|
Aug. 2,
Court at York. |
98. Acknowledgement by the King. That he had borrowed
of Sir Thos. Gower 1,500l., and allowed an account for 750l.
disbursed for his service since his coming to York, which sums
he hereby promises to repay to Sir Thos. or his assigns upon
demand, or within three months after. This shall be to all whom
it may concern a sufficient warrant and testification of our gracious
acceptance of his service and assistance in this our pressing occasion.
[Signed, but not sealed. ½ p.] |
| Aug. 2. |
99. Acknowledgement by Lucius Lord Falkland for 1,500l.
received for the use of the King from Sir Thos. Gower, with 750l.
more. [Seal with arms and crest. ¼ p.] |
| Aug. 3. |
100. Report presented by the Earl of Manchester and other the
Commissioners of the Treasury to the King. Upon signification
of your pleasure, by your letter of 1 June, for the satisfying of
the debts owing by your Majesty to the Commissioners of the
Customs, your late farmers thereof, for which they together with
other your servants stand engaged, including the debt for the
Pepper, which is 50,000l., we have sent you a list of all your parks,
forests, and chases within England and Wales as directed, but for
the value of them we have forborne to give any opinion, not being
able to do it but by way of estimate, which may be far different
from the true value thereof. When you shall be pleased to direct
which of these shall be disposed of, we will with all speed take
order for the exact surveying and valuing of every particular, that
they may be sold to your best advantage. [Copy. 1 p.] |
Aug. 3,
Court at York. |
Pass, signed by the King, for Michael Blunt, of Bicester, Oxon,
to travel for three years beyond sea with two servants, and 100l.
in money, provided he refrains from entering the territories of any
State not in amity with us; from keeping company with persons
departed out of England without license, Jesuits, priests, or persons
ill-affected to our State; provided also that he shall return if
required by us before the expiration of the term limited. [See
Sign Manuals, vol. 13, No. 952. Parchment.] |
| Aug. 3. |
101. Petition of Sir Balthazar Gerbier to the Commissioners of
the Treasury, concerning his repayment by the King, out of the
annual tenths of the clergy, the sum of 1,300l., arrears [due for a
diamond ring presented by his Majesty to the Count of Salms].
Having mistaken the meaning of the expression "the current year"
used by him in his previous petition [see March 7], whereon his
request was granted, prays that the Commissioners would give
order for altering the tallies, at petitioner's charge, so that he may
receive payment, according to his true meaning, out of such tenths
of the year ending at Michaelmas last as are yet unassigned.
[1 p.] |
Aug. 4,
The Court at Nottingham. |
102. Warrant of the King to Mr. Armson, of Burbage. Understanding that there is in your hands a good sum of money, collected
in co. Leicester, you are hereby required to pay the same over to
Henry Hastings, Sheriff of that county, for which a receipt under
his hand shall be your sufficient discharge. [Damaged. ½ p.] |
| Aug. 6. |
103. Order of [the Committee of Lords and Commons for safety
of the kingdom]. That all the soldiers shall have delivered unto
them at their first marching coats, shoes, shirts, and caps, in all to
the value of 17s., for every man; and Stephen Eastwick and
Captain Player are requested to provide all such as are yet unprovided by the Irish Committee, and to give an account unto us.
The signatures subscribed are those of Essex, Nathaniel Fiennes,
John Pym, and Sir John Meyrick. [½ p.] Dorso: A list of
regiments raised for this expedition, viz.:—The Lords' General,
Peterborough, Say and Sele, Mandeville, St. John, Wharton, Stamford, Rochford, Brooke and Robarts, Sergeant Major Generals; with
Colonels Holles, Cholmley, Grantham, Sir William Ferfar[?], Sir
Wm. Constable, Hampden, Ballard, Essex, and Bamfield. [½ p.] |
Aug. 7,
Westminster. |
104. Sir John Danvers to [Sir Robert Foster, Justice of Assize
for the Western Circuit]. The King's occasion of remove from Hull
and Beverley seems to set him on the more probable way by
sudden or speedy hastening with such troops as will follow him
towards London, or better strength in the Southern parts, whilst
Portsmouth, having drawn supply or accomplishment from the
Parliament, now declares to stand for the King; but the averseness
or engagement of the county of Southampton may possibly cause
the less trust in that advantage. There are divers reports of the
King's way; some will have it through Kent, and others through
the Midland counties, but every way doubted more expeditious
than the Parliament's forces, whereof gallant troops are this day
marched towards the West, as well to impeach the recourse between
North and South as to strengthen the Ordinance of Parliament for
the apprehending of the Marquis Hertford, Lord Paulett, Lord
Seymour, Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir Francis Dorrington, Thos. Smith,
M.P., of Somersetshire, who are declared delinquents in both
Houses for enforcing the execution of the Commission of Array,
the story whereof, as the manner and consideration of Sir Ferdinando Gorges' activity in that business at Shepton Mallet, will,
I presume, be ingenuously brought to your knowledge. |
|
The Sheriff of Somerset, directed to his posse comitatus for the
apprehending of these delinquents, may have possibly assistance of
the troops gone from hence towards those parts. |
|
The printed papers extant in all quarters may clear most of the
rest; but only I may show you that the Earl of Portland is
prisoner with one of the Sheriffs as suspected likely to befriend
Portsmouth from or by the Isle of Wight. |
|
Sir Kenelm Digby was this morning taken from his bed. His
trunk being weighty, giving suspicion of Papists' money therein
collected, was seized and sealed; 14 horse of appointment thereby
stayed. |
|
Sir William Balfour has at last accepted the place of LieutenantGeneral of the Horse, under the Earl of Bedford, and, for want of
others, many Scotchmen are entertained to assist the commanders
of the Parliament forces. |
|
A paper in print seems to declare a resolution in the Scots to
guard the King's person and preserve his just rights, but not
avowed by their Commissioners, who neither seem well contented,
whilst they are pressing an answer touching the contract for their
Irish employment, unratified by the King, as also concerning their
money due by the public promise, is driven off from time to time
now near their returning towards Scotland, intended some time
next week. |
|
The Lord Mayor, trained on in divers hearings, is not yet
acquitted or sentenced, the business growing high and important;
whilst some unlucky counsels or persons about the King divert the
issue from the way that should best serve the King, as well as
other persuasions seem to drive the City into a conjoined way of
self-preservation, the proof or effect whereof, together with many
other fearful particulars, will too soon give instances whereby to
lament or judge of the proceedings in several quarters. |
|
The Lord Keeper, inserting a mean kinsman of his into the
Commission of Array for Oxfordshire, does not render him the
more regarded at York or here in Parliament, nor does Mr. AttorneyGeneral receive much employment by his being at Court. Some
preparations in Flanders, kept off from us by the States' men-ofwar, is not unlike to bring Kent into a conjunction, whilst Judge
Mallett is apprehended by order of Parliament, and brought out of
Surrey. [4 pp.] |
Aug. 9,
Chelsea. |
105. The same to the same. The King is taking precautions for
securing Newcastle, whither perhaps will be the easier passage of
the arms and munition brought over in two frigates, and recently
landed at Holy Island, under the conduct of Prince Rupert and his
brother, who reported the same to the King at York. Meanwhile
the Prince Elector Palatine is said to have taken leave for his return
into Holland. It is said some forces are again sent to Beverley;
but whereas some pieces of artillery, by parley between the Earl
of Northampton and Lord Brooke, were remitted and placed in
Banbury, Sir Nicholas Byron and one of the Colonels Lunsford and
Captain Fielding, negociating by letters and commission, and under
the Earl of Northampton, with the help of some troops of horse
sent thither from York, took the ordnance away out of that place
and castle yesterday, which moves Buckinghamshire, and consequently the employment of the knights of that county, to a serious
carefulness to regain the same, which is like to be much seconded
by the adjacent counties, whereby there may be possibly as great
a concourse and edge therein as against those lords in Somersetshire. |
|
The sum of 4,000l. or 5,000l. in gold of Sir George Binnion's, the
citizen sentenced, was found ready charged on a porter's back this
morning to be carried towards York, and was diverted to Guildhall,
and so was near a whole troop of horse going from Kingston, under
the conduct of one Allen, as they say a Papist, so that it is very
difficult for any great supplies to be sent from these quarters. |
|
The Earl of Leicester is not very sure of the continuance of his
great office, and the Earl of Ormond is President of Munster. |
|
The country of Nottinghamshire came in multitudes, and lately
prevented Lord Newark and the sheriff, and the Byrons, &c., from
taking any part of their magazine, and [so they] were fain with their
troop of horse to quit the place. |
|
Divers of the House of Commons are deputed by charges and
otherwise to go into the several counties, as the Committees of Lincolnshire; and by most circumstances it seems to be apprehended
that those men below the justices of peace, enured to travel and
business, will carry all the multitude below them, and make it too
dangerous for their superiors that should sever from them, and no
remedy against the worst consequence thereby except the King and
Parliament were thoroughly united. [Seal with arms and crest.
2 pp.] |
Aug. 9,
York. |
106. Sec. Nicholas to Sir John Sackville. The King thanks you for
the list of subscriptions for contributions you have sent him, and
desires you to present as much to all those gentlemen who so freely
and seasonably contributed towards his Majesty's charge. You may
please to direct those gentlemen to pay in their contributions either
to Sir William Uvedale here, or to think of some course how it may
be paid monthly here, or for three months together, as most here
pay to save the trouble of several payments. There came on Saturday
into the Tees a ship laden with arms and munition for the King and
great store of powder. This evening we have news that the Earl
of Northampton has taken at Banbury the five cannon and munition
sent by the Parliament to be put into Warwick Castle, and these
were valiantly [sur]rendered by Colonel Fiennes, Lord Saye's son,
without any blows. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.] |
| Aug. 9. |
Order of the Commons that Sir Nicholas Stanning be disabled
from sitting in the House during the present Parliament. [Interregnum, G. 117, 819.] |
Aug. 9,
Fosters. |
107. Sir John Sackville to Sir Robert Foster. I came here last
night from London. I was at Maidstone Assizes, where Mr. Justice
Mallett carried himself stoutly and bravely; the manner of it I
know you have heard. From Kingston he was fetched on Friday
last by the Knight of the Black Rod, a sergeant-at-arms, and a troop
of horse to the Parliament, by whom he was committed to the Black
Rod, and from thence removed to the Tower. I was told yesterday
that there was great joy upon the Exchange, for that you in your
circuit have declared the Commission of Array to be illegal. At
London there is much news which I dare not commit to paper.
There they cry, "Arm! Arm! Sound drums and trumpets." They
raise horse and foot daily, and send troops away daily, most towards
Portsmouth. [Seal with crest. 1 p.] |
| Aug. 10. |
108. Directions for defence of the City of London, embodied in 11
articles. That a right of search may be granted to six or eight sufficient men in every ward in London. That each of these committees
have power to go from house to house, and demand how every man
stands affected to the King and Parliament, and what he has done
for Ireland, and to disarm Papists. That strong watches be set,
especially on the Sabbath day, and every night one of the said
committees take his turn to see that watches are properly set. That
fortifications may be made about London, and that there may be a
good proportion of horse about the City, and 4 or 5,000 young men
trained and exercised in the City. [1¾ pp.] |
Aug. 10,
Lodge at Sherborne. |
109. William Earl of Hertford to Sir Robert Foster. The Sheriff
of Dorset, having been with me to advise of such things as concerned
the King's especial service, acquainted me with his desire of being
excused from his personal attendance on your Lordship this assizes,
for divers reasons, which he tells me he has by letter imparted to
you; which, though I make no doubt but that they will prevail with
you, yet I have thought good to second them with my request unto
you, as being willing to give all encouragement to him whom I find
so loyal and affectionate to his Majesty's service, which I assure
myself you will likewise be most ready to do, not only in this particular, but upon all other occasions that may be offered. [Seal with
arms and coronet. ½ p.] |
| Aug. 10. |
110. Order of the Lords and Commons. Appointing Sir Gilbert
Gerrard to be Treasurer of the Army to be forthwith raised for the
safety of the King's person, defence of the Parliament, and preservation of the true religion, for the issuing of money on the orders or
warrants of the persons herein-after named, for the purposes specified,
giving him the same power to appoint the officers under him which
Sir Wm. Uvedale had by his commission dated February 26, 1640.
[Printed in the Lords' Journals, V. 281. 5½ pp.] |
| Aug. 10. |
111. Robert Earl of Essex to Sir Anthony Irby. Commission to
raise a troop of 100 dragoons in co. Lincoln, and to be captain of the
said troop. [Signed and sealed. Parchment.] |
| Aug. 10. |
112. The same to Thomas Welby. Commission appointing him
Provost-Marshal of the regiment of dragoons of which Sir Anthony
Irby is Colonel. [Signed and sealed. Parchment.] |
Aug. 12,
Exeter Castle. |
113. Presentment and petition of the Grand Inquest at the Assizes
for county Devon to Sir Robert Foster, Justice of Assize for the
Western Circuit. Since his Majesty instructed you to let his
people know that if they should prefer to him any things wherein
they held themselves to be grieved in a fit way he would give a
gracious ear to their complaints, and return a favourable answer;
we are bold to present to you in his stead these ensuing grievances. |
|
1. That his Majesty is yet estranged from his greatest Council,
the Parliament,—a grievance of grievances. |
|
2. That the Commission of Array is a thing of extreme grievance
and terror to us all. |
|
3. That the war actually begun in other parts of the kingdom,
and fearful preparing here, is a grievance tending to the dissolution
of the ancient government of this kingdom. |
|
4. That too many members of both Houses do wilfully desert
their service there. |
|
5. That we miss so many of our ancient and well deserving
justices in the commission of peace now read to us, and do fear that
public damage may ensue thereby; and withall we humbly desire
that a fit and speedy relief may, by his Majesty in concurrence with
his Parliament, be granted and sent for the poor distressed Protestants in Ireland, and that the laws may be duely put in execution
against Papists and other refractory disturbers of the Protestant
religion amongst ourselves. The redress of all we humbly leave to
his Majesty's grace, and beseech your Lordship's best furtherance.
17 names subscribed. [Damaged by damp. 1½ pp.] |
| [Aug. 12 ?] |
114. Presentment similar to the preceding, but without the heading specifying from whence it proceeds, nor to whom addressed,
though two of the four names subscribed are the same as those in
the preceding paper. It has an additional sixth article:—That we,
with all alacrity and cheerfulness having paid such sums as no
precedent of former ages can parallel, yet, notwithstanding, there
has been and is such delay in relieving the distressed Protestants in
Ireland that the loss of that kingdom is much feared, and many
good laws conceived, likely to be strangled in their birth. And
trading is thereby decayed almost to the undoing of many thousands
amongst us. [Damaged by damp. 1½ pp.] |
| [Aug. 12?] |
115. Petition of the Constables of the several hundreds of
Somersetshire to Sir Robert Foster, Justice of Assize. We are
informed that a Commission of Array has lately issued from his
Majesty to the Marquis of Hertford and others, for mustering the
trained bands, and imposing arms on all able to find them in this
county, and seizing the magazines the property of the counties,
which commission has been voted by both Houses and proved
illegal, being contrary to Magna Charta and the Petition of Right,
and the Judges in their charges are ordered by the Houses to declare
it to be contrary to law, to satisfy the people and preserve the
kingdom's peace. May it therefore please your Honour to direct
that the declaration and order of both Houses of Parliament, condemning all Commissions of Array as illegal, may be openly read in
Court, that so petitioners and the rest of the county may know the
law therein, and accordingly shape their obedience. Dorso:
Delivered in court by Robert Bagnall, constable of Keynsham, Bath
Subscribed by 20 names. [Damaged by damp = 2 pp.] |
| [Aug. 12 ?] |
116. Petition of the Constables of Devon to the same, to the same
effect as the preceding, except that in this case the Commission of
Array is issued to the Earl of Bath and others, and the names
subscribed are 32. [Damaged by damp = 2 pp.] |
| Aug. 15. |
117. Presentment and petition of the Grand Inquest at the
Assizes for Somerset [to the same]. Since our gracious Sovereign
has invited us to exhibit to him our just grievances in an humble
way, with promise of a gracious answer thereunto, we are emboldened to present the grievances here stated. Contrary commands,
as we hear, issue from the commanders of both places, to the great
terror of us who are ready to obey all due commands grounded upon
the laws. We humbly petition, for the avoidance of the miseries
that may befall us by means of contrary commands, that the King
would be pleased to suspend the execution of the Commission of
Array, and that Parliament would likewise suspend the execution
of the Order for the Militia. That for the settlement of the Militia
according to law, the King and Parliament would be pleased to
assemble again, and in full Court to make an Act for settlement
thereof, or take some course in the same to establish the peace and
security of the kingdom, and that in the meantime the Militia of
this county may be ordered by the justices of peace resident in this
county for the time being according to the Statutes now in force. |
|
That our brethren in Ireland are like to perish, and the whole
kingdom to be lost, for want of timely succours. That the Popish
recusants may be confined to their houses according to law, and a
list of convict recusants [in our county] may be given us, thereby
the better to observe when they exceed their limits. That the
number of the justices of peace may be increased by the addition of
such able gentlemen as have certain places of residence within this
county. And we with our lives and fortunes shall be ever ready
to maintain and preserve his Majesty and prerogatives, with the
High Court of Parliament and privileges thereof, together with the
laws of this realm, according to the tenor of our late protestation.
Subscribed by 19 names. [Damaged by damp. 2 pp.] |
Aug. 15,
Sherborne. |
118. William Marquis of Hertford to Sir Robert Foster. I find
that many of the gentlemen and others of this county [of Dorset]
that stand well affected to the King's service and the peace of the
kingdom are very apprehensive what may pass at this your Assizes,
and few of them will adventure themselves into that town,
being at present in such a posture of war, so as you are like not
to be so fully attended, and all due preventions will rest
wholly upon your courage and constancy. I have received from the
King a commission of Lieutenant-General of the Western parts and
South Wales, which gives me just occasion to give you this advertisement, and expect from you that you permit nothing to pass to
the prejudice of the King's service and the peace of the kingdom,
whereof I earnestly pray you to be very careful. [2 seals with crest
and coronet. 2/3 p.] |
Aug. 16,
Aylesbury. |
119. Nehemiah Wharton to his [late master] and much honoured
friend, George Willingham, merchant, at the Golden Anchor in
St. Swithin's Lane, London. [Describing the march of the sixth
company of that portion of the Parliament's forces which was formed
by the Volunteers of the Metropolis previous to their amalgamation
with the rest of the Earl of Essex's troops.] On the 8th August
we marched to Acton, and being belated were constrained to "lodge
on beds whose feathers were above a yard long." The next day,
Tuesday, several of our soldiers sallied out to the house of one
Penruddock, a Papist, and, being basely affronted by him and his
dog, entered his house, and pillaged him to the purpose. This day
also the soldiers got into the church, defaced the ancient and sacred
glazed pictures, and burned the holy rails. Wednesday Mr. Love
gave us a famous sermon; this day, also, the soldiers brought the
holy rails from Chiswick, and burned them in our town. At
Chiswick they intended to pillage the Earl of Portland's house, as
also that of Dr. [Arthur] Duck, but by our commanders they were
prevented. This day our soldiers generally manifested their dislike
to our Lieutenant-Colonel [Biddeman], who is a "God-dam blade,
and doubtless hatch in hell;" and we all desire that either the
Parliament would depose him, or God convert him, or the Devil fetch
him away quick. This day, towards even, our regiment marched
to Uxbridge, but I was left behind to bring up thirty men with
ammunition the next morning. Thursday, I marched toward
Uxbridge; and at Hillingdon, the rails being gone, we got the
surplice to make us handkerchiefs, and one of our soldiers wore it
to Uxbridge. This day the rails of Uxbridge, formerly removed,
were, with the service-book, burned. This even Mr. Hardinge gave
us a worthy sermon. Friday, I with three other commanders were
sent with one hundred musqueteers to bring the ammunition to
Amersham in Buckinghamshire, which is the sweetest country that
ever I saw; and as is the country so also is the people; but, wanting
room for the regiment coming after us, we were constrained to
march four miles further to Great Missenden, where we had noble
entertainment from the whole town, but especially from Sir Brian
Ireson and the minister of the town. Saturday morning our companies overtook us, and we marched together to[wards] Aylesbury,
and after we had marched 4 long miles, for so they are all in this
country, we came to Wendover, where we refreshed ourselves, burnt
the rails; and accidentally one of Captain Francis' men, forgetting
he was charged with a bullet, shot a maid through the head, and she
immediately died. From hence we marched very sadly two miles,
where Colonel Hampden, accompanied with many gentlemen well
horsed, met us, and with great joy saluted and welcomed us, and
conducted us into Aylesbury, where we have a regiment of foot and
several troops of horse to join with us. In this town our welcome
is such that we want nothing but a good Lieutenant-Colonel.
Sabbath day, August the 15th, —in this town a pulpit was built in
the market-place, where we heard two worthy sermons. This
evening our ungodly Lieutenant-Colonel, upon an ungrounded
whimsey, commanded two of our captains, namely, Captain Francis
and Captain Beacon, with their companies, to march out of the
town, but they went not. Every day our soldiers by stealth do
visit Papists' houses, and constrain from them both meat and money.
They give them whole great loaves and cheeses, which they
triumphantly carry away upon the points of their swords. I
humbly entreat you, as you desire the success of our just and
honourable cause, that you would endeavour to root out our Lieutenant-Colonel; for if we march further under his command, we fear,
upon sufficient grounds, we are all but dead men. Monday, August
the 16th, Colonel Hampden marched out of Aylesbury, with four
hundred musqueteers and about a hundred horse, towards Wattleton [Watlington] in Oxfordshire, where the Commission of Array
was this day to be settled; but they, hearing of the approach of our
troops, fled, and our horse pursued them so close that Sir John
Cursam [Curson] was taken, and the Earl of Berkshire was constrained to take Asgate [Ascot] house, some time the Earl of
Carnarvon's, where our companies have at this present beset him;—
and thus much for the present. Touching Lieutenant-Colonel
Biddeman before mentioned, I once more humbly beseech you, and
not I alone, but many others, both commanders, officers, and common
soldiers, that you would endeavour to rout him. There are several
other circumstances which I want time to express, for the office
assigned me is very troublesome, and continually takes up my whole
time; and therefore for the present let these satisfy. [Seal with
device and initials. 2½ pp. Printed in Archœologia, vol. xxxv.
pp. 311–314.] |
| Aug. 18. |
120. Henry Earl of Manchester, William Viscount Saye and
Sele, and Edward Lord Newburgh, [Commissioners of the Treasury,]
to the King's Remembrancer of the Exchequer. Requiring him
to send them a perfect particular of the lands of Sir James Bagg
in Devon and Cornwall, as the same are found by inquisitions
returned into his office, upon extents for a debt to his Majesty,
and are hereunder mentioned, viz., the barton, demesne, and manor
of Milton, Devon, value 256l.; the barton of Killigarth, and rents
of the manor, 231l.; and the manors of Pengelly and Eastcosham,
value 25l., in Cornwall. [1 p.] |
| Aug. 18. |
121. The same to the same. For a like particular of the tithes
of the lands under mentioned as they were found by an inquisition
of 16 April, 15 Chas. I., at Kirton in Lindsey, co. Lincoln. [1 p.] |
| Aug. 18. |
122. Petition of Robert Bowyer, Gentleman Usher of the Receipt
of the Exchequer, to the Lords Commissioners for the Treasury.
Prays order for payment of 700l. disbursed by him in providing
their Lordships, the Secretaries of State, and all other officers of
the Receipt, with paper, ink, parchment, money bags, and all other
necessaries, whereby he hath been forced to engage his lands,
to his great danger of undoing without relief. [1 p.] Subjoined, |
|
122. i. "Sir Robert Pye, let petitioner have 250l., in part of
what is due to him, as soon as money comes into the
Receipt. H. Manchester, W. Saye and Sele, E. Newburgh,
Aug. 18, 1642." [3 lines.] |
| Aug. 18. |
Bill of Sir Thomas Danby, late Sheriff of co. York. Craves
allowance of several sums disbursed by him for the service of
the King, in execution of his office of Sheriff from Michaelmas 1638
to Michaelmas 1640. Totals 114l. 4s. 4d. Underwritten, |
|
i. Certificate of Baron Edward Henden that the correctness of
the bill has been sworn to. |
|
ii. Order of Sir John Culpepper to Sir Peter Osborne, to pay
Sir Thomas Danby upon this account 66l. 3s. 4d.
18 Aug. 1642. [See case F. No. 7. Parchment.] |
| Aug. 18. |
123. Warrant of the Commissioners of the Treasury to Sir
Robert Pye to pay to the Countess of Ancrum 1,000l. in part
payment of the arrears of her pension of 2,000l. per annum, when
there shall be money in the Receipt. [⅓ p.] |
| Aug. 19. |
124. Order of the Committee of Lords and Commons for the
safety of the kingdom. That Stephen Estwick, Francis Peck,
and Capt. Thomas Player, shall forthwith provide coats, shirts,
shoes, and snapsacks for 12 regiments of foot, at 15s. 4d. for each
soldier; and the Irish Committee in London shall deliver to them
towards this service so many of each as are now in their hands;
and they shall have warrant from this Committee to the Treasurer
of the Army for such sums as they shall disburse for the State in
this service. [1 p.] Subjoined, |
|
124. i. Receipt by Stephen Estwick. For 100 dozen shirts out
of the store of the Irish Adventurers. 15 Aug. 1642.
[¼ p.] |
|
124. ii. The like. For 200 dozen shirts out of the store of the
Irish Adventurers. 24 Aug. 1642. [¼ p.] |
|
124. iii. The like. For 164 dozen shirts out of the store of the
Irish Adventurers. 6 Sept. 1642. [¼ p.] |
|
124. iv. Receipt, by some person not named, for 267 pairs of
shoes and 450 snapsacks out of the store of the Irish
Adventurers. Aug. 22, 1642. [4 lines.] |
Aug. 20,
Rochester. |
125. John Seton, Sir Edwin Sandys, Philip Linesey, and Richard
Lee, to his Excellency [the Earl of Essex, Lord General]. We
repaired to Cobham Hall, the Duke of Richmond's seat, and seized
arms and horses; which, according to directions, we have sent to
London. Next we repaired to Rochester, where, meeting with
Lord Roper, a Papist appointed on the Commission for Array,
they stayed him till further orders. Upner Castle, two sconces
commanding the river and Chatham Dock, were surrendered up
to us by their defenders, and we have garrisoned the same. We
must give you to understand that the guard we left in the last
place was not half enough for so great and important a place;
therefore we must desire your Excellency that with all speed
we may have sent down at least 250 men that we may be assured of,
for that we have yet the two great ships roaded without the Castle
and sconce, having each 60 men in ordinary; which ships, if they
should not be secured, there could be no provisions sent to the
Earl of Warwick; and care must be taken to indent for provisions
with the storekeepers, lest otherwise there may be more laid to the
Parliament's charge than what they have employed. We have also
stayed a German and his company, suspecting him to be an engineer,
and desire your resolution what to do with him. Further, if we
receive not order to the contrary, we intend, with the advice of
the Deputy Lieutenants, to visit some of the gentry of the country,
of whom we hear no good report, and where it is imagined there
are arms. P.S.—We must acquaint your Excellency that the
Mayor of Rochester, and the rest of that city, used us all with the
greatest love and alacrity that might be. [Seal with arms. 2 pp.] |
| Aug. 20. |
126. Kalendar of prisoners remaining in the gaol for the county
of Dorset this day. The list comprises 16, with the results of the
trial in each case, besides eight prisoners remaining in gaol according
to Kalendar of the last assizes, including John Howsley, who was
to pay the King 1,000l. [Large sheet = 2 pp.] |
| Aug. 21. |
127. [Sir Robert Foster, Justice of Assize for the Western
Circuit, to Sec. Nicholas.] According to his Majesty's commands,
signified by his letter of July 4 last, I [in all places of the Western
Circuit] made known his Majesty's pleasure therein by publishing
and reading the letter and by delivery of copies, according to the
directions therein. And in all places upon the first publishing I
found a very plausible acceptance, and expression of much joy and
contentment [therein]; and surely to the greater and better number
it was so. What petitions have been thereupon offered unto me
I herewith send; [though they be not such as happily they might
have been, and the contents of his Majesty's letter justly have
occasioned, yet,] being such as were offered, I conceived it my part
to accept of, and return them to his Majesty's better use of them.
[When they were penned I know not, nor by whom; only I know
they were presented by the Grand Juries as they express. But the
copy of his Majesty's letter being in print, and common in most
places before my first sitting, which I conceive happened by
reason other circuits began before, and thence former copies
issuing, came to the press. Petitions were thereupon drawn ready
to be preferred upon occasion.] For the peace of the countries, I
found them [most] in quiet when I came, and left them in peace
when I went out of them; and although much fear and rumour of
war had been [was] in all places before I came, yet, at my being in
the counties, I found them in quiet. The most appearance of arms
I found at Exeter and Dorchester; yet both pretended for their own
defence, the city from being surprised, as they gave out, by the Earl
of Bath and the Commissioners of Array that should come with
him, whose entrance they intended to oppose if he came with force;
and Dorchester alleged their defence was from being burnt up by
some who, they alleged, had threatened so to do, and showed me
some orders in Parliament to enable them to stand upon their
guard for their defence. But the Earl of Bath, coming into Exeter
in a peaceful and civil way, was admitted into the city, and no force
or assembly of any disorderly number appeared that I could any
way take notice of. [I did what in me lay by express command to
all sheriffs and others that had either power or command in those
counties to endeavour to preserve the peace, with a full assurance
unto them that I expected the peace should be preserved without
terror to the people; and whomsoever I found doing the contrary
I must and would see the laws put in execution upon them.] And
whereas I had been in several places pressed to deliver my own
opinion touching the illegality of the Commissions of Array, and
was pressed upon the votes in both Houses of Parliament, and
order for the Judges to declare and publish the same votes, for that
both votes and order were so generally well known, [posted up upon
all public places,] and in all men's mouths, I conceived it no way
against his Majesty's service nor my own duty to declare such vote
and order were made and passed. But, for my own part, I expressly
declared myself that I forbore to deliver any opinion of my own,
nor have I as yet declared myself to any what my opinion is,
touching the legality or illegality thereof. Although I find the
contrary in print, yet [it is] false and accompanied with many other
untruths, wherein I shall refer myself to all that were present. The
truth is, the countries are much possessed with the illegality of the
Commissions of Array, and the unlimited power, as is alleged, in
the Commissioners, and by reason thereof infinitely averse thereunto; yet, on the other side, I cannot find but they are possessed
with contentment in his Majesty's declaration for maintenance of
religion and laws of the kingdom, and the liberty of Parliament,
and his great care of the good of his subjects. That I am not able
to give any better or more exact account hath risen from this,—the
little time I was in the several counties, and the exceeding many
businesses which I found there, being, I think, generally the greatest
that hath happened these many years; that I was very little out
of the Courts, and in all particular places where I sat both Commissioners for Array and Committees for the House of Parliament, who
managed the particulars committed to their respective charges by
themselves, had, as I was informed, several conferences and meetings of which I could not take notice. And, for anything I could
perceive, the general desire of the countries is [that] both the
Commissions of Array and Militia be laid down, and some way to
be established by Act of Parliament for the quiet settling of the
militia of the kingdom. And truly the several contradictory commands make so great distraction (as they say) amongst them, that
they fear if it should so continue it will be exceeding mischievous
to many particular persons whose hearts stand well affected both to
his Majesty's service and love of the public good; so will it bring
great confusion to the general if not speedily prevented by some
settled course. [The passages in brackets have been crossed through.
Draft. 2½ pp.] |
| Aug. 25. |
128. Tho. Bendyshe and George Gent, justices of peace, to the
Sheriff of Essex. We are credibly informed that those riotous
people which are now assembled in a tumultuous and rebellious
manner in this county, and have committed divers outrages about
Colchester, Witham, and other places, are resolved to go to Audley
End and rifle the house of the Earl of Suffolk, and by the way to
plunder the houses of divers others his Majesty's liege people. These
are, therefore, in his Majesty's name, to require you forthwith to
direct warrants to the high constables of Hinckford, Uttlesford, and
Freshwell hundreds, commanding them to direct their warrants to
the petty constables of the parishes in their hundreds respectively,
requiring them to warn all the trained bands in their parishes to
be ready, completely armed, at an hour's warning, to assist us and
other justices of the peace for the said county; and you, the High
Sheriff, or your under-sheriff, with the power of the county, to
suppress the said riotous and rebellious assembly. [Three seals
with arms. 1 p.] |
| Aug. 25. |
129. Account of the arrears due to Edward Earl of Denbigh, as
well upon the embassy into Italy as upon the pension of 1,000
marks per annum granted to him by the late King, with his proposal. Total sum due, 13,157l. 6s. 8d. Total amount received,
1,500l. His Lordship's proposal is that though his Majesty was
graciously pleased to think his honour engaged in his father King
James's debts, and promised the Earl satisfaction for these arrears,
yet, considering the present conjuncture of affairs wherein his
Majesty may employ his revenues upon other more urgent occasions,
the said Earl humbly offers the following propositions out of a
particular aim he has to preserve the King's honour and his own
in foreign nations without any reflection upon his own interest and
profit. 1. That the King will be pleased to redeem his plate,
jewels, household stuff, and pictures, left in pawn in the hands of
Seignior Antonio Retano, a merchant of Venice, together with the
other pictures, plate and household stuff left with Sir Gilbert
Talbott, late Resident there, out of the arrears due to the Earl.
And that his Majesty will be pleased to accept the pictures as a
humble present from the Earl; the pictures being of such condition
that they will not in any sort disgrace his galleries, if he shall think
fit to place them there. 2. Though the plate was his own, and not
supplied by King James as to other ambassadors, the Earl only
desires such small parcel as was his grandmother the Countess of
Buckingham's, and marked with her arms, the rest to be discounted,
that his Majesty may be put to less charge. 3. That the King will
signify to those States where these debts were contracted that he
has taken the debts upon himself, and that the Earl may be no
further accountable for them. 4. For the remainder of the Earl's
arrears he is contented to release his Majesty from his former engagement to him, and humbly to tender the remainder of the arrears to
the King, as he has done the pictures. The accounts of the debts of
the embassy, together with a list of those pictures deposited with
M. Retano, are hereunto annexed. The other parcel, which were of
like value, though not so many, were left by Sir Gilbert Talbott
with Franchi, of which Sir Gilbert can best give account. [2 pp.]
Annexed: |
|
129. 1. Note of the debts incurred at Venice, as appears by a note
under Sir Gilbert Talbott's hand, dated 21 Dec. 1640.
[1 p.] |
| Aug. 26. |
Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament inhibiting
the importation of currants. In regard that this commodity, being of
little or no use at all, but a mere superfluity, cannot be had in the
parts beyond sea without ready money, costing 100,000l. at least
per annum, which otherwise would be brought into this kingdom,
the Parliament, at the instance and desire of the merchants and by
and with their consent, do hereby order that after 30 Sept. 1642 no
currants shall be imported into England and Wales, but shall be
utterly prohibited and forbidden, and those already imported shall
not be sold by retail for more than 5d. per lb.; offenders to be
punished for contempt by the Parliament. [Printed by order of
Parliament at London, for Laurence Blacklock, 1642. Broadside.
See Levant Company, vol. 1, No. 100.] |
| Aug. 26. |
130. Returns, according to an order of Parliament of 26 August
1642, by under-named wards and parishes within the city of London,
specifying in a tabular form the names of the persons applied to
for a loan, with the amounts in money and plate already lent, and
what further sum each is willing to lend, together with the names
of non-subscribers, and their reasons for not lending. |
|
1. Farringdon Without,—St. Sepulchre's parish, the Church
precinct, total 698l. 17s. Do. Old Bailey, total 607l. 19s.
[6¼ pp.] |
|
2. Notes taken by such as are appointed for the service in the
parish of St. Sepulchre and county of Middlesex, of the names of
such inhabitants as have given neither money nor plate; of such
as have already lent or do now subscribe, and of such as have
subscribed, but as yet not carried in money or plate, with the
amounts each will lend; of such as will neither lend nor give
with their several answers; of such as have not subscribed
according to their estates. [= 9 pp.] |
|
3. Bishopsgate Ward. List of such as have subscribed, but have
not yet brought in the sums specified; total 1,474l. 17s. List of
such as have already brought in the sums specified to Guildhall;
total 1,941l. List of persons within the Ward refusing to contribute,
with their reasons. [3¼ pp.] |
|
4. Cheapside Ward. List of persons who have either refused to
lend, or have not subscribed according to their quality or ability.
[¾ p.] |
| Aug. 26. |
131. Thos. Niccolls, sheriff of Montgomery, to Wm. Lenthall,
Speaker of the House of Commons. Command is sent to me as
sheriff, by mandates under the seal of the Court of the Marches of
Wales, to publish several proclamations, the which I have enclosed
that you may judge of their nature. My suit to you and your
honourable Assembly is that I may have their advice what to do
in this business. I would not willingly be wanting in loyalty to
my King, in duty to the Parliament, nor in faithfulness to my
country, neither would I run into contempt of the just authority
of either, nor intrench any way upon my late solemn vow and
protestation. I crave your speedy directions, for that I know not
how soon I may be questioned. [Seal with crest. ½ p.] |
| Aug. 26. |
132. Order of the Commons, that the money seized at the house
of Lord Cottington, and the iron chest now in custody at Guildhall,
be forthwith restored. [⅓ p.] |
Aug. 26,
Coventry. |
133. Nehemiah Wharton to George Willingham, merchant, at the
Golden Anchor, St. Swithin's Lane. Aug. 17, our companies, after
they had taken six delinquents and sent them to London, returned
to Aylesbury this day; we received six field pieces and two troops
of horse with other necessaries for war. Wednesday morning a
Warwickshire minister which the calvalleres [cavaliers] had pillaged
to the skin gave us a sermon. After noon our regiment marched
into the field and skirmished. Thursday morning, another sermon was
given us. After noon our regiment marched into the field, but by
reason of foul weather were immediately dismissed. This night our
regiment were commanded to march the next morning by 4 o'clock
under our Lieutenant-Colonel, but our sergeants resolved to surrender
their halberds, and the soldiers their arms, and not to march. Friday,
very early in the morning, our Lieutenant-Colonel [Biddeman] was
cashiered, for which I give you hearty thanks; and Serjeant-Major
Quarles employed in his room, whereat both commanders, officers,
and soldiers exceedingly rejoiced. This morning we cheerfully
marched towards Buckingham in the rear of Colonel Cholmley's
regiment, by reason whereof we could get no quarter there, but were
constrained to quarter ourselves about the country; whereupon I
and three gentlemen of my company visited that thrice noble gentleman Sir Richard Inglisby [Ingoldsby], where his own table was
our quarter, and Serjeant-Major Barrif and his son Captain Inglisby
[Ingoldsby], and several other noble gentlemen, were our comrades.
Saturday, early in the morning, I departed hence and gathered a
complete file of my own men about the country, and marched to
Sir Alexander Denton's park, who is a malignant fellow, and killed
a fat buck, fastened his head upon my halberd, and commanded two
of my pikes to bring the body after me to Buckingham with a guard
of musqueteers coming thither. With part of it I feasted my captain, Captain Parker, Captain Beacon, and Colonel Hampden's son,
and with the rest several lieutenants, ensigns, and serjeants, and had
much thanks for my pains. This day Serjeant-Major, our General,
came unto us, and declared the command given him over our
regiments. Sunday morning we marched from Buckingham into
Northamptonshire, a long and tedious journey, wanting both bread
and water; and about 10 at night came to Byfield in despite of our
enemies, at which town we could get no quarter,—neither meat, drink,
nor lodging; and had we not been supplied with 10 cart-loads of
provision and beer from Banbury, many of us had perished. This night
our company was commanded to guard the town all night, which, after
a long and tedious march, was very grievous. Monday morning we
marched into Warwickshire with about 3,000 foot and 400 horse
until we came to Southam. On the way we took two cavalier spies.
This is a very malignant town, both minister and people. We
pillaged the minister, and took from him a drum and several arms.
This night, our soldiers, wearied out, quartered themselves about
the town for food and lodging; but before we could eat or drink, an
alarm cried "Arm! arm! for the enemy is coming;" and in half an
hour all our soldiers, though dispersed, were complete in arms ready
to encounter the enemy, crying out for a dish of cavaliers to supper.
Our horse were quartered about the country, but the enemy came not.
Whereupon our soldiers cried out to have a breakfast of cavaliers.
We strongly barricaded the town, and at every passage placed our
ordnance, and watched it all night, our soldiers contented to lie
upon hard stones. In the morning early our enemies, consisting of
about 800 horse and 300 foot, with ordnance, led by the Earl of
Northampton, the Earl of Carnarvon, Lord Compton, and Captain
Legge and others, intended to set upon us before we could gather
our companies together; but, being ready all night, early in the
morning we went to meet them with a few troops of horse and six
field-pieces, and, being on fire to be at them, we marched through
the corn, and got the hill of them, whereupon they played upon us
with their ordnance, but they came short. Our gunner took their
own bullet, sent it to them again, and killed two horses and two
men. After we gave them eight shot more; whereupon all their
foot companies fled, and offered their arms in the towns adjacent
for 12d. apiece. Their troops, wheeling about, took up their dead
bodies and fled; but the horses they left behind them, some of them
having their guts beaten out on both sides. The number of men
slain, as themselves report, was 50, besides horses. One drummer,
being dead at the bottom of the hill, our knapsack boys rifled to
the shirt. Another drummer we found two miles off with his arms
shot off, and lay a-dying. Several dead corpses we found in cornfields, and amongst them a trumpeter, whose trumpet our horsemen
sounded into Coventry. We took several prisoners, and amongst
them Captain Legge and Captain Clark. From thence we marched
valiantly after them toward Coventry, and at Dunsmore Heath they
threatened to give us battle, but we got the hill of them, ordered
our men, and cried for a mess of cavaliers for supper as we had to
breakfast, but they all fled, and immediately we marched into
Coventry, where the country met us in arms and welcomed us, and
gave us good quarter both for horse and foot. In this battle I met
your horseman Davy, and he and I present you and my mistress
with our most humble service, desiring you to pray for us, and
doubt not but both of us will valiantly fight the Lord's battle.
P.S.—My best respects to Mr. Henry Hickman, and inform him
that I have received his book, and shall acknowledge myself engaged
for the same. [Seal broken. 3 pp. Printed in Archceologia,
vol. xxxv., pp. 315–317.] |
| Aug. 28. |
134. Printed pamphlet containing military orders and articles
established by his Majesty for the better ordering and government
of his army, issued by the advice of Robert Earl of Lindsey, Lord
Lieutenant-General of his Majesty's armies throughout England.
Also two proclamations, one against plundering and robbing; given
at the Court at Reading, Nov. 25, 1642: the other against buying
or receiving horse or arms from soldiers of his Majesty's army, with
command to bring in all that have been sold, pawned, left, or lost
by any soldier; given at the Court of Oxford, Jan. 5, 1642–43.
Reprinted by his Majesty's command, at Oxford, by Leonard
Lichfield, printer to the University, 1642. [22 pp.] |
| Aug. 28. |
135. Duplicate on larger paper, and partly in black letter, to
which is added "Instructions for Musters and Arms, and the use
thereof." [20 pp.] |
| Aug. 28. |
136. Another copy of all the above in manuscript. [7½ pp.] |
| Aug. 30. |
137. Bishop Goodman of Gloucester to Archbishop Laud. Hearing that other Bishops had taken their leave of your Lordship, I
was very sorry I had neglected it. The truth is, being admonished
by your gentleman that it was not fit we should come to your
lodging, I submitted my own judgment, and durst not presume to
come without a supersedeas; otherwise I would not have been
wanting in such a duty. This puts me in mind that in June 1641
I visited your Grace only to desire your testimony concerning the
late canons, whereof I could then have made special use. I did
desire only the naked truth, without any favour; but you refused
to do me that honest and Christian charity, which so much grieved
me, that, forbearing to reply in my passion, some two months after
in cold blood I wrote to your Grace, insisting on some words which
then fell from you, affirming that you had never wronged me. I
replied that indeed you had wronged me in several kinds most
unjustly, to my utter undoing, and I desired nothing so much as to
instance the particulars and be put to my proofs. Now I wonde
that your Grace should not lay hold on this offer. God is my
judge: If the lewdest beggar in the kingdom should have charged
me in this manner I would so far distrust mine own judgment that
I would give him a hearing before witnesses to justify myself.
And now that a whole year should pass, and for 18 weeks together
we should live under the same lock and key, where we might have
seen each other every day, and, without show of offence or the least
exception, have spoken together in the walks or the open air, I do
but wonder that your Lordship, being so much provoked, should
never reply. But, seeing you are willing to pass it over in silence,
yet good my Lord, for the satisfaction of mine own conscience,
suffer me to distrust mine own judgment; and, lest I might be
thought to wrong your Grace, to whom I owe canonical obedience,
suffer me to give you some little account now, after a whole year's
expectation. "Every weed returns once a year." If your Grace,
for the quietness of my mind, would show me my error, be your
answer what it will, I will never further reply, and, if I have
wronged you, will make you full satisfaction. [Endorsed by
Archbishop Laud: "Received Aug. 30, 1642, from the Lord Bishop
of Gloucester." 1 p.] Enclosed, |
|
137. i. Statement by Bishop Goodman of the wrongs and injuries
inflicted upon him by Archbishop Laud, by illegal suits,
slandering him to the King, &c. Endorsed by Archbishop
Laud: "From the Bishop of Gloucester. Received 30 Aug.
1642." 3 pp.] |
Aug. 30,
Coventry. |
138. Nehemiah Wharton to George Willingham. My last was
of Aug. 26, from Coventry, which place is still our quarter, a city
invironed with a wall, coequal if not exceeding that of London
for breadth and height. The compass of it is near three miles, all
of freestone. It has four strong gates, strong battlements stored
with towers, bulwarks, courts of guard, and other necessaries. This
city has magnificent churches and stately streets within it.
There are also several sweet and pleasant springs of water, built
of freestone, very large, sufficient to supply many thousand men.
This city's gates are guarded day and night with 400 armed men,
and no man enters in or out but upon examination. It is also
very sweetly situate. Thursday, Aug. 26, our soldiers pillaged a
malignant fellow's house in this city, and the Lord Brooke
immediately proclaimed that whosoever should for the future
offend in that kind should have martial law. This day command
was given that all soldiers should attend their colours every morn
by 6 o'clock to march into the field to practise, which is done
accordingly. Friday, several of our soldiers, both horse and foot,
sallied out of the city to Lord Dunsmore's park, and brought from
thence great store of venison, which is as good as ever I tasted;
and ever since they make it their daily practise, so that venison
is almost as common with us as beef with you. This day our
horsemen sallied out, as their daily custom is, and brought in with
them two cavaliers, and with them an old base priest, the parson
of Sowe near us, and led him ridiculously about the city unto the
chief commanders. This day I again met with Davy your
horseman, and both are in good case, horse and man. Saturday
I met with your ancient maidservant, Lydia, with her father and
her brethren, who all wept for joy when they saw me an officer in
this design; for the day we marched into Coventry the rebels
had command to pillage Anstey, the habitation of her father, and
Bromagam [Birmingham], her husband's dwelling-place, both which
are but three miles from Coventry. She has been married three
years, and presents her service unto you. Her father invited me
and 20 of the chief of my company to dinner at Anstey, but time
would not suffer us to accept it. This day a whore which had
followed our camp from London was taken by the soldiers, and first
led about the city, then set in the pillory, after in the cage, then
ducked in a river, and at the last banished the city. Sunday morn,
the Earl of Essex's chaplain, Mr. Kemme, the cooper's son, preached
unto us, and this was the first sermon we heard since we came
from Aylesbury. But before he had ended his first prayer, news
was brought into the church to our commanders that Nuneaton,
some six miles from us, was fired by the enemy, and forthwith
our General and several captains issued forth; but I and many
others stayed until sermon was ended, after which we were
commanded to march forth with all speed, namely, my Captain
with Captain Beacon and Captain Francis, of our regiment, and of
other regiments, in all to the number of 1,000 foot and one troop
of horse; but before we came at them, they all ran away, not having
done much harm. Whereupon we returned to Coventry again with
a command to be ready in arms by five in the morning next,
upon pain of death. Our men are very courageous, and that they
may so continue we desire, according to promise, a supply of faithful
able ministers, which we exceedingly want. This morning we are
marching forth to pursue the rebels, and that we may obtain victory
we again desire your earnest and constant prayers. [Printed in
Archceologia, vol. xxxv. pp. 317–318. Two seals with device.
Broken. 2¾ pp.] |
|
139. Note of supplies required for Chester Castle: 33 beds and
10 or 12 great guns with ammunition. [2/3 p.] |
|
140. Two lists of Justices of the Peace for Wiltshire. The one
naming those in the commission of the peace at the Winter Assizes,
1641, and the other those after the revision in August 1642. In
the margin are noted those who were excluded, and those admitted
de novo. [4 pp.] |
