|
| May 11. |
1. The Council to [Sir William Balfour], Lieutenant of the Tower,
requiring him to permit John Mayhew, servant to John Crew, Esq.,
formerly committed prisoner to his custody, to attend on and be with
his master, but shut up and kept close with him till further order.
[Minute. ¼ p.] |
| May 11. |
2. The Council to the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London and
Middlesex. We send you here enclosed a petition presented to the
Board in the name of the inhabitants of the parish of St. Nicholas
Coleabbey, London, wherein they complain that an old timber house
in Old Fish-street, belonging to Thomas Swinfield, jutted over the
street 7 foot, and the foundation so rotten that it not only lent
upon other houses across the street, but was dangerous to foot passengers, and, therefore, a public nuisance. We pray you to cause
the building complained of to be viewed, and if it shall be found to
be so dangerous as expressed in the petition, then we hereby require
you, the sheriffs, to take order for its demolition. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 11. |
3. Order of Council. That the Attorney General be required to
prepare a bill containing a proclamation [see Rymer's Fœdera, xx.,
p. 405] commanding all deputy-lieutenants and justices of the peace
of counties to leave London and repair to their several dwellings in
the country, there to attend the services of his Majesty. [Printed
in Rushworth, iii., p. 1183. Draft. 2/3 p.] |
| May 11. |
The like. A certificate by Sir William Beecher and Mr. Nicholas,
clerks of the Council, was this day read, touching a petition presented by Lady Thornborough, wife of Sir Thomas, son of the Bishop
of Worcester, complaining of some hard measure used towards the
said lady and her children by the Bishop. The Lords declared that
the Bishop may take his own time to repair to his house in the
country without further attendance on the Board concerning that
business, and the Lady Thornborough is left to seek her remedy by
course of law. [Written on the same paper as the preceding.
Draft. ⅓ p.] |
| May 11. |
4. The Council to Henry Earl of Huntingdon and Ferdinando
Lord Hastings, lords lieutenants of co. Leicester. We send you
enclosed a copy of a complaint presented to his Majesty sitting in
Council in the name of Henry Earl of Stamford on behalf of himself
and his tenants in co. Leicester, which we are commanded by his
Majesty to require you to examine and to certify the Board in
writing what you find to be the truth, together with the names of
delinquents faulty in the matters complained of and their particular
offences, either towards the King's service or the said Earl. [Draft.
1 p.] |
| May 11. |
5. The Council to the sheriffs of the several counties expressed in
the list annexed. We let you know that his Majesty's occasions for
the defence of the kingdom are now rather more, than less, pressing,
and that if through your continual neglect all the ship-money be
not timely paid in to the Treasurers of the Navy, both this and the
former admonitions given you will add weight to your default and
contempt. If you pay not in at least one half of the money payable
by that county by the last of this month and the other moiety by
the 24th June, you must expect to feel the smart and punishment
due to so wilful a remissness in a business of so great import and
consequence. [Printed in Rushworth, iii., p. 1182. Draft. ¾ p.]
Annexed, |
|
5. i. List of counties to which letters are to be sent for immediate
payment of ship-money. Underwritten, |
|
5. ii. Certificate by William Hewes of the receipt of 42 letters
directed to the sheriffs of the several counties above mentioned. No letters to be sent to the following counties,
viz.: Berks., Essex, Leicester, Northampton, Middlesex,
London, Surrey, and York. [Printed in Rushworth, iii.,
p. 1183. 1 p.] |
May 11.
Whitehall. |
6. Order of Council. Whereas the Attorney General was heretofore required to proceed roundly in the Star Chamber against
Mr. Scrimshaw, late high sheriff of co. Stafford, for not paying in
the ship-money for 1638. It was this day made appear that Mr.
Scrimshaw had now paid in all the ship-money excepting 16l. 13s.,
which could not be recovered, the persons assessed being impoverished or dead. Ordered that the Attorney General forbear any
further proceeding. [Draft. 2/3 p.] |
| May 11. |
7. Attorney General Bankes to Nicholas. I desire you to send me
a copy of the Council's letter sent to the sheriff of Essex, accompanying the last writ for ship-money, and that I may know from
you if there be any material variation in the form of that letter
and the letters sent to the sheriffs of cos. York, Berks., Surrey,
Leicester, and Northampton, with the ship-money writ of that
time. [Endorsed: "Received 11th May 1640." 2/3 p.] |
| May 11. |
8. Certificate of William Blythe to the Commissioners for Saltpetre and Gunpowder. In obedience to your order of 2nd March
1639–40, I have viewed about 13 tuns of foreign refined saltpetre in
the hands of George Fletcher and find it to be of a like goodness
with the English saltpetre usually brought into his Majesty's store
by the saltpetremen, save only some of it a little moist. For
which defect our usual course with the saltpetremen is to abate
upon the particular cask what is thought just at the shooting of it
out of the cask and further proof thereof. [¾ p.] |
May 11.
York. |
9. Sir Thomas Fairfax to Edward Viscount Conway. I cannot
sufficiently acknowledge so great an honour and favour as I received
from you. Considering the distance I pray that I may have pay
for as long a time as may be granted, or direction from you to
receive the next at Hull or York. If you please to give a warrant
for it [Sir Edward Osborne], Vice-President of York, told me he
could furnish me out of the money which remains in his hands for
the regiment that should have marched, which would be convenient
for me if you so think fit. P.S.—I make bold to present you with
a horse. My wife presents her service to you. [Seal with crest.
1 p.] |
May 11/21.
Calais. |
10. F. Nicolls to Sec. Windebank. I forbore to trouble you with
a letter hitherto, because whilst I was subject to circumvolution and
travel, I neither had opportunity nor thought fit to trouble you
with the consideration of the disaster which befel me and my companions in our passage betwixt Rye and Dieppe. On our way we
were set upon by a Dunkirk sloop and plundered with the greatest
violence ever committed against Christians and then carried captive
to Dunkirk, whence, after three days, we were suffered to depart for
Dover. At Dover we stayed only one night and then left in the
packet-boat for this place, where we have remained two days and
are now setting forward On our journey to Paris, though not without,
danger of being plundered again, the rendezvous of Marshal Chatillon's army being about Amiens, which way we are to pass; but it
matters not much though we should be rifled for we have not much
to lose, myself especially, to whom little or nothing remains of what
I carried. Sir Richard Cave has made a particular relation of the
fact to Mr. Treasurer. When he returns, for until then I conceive
little can be done conducive to our indemnity, I shall make bold to
recommend my particular case to your care, for without consideration of it I must of necessity be undone. Here they magnify exceedingly a victory they lately obtained against the Spaniards
before Casale, whether it be so great as they give out time will
elucidate. [Endorsed: "Received 14th May, our style." Seal with
arms, broken. 1 p.] |
May 11.
Ashford. |
11. The Deputy-Lieutenants of Kent to Philip Earl of Pembroke,
and Montgomery, Lord Chamberlain and Lord Lieutenant of Kent.
This day's service has made such several advances and retreats that
we are bold to represent them to you. A wary and cheerful
"manage" on the part of Sir Humfrey Tufton won upon the
soldiers till the latter part of the day, when an unlooked for silence,
followed by a stubborn sullenness, possessed the rest of the soldiers
and infected the former to the defeat of our better expectations. In
short, we find a confusion; some will not go beyond their colours,
others will not go into Scotland, all are yeomen and farmers who
say they must be as assuredly undone by going as by refusing, so
the list cannot yet be made up. They all hope to be relieved by
impressed men if they can be found, which if you will yield unto, as
to a present remedy of a distempered cause, it will give good settlement to the many. They have thrust out their rugged resolutions
in this language, take one and take all, and then forsaking rank and
file they fell into disorder, not to be reduced by the command of their
officers. You may please to call for other passages from Sir
Humphry Tufton, who, with us, prays such further directions as you
shall think necessary. [Seal with device. 1 p.] |
| May 11. |
12. Petition of Thomas Babington to Archbishop Laud. That
the late prior and convent of the late dissolved priory of St. John
of Jerusalem and their predecessors, ever since the dissolution of the
order of the Templars were seized in fee in right of their priory of the
rectory of Rothley, in co. Leicester, and of a peculiar jurisdiction within
that rectory, which, at the dissolution came to the Crown and was
afterwards granted by letters patent in fee, under which grant petitioner has the same conveyed to him in fee, and that jurisdiction has
ever since been exercised by sufficient persons, both divines and civil
lawyers. That in your Metropolitan Visitation this jurisdiction was
inhibited, and although divers petitions have been preferred to your
Grace for a Relaxavit, and references made first to Sir John Lamb and
secondly to Sir Henry Martin, Sir John Lamb, Dr. Eden, and Dr. Duck
touching the same, to give you an account thereof, and petitioner's
counsel have been twice heard before the referees for maintenance
thereof, yet petitioner is informed that the referees have not
certified your Grace therein. Prays that after so long a restraint
you will now at last grant your warrant of fiat for a Relaxavit of
the inhibition. Underwritten, |
|
12. i. Reference to the Commissioners here nominated to certify
what they can remember concerning this business, that
further course may be taken to put an end to it May 11,
1640. [1 p.] |
| May 11. |
13. Plaint of Thomas Buckley at Westminster touching the possession of a tenement worth 8l. per annum, situated in the manor of
Draklow and Rudheath, co. Chester, together with the answers of
the defendants, Elizabeth and Ralph Holland, Robert Venables, and
Thomas Sutton. [3 pp.] |
| May 12. |
Warrant to Sir Nicholas Crispe, Knt., collector of the Western
Impositions for repayment of 10,000l. to Henry Earl of Holland,
lent to his Majesty by way of advance upon that collection for the
years ending at Michaelmas 1640 and 1641. With further warrant
to the Lord Treasurer and Under-Treasurer of the Exchequer for
payment of interest after the rate of 8l. per cent. [Docquet.] |
| May 12. |
A like to the same for repayment of 10,000l. to Henry Earl of
Danby, lent upon the Western and Northern Impositions, by way of
advance for the years 1640 and 1641. With further warrant as
above mentioned for interest. [Docquet.] |
| May 12. |
A like to Sir Abraham and Sir Thomas Dawes, Knts., collectors
of the duty upon wines, and to Sir John Jacob and Robert Seyliard,
collectors of the Pretermitted Customs in the Port of London, for
repayment of 10,000l. to the Lord Treasurer [Juxon], by him lent
upon security of their several collections, with further warrant as
above mentioned for interest. [Docquet.] |
| May 12. |
Protection for Walter Eldred and Martha Paske for one year from
the date thereof. [Docquet.] |
May 12.
Whitehall. |
14. Order of Council, the King present. This day his Majesty
sitting in Council was pleased to declare that he intended, according
to his gracious speech delivered at the dissolution of the late
assembly in Parliament, to take into his princely consideration all
the just grievances there complained of, and to remedy so many of
them as he should find to be real, and more particularly, and in the
first place, those concerning religion. And that to this purpose his
Majesty was minded to continue the sitting of the Convocation
House for some time, for the better discovery and reformation of
such abuses in that kind as shall be found to be justly complained of, which his Majesty's pious and gracious declaration and
resolution the Lords [of the Council] having by his command
taken into due consideration, after a serious debate they unanimously approved and commanded that a memorial of this his
Majesty's care in continuing the Convocation for the quiet of the
Church, should be entered in the register of the acts of Council.
[Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 12. |
15. Letters patent to Archbishop Laud as President, and to the
bishops and other members of Convocation for the province of Canterbury, commissioning them to continue the sitting of the Convocation House. This is a renewal of the commission calendared under
date 15th April 1640 [see vol. ccccl, No. 95, and printed in Rymer,
xx., pp. 403–5]. In this copy a passage is noted in the margin to be
omitted "as not common," and at the close after the words "in anywise notwithstanding" is the following paragraph. And lastly, we
will and do hereby declare our pleasure to be that our former
license or commission under our Great Seal of the 15th April shall
be determined, and that this our present commission shall continue
in force during our pleasure. [Copy attested by Robert Blewitt, public
notary. 4½ pp.] |
| May 12. |
16. Council warrant to [Henry Garwaie], Lord Mayor of London.
Upon occasion of the late tumultuous assembly in and about Lambeth the King has commanded us to signify his pleasure to you
that double watches are to be kept within the city and liberties,
and that they do continue in their charge till 5 a.m.; you are further
to cause every householder to be answerable for the quiet behaviour
of all his apprentices and servants. You are to see that a sufficient
watch be kept every night at the bridge foot to intercept all vagrant
persons and to prevent any concourse of people to pass in or out of
the city. Which strict course and double watch is to be continued
till you receive further order. [Printed in Rushworth, iii, p. 1174.
Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 12. |
17. The like to the Justices of Peace of Westminster and Liberties.
You are to take order that double watches be kept every night in
and about the city and liberties of Westminster to prevent disorders
and tumultuous assemblies, and to intercept and apprehend all
vagrant persons, and bring them to justice. You are by the King's
express command to take some course that every householder
within the same may be answerable for the quiet behaviour of his
apprentices and servants, which double watch and strict course are
to be continued by your care and vigilance until further order,
[Printed in Rushworth, iii., p. 1175. Draft. 2/3 p.] |
| May 12. |
The like to the Justices of Peace of Middlesex. That double
watch and strict course are to be kept in all places and passages in
and about the cities of London and Westminster. [Written on
the same paper as the preceding. Minute. 3 lines.] |
| May 12. |
The like to the Justices of Peace of Surrey. Double watch and
strict course are to be kept in all places and passages in and near
Southwark, Newington, Lambeth, and Camberwell. [Ibid. Minute.
3 lines.] |
| May 12. |
18. The like to Edward Earl of Dorset and Henry Earl of Holland, lords lieutenants of Middlesex. You are to take effectual
order that there be double watches kept in and about St. Giles and
Tuttle [Tothill] fields, and all other passages and places near
London and Westminster to prevent tumultuous assemblies, and to
intercept and apprehend all idle and vagrant persons and to bring
them to justice. You are further to give order that there be boats
provided to be in readiness to transport horse and men at Lambeth
ferry and elsewhere upon any occasion for the better suppressing
of such disorders and tumults as may happen. [Printed in Rushworth, iii., p. 1175. Draft. 2/3 p.] |
May 12.
Whitehall. |
19. The like to Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Charles Earl
of Nottingham, and Henry Frederick Lord Maltravers, lords lieutenants of Surrey. Upon occasion of the tumultuous assembly at
Lambeth last night we are by his Majesty's especial command to
require your Lordships to take order that there be forthwith
appointed an able and well-affected provost marshal, together with
a competent number of horse and foot armed and provided to watch
and ward this night, and so by turns from time to time in and
about Lambeth, Newington, St. George's-fields, and other places
and passages thereabout, to prevent any concourse of people, and
to intercept and apprehend all vagrant persons. This watch and
ward is to be continued till you shall understand his Majesty's
further pleasure. [Printed in Rushworth, iii., p. 1175. Draft 1 p.] |
May 12.
Whitehall. |
20. Order of Council, the King present. A petition was this day
presented to his Majesty in the names of Sir Henry Worsley, Bart.,
Jeremy Bret, Esq., and Dame Frances Worsley, his wife, complaining
of a decree of Sewers made against the petitioner, Dame Frances, and
seconded by another decree made in the Exchequer Chamber on
behalf of Sir Bevis Thelwall, Rat., whereby they are in danger to
be deprived of their estates, &c. It was ordered that the difference
between the parties above named be heard at the Board, and that
all parties whom it concerns be hereby required to attend upon the
Lords on Friday next at 2 p.m., and come prepared with their
counsel. [Draft. 2/3 p.] |
| [May 12.] |
21. Petition of Dame Frances Worsley, relict of Sir Richard
Worsley, Knt. and Bart., to the Council. Whereas heretofore upon
a project made to King James by Sir Bevis Thelwall, Knt., and his
partners, for recovering about 500 acres at Brading haven, in the Isle
of Wight, from the sea, it pleased his Majesty to grant to them the
land so to be recovered at their charge. That petitioner's son, his
Majesty's ward, being seized of the reversion of the manor of
Wolverton after the decease of Lady White, the present tenant of
the freehold thereof; a long slip or parcel of the waste and common
of that manor, about eight acres, lies between the sea and the said
land, upon which waste and other parts of that manor Sir Bevis
Thelwall has made walls and banks, the same being permitted by
Lady White and petitioner, guardian of the said ward. That Sir
Bevis has of late procured a commission of Sewers to be sat upon
by strangers having no estate in that county, for making up a new
breach lately made by the sea through a part of the said waste by
reason of Sir Bevis' wall and banks, there never having been any
breach before, of purpose to charge petitioner with the doing thereof;
and upon the said Commissioners being brought thither upon four
days' warning sent to petitioner when her counsel was in circuit, so
as she could not make her defence, they have laid upon her a penalty
of 2,000l. to make up the breach by Saturday next, for which fine
Sir Bevis reports that he has got a grant from the King beforehand
and intends to levy the 2,000l. on her to the utter undoing of herself and younger children, and so instead of reclaiming Bradon haven
at his own charge, as he first undertook, to make petitioner do it for
him. Petitioner informs your Lordships further that she has no
manner of estate in the manor or waste of Wolverton, nor is any
way by law or equity chargeable to do the work enjoined by the
Commissioners, and, therefore, she appealed to the Lord Keeper for
relief therein, who referred the examination thereof to the two Lords
Chief Justices to certify what was just to be done, but they concluding nothing, as by their certificate appears, and the day being
Saturday next by which the work is to be done, petitioner in this
strait and extraordinary case of extremity is enforced to fly to
your Lordships for direction to be herein taken for examining the
truth of her case, and hearing her counsel for her just relief and for
suspending that order of the Commissioners in the mean time. [1 p.] |
| [May 12.] |
22. Petition of the same to the same. Whereas your Honours,
upon hearing of the matter concerning a decree obtained by Sir
Bevis Thelwall against petitioner upon a commission of Sewers, were
pleased to direct that the execution of that decree should be suspended
until Sir Bevis should attend the two Lords Chief Justices and give
them better satisfaction in the matter. Your Honours' direction being
not then entered by the Clerk of the Council as an order of the Board,
Sir Bevis when called to attend the Lords Chief Justices therein
denies that there is any such order given, but cannot satisfy the
Lords Chief Justices for the maintenance of the decree. Prays the
Lords to give direction that the said order may be entered as an
order of the Board. [½ p.] |
May 12.
Titchborne. |
23. Sir Richard Tichborne and Sir Richard Norton, deputy-lieutenants of Hants., to James Duke of Lenox and Jerome Earl of
Portland, lords lieutenants of Hants. We have endeavoured to
the utmost to put in execution those directions lately sent us. We
have with the consent of the justices of peace sent out warrants for
raising coat and conduct-money. In many places we find a readiness to contribute, while others are altogether averse, especially the
hundreds of Odiham and Alton, which for the most part refuse to
pay anything, as appears by the constables' returns, alleging for
their reason that many of their hundreds have heretofore refused to
pay the ship-money, and nothing has been done to them by way of
example, and they hope they may as well escape for this. If a
speedy course be not taken herein, we suppose that for want of pay
the soldiers will be hardly kept from mutiny, and ourselves shall
receive much prejudice not only in the money we have already
disbursed for the impress, but likewise in our own particular credits,
having engaged ourselves for the coats, but most especially it will
be a great blemish and disadvantage to the King's service. We,
therefore, desire you to direct some course for redress of this and
for preventing the like hereafter. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
| May 12. |
24. [Edmund Rossingham to Edward Viscount Conway and Killultagh]. News letter. The last Wednesday the Earl of Warwick,
Lords Say and Brook, Sir Walter Earle, Mr. Pym, and Mr. Hampden,
all Parliament men, [were arrested and] all their papers taken from
them, as well those they had in their pockets as those they had
in their studies and chambers. The Earl of Warwick had some
records of Bishop Mannering's late sentence in Parliament in his
pocket, besides some other notes of Parliament records; the Lord
Say had about him Lord Rothe's late sent letter to the Lord
Chamberlain in answer to the letters sent to him to persuade him
to forsake the Covenant; besides which Lord Say had divers petitions to have presented in Parliament if it had continued of some
grievances of the ministry, given him by some silenced ministers,
but nothing else of any consequence as I hear. Lord Brook had
taken from him a discourse between Mr. Cotton, a minister now in
New England, and Mr. Bull concerning our church liturgy, one
endeavouring to maintain it against the other's opposition; he had
also some petitions to complain of grievances, one being from
silenced ministers, to desire there might not be so heavy a hand
carried over them. Mr. Pym had a trunk full of papers, written
books, and journals of Parliament taken from him, there being some
arguments of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of bishops, how far
their power extends, and some other things of the proceedings in
Parliament, which though they can do him little hurt, yet the loss
of such records may trouble him somewhat. In Mr. Hampden's
pocket there was a letter or two from Bishop Williams, of Lincoln,
written to him lately to induce him to move in the House of Commons that he might have his writ to come to Parliament, alleging a
late precedent for it, which was Sir John Strangeways, or Stranguish,
who moved in the House of Commons in behalf of the Earl of Bristol
that his Lordship might have his writ as a peer. Mr. Hampden's
answer to this letter was also taken away, which was dissuasive,
that the Bishop should not stir in it by no means for divers reasons,
but yet left it to his Lordship's better judgment to think better
upon it, desiring him to consult with some of his friends, and not to
rely upon his judgment in so weighty a business as this was. Sir
Walter Earle was gone out of his chamber, there being no papers at
all found in his lodging. The reasons of this search are variously
reported, some say it was to discover what protestations were drawn
either against the Scotch war or against the pressing of the subjects
to go to this war, some of the members of the House of Commons
having declared in the House, that no man could be compelled by
the statute to take prest-money, but yet after he had taken it
then he was bound by the statute to serve as a soldier where he
should be commanded to march. It is said this passage gave great
discontent, it having been an ancient practice in this kingdom to
take up soldiers by pressing them. It was also said the search was
to find out what protestations were drawn against [ship-money, and
that this was one reason of the search is believed because Mr.
Speaker was not suffered to come to the House that morning, the
Parliament was dissolved, for there was no doubt made but the
Speaker would willingly have put any protestation against the shipmoney to the question, because the day before he delivered his
opinion freely as a member of the House against it, speaking more
bitterly against that judgment and the judges declaration at the
assizes than all those who had spoken against it during the Parliament. It is supposed also this search was made to discover what
Scotch papers of remonstrances were in their hands, to see whether
any correspondences were held between the Covenanters and any
of the members in Parliament. I wrote in my last that the Bishop
of Lincoln had been at Lambeth on Monday last week. The Wednesday following was called in by a warrant, signed by Laud and
Lambe, the Bishop of Lincoln's book, printed two or three years since
in answer to "A Coal from the Altar" in defence of the communion
table, and opposing the standing of the table altar-wise and calling
it the altar. It is reported that it was called in not without the
consent of the Bishop of Lincoln himself. Some booksellers complain that these books are taken from them without consideration
which they expected [to have received] by reason that book was
licensed both to be printed and sold. The next day after the Parliament was dissolved the Clerk of the Parliament was sent to by command from his Majesty to deliver in what petitions concerning
grievances were come to his hands, as also those gentlemen of the
House of Commons were likewise sent to to deliver in those petitions which were come to them. It is probable that his Majesty
will take notice of all those grievances, just grievances, which the
Commons would have presented to the Lords; for his Majesty in his
speech the last day of the Parliament told both Houses he would
command a free and a rich people, not denying his subjects either
propriety in their goods or liberty of their persons; and concerning
their grievances, he believed there were some grievances in the
commonwealth, for his Majesty did not believe there could be any
government so perfect as to be without some grievances, which he
would willingly relieve as well out of Parliament as in Parliament,
which his people should find. Captain Fielding, who commands one
of the King's ships towards Scotland, last week took two Scotch ships,
one laden with salt, hemp, and flax, and such kind of lading, the
other was a tall ship, laden with ammunition, which ships he brought
to an anchor near Berwick. It is said there were four other Scotch
ships in sight, but those four have escaped; whether they have got
into any of the Scotch ports, yea or no, we hear not yet. Friday last
Mr. [Henry] Bellasis, one of the knights for Yorkshire, Sir John
Hotham, and Sir Hugh Cholmeley, these three Parliament men,
were summoned to appear at the Board the same day, which they
did. They were questioned about some words they spake on
Monday last week in Parliament concerning grievances. Sir
William Saville, the other knight for Yorkshire, spake the same day
in the House that the freeholders about him told him at his coming
they did not care how many subsidies were given, so that grievance
of the ship-money were taken away. Sir John Hotham and Mr.
Bellasis spake after Sir William Saville, alleging that there were
other grievances besides the ship-money, as coat and conduct-money
and other military charges, which far exceeded that of ship-money
which the county required to be eased of, together with the shipmoney, or else they durst not return down into the country. Indeed,
Sir John Hotham said the military charge upon that country was
40,000l., whereas the ship-money was but 12,000l.; neither of these
two gentlemen could or would remember what they spake that day,
alleging that what they spake was for the country and in Parliament, which they did not expect to be called to give an account of;
they would call nothing to mind, although Mr. Nevill, a member of
the House, repeated and averred to the Board, the King being present, what they had spoken, they were willed to retire, and presently
after they were committed to the Fleet by a warrant, which was for
misbehaving themselves at the Board. Sir Hugh Cholmeley was
questioned, but he answered directly and was released, unless it be
that he is not to go out of the town without leave given him by the
Board. There have been divers deputy-lieutenants of counties
called to the Board to subscribe the warrants for raising of
coat and conduct-money; Sir John Danvers was questioned for not
subscribing these warrants to raise this money in Middlesex, being
a deputy-lieutenant, the same having been presented to him while the
Parliament was sitting, and therefore he has been since examined by
the Attorney General upon several interrogatories, but what further
course shall be taken against him time will try. The last Thursday
divers other deputy-lieutenants of other counties refused to meddle
with signing those coat and conduct warrants, which has been in
practice much more than time out of mind; but this will not serve
their turns, for it will be expected they should sign those warrants.
The High Sheriffs of Yorkshire, Essex, and Middlesex and London,
have all been examined by the Attorney General for not collecting
the ship-money according to their several writs, they having collected
very little of that money and have not distrained upon any refusers;
after they were examined the Attorney General would have had them
subscribe their confessions, but not one of them would; they shall
surely be brought into the Star Chamber for contempt in not
obeying their writs. The same day the Lord Mayor and ail the
aldermen of London were at the Board, the King being present, and
because they had not provided the 100,000l. which the King
demanded about a month since upon good security; therefore he
now required 200,000l., requiring them to deliver up a list of the
names of all the rich men in every one of their wards by Sunday, which
if they did not provide for him he would have 300,000l. of the City.
Sunday the mayor and aldermen appear again with a petition to excuse
their delivering in of those rich men's names, which petition was
rejected, and all the aldermen required apart whether they would
deliver a list of those names that were fit to lend from 50l. upwards,
all but four consented; those four aldermen were Rainton, Guyer
[Geere], Somes, and Atkins, who were committed to four several
prisons; the next day the Lord Mayor had an order from the Board,
not only to take a list of those rich men, but to rate every one of
them what they should lend his Majesty so to make up the
200,000l., which must be provided very speedily; at this rating
most of the aldermen stumble, but on Friday they must deliver in
what they have done in it. The same Sunday Mr. Crew, who sat
in the chair [at the parliamentary committee] for grievances of
religion, was committed close prisoner to the Tower, for refusing to
deliver to his Majesty all those papers of grievances which were
put into his hands during the Parliament, which he says he was
trusted with, therefore he ought not to part with them. Sir William
Saville has also a restraint not to go out of town but by permission of the Board. And I hear Mr. Nevill did aver nothing
against Mr. Bellasis nor the rest, although it were so reported, and
Sir William Saville is much afflicted at their commitments, for as
much as they were questioned for speaking after him, and for speaking more than he said, which he had omitted accidentally, but not
wittingly, he having often before discoursed against those military
charges. We have reports of several foul misdemeanours committed by the troops in the North, and by those officers sent into
several counties to discipline the men who are to be pressed,
as the burning of about 30 houses in Aylesbury, the ravishing of
a gentlewoman, a virgin, in Lincolnshire, near to Gainsborough, the
breaking into houses, and taking what pleased them without payment,
and divers other complaints, but how far these complaints are made
good that appears not yet, but more of these when we hear more
certainties. Casale, in Montferrat, is relieved by the French and
some petty princes of Italy's forces joined together; above 4,000
Spaniards slain and taken prisoners, and all the ordnance and
baggage of one quarter taken. The French have taken Chimay, a
town in Artois, and put about 2,000 of the inhabitants and soldiers
to the sword; they are said to be before Charlemont, and the
Spanish forces draw thitherwards. The Prince of Orange has
proclaimed a free leaguer at Rammekens, near Flushing, in Zeeland;
the state of Liége have declared for the French and Hollanders;
Piccolomini is sending down forces to the Infante Cardinal, but the
Hessish forces that are joined with the French stop those Imperialists.
The Scotch petitioners, two of whom were clapt up again upon
Saturday, are since released and are going for Scotland. Sir Richard
Cave, going over to France with letters from his Majesty to the
Prince Elector, was taken by the Dunkirkers, who stripped him and
those which went with him, and with much ado they forbore to
cast him overboard, but they cast him and two more gentlemen of
his company stark naked upon our northern coast, where he remains
till he can have clothes sent him from London; this was last week.
[4 pp.] |
| May 12. |
25. Return of the names of defaulters in Moulton, Holbeach, and
Spalding, co. Lincoln, signed by Robert Earl of Lindsey, Lord
Lieutenant and Vice-Admiral of that county. Underwritten, |
|
25. i. I desire a warrant for the above-named persons to appear
at the Board to answer their contempts in not paying
their assessments towards the setting forth of soldiers for
his Majesty's service in the past year, 1639, the same
having been divers times demanded by the several constables. [2/3 p.] |
| May 12. |
26. Note of business appointed for this present Tuesday to be
considered at the meeting of the Court at Denmark House concerning
the Queen's revenues derivable from lands situated in cos. Lincoln,
Cumberland, Berks., York, and Norfolk. Amongst others is a lease
to Anthony Verney, of lands within the manor of Hogsthorpe, co.
Lincoln. [1 p.] |
May 13.
The Board. |
27. Council warrant to John Lisney, messenger, to bring up
[the under-named defaulters for coat and conduct-money in Southwark], viz., George Naish, deputy-lieutenant, Richard Cannt,
baker, John Ardiven, John Rose, George Snelling, distiller, and
Mr. Wilson, stapler. [Minute. ¼ p.] |
| May 13. |
A like warrant to Robert Taverner, messenger, for John Hamon,
Richard Write, Thomas Crouder, sen., Mr. Chappell, innholder, John
Clerk, Mr. Pircell, baker, Mr. Slead, sen., and Mr. Faucett, tallow
chandler. [Written on the same paper as the preceding. Minute.
¼ p.] |
| May 13. |
A like to Edmond Barker, messenger, for William Phife, John
Bury, church-wardens, Samuel Lynn, Nicholas Collup, and Nicholas
Warren, skinner and constable, all of Southwark. [Ibid. Minute.
¼ p.] |
| May 13. |
A like to David Scott, messenger, for George Ellis, vintner, in a
bye lane at the back side of Long Acre. [Ibid. Minute. 2 lines.] |
| May 13. |
28. A like to Matthew Pigeon, messenger, for the person of the
new mayor of Dorchester, co. Dorset. [Minute. ½ p.] |
| May 13. |
29. Council warrant with general directions to the messengers
of his Majesty's Chamber, or any of them, to aid and assist John
Taylor, deputed by the Governor and Company of Soapmakers, to
search for and seize all soap lees and other materials belonging to
soap prohibited by proclamation. [Draft minute. ½ p.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
30. Order of Council. Upon the particular suit of the deputylieutenants of Norfolk it was this day ordered that the weekly
exercising of the men to be raised in that county for his Majesty's
present service shall be respited so as they be brought so many days
sooner to the general rendezvous of that shire, and there remain so
many days longer at the county's charge. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 13. |
31. The Council to [Thomas Wroth], late mayor of Southampton,
you are hereby commanded without further dispute or delay to
cause the 15l. arrears of ship-money due for the year 1638 to be
paid to the Treasurer of the Navy by the first day of next term,
or else to attend at the Board upon the first Sunday following to
answer your neglect therein. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 13. |
32. The same to the Justices of Peace for the division of Holland
and Kesteven, in co. Lincoln. We understand that of late mobs in
a riotous and tumultuous manner have thrown down and cut up the
banks and works made by the Earl of Lindsey, undertaker for the
draining of the level between Bourn and Lincoln, which unlawful
courses are not fit to be passed over without examination and a
severe punishment of the delinquents. We have, therefore, issued
our warrants for the apprehension of the delinquents, and directed
the messengers to bring up the wealthiest of them to answer the
same before us, and to attend you with those of meaner condition,
whom you are required to punish in an exemplary way by imprisonment or otherwise. We further require you to find out the
abettors or countenancers of the said riot and to certify their names
and return their examinations to the Board, that so you may prevent
any such disorders for the future. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 13. |
33. Order of Council. William Trollop, of Bourn-park, co. Lincoln, did by his petition represent that there being a riot committed
by some persons of Bourn, in cutting of banks, petitioner was
charged to be an abettor and consenter to the same, and was by a
warrant from the Board taken into custody of a messenger with
whom he now remains; he further represents, that he being in
London the Tuesday before the said riot was committed, had no
hand therein, nor gave consent or abetment thereunto, which the
Lords taking into consideration this day ordered that Trollop being
first examined by the Attorney General and entering into bond,
before the Clerk of the Council attendant, to answer to such informations as the Attorney General shall upon consideration of the
proofs certified against him see cause to put into the Star Chamber,
and to abide by the sentence of that court touching the same, then
he is to be discharged from the messenger's custody and from any
further attendance upon the Board at this time. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 13. |
34. Order of Council. By virtue of a former order dated 6th
March 1638–9, Sir Robert Carr, of Sleaford, Bart., conveyed to the
Earl of Northumberland and others divers lands to the value of
750l. per annum for the true payment of 600l. per annum for the
maintenance of [Mary] Lady Carr, wife of Sir Robert, which he
covenanted to free from all incumbrances. It was this day proved
to the Board by Lady Carr's counsel, that by reason of a former
conveyance dated 23rd November 1637, made by Sir Robert to Lord
Willoughby, Sir Charles Rolles, and Mr. Thomas Goodwin, of the
same lands, the persons trusted for the said lady could have no
clear estate in the lands conveyed for her benefit according to the
true intent of the former Order of Council and Sir Robert's own
covenant. The Lords having this day heard Lord Willoughby
and Thomas Goodwin, who consented, for so much as concerns that
particular, to do any act that may perfect and strengthen the
assurance made by Sir Robert of the lands assigned for payment
of the 600l. per annum, thought good hereby to order that Willoughby, Rolles, and Goodwin shall, by the 30th of this instant
May, by way of release or otherwise, perfect the assurance of the
lands conveyed to the Earl of Northumberland and others in trust
for the payment of 600l. per annum to Lady Carr. [Draft. 1½ p.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
35. Order of Council. Upon the petition of Mrs. Bridges Rosister,
to whom his Majesty has committed the charge of keeping and
educating the children of Sir Robert Carr, presented to the King
in January last for a competent allowance to be settled for the
said children's maintenance and education, Sir Robert having not
allowed anything for them since July last, his Majesty was pleased
to make a reference to us in the words here stated. We having
heard all the chief parties interested in this settlement, do, according
to his Majesty's gracious reference, hereby order that Sir Robert
shall assign over to trustees named by us so much of his lands, either
of those accrued to him by the death of his late mother or others,
as are of the yearly value of 600l., free from incumbrances for payment as well of the arrears of the children's expenses past as of 400l.
per annum for their future maintenance and education, until they
shall have portions and provision made for them respectively by
Sir Robert according to our former directions in that behalf, that
they being born to so good fortunes may be put no longer to such
extremities and want as they have been. And for the better and
more speedy expediting of this settlement, which has been hitherto
so wilfully and causelessly deferred, we require that a draft of
assurance of lands be forthwith prepared and shown to Mr. Dallison,
who is best acquainted with Sir Robert's estate, and so sent to Sir
Robert, if he shall not be in town, to execute the same by the 30th
of this instant May, or else to attend on that day [at the Board] to
answer his contempt to his Majesty's commands on that behalf.
And as soon as such assurance shall be agreed to by Sir Robert, we
expect and order that Lord Willoughby and the rest of the trustees
shall accordingly join with him therein that so it may be perfected for the good and support of Sir Robert's children. [Daft.
3 pp.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
Warrant from the Commissioners for Saltpetre and Gunpowder
to William Blythe. There is in the hands of the East India Company a certain quantity of East Indian saltpetre which we require
you to view and certify us both the quality and quantity thereof.
[See vol. ccxcii., p. 119. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
May 13.
Newcastle. |
36. Edward Viscount Conway and Killultagh to [Elizabeth
Countess of Devonshire]. Madame, I have seen a paper of verses presented to you lately by Lord Herbert, they are very noble; I know not
any poet that is able to write better, I know not of any king by my
eyes or by my ears who has merit in him to say more, but what
thanks will you give him, only tell him that you thank him for the
favour. There was a most noble Queen of France whose name I
have now forgotten, who passing through one of her chambers
saw one that lived in her court, a great learned man and an
excellent poet, sleeping, she went to him and kissed him, and turning to the company said, it is just that honour should be done to
that mouth from whence so many excellent sayings have proceeded.
I know that your superior reason will not be governed by example,
and your Imperial heart will not stoop to follow the precedent of a
Queen, but yet find out some recompense, that you may retain
your justice, which will leave you if you make no difference in your
thanks to them that write verses which soar up to Heaven, and
those whose Muse doth walk on foot. I shall be happy if you
please to esteem me your most humble and most faithful servant.
[Draft. 2/3 p.] |
May 13.
Whitehall. |
Warrant of Henry Earl of Holland to [Sir Robert Bennett], surveyor, and to the Comptroller of the castle and honour of Windsor.
I am informed that his Majesty's house called Seas Lodge, in the
forest of Windsor, co. Surrey, with the out-houses are in decay,
these are therefore to require you to view the decays and certify
me the same, with the proportion of money and timber requisite for
the necessary repairs, and where the timber may be most conveniently
spared. [Copy. 1 p. See vol. ccclxxxiv., p. 76.] |
May 13.
Berwick. |
37. Sir Michael Ernie to Sec. Windebank. I have received yours of
the 7th present. All that I can inform you of is that upon Thursday
last, being the 7th of May, there were 200 men sent for Dunketh
[Dalkeith], the King's House that was bought of the Earl of Morton,
there are 200 at Musselburgh, 100 at Prestonpans,. and 200 at
Haddington, those that are at Dalkeith were sent from Fife, the
others are the countrymen thereabouts. The Governor of [Edinburgh] Castle last week sent some men out of the eastle in the
night to see what was doing about their mine, the guard of the
town retired, and they took one of their prime workmen and
brought him into the castle, and as I hear they have not wrought in
the mine since, though divers Scotchmen who pass by tell me that this
very night they intend to spring the mine. Colonel [Robert]
Munro, I hear, mustered his men at Leith last week, they were not
above 1,000, and he is said to make all expedition for Aberdeen. It is reported by divers persons that there should have been
a skirmish between some men who were for the King in the North
and the Covenanters, but I give no credit to that report. I will be
careful in the performance of what you commanded in your last
letter. [Dorso, "Received 16th." Seal with arms, broken. 1 p.] |
May 13.
Berwick. |
38. Capt. Charles Lloyd to the same. I neglected the last post by
reason I had nothing worth your notice. In my last I mentioned
the necessity of procuring brushwood for blind. The bridge and
drawbridge at the Cow-gate are setting up; the earthwork goes
forward as much as possible, but by reason of these dangerous times
I reserved the making up of the mill mount and its curtain because
I would not make any passage over the wall and intend the passage
for the sods to be through the Cow-port, which must first be finished.
My workmaster, Mr. Goodman, lies on his death bed. The sole
business now rests upon the carpenters. I will send to the Low
Countries for two workmasters so soon as possible. I desire to have
Mr. Lanion for my assistant. [Dorso, "Received 16th." 1 p.] |
| May 13. |
39. Certificate by Richard Hollings of the Recusants' revenue for
the south of England, received by him and charged to the accompt
beginning 1st May and ending 24th March 1639–40. Total, 4,519l.
1s. 11d., whereof 3,919l. 12s. 0½ d. has been already paid to the
persons named, leaving 599l. 9s. 10½ d. still remaining in hand
this 13th May 1640. [1 p.] |
| May 13. |
40. Questions submitted by some of the deputy-lieutenants of
Norfolk to the Council on which they desire to be resolved. Concerning the pay of the 750 men raised in that county for present
service. [Margin. To commence their service at the general
rendezvous.] There is in that county great aversion to pay
towards coat and conduct-money. [Margin. Send the names of the
principal refusers.] It is desired that Yarmouth may be the place
of general rendezvous for that county, and that order be given for
the speedy calling of the men thither to be kept and employed in
exercise. There is a general averseness and loathing among the 750
men to be transported by sea, by reason of the hardships, miseries,
and deaths commonly reported and known to have been suffered by
those who went last year out of that county, for remedy whereof it
is prayed that the Lords would permit their march by land.
[Margin. Nil.] Whereas 60 horses and 20 carters are commanded
to be sent out of that county to Newcastle for the train of artillery
by the 15th June, the Lords will be pleased to be informed that the
greater part of that county being light champaign ground the
tillage is performed by horses of small value and stature and these
through the season of the year are wrought low and lean, and so
likely to be of little use for draught of weight or burden. [Margin
Nil.] Pray a mitigation of the number of horses assessed on that
county by reason of the number disabled in conveying by cart great
quantities of timber for his Majesty's shipbuilding. [Margin. Nil.]
The Lords are desired to grant letters for general musters in that
county, whereby the trained companies may be the better completed
for number, persons, and arms. The arms sent out of that county
the last year for the King's service are not yet again repaired and
supplied. [Margin. Confess.] How to proceed in case any man
shall refuse to receive imprest-money. [Margin. He is to be committed that refuses.] [1½ p.] |
| May 14. |
41. Council warrant to the keeper of the White Lion Prison to
deliver the person of John Archer to the sheriff of Surrey. [Minute.
2 lines.] |
| May 14. |
A like to the Sheriff of Surrey to receive into his custody John
Archer and to convey him to London-bridge, there to deliver him
to the custody of the sheriffs of London, not suffering him to speak
with anybody and to be careful to have a good guard. [Written
upon the same paper as the preceding. Minute. ¼ p.] |
| May 14. |
A like to [Sir William Balfour] lieutenant of the Tower, to
receive from the sheriffs of London John Archer, and to keep him
close prisoner, not suffering any person to come to or speak to him
except his keeper, until further order from the Board. [Ibid.
Minute. ¼ p.] |
| May 14 |
42. A like to the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex. Direction is
given to the sheriff of Surrey for bringing John Archer from the
White Lion Prison to London-bridge, there to deliver him to you.
These are to command you taking a good guard with you to receive
him into your custody and without permitting any to speak with
him, to convey him directly to the Tower and deliver him either to
Sir W. Balfour or such person as he shall appoint to receive him,
[Draft. ½ p.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
43. The Council to [Henry Garwaie], lord mayor of London.
By the tumultuous assembly at Lambeth we find it may be necessary
upon like occasion to have the trained bands of the city in readiness.
You are therefore required, so often as you shall find it requisite, to
cause the trained bands or part thereof to be drawn forth in their
arms and put in readiness for service. [Printed in Rushworth, iii,
p. 1176. Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 14. |
44. The same to the Lords Lieutenants of the county of Norfolk.
We understand by a paper presented to this Board by some of the
deputy-lieutenants of Norfolk [see May 13th, No. 40] that there
are divers persons within that county who refuse to pay coat and
conduct-money for the 750 men ordered to be raised there for the
present expedition. The deputy-lieutenants also desire to know
how to proceed with such men as refuse to receive prest-money for
this expedition. We hereby require you to give directions to your
deputy-lieutenants to send in to you to be presented to this Board
the names of some of the principal and ablest men of that county
who shall refuse to pay coat and conduct-money, and that they
commit to prison such persons as being liable to impress, shall refuse
to receive prest-money for the present expedition. We know your
care to give expedition to services of this importance. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 14. |
45. Pass for Henry Coventry, Esq., to travel for three years with
one servant. [Minute. 4 lines.] |
May 14.
Whitehall. |
46. Sec. Vane to Charles Louis, the Elector Palatine. It cannot
bo unknown to your Highness that by the breach of this unhappy
Parliament his Majesty will be necessitated to make use of and
apply all his own treasure for the vigorous sustaining of his affairs
and well settling of the peace and quiet of his kingdoms, for this is
a duty he owes to God and his people, so as your Highness cannot
expect from his Majesty at this conjuncture any supply to enable
you by yourself or by conjunction with others to enter into an active
war, and therefore his Majesty, having no time in regard of the
multiplicity of his affairs to write to you, has commanded me to let
you know thus much in his name, with this advice to you, that you
cannot do better for the present than with all diligence to transport
yourself to the Prince of Orange's camp, yet, when his Majesty
has mastered his own difficulties, you may rest assured that he will
not leave one stone unturned (should the affairs of Europe dispose
themselves to peace or war), until he may get satisfaction or restitution in what concerns your Highness' interests, and his Majesty has
commanded me to tell you that he esteems plain and free dealing to
be ever best betwixt persons that are nearest in blood and affections.
[Draft. 1¾ p.] |
May 14.
London. |
47. Robert Edwardes to Sec. Vane. I have considered that which
you were pleased yesterday a second time to impart to me concerning
the postage of letters, but cannot find how I can give you any light
therein without being together with other merchants of this city
particularly appointed to inquire into the abuses of the place. This
I conceive to offer the best means of bringing to light such coinplaints as have been so long concealed and forborn by reason of the
countenance this place has been thought to have received from the
State. It would be very well to commit this power to two of the
Merchants Adventurers, two of the Turkey, two of the Eastland,
and two of the French companies. For the beginning of this work
I conceive I shall find ground enough out of a letter which some
three years past came from the court of our company in Rotterdam,
very much complaining of the overcharging of their letters. I
thought it my duty to give you this account by writing, and shall
attend your further commands herein. I crave pardon if I trouble
you with a word or two concerning the business between the Duke
of Lenox and the Company; wherein, although I in no kind distrust
the Company's cause in the Exchequer, which is as clear as the sun,
yet because the Duke may, through some misunderstood information,
apprehend that this business has not suited with his expectations
and service through my disaffection thereunto, I beseech you to
favour me so much that as you have opportunity you will please
assure him of my devotion to his service in the best manner I am
able, and because his Grace, by the many passages herein, may
conceive himself as well touched in his honour as concerned in the
right of his patent. I have great hopes if the tender thereof might be
accepted to put all things in such a way as might end all matters
both to his honour and profit, and to the encouragement of trade.
[1½ p.] |
| May 14. |
48. Sir Benjamin Ayloffe, Sir Henry Mildmay, and Sir Thomas
Wyseman, deputy-lieutenants of Essex, to Robert Earl of Warwick,
and William Lord Maynard, lords lieutenants of Essex. This day
we attended at Chelmsford for receipt of the conduct-money [for the
soldiers levied in this county], which we find to come in very
slowly, not above 150l., and the returns so imperfect, that at the
request of the chief constables we have thought fit to extend the
time until Tuesday next at Chelmsford, when they promise to give
us perfect returns either in money or writing. After this date we
shall be able to give you better account of this service, but are in
great doubt that it will then fail in such proportion that we shall
not be able to go on with the service to the satisfaction of his
Majesty's command. If it may stand with your occasions to be
here present at the day fixed, we conceive it would much advance
the service. [Seal broken. ¾ p.] |
| May 14. |
49. Certificate of Oliver Cromwell. Being desired by William
Kirbye, of Upton, in the county of Huntingdon, gent., to certify my
knowledge of what passed at the speeding of a commission between
Thomas Kirbye, the father, and Thos. Kirbye, the son, sat upon at
Oundle, co. Northampton, about Michaelmas last past, I being one
amongst and with others authorised to execute the same, I do hereby
testify and affirm that by and with the consent of both the said
parties, and upon a full and final agreement then had and made
between the father and son, of the matters then in difference to the
searching out the truth of which the said commission tended. It
was then and there agreed and consented unto by both the parties
that further execution of the commission and return of depositions
should cease, and that the same should be suppressed, which
accordingly was done, and that this was so and is true I do by these
presents testify under my hand. [1 p.] |
| May 14. |
50. William Earl of Exeter, lord lieutenant of co. Northampton, to
Nicholas. Sir Thos. Pope having promised payment of 1l. 9s. 2d.
for coat and conduct-money and obedience for the future, I desire he
may be discharged from further attendance upon the Council Board
at this time, paying such fees as are due to the messenger. P.S.—I
desire likewise that Thomas Gavill may be discharged, paying all
fees. [¾ p.] |
| May 14. |
51. Examination of William Trollope of Bourn-park, co. Lincoln,
taken before Attorney General Bankes. This examinant has
heard that a part of Bourn Fen, in co. Lincoln, was by decree of
Sewers set apart to be improved for the Earl of Lindsey as undertaker
for draining that fen. On the 15th April he was in that county,
but not any way aiding or assisting in cutting the river or great
drain in Bourn Fen, which is pretended to have been riotously cast
down on that day; neither was he any way privy thereto nor to the
force used to Mr. Euston and other workmen. [Endorsed: "Received
15th May 1640." 1¼ p.] |
| May 14. |
52. Examination of Henry Arundel, of Northall or Northaw, co.
Middlesex [now Herts.], taken before Sir Henry Spiller. That he
being at Brainford at the election of knights of the shire for Middlesex, took notice of a petition which was brought thither to be
presented to the said knights, and that divers freeholders then
present both read it, and so well approved thereof that they grew
earnest to have it delivered when the sheriffs were at the poll, but
examinant conceiving that time to be unseasonable offered to deliver
the same to such knights as should be that day chosen immediately
after the election. He accordingly the same night delivered the
petition to Sir Gilbert Gerrard, one of the knights chosen, and
desired his favour therein. Being demanded to whom that petition
was directed, and what was its substance saith: It was directed to
the Commons' House of Parliament for ease and redress against shipmoney, against innovation in the Church, and a request to have a
yearly Parliament. Examinant denies that he knows who contrived
that petition or that he knew anything of it till his coming to
Brainford; neither does he remember who delivered it to him, nor
the names of any of the great number of freeholders who accompanied him in the delivery thereof. Touching the meeting held in
the house of George Smith at Greenford when it was resolved to
present a petition to the lords lieutenants that in case the number
of men set upon each parish should be pressed they might get
discharge for some of their men to stay at home, without which
their husbandry could not possibly go on. According to which
resolution this examinant framed and wrote a petition on the 6th
May, which was sent to Brainford to obtain signatures. [3¼ pp.] |
| [May 14.] |
53. Observations on the examination of Henry Arundel, of
Northall. There was another petition formed out of the blank
paper which Arundel delivered to Esaias Hart, and which was signed
by divers freeholders. It, no doubt, contained their pretended
grievances touching the coat and conduct-money which they termed
military charges. The names of those to be sent for by warrant are
Esaias Hart, of Northall, William Hill, of Crosse, in the parish of
Hayes, and George Smith, of Greenford, all in co. Middlesex. [2/3 p.] |
| May 14. |
54. Examination of William Osmond, high constable of the half
hundred of Gore, taken before Sir Henry Spiller. He knows not of
any petition, nor has heard of any delivered to Sir Gilbert
Gerrard the same night that he was elected knight of the
shire at Brainford. Being demanded what warrants, papers, or
petitions he has since known to be delivered to Sir Gilbert from his
election to the dissolving of the Parliament, he saith that the
warrants directed to him for coat and conduct-money now to be
levied was by him, being in London on the 3rd May, shown to Sir
Gilbert, who noticed the sum, but whether he were directed by Sir
Gilbert to make a petition thereupon he remembers not. Denies
attending any meetings at Brainford or Greenford. [¾ p.] |
| May 14. |
The like of John Streete, constable of Pinner. He deposes to the
same effect as the preceding. [Written on the same paper as the
preceding. 1 p.] |
| May 14. |
The like of Henry Martin, of Harrow, to the same effect. [Ibid.
¾ p.] |
| May 14. |
55. Further deposition of William Osmond. That on Tuesday
5th May, being the day that the late Parliament was dissolved,
examinant did deliver to Sir Gilbert Gerrard the copy of a warrant
for conduct and coat-money for soldiers, he only desiring to know of
Sir Gilbert whether other hundreds were charged at so high a rate
as the hundred of Gore, whereunto Sir Gilbert answered that he
could not give examinant any certain information. Examinant
further saith that he did voluntarily and of his own accord deliver
the copy of the warrant to Sir Gilbert without being desired to do
so. [½ p.] |
| May 14. |
56. Capt. Thomas Trenchfield to the Council. We have this day
been at Dover, and in obedience to your commands have viewed the
harbour, pier, and several heads, and taken notice of the state and
condition they are now in, as well as the reparations this summer to
be done to them. We have also viewed Archcliffe fort. The particulars of both which we here present to your Lordships. [2 pp.] |
| May 14. |
57. Report by Thomas Rudd, his Majesty's chief engineer, of the
view and survey of the fortification of Archcliffe bulwark decayed
as also of the necessity for repairing the same for the defending of
the haven and harbour of Dover, taken the 14th and 15th May 1640
by order of the Earl of Newport, Master of the Ordnance. [2 pp.] |
| [May 14.] |
58. Petition of Anthony Percivall, captain of Archcliffe fort, near
Dover, to the Council. By order of the Lords a survey was lately
made of the defects of the harbour and pier of Dover and of the fort
of Archcliffe together with the consequence thereof. Petitioner hopes
that it appears to your Lordships that this fort is of great consequence to command the road, harbour, and town, that the wall and
ditch lately made about it are exceeding needful, and the addition
of buildings to petitioner's house both necessary and plain. Most of
the wall has fallen down principally owing to the workmen's
deceitful building of it. The duty heretofore levied upon strangers
goods for repair of the harbour and fort, together with the proper
revenues of the harbour, will be sufficient to complete the repairs in
convenient time, but the charge of repairing the fort will daily grow
greater if not speedily taken in hand, as the engineer who surveyed
it can inform your Lordships. Prays the Lords to give order that
the repairs of the harbour and fort may be both performed together,
petitioner promising that no money shall be wanting for the harbour
in case the repairs thereof require the whole receipt of the duty,
which he conceives will be no prejudice nor any ways retard the
reparation of the harbour. [¾ p.] |
| May 15. |
59. Council warrant to release Henry Bellasis, Esq., and Sir John
Hotham, Bart., from the Fleet. [Minute. ¼ p.] |
| May 15. |
60. The like warrant directed to Hugh Peachy, messenger, to bring
up before the Lords John Brittaine, John Harby, John Franck, son
of Edmund Franck, of Morton, James Brig, John Johnson, Phrarye,
and Pearpoint, servants of Mr. Moore, of Bourn, co. Lincoln. [Minute.
½ p.] |
| May 15. |
The like to George Carter, messenger, to bring up Thomas Drinkwater, John Clay, Robert Chamberlain, John, son of William Franck,
William Gromet, jun., and Richard Leaband, jun., all of Morton, co.
Lincoln. [Written upon the same paper as the preceding. Minute.
¼ p.] |
| May 15. |
The like to Henry Kyme, messenger, to bring up William and
Roger Samwayes, servants to Lady Anne Ashley, co. Dorset. [Ibid.
Minute. ¼ p.] |
| May 15. |
61. Order of Council, the King present. There being a proclamation
drawn, immediately to be published, for punishing and repressing the
late traitorous and rebellious assemblies in Lambeth and Southwark,
it was this day ordered that the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London
shall cause the same to be proclaimed in the market-places and chief
streets of the city, and the sheriffs of Middlesex and Surrey shall
do the like in the suburbs and adjacent places, and the bailiff of
Westminster within the liberties of Westminster. [Printed in
Rushworth, iii., p. 1177. Draft. 2/3 p.] |
| May 15. |
62. The King to Henry Garwaie, lord mayor of London. We
understand that there are divers rebellious and insolent persons
tumultuously assembled in Southwark, Lambeth, Blackhcath, and
other parts adjacent. Our will is that you raise and send forth well
armed and furnished with powder and shot 1,000 able and well
affected persons, or so many as you shall conceive to be necessary, of
the trained bands of our city of London, to suppress, destroy, and
apprehend all such persons so assembled. [Draft. ¾ p.] |
| May 15. |
The Council to the Earls of Dorset and Holland, lords lieutenants
of co. Middlesex. There being present occasion for the drawing
together of some forces to repress the traitorous insolence of some
base people, these are to require you to cause as many of the
trained horse of Middlesex as you can assemble together to be tomorrow morning by 9 a.m. in St. James's-field, well armed and provided for such present employment as shall be then directed.
[Written on the same paper as the preceding. Draft. ½ p.] |
| May 15. |
63. The Council to Arundel, Nottingham, and Maltravers, lords
lieutenants of Surrey. Whereas the traitorous insolences lately
practised by some base people near Southwark give us occasion to
take care of the persons of the Prince and their Majesties' other
children at Richmond, we have thought fit to require you to give
order that 200 of the trained bands of that county nearest thereabout be raised, and sent to watch about the house at Richmond for
24 hours, and then to be relieved by other 200 of the said bands,
and so from day to day until you shall hear further from us.
[Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 15. |
64. The Council, signed by the Earls of Dorset and Holland, to
[Sir William Balfour], lieutenant of the Tower. To cause the
trained band within the precincts and liberty of the Tower, forthwith and so long as shall be found requisite, to be from time to
time drawn forth in their arms and put in readiness with powder
and shot. Also to take so many of them into the Tower as shall
be fit for defence and safety thereof. [Printed in Rushworth,
iii., p. 1179. Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 15. |
65. The Council to the Earls of Dorset and Holland, lords lieutenants of Middlesex. To take order that some of the trained bands
of Middlesex nearest adjoining be sent this evening into Southwark
and the parts adjacent, and so from time to time employed by turns
to relieve the trained bands of Surrey. [Printed in Rushworth,
iii., p. 1176. Draft. 1 p.] |
May 15.
Whitehall. |
66. Council warrant to [James Ingram], warden of the Fleet
Prison, or his deputy, to release Alderman Somes, he having given
bond to answer his contempt in the Star Chamber. [Draft. ½ p.] |
May 15/25.
Paris. |
67. Charles Louis, the Elector Palatine, to Sec. Vane. Although
I have not yet received your letter [see May 14, No. 46], by [Sir
R.] Cave, his trunks not having arrived, I understood so much by
himself as that I count myself much bound to you for your care of
me and my affairs. I was very glad to receive the King's commands
by him, though it afflicts me that his Majesty's domestic troubles
are likely to hinder his assistance to his friends abroad. I pray God
they may not last long, but be ended to his contentment; in the
meanwhile I have no hopes of obtaining any good here, since they
profess that their assistance depends on what the King, my uncle,
will do for me. I have nothing else to say at this time but to give
you thanks for your kindness to Sir Richard Cave, and to desire
you to continue me in his Majesty's good opinion. P.S.—I shall
desire you to let me know of the receipt of those letters I wrote to
his Majesty and yourself. [Seals with device. 2 pp.] |
May 15/25.
Paris. |
68. Sir Richard Cave to Sec. Vane. Upon Saturday morning last
I despatched a packet from Dover, to give an account how and where
I had spent my time after my departure from the Court. The same
afternoon with the packet-boat I arrived at Calais, and on Monday
last with the ordinary from thence I came post for Paris, where I
arrived on Wednesday, and the same evening, after the delivery of
their Majesties' commands and presenting their letters, I gave his
Highness [the Prince Elector] an account of two especial points
which his Majesty gave me in charge by word of mouth, viz.: First,
his Majesty commanded me to assure his Highness of the continuance of his affectionate desire to assist him in all his affairs, but
that at this present, considering the burden of his Majesty's important engagements, he should take it very well if his Highness
would forbear to press him to furnish any supplies or subsidies of
money, which the present state of his affairs could not possibly afford.
In the second place, his Majesty, utterly disapproved of his Highness
hearkening to the French project concerning his coming for England,
which was tendered upon such dishonourable terms, viz., de retourner
pour rendre compte, &c., as his Majesty wondered that they were
not ashamed to offer such an unreasonable proposition to his Highness. But howsoever plausible any offer to that purpose might
appear, yet until his Majesty's affairs should be reduced to a better
settlement, his Majesty commanded me to tell his Highness that it
would neither be convenient for him, nor advantageous to his
Highness' business, to come for England, and that, therefore, his
Highness should do well to stay as yet where he was, and to make
trial if he could get any real advantage from those large verbal
offers here made by the French King and Cardinal [Richelieu].
This is the sum of that which I presented to his Highness, and
yesterday made repetition thereof before my Lord Ambassador [the
Earl of Leicester] in his Highness' presence. For other matters
expressed by his Majesty, that is to say, his relation concerning
former proceedings between himself and the French King, and
next, his Majesty's satisfaction concerning two late mistakes, the
former about his Highness' titles upon the head of the articles
signed between his Highness and Mons. de Chavigny, the other
concerning the formalities insisted upon by Monsieur I say only
that his Highness is very much contented and comforted with his
Majesty's true sense of these late mistakes, and highly satisfied with
his Majesty's former proceedings with the French. And so I forbear to give you the trouble of reading large repetitions of these
last particulars, wherein his Majesty is well satisfied, as you perfectly understand. I presume it will give his Highness great satisfaction to receive a confirmation, I may better say weekly confirmations, of his Majesty's goodness towards him from your hand,
for I assure you, with all earnestness, that I do not, in all his
troubles, find anything stick so near to his heart as the apprehension
that the King should not be fully satisfied with his proceedings.
It was one of the last things, he said to me, that a man of many
more years and much more experience than himself, would, he
thought, be puzzled to play his game; my person, said his Highness,
is tied to this place, my duty and obedience are engaged in England,
&c. I swear to your Honour my heart aches many times to hear
him speak; he is extremely sensible of the King's troubles. I
beseech God give his Majesty a happy issue out of them. I will
not longer trouble you, but only in obeying his Highness' commands
sent to me again just now, to entreat you that he may hear from
you by the first ordinary [post] after the receipt hereof. [Seals with
arms. 2 pp.] |
| May 15. |
69. William, Earl of Exeter, lord lieutenant of co. Northampton,
to Nicholas. I desire that John Danby [having made payment of
his assessment for coat and conduct-money] may be discharged from
his further attendance upon the Council Board at this time, [¼ p.] |
| [May 15.] |
70. The same to the same. The like discharge for Mr. Lisle.
[¼ p.] |
| May 15. |
71. The same to the same. The like discharge for Martin Jakeman, Robert Gibbord, Mr. Holman, Richard Pen, and Thomas Goodwyn, they paying all fees. [⅓ p.] |
May 15.
Brecon. |
72. The Deputy-Lieutenants of co. Brecon to John Earl of Bridgwater, Lord President of the marches of Wales. According to the
Lords' commands we have pressed 200 able men for service, and
delivered them to the Lord General's officers to be exercised, though
not without much difficulty in regard of the little assistance we had
from William Watkyns, bailiff of the town of Brecon, who, although
often desired to press 12 able men out of that town, being but a
small proportion in regard of the population and extent of the town,
consisting of 11 wards, and having two constables to each, yet
brought only eight, affirming that he was the King's lieutenant
within that town, and, therefore, might appoint what number he
pleased, and not to be required by us. He, with some of the burgesses, came into the Castle-green of Brecon, a place out of his
liberties, where we were sitting upon this service, in indecent
manner, as we conceive, with their hats on their heads, and spake
the aforesaid words, for which being reprehended by us and demanded whether they came thither to affront us, one of them said
that we affronted them, and the bailiff dared us to commit him
which words how derogatory to your Lordship's person and authority which was then represented in us we leave for you to judge.
[1 p.] |
| May 15. |
73. Deposition of William Stretchley, of the borough of Blandford Forum, co. Dorset. That he being bailiff of that borough for
1636, received the King's writ for ship-money, whereupon he made
a rate for raising 25l. assessed upon that borough, and appointed
Richard Roper, a woollen-draper, who had formerly been twice
bailiff, and was then constable, to be collector of the money, but
Roper, having collected of the inhabitants 15l. 11s. 9d., fled, and a
commission of bankruptcy was sued forth and executed against his
estate. This deponent was unable to recover any part of the
15l. 11s. 9d., and further makes oath, that upon letters heretofore
sent from the Council for payment of the arrears, he did in May
1638 take his journey from Blandford towards London to answer
the Lords' letters, but in his way received a grievous fall from his
horse whereby his shoulder was broken, so that he was carried home
again, and there lay lame for a long time after. [2/3 p.] |
| May 15. |
74. Table showing the amount of the loan paid into the receipt
of Exchequer at various dates subsequent to 20th December 1639,
by noblemen, gentlemen, and others, whose names are specified in
one column, and in the opposite the sums issued to the persons
named, upon the Privy Seal of 300,000l. There remained of the
loan on the 15th May 1640, 1,232l. 2s. 2d., the receipts having
amounted to 232,530l. [= 3 pp.] |
| May 13–15. |
75. Returns made by the aldermen of the several wards within
the city of London, specifying the names of such persons within
their limits as are conceived able to lend his Majesty money upon
security towards the raising of the sum of 200,000l., according to
an Order of Privy Council made at Whitehall in presence of his
Majesty 10th May 1640. The names with their callings are grouped
as first, second, third, and fourth sort of persons of ability. The
certificates are for the following wards, viz.: Alderman Pratt's, for
Bridge Ward Within; Alderman Sir Edward Bromfield's, for Waibrook; Alderman Samuel Cranmer's, for Cripplegate Within and
Without; Alderman Gilbert Harryson's, for Cheap; Deputy of
Alderman Somes, for the Vintry; Alderman William Abell's, for
Bread-street; Alderman Sir William Acton's, for Aldersgate; Alderman Thomas Adam's, for the small ward of Portsoken; Alderman
Jacob Garrod's, for Bishopsgate; Alderman Henry Garwaie, now
Lord Mayor, for Broad-street; Alderman Richard Gurney's, for
Dowgate; Alderman James Cambell's, for Lime-street; Alderman
John Cordell's, for Bassishaw; Alderman Edmund Wright's, for
Cordwainer; Alderman Sir Morris Abbott's, for Coleman-street;
Alderman Sir George Whitmore's, for Langbourn; Alderman
Anthony Abdy's, for Candlewicke; Alderman John Highlord's, for
Tower-street; Francis Mosse, Deputy to Alderman Sir Nicholas
Raynton, for Cornhill; Alderman Christopher Clitherow's, for Billingsgate; and Alderman Rudge's, for the ward of Castle Baynard.
[= 29 pp.] |
| May 16. |
76. Grant made to the King by the clergy of the province of
Canterbury, assembled in Convocation, of one benevolence or extraordinary contribution of 4s. in the pound yearly during the six
years next ensuing. [Attested copy. Latin and English. 7 pp.] |
| May 16. |
77. The same printed at London by Robert Barker, King's printer,
and by the assigns of John Bill, to which is appended the ecclesiastical orders or canons made in the Sacred Synod for the levying and
collecting of the benevolence, together with the ecclesiastical censures and punishments against such as refuse to make payment.
[26 pp.] |
May 16.
Whitehall. |
78. Order of Council, the King present. That the examinations
of Richard Beaumont, George Sprat, and Edmund Wilson be sent to
Sergeants Sir Robert Heath and Ralph Whitfield, who, together
with [Thomas Gardiner], recorder of London, are hereby required
to consider of the same, and to take such further examinations of
these persons and of Gervase Oglethorpe and others as they shall
think best for discovering the truth of the business expressed in the
examinations already taken and sent herewith. In the meantime
Beaumont is to stand committed to the Fleet Prison. Dorso:
"Received by Mr. Brook on Saturday night between 9 and 10,
16th May 1640." [Printed in Rushworth, iii., p. 1178. 1 p.] |
| May 16. |
79. Draft of the preceding Order in Council. [½ p.] |
| May 16. |
80. Council warrant to the Warden of the Fleet to take into his
custody Richard Beaumont and keep him prisoner till further order.
[Minute. ⅓ p.] |
May 16.
Whitehall. |
81. Order of Council. His Majesty and the Lords understanding
that when the late tumults were in and about Southwark and
Lambeth there were divers idle and lewd persons transported to
and from Ratcliff, Blackwall, Redriff or Rotherhithe, and Wapping,
whereby these disorderly and rebellious assemblies were much
increased. It was this day ordered that as well the Master and
Wardens of the Trinity House as the Master and Governors of the
Watermen's Hall, should be hereby required to take present order
that there be no boats of any sort suffered to transport after 9 o'clock
at night any idle or suspected persons for whom they will not answer
or give account. Underwritten, |
|
81. i. One of these orders was sent to the Trinity House and
another to the Master and Governors of the Company of
Watermen. [Printed in Rushworth, iii., p. 1178. Draft.
2/3 p.] |
| May 16. |
The Council to Henry Garwaie, lord mayor of London. To the
effect of that directed to the lords lieutenants of Middlesex
15th May 1640. [Written on the same paper as 15th May, No. 65.
Minute. 3 lines.] |
| May 16. |
82. The Council to the Justices of Peace of Westminster. The
traitorous insolences lately practised by some base disorderly people
in Southwark, Lambeth, &c. give us occasion to apprehend that
they may attempt some mischief at St. James'. We, therefore
require you to give present order that there may be a watch of 50
able men well provided sent thither this evening, there to continue
all night, and the like number for every night until you shall
receive further directions from this Board. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| May 16. |
83. Council warrant to Edmund Barker, messenger, to bring up
before the Board John Hobson, gent., Richard Darby, Edmund Best,
George Browne, Thomas Browne, jun., Thomas Pinchback, and
W. Toller, all in co. Lincoln. [Minute. ⅓ p.] |
| May 16. |
The like warrant to Simon Wilmot, messenger, for Thomas Ogle,
W. Winsley, John Pond, William Hankin, Thomas Markham, and
Theophilus Wright, all of co. Lincoln. [Written on the same paper
as the preceding. Minute. ⅓ p.] |
| May 16. |
The like to David Scott, messenger, for John Ascough, John Harrington, Roger and Thos. Cock, Nicholas Norwood, and John Cust,
in co. Lincoln. [Ibid. Minute. ⅓ p.] |
| May 16. |
84. Order of Council concerning John Browne, Esq., his Majesty's
founder of brass and iron ordnance. [Minute. ⅓ p.] |
| May 16. |
Another like order. [Written on the same paper as the preceding.
Minute. 3 lines.] |
| May 16. |
85. The Council to Mountjoy Earl of Newport, Master-General
of Ordnance. We send you here enclosed a petition with a copy of
an estimate and a particular of a supply for Calshot Castle, presented
to the Board by Capt. Andrew James, wherein he represents how
that castle goes to ruin, and how requisite it is to have it repaired
as in the petition is more at large expressed. We hereby require
your Lordship to take order that such reparations be forthwith
made as are necessary, and that you cause such supply of gunpowder,
shot, carriages, &c. to be sent to the castle as the Officers of Ordnance
shall hold fit. [Draft. 1 p.] |
| [May 16 ?] |
86. Petition of Walter James, captain of Southsea Castle, Hants,
to the Council of War. About two years since there was a general
survey made, when the defects of the castle, both the decays and
necessary reparations, were certified, as also the want of [gun]
carriages, gunpowder, and other munition and habiliments of war,
for supply of which petitioner has been an earnest suitor, but as yet
no order is given therefor. Prays the Lords to take the same into
consideration, and according as the times require to give order for
the needful repairs to be done and for a supply of ammunition.
[¾ p.] |
| [May 16.] |
87. Petition of the same to the same. Petitioner has been a longtime a suitor for the repair of Southsea Castle and for a supply of
ammunition. On the 27th March last the castle took fire, whereby
the lodgings and necessary rooms for stowage of provisions and
ammunition were consumed. He prays the Lords to take into consideration the consequence of the place in these times of danger,
and to order the speedy repairing and furnishing thereof. [1 p.] |
| May 16. |
88. Deputy-Lieutenants of co. Hertford to William Earl of Salisbury, lord lieutenant of that county. We read your letters of the
13th, not without much discomfort from an intimation they give of
his Majesty's displeasure. Neither our lives nor anything except
God's favour, being so dear to us as his Majesty's. We return, that
having in our letters of 10th and 17th April to you represented
reasons why we conceived we could not execute those commands,
to which we have as yet received no resolution. We beg leave to
refer ourselves to them and protest that no men living are more
zealous in the King's service in all we lawfully may than your
obedient servants. [Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
May 16.
Salop in extreme haste. |
89. Deputy-Lieutenants of Salop to John Earl of Bridgewater, lord
lieutenant of that county, and Lord President of the marches of
Wales. As our former letters advertised our want of money out of
those allotments that were under alteration, so these must once again
testify their refusal to pay the same. [Margin. Clun and Purslow
are short 60l., Ludlow 30l, and in Stottesden 7l. 10s. Total, 97l. 10s.]
In which respect we are not able to deliver to the commanders
sent unto us our full number of men, yet those delivered are
especially well furnished so as they want nothing which may
evidence our cheerfulness to serve our King in all readiness equal
at least to any county for ought we know. Our money grows very
low and will hardly clear us to the day prefixed, 20th May, our
payments being 100l. and upwards by the week. If at that time
[the soldiers] be not taken off we have no order for a new levy,
neither do we know how to raise it, having a persuasive but no
compulsive power. What difficulties we find in these rough paths
and how far we have adventured our weak interests in the opinion
of our country, we cannot but discover to our grief, who are both
faithful to them and loyal to our Sovereign, betwixt whom we labour
to pass by equal paces. P.S.—Our general rendezvous is Whitchurch, in Salop, which we conceive most convenient for their
march, but as yet they are all at Shrewsbury, where they desire [to
remain] not knowing any other so fit for quarters. [Dorso: "Received 18th May 1640. Received from Mr. Nicholas, 27th May
1640, per Wilmot the messenger." Seal with arms. 1 p.] |
| May 16. |
90. Notes of business to be proceeded with [in the Queen's Court]
at Denmark House this day, relative to her estates in cos. Berkshire, York, Lincoln, Norfolk, Cumberland, Hunts., and Suffolk,
[1 p.] |
| May 16. |
91. Mem. touching petitions to the Queen from Thomas Cooke and
Anthony Verney, the coachman, for a lease of lands in Hogsthorpe,
co. Lincoln. [2/3 p.] |
| May 16. |
92. Certificate by Richard Halford, that he received from Henry
Earl of Stanford, six cart horses, which in September last Captain
Legge delivered to his Lordship to be sent back to Henry Earl of
Huntingdon and Ferdinando Lord Hastings, lords lieutenants for
co. Leicester, that these horses were afterwards sold by him, being
one of the deputy-lieutenants for that county, for 41l. 6s. 8d.,
which sum remains in his hands to be disposed of towards the
buying of 70 horses to be furnished by co. Leicester for this present
service. [1 p.] |
| May 16. |
93. Note by Sir John Lambe of the names of grave divines for the
county of Bucks., with the fees paid between 26th September 1639
and 16th May 1640. [1 p.] |
May 16.
Berwick. |
94. Account of money disbursed by Capt. Henry Tillier, Comptroller of the Ordnance at Berwick, for repairing of arms, &c. in his
Majesty's garrison at Berwick. Total, 372l. 9s. 10d. Examined and
approved by Capt. William Legge and the Earl of Newport.
[1¼ p.] |
| May 16. |
95. Bond of Henry Martin, of Harrow, Middlesex, in 40l. for his
attendance before Sec. Windebank, to answer to such matters as
shall be objected against him, upon six days warning. [Latin and
English. 2/3 p.] |
| May 16. |
96. Examination of Richard Beaumont, apprentice to James
James, of Aldermanbury, apothecary, taken this day before Lord
Newburgh, Sec. Windebank, and Lawrence Whitaker, relative to
his participation in or knowledge of the tumult in Southwark on
Thursday night [the 14th]. He heard that the apprentices would
pull down the Queen-mother's house, Somerset House Chapel, and
Arundel House, and the reason why they would pull down the Earl
of Arundel's house was because he had mounted ordnance there
against the apprentices in St. George's-fields, and the others because they were houses of Popery. He heard that the Archbishop
of Canterbury had a crucifix on the communion table in his chapel
and that he bowed towards the altar; this he heard of Gervase
Oglethorpe, an attorney's clerk dwelling in St. Lawrence Lane, who
said he had seen that crucifix and pictures there. [1½ p.] |
| May 16. |
97. The like examination of Edmund Wilson, apprentice to James
James, of Aldermanbury, to the same effect as the preceding. Report that if the apprentices did not pull down the Bishop's house on
Thursday they would do it in the Whitsun holidays. He heard his
fellow apprentice Beaumont say nothing concerning the Archbishop,
but he heard him say that those were wisest who stayed at home.
[1 p.] |
| May 16. |
98. Deposition of William Watts, of Dorchester, gentleman, that
on the 17th April last William Churchill, Esq., sheriff of co. Dorset,
sent him and William Barbar, a sheriff's bailiff, to levy on the goods
of Lady Ann Ashley, at her farm in Winterborne St. Martin,
5l. 12s. 4d. assessed on her for ship-money, when they having seized
two of her horses, William and Roger Samwayes, her servants, with
violence rescued the same. On a second attempt they were again
assaulted and the horses rescued. Afterwards the same day deponent heard William and Roger Samwayes affirm that if they had
killed any of them in the rescue Lady Ashley's son-in-law, Denzil
Holies, Esq. [M.P. in the late Parliament for Dorchester], would
bear them out and defend them in what they had done. Roger
Samwayes told deponent that Lady Ashley had given them special
order that when the sheriff or his bailiff came to distrain for shipmoney they should not suffer her cattle to be distrained. [1 p.] |
| May 16. |
99. Account by Sir William Russell and Henry Vane, treasurers
of the Navy, of ship-money assessed on each county by virtue of
writs issued in 1638, with the amounts received and remaining in
arrear. Total assessed, 69,750l.; received, 56,236l. 19s. 8d.; in
arrear, 13,513l. 0s. 4d. [ = 2 pp.] |
| May 16. |
100. Similar account of ship-money received by writs of 1639.
Total, 16,440l. 6s. 5d., also 2,000l. paid in at Portsmouth by the
sheriff of Hants. [1 p.] |
| May 16. |
101. Account of ship-money for 1639 levied and remaining in the
hands of the sheriffs. Total, 6,417l.; making with the 16,440l. paid
to the Treasurers of the Navy, 22,857l. This week were paid in
157l. of the 1638 arrears. The arrears of ship-money were, for
1635, 4,536l.; 1636, 6,896l.; 1637, 16,832l.; 1638, 13,513l. [1 p.] |
May 17.
Whitehall. |
102. The King to Archbishop Laud. Whereas we granted to you
free leave and license under the Great Seal, dated 12th May, to
propose, treat, and conclude upon all such necessary articles and
canons which you shall find fit to be ordered for the better peace
and government of this Church [of England]. Provided that you
shall thereby have no power to meddle with or alter anything
ratified and confirmed by Act of Parliament, and whereas we have
further in that license which we granted you reserved power to
ourself to command you to propose and determine of any such thing
or things as we shall recommend to you under our Sign Manual or
Privy Signet. These are, therefore, to require you to propose, treat,
and conclude upon such a canon as may secure us and all our loving
subjects against all growth and increase of Popery in this our
kingdom, as also of any heretical or schismatical opinions to the
prejudice of the doctrine or discipline of this Church of England
established by law. And that in this canon you agree upon some oath
to be taken by yourselves and all the clergy respectively, and by
all those who shall hereafter take upon them holy orders, that they
shall adhere constantly to the doctrine and discipline here established, and never give way, for so much as can any way concern
them, to any innovation or alteration thereof. And when you have
made this canon and inserted this oath, we require you to present
it to us that we may advise upon it, and if upon mature consultation we approve it, we shall confirm it, and then give you
power under our Broad Seal both to take the oath yourselves and to
administer it to all such as the canon appoints. [Draft in Laud's
hand. 2 pp.] |
May 17.
Whitehall. |
103. Copy of the same. [2 pp.] |
May 17.
Whitehall. |
104. Order of Council, the King present. His Majesty having
this day heard the Deputy and some of the Company of Merchants
Adventurers touching an arrest or stay made of about 356 white
cloths, as being attempted to be shipped without license and contrary to his Majesty's letters patent. It was ordered that the
company shall be permitted for the present to ship these 356 cloths,
upon oath of the owners that the cloths did not cost them above 6l.
a piece. The company shall continue to ship their cloths upon such
oath until his Majesty, having considered this business with the
Lord Treasurer and the Duke of Lenox, shall settle the same in
some good order for the future. The Deputy and the rest [of the
Merchants] being thereupon again called in and told what order had
been resolved upon, told his Majesty that they doubted not but that
the white cloths of this kingdom would be all well taken off now
that this obstacle was removed. [Draft. 1 p.] |
May 17.
Whitehall. |
105. The like order. There was lately found in the house of
Alexander Lea, tailor, of Bloomsbury, a trunk belonging to Mary
Silvester containing 200 Popish books all in English, of the sorts
here specified, being such as by law ought to be burnt. Ordered
that these books be delivered to the sheriffs of London and Middlesex, who are hereby required to see them brought into Smithfield,
and there on a market day between 10 and 11 a.m. publicly burnt
by the hangman. [Printed in Rushworth, iii., p. 1180. Draft.
2/3 p.] |
| May 17. |
106. The like order. Upon reading the petition of Thomas
Alderne, Esq., present high sheriff of co. Hereford, promising to use
all diligence in collecting the ship-money charged upon that county,
it was ordered that he be examined by the Attorney General and
enter into bond of 5,000l. before the Clerk of the Council to answer
such information as the Attorney shall see cause to exhibit in the
Court of Star Chamber against him on his Majesty's behalf, as well
for his neglect in not levying the ship-money according to the
King's writ as for abusing the Council Board by a letter intimating
as though his under-sheriff had been slain in execution of his Majesty's writ for that service, when it was for other business not concerning ship-money, and that he stand to and abide the sentence of
that court. Upon performance of these conditions he is to be
discharged from prison and from further attendance upon the Board
at this time. [Draft. ¾ p.] |
| May 17. |
107. The like order. Roger Samwayes, servant to Lady Ashley,
being formerly sent for by Council warrant upon the complaint of
the sheriff of Dorset for having rescued a distress taken by the
sheriff's servants for ship-money payable by Lady Ashley, it was
this day ordered, upon the undertaking of Denzil Holles, Esq., that
the sum charged for ship-money shall be forthwith satisfied to the
sheriff, that Samwayes be discharged from further attendance upon
payment of fees. [Minute. ⅓ p.] |
| May 17. |
108. The like order. His Majesty having been moved on behalf of
Sir Capell Bedell, Bart., in regard of his great engagements for the Lord
St. John, to grant him a Royal protection for one year, and being
informed that many of his creditors are willing to compound, and
that it will be a great advantage to him if he may have liberty to
solicit the Earl of Bolingbroke, father to Lord St. John, for his assistance in the compounding with his creditors, and Sir Capell being
now specially employed in important service of his Majesty, it was
ordered that a Royal protection shall be granted to Sir Capell for
six months. [Draft. 2/3 p.] |
| May 17. |
109. Pass for Henry Baynton, Esq., son of Sir Edward Baynton,
of Bromham, Wilts., to travel for three years with one servant.
[Minute. ¼ p.] |
May 17.
Berwick. |
110. Sir Michael Ernle to Edward Viscount Conway and Killultagh. I have done my best endeavour to end the dispute between
Sir William Brunker [or Brunkard] and your petitioners, so that
you should be no more troubled, but I cannot prevail. Lieutenant
Brunker and one or more of the gentlemen will wait on you; they
differ in the relation, and both parties think themselves much injured
No news in these parts more than I informed you in my last letter.
I will give you a speedy account should anything happen. I hear
by the letters I received to-night that all business goes very ill at
London, but I am sure you have better advertisement from thence
than I have. I will trouble you no further at this time. [Seal with
arms. 1 p.] |
May 17.
Newcastle. |
111. Viscount Conway and Killultagh to Sir Michael Ernle. I
have spoken with Lieutenant Brunkard; he says that I have not been
rightly informed. The gentlemen who complain are not yet come
to me. I am desired not to do anything until Sir William Brunkard
comes hither, and I am very willing, hoping as the man did who
undertook to make the great Turk's horse speak, that some accident
would intervene which should save him; if it can be compounded it
will be best, for such disputes are not for a man's honour. This night
the troop [of horse] of Sir John Conyers, which is to go to Berwick,
is come hither, but they have no money to carry them further. I
pray borrow of the paymaster there 10 or 14 days' pay for the
troop, they will come thither and muster and receive their month's
entertainment which is now due. I have heard from London that
divers libels are cast abroad and that they are thinking of means by
which the army shall be paid. The Doctor could sit but one day
in the Parliament House, his eyes were so beaten; I would his eyes
had been made like a lobsters, to have endured knocking. [Draft.
1 p.] |
| May 17. |
112. Sir Robert Heath and Ralph Whitfeld, serjeants-at-law, and
Thomas Gardiner, recorder of London, to [Sec. Windebank]. We
received a commandment by order from the Council [see May 16,
No. 78], for examination of some persons thereby directed, who
had been formerly examined, and of some others, which we have
done with all the speed we could, and pray you to acquaint his
Majesty or the Lords with the examinations; whereout we can
collect little worth the further trouble of their Lordships, but
submit to such further directions as we shall receive therein. [½ p.]
Enclose, |
|
112. i. Examinations taken by them this day concerning the
matters revealed in the examinations of Richard Beaumont and Edmund Wilson [see May 16, No. 78], the
persons examined were Jervas Oglethorpe, servant to
Henry Wicksted, attorney-at-law, in St. Lawrence-lane;
Elizabeth Williamson, wife of William Williamson,
perfumer, at the back of the Old Exchange; John Flaxmore, servant to Mr. Williamson: and Edmund Wilson,
apprentice to James James. [3 pp.] |
| May 18. |
Petition of Robert Burton, late paymaster of the works in the
Great Level fens, on behalf of himself, William Wright, Nicholas
Eastwood, and 250 other labourers to the King. Petitioner was
commanded by letter from the Earl of Bedford, dated September 30
1637, to go on with the works in the fens for draining your Majesty's
part and the rest, wherein he was to follow the directions of George
Glapthorne, specially assigned thereto by your letters, which petitioner
did, and there was unpaid for work then done 426l. 11s. owing to
petitioner and the labourers who lately petitioned the Council and
obtained an order that the Earl should examine the truth of their
petition, and pay them their money, after sums before then ordered
to be paid to other labourers. The Earl not denying the truth of
their petition, nor finding fault with their works or accounts, yet
desires your further directions therein. Petitioner prays you will
give directions for their payment. Underwritten, |
|
i. Reference of the above to Lords Treasurer and Cottington, who
are to consider the business, and take such order for
petitioners' satisfaction as they find fit. Whitehall, May
18,1640. [Copy. See Book of Petitions, vol. cccciii., p.
176. = ¾ p.] |
| May 18. |
113. Notice by the Lords that they will hear the differences
between Lord Lumley and his lady at the Council Chamber in
Whitehall on Thursday next at 3 p.m. [¼ p.] |
May 18.
London. |
114. Henry de Vic to [Viscount Conway]. I have not been
unmindful of my promise, though as yet I have not performed it,
but besides that I know not where my letters might find your
Lordship. I am glad to hear that the relation you expected from
me of the passages of affairs have been so supplied, and indeed the
times have been such as it did require a privileged person to do it.
This bearer will inform you better than I can write of our present
distempers, and the ways we take to compose the same, which I
wish may prove effectual, when he leaves I will continue to hold
you advertised as the nature of occurrences and the convenience of
writing will give me leave, for all means of conveyance are not
alike safe. I pray God that things may have a better success than
the appearances threaten, and that I, with many others of the same
mind, may be deceived in our apprehensions of future events, so
that your designs be not hindered for want of means to pursue the
same, nor his Majesty's authority be forced to strike to popular
tumults; I hope I shall not live to see those days. [1 p.] |
| May 18. |
Algernon Earl of Northumberland, Lord General, to Edward
Viscount Conway. The nature of most men is not willingly to
acknowledge an error until they needs must, which is some of our
conditions here at this time. We have engaged the King in an
expensive occasion without any certain ways to maintain it, all
those that are proposed to ourselves have hitherto failed, and though
our designs of raising this great army are likely to fail yet are we
loath to publish that which cannot many days be concealed. In
plain terms I have little hope to see you in the North this year,
which I profess I am extremely sorry for, conceiving it will be dishonourable to the King and infamous for us that have the honour
to be his ministers when it shall be known that we shall be obliged
to give over the design. [See 23rd April, vol. ccccli., No. 33.
11 pp.] |
| May 18. |
Précis of the above extract from the Earl of Northumberland's
letter. [Modern. ¼ p. Written on the same paper as May 5, see
vol. cccclii, No. 36.] |
May 18.
Barbican. |
115. John Earl of Bridgewater, Lord President of the Council in
the Marches of Wales to [Sec. Windebank]. Such intelligence as
I receive I send to you with all the speed I can. You may perceive
what effect the alterations of the instructions have produced. I
pray think and advise what course may be taken for keeping the
business in the fair way it was in. These letters [see May 16, No. 89]
show what scruples and doubts be in the deputy-lieutenants' [of
Salop] thoughts, by reason of their want of power to levy moneys,
and how to remove them I know not, for they have already all the
power and strength that I can furnish them with. I doubt not but
I shall receive more letters of this kind from other places, as I have
formerly signified to you, when I sent you upon Saturday last the
letter which I received out of Carnarvonshire. Thus in haste,
desiring to receive my letters back again when you shall have made
use of them, I conclude. P.S.—I conceive that the payments which
are short in Shropshire are occasioned by reason of the endeavour
to alter the rates of allotments in that county; to which purpose if
I mistake not the Board has been formerly petitioned, and upon
reference thereof from the Board, if my memory fail not, it was
ordered, or at least advised, that payments for his Majesty's service
should be paid according to the ancient and former rates, until the
questions in difference should be determined and settled; this I
imagine you may easily find by the Council book or by speech with
Mr. Nicholas, for I think the questions did arise upon the taxing and
rating of the ship-money. [1 p.] |
May 18.
Whitehall. |
Henry Earl of Holland, Chief Justice and Justice in Eyre of the
Forests on this side Trent, to the officers of his Majesty's Forest of
Alice Holt and Woolmer, in co. Southampton. Suit having been
made to me by John Fauntleroy, of Headley, to grant him license to
remove a barn standing upon his land within the forest, and also to
inclose a small piece of waste ground containing about five acres,
parcel of the manor of Broxhead, on which to rebuild the barn and
a little house called Heath House, which I am certified may be made
without any inconvenience to the forest or damage to the game of
deer there. I do hereby license Moore Fauntleroy, to whom his
father has conveyed his part of the manor of Broxhead, to inclose
the said small piece of five acres, and to build thereon as above
desired. [Copy = 2½ pp. See vol. ccclxxxiv., p. 78.] |
May 18.
Drainland [in Lincolnshire]. |
116. John Enys to Robert Long. I can take up no money in the
country, and what to do I know not. If you send me not down
200l. this week to pay the men against Whitsuntide we shall not
have a man left upon the [drainage] works, besides the clamour
that will be in the country. Mr. Lyens tells me that this bearer,
Francis Hill, will bring down the money if you please. The pursuivants came not till Wednesday last, what they have done I know
not, but if you send not some down for the men of Bourn and
Donington, there will be no living here, and that with as much
speed as you can. This bearer is in haste, but by the messengers
I shall write to you at large. P.S.—Do not fail to send money or
else our credit is quite broken. [Seal with crest. 1 p.] |
| [May 18.] |
117. Certificate by Sir Thomas Grymes, a deputy-lieutenant for
Surrey, of the names of the persons within the borough of Southwark who refused to make assessments within their several parishes
for coating, clothing, pressing, conducting, and pay for part of 800
men, commanded by the Council to be raised within co. Surrey for
the King's service. [1 p.] |
| [May 18.] |
118. Return by Robert Smith, constable of the Clink liberty, of
the names of defaulters in payment of coat and conduct-money.
[¾ p.] |
| [May 18.] |
119. The like by Thomas Mann, constable of Old Parris Garden
liberty. [½ p.] |
| [May 18.] |
120. The like by the constables of St. Saviour's parish, in the
borough of Southwark. [1 p.] |
