|
Feb. 1.
Ilminster. |
10. The Standing Committee for Somerset to Wm. Prynne at his
house in Swainswick. In yours [of Jan. 15] you are pleased to
stile us unjust and malicious both to yourself and your friends, for
which [injuries] you crave reparation. The ground of this accusation proceeds from Bridgwater. The Committee adjourning
before you came thither you were displeased because the gentlemen
then present served not your humour, and this in the first place was
malice towards you; next you complain of an injury offered to your
friend Mr. Walrond for not paying his 25th part, we under your
favour conceive the man rather sequesterable and deservedly, this
is likewise another of your large Articles in which you charge us
with injustice and malice; and why? because he was your friend.
And then you proceed to blame us deeply, in discontenting three
parishes by disabling their faithful, you might rather have termed
him malignant, minister, and this you say not out of zeal but in
malice to you. See your reason because it is your parish and your
chaplain, and therefore, in regard he is yours, it is injustice in us to
punish his faults. Afterwards you come to state his case. But by
the way Sir, we desire you, though a lawyer, duely to consider it,
lest you state it not aright. You repeat divers times over that he
is displaced for no other Article but what he was formerly
discharged from by the Standing Committee and now renewed,
because Prynne's chaplain, charging us at least three several times
in a few lines with revenging ourselves on you by unjust and
malicious proceedings. Bundling up half a dozen reasons for his
restoration; the last only we insist on touching, the [Arch] Bishop
of Armagh [James Usher], who hath an order, you say, from both
Houses for his officiating at Lincoln's Inn. Sir, you may do well,
having so many friends as you boast of and such as you can make
use of, to get an order from both Houses for restoring Mr. Tanner.
And at last you conclude with all the threats that may or can
proceed from a passionate spirit charging us to forbear the execution
of justice for fear of your peremptory resolutions. Sir, if the
expressions of your letter might receive the result of an indifferent
judgment, incivility, malice, and revenge would reflect on yourself.
We have a rule laid before us, from which if we err, you may then
question, if not our masters will uphold us notwithstanding your
threats and invective lines. This is the undoubted confidence of
those who desire to be your friends and servants. [Five signatures.
Seal with crest broken. 1 p.] |
| Feb. 1. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both Houses this day sitting
at Derby House. Present: Earl of Manchester, Lords Saye and
Wharton, Sir Wm. Armyne, Sir Gilbert Gerard, and Mr. Pierrepont.
Ordered, |
|
1. That the Lord Mayor [Sir John Warner] be written to to send to this
Committee by 3 p.m. on Friday copies of all such addresses, letters,
papers, and messages, and all entries thereupon as have been sent to
the City from the Parliament and Estates of Scotland or from their
Commissioners lately resident here. |
|
2. That Lord Grey's Committee sitting in the Queen's Court be desired
to transmit all letters and papers in their custody concerning the
Scots, for the better drawing up of the Instructions for the Commissioners going to Scotland, and which are recommitted to this Committee to draw up. |
|
[These instructions are printed in Lords' Journals x., 7. Interregnum 9 E., p. 13.] |
Feb. 1.
Derby House. |
Edward, Earl of Manchester, in the name of the Committee of
both Houses to [Sir John Warner] Lord Mayor of London. We
desire you to have authentic copies made of all addresses, letters,
messages, or applications that have been made by or sent from
the kingdom of Scotland or from their Commissioners lately
resident here to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen or to
the Common Council of the City, together with all acts and entries
thereupon made, and that the same being attested under the hand
of your Public Officer may be sent to us at Derby House on
Friday next at 3 p.m. [Interregnum 24 E., pp. 8, 9. Copy.
2/3 p.] |
Feb. 2.
Carisbrook Castle, I. W. |
Intelligence from the Isle of Wight. His Majesty, after morning
prayer, takes usually before dinner some six or eight circuits about
the castle wall, and the like in the afternoon, if fair; much time
spent every day in private. He speaks most to us at dinner; asks
news, particularly concerning Ireland, Scotland, the city of London,
and the Army. The death of Captain Burley, quartered at
Winchester, is little spoken of. His Majesty is as merry as
formerly. All quiet and fair between his Majesty and Colonel
Hammond, the Governor. Some money is come from the revenue;
we have use for more, had it been sent. When messengers come
from London, the king asks how his children do, and seems to
desire to know what the Parliament will do. It is a great engagement under which we lie here; but the Governor is both wise
and vigilant, and I doubt not but he will give a good account.
Captain Burley died desperately; he said more blood would follow,
denied his judgment to be legal, said the gentlemen from London
had damned him before they came, the ministers in their pulpits
and the jury at the bar; but that he was clear from being a
traitor. Malignants will have it, that where he was quartered is
a spring of blood, but it is nothing but the blood that ran from
him, which was not quite dried the next morning, and gone as soon
as any other could; there being no ground at all for the report.
[Perfect Occurrences, New Series, No. 58. Newspaper Collection I.] |
| Feb. 5. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both Houses this day sitting at
Derby House. Present: Earl of Kent, Sir Wm. Armyne, Sir
Gilbert Gerard, Sir Arthur Haselrigg, Mr. Solicitor [St. John],
Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Fiennes.
Ordered, |
|
1. That the Instructions now read for Mr. Walter Strickland to be
English Resident with the States General [of the United Provinces]
be signed and delivered to him. |
|
2. That the letters now read be written out and sent to the Militias of
London, Westminster, Tower Hamlets, and Southwark concerning
the meetings of those persons who carry on the Petitions of many
Free-born People, &c. |
|
3. That Mr. Frost [our Secretary] do draw up a Declaration of the proceedings of Lieut. Col. John Lilburne and his associates; also that
he examine and do make some animadversions upon the papers lately
printed and published, called The Earnest Petition of many Freeborn People of this kingdom, and the other, The Mournful Cries of
many thousand poor Tradesmen, who are ready to famish for want
of bread, or The warning Tears of the Oppressed. |
|
4. That a sub-committee of all the members present or any two of them
be appointed to examine the business now to be delivered to this
Committee by Capt. Thos. Robinson, Ensign Francis Sargood, and
George Harrington, Gentleman-at-Arms. |
|
5. Instructions [entered in full] for Walter Strickland, M.P., Commissioner to be resident with the States General of the United Provinces
of the Netherlands. |
|
6. Opinion of this Committee to be reported to the Commons touching
the salary to be allowed to Col. Samuel Moore for the time he was
Governor of Montgomery, viz., from 18 May 1645 to 25th of March
1647, being 676 days, which at 20s. per diem comes to 676l. |
|
[Interregnum 9 E., pp. 14–18.] |
Feb. 5.
Derby House. |
Henry, Earl of Kent, in the name of the Committee of both
Houses to the Committees of the Militia of London, Westminster,
Tower Hamlets, and Southwark. We believe your care and
vigilance for the peace of the City-and parts within your jurisdiction are such as you cannot but have taken notice of many
seditious and scandalous papers that have been contrived, printed,
and published in and about the cities of London and Westminster
by Lieut.-Col. John Lilburne and his associates, tending to stir up
and move the people to disobedience and [to employ] force against
the Parliament. Amongst others there are papers called The
Agreement of the People. The Earnest Petition of many Freeborn People of England, The Cries of many poor Tradesmen, &c.
We are certainly informed that there are frequent and set meetings
within the City and places adjacent held for promoting and
carrying out the ends advocated by these papers, and in some of
these meetings things have been contrived and enacted tending to
the raising of new troubles and for disturbance of the quiet of the
kingdom. We have thought it necessary to give you this intimation thereof, and desire you to use your industry and the best
means in your power to find out and disperse all such meetings
and put down all attempts to act upon these recommendations, so
that no prejudice or inconvenience may come to the peace of the
kingdom thereby, which [business] we recommend to your best
and most effectual care. [Interregnum 24 E., pp. 9, 10. Copy.
1 p.] |
Feb. 7.
Derby House. |
Henry, Earl of Kent, in the name of the Committee of both
Houses to Col. Hammond. Having received some intelligence from
a source which we formerly found true, we thought it necessary to
give you notice of it and recommend the business to your especial
care. That the King's escape is designed, the manner thus, by one
Napier and a servant of David Murray, whom we take to be the
King's tailor. The King is to be drawn up out of his bedchamber
into the room over it, the ceiling whereof is to be broken for that
purpose, and then conveyed from one room to another till he be
passed all the rooms where any guards are at any doors or
windows. Sent by Mr. Faukeard. [Interregnum 24 E., p. 10.
Copy. ½ p.] |
| Feb. 9. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both Houses this day sitting at
Derby House. Present: Visct. Saye, Sir Wm. Armyne, Sir Gilbert
Gerard, Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Fiennes.
Ordered, |
|
1. That Mr. Arthur Trevor be bailed on putting in security jointly with
Sir George Blundell and Col. Roger Mostyn in 2,000l. to Mr. Speaker
Lenthall for his personal appearance before this Committee at any
time within these six months, within 24 hours after warning to be
left at the "Rainbow" in Fleet-street, and shall not after such
appearance depart thence without licence; and in the meantime shall
not do anything prejudicial to the Houses of Parliament. |
|
[Interregnum 9 E., p. 19.] |
Feb. 10.
Derby House. |
Earl of Northumberland in the name of the Committee of both
Houses to the Committees of the Militia of London, Westminster,
Tower Hamlets, and Southwark, and to Cols. Barkstead and Rich.
We are informed that divers disaffected and discontented persons
about the City are endeavouring to raise some tumults and insurrections, and have determined to take advantage of Shrove
Tuesday for that purpose. We therefore desire you to take special
care to put things in such a posture within your jurisdiction as
may prevent the carrying out of those designs. [Interregnum
24 E, p. 11. Copy. ½p.] |
| Feb. 14. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both Houses this day sitting at
Derby House. Present: Earls of Northumberland and Warwick,
Sir H. Vane, senr., Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, and Messrs. Pierrepont
and Fiennes. Ordered, |
|
1. To send information to all the Militias in and about the City of the
insurrection intended on Shrove Tuesday next, and to desire them to
put things in such a posture that they may be able to prevent any
such insurrections and inconveniences. |
|
2. That warrant be issued to the Committee of the Army to pay forthwith 500l. to Col. Hammond for the fortifying of Carisbrook Castle
according to the Commons' Order of the 25th ult. |
|
3. To write to the Governors of Conway and Carnarvon Castles to assist
the Sheriff Wm. Lloydd in keeping the peace of that county, and in
the execution of his office. |
|
[Interregnum 9 E., p. 20.] |
| Feb. 14. |
11. Extract of the will of Wm. Rolfe, citizen and goldsmith
of London, dated 1 Feb. 1647–48. By a clause in this will he
bequeaths to his grandchild Elizabeth Bathurst 100l. with interest,
owing to him by Sir George Whitmore upon a note or ticket dated
13 Nov. 1641, when she should arrive at 21 years, with reversion
to her sister Mary Watkins in the event of her death before that
age. [½ p.] Annexed, |
|
11. i. Printed ticket or form of acknowledgment for 100l. received of Wm. Rolfe, of London, to be repaid at the end of
six months, lent towards the loan of 50,000l. for suppressing the rebels in Ireland. Signed by Sir George
Whitmore. [½ p.] |
| Feb. 14. |
Petition of Wm. Loving, Esq., to the Committee for Compositions at Goldsmiths' Hall. That petitioner about five years since,
being servant to Prince Charles, was commanded to give his personal attendance on his Highness, then being at Oxford, a garrison
of the King's, then in opposition to the Parliament, and hath ever
since been resident with the Prince. For which cause, and for
adhering to the King against the Parliament, his estate has ever
since been under sequestration, so that he receives no benefit
thereof. Prays to be admitted to compound. Underwritten,
Received this 14th of Feb., 1647[–8.] [Interregnum G., 208,
p. 598.] |
Feb. 14.
Derby House. |
The Committee for both Houses to the Committee of the Army.
Whereas it is referred by the House to this Committee to consider
of the desires of the Governor of the Isle of Wight in relation to
the security of the person of the King, and what the effecting of
those desires shall come to, to charge upon the Committee of the
Army, not exceeding 1,000l. We therefore desire you to give
warrant for payment of 500l. forthwith to Col. Hammond, or
whom he may appoint, to be by him employed for fortifying
Carisbrook Castle. [Interregnum 24 E., p. 11. Copy. ½ p.] |
| Feb. 14. |
12. Two printed leaves, in form of a broadside, intended for
circulation on the impeachment of Sir John Maynard, K.B., and
late M.P., and Aldermen Bunce and Langham. The first leaf is
occupied with a petition to the Commons House of Parliament
entitled, "The Humble Petition of many well-affected Citizens and
other Free-born people of England," and the second with "The
Humble Plea and Protest of Sir John Maynard," being the copy of
his letter and protest sent to the Lords, Feb. 14, 1647–48. The
petition declares:— |
|
"That as the occasion of the late war was the danger of being
enslaved by arbitrary and tyranical power, and as upon invitation
of the House the people have hazarded their lives, consumed their
estates, lost their trades, and weltered in blood to defend their
laws and liberties against those who, in their apprehensions,
intended to subvert them and to introduce an arbitrary government; so the enemy being vanquished they expected, according to
your promises, a perfect enjoyment of all their rights and liberties
and the benefit of all their just and wholesome laws, which this
Honble. House and the Army have frequently and solemnly engaged
to preserve to the people." |
|
It then proceeds to expound more precisely the grounds of
complaint and the nature of these infringements of their liberties,— |
|
"That nevertheless the Lords are permitted to assume unto
themselves, and exercise a power over Commoners in cases criminal,
to summon, impeach, try, adjudge, and censure them, as appears in
the present case of Sir John Maynard, late member of this Honble.
House now depending before them," &c. |
|
"Wherefore petitioners do most humbly pray, That our ancient
freedom of indifferent equitable trials by our equals, in all cases
whatsoever, may be preserved entire to us and all the commoners
of England." |
|
And we further desire that Sir John Maynard, Aldermen Bunce
and Langham, or any other commoners, may not be deprived of his
or their liberties during pleasure, which is contrary to the Magna
Charta and many other the wholesome laws of the land, but that
justice may be dispensed legally, and a speedy establishment of
all our common rights and liberties be vigorously endeavoured.
Subjoined, |
|
12. i. All well affected persons, who are desirous of securing
England's peace and their own rights and freedoms, are
desired peaceably to repair to Westminster on Friday
morning next, 18 Feb. 1647[–8], to assist in delivering
this petition and to attend the answer of the Parliament
thereupon, Sir John Maynard being appointed to be
carried up to the Lords' Bar upon the 19th of February.
The rule of the law is, "Actus non facit reum nisi mens
sit rea." [See Lords' Journals and Rushworth's Collects., Part IV., vol. ii., pp. 986 and 998. Printed.
2 pp.] |
Feb. 15.
London. |
13. Sir Arthur Haselrigg to Thos. Ledgand, Esq., Mayor of
Newcastle. I have heard so much of your abilities, integrity, and
true piety that I presume to put upon you a great trouble. The
Parliament is very sensible of your town's sufferings, and are very
desirous to take off free quarters. It is, and shall be, my exceeding
care to procure money to ease that burden which you have so long
groaned under. My resolution is not to receive into my own hands
any public moneys. The House [of Commons] doth approve of
your being Treasurer, and I most earnestly entreat you, as you
desire the good of your town, to accept of that office. I do not
press you to a burden and loss without some consideration for
your pains and charges. Therefore you shall receive 3d. in the 1l.
for the moneys you receive and pay out upon my orders [as Governor
of Newcastle]. [Seal with arms and crest broken. 1 p.] |
Feb. 15.
Derby House. |
The Committee of both Houses to the Governors of the castles
of Carnarvon and Conway. We are informed by Wm. Lloyd, Esq.,
Sheriff of co. Carnarvon, who is now coming to reside there for the
execution of his office and charge, that there are in those parts
many persons much disaffected and malignant towards the Parliament; and that he will be unable to discharge his trust in
keeping the peace of the county, and in the execution of justice
according to his office without some special assistance; you are
therefore desired to give the sheriff all assistance necessary within
your power. [Interregnum 24 E., p. 12. Copy. ½ p.] |
| Feb. 15. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both Houses this day sitting at
Derby House. Present: Earls of Northumberland and Warwick,
Visct. Saye, Sir Wm. Armyne, Sir John Evelyn, Sir Gilbert
Gerard, Mr. Solicitor St. John, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Fiennes.
Ordered, |
|
1. That it be reported to the Commons that, in pursuance of their Order,
we have conferred with the Committee of Plymouth, and have considered the petition and letters setting out the sad condition of that
town and the soldiery there, of which this Committee is very sensible;
and it is our opinion that, besides the 10,000l. appointed by the
Ordinance of 10 Dec. last, the House would do well in adding 6,000l.
more, without which they conceive the disbanding will not be
effected. |
|
[Interregnum 9 E., p. 21.] |
| Feb. 16. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both Houses this day sitting at
Derby House. Present: Earl of Northumberland, Sir Wm. Armyne,
Sir G. Gerard, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Fiennes. Ordered, |
|
1. That Mr. Monning, merchant, of London, living upon College Hill, be
summoned to appear at this Committee to-morrow. |
|
2. Warrant [to a messenger] to apprehend Col. Deane alias Weston, not
suffering any to speak with him till you shall bring him to this
Committee. |
|
[Interregnum 9 E., p. 22.] |
| Feb. 17. |
14. Receipts given by Wm. Hulls for four several parcels of the
Commons' Declarations concerning no more addresses to be made to
the King, received by him of Mr. Husbands, the printer. Total,
5,600 copies, of which 3,500 were for members of the House to be
sent into the counties, bearing date 11 Feb. [1 p.] |
| Feb. 19. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both Houses this day sitting at
Derby House. Present: Earls of Northumberland and Warwick,
Lord Wharton, Sir Wm. Armyne, Sir G. Gerard, Sir A. Haselrigg,
Mr. Solicitor St. John, and Mr. Pierrepont. Ordered, |
|
1. That the paper now inserted containing what is yet known concerning
the endeavours for the Duke of York's escape be reported to both
Houses, likewise that the Houses would take some care for the safe
keeping of the Duke, and that it is the desire of the Earl of Northumberland that he may not be held further accountable for him, for that it
appears there is a design of taking him away, and that the Duke seems
to be content with it. |
|
2. That Mr. Frost do give order to a person in Holland to draw a bill upon
him for 40l. to do some secret service. |
|
3. That a warrant be directed to Capt. Wm. Poe to apprehend James
Kendrick. |
|
4. That the members present form a sub-committee to examine witnesses
in the case of Francis Andrews, and to confront the witnesses with the
party. |
|
5. That the same sub-committee be empowered to examine James
Kendrick. |
|
6. That a warrant be issued for searching for the books entitled Pragmaticus, Melancholicus, Elencticus, and to apprehend the persons of
the printers, sellers, and authors. |
|
7. Warrant to Capt. Wm. Poe and the messengers of this Committee for
the apprehension of James Kendrick. |
|
8. Warrant to Joseph Butler and the rest of the messengers of this Committee to repair to any house, shop, or other place where they shall
hear that Pragmaticus, Melancholicus, Elencticus, or any other unlicensed pamphlets are to be printed or sold and seize on them; and
shall apprehend the persons of the printers, sellers, and authors of
these pamphlets, or any of them, and bring them before this Committee. Derby House, 19 Feb. Signed in the name of the Committee,
A. Northumberland. |
|
[Interregnum 9 E., pp. 23–25.] |
| Feb. 20. |
15. Receipt by Col. Nicholas Kempston for 5l. received of
Captain Sharples, with an acknowledgment annexed for 3l. 3s.,
received of Col. N. Kempston for one month's pay of Wm. Smith,
ensign, the rest [of the 5l.] being deducted for to discharge his
quarters. [Two strips of paper = ½ p.] |
| Feb. 21. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both Houses this day at Derby
House. Present: Earl of Northumberland, Sir Wm. Armyne, Sir
G. Gerard, Sir J. Evelyn, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Fiennes.
Ordered, |
|
1. That the messengers do go along with Mr. Kendrick till he get bail. |
|
2. That the woman and maid of the house at the Golden Lion in Fleetstreet do attend to-morrow. |
|
3. Likewise the witness who lives in town. |
|
4. That Mr. Kendrick be bailed upon giving bond in 500l. to the Speaker,
conditioned for his appearance here to-morrow, and so at times
within a month after 24 hours' notice to be left at his house at
Tottenham Court, and not to depart without leave. |
|
5. That the paper here presented, containing what is yet known concerning the endeavours for the Duke of York's escape, be reported to
both Houses, &c. [see Feb. 19]. |
|
6. That the letter of the Duke of York be also reported to both
Houses. |
|
[Interregnum 9 E., p. 26.] |
| Feb. 21. |
16. Bond of James Kendrick of Totenham Court, Middsx., in
500l. to Wm. Lenthall, Speaker of the Commons' House, for his
appearance before the Committee at Derby House to-morrow, and
for the space of one month upon warning to be left at his house,
and he is not to depart thence without licence of the Committee
then this obligation to be void. [Two seals, one with arms the
other with device. Latin and English. 1 p.] |
| Feb. 22. |
17. Two Ordinances of the Lords and Commons for securing 20,000l.
and 10,000l., with interest, to be paid out of the Grand Excise to
the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Eastern Association
in consideration of the money advanced by the Eastern Counties
for the forces of that Association employed in reducing of Newark
and other services. [Both printed in Lords' Journals x., pp. 74,
75. Pamphlet imprinted at London for John Wright at the
King's Head in the Old Bailey. 10 pp.] |
| Feb. 24. |
18. Certificate of Sir Thos. Fairfax that the bearer Col. Nicholas
Kempston served from the new-moulding of the Army as Lieut.Col. to Col. Weldon's regiment of foot until 3 April last, and
upon all services against the enemy he behaved himself faithfully
and valiantly. [Signed and sealed. ½ p.] |
| Feb. 27. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day sitting
at Derby House. Present: Earls of Northumberland and Manchester, Lord Wharton, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Wm. Armyne, Sir John
Evelyn, Mr. Solicitor St. John, Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, and
Mr. Pierrepont. Ordered, |
|
1. To write to Capts. Pritchett and Hill to attend here and to take order
that no free quarter be taken. |
|
2. Warrant for apprehending Capt. Read to be brought before this Committee. |
|
3. That Mr. Frost do advance to Capt. Michael Beresford 50l., in consideration of his journey from and to Sir Charles Coote [in Ireland],
the money to be repaid upon the Ordinance of 20,000l. per mensem
for Ireland. |
|
[Interregnum 9 E., p. 27.] |
| Feb. 28. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both Houses this day sitting at
Derby House. Present: Earl of Warwick, Sir Wm. Armyne, Sir
G. Gerard, Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, and Messrs. Pierrepont and
Fiennes. Ordered, |
|
1. That the letters now read be signed and sent to Sir Charles Coote,
Col. Jones, Col. Coote, and one to Sir Charles Coote, Lord Foliott,
Col. Mervin, and Sir Francis Hamilton. |
|
2. In answer to Mr. Walley's to Mr. Frost, to ask him to let the owners
and masters of ships in Chester and Liverpool waters know that this
Committee is sensible of their loss by demurrage, and that if they
send up their moderate desires this Committee will move the Houses
for their relief therein. |
|
3. Warrant for the apprehension of Capt. Read and to bring him before
this Committee. |
|
[Interregnum 9 E., pp. 27, 28.] |
Feb. 28.
Derby House. |
Robt., Earl of Warwick, in the name of the Committee of both
Houses to Col. Coote. The Lord President of Connaught [Sir
Chas. Coote] requiring some more horse in parts of his government,
and your regiment being the first intended to be placed under him,
we have appointed you service there. You are forthwith to march
to the Lord President and receive and obey his orders. We have
signified this also to Colonel Jones, and desired him to put his
forces into such a posture that he may be able to spare you.
[Interregnum 24 E., p. 12. Copy. ½ p.] |
Feb. 28.
Derby House. |
The same to Capts. Hill and Pritchett. We have received
information of some miscarriages of your companies near Cirencester, of which we desire to be more fully satisfied. You are
required to repair to this Committee that we may more fully
understand the truth of that business. You are to give order
that no free-quarter be in any sort taken by any of your
officers or soldiers upon any whomsoever. [Ibid., p. 13. Copy.
½ p.] |
Feb. 28.
Derby House. |
The same to Sir Chas. Coote [Lord President of Connaught].
We have the 27th inst. received yours of the 27 January by
Capt. Beresford with the papers enclosed, and have seen those you
wrote to Mr. [Wm.] Pierrepont [M.P.] relating at large the condition of the Parliament's affairs there, of which we are fully
sensible, as we are also of your great care and faithfulness in the
public service and trust, notwithstanding the difficulties you have
been under, for all which we return you thanks, and shall upon all
occasions remember it to your advantage. The condition of affairs
there, you have represented, is such as very much concerns the
interest of this kingdom. We will use our utmost endeavour to
despatch away the supplies you desire. Meantime we have written
to Col. Jones forthwith to send you Col. Coote, with his regiment
of horse, and also to hold correspondence with you and give you
what assistance he possibly can in any emergency in order to promote the service of that kingdom [Ireland] in general; more
particular order we could not give at this distance in regard of the
uncertainty and variety of affairs. We return Capt. Beresford to
you with assurance that we shall omit nothing in our power to
hasten your relief, and that our appreciation of the interest of
England in that place will be more [efficacious] than any solicitor
for the despatch thereof. The Ordinance for 20,000l. per mensem
for six months is now passed, and we shall endeavour to put it in
execution with all expedition. There is also another [Ordinance]
for the present raising of 50,000l. upon the sale of houses in Dublin,
Drogheda, Youghall, Cork, and Kinsale, which money we hope
will be sufficient so to carry on the war as to bring it near a
wished period. We know [this] at the present is the greatest
difficulty and we doubt not you will do your best to overcome it.
We desire you to thank those gentlemen who signed the Declaration for their exemplary faithfulness when the others mutinied,
which we shall remember to their advantage. We recommend
Capt. Beresford for the first suitable place of preferment that may
fall in your gift. [Ibid., pp. 13, 14. Copy. 1½ pp.] |
Feb. 28.
Derby House. |
The same to Col. [Samuel] Jones. By letters from Sir Chas. Coote
and other officers in Ulster we are informed that the two regiments
in the "Lagan," of Sir Robt. Stuart and that which was Sir Wm.
Stuart's, do absolutely refuse obedience to the Parliament, denying to
obey the orders of Sir Chas. Coote, under whose command they are.
And by the informations we formerly received from yourself and also
from Col. Monk, concerning some agitations in Ulster, and concerning
the conjuncture of affairs at present, we conceive that it is not without some other grounds and aim at some other end. It looks with a
face of danger, and we are very sensible how much it concerns us,
as affairs now stand, to keep the places in that Province which are
now in our power still in English hands, and you know how few
English there are in the Ulster regiments. We shall with all
possible expedition send into Leinster and thither some English
foot. In the meantime we desire you to send away Col. Coote
forthwith to the Lord President of Connaught with his regiment
of horse, whom we collect by your letter you think fit to spare,
and to keep up a correspondence with the Lord President; but
having perused your letters and seeing thereby your condition, we
shall not give you any particular orders, only desire you to give
him such assistance as may best promote the service of that kingdom in general. We have received your letters by Mr. Rowe and
shall by him return you a more full answer, these being sent you
by Col. Beresford, whom we have hastened back to Sir Chas. Coote,
and by whom you may signify unto him what you have to impart.
We will only add this, that we shall with all possible diligence
improve whatever is in our power for the sending of supplies of
men, clothes, victuals, and other necessaries to you. We know
that at this point of time the necessities are very pressing, and we
are most sensible of the great sufferings of the soldiers, which we
have not been unmindful of, and have done our best to supply, and
hope by the moneys now to come in we shall so far provide for
them and be able to put them into such a way of action as will
bring the war to a period, and put the Parliament thereby into a
capacity to reward all those who have faithfully served them.
[Ibid., pp. 15, 16. Copy. 1½ pp.] |
Feb. 28.
Derby House. |
The same to Sir Chas. Coote, Lord Foliott, &c. We have
received your letter by Capt. Beresford and thereby are informed
of the state of the affairs of that Province, and are very
sensible of the condition of it; as also we are informed of the good
service you have continually done for the Parliament and especially
at this time, when others have absolutely disobeyed their commands. We conceive the interest of England so much concerned
in that place as we shall use all means in our power to send you
the supplies desired with all expedition. We have presently
despatched away Capt. Beresford, there being no need of his continuance here to solicit. We shall ourselves take special care of
the business of that Province. [Ibid., p. 16. Copy. ½ p.] |
Feb. 28.
Derby House. |
The same to Mr. Walley. We have seen your letter to Mr. Frost
representing the loss and suffering caused to the masters and
owners of ships in Chester and Liverpool waters by their long
demurrage in waiting for the soldiers whom they are to carry
over [into Ireland] of which we are sensible, and desire they may
have just relief in it. But you will consider that all the time they
are detained by wind and weather is not to be considered, as they
must have waited for a wind whatever their freight had been,
only the time they have stayed for soldiers. If they send up their
reasonable and moderate demands this Committee will use their
endeavours to the Parliament for obtaining of some consideration
for them. [Ibid., p. 16a. Copy. ½ p.] |
