made an order
rating pasture at 11l., and arable at 8l. the yard land, which order
your Grace saw and approved, the pasture being raised 3l. more
than before it had been. In the meantime, because the church
reparation should not be deferred, George Dodford offered to lend
50l. or 60l. to the churchwardens upon their own bond gratis,
till the suits between them should be determined; notwithstanding
the churchwardens had before received by taxations 27l. for repair
of the church, but spent most of it in lawsuits, paying constables'
bills, charges at visitations, &c., plainly proving it malice and not
want of money that hinders the repair of the church. After my
order was sent to the churchwardens, some of the parishioners
pretending they had heard what I intended to order, sent me a
peremptory petition, expressing therein their [intended] disobedience
to my order, were it such as they heard, which petition this bearer
will show your Grace; and when my order was read in the church
Thomas Minchin in scornful manner made answer that it was very
worshipfully done of his lordship to send us this order. In order
to excuse their backwardness in payment, some of the inhabitants
now say the rate is a great deal too much, and that the church may
be repaired for 30l., but I am sufficiently assured by judicious and
expert men, and partly by my own experience, that it cannot be
repaired as it ought to be for the sum estimated. [Endorsed by
Archbishop Laud as received 17th February 1639-40. 1¼ p.]
Annexed, |
|
55. i. Petition, above referred to, of the inhabitants of Churchill,
to Bishop Bancroft, of Oxford. [Underwritten, Attestation by William Whitly that this writing was delivered
to him by the inhabitants of Churchill to be presented to the
Bishop of Oxford, which he did accordingly the 29th June
1639. 1 p.] |
|
55. ii. Mem. by Bishop Bancroft. Upon receipt of this petition
I sent back by Whitly, requiring their general obedience
to the order I had sent, which Whitly for his part promised
to do; yet notwithstanding, at his return home, he being
constable, with others, hired John Bridgman, a poor man
of that town, to bring back the said order, so far were they
from obeying it. [⅓ p.] |
Feb. 17.
Burdrop. |
56. Sir William Calley to Richard Harvey. I am in receipt of
yours of the 13th inst., by which I perceive what things you have
bought and sent me. They shall be called for when the waggon
comes. I am sorry that my bonds are not yet freed out of the
Exchequer. Now I have little hope of getting my money from Sir
William Parkhurst and Mr. Tichborne during the Parliament, for
they will be protected by it. [Seal with crest and arms. ½ p.] |
| Feb. 17. |
57. Mem. of Capt. Legg concerning the magazine at Hull, and the
allowances to be paid to the master of the armoury and his assistants.
[½ p.] |
| Feb. 18. |
Petition of the Dean and Chapter of the cathedral church of
St. Peter at York to the King. Petitioners by the abundant grace
of your Majesty's predecessors have sundry lands, liberties, and privileges granted to that church, which have been long enjoyed, and
many of them confirmed by Acts of Parliament, until by a late
charter made in the seventh year of your reign to the mayor and commonalty of the city of York, some questions arose between the
church and city, which are since accorded, and the mayor and commonalty, according to your order of the 6th of June 1636, are to
surrender up those letters patent, which they are willing to do. Pray
confirmation of their former grants by charters or Acts of Parliament
and for their future quiet that your Majesty would new grant to
them by special words the particulars annexed, which, for the most
part, they have formerly enjoyed; also that the Attorney-Genera
may have order to prepare a bill accordingly for your signature.
Underwritten, |
|
i. Warrant to the Attorney-General to prepare a bill for his
Majesty's signature, granting petitioners their desire.
[Copy. See Book of Petitions, Vol. cccciii., p. 157. =¾ p.] |
Feb. [18?].
Edinburgh Castle. |
58. Patrick Lord Ettrick to the King. These are to give your
Majesty to understand that the provost and town of Edinburgh,
with all expressions of loyalty and obedience, and as much honour as
may be done you on such an occasion, delivered me the hundred
soldiers, with ammunition and victuals, by the which I am made most
sensible of your gracious care of this place, and the welfare of your
servants here, whom I am confident will be most ready to lay down
their lives for your service. This castle, in my judgment, is now
furnished with ammunition and victuals for half or three
quarters of a year, and for my part I shall with an honest and
upright heart most faithfully defend it as long as God shall give me
life. Your Majesty's people here have all in general shown a great
outward testimony of their desires to obey you as they ought; I
heartily wish that they may continue it, so that you may set a quiet
end to their rebellious courses with your sacred honour and royal
prerogative untouched, or else that you delay no time nor omit
anything that may soon compel them to their wonted obedience and
subjection. I humbly beseech you to pardon my boldness in writing
thus plainly, for it proceeds from an honest and faithful heart, which
had never yet the will nor knew how to dissemble with my sovereign.
I have thought this bearer [William Roberts] the only person fit to
send to you with an exact account of my proceedings here, being
the only man I have employed in this last service and in all business
of consequence, having given him an oath to be secret to me in all
things which concern you, wherein I have found his abilities, trust,
and diligence in all things answerable to my desires, therefore I
beseech you to lend him a gracious ear, for he can and will most
faithfully inform you of the state of this place in every particular,
and of all my proceedings here, by whom also I have presented my
desires to you beseeching you to let me fully understand your royal
will and pleasure by him, whom I pray you send back to me with
all convenient speed, being not well able to manage your business
here without him. I most humbly submit my desires to your
gracious consideration, assuring you I shall omit nothing that may
advantage your service here. [Seal with arms and crest, broken.
Endorsed by Sec. Windebank, "Delivered to me at the Committee,
24th February 1639-40." 2 pp.] |
Feb. 18.
Edinburgh Castle. |
59. The same to the same. These are to certify your sacred
Majesty that the bearer, William Roberts, has served, ever since
my coming here, as secretary to me for all your businesses here, and
as paymaster to the soldiers, having taken an oath for the true
and faithful performance of these charges, in which employments he
has proved himself very trusty and diligent, but as yet has received
no remuneration, submitting himself herein to your gracious consideration. I beseech your Majesty to allow him some pay for the
service already done, and to confirm him in the said places with
allowance for the future. [Margin, "10s. per diem as paymaster to
the garrison, to begin from Christmas last and to continue during the
retention of the garrison in Edinburgh Castle." 1 p. 2/3 of the fly
leaf cut off.] |
Feb. 18.
Edinburgh, Castle. |
60. Patrick Lord Ettrick to the King. These are to certify your
sacred Majesty that James Goodall, master-gunner of the Castle, who
has also charge over the artificers and ammunition, has executed his
charge with very ample care and diligence. I know him to be very
well experienced in the art of gunnery, and therefore beseech you to
confirm to him for life the pay he now receives, which will encourage
him to do you faithful service hereafter, as he has already, both by
sea and land, these 9 or 10 years past. [Endorsed by Sec. Windebank,
"Delivered to me at the Committee, 24th February 1639-40." 1 p.] |
Feb. 18.
Edinburgh. |
61. The provost and bailies of Edinburgh to the King. [This is
the original letter signed by William Dick, provost, and George
Suttie, Stephen Boyde, James Bucherd, and John Binny, bailies, of
which a misdated copy has been already calendared under date
18th February 1638-9, the transcriber having substituted in the copy
the English for the Scotch year. See Vol. ccccxiii., No. 19.] |
Feb. 18.
Gilston. |
62. Sir John Gore, sheriff of Herts, to the Council. I have endeavoured to collect the 4,000l. ship-money imposed upon this county.
The two months, since I received the writ, have been taken up in
distributing the sum upon the hundreds and parishes, and in composing differences between the several parishes, so that as yet I
have not received any money. I shall be most careful to execute
and expedite this service, and so soon as I receive a valuable sum
I will return it according to the Lords' directions. [Seal with crest
and arms. ½ p.] |
| Feb. 18. |
63. Deposition of Robert Bewick, Mayor of Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
taken before Attorney-General Bankes. About two months since
Sir Walter Riddall and Alexander Murray, Scotchmen, came to
Newcastle, and examinant saw them walking in the Penthouse with
Sir William Riddall, but did not know them, nor had any conference
with either of them. He was not made aware that they had
surveyed the town until ten days after their departure, when Sir
John Marley told him that they had gone about the walls of the
town, and that they were Covenanters. Divers Scotchmen in the
summer time repair weekly to Newcastle on business, but deponent
knows not any of them to be Covenanters. He says that Riddall
and Murray did not either dine or sup with him, neither were they
invited by him, who was not even aware of their coming, nor how
long they stayed. If examinant had known or been informed that
they were suspicious persons or Covenanters, he would have been
careful that they should have been examined and put into safe
custody. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 18. |
64. Deposition of Ralph Gray taken before Attorney-General
Bankes. To the same effect as the preceding. [½ p.] |
| Feb. 18. |
65. Mem.—Entreat Mr. Nicholas to send in the instructions to
the Attorney-General, for the information to be drawn up against
Sir Anthony Irby, of Lincolnshire, in the Star Chamber. [Endorsed
by Nicholas, "Note from the Attorney-General about Sir Anthony
Irby. Received 18 Feb. 1639-40." ¼ p.] |
Feb. 19.
Court at Whitehall. |
66. Sec. Windebank to Patrick Lord Ettrick. His Majesty
commands me to inform you that he has received yours of the
9th inst., and though since then there have been some advices from
Berwick and rumours from other parts that the service, of which you
give account in your letters, has been opposed and hindered by the
disorderly people of Edinburgh, yet his Majesty is confident you
would not have given him such hopes of success, but that you saw
a great appearance of it. Nevertheless, the letters which the provost
and bailies of Edinburgh have written to his Majesty [see Feb. 18th,
No. 61,] are not so full and positive as he expected, but so that the
service be done, and the supplies timely put into the castle, both of
men and munition, it will be of great consequence to his affairs in
that kingdom. In case there should be any impediment put to
the service, his Majesty has commanded me to signify his pleasure
to Capt. Shipman to stay at Berwick with the men and munition
until he shall receive further order; but if the service shall be
performed, then Capt. Shipman shall stay with you in the castle
and command those 100 Englishmen whom he has brought to you,
according to such directions as he shall receive from you. I enclose
a duplicate of my letters to Capt. Shipman to that purpose, and for
answer to any other particulars in your letters you shall understand
his Majesty's further pleasure the next opportunity. This the King
has commanded me to write to you in haste, that the bearer, your
servant, may not return empty handed. [Copy. 1¼ p.] |
Feb. 19.
Orton. |
67. W. Armyne, sheriff of Hants, to the Council. In obedience
to your commands of the 12th ult., I have used all diligence in
assessing and collecting the ship-money for this county, but as yet
have not received one penny of it; so soon, however, as any shall
come to my hands, I will not fail to pay it in to the Treasurer of
the Navy. [Seal with arms, broken. 1 p.] |
Feb. 19.
Conway. |
68. William Hooker, sheriff of co. Carmarthen, to the same.
Reports his proceedings in assessing the ship-money. I gave special
charge to the constables that no persons should be assessed to the
same unless they were known to have estates in money, goods, or
other means to live by, over and above what they got by their
daily labour. I have received 200l., which, according to your
instructions of the 12th ult., I have sent to the Treasurers of the
Navy. [Seal with head. 1⅓ p.] |
| Feb. 19. |
69. Petition of George Durant, M.A., clerk, to Archbishop Laud.
You were pleased upon petitioner's former petition to refer the
consideration of the King's title for presenting to the rectory of
Weston-sub-Edge, in co. Gloucester, to Sir John Lambe, Dean of
the Arches, upon the duplex querela depending before him. Particulars relative to this suit omitted in the last petition. Petitioner
has tendered his presentation in person, and prays your Grace's favour
in respect of the premises. Underwritten, |
|
69. I. Reference to Sir John Lambe, to examine the truth of these
suggestions, and, if true, to give petitioner admittance, or
report to the archbishop. 19th Feb. 1639-40. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 20. |
Grant to Edmond Fisher of a pension of 100l. per annum for
life, to be paid by the farmers of the customs half-yearly upon
surrender by Lady Peryent of the like pension. [Docquet.] |
| Feb. 20. |
Warrant to the Exchequer to pay to Anthony Eyre 80l. upon
account, for repairing his Majesty's chapel [at] Heinolt Lodge in
Waltham Forest, Essex. [Docquet.] |
Feb. 20.
Whitehall. |
Minutes by Nicholas of business transacted this day at the Council
of War. Sec. Windebank to move the King for a commission
appointing Sir Nicholas Byron Governor of Carlisle. The Earl of
Strafford declared that the garrison of Carlisle was to be paid out
of the revenue of Ireland till 30th April. The four regiments of
cavalry to be raised in time to march to the borders by the 1st of
April, and every captain to give notice where he wishes to have
his first rendezvous. So soon as the captains shall have raised 60
cuirassiers or 40 harquebusiers, and had them mustered at the
rendezvous, they shall enter into pay, and be sent to the north to
the general rendezvous. The Lords wish that these, as far as may
be, should be raised in or near London. [Written on the same paper
as Feb. 6, No. 43. 2/3 p.] |
Feb. 20.
Whitehall. |
70. The like. Ordered that the Lord Treasurer and Lord
Cottington, calling to them Sir William Uvedale, Treasurer-atWars, should consider of the agreement made with Mr. Haughton, the
King's brewer [see Feb. 11, No. 5], for making a certain proportion
of beer weekly at Berwick for the army, and accordingly forthwith
to article with him, to the end that this service may be set in hand.
[1½ p.] |
Feb. 20.
Whitehall. |
71. Warrant of the Council of War. Ordered that the Master of
the Ordnance be required to send all the arms for horse in store at
Hull to York, to be there stored away under the direction of the VicePresident. Form of a warrant to the Vice-President to make
choice of some convenient places and storehouses at York to be
prepared for the reception of the arms from Hull. [1 p.] |
Feb. [20.]
Whitehall. |
72. The like. There being at present in the magazine at
Hull a good proportion of arms and ammunition which will decay,
we have held it necessary to appoint the officers and ministers
herein-mentioned to take charge of the same, with the fees and
wages here stated. These officers are to be appointed and sent to
Hull by the Master of the Ordnance, and to be paid by the Treasurer
at Wars upon certificate from the Master of the Armoury, their
wages commencing from 1st March next. [¾ p.] |
Feb. 20.
Westminster. |
73. The King's writ to Archbishop Laud, of Canterbury, to
summon Convocation to meet in St. Paul's Cathedral, London, on
the 14th April next. [Latin. Copy. 1 p.] |
| Feb. 20. |
74. The Commissioners from the General Assembly at Edinburgh
to the King. We have been waiting for a day of rejoicing and
solemn thanksgiving to be observed by the kirk and kingdom of
Scotland, for giving us a King so just and religious that it is not
only lawful for us to be Christians under your Majesty's government,
which sometime has been the greatest praise of great princes, but
also that it has pleased your Majesty to make known that it is your
royal will and pleasure that all matters ecclesiastical be determined
in free national Assemblies, and matters civil in Parliaments, which
is a most noble and ample expression of your justice, and we trust
shall be a powerful means of our common happiness under your
most blessed reign. In the meanwhile we humbly, upon the knees
of our hearts, bless your Majesty for that happiness already begun
in the late Assembly at Edinburgh; in the proceedings whereof
next unto God we have laboured to approve ourselves to your
Majesty's vicegerent, as if your Majesty's eyes had been upon us,
which was the desire of our souls, and would have been the matter
of our full rejoicing, and do still continue your humble supplicants
for your civil sanction and ratification of the constitutions of the
Assembly in Parliament, that your princely power and ecclesiastical
authority joining in one, the mutual embracements of religion and
justice, of truth and peace, may be seen in this land, which shall be
to us as a resurrection from the dead, and shall make us, being not
only so far recovered but also revived, to fill heaven and earth
with our praises, and to pray that King Charles may be more and
more blessed, and his throne established before the Lord for ever.
Underwritten, |
|
74. i. This is the thanksgiving and humble supplication delivered
by the Commissioners of the General Assembly to me, to be
presented to your Majesty. Loudoun. |
|
74. ii. Delivered to his Majesty 20th Feb. 1640. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 20. |
75. Certificate of Thomas Pychard, sheriff of co. Cambridge, to
the Council. Assessment of the 3,500l. ship-money charged on that
county. I received your second letters of the 12th ult., urging the
more speedy expediting of that service, but by the neglect of some of
the chief constables and refractoriness of others, I cannot do as
commanded. Table showing the rates assessed by him upon the
corporate towns, and upon the several hundreds of that county.
[2 pp.] |
| Feb. 20. |
76. Table showing the rates assessed upon the several hundreds
and towns within the county of Cambridge and Isle of Ely, and
upon the corporation of Cambridge, for raising 3,500l. ship-money.
The hundreds and some of the towns were rated by the sheriff, and
remainder of the towns by the constables. [1 p.] |
Feb. 20.
Denbigh. |
77. Richard Langford, sheriff of co. Denbigh, to the Council.
Assessment of 1,122l. ship-money upon that county. I have received
as yet about 100l., which with all possible speed I will send up to
London, and the rest so soon as I can get payment of it. [Seal
with arms, broken. 1 p.] |
| Feb. 20. |
78. Petition of Rowland Morgan and John Gislingham to the
Council of War. Petitioners, being gold wire-drawers, intrusted to
Nathaniel Steevens, a button-maker, gold and silver plate and thread
worth 60l., but he refusing to give them satisfaction for the same
they caused him to be arrested, who thereupon put in bail to
answer their several actions. Since then Steevens, pretending he
had a protection from Sir William Brouncer or Brunckard, as
being one of his troopers, has caused petitioners to be sent for by
a messenger, in whose custody they now remain, to their great prejudice. Petitioners, although very poor men, pay to his Majesty
for custom of gold and silver wire 100l. per annum, so if they
should lose their debts the same would tend to their utter undoing;
nevertheless they are heartily sorry that they have in anyway incurred your displeasure. Pray the Lords to order that Steevens
may not be discharged till he has given petitioners satisfaction for
their debts, or put in security, and that they may be discharged out
of the custody of the messenger. [1 p.] Annexed, |
|
78. i. Deposition of Rowland Morgan that he did not know at
the time of Nathaniel Steevens' arrest that he was entertained under Sir William Brunckard for his Majesty's
service; that when deponent demanded his money of
Steevens the latter absented himself from his habitation,
and went and lived in Ram Alley of purpose to defeat
deponent of his debt. [½ p.] |
| Feb. 20. |
79. Petition of Francis Vincent, deputy saltpetre-maker, to the
Commissioners for saltpetre and gunpowder. Petitioner being authorised by letters patent to use his best endeavours to find out and
provide saltpetre, employed James Crofts and Richard Vane to dig
in the dove-house of Richard Steed, at Beaksbourne, Kent, where
James Wilford was charged to attend with his cart, but he being
discontented therewith, and malignantly disposed to his Majesty's
service, fell upon petitioner's servants without provocation, beating
them with his cudgel, and then locked them in the stocks, carrying
away the key in his pocket, saying that the King employed more
rogues in his works than any man, by which means his Majesty's
service has been ever since neglected. Prays that Wilford may be
sent for to answer his contempt before the Lords, and make satis
faction for the wrong sustained by petitioner and his servants.
Underwritten, |
|
79. i. This petition to be shown to Wilford, who is required to
attend in the Council Chamber with his answer on the
29th inst. Whitehall, 20th Feb. 1639-40. [1 p.] Annexed, |
|
79. ii. Deposition of Richard Steed, of Beaksbourne, confirming
the statements in the above petition. [½ p.] |
|
79. iii. The like of James Crofts, of Canterbury, saltpetre-maker.
To the same effect. [½ p.] |
| Feb. 20. |
Abstract of the above petition. [See Vol. ccxcii., p. 114.] |
Feb. 20.
Drury Lane. |
80. Robert Read to [Thomas Windebank]. I was left at court
this evening to get some things signed by the King, who was so
long at cards that I came almost too late home to present my service
to you. I have little more time than to thank you for yours of the
23rd [13th?] of this present, which came yesterday to hand. The
Countess of Southampton is lately dead in childbed; she was well
delivered, but afterwards fell into fits of convulsion, which quickly
despatched her. Sir William Uvedale has got the reversion of his
office of Treasurer of the Chamber, of which I spoke last summer on
Hampstead Heath, for his son-in-law, Sir Edward Griffin, and in
regard thereof has either married or is to marry her that should
have been his daughter-in-law, but it is thought they are married.
The Parliament continues upon the day first set; there is such
bandying for places, that, for aught I see, we who were made sure at
first of burgess-ships are as likely to miss them as others, men being
not able to perform what they promise, but it shall scape us hard if
we fail of them. All my cousins present their true affections to
yourself and Christopher. [1 p.] |
Feb. 20.
Queen Street. |
81. Thomas Smith to Sir John Pennington. In yours of the 17th
you say that Burley is not worth my anger; 'tis so indeed, but what
I have said was merely to vindicate my credit, which he has gone
about to blemish as much as in him lies. I have examined Tailor,
the gunner, before C. Carteret and others, and find that Burley did
sift the fellow as much as he could, and jeered him extremely in the
company of others, which provoked him to some discontent, but he
protested that I never spoke one syllable of 80l., nor interchanged
one word about the gratuity, and he is so well contented, that when
I offered him his ship and money again to relinquish the sconce he
would not accept of it, and told C. Carteret that he would willingly
have given more rather than have gone without it; but I have done
with this brabbling business, and am sorry that Burley has so little
wit or honesty as to abuse his best friends. Concerning the Scots'
deputies, they are all come, and Friday is appointed for their
audience, so that till then I can assure you nothing, howbeit I fear
it will be war. We prepare hard, but you will be here long before my
Lord [of Northumberland] goes; even now he is come from the court,
by whom I understand that this morning they [the Scots] were
heard before the King and Cabinet Council by way of petition; the
effect whereof was that it was the most humble desire of the Covenanters his Majesty would be pleased to ratify the acts of the
pacification made when he was near the borders of Scotland, to
which he answered that he had done it already, which they not
holding it fit to contradict, they had nothing to say, and so his
Majesty dismissed them. Now whether they will return or no till
they can hear again from thence, every man doubts. Nevertheless,
between you and me, it is verily believed war will ensue betwixt us,
for which I am heartily sorry, both for my lord in particular and
the kingdom in general. The Duchess [Countess] of Southampton
died on Sunday last in childbed, and has left her husband sorrowful.
The writs for the Parliament were sealed this day, and are, as some
say, to be sent away to-morrow, others not till Wednesday next, but
I believe the first. [Impression of seal with crest and arms. 2 pp.] |
| Feb. 20. |
82. Minutes for the drawing out of the commission and instructions to Sir Nicholas Byron, on his appointment to the post of
Governor of Carlisle. [1 p.] |
