Charles I - volume 506: January 1645

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1644-5. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1890.

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'Charles I - volume 506: January 1645', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1644-5, (London, 1890) pp. 224-281. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/1644-5/pp224-281 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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January 1645

Jan. 1. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, Loudoun, and Manchester, Viscount Say and Sele, Lords Maitland and Wharton, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Arthur Haselrigg, Sir Chas. Erskine, Sir P. Stapleton, and Sir Henry Vane, senr., Mr. Recorder, Mr. Solicitor, and Messrs. Crew, Wallop, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That the letter from the Committee at Reading be sent to the Lord General [Essex], and he be desired to send some horse to Swallowfield and Stratfieldsaye according to the former orders of this Committee. And to desire the Lord General to make what use of it he please in his answer to Prince Rupert.
2. That a letter be written to the Commissioners in the army to send speedily the numbers of the Lord General's foot. The Earls of Essex and Manchester, the Committee of the West, and the Captain who brought the intelligence out of the west to be here to-morrow in the afternoon.
3. That the foot with Sir Wm. Waller be made up 4,000 out of the garrisons, which are to be otherwise supplied.
Afternoon.—Ordered,
4. That a warrant be issued for 30 barrels of gunpowder to be forwarded, viâ Coventry, to Sir Thos. Middleton.
5. The Committee of Coventry to furnish a convoy for that powder and some arms to be sent to Montgomery Castle.
6. That Sir Samuel Luke be desired to be here to-morrow morning.
7. Lord Say to confer with the Committee of the three counties concerning sending Col. Fiennes' regiment from Abingdon into the west.
8. That the horse lying at Petersfield and West Sussex be removed to the line [of communication] for the present, and afterward to Alton, Aylesford [Alresford], and Bishop Walton [Bishops Waltham].
9. To reply to Col. Stapeley, informing him that the horse he complains of have received order to remove.
10. That the [Commons'] House be reminded to give answer to that part of the report from this Committee about the entertainment of the Scottish army which concerns the [supply of] coal [to London]. Likewise that it be reported to the House to take into consideration the Propositions concerning Church Government, also that it be signified to them that the Parliament of Scotland is to sit only for a few days and then to adjourn.
11. That the letter from Coventry and the paper of the Earl of Denbigh be reported to the House [of Commons].
12. That Sir John Maynard do attend to-morrow afternoon about the information given in against him.
13. To write to the three counties Surrey, Sussex, and Hants. to provide horse according to the Commons' order, and send them to Chichester before the 10th inst., and to give Sir Wm. Waller advertisement thereof, with reasons for their speedy expediting thereof.
14. To write to Col. Ludlow to stay with his regiment at Salisbury till further order, in regard of the danger of his marching westward till a greater army be sent.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 51, 52. 1¾ pp.]
Jan. 1.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee at Coventry. We desire you to supply a sufficient convoy for the arms and ammunition sent to Coventry to bring them safely to such place as Sir Thos. Middleton, who is at Montgomery Castle, shall appoint. You are to be especially careful in this service, for that Sir Thomas's proceedings in those parts are a great means to hinder the levies and recruiting of the enemy. Sent by Mr. Andrew Middleton. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 173. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 1.
Derby House.
The same to the Committee at Reading. It being necessary that we should know the true state of the Parliament's forces, you are desired speedily to send an exact account of the musters of the Lord General [Essex's] foot, which we expect by this messenger, Mr. Jennings, sent on purpose to you. [Ibid., p. 174. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 2.
Lynn Regis.
1. John Maye, mayor, and 9 aldermen and others, of Lynn Regis, to Giles Greene, Esq., M.P., at the Committee for the Navy at Westminster. We have received your kind letter, intimating your desires and requests concerning the officers for excise in our town, who were, by the assessors for the maintenance of the army raised for the defence of the Associated counties, assessed and rated according to their offices of profit, being to every one of them, as we are informed, worth at least 60l. per annum, although rated at only 20l. a man per annum, by reason of which assessment they have, notwithstanding, petitioned you for ease and relief. And you have returned to us your advice and opinion therein, that you conceive no such tax ought to be laid on them concerning their several offices, nor is it intended by any Ordinance of Parliament. In answer whereunto we venture to offer to your consideration that we find the Ordinance of Parliament for the raising of these moneys declares that annuities and offices of profit, &c., shall pay to and towards the weekly sums imposed. For us not to be punctual in the pursuance thereof we conceive to be not only a neglect, but a disservice. We desire to give you what satisfaction may be, only we present these few particulars to your serious consideration. That the poor and miserable condition of our town is such, by reason of the decay of trade and want of employment at sea, besides the insupportable burden of quartering soldiers upon trust, more than 3,000l. being now due to the inhabitants in that respect, that persons who formerly were of ability to relieve others are now forced to be relieved themselves. Further, the great proportion of assessments laid upon us, especially this last of 638l. 4s., being for four months, constrains us to fall upon any help the Ordinance allows to make good our engagements, whereby the service of the Parliament may not be retarded, as 'tis our duty so to do. Moreover, we offer to your consideration that, before the receipt of your letter, we had chosen assessors, who had entered upon the work, and, notwithstanding we made the same known to them, yet, for the aforesaid reasons, they assessed the officers of excise, supposing that they have done nothing but according to the Ordinance. Having thus given you true information of our proceedings, and the care and respect shown by us to the petitioners in undervaluing their offices, we are confident that you will rather advise them to pay the money assessed upon them, according to the Ordinance of Parliament, than to call in question the sense and meaning of the Great Council of the kingdom. [Seal with arms and crest, broken. 1 p.]
Jan. 2. 2. Bond of Edmund Porter, clerk, of Heveningham, Suffolk, in 500l., to John Hunt, Esq., Sergeant-at-Arms. Conditioned that Porter, now remaining in Hunt's custody in Ely House, Holborn, upon his suit to the Committee of Examinations, is discharged upon bail, to repair to Messing, in Essex, and not to depart above seven miles without further order from the Committee, as by order of 24 Dec. 1644 more at large appears; then this obligation to be void, otherwise to stand in full force. [English and Latin. 1 p.]
Jan. 2. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Manchester, and Loundoun, Lords Say and Maitland, Sir H. Vane, senr., Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir Chas. Erskine, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Cromwell, and Wallop. Ordered,
1. To write to Col. Venn acqainting him with the danger threatened to Windsor, and desiring him to repair thither to his charge.
2. To complete the body of foot for the service in the west, there being 1,000 already in the west and 700 going, order is given for 300 of Col. Morley's regiment, 150 from Chichester, 150 from Surrey, 800 from Newport [Pagnell], and 600 from Aylesbury.
3. That Col. Martin do go along with his regiment.
4. The Earl of Manchester to be desired to furnish the garrison of Newport [Pagnell] with forces from Cambridge under the command of an officer, who is to receive orders from the Governor Sir Samuel Luke.
5. The Earl likewise to furnish the garrison of Aylesbury from Cambridge, and to send one to take charge of that town without prejudice to Col. Martin.
6. That the [Commons'] House be again moved for the 700 suits [of clothes] lent by the Lord General to Sir Wm. Waller.
7. That the draft of the further answer to the King's message be reported to both Houses.
8. That the sub-committee do prepare instructions for those who are to be sent to treat [with the King], and make report to this Committee.
9. That the information against Sir John Maynard and his answer be reported to the House [of Commons].
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, p. 53. 1 p.]
Jan. 2.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Commissioners of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hants. The greater part of the kingdom being now reduced to the obedience of the Parliament, the western parts are those from whence the enemy can only expect to obtain his levies and supplies, which being prevented he will not be able to infest the places reduced as otherwise he could; to prevent which, and to make use of all opportunities that may be offered, we have designed a great party to be sent into the west, both horse, foot, and dragoons, and wish this to be accomplished with all expedition before the enemy shall get his forces together to hinder this design. We therefore desire you to have ready at Petersfield by the 10th that proportion of horse you are to furnish by Ordinance of the Parliament, and to give notice thereof to Sir W. Waller. You need only send horses and saddles, men and arms being already provided. Of this you are to take especial care, in regard the expedition cannot proceed without it, on the speedy execution of which the reduction of the west, the safety of yourselves, and the public welfare very much depends. Sent by Mr. Butler to Kent, and by Mr. Potter the rest of the way. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 173. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 2.
Derby House.
The same to Col. Stapeley. We have received your letter intimating the pressure on the country about you by the quartering of the horse. We have appointed these horse within a very few days to march into the west with other forces designed for that service, so that you will then be freed from them. In the meantime we have ordered that they shall quarter nearer the line appointed to be kept by them. Sent by Mr. Potter. [Ibid., p. 174. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 2.
Derby House.
The same to Col. Ludlow. By our former orders of the 21st and 30th ult. we directed you not to divide your forces from those of Major-Genl. Holborne, which we know not whether you have received. We understand that you are now about Salisbury, and as we intend to send a greater proportion of horse and foot into the west, we think fit that you remain where you are till you receive further orders from us. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 2.
Derby House.
The same to Col. Venn. We have received information that there are some forces of the King's at Basing whereby Windsor Castle may be in some danger. You are therefore to repair thither to secure its safety as being under your charge. Sent by Mr. Craven. [Ibid., p. 175. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 3. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Essex, Loudoun, and Warwick, Viscount Say and Sele, Lord Maitland, Sir Wm. Waller, Mr. Recorder, and Mr. Wallop. Ordered,
1. That in the warrant for the entertainment of Lord Broghill's "Green Frigate" a clause is to be added that the Committee of the Navy do also pay for the victuals of the said frigate for three months.
2. That it be recommended from this Committee to the Committee of Goldsmiths' Hall that some trusty person be sent in charge of the 10,000l. now going to Carrickfergus, who may see the money safely delivered to John Campbell, Commissary of the Scottish army, or to Major-General Monroe, for use of the said army, and to take their receipt for it, which is to be returned to the Committee at Goldsmiths' Hall.
3. That the Lord General [Essex] be desired to call off Col. Fiennes' horse from their present position, and employ them in such service as he shall see cause.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, p. 54. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 4. 3. Attainder of Archbishop [Laud] of Canterbury. Read for the first time 16th Nov. 1644, second time 22nd Nov. 1644, and third time on the 4th Jan. 1644–5 [when it was sent up to the Lords, a message being returned by Baron Trevor and Mr. Justice Bacon, "That the Lords have passed the ordinance for the attainder of the Archbishop of Canterbury." Commons' Journals iv., p. 10]. Whereas the knights, citizens, and burgesses of the House of Commons in this present Parliament assembled have, in the name of themselves and of all the Commons of England, impeached Wm. Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, for endeavouring to subvert the fundamental laws and government of the kingdom of England, and instead thereof to introduce an arbitrary and tyrannical government against law, and to alter and subvert God's true religion by law established in this realm, and instead thereof to set up Popish superstition and idolatry, and to subvert the rights of Parliament and the ancient course of Parliamentary proceedings, and by false and malicious slanders to incense his Majesty against Parliaments. For which the said Archbishop deserves to undergo the pains and foreitures of high treason, which said offences have been sufficiently proved against the said Archbishop upon his impeachment. Be it therefore ordered and ordained by the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by authority of the same, that the said Archbishop, for the offences aforesaid, stand and be adjudged attainted of high treason, and shall suffer the pains of death, and shall incur all forfeitures, both of lands and goods, as a person attainted of high treason should or ought to do. Provided that no judge or judges, justice or justices whatsoever, shall judge or interpret any act or thing to be treason, or hear or determine any treason, nor in any other manner than he or they should or ought to have done before the making of this Ordinance, and as if this Ordinance had never been had nor made, saving always unto all and singular persons and bodies politic and corporate, their heirs and successors (others than the said Archbishop and his heirs, and such as claim by, from, or under him), all such right, title, and interest of, in, or to all and singular such of the lands, tenements, and hereditaments as he or any of them had before the said first day of this present Parliament, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. John Browne, Clerk of Parliaments. [Printed in Lords' Journals vii., 126. Copy. 2 pp.]
Jan. 4. 4. Warrant of the Lord General Essex to Sir Gilbert Gerrard, Treasurer of the army, or his deputy, for payment of 15l. upon accompt to Mary Gawler, mother of Capt. Henry Gawler, slain at the last fight at Newbury, she having suffered much loss through the plundering of the enemy, on account of her son's being in arms. This 15l. to be defaulked out of the accompt of the said Captain's arrears. Underwritten,
4. i. Acknowledgment by Mary Gawler for 15l. received of Capt. Vernon, this 4th Jan. 1644–5.
Jan. 4.
Melcombe [Regis].
5. Robert Wise to Giles Greene, Esq., M.P. Thanks for favours at my being with you. Since my coming down I have shown Mr. Arter [John Arthur] the order you delivered me for the collection of 1 per cent. due by bonds or otherwise in this part, also my deputation from Mr. Charnock for the collection thereof, both which he seems to slight, and refuses to deliver up the bonds to me, so that I cannot proceed with the collection of the money. I find by the bills of entries that the whole sum since the town was reduced will amount to 112l., of which there are bonds taken for 68l. and 44l. received in money, which remains in Mr. Arter's hands, he refusing to take bonds of many merchants. He being loath to part with the money, refuses to deliver up the bonds. Of all which I thought good to advise you, that some course may be taken so that the service may not be neglected. [Seal with arms, broken. ½ p.]
Jan. 4. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earl of Northumberland, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepoint and Crew. Ordered,
1. That 50l. be paid to Sir Wm. Waller and Mr. Solicitor to be employed for some especial service.
2. That the [Commons'] House be put in mind for sending provisions to the Protestants in Dublin, the business being already before the House to [be communicated] to the House of Lords.
3. Referred to the sub-committees to consider of and report their opinion about the northern army, according to an order of the House of 3rd January.
4. That Mr. Recorder do inquire of the City of London concerning their right to choose a Governor for Londonderry, as this Committee was about to take into consideration to appoint one.
5. That a warrant be issued for apprehending Captain Plant, and the 60 horses that went away with him, the Captain to be made answerable for the money received by him, and the horses to be disposed as the Lord General shall direct.
6. That the Swedish Ambassador [Hugh Movatt] be heard on Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock.
7. That the paper of the Scottish Commissioners concerning coal and perfecting the Ordinance regulating the entertainment of the Scottish army be reported to the [Commons'] House.
8. That this Committee do meet on Monday morning. when the Earl of Manchester and Mr. Bury be desired to attend about the business of a letter from Lincoln concerning Col. King.
9. That the Lord Admiral [Warwick] do nominate some fit person to accompany the 10,000l. to be sent to the Scottish army in Ireland, and to see it safely delivered at Carrickfergus to Commissary Campbell, or Major-Genl. Monroe, at the charge of the State.
10. Warrant to Col. Owen Rowe for delivery of two tuns of match to Sir John Curson, for the use of Derbyshire.
11. That the sub-committee for the Model of the army do meet on Monday morning, and the other Committee for money for the army do make their report in the afternoon.
12. Referred to Sir Gilbert Gerard, Mr. Crew, and Mr. Wallop, to speak with the Irish gent., and peruse the Ordinance that allowance might be given for the present to Genl. Commissary Clayton, so that he may return to his charge.
13. To write to the Committee at Stafford that the entertainment of Col. Ridgley's regiment shall not be discontinued on account of any charges against their colonel.
14. That the magazine [at Stafford] be not used except on great emergency, and then the stores to be made good again.
15. These two following particulars were by the Committee of both Houses given to the Commissioners of Scotland, in two several papers, signed by me. Walter Frost:—1. According to the orders of both Houses of 20th November last, we desire the Scottish army now in the north may speedily advance southwards, for the most advantage of the kingdom. 2. According to the Commons' order of 21st December, we desire the Scottish army may speedily march southward, for which purpose 30,000l. to be raised and forthwith paid unto them. 4 Jany. 1644–5.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 54, 56. = 2¼ pp.]
Jan. 4.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Major-Genl. Holborne. We doubt not you will seize every opportunity against the enemy, and, the better to enable you to act, a party is already on the march towards you, and a greater one, consisting of horse, foot, and dragoons, is preparing to follow, whereby you may be able to take the field and do further service. Sent by Richd. Gardner at 9 p.m., with three small letters. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 175. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 5.
Weymouth.
6. George Alleyn to Giles Greene, Esq., M.P. I understand by my father-in-law that the Committee of the Navy have ordered 60l. to be paid me, but, being referred to the Commissioners of the Customs, they ordered me but 30l., which order I have delivered to Mr. [John] Arthur, who promises payment. You were pleased to promise that an order should be sent down for the other 30l, which if you will effect it will much oblige me. If the order come from the Committee of the Navy, Mr. Arthur will not refuse to pay it. Of the order received for 30l. I have disbursed nearly half in charges. It cost me 43s. for a commission out of the Exchequer to take my oath, and I have paid rent for three custom-houses in the several ports. The Customer was ever allowed 5l. per annum towards the rent, but this I have never received, so I pray you to procure an order for payment of the said annual fee. As for news, not much at present. The enemy lies at Chard, where they intend to form a garrison, if not removed, and our forces lie at Taunton, betwixt whom much has not passed only the last week a party of our horse fell upon their quarters at Ilminster, and took 150 horse and some prisoners, and Col. Ames Paulet hardly escaped; they have often alarums from Taunton and Lyme [Regis]. The report is that Sir Ralph Hopton is come out of Bristol towards these parts. If more forces come not down they are likely to gather ahead again. All the great houses about Lyme are burnt by the enemy and us, so that it is reasonably free near the town, only Chidiock House is in the way, against which the Governor of Lyme is preparing to go speedily. [Seal with arms, broken. 1 p.]
Jan. 6. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Essex, Warwick, Manchester, Northumberland, and Loudoun, Lords Say and Maitland, Sir H. Vane, senr., Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Chas. Erskine, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir Arthur Haselrigg, Sir H. Vane, junr., Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Kennedy, Wallop, Browne, and Mr. Solicitor, and Mr. Recorder. Ordered,
1. That Col. King be written to to attend and give satisfaction concerning affairs of Lincolnshire.
2. The Lincolnshire gentlemen to be desired to put those things here spoken against Col. King in writing.
3. That the [Commons'] House be desired to proceed with Mr. Archer's business, so that he may go down into the country.
4. That the business concerning the forces now about Winchester be considered at 2 p.m., when the gentlemen from Kent, Sussex, and Surrey be desired to attend here.
5. That the Swedish Ambassador [Hugh Movatt] be desired by the Master of the Ceremonies to delay his coming to this Committee till 5 p.m.
6. That Essex, Manchester, Balfour, and other the officers of the army do attend at 2 p.m., and consider what forces can be [sent] against the enemy now near Winchester.
7. That Sir Wm. Waller confer with the Committee for Provisions for disposing of those prisoners now brought up.
Afternoon,—
8. That for removing the King's forces from Winchester, and securing the Association, 1,500 of Essex' and Manchester's horse be sent thither, and they are to do such other service as shall be found fit.
9. That Col. Norton's regiment do join with the forces above written for the same service.
10. Mem.—That the Lord General [Essex] said he would send 700 horse, and Manchester 800, to the service of the west.
11. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House that a fortnight's pay be provided for the Lord General's and Waller's horse, which are ordered upon [active] service. The estimate for the same to be brought in by them and reported.
12. That these 1,500 horse be speedily sent into the west for removing the enemy's forces about Winchester, or keeping the line [of communication] so that they may not break into the Association.
13. That the further debate of the business of the west be taken into consideration to-morrow.
14. That the Lord General, Manchester, and Waller do appoint a rendezvous.
15. That the Irish business be reported to the House [of Commons] to-morrow, and to press for despatch.
16. That Sir John Maynard's submission be accepted of, and that the information against him in so far as concerns the Committee shall not be reported.
17. That what concerns Mr. Stoughton be considered to-morrow.
18. That it be reported to the House [of Commons] that some information has been given in to this Committee, but as it concerns a member of the House they have not done anything therein, referring it to the House to do as they shall think fit.
19. That the information against Sir W. Cole be reported to the House [of Commons].
20. That the proportions [levied] upon the several counties and London as they are brought in by the sub-committee be reported to the House.
21. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House that the pay of the common trooper be 2s. a day, and that they have the public faith for sixpence a day.
22. That the sub-committee for the framing of the regiments and train of artillery do meet to-morrow at 8 o'clock, and that the Lord General, &c., have notice thereof.
23. That Lieut.-Genl. Haman [Hammond ?] be desired to be here at that time.
24. The monthly charge of 14,000 foot in 12 regiments and 6,000 horse in 10 regiments, with 1,000 dragoons in single companies, according to the last establishment. The troopers at 2s. per diem.
The officers of a regiment of foot, 73l. 10s. £ s. d.
For 12 such regiments 882 0 0
The officers of the colonel's company, 38l. 5s. 4d.
For 12 such companies 459 4 0
The officers of a private company, 31l. 19s. 4d.
For 108 such companies 3,452 8 0
For 14,000 foot, at 8d. per diem 13,066 13 4
£17,860 5 4
The officers of a regiment of horse, 61l. 2s. 8d.
For 10 such regiments 611 6 8
The officers of a colonel's troop, 120l. 3s. 4d.
For 10 such troops 1,201 13 4
The officers of a troop of carabineers, 115l. 19s. 4d.
For 50 such troops 5,798 6 8
For 6,000 troopers, at 2s. per diem each 16,800 0 0
*(Sic) £24,417* 6 8
Officers of a company of dragoons, 58l. 2s.
For 10 such companies 581 0 0
For 1,000 dragoons, at 18d. a day 2,100 0 0
2,681 0 0
Total £44,952 12 0
Per mensem:— £ s. d.
Essex 7,070 0 0
Suffolk 7,070 0 0
Norfolk 7,070 0 0
Earl of Manchester's:
Association, 30,000l.
Norwich 367 10 0
Lincoln 2,070 0 0
[5,000l. abated in regard of their garrisons.]
£ s. d.
Herts. 2,432 10 0
Cambridge 2,345 0 0
Isle of Ely 787 10 0
(Sic) 30,000 0 0
£ s. d.
Kent 7,070 0 0
Surrey 3,142 4 5⅓
Sussex 3,927 15 62/3
£14,140 0 0
London and Middlesex 9,470 0 0
Derby and Rutland 700 0 0
Leicester, Northampton, and Warwick 1,000 0 0
Bedford 1,000 0 0
12,170 0 0
[In margin: Sum total] £56,310 0 0
The other counties, of which part are in the possession of Parliament, [are] to maintain their own garrisons and forces as far as they are able.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 57–60. 32/3 pp.]
Jan. 6.
Abingdon.
Major-General Browne to the Committee of both kingdoms. I desire to know your pleasure touching Mr. Speaker [Lenthall's] house at Besselsleigh, in danger of being again taken possession of by the enemy, as I acquainted you in my last. In order to prevent the ruin of this garrison by the soldiers deserting it, I wish you to give order for the exemplary punishing of such officers, undernamed, as have not only run away themselves, but taken with them many soldiers, some being at the time on guard. It will not be believed now many run away daily, including the Herts. forces, to Aylesbury, where they are constantly paid, and to other places. Of the 140 odd of Col. Sparrow's company there are not above 40 left, the rest having run away, partly owing to the Colonel's so long absence. I refer all to to your consideration. Underwritten,
Stephen Levermore and Robert Harvey, Sergeants to Col. Sparrow, living in Essex, took with them between 40 and 50 soldiers. Also a Sergeant of Lieut.-Col. Holcroft's, ran away at the same time, together with a drum[mer]; and Corporal Atkins, belonging to Capt. Bryan, went off his guard with 6 or 7 soldiers, besides many others. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 165. Copy. 1 p.]
Jan. 6.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. King. Desiring to be certified of some things concerning Lincolnshire, we require you speedily to repair thither, that we may therein receive from you fuller satisfaction. Sent by Mr. Durand. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 175. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 6.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee at Stafford. We are informed that the entertainment of the forces of Col. Rudgley being withdrawn they are like to disband and be lost; we therefore think fit that it be continued to them during the Colonel's attendance on this Committee, and not taken off for any cause depending here, until we give further order. The magazine of arms and ammunition there belonging to the Earl of Denbigh or his forces is to be preserved and not made use of except upon especial emergency, when it is to be replaced, so that things may remain in the state they were until the differences in question be heard and determined. Transmitted by Col. Rudgley's care. [Ibid., p. 176. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 7. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, Warwick, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lords Say, Wharton, and Maitland, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir Arthur Haselrigg, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir H. Vane, senr., Sir H. Vane, senr., junr., Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, and Messrs. Wallop and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. To write to Mr. Cordall [Cordewell] to send away the gunpowder which is made into the Tower, for fear of the enemy coming into those parts.
2. To write to Col. Jephson to attend his charge in Portsmouth whilst such strong forces of the enemy continue near him.
3. That the commission and instructions for Lord Inchiquin be referred to the consideration of the sub-committee for Ireland to be reported to the House [of Commons].
4. That Col. Norton's regiment may have a fortnight's pay as it is going on present service.
5. That the petition of Lewis Bowling be referred to the sub-committee for Ireland.
6. To write to Col. Thornhagh showing the necessity of blocking up Newark. That we have sent to Sir Thos. Fairfax for 1,000 horse, and to the Committee at Derby to send the same number as before. In the meantime do what is possible to keep the enemy in having regard to your own preservation.
7. To write to Sir Thos. Fairfax to send 1,000 horse to Newark, which he is to notify to Nottingham and Derby.
8. Likewise to Sir John Gell to send as many horse to Newark as were there before.
9. That the sub-committee meet and bring in the instructions as soon as they can. To meet to-morrow at 2 p.m.
10. The said sub-committee to meet at the same time for moulding and framing of the army.
11. The coal business to be considered on Thursday, when some from the Committee of Goldsmiths' Hall are desired to be present.
12. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House as desired by the Committee of the West, that 3 weeks' pay may be provided for Portsmouth, and likewise for Hurst Castle, over and above the old establishment.
13. That the sending down of shipping to guard the Isle of Wight, Poole, and those parts be referred to the Lord Admiral as desired by the Committee of the West.
14. That Col. Whitehead's men be sent into Poole, and that the Committee for Plymouth, Lyme, and Poole be acquainted with this order, and desired to send money and provisions with them, and for the garrison already in that town.
15. That 1,000 dragoons be added to the horse appointed for service in the west.
16. That a sub-committee be appointed to consider where the horses may be had for these 1,000 dragoons, and to report to this Committee.
17. That the 1,000 men be made up of 600 under Col. Martin in Aylesbury, 100 from Reading, and 300 from Newport [Pagnell].
18. That the Earl of Manchester do supply these two garrisons, and the Committee of Cambridge to send the foot to the frontiers [of the Association] for supplying the garrisons of Aylesbury and Newport.
19. To write to the Associated counties of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent to provide speedily 500 horse for mounting 500 dragoons of Sir Wm. Waller's.
20. To write to Col. Weldon to stay with his regiment, though he may have to suffer some inconvenience for a little while.
21. That the several proportions of horses to be provided for the western expedition be reported to both Houses.
22. That two, Sir Wm. Waller and Mr. Pierrepont, be appointed to acquaint the Committee of the West with what is done in general toward the relief of the west.
23. That a copy of the information against Sir John Clotworthy be delivered to him.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 60–62. 2¼ pp.]
Jan. 7.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Jephson. In respect the enemy grows strong in those parts, and that thereby the town and garrison of Portsmouth, which is of so great importance, may be in danger; we desire you to continue there at Portsmouth and take special care of it so long as the enemy's forces shall continue in those parts. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 176. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 7.
Derby House.
The same to Sir John Gell. The consequence of the blocking up of Newark and the benefit of taking it in, if that could be effected, is so great and so evident that we need add nothing further to you concerning it. We formerly appointed some forces, both of Yorkshire and of your county [Derby], besides those of Notts., for that work, and for a time they did good service towards that end, but some of the forces being withdrawn, and among them those of your county, the rest who continued there have been in danger to be lost and unable to prosecute that service, and the town, by relieving itself, gives us a longer task than we wish. We have written to Lord Fairfax to send thither 1,000 horse, and to notify you of the time of their march. You are likewise to send thither the same number of your horse as formerly, who are to receive their orders from Sir Thos. Fairfax, or whom he may appoint to command that party in chief. We desire you not to fail herein, this being a service more conducive to your own safety and quiet than any other about which your troops could be employed elsewhere. Sent by Mr. Priestley. [Ibid., pp. 176, 177. Copy= ¾ p.]
Jan. 7.
Derby House.
The same to the Committee at Nottingham. We are very sensible of your good service against Newark whilst the other forces were with you, and of your loss and danger since they were withdrawn. To enable you again to further service against that place we have written to Lord Fairfax to send you 1,000 horse out of Yorks., and to Sir John Gell to send the same number of horse again to you as were lately there. Meanwhile we desire you to make use of the forces you have to keep the passages on the north side of Newark [over the Trent]. Sent by Priestley. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 177. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 7.
Derby House.
The same to Ferdinando Lord Fairfax. The garrison of Newark having been blocked up on the south side and somewhat straitened by your Yorkshire forces with those of Derby and Notts. on the north whilst those forces tarried in those parts, whereby the town is brought to such condition as it is not able to continue long if they get not supplies. But since the withdrawal of some of those forces the rest have been exposed to hazard, and the town not straitly blocked. We therefore desire you to send 1,000 of your Yorks. horse to some point north of Newark, which may be fittest to block up that place. We have written to Sir John Gell to send the same number of Derbyshire horse as formerly, who, together with the Notts. horse, are to receive their orders from the officer appointed by you to command your contingent. When your forces are ready to march you are to give notice thereof to Sir John Gell, and those of Notts. We need not impress on you the great importance of this service against Newark, and how much it would advance our affairs if that place could be taken in. We conceive those forces could not be employed in any other place in service of equal advantage to the public. Sent by Mr. Hutchins. [Ibid., p. 178. Copy. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 7.
Derby House.
The same to Mr. Cordall [Samuel Cordewell], the gunpowder maker. In regard of the enemy's drawing into those parts the powder and saltpetre at your mills may perhaps be in danger of surprise and loss. We therefore desire that, according to our former orders, you do from time to time send such powder as shall be made into the magazine at the Tower, and that you never keep at the mills more petre than is required for a week's employment of your works. This was read by Mr. Cordall himself. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 8.
Oxford.
7. Lady at Oxford, styling herself Fidelia, to her friend Amorella. I think it no fault to wish you with me now I am going to meet your brother and mine, and Melidore goes to the great joy of my heart. Through Anmantus's means I have got leave to see Oxford again. [Endorsed: "Letters intercepted from his Majesty's ministers abroad, 1644." "Note. Some Court ladies at Oxford took names out of the romances." Two seals with arms. 1 p.]
Jan. 8.
Weymouth.
8. John Arthur to the Committee of the Navy. By your command I long since made stay of the ship "Return," now she is making ready for sea, and the owners do not think that I have any order for to stay her, neither do I acquaint them of it, for if I should they would forbear the fitting up of her. This I thought good to acquaint you with, that if you should please to put the bond of 200l. which you have upon John Allen, who was then master, you can give such order as you shall think fitting. [Seal with arms, broken. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 8. 9. C. W[ard] to her brother George Ward. Her desolate condition without friends and money. I am in need of clothes, if you can pray assist me. Your employment will afford you I doubt not means to do so much. P.S.—I have been lately sick of a fever. [1 p.]
Jan. 8.
Oxford.
10. A. Mall to John Brown. Acknowledges the receipt of what she left with him. I esteemed it in great hazard, and should have been more uneasy if it had not been in your hands whose prudence I have experienced. Do me the charity to receive what is still due to me at the times of payment, and send it to me as you know most secure. I have been sick of a fever. [2 pp.]
Jan. 8. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, Warwick, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lords Wharton and Maitland, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir Arthur Haselrigg, the two Vanes, Sir Chas. Erskine, Lieut.-Gen. Cromwell, Mr. Solicitor, and Messrs. Wallop, Crew, Pierrepont, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That two of Manchester's regiments at Henley do march against the enemy's forces in Sussex.
2. That 1,000 foot do march from Reading to oppose the enemy about Sussex; the choice of which regiments to be left to the Lord General.
3. To write to Surrey, Sussex, and Kent to draw their forces together that they may be ready to join with such forces as shall be sent to oppose the enemy.
4. In the letter to Kent notice to be taken of their letter of the 6th, and they desired to draw their forces to the frontiers.
5. To write to Cols. Stapley and Morley, being deputy lieutenants, to call the trained bands into Arundel and Chichester for defence of those towns.
6. That it be referred to Essex, Manchester, and Waller to manage this service with all expedition.
7. To report to the House [of Commons] that 10,000l. must be speedily provided for this service, of which 6,000l. is required for the Lord General's and 5,000l. for Waller's forces.
8. That a list of the Irish officers here in town from all the Provinces be sent to Mr. [Edward] Corbett, that he may offer the Covenant to them and report hither.
9. That the commission for Lord Inchiquin and the instructions so far as now read be approved, and being finished to be reported.
10. That Lord Broghill be recommended to Lord Inchiquin to be General of the horse.
11. That Sir Hardres Waller's desires be recommended to Lord Inchiquin, with this proviso, that the satisfying thereof be not any charge to this State.
[Interregnum. 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 63, 64. 1½ pp.]
Jan. 8.
Gloucester.
Col. Ewd. Massie to the Committee of both kingdoms. I have received yours of the 14th ult., with the answers to my propositions sent by Major Backhouse. I will gladly submit to your pleasures therein, notwithstanding the little satisfaction that is given to the world concerning my just complaint; however, my resolution [to devote myself] to the kingdom's service shall no whit cool or slacken. We have not now only to do with the enemy, the body of the King's army being about us, but also as much to do to preserve ourselves from the mutinies of our soldiers. Our wants [were] not long since foreseen and spoken of. It will be your wisdoms to provide for them, I doubt not. We have daily attempts on both sides, and our losses are in some measure recovered by our successes, praised be God, only the country's ruin is unavoidable. [Sir Jacob, now] Lord Astley lies at Cirencester with 3 brigades of foot, and has fortified the same, as also 5 regiments of horse quartered about him, whose incursions on that side, and the Bristol forces about Berkeley, Worcester, Hereford, and Monmouth on the other, do daily some spoil upon us, although we are not idle in our own defence and in revenging the same. On new year's day morning Lord Astley took a lieutenant with 50 of our soldiers in Lyppiatt House, which he burned, and since we have sustained some loss of horse by the Hereford officers, and yet we have of late made even with them by what our success has been. The country about us is much disanimated by the loss of Lyppiatt, and exceedingly fear the King's army from Cirencester, from whence warrants are sent even to the gates of Gloucester for contribution with great threats. I have nothing more to add, but that your commands will find me always obsequious. Subjoined,
I shall beseech you to notice the way that Thomas Pury's complaint against me for not answering the propositions preferred against me by the Committee here, was sent to your Committee, before being submitted to me by the Committee here, as also that Isaac Bromwich wrote to the Committee of Sequestr ations that I had disposed of certain cattle taken about Evesham by my own power, when I disposed not of a hoof. What was done was done by the Committee here. It will be an insufferable injustice to see myself falsely traduced in everything wherein I may be named. I understand that the double locking of our gates is much pressed by Thos. Pury [M.P. and Chairman of the Committee of Gloucester], but I wish he were here to try the locks, for I have solicited the mayor and aldermen for locks and keys wanting to the gates in vain. I would like very well to see the order executed, and therefore intreat your Committee's order for its performance. I cannot write how miserable I am in this, that the officers I appointed as necessary to the service have all deserted for want of pay; my complaints could be endless, but I fear lest they would offend you. I shall be ready to receive your commands concerning the desires of the Committee of Worcester in their propositions for Tewkesbury, of which I have expressed my meaning in my letter to them. I have held it to be my duty to present to your Committee the enclosed copies of the county of Worcester's petition to his Majesty, with his ansmer. P.S.—This day I received intelligence that Col. Langhorne, Sir Thos. Middleton, and Col. Beale joining forces fell upon Col. [Sir Chas.] Gerrard, and taking him unawares, have slain and taken all his foot, but he with the horse came to Monmouth and joined with the Hereford force to fall upon our guards on that side. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 166–168. Copy. 3 pp.]
Jan. 8.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee of Sussex. The forces of the enemy growing strong in the west, if they meet not with a speedy check are like to endanger the port towns, and so wholly subject that country as to be able to draw levies and supplies from thence to infest your borders lying next them, and also lengthen out the war. We have designed a great party of horse and dragoons immediately to march thither for their removal, and therefore desire that 500 dragoons' horses may be had out of cos. Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. You are to make ready your proportion with all expedition, that a service of so great importance, and in which yourselves are specially interested, may not be retarded or overthrown through any want of diligence in furnishing those supplies. Sent by Craven. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 179. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 8. The like to Surrey. Sent by Bulmer. [Ibid.]
Jan. 8.
Derby House.
The like to Kent, but the concluding clause after the narrative thus:—We desire you, according to your accustomed exemplary readiness, to have your proportion ready with all expedition, lest the enemy be strengthened by delay, and the design rendered thereby unfeasible or more difficult. Sent by Binding. [Ibid.]
Jan. 8.
Derby House.
The same to the Committee of the [Eastern] Association at Cambridge. The enemy beginning to gather their forces in the west may be dangerous to the port towns and garrisons there if not timely opposed, and are like to subject the west, so as from thence to draw their levies and supplies, which will enable them to enlarge their quarters and again infest those parts of the kingdom already reduced to the Parliament's obedience. To prevent these evils we have designed a great party to march immediately thither both of horse and foot, which is to be made up amongst other forces of some from the garrisons of Newport and Aylesbury, their places to be supplied temporarily by some of Manchester's forces. We therefore require you to send forthwith such forces as the Earl shall appoint to secure those garrisons upon your frontiers. Sent by John Priestley. [Ibid., pp. 179, 180. Copy =2/3 p.]
Jan. 8.
Derby House.
The same to Col. Welding [Anthony Weldon]. Not doubting your continued zeal to serve the public, and assuring you that we shall always set a just value upon your merits, we desire you to continue your stay at Weymouth till you receive further order or otherwise understand of the advance of a strong party which is coming into those parts, with which you are to join and march up together to our party at Taunton. Sent by Craven. [Ibid., p. 180. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 8.
Derby House.
The same to Col. Stapley. Understanding that the enemy's forces are advanced to the borders of Sussex, we have appointed a considerable strength of horse and foot forthwith to march to oppose them, and have given order for drawing together the trained bands of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex to be in readiness to join with those forces for the defence of the Association, and because the town and garrison under your command [Chichester] may be in some danger if the enemy should advance, we desire you to call in for your assistance such of the trained bands of the county or others as may secure you from the attempts of the enemy. Sent by Craven [Ibid., p. 181. Copy. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 8. The like for Col. Morley. Sent by Craven. [Ibid. Minute.]
Jan. 8.
Derby House.
The same to the Committees of Sussex and Surrey. The enemy being drawn near to your parts, we have designed a considerable strength both of horse and foot to march towards you for your defence, and to oppose the enemy. We desire you to draw together all the forces of your county to be in readiness to join with the forces to be sent to you. We need add nothing further to move you to all care and expedition herein, the nearness of the enemy being as we conceive a sufficient motive. Sent by Mr. Craven. [Ibid., p. 181. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 8. The same to the Committee of Kent. We have received yours of the 6th inst. and do heartily acknowledge your constant care and great forwardness in advancing the public service. We do well approve of your seasonable letter for sending a considerable strength for defence of the Association and opposing the enemy's forces breaking into Sussex, and have appointed considerable forces of horse and foot to march forthwith into those parts, and have also given order that the forces of Surrey and Sussex may be drawn speedily together and be in readiness to join with those forces when they shall be required. We perceive by your letter that you have summoned the forces of your county to be in readiness to march upon an hour's warning to the rendezvous at the borders, which we desire may be done accordingly with all possible expedition, and that they stay upon the frontiers till they shall receive further orders. Sent by Mr. Binding, [Ibid., p. 182. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 9. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, Warwick, and Loudoun, Lords Say, Wharton, and Maitland, the two Vanes, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir A Haselrigg, Sir G. Gerard Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That Sir John Maynard do present his charge in writing against Mr. Stoughton by Tuesday next.
2. That Mr. Recorder make report to the House [of Commons] for 300 pairs of pistols, 700 muskets, and 700 swords to be sent to Sir John Price for encouragement of the Parliament's forces in those parts.
3. To report to the House such portions of Col. Jephson's letter as concern the pay [of the garrison] at Portsmouth from Haberdashers' Hall, and for payment of such provisions as shall be supplied from the Isle of Wight.
4. Copies to be furnished to the Committee of the West of all orders made at this Committee concerning the marching of forces to the relief of Taunton.
5. That the coal business be again considered to-morrow afternoon.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 64, 65. =2/3 p.]
[Jan. 10.] 11. Archbishop Laud's sermon or last speech on the scaffold. "Good people, this is an uncomfortable time to preach, yet I shall begin with a text of scripture, Heb. xii., 2." [This is printed with some verbal variations in Rushworth's Collections, ed. 1692, vi., pp. 835–838. 6 p.]
Jan. 10. 12. Order of the Commons. That Capt. O'Neil and Col. Sterling, and likewise the whole business concerning the procuring and carrying on a petition from the officers of the Earl of Manchester's army touching the Ordinance that no members of either House shall bear office, &c., with all the circumstances of the proceedings therein, be referred to the examination of the Committee for regulating the Lord General's army where Mr. Tate has the chair; and they are to meet upon it this afternoon. [Printed in Commons' Journals iv., 16. Copy. 2/3 p.]
[Jan. 10.] 13. Elegy upon the life and death of [Arch]bishop Laud of Canterbury; executed on Tower Hill, 10 Jany. 1644–5. It consists of 90 lines, commencing,—
"Can Britain's Patriarchal Peer expire,
And bid the world good night, without a choir
Of saints to sing his requiem, and toll
A blessing bell unto his dying soul ?
Shall he steal to his rest thus, and not have
A blazing star to light him to his grave
Nor warning 'Pace' ? no volley shot of thunder
From Heaven's artillery, to strike with wonder,
To ring alarums in the world's dull ear
And rend the universe with panic fear ?"
[Dorso W. 19. 3 pp.]
Jan. 10. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Warwick, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lords Say, Wharton, and Maitland, Sir Phil. Stapleton, the two Vanes, Sir G. Gerard, Sir A. Haselrigg, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Wallop, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That it be reported to the House [of Commons] that the Ordinance may be drawn up for so much of the money for the Scotch army as is agreed upon,—20,000l. out of the Assessment and 3,000l. out of the Excise, besides that of the coal, concerning which the Committee at Goldsmiths' Hall and Mr. Blackston are desired to bring in writing to this Committee the substance of what they delivered to this Committee, that both it and the paper now given in by the Scots' Commissioners may be reported to the House.
2. That the papers given in by Sir Edw. Boys be sent to Sir Walter Erle, and he desired to certify to this Committee what of those particulars he has in the stores.
3. That the paper of the 9th Jan. given in by the Scots' Commissioners to the Committee of both Houses [kingdoms] be reported to the House of Commons.
4. That the Earl of Manchester be desired to hasten the speedy march of his horse.
5. That Sir W. Waller be desired to give order for his unmounted dragoons, being about 300, to go by water from Chichester to Portsmouth for the security of that town.
6. To write to the dep. lieuts. of Sussex to send some of the trained bands or auxiliaries into Chichester.
7. That Mr. Lisle and Col. Carne do presently attend at this Committee.
8. To write to the officer in command of Col. Whitehead's regiment to go to Portsmouth, and that the Col. do write to the same purpose.
9. To write to the Committee of the Isle of Wight to send 200 men for the present security of Portsmouth now threatened by the enemy, and the Earl of Portland to give the like order.
10. That the authorities of the Isle of Wight be informed that the House of Commons has taken care that they shall be repaid for what victuals they shall send to Portsmouth, and to desire them to send supplies with all speed.
11. That duplicates of these letters be sent for fear of miscarriage.
12. To write to Col. Jephson, informing him of the care taken by this Committee to remove that party of the enemy, and for supply of men and victuals to Portsmouth. That the 1,000l. is in a way of procuring.
13. That the Lord General be desired to write again for hastening away his horse and foot.
14. That it be referred to Essex, Manchester, and Waller to consider of the fittest place for the junction of their forces.
15. That the Lord General [Essex] do notify to Lieut.-Genl. Middleton that the party coming to his assistance is to obey his orders, and that he is to employ them to the best advantage against the enemy.
16. That it be reported to the House [of Commons] in general that a party is appointed to go against the enemy near Sussex, and to desire that the 10,000l. may be speedily raised for their encouragement.
17. That it be likewise reported to the House to cause to be provided 1,000l. out of the Excise for the fortnight's pay voted to Col. Norton's regiment.
18. That a warrant be issued to Sir Walter Erle for furnishing to the Isle of Wight 2 ton of lead, 60 barrels of gunpowder, one tun of match, and the shot here specified.
19. That the order for sending Waller's dragoons to Portsmouth be vacated.
20. That Waller be desired to give order to Lieut.-Genl. Middleton to put such of his dragoons as the Governor shall desire into Chichester for security thereof.
21. That the sub-committee for Ireland do meet to-morrow about Irish affairs, and consider of the naming of a Committee for Ireland, and make report.
22. That the sub-committee for the instructions do meet to-morrow at 2 p.m., and that the enlarging of the time for the treaty [of Uxbridge] upon the three propositions be referred to their consideration.
23. That the Commission to Sir Arthur Loftus be approved of, and that the like be granted to his lieut.-colonel and major.
24. [That the following persons form] a sub-committee for Col. King['s business], Lords Admiral, Say, and Wharton, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir H. Vane, Sir G. Gerard, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Pierrepont, and Mr. Wallop, or any of the Scottish Commissioners, or any four of the whole.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 65–67. 3 pp.]
Jan. 10.
Nantwich.
Sir Wm. Brereton to the Committee of both kingdoms. I have received your two letters, the latter dated the 7th, commanding that Col. Chadwick, Lieut.-Col. Chadwick, and Capt.-Lieut. Hughes, together with the examinations taken against them, be sent up within a short time. The messengers who brought the letters were delayed on the way by reason of the increase and access of forces to Litchfield and Ashby[-de-la-Zouch] to strengthen those places against the lately erected [Royal] garrison at Cole-Orton [in Leicestershire] whereby the passage is much obstructed betwixt Leicester and Derby, so that without a strong party there is no safety. Therefore, because the passage is dangerous and all the force we have is scarce sufficient for maintaining what we have undertaken against Beeston Castle and Chester, so that we cannot spare a sufficient convoy, and I durst not adventure to send them unguarded lest the enemy should gain intelligence thereof and issuing out of their garrisons seize upon Col. Lewis Chadwick, who is very unable to make resistance or escape from them, as they lately seized upon Sir Thos., now Lord Leigh of Stoneleigh betwixt Coventry and Stafford, I have presumed to respite the sending of them up for some short time until the first opportunity of safe passage. If you should, however, please to command them to be sent up without a guard or with such guard as can be spared from our present engagements, or to command a guard from one of your garrisons to another, your orders shall be implicitly obeyed. P.S.—Touching the information against Col. [Symon] Rudgley and Col. Chadwick, I cannot give you any further account than this,—that there will be sufficient matter made to appear to disable both of them from being employed in your service in the town and county of Stafford if there may be some further time allowed. But touching the crime and charge of unfaithfulness and compliance with the enemy that information did not proceed from me, but from Sir John Gell and others, from whom it may be expected the same should be made good, to whom I doubt not but you have sent your command that they should also send up and make good the same. Concerning Capt.-Lieut. Hughes, upon further examination we could not think fit to detain him, and therefore, because the company of Col. Chadwick, to which he belonged, was removed out of Staffordshire, into Cheshire, and being without officers was like to break up, he was permitted to return to his charge, but is within your power to be sent up, if you so command. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 169–171. Copy. 22/3 pp.]
Jan. 10.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Jephson. We are satisfied of your care for the safety of that town [Portsmouth], and return you thanks for it. We have taken care for the sending of men thither and also provisions from the Isle of Wight, which the Commons' House has ordered shall be paid for out of the revenue to the value of 500l. Steps are taken for the payment of 1,000l. from Haberdashers' Hall. A very considerable force of horse and foot are marching towards you, for the removal of the [enemy's] forces. Sent by Bulmer. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 182. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 10.
Derby House.
The same to the Committee of Sussex. To the end that the enemy may not be encouraged to make an attempt upon Chichester by reason of the weakness of its garrison, we desire you to put into it a competent number of the trained bands or auxiliaries of that county that it may be put into a posture of security. Sent by Bulmer. [Ibid., p. 183. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 10.
Derby House.
The same to Philip Earl of Pembroke. In regard of the enemy's drawing near to Portsmouth we have written to the Committee of the Isle of Wight for 200 men and such provisions as that town may need, a copy of which letter we enclose. We desire that you will also write thither to that purpose for the more speedy and effectual execution thereof. Sent by Mr. Butler. [Ibid. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 10.
Derby House.
The same to the Committee of the Isle of Wight. In regard of the enemy's drawing near to the parts about Portsmouth, we have thought it necessary to strengthen the garrison there both with men and provisions, which cannot well be procured from the adjacent parts by reason of the enemy, but may easily be sent from you by sea. We therefore desire you to send thither from your island 200 men and such provisions as are necessary, which the [Commons'] House has directed shall be paid for out of the Committee of the Revenue. We doubt not but you will be ready to do this service, both out of your affection for the public and in regard of your own concernment in that place. Sent by Mr. Bulmer. [Ibid., p. 184. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 10.
Derby House.
The same to the officer in command of the regiment of Col. Whitehead. The better to secure Portsmouth from the enemy we have appointed, amongst others, the forces of Col. Whitehead to occupy it. You are therefore to march thither with the forces now under your command, and remain there until we shall give further order. Sent by Mr. Bulmer. [Ibid. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 11.
Melcombe Regis.
14. Robt. Wise to Giles Greene, M. P., one of the Committee of the Navy. Complains of the conduct of [John] Arthur in withholding his fees, and charging him with going to London on purpose to inform against him,—Arthur's want of honesty and indirect dealing in the collection of customs. It grieves me to see the State so abused by him. He shortly expects from you 1,200l. about an old rotten ship. [Seal with arms broken. 1 p.]
Jan. 11. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Warwick, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lords Wharton and Maitland, Sir G. Gerard, Sir H. Vane, junr., Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Wallop, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That the business of the Swedish Agent [Hugh Movatt] be taken into consideration on Wednesday afternoon, when all the members of the Committee are desired to be present.
2. That the warrant now read for sending away the provisions for Ireland to the ports of Strangford, Belfast, and Ballyshannon be made [ready] and affixed to the schedules of those provisions.
3. That the Secretary do give to Col. King a copy of the paper given in against him by Mr. Bury.
4. To send to the sub-committee of Grocers' Hall to nominate two fit persons to accompany the arms, clothes, and victuals going to Ireland.
5. That Colonel Owen Rowe do test the arms and certify their goodness and number, and then see them put aboard [the ships for Ireland].
6. That Mr. [John] Davis do bring to this Committee the bills of parcels for the woollen and linen clothes for the officers.
7. To report the remonstrance of Grocers' Hall for Sir Frederick Hamilton to the Houses of Parliament, in regard it is for arrears which cannot be paid by the last Ordinance.
8. That the garrison of Windsor be made up to 400, to consist of four companies, viz., the colonel's and three captains', and that an establishment in accordance be brought in, that it may be reported to the House [of Commons].
9. That the orders of the House of Commons concerning providing arms and clothes for the forces of Ulster referred to this Committee be delegatd to the sub-committee for Irish affairs, and that these orders and the letter of the Earl of Lauderdale concerning that business be sent to the House.
10. That the places offered by Sir W. Stewart in place of Derry be showed to the gentlemen of Ulster, and their opinion desired therein.
11. That the paper of Lord Broghill and the rest of the gentlemen of Ulster be referred to the consideration of the sub-committee for Irish affairs.
12. That the paper of Sir W. Cole given in answer to Sir Frederick Hamilton's charge be read and considered with the said charge by the sub-committee for Ireland, and report made to this Committee if anything be therein not fit to be presented to the House [of Commons]. This sub-committee to meet on Monday next.
13. That upon a message from the Committee of the West by Sir Edw. Hungerford and Mr. Poole the troops of Major Duett, Major Wandsey, Capt. Bernard, and Captain Sadler be forthwith sent to the garrison of Malmesbury for its better defence.
[Interregnum 8 E., pp. 68, 69. 2 pp.]
Jan. 11. Sir Wm. Brereton to the Committee of both kingdoms. This day I received intelligence that Prince Maurice is expected speedily at Worcester, and that his carriages have left Oxford and are upon their march, which news is confirmed by letters from Sir Thos. Middleton and Sir John Gell. I send this timely advertisement that such of your forces as are thought fittest may be assigned to watch their motions, otherwise it cannot be expected that we should be able to prosecute our designs in those parts, or to maintain our garrisons against so potent an enemy. It has formerly been the plan of the enemy to draw their forces out of their petty garrisons to form a compact body, wherein if we should imitate them we should be at a disadvantage, they having the rivers Dee and Severn as a protection. We should thus be compelled to quit the siege of Beeston Castle and some of our strong[holds] within two miles of Chester. The least prejudice we should receive would be the burning of our garrisons and the occupation by the enemy of our quarters. They, having many Irish amongst them, have already fired several towns and houses. They expect the assistance of 10,000 more Irish, who are said to be preparing for them. I would suggest that such forces as you think fit to appoint to this service may be speedily despatched, in order that the enemy may not be suffered to rest and gather together more armies as formerly, but be dispersed, and so prevented from committing more spoil. To this end no forces would be more serviceable than foot or dragoons, and therefore, if you so think fit, all or some part of the Scotch army may be thus disposed of to our advantage in these parts, which being once settled, [they] will be very serviceable for the relief of Ireland. As there may be occasion I will give you further advertisement. P.S.—I will endeavour to speed away Col. Lewis Chadwick for London according to your command. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 171–173. Copy = 2 pp.]
Jan. 11.
Abingdon.
Major-Genl. Richard Browne to the same. I think it my duty to give you an account of God's late mercies to us. The enemy at Oxford, with a party of 800 horse and 1,000 foot, drawn together from Wallingford, Farringdon, and their horse quarters round Oxford, marched forth on Friday night, commanded by Prince Rupert, and accompanied by Prince Maurice, Sir Henry Gage, the Governor, and most of the gentry of Oxford, who came to see the event. Their intention, as appears by a letter of Prince Rupert to Major Farmer, was to storm Abingdon on Culham side of the town, whilst a body of horse from Farringdon should fall on our horse quarters on the other side, to prevent their coming to our assistance. This morning, by break of day, they approached altogether undiscovered and gained a bridge about half a mile from us, where was a sentry who escaped and gave us the alarm. But before any [of our forces] were ready to meet them they had gotten half [along] the causeway towards Abingdon great bridge. Upon the alarm the guards who were upon this bridge drew forth towards them and fought till our other men recovered their arms; but being too weak [to maintain the fight] were driven back until fresh reinforcements came up. In the interim we manned the other side of the town next Oxford, and sent out horse to discover the ways. At the return of our horse, understanding that the whole body of the enemy was together on Culham side, I could then safely draw out more men, which I did with good success. The causeway between the two bridges being narrow I commanded a party into the meadows to flank the enemy on each side, which, though they had to wade through much water, they did cheerfully. The enemy upon this retreated, and after three hours fight, we recovered the bridge, which the enemy would have broken down. And now, notwithstanding their infinite advantages of ground, secured with many hedges and ditches, we beat them from place to place quite out of the field, and our men, only I would not suffer it, being improper and unsafe, were very eager to pursue them further. Our loss was not great, saving that Major Bradbury, of Col. Ayloff's regiment, a very gallant man, died upon the bridge, and besides him not above 8 or 10 common soldiers at most, with 50 or 60 wounded. On the enemy's side were slain Sir Henry Gage, Governor of Oxford, with others of note whose names I cannot yet learn. The country people affirm the enemy loaded three carts with their dead, besides throwing some into the river and carrying others away dead upon horseback. All this while the enemy's horse from Farringdon and ours were engaged in this manner. They fell into Drayton at the same time in the morning, but found our men in more readiness than they expected. The alarm was presently given to the rest, who as soon came together and beat the enemy out of the town, rescued some of our own men, killed, wounded, and took prisoners most [of the Royal horse], except some few, who escaped being pursued within a mile of Farringdon, and all this was done without the loss of one man, colour, or horse on our part, so far as we can hear of. Sir Hatton Farmer's son, being major to Prince Charles' regiment of horse, was slain in the pursuit, together with his lieutenant and other officers. On our side Capt. Blunden[ll] of Col. Martin's regiment of horse received a wound in the face, but did very gallantly, as did the rest of the officers of horse. Capts. Melvin and Butterfield, both Scotchmen and captains of the Lord General's party of foot, are wounded, but [they] with his Excellency's foot, whom I kept for one of my reserves, behaved themselves with no ordinary courage. Most of our officers performed their places well, as also did the soldiers of the London Auxiliaries. The body of the enemy, when they saw the rest retreat, fell to plundering of Culham, which they did miserably. I understand their design was, in case they failed of [surprising] Abingdon, to cut up the aforesaid bridge, and [placing a] garrison in Lady Cary's house and the church in Culham, standing both together, which would have proved our great annoyance, as they could then have battered our town from the hill, their ordnance this day reaching into our streets, and besides they would have cut off our passages and markets, but, blessed be God, they were prevented. Among other prisoners we took five Irishmen, all belonging to Prince [Rupert's] regiment, whom I caused instantly to be hanged in the market place, according to an Ordinance of Parliament. I forgot last time to acquaint you with our want of gunpowder, and especially match, which I desire may be speedily supplied. We want also more guns for our own works, and gunners, with spades, shovels, and pickaxes. The Committee of Middlesex sent hither about 40 horse, and paid them for some weeks, but have since desisted, so these as well as the rest begin to run away, which I desire may be prevented. Our men, for want of pay, desert us daily, their duty is hard, their quarters very strait, victuals very scant, and no money sent to us. The country people are commanded forthwith to bring all their corn into Oxford, for what purpose I know not. I forward the enclosed letters, which were lately taken by our scouts going to Oxford. I beseech you at length to consider us for relief. P.S.—I received an order from this Committee for reducing the three London regiments into one, which I shall obey, and another order from the [Commons'] House, directing the payment of 1,000l. by the [Committee of] Militia to Col. Underwood's troop, and the 3 London regiments, but no mention of my own regiment, the Windsor regiment, nor the gunners. I presume it will appear reasonable unto you that they be paid equally with the others, which I desire may be ordered by your Honours accordingly. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 173–177. Copy = 4 pp.]
Jan. 11.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Venn. We have been informed that there is not the full number of 200 in your garrison according to the appointment, and that those who are there present are very negligent and remiss in the performance of their duty. We have taken into consideration the strengthening of your garrison, and intend that it be increased to 400, consisting of four companies, for which an establishment will be drawn up and reported to the Houses. In the meantime you are to look diligently to your charge, and see that the soldiers be more vigilant in performance of their duty. We recommend it to you in an especial manner that you take into your garrison such soldiers as are fit to discharge that duty and trust, and not raw countrymen. Sent by Rowland Faukeard at 9 p.m. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 185. Copy. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 13.
Asthall.
15. Jane Jones to Edw. Viscount Conway at Oxford. I thank you for your affectionate care of me in procuring the removal from me of "the great evils," which fortunately departed this morning. Insolent behaviour of the soldiers quartered in her house. Had I not prepared before to have encountered with people of savage natures, it would very much have troubled me. They pretended the want of something in the house, but I conceive the cause of their incivility was because I refused to pay my month's contribution to them, which according to the King's rates is more than discharged in billet. They compelled from the rest of the town [payment of] their contribution, and then left the people unsatisfied for their billet. [Seal with crest. 1 p.]
Jan. 13.
Oxford.
16. Prince Rupert to [Major-General Lord Astley ?]. Your letter of the 9th to Lord Digby hath been fully considered of, and my answer to the particulars contained in it is this,—In the first place, for such precise orders as you seem to desire, I must deal freely with you that you are not to expect them from hence, we being not so fit judges as you upon the place of the particular advantages that may be taken there for his Majesty's service; and I should be very loath, by misjudging here, to direct that which you should find inconvenient there, or that you should be restrained by any orders from hence from laying hold or pursuing such advantages or opportunities as may be given you there unawares to us here. I shall only direct you in general to the course which is judged here most conducing to his Majesty's service. I do approve and commend your opinion of not advancing at this present into Evesham till you have refreshed and recruited in the time by you desired, which is allowed of. As for the manner and place of your resting, I cannot approve of Hereford or any part of Wales, since that would destroy your own quarters there. [I would not have you take the field ?] unless the enemy should advance thitherward with a considerable force, which is not improbable. I shall desire you to remember well the first intent of your going into those parts, and to pursue your instructions. [You are to take good care of] that place, also to maintain your forces as much as possible. [Arrange] whereby to eat up your own quarters and to disable that county [Worcester ?] from maintaining the enemy's forces whensoever they shall come thither, which must not only be done [but speedily]. All the provisions that you are not like else to use [must be seized and destroyed ?]. This is the course which I here judge the fittest for you to pursue till such time as by the west [rest ?] and refreshment desired by you you shall have put yourself into a fitter condition to undertake some greater design. In the meantime I am confident that you will not neglect to take any advantage that shall be offered you in the parts adjacent to you, and it shall not be neglected against your next sally at the month's end to procure you, if possible, the recruits promised, which in your refreshing time would be but a burden to you, and cannot for the present be spared from the pressing use for them. Concerning Col. Nevill's regiment it was never intended to be called from you contrary to the King's promise, the meaning only was, when your design were over, to go into some good quarter to recruit, wherewith, if you can accommodate it in those parts, you may continue it with you still, and you may be confident that neither that, the northern horse, nor any other part of your forces shall be commanded away but upon full debate and consideration and with regard, as is fitting, to your advice concerning it. Concerning the clothes and money, I must refer you to the King's letter on the subject. As for your want of an engineer, there is a Frenchman who has the reputation of being a good one; he shall be despatched away to you speedily. I have no more to add at this time. P.S.—The intent of my forbidding you to exchange prisoners was not, as you understand it, to deprive you of them, but only to suspend all exchanges whatsoever till our Irish officers were released. [Partly in cipher. 3 pp.]
Jan. 13. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, Warwick, and Manchester. Lord Say, the two Vanes, Sir W. Waller, Sir G. Gerard, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Crew. Ordered,
1. That Sir Frederick Hamilton have a sight of the answer of Sir W. Cole to his information against the latter.
2. That the Commons be reminded of the report of this Committee concerning 1,100 horses required to mount dragoons, and their letters to the several counties requested for raising them.
3. That the intercepted letters sent in a letter from Coventry be referred to the Committee of Gloucester, &c., who are to make use thereof and to attend here to-morrow in the afternoon to speak with this Committee.
4. That Essex's and Manchester's horse and foot do march to Farnham, where they are to expect further orders.
5. That Lieut.-Genl. Middleton do give order for the horse and foot at Guildford to march to Farnham, and do advertise this Committee from time to time of the movements of the enemy and how he disposes of those forces.
6. That orders be sent to Newport [Pagnell] and Aylesbury for the marching of their forces to Henley so soon as Manchester's forces shall come up to their respective garrisons.
7. That the letter to Lord Inchiquin be approved of.
8. That the sub-committee appointed concerning Col. King's business do receive his answer.
9. That Sir Frederick Hamilton be supplied with a copy of the answer put in by Sir W. Cole.
10. That both the charge against Sir Wm. Cole and his answer to it be reported to the Commons' House on Wednesday next.
11. That a clause be inserted in the warrant for Sir Arthur Loftus that his money is to be paid out of the first coming in from London and Middlesex.
12. That the Lincolnshire gentlemen do attend here to-morrow afternoon when Col. King's answer is to be read.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 70, 71. = 1½ pp.]
Jan. 13.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Lieut.-Genl. Middleton. Understanding by your letters to the Lord General [Essex] and Sir Wm. Waller that the enemy's forces are retreated to Andover, and that you have sent instructions to the Lord Genl.'s and Manchester's horse and foot to stay at Guildford, we have thought fit to desire you to give order for their march from Guildford to Farnham or thereabouts, as may be most advantageous to the service you are now about, and from time to time you are to report to this Committee your proceedings and the enemy's motions. Sent by Mr. Jennings. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 185. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 13.
Derby House.
The same to Sir Samuel Luke. We have appointed 300 men from your garrison [Newport Pagnell] and 600 from Aylesbury to march to Henley in order to perform further service, their places meanwhile to be supplied by forces from Cambridge. Upon the coming up of Manchester's forces thither you are to select 300 of your foot and let them march to Aylesbury with Manchester's contingent, which are to go thither, and from thence with the Aylesbury forces to Henley, where they shall receive further orders. Sent by Mr. Potter. [Ibid., p. 186. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 13.
Derby House.
The same to Col. Martin. We have appointed that 600 men from your garrison [at Aylesbury] and 300 from Newport Pagnell shall march to Henley in order to further service, their places meanwhile to be supplied by forces from Cambridge. On the coming thither of Manchester's contingent you are to march to Henley with your 600 men, and to notify the fact to us, and when arrived there to expect our further orders. Sent by Mr. Potter. [Ibid. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 14. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Manchester, Warwick, and Loudoun, Lord Say, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir A. Haselrigg, Sir H. Vane, junr., Mr. Solicitor, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, and Wallop. Ordered,
1. The answer of Col. King was read in the presence of the Lincolnshire gentlemen.
2. To desire the Earl of Manchester not to thwart the action of Mr. Hatcher in Lincolnshire it being approved by the Commons.
3. That the Notts. horse be suffered to relieve themselves in their own quarters till the arrival of a greater force to block up Newark.
4. To write to Col. Massie to draw out of his garrisons so many foot and horse as can be spared to join with the forces of those neighbouring counties, and with these united forces he is to hasten against Campden House, to prevent the enemy fortifying there. Letters to be written to these places to send such horse and foot as here mentioned to the rendezvous to be appointed by Col. Massie, viz., Gloucester 500 foot and 500 horse, Worcester 200 horse, Warwick 300 foot and 300 horse, Northampton 200 foot and 200 horse, and Col. Fox 100 horse.
5. To desire the Gloucestershire gentlemen to attend on Thursday touching the business of Col. Massie, when Mr. Recorder will speak with them. If they have any information against Col. Massie they are to bring it with them.
6. To allow such a proportion of the oats at Reading to Sir Richd. Onslow and Mr. Trenchard that they may thereby repay Mr. Smith.
7. That Col. John Fiennes shall have 200 qrs. of these oats for his regiment.
8. To send to the Viewers to give in their report of the goodness of the provisions of Mr. Davis.
9. That Mr. [John] Davis be here to-morrow.
10. To write to Col. Browne, taking notice of his good service, and notifying him what the House of Commons has done about his supply.
11. Warrant to be sent to Reading to furnish Abingdon with match.
12. That Mr. Eecorder do speak with [the Committee for] the Militia about providing 1,000l. out of the money provided for their last brigade.
13. That the business concerning [the supply of] horse for Abingdon be considered to-morrow.
14. That 50l. be paid to Mr. Hartlip [Samuel Hartlib] out of the money in Mr. Frost's hands.
15. That the clerks of the Houses of Lords or Commons be desired to bring here to-morrow afternoon the Bill for Episcopacy, the Declaration of both kingdoms, and the Treaty between the kingdoms [of England and Scotland].
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 71, 73. =2 pp.]
Jan. 14.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Murrough O'Brien Lord Inchiquin. Having taken into consideration the former good service done by Lord Broghill in Ireland before the cessation and his present great care and diligence in the solicitation of the affairs of Munster, we are desirous that such merit may ever have all due encouragement. We conceive it will much promote the affairs of the Parliament there if his Lordship may have a command worthy of him, and therefore especially recommend him to you to be made General of the horse in that Province, for which you are to give him a commission. We doubt not but this our recommendation will be very acceptable to your Lordship as of a noble person, whose very great care both of the public and your affairs here gives us assurance that his service there in that command will be much to the promotion of the public interests and to your particular satisfaction. Sent by his Lordship. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 187. Copy. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 15.
Weymouth.
17. George Alleyn to Giles Greene, M.P., one of the Committee of the Navy. I have written to you several letters which I hope have come to hand. The news which these parts afford is as follows:—The enemy's forces which lay at Chard are dispersed, for upon the coming of Sir Ralph Hopton to Chard there was a great difference between them, who should be Commander-in-Chief; some say the dispute was between Col. Bampfield and Mr. Coventry, and others that it was between Hopton and Bampfield, but true it is Hopton carried away Bampfield prisoner with him, and some went towards Exeter and to St. Mary Ottery, where they have placed a garrison, and the rest to Lamport [Langport-Eastover], near Somerton [co. Somerset], where they say Hopton is, but I doubt not but we shall meet with them there also, for our forces purpose to place a garrison at Ilchester, which will be somewhat near that and Sherborne. This day there arrived here a bark from Plymouth, which brings us intelligence that on Thursday last Sir Richd. Gre[n]ville fell on the outworks of Plymouth, and at first took a fort, called Pennycomequick, which they kept near 7 hours, but Col. [John] Birch surrounded and retook it with the captain and 40 prisoners. Then they stormed another fort called Maudelin, in which the gunner and his mate were slain, but the captain of that fort levelled a cannon upon them loaded with case shot, which killed 30 men on the spot and near as many more fell by the way; afterwards they stormed the town on all sides, but were beaten off with the loss of near 300 men. Here is a ship come from St. Lucas [San Lucar, in Spain], which reports 12 sail of Turks brought into Calles [Cadiz] by the Spaniards and Dunkirkers, in which were 2,000 Turks and 100 Christians. In my last I wrote to you concerning the Prisage Office of this county, no man being as yet deputed to receive that duty. My request is that you would remember me in that particular and give me an order to the Prisage-master to receive that duty from him. [Seal with arms and crest. 1 p.]
Jan. 15.
Weymouth.
18. The same to John Randall, servant to Giles Greene, M.P. To the same effect as the preceding. The enemy's forces which lay at Chard are dispersed, some to Exeter and some to Bristol. Intelligence brought by a bark that the enemy under Sir Richd. Greenfeld [Grenville] did storm Plymouth town last week, but were beaten off with the loss of near 300 men. I hope they will be able to stand it out still as they have hitherto done. [Seal with arms and crest. ½ p.]
Jan. 15. 19. Receipts for money paid by the inhabitants of Sandiacre and West Hallam, in co. Derby, for the service of King and Parliament, to collectors under General Leslie and Lieut.-Col. Hamilton. [1 p.]
Jan. 15. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Warwick and Loudoun, Lords Say, Wharton, and Maitland, Sir H. Vane, senr., Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir G. Gerard, Sir A. Haselrigg, and Sir Charles Erskine, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Crew and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That the petition of the Scottish officers now read be reported to the House [of Commons].
2. That Mr. Crew do interview Col. Purefoy about the horse to be sent from Warwick to Col. Massie.
3. That a duplicate be sent of the last letter to Lieut.-Genl. Middleton.
4. That the Lord General do consider if 30 barrels of gunpowder and 3 tuns of match can be spared from Reading towards the supply of Abingdon. Also the Lord General and the Earl of Manchester to consider of a convoy for this ammunition and the money to be sent to Abingdon, and to report to this Committee to-morrow.
5. That a sub-committee be appointed to consider of the business propounded by the Commissioner of the Swedes, viz., Earls of Northumberland, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lords Say and Maitland, Sir H. Vane, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Mr. Crew, or any four of them.
6. That the Swedish Agent [Hugh Movatt] be asked to attend to-morrow afternoon.
7. To report to the [Commons'] House that this Committee finds the 1,100 dragoon horses may be spared.
8. To write to the Commissioners at Reading according to the Commons' order, and desire them to certify the particular number of the forces of the Lord General, Manchester, and Waller, severally.
9. That the Governors of Aylesbury and Newport Pagnell do send their forces to Farnham so soon as Manchester's foot shall arrive at their respective garrisons.
10. That the Lord General and Manchester do certify what forces they will have remaining in these parts when the party designed for the west shall be gone.
11. That the Salop gents, do attend on Wednesday afternoon.
12. That it be reported to the House that 50 barrels of gunpowder, with match and bullet proportionable, may be provided for Pembrokeshire.
13. That Sir John Curzon and Gilbert Thacker do attend to-morrow afternoon.
14. That Sir John Maynard be acquainted with Mr. Stoughton's petition and be desired to show that this business is depending before the House [of Commons].
15. To write to Major-Genl. Browne directing that in the distribution of the money now sent, Col. Washbourne's horse may have their share.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 73, 74. =12/3 pp.]
Jan. 15.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Major-Genl. Richd. Browne. We have received yours of the 11th inst., signifying the repulse of the enemy's attack upon Abingdon, for which your good service and care of that place we give you especial thanks, as also to the rest of the officers and soldiers there who so well discharged their duty. We shall do our endeavour that they may have all real encouragement. The House of Commons has already ordered that 2,000l. be presently sent to you, which shall be done with all speed. For the rest of your wants specified in your letter we have taken the supply of them into consideration, and those you recommend as most especially wanting shall be presently sent. Sent by Faukeard. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 187. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 15.
Derby House.
The same to Col. Massie. We are informed by some letters intercepted that the King's forces are about to fortify Campden [in co. Gloucester]. If they should perfect that work it will be of very ill consequence in many respects, and especially [as it is designed] to cut off all intercourse between you and Warwick. We therefore think it necessary that the enemy be removed from thence by all means, and so recommend it to you to be done with all possible speed. To enable you to effect this service, besides the forces you can draw out of Gloucester and your other garrisons, numbering we suppose 500 foot and 500 horse, we have written to the Committee of Worcestershire for 200 horse, to the Committee of Warwick for 300 horse and 300 foot, to the Committee of Northampton for 200 horse and 200 foot, to Col. Fox for 100 horse, or more if they can, but not to fail of these. They are to receive their orders from you, and to come to such rendezvous as you shall appoint. We therefore desire you to send out your orders, and to execute this design with all expedition. You may send word by this messenger whether you can make use of the cipher that was sent from hence unto you. Sent by Crips at 9 p.m. [Ibid., p. 188. Copy. 1 p.]
Jan. 15.
Derby House.
The same to the Committee of Worcestershire. There being some special service to be performed wherein, besides the public, yourselves are also concerned, we have recommended the execution and conduct of it to Col. Massie, and besides his own forces have appointed 200 of your horse with other considerable forces to aid in this service. You are therefore to receive orders from Col. Massie and to forward your contingent to such rendezvous as he shall appoint; which service will be only for a few days, when they may again return to your quarters. Sent by Crips. [Ibid., p. 189. Copy. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 15. The like to the Committee of Warwick for 300 horse and 300 foot. [Ibid.]
Jan. 15. The like to the Committee of Northampton for 200 horse and 200 foot. [Ibid.]
Jan. 15. The like to Col. Fox for 100 horse. [Ibid.]
Jan. 16–18. 20. Depositions of Capts. W. Wilkes, Richard Harby, Wm. Disney, Lawrence Nonney, and Francis Blethin, concerning the managing of a petition got up by Col. Richard Sterling, Governor of Henley, to be preferred to the Parliament at Westminster, desiring the continuance of the Earl of Manchester in his former power and command. Annexed,
20. i. Note of matters to be proved in this case. [= 10 pp.]
Jan. 16. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lord Maitland, Sir Chas. Erskine, Sir Wm. Waller, and Sir A. Haselrigg, Mr. Solicitor, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Wallop, Cromwell, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That Mr. Cleyton do receive 250l. out of the money appointed for Ireland and repair speedily to his charge.
2. That the Irish gentlemen do view the victuals and clothes prepared to be sent to Ireland.
3. That the business of [Robert] Glancors be reported to the House.
4. That Mr. Harley's petition be recommended to the Lord Admiral [Warwick].
5. The warrant for Mr. [John] Davis's delivery of his clothes to the officers here is agreed to.
6. The warrant for sending away provisions to the three Irish ports Ballyshannon, Strangford, and Belfast approved of.
7. To write to the Committee at Cambridge noticing their good service in setting out their forces so expeditiously.
8. That 5 troops of Manchester's horse shall be quartered upon the line [of communication] at or about Henley in addition to those already there.
9. That a press of 3,000 men be ordered in Manchester's Association, and recruits sent to Henley to supply the two regiments of Col. Sir Miles Hobart and Col. Montague with 500 men each, for which Manchester is to issue his warrants so that each regiment may be supplied from their usual recruiting places.
10. To write to the Committee at Hertford to desire them to send 500 men with all expedition, as they can be got ready, to Henley, where their services will be required for about 20 days, when they will be relieved by other forces.
11. That the Lord General do use all means, by press or by volunteers, to raise 2,000 men for recruiting his foot.
12. That it be reported to the Commons' House that money may be provided for raising these 2,000 foot.
13. That Waller do recruit his army with 1,500 men, and that it be reported to the House that money may be provided.
14. That the Lord General be empowered to recall his horse from Farnham, if he likes to send others to replace them.
15. That the letters from Col. Massie be delivered to the Lord General.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 75, 76. =2 pp.]
Jan. 16.
Nantwich.
Sir Wm. Brereton to the Committee of both kingdoms. In accordance with your command, Col. Lewis Chadwick and Lieut.Col. Chadwick are sent up and will, I hope, be in London within the time prefixed by Lord Denbigh's order. The informations against them did not proceed from me as you well know, but may be expected to be made good by those who exhibited them. Although I was not charged with the taking of examinations, yet I have sent up such as came to my knowledge, and think the gentlemen of the Stafford Committee will be able to give further evidence herein. If a commission were sent down enabling us to take examinations upon oath, much more might be discovered. Beeston Castle still holds out, but we believe the defenders begin to be much distressed, as a week since they desired leave to send out some of their sick which was refused. The garrison of Chester have been lately more active than formerly, and have fallen upon some of our quarters and taken 20 or 30 men besides horses at several times, which we have not been able to retaliate because none of them are quartered on this side the Dee, except those within the walls of Chester and Beeston Castle. We hear the King's forces are garrisoning Evesham and Campden House, whence they may more opportunely and undiscovered fall upon these parts. We trust that you will not suffer us, who have been upon constant hard duty since the battle of York [Marston-Moor], to be overpowered by numbers of fresh forces from the King's army. P.S.— Lieut. Hughes is with Col. Chadwick's company, which was in danger to have disbanded, because the ensign being in prison for murder, there were no officers above the rank of sergeant to command them, but, if you please, he shall be commanded up. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 177, 178. Copy. 1¾ pp.]
Jan. 16.
Derby House.
Sir Peter Killigrew to the General of the King's army. I am commanded by both Houses of the Parliament of England, and desired by the Commissioners of the kingdom of Scotland, to send to you this their further answer to his Majesty's message of 13 December, to be presented to him with a list of the names of [the Commissioners and] their retinue to be inserted in his Majesty's safeconduct. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 189. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 16.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Murrough O'Brien Lord Inchiquin. Sir Hardress Waller being for the present engaged in the service of the Parliament, and thereby having necessary occasion to remain for some time in this kingdom, has desired us to recommend to your Lordship that his regiment may be made up of the men already there as strong as the other regiments, it being the first regiment that was raised in that province [Munster], also that he may have a troop of horse recruited there, and supplied with arms out of those sent over. We desire that his Government of Cork may be settled upon him, to be executed by such a Lieutenant Governor as you shall appoint, and that his absence from thence at this time may not prejudice his continuance in those commands. [Ibid., p. 190. Copy. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 16.
Derby House.
The same to the [Parliamentary] Commissioners in the army. By the enclosed order of the House of Commons you will see the service that you are to do about the party that is to march westward, wherein the House expects your especial diligence, that they may have assurance that what forces they have designed for that service may be so many effective, or in defect thereof they may be certified what that defect is, and in what part of the forces. You are therefore to take exact musters of all those forces, both horse and foot, with all speed, and to certify their numbers to this Committee, which you are to do distinctly of the Lord General [Essex's], Manchester's, and Waller's, each separately. Sent by Priestley at 9 at night. Ibid., p. 190. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 16.
Derby House.
The same to Sir Samuel Luke. We wrote to you on the 13th to send 300 men of your garrison [Newport Pagnell], together with 600 from Aylesbury, to Henley, on the coming up of Manchester's forces from Cambridge to guard your town in the absence of your forces. We now desire that those forces may march as before directed to Aylesbury, and from thence directly to Farnham, where they shall receive further orders. Sent by Mr. Potter. [Ibid., p. 191. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 16.
Derby House.
The same to Col. Martin. You were directed by ours of the 13th to march with 600 men from Aylesbury to Henley, there to receive orders for further service. We now desire you upon the coming up of Manchester's contingent, which is appointed to secure your town of Aylesbury in your absence, immediately to march to Farnham, where you will receive further order. Sent by Mr. Arnold. [Ibid., p. 191. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 17. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, Warwick, and Loudoun, Lord Wharton, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Charles Erskine, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Wallop, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That Col. Ridgley having attended 20 days and no information brought to this Committee against him, he is hereby ordered to be dismissed from further attendance upon this Committee.
2. To write to the Committee of the Isle of Wight to send 200 or 300 men, with provisions, for the assistance of Christchurch, to which end the Earl of Pembroke is likewise to write to his deputy lieutenants there.
3. That the Lord General be desired to send a convoy with 30 barrels of gunpowder and two tuns of match from Reading, and also to convoy the money.
4. That Sir Walter Erle be desired to [re] supply this powder and match to the Lord General's stores.
5. That a warrant be issued to Mr. Richardson to provide horses and carriages.
6. That the 300 men from Newport Pagnell and the garrison of Aylesbury do march to Henley, notwithstanding the former orders for Farnham.
7. That Sir Walter Erle do give a note of the defective pieces whereof he informs that a warrant may be sent for them.
8. That it be reported to the House [of Commons] that Sir Walter Erle hath informed this Committee of some deficiencies in the stores for supplying whereof. It is desired that the Commissioners of Excise be pressed to advance 2,000l. upon interest out of the 6,000l., which by the Ordinance they are to pay in June, and for the continuance of the 1,500l. per mensem allotted for foreign saltpetre, which is to end in May, and likewise 2,000l. every three months from such time as the Ordinance for the 6,000l. shall expire.
9. That Manchester's foot now upon their march do go to Aylesbury to replace the garrison there, which has orders to march to Henley.
10. That answer be given to the gentlemen of Lancashire that this Committee, in their letter to Sir John Meldrum, has disapproved of the cessation [of hostilities] at Latham House and Greenhalgh Castle, and therefore their forces are to be put in a posture for the service of the kingdom.
11. That Sir W. Stewart and John Davis be desired to attend to-morrow afternoon.
12. That Mr. Wallop have leave to write to Mr. Lacy in Ireland, formerly his servant, as desired by Sir Arthur Loftus.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 77, 78. 2 pp.]
Jan. 17.
Nantwich.
Sir Wm. Brereton to the Committee of both kingdoms. These lines will give you some further account of our proceedings in these parts. In order to secure our quarters against the enemy, we have been constrained to place a closer guard on Chester, and have therefore advanced nearer to it. Lieut.-Col. Jones and Major Louthiane being now at Christleton, only a little above a mile from the city's works, with my regiments of horse and foot, which will be a mighty annoyance and vexation to the besieged if we can maintain the same. Beeston Castle is every day more and more distressed, so unless speedily relieved I hope a good account may be given thereof. If the forces which we are expecting come to our aid to make good the Welsh side, I hope to give a good account of Chester and all these parts. It only requires that care be taken that no forces from the King's army be suffered to approach these parts in order to annoy and disturb us, but that you cause their movements to be closely watched to prevent them in their designs, which are probably to overrun these parts of the kingdom, and to raise a new army, and then to attempt to suppress and subdue the same. Trusting in your wisdoms to take such course therein as may be thought fit, I shall not presume any further to detain you from your more serious despatches. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 179, 180. Copy. 1¼ pp.]
Jan. 17.
Nantwich.
Sir Wm. Brereton and others of the Committee at Nantwich to the same. As we have much cause to bless God because He hath inclined the heart of the Parliament to commit to you the great command and trust which is placed with you, so we know none to whom in our dangers and extremities we may more securely resort than to your wisdoms, to whom we venture to address this advertisement. That we hope a good account may be given of your affairs in these parts; if course be taken that we be not oppressed, as often before has happened to us, with forces from the King's army, which we hear are now drawingdown towards us and are fortifying Evesham and Campden House. If they be not closely pressed by such as you may think fit, it must greatly prejudice your affairs in these parts, for it is not to be doubted but their design is the formation of another army, which might now be much easier prevented, than hereafter subdued and suppressed. Upon these considerations we have taken the boldness to represent to you our apprehensions, upon whose wisdoms we depend for provision to be made against these growing mischiefs. Ibid., pp. 180, 181. Copy =1¼ pp.]
Jan. 17.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee of the Isle of Wight. We need not intimate to you how ill it might be to your island if the enemy should settle himself in Christchurch. We understand that the place is yet kept against the enemy, and if [the garrison] were instantly supplied with 200 or 300 men and some provisions, they might still hold out, and therefore earnestly recommend the supply of that place to you in both those particulars, and we will endeavour that they shall be paid by the State. Sent by Mr. Craven. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 193. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 17.
Derby House.
The same to the Committee of the [Eastern] Association at Cambridge. By your letter we understand your care to promote the public welfare by your expeditious despatch of the men you have sent out with provision for their service abroad, for which we return you thanks. We doubt not but with like readiness you will expedite the recruits for Manchester's army which are to be levied within your Association, and for which you will receive order from his Lordship, and more especially for Col. Sir Miles Hobart's and Col. Montague's regiments now at Henley. So soon as you can get 100 or 200 men ready you are to send them to Henley until each of those regiments be recruited with 500 men, and for the more ease of levying and their better agreement in the army, we recommend it unto you to have them levied in those places from whence those regiments have been levied and do use to be recruited. Sent by Manchester's messenger. [Ibid., pp. 191, 192 and pp. 193, 194. Copies=2/3 p.]
Jan. 17.
Derby House.
The same to the Committee of the Militia at Hertford. We have appointed part of Manchester's forces at Henley to march westward, so that those which remain will not be a sufficient garrison until recruited, for which we have given order. In the meantime we desire you to send forthwith 500 men to Henley, and they may be sent in single companies as soon as ready, there being no danger in the way. We do not expect that their services will be required for more than 20 days, by which time the regiments there will be recruited, and then they may return home. Whilst there we will endeavour to have them paid by the State. Sent by Mr. Binding. [Ibid., p. 194. Copy. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 17.
Derby House.
The same to the sub-committee at Grocers' Hall. There being so great a necessity for expediting the business of Munster, we desire that the 1,000l. you have provided to be advanced to them upon the Ordinance may be presently paid according to the warrant. This sum to be reimbursed out of the first moneys that may come in out of London and Middlesex after those warrants are served that were granted to Sir Arthur Loftus, the 500l. for Ulster and the 250l. for the Commissary. [Ibid., p. 195. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 18. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earl of Loudoun, Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, Lords Wharton, Say, and Maitland, the two Vanes, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Chas. Erskine, and Messrs. Crew, Wallop, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. To write to the Committee at Northampton, informing them that Fawsley is 9 miles from Northampton, and will have 400 men and cost 1,000l., and to offer them Edgcott.
2. To refer it to the sub-committee at Grocers' Hall to see if they can find means to raise money upon the credit of the Ordinance beyond the 80,000l. for 600 suits for the troopers of the regiment of horse with the Scottish army in Ireland, also two months' pay for the officers and 20s. for each trooper.
3. That a warrant be issued to Col. Owen Rowe for 300 pair of pistols with their appurtenances, to be furnished out of the stores for the said regiment of horse in Ireland.
4. That Mr. Randall of the [State] Paper Office do attend on Monday morning.
5. That the petition of Sir Wm. Balfour be reported to the [Commons'] House.
6. That the desire of the Salop Committee touching raising of forces be recommended to the Lord General.
7. That their desire concerning martial law be likewise recommended to the Lord General.
8. To write to Sir Wm. Brereton to assist Salop in reducing the garrisons of Shra[y]donne Cmcoll [Shrawardine] House and Tong Castle.
9. That Mr. Pierrepont do interview Lord Denbigh concerning reducing his regiment in Wem to three companies.
10. To draft a letter of thanks to the States of Holland for their relief sent to Ireland, and to desire it's continuance; the same to be submitted to the sub-committee for Ireland, and then to be reported to the Commons' House.
11. That the desire of both Houses concerning the marching of the Scottish army southward be taken into consideration and debated at 2 p.m. on Monday, when the whole Committee are desired to be present.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 79, 80. =12/3 p.]
Jan. 18.
[Nantwich.]
Sir Wm. Brereton to the Committee of both kingdoms. These lines may present you with the success of this day, when the Lord did wonderfully work and fight for us to the amazement and discomfiture of the enemy. This day twelvemonth the Lord was pleased to do great things for us, when this town [Nantwich] was fiercely assaulted and the enemy [under Lord Byron] repulsed with the loss of 500 men slain and wounded, and near 1,000 run away. This was then done with very little loss on our part. This day, about 2 o'clock, the enemy issued out of Chester intending to fall upon our quarters and so to break through in order to relieve Beeston Castle. For which purpose, uniting about 800 foot and 300 horse, they prepared a strong ambuscade through which our horse charging very resolutery fell fiercely upon their horse which were placed in the rear of their ambuscade, routed them, slew many, and performed great execution even until they [the enemy] entered the gates. We have taken more than 200 prisoners, amongst whom are two colonels, two lieutenant-colonels, and ten other officers, besides good store of horses and arms. The foot led on by Adjutant [Major] Louthiane performed gallant service, they came on valiantly, beat the enemy from their ambuscades, slew many of them almost within the range of their cannon, which saved them from being so totally taken and slain as otherwise they would have been. Lieut.-Col. Jones led on the horse with much judgment, valour, and success. I do not hear of any of our commanding officers being slain, but Capt. [John] Blackwell is missing, and Capt. Zanchie, who is a very valiant man and commands my own troop, being without his arms, was wounded, but it is hoped not mortally. This may have a good effect upon Beeston Castle, and we will endeavour to improve time and advantage by all means in our power. We pray that such provident respect may be had to our present engagement, that some of your forces not at present on active duty may be assigned to watch the movements of any portion of the King's army which may advance this way to the prejudice of our hopeful designs, as we desire nothing more than the shortening and concluding of this war. When anything further of importance occurs we will advertise you. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 181, 182. Copy. 1½ pp.]
Jan. 18.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Samuel Luke. We formerly wrote for your forces to march to Henley upon the coming up of Manchester's contingent, which are to supply the garrison till your return, and have since ordered that then you should march to Farnham. We now desire that, notwithstanding any former orders, you do, upon their coming up, march to Henley, there to receive further orders, and that these forces of Manchester's be immediately received into Aylesbury, as for want thereof many of them are returned back to Cambridge and in danger to be lost. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 192. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 19.
Court at Oxford.
21. Warrant unsigned to the Exchequer for payment of 700l., for provision of robes for Prince Charles, to Edw. Kirton, deputy to the Marquis of Newcastle, Gentleman of the Robes to Prince Charles, enrolled in the office of Clerk of the Pells. [Strip of parchment.]
Jan. 19. Copy of the same. [Vol. 498, No. 8, p. 46. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 20. 22. [Robert Addemson to Sir Edw. Nicholas ?] Yours of the 16th inst. had stricken me dead if I had not been so dulled before by the constant report of the same sad story you related, that I was scarce sensible of the new incision your letter made in my bleeding heart; I shall endeavour to have that greater patience you tell me is requisite to bear so great a loss, and I could wish that reason were able now to mitigate these tears, which time will waste if not wholly dry up; were my loss the greatest in his [Sir Thos. Roe's ?] death I am persuaded I could bear it more patiently, but I fear those further from him in blood than I will have a nearer relation to his loss than I shall have, who lose but a few drops of blood in him, who, had he lived, might have saved many lives more precious than his own. I am glad you understand so well my dark expressions. In my letters of the 10th inst. from hence were some for 60 [the King ?] from his dearest friends. I have questioned the bearer for an answer, but find he gives me no good account of their delivery. It seems that 60 approves of my first suggestion, and will interpose effectually therein, if so I shall hope it will prove beneficial to him. As for the 2nd, which you say needs further demonstration either by me or my patron [Don Antonio de Sousa, Portuguese Resident], and wherein you say that 60 promises secrecy as well as yourself until that further demonstration be made. Whither I have hindered the lady of my dead friend from coming, even before I had your order to do so. Had my merchant been in the way I would have sent her 200l. by bills of exchange, to pay part of that debt her husband contracted in the King's service. My friend, in his letters of the 9th inst., said that 60 had given him all the money that I could get for the business. In my dead friend's letters of the 9th he ordered me to lay out much of the 300l. in many provisions for him there, which I could not do before I received the sad news of his death, but then I laid out, as our custom is who are Catholics, money in charity to get his soul prayed for, and such was the number of poor prisoners in this town that to lend a small charity to each cost me 30l. preferring this act of religion to his soul, before I would think of paying myself above 50l. which he owes me. I shall refrain from any further disposal of this money until I hear your answer. My patron [Don Antonio de Sousa, Portuguese Resident in England ?] is preparing to [go] towards you. He tells me he will seem as if the second proposition were wholly mine; true it is, I think I did first above a year since glance thereat, but he hath now special orders from the blade [King of Portugal] about fitting the scabbard [Princess of Portugal] as I told you, so must repute it as a finesse in him, to see how much he can make it others, desires, which is his own, a usual practice of such lookers-on. He tells me further he will ask what 60 [the King] requires. I tell him [the Portuguese Resident] the King will desire to know what he offers in this lawsuit [match for the Prince of Wales], but this I presume I need not bid you iniquum petere ut justum recipiatis, especially in 60 [the King's] present condition. I told him [the Portuguese Resident] ten fees [1,000,000l.] were the least [dowry], and I did not see him recoil thereat, but this I am confident they will come roundly off if put to it. I beseech you in your next let me know who are most confiding men to make a Committee of in this business of the blades [King of Portugal], [so as] not to foil it by communicating of it unto too many, for the looker-on [Resident] desires me to tell him who he may be most confident of, and it is likely he will stay till I have your information in this particular; also he desires me to nominate two or three out of whom an apposite overseer [Ambassador] may be chosen in this point to the blade [King of Portugal] from barber [King Charles]; he conceives much will depend upon a moderate man for that occasion, one disinterested and not passionate to goldfinch [King of Spain]. Sir, I can assure you there is a great design for the Plenipotentiary's pigeons [Parliament's ships] to seize upon some chief places in Spain [Ireland], and their pigeons [ships] are to do this feat, which lie at my cousin Prince's cornfields [in Wales]. I have a pretty fly [spy] belonging to these pigeon houses [the navy], if I were able to requite his kindness now and then, which I shall do if you order Browne [Sir Rich., late English Ambassador at Paris] to repay it. Also the humble-bee in Spain [Protestants in Ireland] are plotting what will be the ruin thereof by letting in the Plenipotentiary's pigeons [Parliament's ships] under pretence to make them useful to the humble-bee [Protestants], whereas the wasp [Puritans] will sweep all away when they little dream of it. And for my part abstracting from what I am in my own profession, and only looking upon Spain [Ireland] with respect to barber's [the King's] interest therein, I am assured barber [King Charles] will never enjoy any foot of land in Spain [Ireland] quietly until the elders [Papists] have there the expedient [concession] they desire, and who would deny such an expedient to secure his fortunes and rights to any place. Admit barber [King Charles] had no other servants but elders [Papists] under him; were it not probable he should live quieter than he doth now with his wasps [Puritans], sure I am thereof, but these wasps [Puritans] will as little suffer him to be served by the humble-bees [Protestants] as by the elders [Papists], whatever they pretend to the contrary; therefore in fine an expedient [concession] to all the elders [Papists] he hath may be his best security. This expedient [concession] will be much urged by the blade [King of Portugal], and I am of opinion it may be effected without noise or opposition, if not, let it be denied; but let the thing be well examined first, whether if an expedient [concession] to the elders of Flanders [Papists of England] in particular may settle barber [the King] in quiet possession of his estate in all parts where his land lieth; he had better grant that expedient [concession] at the blade's [King of Portugal's] suit, than deny it and continue the jealousy now on foot. Pray if this point come into dispute hear what the patriot [writer ?] can say to facilitate, nay, to secure the same by act of the Plenipotentiaries [Parliamentarians] themselves to save barber [King Charles] from blame. Dorso,
22. i. That the Resident of Portugal [in England, Don Antonio de Sousa] hath now order from his King to propose the match between his daughter and Prince Charles, and is coming hither [to Oxford]. That the Resident recoiled not when a million was proposed for the dowry. That the Parliament's ships lying in Wales are to seize some places in Ireland, under favour of a plot the Protestants there have to reap benefit thereby, whereas the Puritan faction will sweep all away. That Ireland will not be quiet till the Papists have an expedient to secure them. That [the King of] Portugal will press an expedient, touching the assisting of his Majesty effectually by the united means of all the Papists in his dominions or of England alone. Wherein 40 [the writer ?] desires to be heard what he can say to save the King from blame, even by [Procurement] of an Act of Parliament in that behalf. Received 23 Jany. 1644–5. [Partly in cipher. 4 pp.]
Jan. 20. 23. An order of the House of Commons upon a Report concerning a narrative made by the Earl of Manchester. Mr. Lisle reports from the Committee [where Mr. Tate, has the chair] the opinion of that Committee concerning the Report of a Conference had with the Lords, made by Mr. Holles, touching a narrative of the Earl of Manchester concerning the business of Donnington Castle; the which reflects in some particulars by way of charge, in the opinion of the Committee, upon a member [Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell] of this House, &c., Resolved that the appointing of a Committee by the House of Lords for the examination of the matters contained in the first part of the Report made by Mr. Holles, wherein Lieut. Genl. Cromwell, a member of the House of Commons, is concerned in such a manner as is therein expressed, is a breach of privilege, notwithstanding their desiring the House of Commons to join in the same, &c. [Printed in Commons' Journals iv., 25. 2 pp.]
Jan. 20. 24. An order of the House of Commons of the 20th of January concerning the report about the Earl of Manchester. Mr. John Lisle, M.P., further reported the state of the matter of the narrative made upon the order and injunction of this House by Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell and Sir Wm. Waller, concerning diverse passages and proceedings of the armies, wherein the Earl of Manchester is much concerned, and the state of the proofs upon examination of the business, and hearing witnesses by the Committee. He likewise produced a letter written unto him by Manchester of 16th January, desiring that he might know what the informations are, which, he hears, are given in against him at the Committee, before the Report made, that he might give satisfaction; the which were all read and immediately redelivered to the reporter. [Printed in Commons' Journals iv., 25. 1 p.]
[Jan. 20.] 25. The Earl of Manchester's answer to the two questions proposed by the Committee. The Earl of Manchester came to this Committee, and said that he understood that he had the favour granted to him from the House of Commons that he may have a copy of such informations as were made against him, and desired the Committee that he may have a copy of the same informations. The Committee hereupon proposed to his Lordship these two questions, viz.:— 1. Whether he minded to put in his answer in writing to those informations before this Committee.—Answer. He said that he intended to put it in in writing for the clearing of mistakes. 2nd. Whether he had leave from the House of Lords to put in his answer to this Committee.—Answer. That he had leave from the House of Peers to use his discretion in giving satisfaction to the House of Commons, having certain information made against him; and doth conceive that it is the best way to give satisfaction to the House of Commons by putting in of his answer to this Committee concerning those informations put in against him, and doth conceive that by this leave he may put in his answer before this Committee, that hereby he may the better give satisfaction to the House of Commons. [Draft. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 20. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, Warwick, and Manchester, Lords Say and Wharton. [Others not tilled in.] Ordered,
1. That the Earl of Manchester do send three of his troops to lie at Fawsley during the absence of the Northampton horse.
2. Warrant for 50 barrels of gunpowder, with bullet and match proportionable, for Pembrokeshire, according to the Commons' order of Jan. 17.
3. That the sub-committee may hear counsel in the business of Nottingham.
4. That the petition of Mr. [Thos.] Richardson be reported to the House [of Commons].
5. That Mr. Richardson do provide carriages for the gunpowder and match which is to go from Reading to Abingdon.
6. That the Committee of Goldsmiths' Hall be desired to give in to this Committee to-morrow afternoon their report concerning the coal business.
7. That the former order of this Committee concerning the officers of Munster be seconded and sent to the sub-committee of Grocers' Hall.
8. That the information of Sir Fred. Hamilton against Sir John Clotworthy, and the latter's answer be reported to the Commons' House.
9. That the Earl of Manchester be desired to add six troops of horse to the convoy which is to go from Reading to Abingdon.
10. That the business of the opinion of some in Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell's regiment against fighting in any cause whatsoever be taken into consideration to-morrow afternoon.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 80, 81. =1½ pp.]
Jan. 20.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Major-Genl. Browne. The 2,000l. which you will now receive is to be distributed upon account to the soldiers in the garrison as may best supply their wants and promote the public service, and you are to see that Col. Washbourne's horse have their proportionable part thereof. Sent by Mr. Bulmer. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 195. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 21. 26. Henry Broade to John Lisle, Esq. [M.P. for Winchester], in the chair for the Lord General's list. According to your command and my duty, I have attended on you a long time to make answer to the exceptions which have been made against me by him to whom I have been as a master and as a servant. I would gladly have assisted him to understand what he had undertaken with me for the State and under whom I am now a sufferer. I pray you take into your serious consideration this enclosed debenture on Sir James Ramsey's accompt signed by Mr. Wilcox upon which alone his Excellency [Essex] gave his warrant. I know your wisdom and justice, therefore have no ground for fear. I shall patiently wait for your report, though much scandalized by mine adversary where he goes in the City by anticipating your judgments before the same be declared. Encloses,
26. i. Extracts from the book of entries of warrants, directed from his Excellency [the Lord General] to the Treasurer-atWars. Likewise from the book of entries of warrants directed from the Committee of Safety to the Treasurerat-Wars. [Seal with crest. 1½ pp.]
Jan. 21. 27. Capt. O'Neale to [John] Lisle [M.P.], chairman of the Committee for reforming the Lord General [Essex's] army. The course of petitioning the House of Commons being very tedious and dilatory, I am advised to address myself to you. I am informed you can give order to my messenger Mr. Bragg for me to remain at my lodging where he found me, instead of being confined here in a close chamber at an insupportable expense. P.S.—If you cannot perform this of yourself pray move the Committee in it, and I will wait their pleasures as a prisoner any longer, but, if otherwise, I hope I may be acquitted and allowed to repair to my command at Aylesbury, where I am wanted. [Seal with arms. 1 p.]
Jan. 21. 28. Orders of the House of Commons passed this day. That it be referred to the Committee for regulating the armies, where Mr. Tate has the chair, to consider of and present to the House some mark of honour to be set upon the Lord General, the Earl of Essex, besides some other recompense which may remain as a testimony to posterity and an acknowledgment from the Parliament of England of the great and faithful services he has done to the Parliament and kingdom. It is likewise referred to this Committee to consider and present to the House what power the Commander-in-Chief of the forces to be raised by this new establishment shall have upon the issuing out of the moneys that shall be raised for the entertainment of these forces, and how the horse already raised and that shall be supernumerary above this establishment may be employed to the best advantage of the State, and paid elsewhere than out of this establishment, and to bring in the names of the lieut.-colonels of foot and major-generals of horse for this establishment and the principal officers for the train of artillery, and to consider of some fit recompense to be conferred upon Sir Wm. Balfour in acknowledgment of his faithful services to the public. It is further referred to this Committee to consider how the officers laid aside by the reducement made of the armies by this establishment may either have employment into the west or elsewhere, or may be put into a sure way of receiving their arrears and have some recompense in acknowledgment of their faithful service. [Printed in Commons' Journals iv., 25. 1½ pp.]
Jan. 21. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, Warwick, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lords Say, Wharton, and Maitland, the two Vanes, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Arthur Haselrigg, and Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Wallop, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That the Committee of Gloucestershire be desired to attend here to-morrow afternoon.
2. Upon the question being put whether Mr. Blackston shall be now heard to this paper [see Jan. 10], the answer was in the affirmative; but on the second question, whether the copy of this paper shall be delivered to the Scotch Commissioners, they protested that they had given no consent to these questions concerning Mr. Blackston's paper, and therefore these votes could not be entered as the votes of the Committee of both kingdoms. It was thereupon ordered that Mr. Blackston's paper be kept sealed by Mr. Frost.
[Interregnum 8 E., p. 82. Copy. 1 p]
Jan. 21.
Abingdon.
Major-General Richd. Browne to the Committee of both kingdoms. I take the boldness to again remind you of the condition of this garrison, and of our want of gunpowder, bullet, and especially match, which increases fast upon us. The three regiments of London Auxiliaries are reduced according to your order, but I am confident it will prove their dissolution. I desire that the 2,000l. appointed for us may be ordered to be paid equally to my own regiment, the Windsor men, the gunners and general officers, as to the reduced [London] regiments, as it would other wise prove our ruin. I must again put your Honours in mind of our great arrears, being 21 weeks behind, which with the inability of the country to help us has occasioned the perishing of many. Those who yet stay are so discouraged that I expect they will shortly quit this garrison. Three parts of the Essex men are already dead or run away, and their colonel has not been here these three months. I have often humbly represented my just fears, and at last am enforced to become a suitor to the Commons' House to be quite discharged [of this service], and beg the favour of your furtherance. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 183. Copy. 1 p.]
Jan. 21.
Gloucester.
Col. Edw. Massie to the same. In my last of the 8th present I advertised you of the condition of this part of the country, occasioned by the enemy's strength lying round about us and their oppression of the people, as also how the want and necessity of the soldiery were increasing their mutinies. What I then feared has since unhappily happened, for the officers of foot belonging to this garrison and the rest coming jointly to me, and with much grief declaring their sad condition and want of recompense for their good service from the Parliament, have presented their commissions to me. When they laid them down they expressed their resolution to leave this place, so little regarded, and to seek their livelihood and advancement in other parts, where better provision and entertainment is made for the soldiery. The want of pay so increased the mutinous spirit of the soldiers, that although we have not omitted to punish divers and some lately with death, yet many have resolved to lay down their arms. I conceive this was partly occasioned by the action of the Committee of Gloucester, who at Thos. Pury's coming engaged certain soldiers of the garrison, intending to have formed a party with them. Promises were likewise made to the officers by the Committee here for their constant weekly half pay, which have never been performed. Our field officers and captains have received but 14 days' whole pay, and the lieutenants and ensigns only a month's, and that came out of the stock at London, so that they have resolved also to take their leaves. Finding myself in this lamentable condition and seeing the inevitable destruction of the country, and of this place, if their resolutions should be carried out, the enemy being so strong and near to us, I appealed to their patriotism, putting before them the consideration of the common safety, and the trust that Parliament had reposed in them, adding that our personal obligations, oaths, and covenant for the conservation of the whole [forbad our abandoning our trust]. Moved by my importunity and promise of a speedy redress from the Parliament, they have consented, notwithstanding their two former late petitions to the Parliament remain unanswered, to await an answer to my letters, and if the Parliament would at length take care for their pay hereafter, as well as [it does for] other places, they would in no ways desert this place. I beseech you to consider in what condition I stand, and with how much solicitousness I have formerly moved to prevent this event. Consider I beseech you likewise this county, the importance of which I conceive is not rightly understood, being situated in the midst of the enemy's strength and marches, otherwise I cannot conceive that the settling of the enemy in their winter quarters and garrisons in our immediate vicinity, by which our wants are increased, should be so waived as they seem to be. Since I am enforced to send this gentleman with this express on behalf of the rest of the officers and soldiers, I shall beg leave to make known my own condition which is not behind that of the most miserable officer in this county. knowing no way any longer how to subsist in this condition. It is true that you were pleased in the letters sent by Major Backhouse to the Committee at Gloucester to signify your desires to allow me a suitable and ample entertainment, but you did not specify the means by which I was to obtain it, neither is the word fiat of such avail with this Committee as to enable a performance. Had the Committee of Gloucester, as we advised, given the horse and foot their assignations upon the country in times of a better enlargement, when the enemy had not possessed themselves of it, we might have provided for our winter support and now devoted our attention to seeking the enemy; but then our soldiers were not suffered to gather in their own entertainment which was behind of their former assignations. Our arrears must now be lost and taken off from us with our assignations, whilst four or five simple fellows must be appointed their collectors to bring in the same with the rest of the county's assessments unto them [the Committee of Gloucester], who, until the enemy's drawing into our county and about us, continued that way; but now seeing they could do nothing nor subsist any longer, part [of the Committee] steer their course for London, and those that remain here give us, when too late, assignations upon the country, on which by reason of the enemy's strength at Cirencester, commanded by Major-General Lord Astley, the forces at Campden [House], Evesham, and Worcester, with the increased strength of horse and foot at Berkeley all on this side of the river [Severn], the Herefordshire forces with Monmouth and Sir John Wintour's in [Dean] Forest on the other side [Severn], we can raise little or nothing. Thus, by reason of the occupation of the country by the enemy, together with its poverty and our want of money, the discontent of the private soldier has become so excessive that it threatens our destruction. The fear of the enemy is nothing to our officers in comparison of the dread of having their throats cut by our own soldiers now their pay has failed them and us all [as well], for out of the assignations allotted me by the Committee I have not received more than 10l. during these 4 weeks, and since the Committee have sat at Gloucester I have only received 202l. 2s., being not the sixth part of what I have expended. Now all [the money] I could draw or procure either from my own estate or by my credit from others being spent, many, to whom for their service the Parliament is engaged, are unrelieved, and no support to be had for them from this Committee. Nay, my necessity has been such that the equipage both of persons and instruments necessary to me for this service are destroyed, so that if I were to march this spring I should not have one horse to draw either artillery or ammunition, nor any person to wait upon any such charge, or to carry out the most necessary of my commands, no, not a surgeon left to march with me, there being no care taken for their maintenance, except what they have received from me, but now they have bidden me farewell also, and those not yet gone are contemplating their departure to seek a better livelihood elsewhere, so what to do I know not. I must tell the world and satisfy my own conscience by the reflection that I have not been silent in making this known to your Committee and the Parliament, to whom mine of Dec. 2nd I had hoped would have done this, so that I had needed no further complaint. At Mr. Thos. Pury's being here he designated the officers I then had about me "supernumerary men," and therefore to be put off; although I must assure your Committee that unless I had had such, who formerly found maintenance from my own hand, I could not have performed those services I have rendered to the kingdom. If care be not taken to supply me with fitting men, and these maintained by the State in time to come, I shall undertake few more services abroad, nor can it be expected from me. I would have you consider how that some commanders under his Excellency [the Lord General Essex] have had large sums disbursed for extraordinary engines and instruments of war with their retinue, whilst I, in all the services I have performed, have never put the Parliament or country to 2d. extraordinary expense but what I repaid out of my own purse, and never complained so long as I had anything [of my own] to expend, but now all being spent, though ready to die in this service, I resolutely refuse to play the traitor by betraying my knowledge in things of this nature to the ignorance of the Gloucester Committee, and by submitting to their humour consent to the destruction of this place and of those with me. It is a high presumption to conclude, because that in our low condition God showed himself strong amongst us, and enabled us with small means to accomplish much, he should be tied to the continuance of like mercies when an addition of strength may be had, and therefore I shall desire that this place [Gloucester] may be put in such a posture that I may be enabled to go forward. In order that you and the Parliament may not be disappointed in your expectations of what seems meet and feasible, I would have you to think of the necessity we are under of keeping divers garrisons and out-guards upon the enemy. We have in the Forest of Dean at least 5 or 6 [of these] as well to keep in and block up Sir John Wintour's garrison as to keep out others from Hereford, Monmouth, and Chepstow, besides another at Dymock to secure those parts from an incursion of the Herefordshire force [of the enemy], which is strong. I have been compelled to garrison Sir Wm. Russell's house at Strensham near Tewkesbury, and have placed a garrison by Stroud, besides those at Sudeley, Tewkesbury, Beverstone, and Slimbridge, all most necessary to be maintained if we mean to preserve anything in the country for the support of the same and of this garrison [at Gloucester], which otherwise would soon be spoiled by the enemy lying so close and strong on all sides of us, and who, notwithstanding these precautions, sufficiently annoy and harm the country. It is with grief of heart that I have written these things, and the more so that after my many express letters of advertisement they still increase upon us, and are like to grow if not speedily remedied. Therefore, on behalf of all the officers and soldiers belonging to this command, and for the safety of the place, I pray a redress of these evils, that they may continue their service, and that they and myself may be enabled to do according to your and the kingdom's expectation. If not, I must again and again desire with the rest to deliver up my charge also, and wait upon your pleasures in some more slender command, where I may have better ability to employ myself. P.S.—I have sent the note of what money I have received since June last. Only 50l. from the Committee of Gloucester. What money was sent us, viz., 1,000l. for my regiment of horse, the officers and soldiers have had it amongst them, but myself not one penny, the supply being insufficient, so the world may judge of my poor condition. [Ibid., pp. 184–192. Copy. 9 pp.]
Jan. 22. 29. An order of the House of Commons this day. That the Committee shall have power to hear the Earl of Manchester upon informations given in against him, as desired, and to receive his answer, it being left to the Committee to proceed as they shall think fit in this business. [Printed in Commons' Journals iv., 27. ½ p.]
Jan. 22. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, Warwick, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lords Wharton and Maitland, the two Vanes, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir G. Gerard, Sir A. Haselrigg, and Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, and Messrs. Crew, Wallop, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. The warrant for Sir Arthur Loftus referred to she sub-committee.
2. That the sub-committee for Gloucester do meet to-morrow at 8 o'clock, and that they do learn of the Gloucestershire gentlemen, who are of the House, what they offered here in general, and to take into consideration Col. Massie's letter. The sub-committee to have warning, and Mr. Recorder especially.
3. Extract from Col. Barclay's letter concerning the want of money for the soldiers to be reported to the [Commons'] House.
4. Warrant for four tuns of match for Munster upon the same terms as the 100 barrels of gunpowder were granted them. That the gentlemen from Ulster and Mr. Davies do attend to-morrow to speak with the Committee about the first proposition given in by Lord Broghill.
5. Warrant to the sub-committee of Grocers' Hall to sell the goods certified to be found by them, and with the proceeds to satisfy the officers of Munster.
6. That Mr. Browne and Mr. Recorder be added to the sub-committee for the instructions, and that the consideration of the Bill of Episcopacy be also referred to them, and they desired to meet to-morrow morning.
7. That the two papers of the 20th, presented by the Commissioners of Scotland be reported to the House [of Commons].
8. That it be reported to both Houses [of Parliament] that, according to their directions, the papers sent from Oxford by Sir Peter Killigrew are communicated to the Commissioners of Scotland.
9. To write, in cipher, to Sir W. Brereton to inform him what directions are given concerning Campden House.
10. The letter to the Committee of Grocers' Hall approved of.
Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 83, 84. =1½ pp.]
Jan. 22.
Gloucester.
Col. Edw. Massie to the Committee of both kingdoms. Since mine of yesterday, sent as an express by Lieut.-Col. Rush, showing our sad condition at Gloucester, and the great distraction that our wants have caused amongst us, I received yours of the 15th present, and should be exceeding glad if I were in such a condition that I might perform your commands therein. It is my great misfortune that my oft repeated advertisements concerning our condition and [the danger to] this place will not be understood, [otherwise] I had ere this assuredly performed your command with less noise, and soon beaten off the enemy from Campden [House]. Notwithstanding our best diligence with our whole strength we cannot sufficiently guard this county, no one quarter being free from their power and ourselves sufficiently annoyed. How then can I withdraw forth any party of the foot for other services, especially as marching in this winter time will be tedious and irksome without shoes, and draw off our horse or out-garrisons, without exposing that side from whence they are withdrawn to the ravages of the enemy? It is what the enemy desires to get me out upon any design of continuance, that they may work their ends upon the country. How much hazard will there be too, and fear of the loss of Gloucester, if I should be engaged abroad with the force that ought to defend it and the country, especially during this distraction of the officers and soldiers caused by their necessities, your honourable Committee may judge. My yesterday's letter will show how unable I am to stir, so that anything attempted must be suddenly and secretly performed, whereas the drawing together of those forces mentioned lying so far asunder, could not escape the observation of the enemy close to us, who would soon bring together a greater body to prevent us or do a worse service to the country. I humbly offer the same to your more serious consideration, and desire to know your pleasures if upon less preparation and noise the enemy should be beaten out of Campden House, what is to be done with it, as I have no men to garrison it. It were fitting that, ere this work were set upon, we should know from whence the garrison was to come, or whether the House should be fired. I know it would be a good service to remove that garrison, but the distance from Gloucester is the difficulty, and now the enemy lies round about me. Our soldiers decrease daily, and my regiment of horse, who do most service and are the worst paid, are likely to disperse, going to places of less work and better entertainment. I shall therefore suspend that order [to take Campden House] until I receive further directions from you. P.S.—Upon Saturday last I put 120 foot into Strensham House to prevent the enemy of that their purpose, for unless we shorten them they will shorten us. This winter time, so long as the enemy lies in garrison, it will be necessary to keep our out-garrisons upon him in order to shorten his provision as well as to maintain what we can of our own. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 193–195. Copy. 2½ pp.]
Jan. 22.
Derby House.
The Committee for both kingdoms to the sub-committee at Grocers' Hall. This Committee being petitioned by the officers of Munster for money to enable them to return to their charge, we inclosed the same to you in ours of the 28th Dec., to which we again refer you. To this, in yours of the 13th inst., you replied that you had discovered granado shells, and the like provisions of several sorts and sizes, that cost 605l. 2s. 7d., but you conceive them not of so much value. We desire those officers might receive some supply, and be thereby enabled to return speedily to their charge. You are to sell the said provisions to the best value you can, that the money may be distributed to the officers as we shall order. In this we desire your especial diligence, because there is need of their service in Munster. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 195. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 22.
Derby House.
The same to Murrough O'Brien Lord Inchiquin. Your seasonable declaration against the cessation granted to the [Irish] rebels, and your opposition to them, we regard as a very acceptable service to this kingdom, and the foundation of a hope for the future ruin of the authors and actors of that horrid rebellion and massacre. In some measure to assist you in the prosecution of that work, we have appointed, out of the money to be assessed for that kingdom, a dividend proportionable to the forces already with you, and have ordered the transportation of 2,000 of the Ulster forces into your province of [Munster], as Lord Broghill can more particularly inform you. We could have wished this supply had been more commensurate to the exigencies of that province, but it is all that the present condition of affairs here can afford. And that there might be no defect of authority in your Lordship for the managing of the affairs of that province, both civil and martial, you shall receive from Lord Broghill a commission for the Presidency of Munster, with such instructions as for the present are judged necessary. In all your martial affairs and commands you are, by virtue of that commission, to proceed with as full authority as if you had a formal commission of General of the Forces of that province, which by reason of the speedy departure of the ships cannot now be despatched to you. We recommend to your Lordship the government of that province and the management of the war there, desiring you to certify us of your proceedings therein Sent by Lord Broghill. [Ibid., pp. 196, 197. Copy=1¼ pp.]
Jan. 22. 30. Information by J. Bromwich against Major Ingoldsby or Inglesby. 1. There was a complaint made to the Committee of Gloucester, that warrants being issued for the raising of horse the Major received the money and would not accept of the horse. 2. After having received several sums in this manner unknown to Col. Massie, and against the will of his own Col. Stephens, he left the country, deserted his employment and the public service, carrying with him as reported 15 horses, men and arms. Upon complaint whereof, and the great scandal that was likely to fall upon the service and the sheriff [Thos. Stephens] in particular, the Committee sent two several letters to garrisons of the Parliament, and to Major Bridges in particular, to apprehend Major Inglesby and keep him and his forces till they should hear further from the Committee, but for further certainty the Committee of Gloucester are able to give full satisfaction. P.S.—It is conceived that he has received several sums by way of collection from the country. [1 p.]
Jan. 23. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland and Essex, Lord Wharton, the two Vanes, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir A. Haselrigg, Sir Chas. Erskine, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Wallop, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. That the letter now read to be sent to the States [of Holland] from the Parliament be reported to the [Commons'] House.
2. That the petition of the Merchants Adventurers and Eastland Merchants be referred to the sub-committee for Treaties, and they desired to take it speedily into consideration.
3. To write to Lieut.-Genl. Middleton to take care for relieving of Christchurch, and to send frequent advertisements of his proceedings.
4. The sub-committee for Ireland to consider of the business of Sir Chas. Coote and report it to this Committee.
5. That the report of Grocers' Hall concerning Sir W. Hamilton be likewise referred to the consideration of the said sub-committee.
6. That Sir John Maynard be required on Saturday to show that his charge against Mr. Stoughton is depending in the House of Commons.
7. Warrant to be given to Sir Arthur Loftus for 420l., being a month's pay for the officers at Duncannon, and some other necessaries for that fort.
8. The like for the provisions for Duncannon to be delivered to Loftus, or in his absence to Capt. Lawrence Larcan.
9. That a duplicate of the letter for removal of the [Royalist] forces at Campden [House] and Evesham be sent to Col. Massie.
10. To be reported to the House [of Commons] that 3,000l. is required for the forces of Gloucester, of which 2,000l. to be provided by the House, and 1,000l. upon credit of the country.
11. That the copy of the safe-conduct [for the Commissioners from his Majesty to the treaty at Uxbridge] now read be reported to both Houses [of Parliament] and signed by their Speakers, and that a copy of the list [of names] be annexed to the safe-conduct.
12. To write to the Governors of Reading, Henley, and Aylesbury to keep strict watches, the Commissioners from his Majesty to the Treaty at Uxbridge being to pass by their garrisons.
13. Draft of a letter from his Excellency [Essex] to Prince Rupert to be reported to the House [of Commons].
14. That it be referred to the sub-committee to draw instructions for the Commissioners [at Uxbridge] concerning the King's propositions, and to meet to-morrow morning.
15. That the instructions now read by Mr. Pierrepont be reported to both Houses.
16. That it be reported to the House of Peers that the clerks of their House may prepare authentic copies of all the treaties and papers contained in this list sent by Mr. Pierrepont, so that they may be ready for the Commissioners before their departure to Uxbridge.
17. That the sub-committee do make a list of the papers.
18. That it be reported to the House [of Commons] that this Committee having intimation that Stafford was in danger had ordered the arrest of Colonel and Lieut.-Col. Chadwick, who are now sent up; and to desire the House to put the matter into a way for trial.
19. That Major Bromhall be desired to bring Col. Chadwick hither to-morrow, when Messrs. Ashurst, Swinfen, and Cockson are desired to attend.
20. That the House [of Commons] be desired to take into consideration to-morrow the business of the Scottish army.
21. That it be reported to the House [of Commons] that 1,500l. is required to be provided for Col. Ashton's regiment in Lancashire to enable it to march to Chester to join Sir Wm. Brereton's forces there.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 84–86. =2½ pp.]
Jan. 24.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Wm. Brereton. Concerning Campden and Evesholme [Evesham], of which you write, we have ordered that Col. Massie, with 1,300 horse and 1,000 foot, to be assembled from several parts, should endeavour to remove the [Royalist] forces there. We have again written to him about it, and we doubt not but those parts will be thereby put into a good condition. Sent by one of the Salop agents. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 197. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 24.
Derby House.
The same to Sir Wm. Brereton. The gentlemen of Salop having prayed us for some assistance to enable them to reduce the [Royalist] garrisons, whereby the country is much oppressed, as Tong Castle, Lindsell House, [Lindsill Abbey, a house belonging to Sir Richard Leveson], and Shardowne [Shrawardine], we find none lying so fit for that service as yours, we therefore require you to give them what assistance you can with safety to the country, which we believe may be benefited by the employment of some of your forces for their assistance. We leave this to your judgment, being upon the place, knowing your readiness in all things to promote the public service. Sent as above. [Ibid., pp. 197, 198. Copyp.]
Jan. 24.
Derby House.
The same to Lieut.-Genl. Middleton. Being informed that the enemy has left some forces about Christchurch, and that the garrison [there] is thereby reduced to great straits, we desire you to afford them such assistance as may stand with the service wherein you are employed, which we leave to your judgment who are upon the place, and to advertise this Committee frequently, if not daily, of your proceedings. Sent by Mr. Craven. [Ibid., p. 198. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 25.
Rogerley.
31. Sir George Vane to his father, Sir Henry Vane, at his house near Charing Cross. I send this by Mr. Richard Lilbourne, with whom I was nominated by the country to have solicited some affairs in their behalf with the Parliament, but both the local affairs of the county [Stafford] and your own will not permit my absence at present, and indeed I am unwilling to put the country to any unnecessary charge, and I trust our friends may be able to prosecute the business desired. Our Committee is very strangely composed, and much disorder is in the country, which I trust will be remedied should you be able to come down here. The bearer, I hear, aims to be under-sheriff, but he never opened so much to me, and there is a very honest man who has sued to me for the place, if so be the Parliament lay the office of sheriff upon me, who am very unfit for it. I have little news, except that I hear General Leven is newly arrived with his lady out of Scotland at Newcastle, so I hope, if the money you mention were once come down, the Scots would think of marching southwards. [Seal with arms and crest. 2 pp.]
Jan. 25. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Essex, and Loudoun, Lords Wharton and Maitland, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir G. Gerard, and Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Wallop, Crew, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. Warrant for the constable of Tottenham, Middlesex, to seize some of the horses of Capt. Hemming's troop and keep them as security [for payment of their free quarters], and to certify the number of them. Capt. Hemming to be summoned to be at this Committee in the afternoon.
2. That Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell and Major Duet do attend this afternoon.
3. To write to the Committee of Derby and others not to demolish or deface Chatsworth House in that county.
4. That Major-Genl. Holborne's letter of the 17th from Taunton be sent to the Committee of the West, some of whom are desired to attend here this afternoon.
5. That the paper given in by the Scots' Commissioners be reported to both Houses.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, p. 87. =1 p.]
Jan. 25.
York.
Ferdinando Lord Fairfax to the Committee of both kingdoms. I have only received yours dated from Derby House the 7th inst. this morning, so if you expect a speedier obedience to your commands than can happen you must consider where the fault lies. A fortnight since I sent 700 horse and dragoons towards Newark, and last week while I was at Pontefract 400 more to secure that siege from being broken up by the enemy's garrison, or his forces threatened from the south, so having already sent more than you required I conceive you intend no further addition to that number from hence. I have received letters from Major Lumax and other officers of that regiment complaining of their being straitened [for provisions] by reason of the number of my horse; as also letters from Col. [Samuel] Sandys, who commands there in chief, signifying a neglect of accommodation for our troops. I beseech you to signify to that county [Notts. your requirement] for their better acceptance and provisions for them. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 195, 196. Copy =1 p.]
Jan. 25.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee at Derby. We are given to understand that there are some intentions to demolish Chatsworth and Hardwick Houses in your county, which, being houses of so goodly and costly a structure, ought not to be done but upon greatest reason and necessity and by express order. As we do not conceive that there is any such necessity why it should be attempted; we therefore desire you to take care that it [they] may not be demolished, spoiled, or defaced, and that you require and command all persons and forces whatsoever under the service of the Parliament to forbear all such acts as they will answer the contrary at their peril. Sent by the care of the parties concerned in it. [Interregnum 19 E., pp. 198, 199. =½ p.]
Jan. 26.
Abingdon.
Major-General Richard Browne to the Committee of both kingdoms. I am bold to present you with a true copy of the late passages between Oxford and myself, as to their endeavours to betray this garrison. The originals I will send when you command it. I humbly renew my late request to be discharged [from my command] for the reasons before offered. In the meantime our wants of gunpowder, bullet, and especially match are very great, and without a speedy supply there can be no subsistence here. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 196. Copy. 2/3 p.]
Jan. 27. 32. An order of the House of Commons, this day. That it be referred to the Committee, where Mr. Tate has the chair, to present a declaration concerning free quarter; also to present a fit person for a treasurer, and a list of fit persons for captains of horse and foot for the new army. [Printed in Commons' Journals iv., 31. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 27. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland and Loudoun, Lord Wharton, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir Wm. Waller, the two Vanes, Sir Chas. Erskine, Sir G. Gerard, Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Wallop, and Kennedy. Ordered,
1. The business of Nottingham here offered by the sub-committee to be reported to the House [of Commons].
2. The House to be pressed to hasten the Ordinance for provision of gunpowder and ammunition which are required for the supply of diverse places.
3. That the draft of an Ordinance to enable the Commissioners to treat with his Majesty's Commissioners, &c., be presented to both Houses.
4. That the draft of the Instructions now read concerning the King's propositions be reported to the House [of Commons].
5. That the business of the west and of Henley be considered to-morrow evening, when the Lord General [Essex] and others of the Committee now absent be warned to be then present.
6. That the petition of the officers from Ireland, the business of Sir Arthur Loftus and of Mr. Nisbit be referred to the consideration of the sub-committee.
7. That the petition of Major Kerr [Major Gilbert Carr] be recommended to the House of Commons to-morrow.
8. That the petition of Capt. Masterton be reported to the House [of Commons].
9. That it be reported to the House to take into consideration to-morrow the two papers of the Commissioners of Scotland of the 20th inst., and return an answer thereunto, that they may send an account thereof to the Parliament of Scotland before they repair to Uxbridge.
10. To write to the Lord Mayor [Atkins] and Court of Aldermen to hasten the collections for Ireland in the City.
11. Warrants for money for the common soldiers, horse and foot, for Ulster.
12. That 10s. a day be allowed to Mr. Dobbins and his clerk, employed by this Committee for Munster, and that he view the victuals to be sent to Ulster, Connaught, and Duncannon, and that his certificate of the quantities embarked may be a sufficient testimony for Mr. [John] Davies.
13. Report of the sub-committee concerning the business of Nottingham. That the order and instructions were made by this Committee the 11th November for composing the differences between the Governor [Col. John Hutchinson] and some of the Committee there, which this Committee found to be at very great height. Instead of observing the said order and instructions some of the Committee of Nottingham made their repair to London with complaints against the Governor and others, and desired that the order and instructions might be reframed according to their propositions, or else the whole matter to be reported to the House [of Commons]. It is the opinion of the sub-committee that the whole matter be reported to the House with the last petition of those gentlemen, and the opinion of the House desired for the settling of those matters. That the said orders formerly made be observed till the House do otherwise order.
14. Instructions for the Committees of both Houses of the Parliament of England, and for the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland respectively agreed upon. [In reply to the King's propositions concerning peace, of the 21st Jany. 1644–45. Printed in Journals of the Lords, vol. vii., pp. 151, 152.]
To the First, you shall answer,—They can make it appear, that what part of his Majesty's revenue hath been received by both Houses of the Parliament of England hath been employed for the safety of the kingdom and his Majesty's honour. And shall have his revenues [left] to his Majesty for the future. And you shall likewise propound to his Majesty that he will restore what hath been taken to his use upon any of the bills assigned to other purposes by several Acts of Parliament, or out of the provision made for the war of Ireland. And you shall answer that the magazines, towns, forts, and ships [are] to be settled according to the 15th, 16th, and 17th propositions [of the Parliament and Scotch Commissioners. Printed in Rapin, ii., p. 508].
To the Second, you shall answer,—When it can be made to appear that anything hath been done or published contrary to the known laws of the land, or derogatory to his Majesty's legal and known powers and rights. Answer shall be thereunto given agreeable with justice.
To the Third, you shall answer,—That both Houses of Parliament have exercised no power over his Majesty's subjects in their persons or estates, but what hath been done in preservation of religion and their liberty, whereunto they have been necessitated by an army raised against the Parliament and kingdom.
To the Fourth, you shall give answers as the matters contained in the propositions concerning religion, and in the votes and resolutions passed both Houses in pursuance of the same.
To the Fifth, you shall give for answer the matters contained in the 14th proposition. And the trial of all persons excepted out of the general pardon to be by both Houses of the Parliament of England and the Estates of the Parliament of Scotland respectively.
To the Sixth, you shall answer,—That to his Majesty's proposition for the cessation of arms and free trade, it shall be taken into consideration in time convenient.
If the Houses of Parliament be satisfied in the good progress of the treaty [of Uxbridge] upon the particulars concerning religion, the Militia, and for Ireland, they will give time for the treaty upon the propositions sent by his Majesty. [On the 28th a message was sent to the House of Commons, by Sir Edw. Leech and Dr. Heath, to let them know that the House of Lords adheres to the instructions as they were sent down from thence to the House of Commons.]
15. The Ordinance empowering the Commissioners of both Houses to treat with the King's Commissioners, at Uxbridge [exactly as printed in Lords' Journals vii., p. 159].
16. That a letter be written to General Leslie to grant a commission to Lieut.-Col. George Monroe to command the ten troops attending the Scottish army in the absence of Sir Wm. Balfour.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 88–92.=4½ pp.]
Jan. 28. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Northumberland, Warwick, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lord Wharton, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Chas. Erskine, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Kennedy.
Mem.—The Earl of Northumberland read a letter to the Committee intended for the Governor of Beaumaris concerning some books of the Earl of Leicester, which was agreed to.
[Interregnum 8 E., p. 92. =⅓ p.]
Jan. 28.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Governors of Aylesbury, Henley, and Reading. Although we nothing doubt your vigilance and care in discharge of that trust which now lies upon you in keeping that town and the government of that garrison, yet at this time, when perhaps upon occasion of the treaty the enemy may make some unexpected attempt, we desire you with the more especial care and diligence to look to your charge, that no ill accident may fall out there, to the prejudice of public affairs. Sent by Hanbury and Potter. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 199. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 28.
Derby House.
The same to General Leslie. Considering that Sir Wm. Balfour, Commissary-General of the ten troops appointed to attend the Scottish army, by reason of his employment and our necessary affairs in this kingdom, cannot attend that charge, we think fit that your Lordship should grant a commission to Lieut.-Col. George Monroe to command those troops during Sir W. Balfour's absence from the kingdom of Ireland. [Ibid., p. 199. Copy. ⅓ p.]
Jan. 29. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Essex, Warwick, Manchester, and Loudoun, Lord Wharton, Sir H. Vane, senr., Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir A. Haselrigg, Sir Chas. Erskine, Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, Mr Recorder, and Mr. Wallop. Ordered,
1. That a letter now read be sent to the Lords and Commons. The Commitee of Haberdashers' Hall to dismiss Mr. Scott, who has had a ticket sent him for 100l.
2. To write to Cols. Norton, Morley, Ludlow, and Duitt to receive and obey the orders of Sir Wm. Waller for this service.
3. That Sir Wm. Waller in withdrawing forces from Arundel Castle shall leave a sufficient number for its safety.
4. That Essex and Manchester do report to-morrow to this Committee the numbers and places where their horse are quartered [and] which are located near Reading, Henley, Aylesbury, and those parts.
5. That the Commons' House be desired to expedite an answer to the paper of the Scottish Commissioners of the 20th present, and if it be desired that the [Scots] should advance [then] to express their desire.
6. That Sir Walter Erle do attend here to-morrow morning.
7. That Mr. Dalbier do likewise attend.
8. To intimate to Col. Jephson that 500 suits [of clothes will be sent as required.]
9. That the business of Windsor [be taken] to-morrow morning.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, pp. 92, 93.=1¼ pp.]
Jan. 29.
Derby House.
The Committee of both kingdoms to Cols. Norton, Ludlow, and Morley, and Major Duett. The House of Commons has appointed Sir Wm. Waller to perform a special service, for which your forces with others are required. You are therefore to receive and obey such orders as Sir Wm. shall send you. We desire you to have especial care that this service, which is of so great concernment to the public, be in no sort hindered, either by the absence of those forces or by the defect of their obedience to their orders. Sent by Gardener. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 200. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 29.
Derby House.
The same to the Committee of Lords and Commons at Haberdashers' Hall. This bearer, Richard Scott, a servant of this Committee, being housekeeper at Derby House, has received a ticket from Haberdashers' Hall for 100l. for the 20th part of his estate. We are confident that his estate is very inconsiderable, and only his diligent service enables him to live; we therefore recommend him to your favour, and desire you will please to dismiss him at our request. Sent by himself. [Ibid. Copy. ½ p.]
Jan. 30. Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present, Earls of Essex, Manchester, and [Lord John Maitland, now Earl of] Lauderdale, Lord Wharton, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir A. Haselrigg, and Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell. Ordered,
1. That Cromwell's 7 troops of horse, when the service of the convoy [to Abingdon] is over, shall march up to Sir Wm. Waller.
2. That the Lord General's and Col. Fiennes' horse, when that service of the convoy is over, shall go into quarters about Reading and Henley, and lie there for keeping the line [of communication].
3. To report to the House [of Commons] that 500 draught horses must be provided for Waller's new train of artillery, besides 50 waggons and tumbrels.
4. That a warrant be issued for 60 barrels of gunpowder, with much shot and hand-grenades as specified to [Henry] Hazard for Sir Wm. Waller.
5. To report to the Commons' House for [supply] of 200 snaphance muskets, 50 backs, breasts, and pots, and 50 pair of pistols for Col. Jephson.
[Interregnum 8 E., Day Book of Orders, p. 93, 94=2/3 p.]
Jan. 31.
Court at Oxford.
33. Warrant under the Privy Seal to the Exchequer, to pay the several sums hereafter named, viz., to Wm. Marquis of Hertford 100l., to Francis Lord Cottington 50l., to Sir Edward Nicholas, our Secretary of State, 20l., to Sir Edw. Hyde, Knt., 20l., which sums were respectively lent by them to us for supply of our urgent occasions. [Strip of parchment.]
Jan. 31. Copy of the same. [Vol. 498, No. 8, pp. 46, 47.]
Jan. 31.
York.
Ferdinando Lord Fairfax, Sir Thos. Fairfax, Francis Pierrepont, Sir Wm. Constable, and Robert Goodwin to the Committee of both kingdoms. That Col. Ashenhurst, Governor of Bolsover Castle, with divers gentlemen of Derbyshire, has been with us; he has performed the trust reposed in him very carefully for the last six months. It was and is a place very considerable, and necessary, as we conceive, to be maintained and kept as a garrison, being a frontier to that county; yet, notwithstanding, Sir John Gell, in disposing of the money of the county, has not thought fit to give any allowance during this time. We recommend this to your considerations, that the Col. and commanders with him may be thought of according to their merits, and order taken for continuance of the pay for the garrison so long as it shall be thought necessary to be kept. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 197. Copy. 1 p.]
Jan. 31.
Holborn.
The Lord Admiral Warwick to the same. Having considered the condition of the Parliament's forces now at sea, the preparations for the next summer's fleet, and the important consequences dependent thereupon in reference to the securing of trade, the preventing of invasion and affronts from strangers, the attendance of the Irish guard and ports, the keeping of supplies from the enemy, and the performance of the agreement with the kingdom of Scotland, I have thought it my part to give you this account. That the Admiral and Vice-Admiral of the Irish seas will be forced by the consumption of their victuals to look homewards about the 20th of Feb. next. That the contracts made with most of the merchants' ships, part of the Irish squadron, will be then expiring. That by means thereof the Irish guard will for the most part be suddenly withdrawn. That the ships attending the west of England will be speedily out of victuals, whereby those parts may be left unguarded. That only two of the ships appointed for the summer's guard, whereof a list was tendered abt. 10 Dec., are yet graved. That many materials necessary for setting out the summer's fleet, a particular whereof, not including gunners' stores, was tendered the beginning of last November, are yet unsupplied, whereupon I have this day offered to the consideration of the Committee of the Navy whether it may not be fit that two ships be speedily sent to Milford to supply the place of the "Leopard" and "Swallow," being the Admiral and Vice-Admiral of the Irish seas. That so many merchants' ships as shall be thought necessary for completing the Irish guard be speedily contracted for and sent away, and that money be provided for their imprests. That the "Expedition," the "Providence," and the "Warwick" frigates be speedily furnished with two or three months' victuals to enable them to continue in the west till the summer's guard be out. That money be sent to the officers at Chatham, &c., whereby the graving of the summer ships may be perfected, want of money obstructing that business. That the materials for the several yards not yet sent down be forthwith supplied, or money allotted for them, especially hemp, canvas, and masts. That the stores in the office of the Ordnance be speedily repaired. That about 3,000l. be paid into the Treasurer's office for petty emptions. That 300l. be sent to Portsmouth for fitting of ships there. That the bread, beer, butter, and cheese be speedily contracted for. That such expedition be used in the premises that, if it be possible, the summer guard may be all out by the end of March. That the Ordinance be perfected for pressing mariners and ships. All which I left to the wisdom of the Committee of the Navy, that these particulars may be effected by themselves or moved in the [Commons'] House, as they see cause, and the rather for that I conceive the same tends not to the increase of that charge or to the varying of that resolution which is already taken by the Honble. House of Commons concerning the ships designed for the next summer's fleet, but only to the putting of their former resolution into action with most expedition and advantage. All which I repute it my duty to represent, leaving it to your consideration. [Ibid., pp. 198–200 Copy. 22/3 pp.]
[Jan.] 34. Verses arranged in 20 stanzas of 8 lines apparently written on the anticipated execution of Archbishop Laud. The two following stanzas are the most significant:—
"Take with you Bishop La[u]d
That's Canterbury
Trotting upon a jade
Soon to the ferry.
Advance ye Charon
With a good freight,
When ye are every one
To his boat brought."
* * * *
"God save Charles the King,
Our royal Roy;
Grant him long for to reign
In peace and joy;
The Lord that in the Heaven dwells,
Convert his Grace;
All such Achitophels
From him to chase."
[3 pp.]
35. Verses consisting of 108 lines satirizing Archbishop Laud. They comprise with others the following lines:—
"My little Lord [Laud] methinks it's strange
You should induce so great a change
In such a little space;
You that so proudly th' other day
Did rule and the King's country sway,
Must trudge to know the other place;
Remember now from whence you came,
And that the grandsires of your name
Were dressers of old cloth;
Go bid the old men bring their shears
To dress your cloth and save your ears,
Or pawn your head for both.
* * * *
"Within six years six ears have been
Cropt off [most] worthy men and grave
For speaking what was true;
But if the subtle head and ears
Can satisfy these six of theirs,
Expect what is your due.
Poor people of late have felt your rod,
Give Laud to the Devil and praise to God
For freeing them from thrall;
Your little Grace for want of grace
Must lose the Patriarchal place,
And have no grace at all.
* * * *
"The little Wren soared so high,
Sought on wings away to fly,
Like Finch, I know not whither,
But now the subtle whirly Wind-
de-bank hath left you both behind,
You two must flock together,
A Bishop's head, a deputy's breast,
A Finch's tongue, a Wren flown west,
Would set the Dev'l afoot.
The fiends would have a dainty dish,
A tench [and] fowl, both flesh and fish,
Four Aldermen to boot.
But this they say, that though your life
Did fill both chairs, and that with strife,
And trampled down the Crown
Like a bles'd martyr you shall die
For Church's good, she riseth high
When such as you fall down."
[4 pp.]